June 22 - Everything God Created Is Good!

 Read today’s texts first: 2 Kings 8,9; 2 Chronicles 21; 1 Timothy 4

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY

God allows evil because real love requires free will.

“Everything God created is good!” It’s hard to reconcile these words from Paul’s inspired letter to Timothy (4:4) with the murderous corruption we read in the Old Testament. I had this discussion recently with the husband of one of our residents. His concern is a common one: “how can a good and loving God allow the innocent to suffer?”

While thinking about that, I started today’s readings from 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. It was not happy reading: wars (21:10), the cold-blooded murder of six brothers (21:4), vile disease (21:18), the assassination of three kings (8:12-15; 9:24-27), and a queen thrown out a window and devoured by street dogs (9:32-37). The most shocking part was reading how some of these events were predicted and possibly orchestrated by God. How can a good and loving God be involved in this kind of mayhem?

There’s a much better long answer but here is the short version: this kind of world was not God’s preferred plan. His initial creation was perfect: no sin, no disease, no death. His final creation will be similar, but even better. But this present world has been so contaminated by sin that even innocent people are affected. God allows it because love demands free will. Sometimes God has to judge sin when it happens to slow down our self-destructive ways, as we read today. However, if God decided to judge everyone who has ever rebelled against Him, we would all be dead. But He withheld His judgment from us, and poured it out instead on His own Son. That’s an incredibly good and loving God!

“Lord Jesus, what You did for us, for me, was far more loving than we deserve. And yet, I gratefully receive Your free gift of forgiveness and look forward to joining You in the perfect creation yet to come, where there is no more sin, no more disease, and no more death.”

June 21 - The Battle is the Lord’s

 Read today’s texts first: 2 Kings 6,7; 2 Chronicles 20; 1 Timothy 3

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY

We are never out-numbered when God is on our side. 

Two of my favourite stories from the Old Testament are found in our readings today. At first I was torn as to which I would write about until I realized how the message from both is the same. The first involves four lepers going out for dinner, the second is a badly outnumbered army led by their worship team.

The Arameans were subjugated under Solomon, but when the kingdom split under his son Rehoboam, they pulled away and became a powerful enemy of Israel. Their language, Aramaic, would become the common language of northern Palestine and surrounding regions, and the language Jesus spoke.

Israel was starving to death because of their oppression, until Elijah asked God to intervene. The Arameans ran for the hills and abandoned their camps when they heard God’s special sound effects of a massive approaching army. Four desperate, almost suicidal lepers strolled into their empty camps and pigged out on Aramean delicacies. It’s a funny story of unlikely heroes who discovered first-hand how we are never out-numbered when God is on our side.

In the second story, Jehoshaphat was also out-numbered trying to protect Judah from a three nation alliance. Unlike most leaders, who abide by the “fake it until you make it” motto, Jehoshaphat was honest and transparent before His people and his God: For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you. In response God spoke through Jahaziel: Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s (20:12,15). Same God, different miracle: musicians instead of lepers, and instead of sound effects, confused allies who killed each other.

“Lord, so often I think I have to fight my own battles, but You challenge me with impossible odds so I learn to rely on You. When I do that, my response will be like Jehoshaphat’s worship team: Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.”

June 20 - Missionary or Mercenary?

 Read today’s texts first: 2 Kings 4,5; Psalms 83; 1 Timothy 2

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY

If we rely solely on our own resources
we can miss out on the miraculous!

Elisha got what he asked for, a double portion of what God had given his mentor, Elijah. At the time, it may have seemed self-serving, but, as we read about Elisha’s ministry, we know that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Like the widow’s oil, God could pour His blessing into Elisha knowing he would keep pouring it out for others (4:5,6).

The miracles he performed were easily marketable. He could have charged high fees and retired a very wealthy man. But we read of a prophet who relied on the generosity of others for food and shelter (4:8-10), who had to trust God to make a bad pot of stew edible for himself and his fellow prophets (4:38-41), and who took 20 donated barley loaves and miraculously fed 100 men (4:42-44). His life sounded very similar to the One who came to serve and give His life a ransom for all (2:6).

