Week of 5/10/20 - Pages 222 - 233

Proverbs is such a rich and exciting book of guidance and uncovering pearls of wisdom! In the section I am reflecting on I see 4 clear categories that most of these proverbs fall into:
1)    Something we do and the result it brings like “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart”

2)    General counsel or we might say words of wisdom like “People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines motives”

3)    Results of poor behavior like “A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends”

4)    Hidden, unseen truths (not so quickly seen or understood) like “Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin;

One proverb in particular stands out for me. “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”
This verse has been like the North Star of prayer for me in my life as a Christ- follower. I learned the value and meaning of this Proverb early in my Christian life. When I would bring my actions and my thoughts around a certain way of doing something or the timing of doing something before the Lord He would give me peace and confidence about both the direction and the timing.  The lack of peace would act like a huge red stop sign. Sometimes He would redirect me and sometimes He would just put it into a “holding” pattern until the timing was just right.
A recent example of this very important Proverb took place for me around my retirement from the workforce and my move from San Jose to Morgan Hill. There were a series of “Red Stop Signs” along the way until the timing was perfect and I was filled with peace for a number of rapid fire decisions that would lead me into that part of the promise  “your plans will succeed.” Waiting on His perfect timing allowed me to sell my home at the peak of the market and make a move that would allow me to retire.” These were not things I could have orchestrated on my own but they took place as I committed my actions to the Lord.
Maybe you are facing an important decision in your life right now. If so, just remember His promise to commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed!

Week of 5/3/20 - Pages 208 - 222

An associate of mine who lived in Pennsylvania founded the Herr potato chip factory in 1946 .  Mr. Herr, the founder, passed away in 2012.  The business is still thriving and family owned.  

Why do I tell you about this?  While I never had the privilege of visiting his business, I do know that on his desk was a stack small books which he gave to anyone who happened into his office.  The book was called “Chips of Wisdom” and it was a reprint of the book of Proverbs.  What a great gift!  The wisdom of Solomon in this small book from a potato chip maker!

Proverbs is one of my favorite books of the Bible.  Proverbs contains some of the most applicable truths in the Bible.  Such as:

Proverbs 11: 25

“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” 

Most of them are pithy statements brimming with imagery from the real world. 

Proverbs 15:2

“The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.”

Any particular proverb might be applied to any number of everyday situations---from getting out of bed in the morning to building a strong foundation in our relationships with others.

Proverbs demonstrates that God concerns Himself not just with the big, cataclysmic events of life but even those mundane moments.

Proverbs constantly reminds me to follow God even in those seemingly “small” circumstances. Proverbs is a little like our owners manual!  I challenge all of us to allow Proverbs to refocus our attention on applying these “chips of wisdom” to our own lives.

Week of 4/26/20 - Pages 195 - 208

Proverbs begins with Solomon’s exhortation to his son (and God’s exhortation to us) to embrace wisdom.  Last week we read Song of Songs, which depicts the beauty and delight of intimacy between a man and a woman within a marriage relationship.  One third of this week’s section in Proverbs contains the flip side: warnings to avoid sexual intimacy outside of marriage.

The section ends with an account of Solomon observing a foolish youth being seduced by an adulteress.  Everything she says is either a half-truth or outright lie meant to entice the youth into an illicit encounter.

We often encounter one or more of these same lies when faced with sexual temptation.  For us, the seductress could also be an adulteress or a prostitute, but more likely will take the form of pornography, sensual entertainment, or sensual advertising.   Understanding these common lies, and what Proverbs teaches to refute them, can help us resist the temptation when it arises.

 To generalize the lies stated by the seductress, they are:

a.     “I have something you want” or, “I am desirable”.

b.     “I find you desirable.”

c.      “I have some exotic experience for you.”

d.     “It’s all about love.”

e.     “No one will find out” or, “There are no consequences”.

Proverbs refutes these lies with the following truths:

a.     Character and inner beauty are more important than peripheral or outward attractiveness.  “A beautiful woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.” (Proverbs 11:22)

b.     The seductress is not interested in you, but rather what she can get out of you.  (See Prov 6:26)

c.      Only fools forfeit the long term for some fleeting pleasure.  “For the lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil.  But in the end she is as bitter as poison, as dangerous as a double-edged sword.” (Proverbs 5:3-4)

d.     Lust and sexual immorality are not about love, but rather about using and being used by others. 

e.     God knows what we do – even if no one else does – and he holds us accountable.  Proverbs lists the following potential consequences of sexual sin: poverty, regret, shame, enslavement to lust, physical harm, spiritual and physical death, a waste of time and a drain on our life.

