March 28 -- "His Word Proves True"

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 30 

"His Word Proves True"

Does science disprove the Bible? Does history disprove the Bible? Does archaeology disprove the Bible? Do dinosaurs disprove the Bible? Do seemingly implausible accounts of miracles disprove the Bible? Many have tried to disprove the Bible and every time they’ve tried, they have failed miserably. As we read here in Proverbs 30, “Every word of God proves true!”

Above all other books in the world combined, the Bible has been hated, vilified, ridiculed, criticized, restricted, banned, and destroyed, but it has never been disproven. Many have endeavored to disprove its facts, figures, stories, and other content, but have failed to do so. In fact, over the course of history, hundreds of “scholars” have not only failed to disprove the Bible, but have turned their lives over to the God of the Bible as a result of their research and study. As they uncovered the message of the Bible and became convinced of its reliability, they became followers of Jesus Christ.

One of the more famous Bible skeptics in recent years was Josh McDowell who set out “to write a book that would make an intellectual joke of Christianity.” His goal was to prove Christianity a “sham.” But, as he delved into his research, he began to hear the “still, small voice” of God speaking to his heart and convicting him of the “intellectual dishonesty” he was practicing. This conviction created an enormous internal conflict in his mind, will, and emotions. As a result, one night at his home in Michigan, “at the end of my second year at the university, I became a Christian.” His conclusion was, “After trying to shatter the historicity and validity of the Scripture, I came to the conclusion that it is historically trustworthy.”  Josh went on in 1979 to publish his findings in the book, “Evidence That Demands A Verdict” (Thomas Nelson Publishing, 1979)

Josh McDowell’s conclusion (along with the conclusions of thousands of other former skeptics) was, EVERY WORD OF GOD IS TRUE! All of the revelation of God is free from error, and you can rely on it fully. Though not a science book, every science matter on which is speaks is completely accurate and reliable. Although not a history book, every historical account it presents is completely accurate and reliable. Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection. Do not add to His words, nor take away from His words, or He may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.

March 27 -- "It's All True!"

Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 9 

"It's All True!"

What a joy it is when others see something positive in our lives and it gives them a glimpse of God’s love, wisdom, and power. King Solomon’s reputation for superior wisdom had become renown throughout Israel and the neighboring countries. So much so, that the Queen of Sheba in northwest Arabia came to Jerusalem to put Solomon's wisdom to the test. 

After she witnessed it for herself, she exclaimed, “It’s all true! Your reputation for accomplishment and wisdom that reached all the way to my country is confirmed. I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it for myself; they didn’t exaggerate! Such wisdom and elegance—far more than I could ever have imagined.”

The Queen went on to heap treasures, rewards, and praises upon Solomon and Israel. In her words of praise, she clearly gives God the glory. By her extravagant gifts and her flattering words, she acknowledges (perhaps unknowingly) three truths about God and His dealings with mankind.

First, she acknowledges that it is God’s love for Israel that has brought about such a successful and powerful kingdom. “God’s love is behind this,” she says. What a joy it is when others see something positive in our lives and it gives them a glimpse of God’s love. The very act of establishing and setting apart this one nation for God’s purpose was a show of His deep love.

Second, she acknowledges that God is the one who institutes kingdoms and rulers. She said, “He has made you king over them.” This truth is confirmed in Daniel 2:21 – “It is He [the LORD] who changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who know understanding.”  This confirms that all governmental authority derives its power from God who grants such power. According to Romans 13:1, “All authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.”

Third, she recognizes that the primary purpose of human government is to “execute justice and righteousness.” The role of governments is to seek, serve, and promote the common good of the people. Based on the truth of the dignity and value of every human being, justice means to give each person that which is due and which, expressed negatively, means to punish evil and, expressed positively, to promote good. Governments aren’t there so the elites can benefit themselves. They exist to benefit the governed. Governments exist solely at the behest of God and are called to govern their citizens with justice and righteousness. Any nation that exists for any other reason or which has corrupted God’s purposes, is doomed to failure.

March 26 -- "Solomon's Syncretism"

 Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 11

"Solomon's Syncretism"

Despite his many great qualities and his deep wisdom and insight, Solomon had a weakness – a character flaw – which led to his decline and downfall later in life. He was inclined to dabble with idolatry. He never openly or fully walked away from Yahweh. Never fully rejected his Jewish worship roots. Yet, due to the influences of the many women in his life, he was drawn away into the worship of their “strange gods.”

