The Matrix - Mk. 8:33

"Get away from me Satan! You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God's." Mk. 8:33

Anyone who knows me (or Ray Bartelucci), has heard about the parallels we have drawn between the movie "The Matrix" and the Gospel. I know it sounds nuts, but both are about liberating people from a world that they think is real, but is not. A world that is created by an entity with its own agenda, whose goal it is to keep us in a deceived state so we remain blind to what is REALLY going on. Enter a "Savior" who has the power to deliver us from the clutches of the evil entity. The analogy gets more complex, but that is the gist of it -- not too far out of a theory is it?! Well, in Mark 8, Jesus basically validates the comparision (not necessarily "The Matrix" but the message). He is identifying Satan with the "human point of view." This point of view is uninfluenced by the Holy Spirit, therefore can only see the world as Satan presents it. Upon salvation, we receive the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to see through God's eyes rather than our own. That same power enables us to walk this world (of which we are really strangers) with abilities, power and weapons that were not available to us previous, to deliver a message of salvation and a path to TRUE life.

Jesus, keep me "unplugged" from the world just enough so I can truly see, but not so much that I am ineffective.

Today's reading: Job 22; Mk. 7, 8

The Road Is Narrow... - Mk. 6:52

"They still didn't understand the significance of the miracle of the multiplied loaves, for their hearts were hard and they did not believe." Mk. 6:52

It's statements like this that make me feel OK about my mediocre faith quotient. Let's examine what these disciples have seen Jesus do up to this point: He has cast out numerous evil spirits, healed countless people, brought a girl back to life, calmed multiple storms, turned water to wine, fed thousands of people with five loaves of bread and two fish, oh yeah, and he walked on water! We always say, "If only he would just do miracle like he did back then, I would believe. Just a small burning bush is all I ask (from personal experience)." I doubt it. If the disciples hearts could remain hard after what they saw, we don't stand a chance!

Thanks you God for sending your Holy Spirit to open my heart and mine so I can REALLY see you. Without it, I am lost.

Today's reading: Job 21; Mk. 5, 6

His Call - Mk. 4:25

"To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But to those who are not listening, even what they have will be taken away from them." Mk. 4:25


This is one of those verses I am not sure what to do with. I definitely agree with the first part. As I spend more time in the word, both studying as well as just reading, I feel my understanding of God and his message to us continues to grow and deepen. I actually feel like I can really see the story from GOD'S perspective -- like I can feel his heart. It's hard to explain, but I love it! But that second part... Why would he take away what understanding I DO have, just because of my ignorance? It seems like he is taking away the only fighting chance I have. I don't get it, but it's his call.

Jesus, keep me from deception, help me to always see your truth, fill me with your wisdom.

Today's reading: Job 20; Mk. 3, 4

The Bottom Line - Job 19: 25-27

"But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the earth at last... Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought." Job 19: 25-27

Job's focus totally amazes me! Earlier in this chapter, he just got done saying that God has stripped him, demolished him, and considers him his enemy -- that his fury burns against him! Yet his focus is one of total focus on the bottom line; that no matter what, that God id God and he is not. That God may destroy him, and that he has the right to if he wants -- he is still God, and his promise of redemption holds. This is all that Job focuses on. Wow! What we can learn from this today! Where we allow circumstances dictate what we believe about God. We will say, "God did this, so therefore..." Baloney! God is the same, today and forever -- we are the ones that change!

Jesus, in the midst of wildly volatile circumstances, keep my focus on what I KNOW to be true about you.

Today's reading: Job 19; Mk. 1,2

Part Of The Plan - Acts 28:22

"But we want to hear what you believe, for the only thing we know about these Christians is that they are denounced everywhere. Acts 28:22

What was the difference between the Jews in Rome and the Jews in Jerusalem? Why in Jerusalem were they trying to kill him, and in Rome they were curious, and allowed him to teach out of his house for two years unmolested? We will never know more than it was all obviously part of God's plan. Could Paul have gone straight to Rome and bypassed the pain of Jerusalm? Sure, but he would not have been obedient to God's call. And therein lies the key. God calls us all, but do we listen? Obey? Even though Jerusalem was difficult, what did his witness accomplish there? How many were saved? We will never know, nor will Paul; but then again, that is not part of our responsibility. All we can do is be obedient, and KNOW that we are part of the plan.