Why do these lies seem so powerful?  I think it is because they address some legitimate needs and desires given by God.

a.     I want to be in relationship with someone that I find attractive.

b.     I want to be valued (i.e., cherished) and desired by someone.

c.      I want to be in a relationship that is exciting and fulfilling.

d.     I want to love and be loved.

e.     I want to be free from guilt and shame, and be secure in my relationship.

God calls us to avoid sexual immorality because he knows the counterfeit will never satisfy.  We can find true fulfillment of these desires in marriage and ultimately in relationship with God himself.  I think the keys to this are the following attitudes (toward our spouse if married, and toward God for all of us):

a.     Adoration and Appreciation.  In expressing praise and thankfulness to our spouse and to God, we realize more fully their attractiveness.  (see Prov 31:30-31 and Psalm 103)

b.     Belonging.  Spouses belong to one another; and we belong to God.  (see Song of Songs 2:16 & 7:10 and John 3:16)  Christ valued us so much that he died for us and bought us back.

c.      Contentment and Commitment.  We can enjoy the thrill of a lifelong relationship with our spouse and with God.

d.     Dying to self (i.e., sacrifice).  Love requires sacrifice.  “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.” (1st John 3:16)

e.     Exposure (i.e., vulnerability) with Forgiveness and Grace.  By opening up to our spouse and to God, we can be accepted and loved as we are.  With God’s help we can grow in healing and wholeness in our relationship.

All of this requires Humility and the Holy Spirit.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Prov 3:5-6)

Please talk with me if you want to discuss this.  We can mutually encourage one another to live wisely.

Week of 4/19/20 - Pages 181 - 194

This week as we are reading Song of Songs, I realized how personal the tone of these passages are.  As the dialogue goes back and forth filled with exclamation points you can feel the relationship building. When Jon and I first started dating, I felt pursued as we began to get to know each other.   Initially there was fear opening up to someone, but now 10 years later there is freedom in our relationship, and peace as we feel known by one another and loved despite knowing all the good, bad, and the ugly. Similarly God pursues us.  He is patient. He is personal.  He is purposeful. He is captivated by His people, the Church. And His desire is for us to know Him and the love he has for us.   I can feel Him urging us to step into the freedom of having a personal rather than transactional relationship with him. One with dialogue, time spent getting to know His character, filled with honesty, and overflowing with gratitude and compliments.  When we are vulnerable we sometimes expect rejection, but He does the opposite and declares us good and righteous in His sight. We belong to Him. We are His beloved and He is ours!

Week of 4/5/20 - Pages 155 - 163

In Psalms 141 - 150 I see a collection of two bookends binding the range of expression that exists in a life with God. One bookend, Psalms 141 - 143 is one dominated by extreme fear of one’s enemies. The other bookend is the extravagant expression of praise, awe, and reverence for the God who created us.

The Bookend of Fear

In the first bookend, David the songwriter is expressing his deep fears of being pursued by King Saul and other political/spiritual enemies he faced in his life. David had seen the hand of God successfully intervene on his and God’s chosen behalf many, many times. How can he be so anxious? David is a conquering warrior, feared by his enemies, a poet, a King admired by his subjects, and a man after God’s own heart. Yet David’s fears were very real. David’s language and imagery is personal, desperate, vivid, and urgent.

David pleads with God to protect him,

“O LORD, I am calling to you, Please hurry!” Psalm 141: 1

“I cry out to the LORD I plead for the LORD’s mercy” Psalm 142: 1

“Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my plea!” Psalm 143: 1

“Come quickly, LORD, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me or I will die.” Psalm 143: 7

to help him escape from his enemies, to help him stay away from doing evil,

“Don’t let me drift toward evil or take part in acts of wickedness.” Psalm 141: 4

“I look to you for help, O Sovereign LORD, You are my refuge; don’t let them kill me.” Psalm 141: 9

“Rescue me from my enemies, LORD; I run to you to hide me.” Psalm 143: 9

to not abandon him, and instruct him to walk the way of righteousness.