When Elisha healed Namaan he refused his gifts in return, despite having earned them and cultural protocol demanding he graciously accept them. Elisha had no interest in material things. He knew God would provide everything he needed, just as He had done for his mentor, Elijah. If you have your own resources you miss out on ravens delivering your breakfast and dinner (1 Kings 17:2-6), and angel-food cake (okay, bread) made by an actual angel (19:5-8). That’s why Elisha was so upset with his protégé, Gehazi, for going back for Namaan’s gifts, lying about his reasons, keeping them for himself, and then covering it up (5:20-27).

I made the same decision years ago about being a missionary, not a mercenary. I’ve never really been motivated by money and never demanded a higher salary in my 50 plus years of ministry. My wife and children have urged me to, and I know other ministers do, but I want to experience God’s miraculous provision. I haven’t been fed by ravens yet (I did accidentally kill a crow with my car recently – didn’t eat it though), but God has always provided more than I’ve needed. I may not have a big nest egg set aside for my declining years but I serve a big God!

“Lord, this verse and chorus from ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus’ says what I feel today: I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, precious Jesus, Saviour, friend; and I know that Thou art with me, wilt be with me to the end. Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er; Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh, for grace to trust Him more!”

June 19 - Finishing Well

 Read today’s texts first: 2 Kings 1-3; Psalms 82; 1 Timothy 1

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY

No matter how you may have faltered in your life to
this point, you can and you must finish strong.

It is an ongoing concern in churches and in theological schools. I used to talk about it almost every day when I was a pastor and Bible college president, preparing Christian leaders to “finish well!” The average throughout history tells us that 70% of leaders will not. My role then was preventative, trying to steer young leaders down the road of faithfulness and consistency. 

Well, it is even more of a concern in a seniors facility. Now, as a chaplain at Buchanan, my role is more redemptive, trying to help older leaders make needed adjustments in their final days on earth. My goal is to reassure these dear saints (the sinners too) that, no matter how they may have faltered during their life, they can still finish strong. It is the theme emerging from our readings today and it will be my message for an upcoming chapel service!

Contrast the kings of Israel with the prophets God sent to help them. Ahab’s life ended badly because he failed to listen to God. Then his son, Ahaziah, did the same thing. In today’s reading, he’s fallen and he can’t get up, literally, so he consults the non-god of Ekron. Word comes to him from Elijah that he will never get up again (his dad and the prophet Micaiah all over again!). “So he died” is his sad legacy (1:17). Compare his ignominious end with Elijah’s big finish. He ended his time on earth literally in a blaze of glory, or more specifically, in a chariot of fire!

Paul’s words to his young protégé sums it up well: Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith (1:18,19). May we all learn from the examples in Scripture, both good and bad, how to fight the good fight, holding on to our faith right to the end.

“Lord, my prayer in this assignment as chaplain is that I will become a model for others on how to finish well!”

June 18 - No Yes Men!

 Read today’s texts first: 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18,19; Colossians 4

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

Surround yourself with godly people who speak the truth even when you may not want to hear it.

I learned this lesson early on in my ministry and it has served me well: “say no to yes men!” (or “yes women” for that matter). Foursquare polity allows for leaders to lead, but that can be dangerous if we surround ourselves with people who always agree just to be agreeable. Leaders who look for those people are often insecure, arrogant, or, as in Ahab’s case, intractable.

Now on the flipside, I don’t look for disagreeable people, because I like to make decisions with full consensus. Making good group decisions requires servant-hearted leaders who have no personal agenda, care more for the good of others, and can clearly hear from God. Micaiah was just such a man, and Ahab wanted nothing to do with him: Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not still a prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of Him?” So the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is still one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the Lord; but I hate him, because he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.” And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say such things!”  (22:7,8).

It’s a funny story, if you don’t mind a violent ending - all the “yes men” prophets lining up to encourage the king, the prepping of Micaiah to make sure he doesn’t spoil the roll they’re on, Micaiah’s tongue-in-cheek prophesy, Ahab asking for the real truth, getting it and not liking it, ignoring him and going to war, disguising himself to avoid being a target, then getting shot by a random arrow between the plates of his armour, and, oh yeah, the dogs licking up his blood just like Elijah prophesied (another prophet Ahab hated!).

“Lord, it’s really not that funny when we become so afraid of the truth that we hide from it and from people who speak it. Help me to always surround myself with godly people who will tell me the truth even when I may not want to hear it.”

June 17 - Set Your Minds

 Read today’s texts first: 1 Kings 20,21; 2 Chronicles 17; Colossians 3

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY

Know God’s Word inside out
because that’s the way we are meant to live! 