God, help me to always recognize your voice in the midst of the many screaming for my attention.

Today's reading: Job 18; Ps. 114; Acts 27, 28

No Matter The Circumstance - Acts 26:22

"But God protected me so that I am still alive today to tell these facts to everyone, from the least to the greatest." Acts 26:22

Paul seems to have no delusions about what his purpose is -- to preach the gospel, no matter the circumstance. Too often I allow my circumstances to dictate my thoughts about success or failure. In reality, success and failure can only be measured by God and HIS standards -- circumstances, in the grand scheme, being irrelevant. In my mind, Paul being imprisoned, beaten, ostracized, etc., would be considered a "bad" thing. Yet Paul sees it as opportunity to share the Truth. God is in control, he is only an instrument. If only I could hold on to that purity of thought and purpose. The world, however, too easily distracts me. I want success by the world's standards -- is that what God wants? Do my circumstances matter? I want to say no, but I know the answer is really yes.

Jesus, why does this have to be so hard.

Today's reading: Job 17; Acts 24-26

Trust In The Lord - Acts 21:14

"When it became clear that we couln't persuade him, we gave up and said, `The will of the Lord be done.'" Acts 21:14

Paul says that the Holy Spirit told him to go to Jerusalem, but after that, several prophets on different occasions prophesied through the Holy Spirit that Paul should NOT go to Jerusalem. Who was right? This was the same Holy Spirit. I am sure Paul had to be a little confused, but his actions tell us he was confident in what HE heard. He was going on. His confidence in his ability to hear God must have been extreme, because even he saw that jail and suffering were in store in Jerusalem. That might have been enough to convince me that thiose other prophets were right, but not Paul. He KNEW what he heard, and he would not be swayed. No matter the outcome.

Lord, give me the courage to be obedient no matter the cost--build my faith and trust in you.

Today's reading: Job 16; Acts 21-23

An Example - Acts 20: 26, 27

"I have been faithful. No one's damnation can be blamed on me. For I didn't shrink back from declaring all that God wants for you." Acts 20: 26, 27

What stands out to me in Acts 20 is Paul's absolute confidence in his walk. Here is a man who, a very short time ago, was hunting down Christians with a vengeance to kill; who stood by while Stephen was stoned. He speaks now, in chapter 20, with absolute confidence in the example he has set for the apostles to follow! If there was ever a man with baggage from his past, this would have to be him! I am sure he has regrets, maybe even ashamed at times, he is only human. But he does not let this hold him back from what he knows GOD is calling him to -- he is going to stay in the game! I am sure Satan worked overtime on him (what was the thorn in his side?), but Paul refused to be taken out. Definitely an example we need in the church today.

God, help me to see me only as you do. Both the world and I have faulty vision, susceptible to influence.

Today's reading: Job 15; Acts 19, 20

Futile Efforts - Acts 18:28

"He refuted all the jews with powerful arguments in public debate. Using the scriptures, he explained to them, "The Messiah you are looking for is Jesus." Acts 18:28

All through chapters 17 & 18, Paul and Apollos preached powerfully and convincingly that Jesus is Messiah, and many believed. However, in almost every instance, the Jews opposed them and plotted against them. I spoke about a blindness that Satan uses as a weapon in earlier postings, and I believe his efforts are on full display here. But it also seems that his efforts are largely futile. Not only were they unable to stop them physically, they were unable to refute their claims theologically. I'm sure they started to look more and more foolish. I am convinced that if we hold to the truth, ultimately, it will always win out.

Jesus, help me to not be drawn into foolish arguments, but simply state the truth and trust you for the rest.