“Led the godly strike me! I will be a kindness! If they correct me, it is soothing medicine, Don’t let me refuse it.” Psalm 141: 5

“When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn.” Psalm 142: 2

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.” Psalm 143: 10

David is unafraid to ask God to follow-thru with mercy, faithfulness and righteousness to his covenant promise. He is asking God, to be for him and not against him. Isn’t that way it is or us? For the believer whose enemy is a life threatening disease, a chronic debilitating disease, financial problems, broken and contentious work/family relationships, being overwhelmed by the continuous bad news around the globe, or when a believer falls short on living a righteous God honoring life. David speaks to this universal despair that we all encounter in different seasons of our life. In the end David always rests on the goodness of God.

“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you.” Psalm 143: 8

The Hallelujah Bookend

The second bookend, the Hallelujah bookend is the one I want to live continuously in. These last seven psalms close out the Book of Psalms with reverence, awe, a comprehensive look at ALL of God’s attributes of Holiness, Goodness, Love, Creativeness, Help, Protection, Restoration and Power over all creation and what is evil in the world. Psalm 144 and 145 are written by David and are a strong counterpoint to psalms 141-143. David leads the transition by “singing a new song” focusing on God’s greatness, power and blessing in contrast to man’s insignificance and praise.

One of my favorite verses is from Psalm 144. “ I will sing a new song to you, O God!” I feel that this captures one dimension of life with God after you have received Jesus as your Lord and Savior and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. You really do want to sing a new song to Him! Those ancient hymns that seemed meaningless or empty before come to life with a restored heart.

Psalms 146-150 are full of Hallelujah’s. The Hebrew word for “Praise the Lord”. Each psalm in these five start and end with Hallelujah. In many ways these five are like the final crescendo of a great symphony. The psalmist’s composes in words a posture for the created being. A posture of thankful worship toward the Creator-God. The psalmist words stir me up and give me perspective on the human - God relationship. Instructs me where I should place my trust. These psalms speak to what a right relationship looks like. Way before Jesus brings the Good News. Jesus message to all that had ears to hear and eyes to see. God’s unconditional LOVE offered as a free gift, not through good works such that any should boast, but to all those who will give their life up, to follow Him. In a life marked by trust, letting go of your self interests, with a focus of dependence and obedience to God.

A Christian musician songwriter, Esther Mui, has put to music Psalm 145: 1-13, “ I will Extol You” and Psalm 144: 1-9, “Blessed be the LORD My Rock”. Please take a moment, shut out all distractions and just listen and seek the Lord’s face. Be sure to skip the Youtube AD that precedes each song ;-)

This one is very tender, based on Psalm 31 “Make Your Face to Shine Upon Your Servant”, by Esther Mui.

I’m thankful for musicians and vocalists who have the ability to take God’s Word and give it emotional wings that speak to our body, mind, soul, and heart!

Week of 3/29/20 - Pages 141 - 154

I have a two-part challenge for you this week!

Part 1: Relax for a moment. Reflect on what God is showing you in Psalms. Easy, right?

We have found psalmists expressing desperate cries … and joyous shouts. We have seen intense honesty – in anger and in thanksgiving, in isolation and in awe. The psalms deliver special insight into relationship – intimate relationship with the God of the universe!

On a personal level, my ears seem to perk up when I read the psalmists’ references to fear. Why? Well … I’m not exactly sure, so I decided to reflect on that. Here’s my attempt at my own simple psalm on this topic:

Righteous Fear

There is but one righteous fear;

All with an ear, let them hear.

Listen now to understand;

Choose which fear on which to stand.

 I fear so much. Confess I must.

Oft times misplaced is my trust.

So which fear that I possess?

Teach me now and I'll profess!

 Fear of losing or winning?

Fear of going on, sinning?

Falling into mortal traps,

Or fear of simple mishaps?

Fears for my daughter and son,

For orderly life undone.

Fear about what others think?

That can change in just a blink!

Don't stall here, where Satan cheers!

Christ has conquered all such fears!

So fear not these earthly snares,

Be not concerned with ill cares!

There is but one righteous fear

All with an ear, let them hear.

Now I'm giv'n to understand.

On fear of God - here I stand!

Psalm 128 captures this bottom line well: “How joyful are those who fear the Lord – all who follow his ways!”