As mentioned in yesterday’s journal, God now leads us from the inside out. Our spirit is filled with His Spirit and He shows us how to live. He directs our steps by His Word, which we have hidden in our hearts, and by the nudgings of His Spirit, a.k.a. His still, small voice. So then our spirit dictates how our mind thinks, what attitudes we assume, what words we speak, and what actions we perform with our bodies. We live in this order: spirit, soul, body. But when we lived for ourselves, we tended to live the other way: our body and its appetites dictated what our mind thought and how our heart felt. We lived from the outside in.

Paul is describing that contrast with the image of taking off our old self and putting on our new self (3:9,10). The renewing process involves setting our minds (3:3) or, more accurately, resetting our minds. When I have trouble with my computer, or any electronic device for that matter, my go-to problem-solving technique is pushing the reset button (or the good old “control, alt, delete” on my computer). My time in prayer and in reading God’s Word every day is my spiritual reboot.

Again, today’s parallel readings in the Old Testament illustrate the advantages of letting God direct our steps. Compare Jehoshaphat’s steady and peaceful reign with Ahab’s series of debacles. What a mess! When people ask you how the God of the Old Testament can be so ruthless, have them consider the culture of the day. Corruption, violence, and war was so ingrained that God’s justice required a heavy hand - an eye for an eye. Still His mercy shows up in astounding ways, most notably when Ahab repented (21:27-29). I was thinking, Ahab, really, you actually believe his sackcloth and ashes show. Well God did and God withheld the discipline he most definitely deserved. These moments hint at the merciful nature of God that we read about more often in the New Testament.

The point of these stories is the same as Paul’s message to the Colossians and to us: whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality (3:23-25). “Lord, message received. Today, I reset my mind on the things above - Your agenda is mine!”

June 16 - The Peace of Christ Rules

 Read today’s texts first: 1 Kings 17-19; Colossians 2

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY

God’s still, small voice is better
than a concert with Earth, Wind & Fire! 

Again we see our NT reading illustrated by our OT reading. Paul is warning the Colossian church to ignore “unspiritual” false teachers who try to change behaviour from the outside in, rather than from the inside out (2:16-23). Adding human rules, or enforcing external disciplines, may modify our actions for the short term, but for the long-term, we must change the heart (parents often learn this the hard way). It’s the difference between being “conformed” and being “transformed” (Rom. 12:1). 

Paul is clear: Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence (2:23). If we sneak ahead to tomorrow’s reading (sorry, I’ve read ahead in the past so I know what’s coming), we’ll discover what does work: Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts .... Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly (3:15,16). Tuning in to God’s Spirit brings about transformation and lasting change.

Elijah learned this, even before it was possible for God’s Spirit to live inside of us. I love these stories of Elijah, the power prophet. He specialized in the spectacular, endless food during droughts, raising a widow’s son from the dead, taking on and taunting the 450 prophets of Baal, calling down fire from heaven, then making rain fall on command.

But when things didn’t go his way, Elijah, like Moses, was given to extremes, “Kill me now!” (Actually Moses said that; Elijah said “take my life” - 19:4). So because Elijah was like Moses (they have since become buddies - check out the transfiguration - Matt. 17:3), God told him to climb Mt. Horeb, which is the same as Mt. Sinai, where Moses had his power encounter with God.

But in this moment, God decides to give us a foreshadowing of the way He will eventually lead His people, from the inside out, through His still, small voice. For contrast, He starts with a concert of “Earth, Wind, and Fire:” the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice (19:11,12).

"Lord, while I sometimes wish for a power encounter with You, I know that I learn more about intimacy, trust, and lasting change by listening to Your still, small voice, whispering within my spirit.”

June 15 - If We Continue

 Read today’s texts first: 1 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 15,16; Colossians 1

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY

“The Lord is with you when you are with Him.” 

As we begin Paul’s letter to the church of Colossae, we are reminded of the power of Christ’s completed work, but also of the importance of our free will. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation - if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel (1:21-23). The words “if you continue” are determinative.

Our parallel readings in the Old Testament vividly illustrate this dichotomy. The Kings account gives us insight into Israel’s history with all its instability, king after king, each worse than the one before, from Basha, to Elah, to Zimri, to Omri, to Ahab, all within one chapter, just 12 years (from the end of Basha’s reign to the beginning of Ahab’s, with some overlap).  The catch phrase we see after each one is he did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him did (16:30).