Today's reading: Job 13, 14; Acts 17, 18

Law? - Acts 16:28, 29

"For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and us to lay no greater burden on you than these requirements: You must abstain from eating food offered to idols, from consuming blood or eating the meat of starngled animals, and from sexual immorality. If you do this, you will do well. Farewell. Acts 16:28, 29

OK, I am confused. How are the requirements to follow part of Mose's Law different from requiring circumcision? I thought God told Peter, "If God says something is acceptable, don't say it isn't." Isn't this just like what the Judaizers were doing? Adding law to Christ's work on the cross as a requirement for salvation? I thought the message was, "CHRIST PLUS NOTHING"? All the apostles seemed to be in agreement, so I must be missing something (maybe it wasn't a salvation issue?). Maybe someone more learned than I will comment?

Jesus, make your message crystal clear, free from confusion.

Today's reading: Job 11, 12; Acts 15, 16

No Win Situation? - Job 9:21-24

"I am innocent, but it makes no difference to me--I despise my life. Innocent or wicked, it is all the same to him. That is why I say, `He destroys both the blameless and the wicked.' He laughs when a plague suddenly destroys the innocent. The whole earth is in the hands of the wicked, and God blinds the eyes of the judges and lets them be unfair. If not he than who?" Job 9:21-24

A no win situation? I am sure that is how Job was feeling. His depression is setting in here, it is obvious from today's reading that all hope is lost to him. Even of death, he says that it is a place of "darkness and utter gloom." In this mental state, he still probes even the most difficult issues of faith. Like Solomon, essentially he asks, "What is the point of it all?" WHY is it that the righteous are treated no better than the wicked? Sometimes even worse! It doesn't feel fair or just, yet it HAS to be God that allows it. "IF NOT HE THEN WHO?" I have no answers, and if I allow myself to go down this path I feel Satan taking a foothold. Wisdom dictates, at least for me, to stay away from issues that I cannot get answers to in this lifetime.

Jesus, protect my heart and mind from what, I KNOW, are Satan's tactics.

Today's reading: Job 9.10; Acts 13, 14

Mere Mortals - Job 7:1, 2; 17-19

"Is not this the struggle of all humanity? A person's life is long and hard like a worker who longs for the day to end, like a servant waiting to be paid... What are mere mortals that you should make so much of us? For you examine us every morning and test us every moment. Why won't you leave me alone for even a moment?" Job 7:1, 2; 17-19

Job describes life as a lifelong endurance test, with us just waiting for it to end. And he asks the ultimate question, why does the God of the universe, author of all things, take such interest in us, mere mortals? A great question! WHAT IS THE POINT of all this?! Surely a question that comes up more when life is miserable than when all is well, but I know I have asked it before, and I think it is fair. WHY US? WHY ME? I fear it is one of those questions that we will get no satisfactory answer to in this lifetime. Sure, I understand the , "God desires relationship," and, "wants man to choose" theories, but they don't really cut it for me (another thing that I am sure God is not too concerned about!). What is the point of the whole exercise? Does an all powerful, omnipotent God need this? I doubt it, so why? I know people will try to answer, but they are really like Job's friends -- they don't, and can't, really know. So what I know is this: There IS a God; he DOES love me; he DID die for me; and I DO have a responsibility to him -- end of story. I think we get into trouble when we try to go much further. After a lifetime of trying to figure it out, the wisest man who ever lived concluded, "Fear God and keep his commands, for this is the whole duty of man." Ecc. 12:13 In his anguish, Job reached a similar conclusion, "At least I can take comfort in this: Despite the pain, I have not denied the words of the Holy One." Job 6:10

God, help me to always keep my faith this simple, I am a mere mortal.

