Job 21; Mark 5 - 6

Scripture - Job 211 7-9 Why do the wicked live and become old, Yes, become mighty in power? Their descendants are established with them in their sight, And their offspring before their eyes. Their houses  are safe from fear, Neither is the rod of God upon them.

Observation - Job is in the middle of a major crisis in his life and is asking a question that I think every  Christian has asked. "If God is supposed to be so good, how come the wicked people are being blessed and I seem to be struggling so much?"  Job is perplexed at the idea that the wicked around him are blessed with a multiplying harvest, calves from cows and fields that overflow.  He is also looking a their lives and is confused that the wicked seem to be getting old and becoming mighty in power.  The  question is a good one.  Why does it seem so hard for God's children and so easy for the wicked?

Application - The answer to the question can be found in other parts of scripture. The fundamental answer lies in what we are looking at as life.  The wicked do not inherit eternity.  The wicked do not gain full access to heaven.  The wicked die, maybe even of old age, but their life stops there.  There is no legacy.  What is also dismissed is the fact that internally, the wicked are fighting a struggle emotionally and spiritually.  The internal struggle is fierce.  There is no peace and no hope of a life to come.   Romans 2:4 also exhorts us that by viewing the progress of the wicked it is like despising the riches of God's mercy.   Our hope is in Him, our rest is in Him.  Jesus is better, period.  One day in his courts is better than thousands of days anywhere.

Prayer - Father help me to look at you as the measuring stick of success.  Not to look to the wicked that are successful as a measure for your grace or lack of grace.  God I love you and pray that no matter what happens around me, I celebrate the riches of your glory and the riches of your mercy.

2 Sam1; Ps 140; Matthew 13

Scripture - Matthew 13:58 Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. 

Observation - I find it very interesting that at the end of a message that Jesus is delivering on the Kingdom of God and explaining what the Kingdom of God is like, the people are in disbelief. He has just unfolded in parable how the Kingdom works, what God's intent is, and how to access the Kingdom. The people are marveling at His wisdom and astonished at His understanding, yet the are in unbelief. In fact the scripture says they are offended at Him. So He did not do many mighty works there. 

Application - Our unbelief and our own offense at the things Jesus is trying to accomplish causes us more problems. Miracles could have taken place but we don't believe. Relief could have come but we are offended. The situation could have worked out but we didn't believe. If we could simply get beyond ourselves long enough to see Jesus at work and to not only marvel at His wisdom but believe in His power, might and ability to do all things, many of us would begin to see mighty works done again. Pastor Judah Smith said on Sunday "Jesus plus nothing is more than enough". I totally believe that. Rather that getting offended at Jesus expectations for holiness, let's just accept, believe and confess the good news of Jesus. 

Prayer - Father help me today not to just believe in you, but believe you. God I want to see the mighty works that you can and will do.

1 Sam 17, Ps 9, Matthew 2

Scripture - Ps 9:9-10 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You. 

 Observation - David is always writing about his relationship and confidence in the Lord. David's character in the bible faces so much scrutiny, adversity, persecution and trauma and he is preparing to become King over Israel. From the moment he defeated Goliath to his death, David was under attack. His writings in the Psalms show us where he found solace. His peace was found in knowing that the Lord is a refuge for the oppressed. No one faced oppression like David, whether self imposed or not, David was always under pressure. David was confident in the fact that the Lord was refuge in time of trouble and that the Lord would never forsake you. In times where stability, confidence, and loyalty are hard to come by, God is all of those things. David found great peace in knowing that the whole world could be going crazy but God is always constant and standing by us. God's love for us is so great that he would never walk away.

 Application - I believe that most people today are looking for some sort of constancy. In an ever changing world with relationships that are so unstable, people are looking for someone to be there when it gets rough. Someone they can talk too in time of need that understands, can empathise and even help work through the problem or situation. Most importantly not abandon you when the problem is self imposed to so difficult that the effort to get through would require work or sacrifice. God is not about abandonment. He is about commitment. He is defined as the never changing God. His love does not waver, does not end and is not conditional based upon our good works. God loves us because he loves us and will always be there. To rest in the knowledge that God will always walk with us, through good and bad brings a deep sense of peace that we can accomplish anything. In a day where social media efforts are working diligently to bring people together, try friending God, he will never delete you from his facebook friends list. 

 Prayer - Father I pray for an understanding of your commitment to me today. That I can rest in the knowledge that you will never leave me and that you are working to keep me from evil. God I pray that you would satisfy that desire in me to be close and intimate. God I need you more than ever today and pray for an overwhelming presence of You today.

1 Sam 15, 16, 1 Chron 5, Matt 1

Scripture - But the Lord said to Samuel, Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 

Observation - This portion of scripture is probably one of the most quoted in the bible. Many preachers cover this topic to help people understand that God isn't looking at things quite like we look at them. In this scripture Samuel is at dinner with Jesse and his boys trying to find the new king. Samuel is assessing the most likely choice based on what he sees. Some of them are attractive, some are strong, some are intelligent, some are popular and God rejects them all. Samuel finds himself confused and asks Jesse "Are they all here?". The one that wasn't invited to the party, the one that was doing the work his father asked him, was the one God chose. God was looking at what was inside this boy and not what he looked like or acted like on the outside. 

Application - There is so much intricacy to our heart. Testing for a heart beat tells us that a person is alive or dead. How the heart is pumping and its strength tells us a persons health. The purity at which the heart exists tells God where your priorities lie. God is looking on the inside of a man to determine his sincerity to kingdom business and appropriateness for eternity. The condition of our heart gives us insight, vision and power. God knows that the core of a man is his heart. Jonathan's armorbearer tells him "do all that is in your heart", Nathan tells David "Do what is in your heart". God is telling us "I am looking at your heart". The outward forces at play each day pale in comparison to what is happening in a man's heart. The heart is the true barometer of a man's spirituality, we need to learn to read it. So many times we assess people based on charisma, excitement, passion and intelligence and the heart should be indicator of a man's assessment. 

 Prayer - Father my heart. Guard it, protect it, purify it, inspire it to follow after you and to chase you alone. Singularly focused on serving the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Interpret my heart to a language that blesses you. Read my heart and know that I love you so much and cherish my relationship with you. Let my heart be found pure and holy as you are holy. God I love you so much with my whole heart...