Meanwhile, in 2 Chronicles, we read about Judah’s history during this upheaval in Israel. One king, Asa, who followed God closely for most of his life, ruled peacefully for 36 years. Azariah the prophet told Asa, The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you (15:2). True to his promise, God blessed Asa and all of Judah for the full 36 years he sought God’s will.

But for the last five years of his reign he ignored God, turning instead to a heathen king for protection (16:7,8). He didn’t even turn back to God when he contracted a severe foot disease (16:12). Asa is a classic example of a man who was godly for most of his life, but in the later stages did not finish well. 

“Lord, Your Word says that the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him (16:9). I want that to be said of me right up to the end of my life here on earth!”

June 14 - I Can Do It!

 Read today’s texts first: 1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13,14; Philippians 4

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

The true sign of maturity is not self-sufficiency
but realizing our sufficiency is in God. 

We try to teach our children and their children how to be self-sufficient. That’s a good thing, right? Well it is to a point. I remember cleaning the house, top to bottom, with three young grand kids who were trying to help. Now that’s a classic case of counter-productivity, or more accurately, an exercise in futility! We followed behind them as they cleaned, removing their fingerprints from everything they touched. We also reminded ourselves, although it is more work for us, they are learning to do things for themselves.

The problem is, we also need to teach them how to be dependent on God, at least for the important things in life. They will still have to clean their own bedrooms and eventually their own houses, but for cleaning up their neighbourhoods and their own hearts, they will always need God’s help. It’s good to teach our kids and grand kids to work, pay and play, but even better to pray. And to read their Bibles. Philippians 4:13 is worth teaching them. It has that important “I can do all things” theme that we see in so many kid’s books and TV shows, but with an important addendum: “through Christ who strengthens me!”

Someone should have taught this to Jeroboam. He was such an accomplished military commander that he thought he no longer needed God’s help. When Abijah came at him with half the troops he had and less than half his experience, he was confident they would prevail. In fact, he even threw in the tried and true pincer movement. He must have been laughing at Abijah’s incompetence, allowing his meager army to be surrounded. But he forgot to account for the “God who strengthens them” part.

And when Judah looked around, to their surprise the battle line was at both front and rear; and they cried out to the Lord, and the priests sounded the trumpets. Then the men of Judah gave a shout; and as the men of Judah shouted, it happened that God struck Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah (13:14,15).

“Lord, I can do it, but only with Your help. The true sign of maturity is not self-sufficiency but realizing my sufficiency is in You.”

June 13 - Those Who Are Mature

 Read today’s texts first: 1 Kings 13,14; 2 Chronicles 12; Philippians 3

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY

The world thinks of maturity as realizing our
independence and self-sufficiency.
The opposite is true in God’s Kingdom. 

The mark of maturity is humility. Younger, or older but immature, leaders tend to overcompensate for their insecurities.  Like Rehoboam and Jeroboam, they proudly assert themselves without regard or respect for their followers. We see the same negative traits in the false teachers Paul exposes in his letter to the Philippians (3:2,18-20). But the example of Paul in chapter 3 (4-17), and, better yet, the example of Jesus in chapter 2 (1-11), shows us how mature leaders will model genuine humility. The more we mature, the more humble dependence on God will define our life and our leadership.

Unfortunately, an immature, self-centered leader will hurt more than themselves. We can see how Jeroboam brought his entire kingdom, the ten northern tribes of Israel, under oppression because of his rash decision to create idols: And He will give Israel up because of the sins Jeroboam has committed and has caused Israel to commit (14:16).

The same happened to Judah under Rehoboam: This is what the Lord says, “You have abandoned me; therefore, I now abandon you to Shishak”. The one difference was repentance. Rehoboam and his leaders realized their mistakes: The leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, “The Lord is just.” When the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, this word of the Lord came to Shemaiah: “Since they have humbled themselves, I will not destroy them but will soon give them deliverance.” (12:6,7).

The world thinks of maturity as realizing our independence and self-sufficiency. The opposite is true in God’s Kingdom. Real maturity isn’t evident until there is complete dependence on God and an unwavering reliance on God’s sufficiency. “Lord, I have finally learned how insufficient I am on my own. As an official senior citizen, I may be finally growing up!”