Today's reading: Job 6-8; Acts 12

Who Was I To Argue? - Acts 10:15

"Then the voice spoke again, "`If God says something is acceptable, don't say it isn't." Acts 10:15

I think we all walk around with preconceived notions of what God says is right or wrong. While it is important to be firm in what you believe, it is critical to always be open to God revealing something new (to us) about his character. If not, as today's readings show, we could miss something VERY big! We need to fight against the idea that we have achieved any real level of understanding, and maybe just recognize we are on a journey and someone else is the tour guide. We simply cannot see the whole picture. What an example Peter lays out for us. He has spent his entire life living by a set of rules that said he should act and believe in a certain way, then God tells him some very critical elements have changed. This was no small thing -- the revelation was that the SAME salvation offered to the Jews was now available to the Gentiles! This had to be revolutionary to Peter! But his response was, "...who was I to argue?" And they all praised God. How awesome is that?! I pray that I am as open to change when God reveals something new to me.

God, let me always remember that your ways are above mine.

Today's reading: Job 5; Ps. 108; Acts 10, 11

Blindness - Acts 9:22

"Saul's preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn't refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. After a while, the Jewish leaders decided to kill him." Acts 9:22

Saul may have been physically blinded on the road to Damascus, but the bible describes a more damaging blindness that the Jews suffered -- SPIRITUAL. It's almost like they're saying, "Don't confuse me with the facts." This affliction was in full display when the Jews chose Barabbas to be released over Jesus, and when they "put their hands over their ears..." so they couldn't hear Stephen (instead of blindness, I guess this would be deafness(?)!), and killed him. Acts 7:57 Our enemy is powerful, his deception is great, and this world is under his power. From experience, I am convinced that this power of blinding deception is one of Satan's most effective weapons, and he uses it against believers as well as non-believers. It should not be our expectation that spreading the gospel will be easy, but, here in the U.S., at least we don't do it at the risk of being put to death -- yet.

Jesus, give me the boldness to present your truth even when it appears that it is falling on deaf ears.

Today's reading: Job 3, 4; Acts 8, 9

My Hero - Job 1:20

"I came naked from my mother's womb, and I will be stripped of everything when I die. The Lord gave me everything I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!" Job 1:20

OK, Job is my new hero. Not because I want to be tested in this way, but because I want my response to be like his in the face of EXTREME adversity. There are SO many lessons I can learn. Everything he did was proactive--even when something was done to him, he didn't REACT like a victim; instead, he ACTED the way he knew God would expect. Even if that meant doing nothing. First and foremost he, "feared God and stayed away from evil," a great foundation to lay for life in general; he took responsibility for his kids' spiritual lives by praying for them in case they unwknowingly sinned; he refused to blame God for his circumstances; but above it all, he maintained his perspective on his position relative to God's--God is God and I am not, he knows what is right, he makes the decisions, and I am OK with that whatever the outcome. Talk about a yielded life! He makes a statement at the end of verse 10, "...Should we accept only good things from God and never anything bad?" THIS IS AFTER HE LOST EVERYTHING!! Wow! How do you do this??

God, please help me, I am a worm. As my friend Neal would say, we suck and should be grease stains on the pavement.

Today's reading: Job 1, 2; Acts 6, 7

Today vs. Eternity - Mal. 3:14, 15

"You have said, `What's the use of serving God? What have we gained by obeying his commands or by trying to show the Lord Almighty that we are sorry for our sins? From now on we will say, `Blessed are the arrogant. For those who dare God to punish them go free from harm.'" Mal. 3:14, 15

Yikes!! Who would make a statement like that?! You might conclude it must be some atheist with a completely depraved mind who has no concept of God--you would be wrong. God says that this is what the Jews said! If they could be drawn down this path, could we? I would argue yes, and in some cases have already been. Someone once asked, "How do you eat an elephant?" And the wise man said, "One bite at a time." A slippery slope is a scary thing. We start off with a tidbit of wrong thinking, make that a premise for a decision, that bad decision leads to another, and we're on our way to parts unknown (or to making statements like the one above). When you wonder how someone, that you thought you knew well, got from point A to point B in his thinking, remember "one bite at a time," with a little bit of Satan thrown in. When we rationalize what God tells us to do, we usually are trying to twist the situation so we can justify doing something WE want as opposed to what we KNOW God is telling us to do. We are making a decision for today vs. eternity.