Now … for Part 2 of the challenge:

Part 2: As you complete this week’s reading, create your own psalm. It need not rhyme nor be profound. It can be long or short. The only requirements:  make it honest and make it yours. 

Remember, our Heavenly Father has precious thoughts about YOU, his marvelous workmanship (Psalm 139).  I know He will enjoy hearing your psalm!

Week of 3/22/20 - Pages 126 - 141

After reading about so much disobedience, unfaithfulness, and other behaviors that evoked God’s wrath in previous books of the old testament, how refreshing it is to read about the loving and compassionate characteristics of our God who I believe really is for us, loves us and wants to lavish us with good things.  Psalm 112 really struck me as it expounded on how God responds to those who “fear the Lord and delight in obeying His commands”.  I have recited below items from Psalm 112 in first person, because I like to make scripture reading personal: 

1. My children will be successful everywhere.

2. My good deeds will last forever.

3. Light shines in the darkness for me.

4. Good will come to me if I lend money generously.

5. Good will come to me if I conduct my business fairly.

6. I will be long remembered.

7. I will not fear bad news but will confidently trust the Lord to care for me.

8. I will be confident and fearless and will face my foes triumphantly.

9. I will share freely and give generously to those in need.

10. I will have influence and honor, and the wicked will see this and be infuriated.

I love reading passages like this because I need constant reminders that God is for me, loves me, wants the best for me, and will use His power on my behalf.  John 3:16 is very famous, but reading this passage brought the verse that follow John 3:16 to mind,  John 3:17.  It says: “God did not send his Son to condemn the world but to save it”.   There it is again in John 3:17, the picture of my God that does not want to condemn me or send his wrath upon me, but wants to save me and build me up.

Week of 3/15/20 - Pages 112 -126

A thousand years before Christ’s birth, in Psalms 104 – 112, the poetry of  psalmists expressed the Story of God’s redemption of His people through Jesus Christ.  This God-inspired prophecy, starting with Creation history, calls us to praise God today just as it did in David’s and Jesus’s time.  

In Psalm 104, God’s power is shown through the Creation of the World.  We are treated to a sensory explosion of words describing the beginnings of time.   Everything was made in God’s wisdom and the earth’s creatures depended on God.  If God turned away, the creatures panicked and died.   The psalmist praises God for the beautiful Creation.

Psalm 105 continues the praise to God for “…the wonders He has performed, His miracles, and the rulings He has given.”  We are reminded of how God remained faithful and stood by His covenant through the times of Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and will do so for “thousands of generations.” This Psalm is filled with God’s deliverance of His people so they (and we) would follow his decrees and obey His instructions.

Psalm 106 is one of lament.  Why -- when God had blessed all so bountifully?   We soon forgot what God had done and tested God’s patience –landing us in a dry wasteland of sin.  Despite our rebellion then and now, God continues to rescue us;  He remembers His covenant with us and “relented because of His unfailing love and mercy.” 

Psalm 107 foreshadows Jesus Christ, the One who will rescue and redeem us by God’s mercy, and allow us to stand in the presence of the Holy God.  It starts with: “His faithful love endures forever.  Has the Lord redeemed you?  Then speak out!”  When we cry out, He rescues us from our distress through Jesus, our Redeemer.  Our response?   “…Praise the Lord for His great love and for the wonderful things He has done.., and [to] exalt Him publicly before the congregation and before the leaders of the nation.”  

In Psalms 108, David reminds us to plead to God for “help us against our enemies, for all human help is useless, [but] with God’s help, we will do mighty things, for He will trample down our foes.”  

Psalm 109 sets David and us in a courtroom for trial.  Our case comes up for judgment with an accuser calling us guilty and an evil witness against us.  The accuser asks the “Lord [to] never forget the sins of [our] fathers” and “that [our] mother’s sin never be erased from the record.”  But when we, as David, cry out in faith and trust to be saved, we can give thanks for the Lord sent Jesus to “stand beside the needy, ready to save from those who condemn them (and us).”

Psalm 110 is written by David in prophetic language pointing to Jesus Christ, David’s descendant, who will be the Lord that “stands at our right hand to protect us.  It starts with:  “The Lord said to my Lord…” and is quoted by Jesus to the Pharisees in Matthew 22:44 shortly before his death when He offers it as explanation to the Pharisees.  Peter also quotes this passage in Acts 2:34 at Pentecost proclaiming that the crucified Jesus Christ was the Messiah.

