Sometimes God speaks to us through the profound and the miraculous. The signs and wonders of Scripture are hard to discount, as they show us the majesty of our God and His supremacy over the natural constraints of this world.  At other times, we find comfort in the prophetic proclamations that we see interspersed throughout the Scriptural record.

2 Thessalonians 2 is a fitting example of God’s ability to allow us to occasionally catch glimpses of the future.  Sometimes we are astounded by the strength of the prayers and Psalms we read, as they bring us comfort and courage. 1 Kings 4:33 which reads, He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish has always spoke to me in a very profound way.  This passage is not about the power of God.  This passage is not about about revelation.  It is simply about the observations of nature and the created order.  Solomon’s took the time to try and explain what he saw scientifically, teaching men about the beauty we are continuously surrounded by, and often fail to see.

The wisdom of Solomon let’s us see that life is about life, and that our faith can live in the natural.  This does not discount the supernatural elements.  Solomon received a supernatural impartation of wisdom as God communicated to him through a prophetic dream.  The extravagant intervention of our Lord is appropriate, and it should always be welcomed.  Solomon’s anointing with wisdom shows us that God loves to speak relevant words that benefit us, and more importantly, those around us as we walk with Him.  We should always be willing to listen to the ’still small voice’ of our God.

Sometimes though, He speaks simply through the profound revelation of His hand as it has been displayed in creation.  Also, this passage let’s us see that what we do in the natural can have a profound impact on us and those around us, if we open up our eyes and let God show us how important what we do is to His revelatory ability.  Teachers, teach as if God is revealing His knowledge to you.  Brokers, sell as if the hand of the Lord is providing you your opportunities.  Mothers, nurture as if God were the one offering comfort and security through you.  I say this because He is.

Fear is a creepy thing. It causes us to do things we don’t want to do. Fear puts into a flight or flight mode. When we are afraid, we can become like anxious like David was when he waited for word on Absalom’s fate while he was being pursued by Joab’s troops. Fear led the Pharisee’s to seek an audience with Herod to set a guard around Jesus Tomb following His crucifixion. Although they no longer feared Jesus ability to rally people around Him, they feared that His disciples would steal His body.

The Psalmist said something very profound in Psalm 56:3-4. He said that,

When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can flesh do to me?

There is one adequate to the fears that lurk around us. We are to put our trust in the Lord, the one whom we praise and worship in the beauty of holiness. This Psalm does not tell us that our fears are not real, that we can think them away, or that we are without faith by having them. His analysis is simple. God is bigger than our fears and wherever their sources may be originating from. Let us do as the Psalmist did, and put our trust in Him, allowing Jesus to address our fears for us.

When I log on to the West Ridge Journal site in order to comment or review comments I am confronted with a option that has a box next to it. The options speaks to me without a voice, but nevertheless, it speaks loud and clear. It asks if it wants me to be entered its memory for future visits with the tag: Remember Me. Matthew 13:14-16 is Jesus’ comment on the same subject. He said: the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:

16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.

By citing Isaiah’s prophetic proclamation, Jesus drew the Jews of His day into the word of the prophet. When He did this, it was with an admonition and an exhortation that has a  twinge of sadness, as Jesus said that they had forgotten God.

An old friend of mine was rudely confronted with our societies position in light of this prophetic challenge at a Hallmark’s recently. Dave Jefferies, a man I went to Bible College with in the 1980’s was looking for a Religious Sympathy Card to no avail. He asked for help and… well listen to his own account of what happened: “I went to Hallmark and the manager asked me if I needed any help. “I’m looking for encouragement cards, something Spiritual”, I said. “Oooh, that’s a problem”, she replied, ‘We removed everything Spiritual to make room for Easter!’”

The Faith had been exchanged by a Bunny. When our President says we aren’t a Christian (or religious, for that matter) nation, rather we are: “a nation of citizens,” it is safe to say that we have forgotten who we are as a people. We have exchanged the Cross for Chocolate. Let me temper that comment by telling you that I have no problem with egg hunts, baskets, cards and candy. I think are a fun way to help our children see Jesus and to just have well, a little fun. But in the midst of where we seem to be going as a nation, please let it never be said of us that we have forgotten the Rock from which our faith was hewn out from. Here Jesus say: Remember Me and check the box that gives you access to Him!