June 12 - Selfish Ambition

 Read today’s texts first: 1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 10,11; Philippians 2

MAXIMize YOUR DAY
 History will only stop repeating itself

when we learn from the mistakes of others. 

If only Rehoboam could have read Philippians 2, or at least had seen the example of Jesus, before splitting God’s chosen people into two competing nations. But wait, we have the completed Bible today and we do the same thing as Rehoboam, over and over again. Pastors, exercising selfish ambition to grow bigger and better ministries, are splitting churches on a daily basis around the world. The solution is so simple, and yet it seems so difficult for immature leaders.

Rehoboam’s first mistake was choosing to listen to the younger leaders instead of experienced elders. We now have a culture that embraces young leaders, with their new ideas and fresh approaches for reaching a changing world. That is a good thing! What is bad is marginalizing the past generation of leaders, dismissing their experience as irrelevant. Old guys like me have learned some invaluable lessons, usually the hard way. History will only stop repeating itself when we learn from the mistakes of others.

His second mistake was exacting sacrifice from his subjects without leading by example. It’s like politicians who promise fiscal restraint and then vote themselves a pay raise as soon as they are elected. And they wonder why they can’t get re-elected! Imagine how people would respond to a politician or pastor who leads the way in reducing spending by taking a personal cut in pay. Leaders who are willing to sacrifice and serve will earn the undying loyalty of their followers.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus (2:3-5).

“Lord, You led us all by Your example of humble service. You, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made [Yourself] nothing, taking the very nature of a servant (2:6,7). I should do no less.”

June 11 - Love Songs

 Read today’s texts first: Song of Solomon 5-8; Philippians 1

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

God created sex, made it pleasurable
and called the marriage bed undefiled. 

I’m not naturally inclined towards poetry. I do like words, so I can rip a rhyme when called upon, but I have trouble understanding or appreciating modern prose with no rhythm or rhyme. The poetry of Solomon’s day is even farther outside my comfort zone. The images seem strange, as you can see from the attached drawing based on Solomon’s descriptions of his “beautiful wife,” Abishag. I don’t think I’ll include any of these verses in my anniversary card to Jan. It’s hard to believe Solomon was a smooth-talking ladies’ man!

But what is worthwhile noting from Song of Solomon is its unique theme. This book’s inclusion in the biblical canon brings spiritual support to the beauty and purity of married love. Some think that Christianity condemns sex and sees it as a necessary evil only for the purposes of procreation. But God created sex, He made it pleasurable, and He called the marriage bed undefiled (Heb. 13:4). Solomon’s graphic description of his lover and their love-making helps us appreciate our spouses and the deep intimacy that can only be found in a godly marriage. Now that’s something I can write in my wife’s card.

“Lord, thank You for the gift of marriage in general and, in particular, my wonderful marriage to Jan.

 I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine” (6:3).

June 10 - Serving the Lord

 Read today’s texts first: Songs of Solomon 1-4; Ephesians 6

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

When what we do is for the Lord,
every task in our day takes on significance. 

The closing words of Ephesians summarizes our calling as believers:  Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men (6:7). The word “vocation” (4:1 KJV) refers to a calling (same root as “vocal”). It can apply to any career, from presidents to pastors to party planners to pipe-fitters. Because you are working for God, not just men, your duties go far beyond planning parties or fitting pipes. You are on assignment as a representative of God and His Kingdom wherever and with whomever you work!

When we choose to live a life worthy of the calling you’ve received (4:1 NIV) we will experience the promises that fill this God-inspired letter. We have been blessed with every spiritual blessing, chosen to be holy and blameless, predestined to be adopted, redeemed by His blood, forgiven, lavished with grace, given wisdom and understanding, made aware of the mystery of his will, chosen according to his plan, and marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit - and that’s just the first half of chapter one.

I love my job. It’s very different from my work during the previous 40 years, but it feels as meaningful as anything I’ve ever done. When what we do is for the Lord, every task in our day takes on significance. Our life stands in stark contrast to the meaninglessness of a life lived without God, described by Solomon in the book we just finished. When we serve God instead of men, He gets involved in our daily routine. The ordinary takes on extraordinary proportions.