While Solomon continued to worship at Yahweh’s Temple in Jerusalem, he also undertook the construction of many pagan temples in and around the city. Then he would join in with his wives in the idolatrous and pagan practices of those temples. Thus Solomon, with all of his wisdom, all of his blessings, and all of his Jewish roots, disobeyed the commandment of the Lord and his heart gradually turned away from the Lord.  

Rather than blatantly turn away from Yahweh, Solomon attempted to create his “own flavor” of Judaism by blending together the worship of Yahweh and the worship of idols. Thus, Solomon became the author of SYNCRETISM – the merging together of two (or more) distinct and irreconcilable principles into an un-blendable composite. Syncretism is the attempt to harmonize differing or opposing ideas or principles. It is the fusion of different belief systems. The inevitable result of attempting to do so is that the composite no longer accurately represents the original belief system which must be discarded.

The lesson for all of us is this: You cannot merge God’s truth with any opposing ideas or belief systems and expect to stay true to God. The Bible clearly teaches us that we are not to worship idols nor adhere to their belief systems. To attempt to do so would be a betrayal of truth and inconsistent with the worship of God.

Syncretism is not the total abandonment of a faith.  It is way more insidious and dangerous.  It is taking aspects of a different faith and merging it into another.  

Christianity is the faith about following Jesus.  Syncretism is overwriting the beliefs of other faiths or cultures onto this practice.  The intent may not be to create something new.  It may be simply to adapt to the culture.  But it is impossible to mix anything with Jesus without creating something new and unholy. Adding anything to the life and teachings of Jesus and Biblical truth simply creates heresy. A heresy which may go by the label of “Christian,” but in reality, does not conform to the original article. 

Jesus plus anything is not the real Jesus. We cannot create a new without abandoning the old.  God does not take idolatry – nor syncretism – lightly. 

March 25 -- "The Grand Purpose of Life"

 Today’s Reading: Ecclesiastes 12 & 1 Kings 10

"The Grand Purpose of Life"

After years of painstaking research and investigation and experimentation, King Solomon is finally ready to reveal the results of his lifelong quest to understand the meaning of life. He has heard it all. He has listened closely to the arguments and lines of reasoning on every topic imaginable (beauty, goodness, health, wealth, status, relationships, sex, career, success, etc.). After weighing all the evidence and putting it all to the test, he reaches this final conclusion: Fear God and do what He tells you to do. This, he says, is the whole duty of man. The whole purpose for human existence is to discover God and enjoy a relationship with Him. There is no other point to life.

Sadly, so many people feel that life is pointless. They don’t find any meaning in life. Even if they attain to a high degree of success and personal enjoyment during their lifetime, they still wonder – what is it all for? Deep inside, despite their successes, they have a feeling of emptiness – a void at the center of their soul. I can think of nothing more tragic than for one to go through life and never discover “why” they exist.

But the truth is that LIFE HAS A GRAND PURPOSE! It is not pointless, nor meaningless, nor empty. There is a true purpose for your life here on earth. The Bible is very clear as to what our purpose in life should be. Solomon tells us that life is all about honoring God with our thoughts and lives and thus keeping His commandments, for one day we will stand before Him face-to-face. Our purpose in life, as God originally created humans, is to glorify God and enjoy fellowship with Him. You can spend your lifetime searching (as Solomon did), but you will never find a purpose grander than this.  God created man in His image (Genesis 1:26–27), thus man’s purpose cannot be fulfilled apart from Him.

The ultimate purpose of man, according to the Bible, is simply to glorify God. We fulfill this purpose by living our lives in relationship and faithful service to Him. The more we get to know our Creator and the more we love Him and the better we understand who we are and what our purpose is.

So, fear God and do what He tells you to do. This is the point of life.

March 24 -- "Think Before You Speak"

Today’s Reading: Ecclesiastes 10 & 11

"Think Before You Speak"

The wisdom of King Solomon is renowned in human history. Throughout the writings of Solomon we have an opportunity to learn in the classroom of one of the true geniuses of all time.

Of course, we know the source of Solomon’s great wisdom – God Himself! In a dream, God had invited Solomon to make a request – to ask for anything he desired. Solomon asked for wisdom and knowledge to judge the people fairly and wisely. Yahweh was pleased with his request and granted to Solomon a wise and understanding heart. 

Solomon went on and became famous for his wise judgments. Solomon’s reputation spread to other lands, even as far as Sheba, in Arabia.  Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Solomon wrote most of the book of Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, the book of Ecclesiastes, and two Psalms. Within these writings, he captured for us many nuggets of profound wisdom.