Psalms 111 and 112 bring us full circle to praise of God for our redemption.  “How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying His commands.  All His commandments are trustworthy.  They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.”  “God has paid a full ransom for His people” by His Son Jesus.  “He has guaranteed His covenant with them (and us) forever.”  “What a holy, awe-inspiring name He has!” 

I am so grateful to God for giving His Son Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Savior, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas, the Reason for this Season. 

Week of 3/1/20 - Pages 88 - 99

This week's readings are from Psalms 80 through Psalm 89.  And the last of the Psalms from Book 3. 

Psalms 80 through Psalm 83 are Psalms of Asaph.  Asaph was thought to be a descendant of Gershom the son of Levi and he is identified as a member of the Levites.  He is also known as one of three Levites commissioned by David to be in charge of singing in the temple.  Several of the Psalms of Asaph are categorized as communal laments because they are concerned for the well being of a whole community of people.  Communal laments encompass a description of some sort of severe destruction followed by a cry out to God for help and a reference to his great mercy of the past.

Psalms 84, 85, 87, and 88 are the holy writings of the sons of Korah. Korah was the leader of the rebellion against Moses and God.  Even the descendants of a leading rebel became the godly writers of psalms, praising God in their holy writings as a record existing for generations.  It is marvelous that the descendants of Korah wrote something that became a part of the Bible. They were faithful to tell people that they were the sons of Korah, the one who rebelled against God. This shows us that all the psalms were written based upon the infinite grace of God. The sons of Korah were the descendants, the sons, of that great sinner and rebel, Korah, yet they became holy people writing psalms to praise God. Today we are like the sons of Korah. In a sense, we are still poor sinners and rebels, yet we poor sinners can be those who are speakers of the Holy Word! 

Psalm 86 is a Prayer of David asking for protection, mercy, happiness, teaching, a pure heart, and strength.

Psalm 89 is written by Ethan the Ezrahite,   Ethan the Ezrahite is mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31 as a wise man, yet not as wise as King Solomon, who “was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite.”  He was of the tribe of Levi.

Verse 1 opens, “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; / with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.” Ethan emphasizes praise to God for His covenant with David and honors God’s character and power. In verses 19–37, recording God’s own words in a vision, Ethan details God’s faithfulness to David and his descendants. Then Ethan expresses lament at the king’s defeat and asks God to remember the covenant.  Ethan concludes, “Praise be to the Lord forever! / Amen and Amen".  Even in times of suffering and struggle, this psalmist calls God’s people to bless the Lord and call upon His strength in time of need.

Although these psalms are varied, they give us the assurance that God was there then, is here now, and will be here in the future for us to call on Him for whatever our need and to give him praise!

Week of 2/23/20 - Pages 76 - 88

This has been a season of grief for me and my family. Having lost our parents within 10 months of each other has been a difficult walk. I related with Psalm 77. Being in the midst of grief we become numb and troubled. We are a mix bag of emotions. 

C.S. Lewis says, “No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.” 

Merriam-Webster defines grief as deep and poignant distress caused by someone's death;  a cause of such suffering; and Trouble or Annoyance.

As I read and reread Psalm 77, I wept, I felt comfort and I sensed peace, which is something I have not experienced for some time now. I love how the psalmist poured out his feelings to the Lord. When we’re tormented by our sorrow we feel alone, not heard, our heart is deeply troubled and sadly we feel far from being comforted. For me, in my grief, I have felt too numb and have been too lost to pray. I love what verse 3 says, “I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help.” That is exactly how I have felt through this season. Then I read verses 11 & 12, which say, “But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.” We can be assured that His ways are Holy. Verse 14 & 15 says, “You are the God of great wonders!”  You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations. By your strong arm, you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

Oh how I love the Lord. I thank God that he is with me every step of the way. I have come to learn through my grief that I am only alone when I choose it. HE waits on me. He is a merciful God who longs for me to invite him in, to meet me where I am, comfort me and carry my burdens. 

We will all experience grief in our life time. This I know to be true, the loss will hurt and the struggle will be real, thankfully a new beginning awaits us. A friend recently shared this saying with me, “Grief is the price we pay for loving deeply.“ If I love so deeply I can only imagine how much the Lord loves, Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”