Mark 14: 54 “… And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire.” Our reading today is a bitter one: abandonment, lack of attentiveness, cursing and betrayal: all are themes that surface in the text that Mark records. Yet in the midst of these baser elements, God was working on His plan in some very uncommon ways. Who would have thought that as Peter gathered around a common fire, that another fire would be soon to arrive, as the fire of God would settle on Peter and the rest of a band of 120 at Pentecost.

Its really amazing how God uses common elements to convey uncommon truth, activities and presence. Think about how David called on the LORD to:  ”Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me (Psalm 43:3).” Fire emanates light. Its like the fire that led the Hebrews in the wilderness. Then, God spoke from the fire: “The Lord spoke with you face to face at the mountain, out of the midst of the fire (Deuteronomy 5:4).” His words have never ceased to resonate with power, presence and truth. Today, as then, let’s love Him with all our heart, mind, soul and strength.

1 Corinthians 13 is an amazing passage. Paul really cuts to the chase when he highlights the demonstrative aspect and attention grabbing nature of the gifts, then says that they are valueless without love. Its an upside down message, in an upside Kingdom. God manages things so differently than we do. When we judge things as being worthwhile, we look to the external and ask: ‘what have you done for me lately?’ God looks to the inside and tells us that only that which is inside out is important. Let’s do everything we can to let God effect the real transformation in us and imbed His love throughout us, OK? God, make us effective demonstrators of your love and mercy today.

I have always been amazed how God can speak to us through the simplest and most mundane aspects of life and history if we let Him.  I say this deliberately, as our readings of late have been in the Levitical law portion of Old Testament Scriptures.  Sometimes these laws seem to be meaningless to us today, as they were written under differing circumstances and conditions that don’t have explicit impact today.  Even then however, there are nuggets of value if we try and see with the eyes of our heart.  

Take the restrictions against skin rashes and diseases.  Then there is the problem of houses having leprosy.  How can a home have leprosy, and why are all skin issues viewed with an eye toward leprosy?  These associations have caused some to view these passages as archaic and irrational.  That isn’t the case, however.

 Leprosy was the scourge of the ancient world.  It devastated communities, ruined families, and destroyed lives.  The pathogenic infectious route was carefully observed over time.  he ancients appeared to understand that there was a difference between the various types of infection, and how they were acquired.  Leprosy is hard to contract.  When it is first discovered, it looks like a common skin rash.  In order to protect the people, the Priests were to segregate those who could harm the whole community.

The home restriction deals with fungal invasions.  The importance of abating these infections is also a prescriptive act that helps to keep the people healthy and whole.  Fungal growths that infect walls can cause breathing problems, or could lead to other disease.  All of this has a powerful application to us today.  These ancient restrictions address God’s heart for His people today, as He desires to keep us clean and free from the infectious aspects of sin.  This is why Scripture uses leprosy as a type of sin.  When it is allowed to run rampant, unchecked, we all suffer.  

Leviticus 14:14 gives us a peek into the Priestly actions that were performed in declaring someone to be clean.  He had to take some blood, water and oil (life, cleansing and blessing) and place it strategically on the ear lobe and toe of the patient.  later, it would also be placed on the head.  

All of this addresses God and us as His people.  He is our covering, and when we are cleansed from the power of sin, our ears are opened to hear the truth of His Word.  Our feet have been blessed to walk on His pathway of righteousness .  Our heart, which is His home, has seen the removal of all infectious fungal material.  Let’s not forget the thumb, which represents our ability to work with clean hands in His Kingdom.  

Father, help us to see that: “in you, we live, and move, and have our being.”

The Word God spoke to Moses concerning natural abilities and skills: “You shall speak to all the skillful, whom I have filled with a spirit of skill…” (Exodus 28:3), has always amazed me.  I want you to notice that the ’spirit’ of skill isn’t identified as a capitol “S,” rather it is a small “s.”  As such, the LORD is clearly identifying the natural state of man.  he takes credit for everything that is good, even our learned skills.  They are all meant to be used for God and His glory, as we give Him the ability to look upon us even as He did in creation and declare us to be “good” once again.  