Recently we had one of those moments. A woman was sent to our facility from a hospital without any family history that we could confirm. While her words sounded coherent, her medical condition made it difficult for her and for us to separate the truth from her imagination. After prayer with her and each other, a random person walked in, for a completely unrelated reason. “Coincidentally” while touring our facility, she saw the woman and exclaimed, “that's my sister!” These miraculous moments happen often when we work for God!

“Lord, I love working for You. You are my Lord, my God, and my Boss!”

June 9 - Empty Words

 Read today’s texts first: Ecclesiastes 10-12; Psalms 94; Ephesians 5

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY

“A fool is consumed by his own lips. At the beginning his words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness!”

All three of our readings today agree on the power of words, for good or for bad. I just had several significant conversations on the job with residents and their family members. What I read this morning changed the way I handled those moments, and they were no doubt better because I held back my words.

I tend to under-listen and over-talk. I know we have two ears and one mouth for a reason, but when I get caught up in an engaging discussion, I usually jump in with both feet - firmly planted in my mouth. Afterwards, I often regret my empty words and wish I could be more like Kwai Chang Caine of the classic 70’s show, Kung Fu.  Kwai didn’t talk much, but when he did he was like E.F. Hutton (with a half-Chinese accent) - people listened!

Words from a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips. At the beginning his words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness - and the fool multiplies words (10:12-14).

How long will the wicked, O Lord, how long will the wicked be jubilant? They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting. They crush your people, O Lord; they oppress your inheritance (94:3-5).

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.... Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (5:6,7,19-20).

These are wise words about wise words. “Lord, may I speak less and listen more, especially to You. When I finally do talk, may I speak Your wise words, not my own foolishness.”

June 8 The Purposeless Undriven Life

 Read today’s texts first: Ecclesiastes 7-9; Ephesians 4

MAXIMize YOUR DAY
The hope of heaven gives us eternal perspective
and unwavering purpose!

My apologies to Rick Warren and his Purpose Driven Life resources, but we can be sure they don’t contain references to Ecclesiastes. Ephesians maybe - in fact definitely! Reading the two books at the same time offers startling, almost laughable, contrasts. Ephesians inspires us with lofty, soaring images of the church ruling in power side-by-side with our conquering hero, Jesus. Ecclesiastes brings us down with the depressing realities of life on this sin-polluted planet. Both are inspired by God, and the contrast is intentional. The two books together help us understand the difference between a purpose-driven and a purposeless “undriven” life, if there is such a word!

Today’s reading in Ecclesiastes includes one of its more encouraging passages (I speak facetiously): Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun - all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom (9:9,10). I found the perfect Scripture passage to include in my upcoming anniversary card to Jan - not!

Compare the meaninglessness of that passage with the opening verse of our reading in Ephesians: As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received (5:1). Paul, imprisoned in Rome while writing to the church in Ephesus, still finds purpose in his days. No matter what Paul went through - prison, beatings, stonings, you name it - he stayed focused on the assignment Jesus Himself gave him on the road to Damascus.

What is the difference then between the hope level in these two books? I believe it comes down to the difference between a temporal and eternal perspective. Solomon is writing about the futility of this life on earth - period. There is little thought given to rewards beyond what the world can offer. Paul, though, because he had so little to hang on to in this world, was reaching into the future with Jesus and it changes the way we live right now. “Lord, the hope of heaven inspires me to live every day left on planet earth with an eternal perspective and unwavering purpose!”

June 7 To Know His Love

 Read today’s texts first: Ecclesiastes 4-6; Psalms 18; Ephesians 3

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY
Having an eternal perspective becomes possible when the Spirit of God takes up residence in our hearts.

Again, the pessimism in Solomon’s words is almost laughable to an optimist like me: I concluded that the dead are better off than the living. And most fortunate of all are those who were never born. For they have never seen all the evil that is done in our world (4:2,3). This may be the source of the ultimate fighting words: “you’ll wish you had never been born!” As depressing as it may sound, that sentiment is shared by many in our day, almost 3,000 years later. We often hear married couples today say, almost nobly, they’ve decided not to bring children into this troubled world.

Contrast these dark words with the soaring brilliance of our Ephesians passage today: May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope (3:19,20).

The difference between the two? Jesus! Solomon alluded to “eternity in our hearts” (3:11), but that eternal perspective wasn’t fully possible until the Spirit of God took up residence in our hearts. Now, despite the evil still present in our world, we now have the upper hand, and so do our children! When I think of the wisdom and scope of God’s plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit (3:14-16).