It's funny, the book of Malachi is always used to teach about tithing, but the message is SO much broader than that. It is about attitude and perspective. Is life about you or God?; Is your focus on now or eternity? Earlier in Malachi, God says he will stand as a "ready witness" against those who oppose him because, "these people do not fear me." Probably not a good position to be in! Then he says, "Now return to me, and I will return to you." This is my God! Always ready to forgive and give me a way back. The cheating of tithes is simply a symptom of a deeper and more fundamental issue: Do we trust God to take care of us? He says he will--not only that, he says to TEST HIM in this and he "will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in!" Somehow we have bought into the lie that if we don't look after ourselves first, no one will. This is the kind of stinkin' thinkin' that will always get me/us in trouble (look where it got Ananias and Sapihira! Acts 5). God has huge plans for us, don't let the world get in the way.

God, give me your eyes to see your vision, as I know I will always think WAY too small.

Today's reading: Mal. 3,4; Ps. 148; Acts 5

Powerful Witness - Acts 4:32-35

"All the believers were of one heart and mind, and they felt that what they owned was not their own; they shared everything they had. And the apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God's great favor was upon them all. There was no poverty among them, because people who owned land or houses sold them and brought the money to the apostles to give to others in need." Acts 4:32-35

What a great model for church today. Is it possible? Can it be? In today's world? Don't we as a church want, "God's great favor" to be with us all? He actually tells us how! What a beautiful picture of man's responsibility and God's provision. If we are honorable to him, he WILL take care of our needs. It's convicting as well. As much as I want this to be my attitude, it is not--my lack of faith and vision (maybe my selfishness?) are hurdles that many times are just too high.

Lord, like the apostles, I want to give powerful witness to the resurrection of Jesus; like the apostles, bless me with your power and courage.

Today's reading: Neh. 13; Mal. 1, 2; Acts 4

Family - Neh. 11:20; 12:40

"The other priests, Levites, and the rest of the Israelites lived wherever their family inheritance was located in any of the towns of Judah." Neh. 11:20

"The two choirs that were giving thanks then proceeded to the Temple of God, where they took their places." Neh. 12:40

Back to the "separate for God's purpose" theme. While in exile, God "scattered" his chosen people, his family. When he brought them back together to rebuild Jerusalem's wall and the Temple, we see the importance of a sense of family emerge. I always overlooked the long lists of names, but now I realize why they are so important -- this was the history of their families! And each of these families had a role to perform in executing Israel's responsibilities to God. Everyone had their "place," and each of those places was very important. The documentation is SO detailed -- right down to where they stand in the Temple! Singers, musicians, servants, gatekeepers, priests, they all had a place. As I read, I was saddened that we don't feel that same sense of family and purpose now as they did then. Shouldn't that history, in some way, translate to today? I think so. WE are God's people, HIS family. Through the Holy Spirit we have each been given gifts, and therefore responsibilities. This world has become SO disconnected, even the definition of family has broken down. God never intended this for his church. We have purpose, we have a family, we have a place, it is our CHURCH. This is something that we should not take for granted, it is something that the world does not have.

Thank you God, SO MUCH, for my church family.

Today's reading: Neh. 11, 12; Ps. 1; Acts 3

Separate - Neh. 10:28; Acts 2:40

"...all who had separated themselves from the pagan people of the land in order to serve God..." Neh. 10:28