There is an invaluable lesson to be carried away in this passage, as we are challenged to accept the fact that the whole of who we are needs to be placed at His disposal.  Giftings aren’t restricted to the Charismatic realm alone.  Rather, God looks at your labor and love of labor that has produced your laboring skills, and asks you to present it to Him as an offering.  This means that whether we are artisans, teachers, construction personnel, or janitors, all of us have something of value and worth to give to Jesus.  

This is reflected in Stephen’s speech before the Jewish leaders in Acts 7, as He notes Jesus labor on earth that they rejected.  The eyes of the aristocracy had been blinded to the power of eternal sacrifice and the work of redemption.  The end result led a young Zealot named Saul to to look on with a gaze of approval as Stephen was put to death for his challenge and his laboring to place the historical context into the LORD’s work on earth. 

Let’s remember to never let our skills or desires be diminished by our self conscientiousness, feelings of worthlessness, or any other lack in our own understanding of who we are or what we bring before the Lord.  Serve Him with gladness, and give him your skills!

Exodus 21:6: “then his master shall bring him to God, and he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall be his slave forever.”  This passage of Scripture is a hard one to deal with, as it strikes a sore spot in our nation’s collective consciousness.  What am I talking about?  Why slavery, of course.  When I talk with people, there are a whole lot who really struggle with these proscriptions.  Why would God allow slavery, let alone give interdictions concerning their treatment?  Isn’t that harsh and demeaning?

At first sight, it appears to be everything and then some, in so far as being bad and inappropriate.  This passage really highlights a huge problem that Scripture has trouble resolving.  Uh oh, here comes a liberal bent, right?  Wrong!  The problem isn’t found in God allowing or directing laws about the treatment of slaves.  Rather, the problem is really seen in God dealing with man and his fallible nature.  

The Bible is an account of God’s forbearance and long-suffering, as He acts within the restrictions mans sin has placed in the social environments he is confined within.  God’s laws, are super-impositions that have been placed upon Israel in this case, to keep them as honest as possible, and as humane as possible, without violating His character.  This is where our lesson or take away comes into the picture.  God has always had a problem in communicating with us.  It’s kind of like my dogs.  We understand each other.  They communicate to me, I reciprocate, but our  abilities are definitely limited.

When God was confronted with the atrocity of slavery, His response was to create a system that would bring good out of a potentially bad situation.  That’s where flawed laws comes into play.  How do you bring good out of that which isn’t good?  You show that a master can be good.  So good in fact, that the subservient one won’t want to leave.  That example and directive leads us into an understanding as to the magnitude and impact of our becoming disciples.  When we really become followers of the LORD, an awl is placed in our ears of the heart, and we become identified as a tagged person.

The Psalmist’ lament in Psalm 12, and the Apostles run in with the religious laws of man in Acts 4 play into this principle.  Even when the injustices of man seem to be overwhelming, God is more than able to provide shelter and deliverance from the storms of this life.  May we become greater servants and more obedient people, allowing the God of all grace and glory to mark our ears with His divine marker.

“… that repentance and forgiveness of sin should be proclaimed in His name...” (Luke 24:47) By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.  (Acts 3:11, 16)

For today’s devotional, I would like to expound on the powerful name of Jesus Christ by tying Luke’s expositional comment in 24:47 with his additional comments in just a few chapters later as he continued to Chronicle the Christ event in Acts 3:11, 16.  Remember, Peter and John were just used by the LORD to heal a man born lame.  As they left Solomon’s Portico, the man born lame wouldn’t let them go.

Holding tightly, Peter, John and the lame man came out together and were rushed. Some of the background information leading up to Peter’s sermon is missing, but what is presented is powerful and significant: 1) the healed man held (krateo) onto Peter and John. The same Greek word is used for arrests through out the New Testament. 2) The people swarmed the Apostles to see what was going on, and 3) the people were blown away by what they saw. Peter then expounds on the name of Jesus as the point of the miracle (he uses the name twice in 3:16).