Knowing now how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is (3:18), my natural optimism has been infused with supernatural faith! “Lord, Your love has given me confidence to overcome the evil around me, and the hope that my children and grand kids can do the same.”

June 6 - Eternity In Our Hearts

 Read today’s texts first: Ecclesiastes 1-3; Psalms 45; Ephesians 2

MAXIMize YOUR DAY
 As in “The Matrix,” the truth only becomes clear when
we swallow the red pill (believe in the blood of Jesus). 

As an irrepressible optimist, I find the book of Ecclesiastes fascinating. It is so dark and depressing. Everything is meaningless, utterly meaningless! Nothing is new, history repeats itself,  life is just a vicious cycle of pointless activity, chasing after the wind. Some have called Ecclesiastes “the inspired book of error” because it reflects the futility of a life without God. 

But it ends beautifully and powerfully, like a symphony of clashing chords resolving in its final crescendo:  The conclusion, when all has been heard, is - fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person (12:13). Life without the Source of Life is indeed meaningless, but with Him, every moment takes on eternal significance.

There are other excerpts from the book which hint at the final conclusion. God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end (3:11). I believe all of us walking through the mundanity of life have moments when we suspect there must be something more. Like the movie, “The Matrix,” the truth only becomes clear when we swallow the red pill, or in my metaphor, realize the blood of Christ applies to us. When we are born again into His Kingdom, Zion, we suddenly see life, real life, from His perspective.

Eternity is awakened in our hearts and everything begins to take on new meaning. We certainly don’t know everything (1 Cor. 13:12 says we are only seeing the reflection of a darkened mirror), but there is a constant awareness of God at work, as in our other two readings. We begin to feel like a king, the most excellent of men and [our] lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed [us] forever (Psa. 45:2). We get the sense we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Eph. 2:10).

For me, life is the opposite of what is described in most of Ecclesiastes. “Lord, thank You for this promise: Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus (2:4-7).”

June 5 - The Virtuous Woman

 Read today’s texts first: Proverbs 30,31; Psalms 33; Ephesians 1

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY
For those who still believe women shouldn’t be involved in business, church leadership or teaching, both the
Old and New Testaments say you’re wrong! 

After yesterday’s comments on women leaders it’s only fitting to reflect on the Proverbs 31 woman.

The Bible stands alone among ancient writings in its affirmation of women. This is remarkable considering how women were generally devalued during that time in history, especially among middle eastern cultures. Within many of the nations surrounding Israel, women continue to be disrespected, even oppressed. Not so in this beautiful poetic passage.

The virtuous woman is the backbone of her family, bringing support and success to her husband (11,12,23), and tirelessly clothing, feeding, and caring for her children (13-15,21,27,28). Taking care of one’s family is the most noble assignment a person can have. During these past few years, I found as much (maybe more) fulfillment helping my children with their businesses and caring for my grand kids than I ever did leading a college or a church. No one should be apologetic to say their career is being a wife and mother, or husband and father for that matter.

But her work goes beyond these domestic responsibilities. This woman is shrewd in business (16-18,24), generous to the poor and needy (20), and known for her wise instruction (26). For those who still believe women shouldn’t be involved in business, church leadership, or teaching, both the Old and New Testaments say you’re wrong!

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate (30,31). “Lord, I am grateful that You helped me find such a virtuous woman and that we are just 24 days away from celebrating 50 blessed years together!”

June 4 - Paul and Women Leaders

 Read today’s texts first: Proverbs 28,29; Psalms 60; Romans 16

MAXIMize YOUR DAY
 We believe in woman leaders for one reason - God does! 

When I was being interviewed for this job, I was asked how I felt about women leaders. This was a pertinent question as I would be working with a woman chaplain. The answer was easy – it’s a non-issue! I say that not because I’m part of a denomination founded by a woman, nor because it’s the politically correct answer. I’m not a feminist; in fact I believe the agenda to make women the same as men misrepresents women. It certainly misrepresents God, the one who uniquely designed us as male and female. The truth is, I believe in woman leaders for one reason - God does!