"Save yourselves from this generation that has gone astray!" Acts 2:40

I have been getting this overwhelming sense from reading the last couple of days, that God wants to emphasize that he wants us to distinguish ourselves from the world around us. That from the beginning, he created believers to be a people separated from the influences of the world to do God's work. The inability of the Jews of the O.T. to do just that was their downfall, and it is THE major affliction of the Christian church today. We just don't want to be different. We don't want to do anything that is difficult or inconvenient just because God may want us to. I believe that the bible, as well as recent church history, clearly shows that God really does know what he's talking about, and that he knows what is best for us. That if we will only turn to him he WILL RESTORE us; however, "If a person is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, I, the Son of Man, will be ashamed of that person when I return in the glory of my Father with the holy angels." Mrk. 8:38 Wow! That's heavy I know! But Nehemiah recognized this and stated it very clearly in 9 and 10, then Peter virtually says the same thing in Acts 8:38! Could it be that Solomon was right?! That the whole duty of man is to "fear god and obey his commands..."? Hmmmm... there's that obedience thing again...

God, show me what I allow into my life that keeps me from being separate for your purposes. Give me the wisdom to make decisions that reflect your will and not mine.

Today's reading: Neh. 9,10; Acts 2

First Things First - Neh. 8:2, 3; Acts 1:14, 4

"So on Oct. 8 Ezra the priest brought the scroll of the law before the assembly... All the peole paid close attention..." Neh. 8:2, 3

"They all met together continually for prayer... 'Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you what he promised.'" Acts 1:14, 4

Traumatic and emotional events had just occurred in both of today's readings. In neither case did the people just go back to "life as usual, " or take next steps that "appeared logical" based on man's wisdom. They looked to God first and sought HIS wisdom. Jesus even said it in his own words, "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you what he promised." In other words, "WAIT FOR ME." How good is that advice?! Do we put fist things first and seek God before acting? Or just do what "seems" wise at the moment? We know where the wisdom of man leads...

God, give me the patience to wait for you.

Today's reading: Neh. 7, 8; Acts 1

Wisdom - Neh. 7:11

"Should someone in my position run away from danger? Should someone in my position enter the Temple to save his life? No, I won't do it!" Neh. 7:11

In chapters 5 and 6, Nehemiah demonstrates the biblical rule for successful living -- OBEDIENCE TO GOD. He has the Jews stop their unscrupulous lending practices and repay all interest charged; he himself does not take any food ration, YET GOD PROVIDED for him as well as 150 Jewish officials that he fed! By trusting God, he was able to see through the lies and deception that came from Sanballat and Tobiah, and God protected him from their devious plans. By being obedient, he did not enter the Temple to, "save his life," and thus thwarted another plan to accuse and discredit him. Using only man's wisdom, Nehemiah might have made any number of mistakes and fallen into numerous traps -- by trusting God, following his principles and being obedient, GOD kept him safe. Great rules for living!

Lord, you told us that "there is a way that seems right to a man but in the end it leads to death" Prov. 14:12 Let me always trust your ways over my logic.

Today's reading: Neh. 5,6; Ps. 146; Lk. 24

Deception - Luke 23:24

"So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded. As they requested, he released Barabbas, the man in prison for insurrection and murder." Lk. 23:24

The deceptive power of the enemy is in full view in this passage. It's as if it was written just so we can see the powerful blindness that Satan used on the people. First, the lies: "This man has been leading our people to ruin by telling them not to pay their taxes." Really? And, "... he is causing riots EVERYWHERE he goes..." Then the truth, "I have examined him thoroughly on this point in your presence and find him innocent." Finally, the absurd, "Kill him, and release Barabbas to us!" When things make no logical sense, it has been my experience that it is the enemy at work. We must stay alert, Satan takes full advantage of complacency.

Jesus, give me the wisdom and discernment to see through the deceptive nature of this world I must live in.

Today's reading: Neh. 3,4; Lk. 23

Darkness - Luke 22:31, 32

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to have all of you, to sift you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail." Lk. 22:31, 32

Satan really enters in and takes a significant role in Luke 22. Does he sense that the time of Jesus' death is approaching? Satan enters Judas (v. 3); Satan asks for Peter (v. 31); Jesus warns against temptation (v. 46); Jesus declares that the power of darkness reigns (v. 53). Whatever the reason, there is no doubt that his influence is increasing. Some interesting points: In verse 31 Satan "asks" for Simon - does he have to ask permission? Can he just take? In verse 46 Jesus tells us the ANSWER to temptation (AKA Satan) is PRAYER; and in verse 53 Jesus states that this is the time "when darkness reigns" - is he referring to just that moment, or is it from then until he comes again? Any way you look at it, our enemy is persistent, tricky, persuasive, intelligent and aggressive. Pray without ceasing...