Peter’s use of “the name” is very, very important, as “the name” was a surrogate for pious Jews when addressing God or in speaking about Him: it carried with it the implication of his divine presence and power. This allows him to divert attention away from him and his companion John as the originators of the miracle: it was not “their own power or godliness” that effected the healing.

While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.

(Acts 3:12-13) Peter took advantage of the crowd and preached about the risen Christ. His sermon is similar to the Pentecost sermon: it calls for repentance following proclamation. In this sermon, Peter made sure he presented his Jewish credentials. (Acts 3:13) This idea was accomplished by referring to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob: a time honored liturgical formula for blessing that goes back to the burning bush theophony (Exodus 3:6, 15). In other words, healing was another way God through which God communicated His presence, and this is all through His vocal expression: Jesus. God shouted through Golgotha His great love and power through His son who was also His servant.

All of this shows us the powerful expression of the name that is unpronounceable, the name of our God that has been written on our hearts.  Whether in Egypt at the offset of the Exodus, or from Golgotha’s shadow, or from the Colonnade’s at the Temple, this is a name that is steeped in power and authority.  God speaks in multiple ways.  That was Pharaoh’s problem, and the problem of the Sadduccee’s. They didn’t hear the Theophonic proclamation that exploded in the people.  Let’s make sure we don’t miss out on the power of this name’s attachment in our lives and apply it to our circumstances through prayer.

The Scriptures are fascinating.  When God decided to communicate to us, He began using our methods of communication, in order to reach us in the only way we would really understand.  Because of the language restrictions we live with, and the emotional baggage we carry, and the selfish purulent interests we cede to, there will always be problems in having real communication.  This also leads us into places where Scripture at times records our worst as mankind, rather than our best.  This was the case with Pharaoh and Moses.  Moses was used by God to communicate His truth and His purposes with no selfish intent.  God was moving on behalf of a promise made to people who had lived in the state of slavery for 400 years.

Pharaoh was the potentate of a nation that used slaves for the backbone functions of his kingdom.  They were the people who made the world work.  Consequently, when the living word was spoken with prophetic power standing behind it, and the land of Egypt heard the challenge to: “Let my people go,” conflict was inevitable.  As God began to contend with man, it became abundantly clear that God doesn’t fight on our plane, within the constraints of our limitations.  The authority of His desires were heard in actions, not just consonants, adjectives and nouns.  Pharaoh should have listened to Jim Stafford’s hit song from the seventy’s which said that girls: “don’t like spiders and snakes…” and extrapolated the principle to include frogs, gnats, flies and a whole bevy of other assorted plagues.

That was not the case however, as Pharaoh chose to ignore the signs sent from heaven as statements of intent.  Instead, Scripture says that: “Still Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the Lord had said (Exodus 7:13).”  God knew what Pharaoh would do.  His self interests were to compelling.  Ultimately God won, as His ability to speak loud enough to be heard finally won the day, but only after Pharaoh hardened his heart to point of of no return.  Hard hearts are hard to change.  That was the case with Jesus accusers and trial overseers in Luke 23 as well.  Pilate, the Jewish leaders, the crowd, all had good reasons to harden their hearts to the compelling interests of God.  After all, why believe the signs, particularly when they only heard about them, and had not actually seen them?

Jesus’ refused to perform signs for the skeptics in the same way dogs and pony’s perform at a circus cast his accusers into the mold of and mindset of the purulent.  They saw no significant margin of gain for themselves, just like Pharaoh in the land of captivity.  Hardened hearts are lives that have had the ability to see beyond themselves compacted by circumstances, trials, and problems that deny them the ability to see the interests of others.  When we let hard heartedness infect us, we become the rabble, instead of the rousers of life.  

Beloved, let the living waters of life flow over your lives, in order to bring a sweetness to your spirit.  Let the oil of God’s blessing soften what has become calcified.  Let the power of God’s Word serve as a plow, overturning the fallow soil, breaking up the clumps, in order to let your heart become soft and pliable before the Lord.  Never let the sin of Pharaoh become the plague of your life, as you keep a soft heart at the core of your being.

PS, sorry about the missing posts over the past few days.  I couldn’t connect to the server and post anything. Blessings!