Here in Ecclesiastes 10, Solomon makes a wise observation about how one uses their words. He contrasts the “wise man” with the “fool” and tells us that wise words bring favor, but fools are destroyed by their own words. The words of a wise person are gracious and well thought out. His/her words are carefully planned so as to bring acceptance and favor. The fool, on the other hand, just starts blurting out nonsense and ends up in self-destruction.

It has been said that, “A wise man speaks when he has something to say; but a fool speaks when he has to say something.” Biblically, this is so true. God has urged us many times in Scripture to control the words that come out of our mouth, and not to just let anything spew forth. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29)

So, how are the words that come from your mouth? Are they good words? Are they wise words? Do they minister grace to your hearers? If not, take a moment now and surrender your tongue to God. Let the Holy Spirit speak His love and truth through you. “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” (Proverbs 21:23)

 

March 23 -- "Squint Your Ears"

Today’s Reading: Ecclesiastes 8 & 9 

"Squint Your Ears"

With all the shouting, it often makes it hard to hear the quiet voice of wisdom. In our society, it seems that riches, status, beauty and power are the things people admire. If a person lacks these, he/she is often ignored or despised, even though his/her quiet words of wisdom may save a nation from ruin or save a soul from darkness and despair. A poor man’s words are often despised and rejected while the voice of the so-called “celebrities” are celebrated and shouted loudly in the public square.

As is often the case with Scripture, God’s truth is quite the opposite of such worldly values. In God’s kingdom, the words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of the most admired public figure. God’s truth has a way of being the polar opposite of the world’s “truth.” Just listen for a moment to the wise men and women around you – even if you have to “squint” your ears to hear them. Their whispers will prove to be rich with God’s truth and His benefits. In their words you will find life. They are to be heard quietly and patiently.

Contrast the quiet words of the wise with the “shouts of a ruler among fools.” This phrase describes Twitter and Facebook and other social sharing applications amazingly well. With these social media platforms, we give every “ruler,” every “fool,” every “misguided individual” a means to shout their ill-advised and erroneous opinions and advice on every topic imaginable. And, of course, they present their story with such flair and enticing words, it can be easy for anyone to get drawn into their flawed viewpoint.

This is why we must use discernment to tune out the shouting voices of those who are opposed to God and His truth, and to listen intently to those whose quiet words will bring glory to God and wisdom to our souls. It is okay to turn off your social media (even if just for a season). It is okay to ignore the opinion-editorials pushed by the news media outlets. It is okay to turn off the “shouting” of the self-serving politicians and just sit quietly listening for God's words of wisdom.

Be still and listen. Hearken to God’s word. Pay attention to the quiet voices of the wise followers of Christ in your circle. Most importantly, listen closely for the “still, small voice” of God as the Holy Spirit speaks directly to you. Remember Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

March 22 -- "Taking the Bad with the Good"

 Today’s Reading: Ecclesiastes 7

"Taking the Bad with the Good"

Many times in my life, I’ve been told, “you have to take the bad with the good.” This saying means we should accept both the positive and negative aspects of something. It acknowledges that nothing is perfect and those things that seem perfect often do not remain so. Thing don’t always go the way you think they should. So, what should we do when things aren’t going our way? Here in Proverbs 7:14, Solomon advises us to “be” and to “consider.”

Be. “In the day of prosperity be joyful.” Don’t just pretend joy, but genuinely be joyful. Here, we are reminded by God to enjoy those moments of prosperity in life. By this He means not just financial blessing, but blessings of any type. When “good fortune” falls our way, we should relish the situation we are in and soak in the joy of it all. In these times, our response should be one of joyful thankfulness to our Creator and Father in Heaven who has chosen to bless us with a season of pleasure. Remember the Lord in these seasons. Reflect on the truth from Deuteronomy 8:18, “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth.”

Consider. “In the day of adversity consider that God has made the one as well as the other.” Here, the Lord is telling us to “take the bad with the good.” There will be seasons of adversity in our lives. We don’t relish these seasons, nor do we want them to come our way. But the truth is – adversity will come to all of us. And when it comes, we must not make the tragic mistake of thinking God has gone out of our lives or that He has abandoned us or that He is being mean to us. He has ordained and established the days, times, and seasons of your life. He has pre-planned your ups and downs. He knew in advance that you would be facing adversity, or poverty, or hardship. During these “bad times” you must be so careful not to “blame” God as though He is allowing something into your life that is not for your benefit. You must recognize that He is using this season of hardship as a time of spiritual growth in your life. During these times, He calls us to deepen our dependence upon Him and to trust Him to resolve our troubles on His schedule and in His mysterious ways.

So… BE joyful when things are good. CONSIDER God’s hand when things are bad. He has foreordained the ups and downs of our lives. He is still here. Trust His hand of love and grace.