"For God has not given us a spirit of timidity and fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2Tim 1:7

Today's reading: Neh. 1,2; Lk. 22

A Lasting Legacy - Ez. 9:7

"Our whole history has been one of great sin. That is why we and our kings and our priests have been at the mercy of the pagan kings of the land. We have been killed, captured, robbed and disgraced, just as we are today." Ez. 9:7

And still are today. While I was reading Ezra today, I could not stop thinking that what Israel is going through at this very moment is still a consequence for their disobedience. It's as if Israel constantly chooses to act in a way contrary to what God tells them to do. Three things that immediately come to mind are: Not taking over the ENTIRE promised land, rejecting Jesus as Messiah and intermarrying. There were others, but these are major! God wanted Israel to be a separate and holy people -- a people who would choose him like he chose them. Yet, Israel only wanted to be like everyone else; they didn't want to be different. And that is still the case today. Their faith is so polluted it bears no resemblance to what God gave them -- I'm not sure THEY KNOW what they believe anymore. Their decisions lack conviction because they are not based on anything more than man's logic. They are still making peace treaties with people God told them to conquer a long time ago -- no wonder there is no peace!

Before I get too righteous in my comments, I should reflect on today's Psalm: "Lord, my heart is not proud, my eyes not haughty. I don't concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me... O Israel, put your hope in the Lord -- now and always." Ps. 131:1, 3

I doubt that I am any better than Israel. God, please forgive me for too often desiring the world over you.

Today's reading: Ez. 9-10; Ps. 131; Lk. 21

God's Will Be Done - Ez. 7:13

"I decree that any of the people of Israel in my kingdom, including the priests and Levites, may volunteer to return to Jerusalem with you." Ez. 7:13

This can ONLY be God! For what other reason would a king like Artaxerxes act in this manner? Release thousands of your subjects to rebuild a temple to a God that you do not believe in, and fund the venture with massive amounts of gold and silver?! When someone does something completely out of character; when that something makes NO sense in the general context of things, my experience is that something supernatural is usually going on. The spiritual realm is being experienced, whether it be God or Satan. God used Artaxerxes to fulfill prophecy and restore the pride of Jerusalem. Even if he didn't really understand all that was behind his decision, he makes a statement that spells things out pretty clearly, "Be careful to provide whatever the God of heaven demands for his Temple, for why should we risk bringing God's anger against the realm of the king and his sons?" Ez. 7:23 This had to be God -- lots of other kings were given chances to honor Him who never had this revelation!

We can trust that our God is sovereign.

Today's reading: Ez. 7-8; Lk. 20

Zacchaeus - Lk. 19:6

"... Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the crowds were displeased. `He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner.' they grumbled." Lk 19:6

I love the story of Zacchaeus! I can just see this short, pudgy, rich man (who everyone hates), jumping up and down behind the crowd trying to see Jesus, finally resorting to climbing a tree just to catch a glimpse. His excitement is so childlike and genuine. This story says SO much about Jesus. No one can deny that this man was a sinner, but he had a genuinely repentant heart and was actively seeking out the Lord. This was the kind of person Jesus came to save, the lost who recognized who Jesus was -- their Messiah. The Jews, his "people," could only see that Jesus was going into the house of a sinner, as if they were not one themselves! Zacchaeus was blind, but now he could see. As for the Jews, Jesus would say, "I wish that even today you would find the way of peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from you..." Lk 19:42

Jesus, help me to always be able to see you in every situation; never let me be blind to what you are doing.