Reformers who misunderstand God’s sovereignty because of Romans 9 (ignoring the counterbalance on free will in the next five chapters), also struggle with endorsing women leaders because of two passages in Paul’s writings - 1 Corinthians 14:34,35 and 1 Timothy 2:11-15. They fail to note the specific context of these two letters, the first addressing women disrupting public services, and the second, women spreading the teachings of false prophets. If the context isn’t obvious enough, then our reading in Romans today should convince everyone that Paul, and the Holy Spirit who inspired him, believed in women leaders.

Paul mentions women who worked with him, evangelized with him, taught with him, and led with him ten times in this one short salutation. They include Phoebe, a Deacon (vs. 1,2 - those who think pastors can’t be women because of 1 Tim. 3:2, “husband of one wife”, need to read 3:12 - the same was said of deacons); Priscilla, a church planter and teacher (vs. 3,4); and Junia, an apostle (check it out - v. 7). Women often responded to the gospel first as Paul went from town to town, and he was smart enough to know that if God was calling them to serve and lead in the church, that was good enough for him.

Paul said it best: watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them (v. 17). “Lord, Your Word is clear and I pray that I would never put obstacles in the way of those You are calling to serve through leadership, Jew or Gentile, male or female, old or young” (Acts 2:17,18; Gal. 3:28).

June 3 - Grin and Bear It!

 Read today’s texts first: Proverbs 25-27; Romans 15

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY
 There’s no one more powerful than a praying grandma.

I long suspected it was true but now I know firsthand. Working with seniors has provided me with plenty of evidence to support this theory: as we get older, our attitudes intensify.

If we tend to be self-centered, we will likely become the stereotypical crotchety Mr. Wilson (neighbour to Dennis the Menace). Our world shrinks so we can’t see past our own needs, which, as we get older, become harder to satisfy. “Crotchety” sums it up: demanding, impatient, complaining, intolerant, judgmental, angry, and bitter.

On the other hand, if we care more for others than we do for ourselves, we will become the most endearing, inspirational, influential people on the planet. There’s no one more powerful than a praying grandma. I recently sat beside a dear saint, languishing in a hospital next to a bedside chart overflowing with untreatable problems, who seemed to have no concerns for herself. Everything she needed was met in her vibrant relationship with Jesus. As she sang with us, “God Will Take Care of You,” I believe she was thinking more of her grandson’s safety overseas than she was of her own needs. Her beautiful toothless smile and supernaturally strong singing voice inspired me more than the best sermon I’ve ever heard or preached!

The book of Proverbs is filled with promises for those who care for and give to others. Today, Solomon, with the same inspiration we find in the words of Jesus, took it to a whole new level: If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink (25:21). Our Romans passage says this: We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbour for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself.....Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God (15:1-4,7).

This then is the secret to a happy life, now, through our senior years (if God blesses us with long life), and on into eternity. Grin and bear it, but not in the fake way we normally apply that expression. Smile from the inside out and bear the burdens of others around you. “Lord, You showed me today if that’s the way I want to be when I am old, then I must choose to live that way today!”

June 2 - Fight For Your Right - Wrong!

 Read today’s texts first: Proverbs 22-24; Romans 14

MAXIMize YOUR DAY
Doing the right thing is far better
than asserting my own rights! 

It’s a nonsensical song, but it embodies the philosophy of this generation: “You gotta fight for your right to party!” I’m not sure when the Beastie Boys started having more influence than God’s Word, but the “right to party” flies in the face of both our readings today. It also just so happens to fall well short of the lunch table discussion I had with my work mates!

First, let’s look at Proverbs: Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?” (23:31-35). That’s funny stuff, Solomon! Methinks he spoke from experience!

Next, consider Romans: It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves (14:21,22).

So first of all, drinking to excess leads to more excess. Second, drinking any alcohol at all can become a stumbling block to those who have spiraling addictions. Prior to reading either of these passages, I had a fascinating discussion with some Salvation Army officers who laid down their rights to drink for the sake of the alcoholics they were trying to help. That’s the spirit of Jesus, who as God had the right to do anything He wanted. Instead, He laid down His rights as God and then laid down His life for us.

Sorry to be a party pooper Beastie “Boys” but I would rather follow “The Man!” I’d rather grow up than throw up! Real love, personal sacrifice, true selflessness is worth fighting for. “Lord, I’m grateful for all the role models in my life who’ve helped me understand that doing the right thing is far better than asserting my rights!”