Today's reading: Est. 9-10; Lk. 19

Justice - Est. 4:16; Lk. 18:6

"Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day." Est. 4:16

"Learn a lesson from this evil judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end, so don't you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who plead with him day and night?" Lk. 18:6

It was all over for the Jews. The evil Haman plotted against their entire race just to kill Mordecai, and had the order sealed with King Xerxes signet ring -- an irrevocable decision. But Haman was proud, bragging to anyone who would listen; the Jews humbled themselves before God and prayed for justice. God took an impossible situation and turned it around for the Jews in an absolutely miraculous way! "For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored." Lk. 18:14 God will always expose evil to the light; there are no secrets with God.

Lord, give me a humble and repentant heart.

Today's reading: Est. 3-8; Lk. 18

When You Least Expect... - Lk 17:20

"The Kingdom of God isn't ushered in with visible signs. You won't be able to say, `Here it is!' or, `It's over there!' For the Kingdom of God is amoung you." Lk 17:20

Well, this then is the major deception, isn't it? The world believes that this life is a time to eat, drink and be merry -- and if anything about God were really real, it would be sometime after some supernatural event took place, or even after they die; but now is definitely not the time to worry about it, we have a life to live! The reality of it all was spelled out by Jesus in Jn. 3:3, "I assure you, unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God." Bottom line: The decisions you make during this life are ALL that really matter; if you wait, you risk being one of those outside of Noah's ark when the flood comes. And it will come, on a day like any other...

God, show me how, and what it means, to live everyday like it might be my last.

Today's reading: Est. 1-2; Ps. 150; Lk. 17

God vs. World - Lk. 16:15, 31

"Then he said to them, `You like to look good in public, but God knows your evil hearts. What this world honors is an abomination in the sight if God.'" Lk. 16:15

"...if they won't listen to Moses and the prophets, they won't listen even if someone rises from the dead." Lk. 16:31

These two verses clearly divide the world and God into two seperate camps. On one side you have God, on the other you have the world, which Jesus says honors everything that is an abomination to God! The point is made even more evident in the story of Lazarus and the rich man with the chasm between them. Jesus clearly states that I cannot serve two masters -- it is the world or God ... however ... in the story of the shrewd manager Jesus says, "I tell you, use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. In this way, your generosity stores up a reward for you in heaven." Lk. 16:9 What he seems to be telling me is that since I have to spend my days here on earth, I might as well use the resources I have been blessed with to exhibit God's heart -- that is generosity. That this attitude on earth actually carries a reward in heaven -- very interesting! So... wealth that I have been given on earth is kind of a test? That the only value it carries in God's eyes is what I do with it? "If you are untrustworthy with worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?" Lk. 16:11 I don't think I have ever read these verses this way. That they are describing the strategic use of wealth to benefit the Kingdom.

Possibly the hardest hitting point of today's reading, though, is Jesus' prophetic statement about the lost state of the world and his coming resurrection (Lk. 16:31). That even if someone rises from the dead, the world will still not believe -- we should never underestimate the deceptive power of our adversary!

Today's reading: Ezra 5,6; Ps. 138; Lk. 16

God's Heart - Part 2: Lk. 15:31

"His father said to him, `Look dear son, you and I are very close, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day, for your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now has been found.'" Lk. 15:31

There are so many stories in the bible where it seems that I can relate more to the person who is being taught the lesson--this is one of them. I have this part of me that, like the older brother, says this is not "fair." Why should the younger brother's poor judgement and disobedience be rewarded? What about all my hard work and faithfulness? What do I get? Then I realize that I am really no better than the Pharisees who criticized Jesus for healing on the Sabbath; so concerned with upholding the Law that they forgot the point of it all--the people that God entrusted to them to shepherd. Jesus isn't concerned about fairness (thank God!), he is concerned with restoring what was lost.

Thank you God for not treating me "fairly," I could never earn a fraction of what you have freely given to me.

Today's reading: Zech. 13-14; Ps. 147; Lk. 15