Change Tactics?

Jehoash said to the priests, “All the money of the holy things that is brought into the house of the Lord, the money for which each man is assessed—the money from the assessment of persons—and the money that a man’s heart prompts him to bring into the house of the Lord, let the priests take, each from his donor, and let them repair the house wherever any need of repairs is discovered.” But by the twenty-third year of King Jehoash, the priests had made no repairs on the house. Therefore King Jehoash summoned Jehoiada the priest and the other priests and said to them, “Why are you not repairing the house? Now therefore take no more money from your donors, but hand it over for the repair of the house.” So the priests agreed that they should take no more money from the people, and that they should not repair the house. (2 Kings 12:4–8)

The first idea to collect money and have the priests use it to repair the house of the Lord did not work. Therefore, the king switched the method. It doesn’t seem like a big change, but it pleased the Lord who worked in the hearts of the people to give generously. Then instead of the priests, masons and stonecutters and other “honest” workmen did the repairs with that money and, “The money from the guilt offerings and the money from the sin offerings was not brought into the house of the Lord; it belonged to the priests.” (2 Kings 12:16)

Clarity in the church budget is vital. We attend a church that is totally transparent with donations. The amazing result is not only generous giving but a congregation that trusts the leadership. Our budget meetings last mere minutes and rarely have any questions from anyone, never negative or in protest.

From the account above, I see the importance of abandoning that common reasoning that says, “This is the way I always did it’ and be willing to change how I do things. If something does not work, it is perfectly okay to try a different way. In fact, one definition of insanity says it is a pattern of repetitive behavior that leads to stagnation or failure, rather than realizing changing outcomes requires altering one's actions, mindsets, or strategies. 

Lord, this is timely. I’ve an issue where I need to change something that is not giving the results expected because of the way I’ve done it. So now need wisdom from You regarding what to change. Thank You for Your promise to give wisdom to all who ask for it. I’m waiting on You. 
  

The heart of wisdom

Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven, and said, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart; you have kept with your servant David my father what you declared to him. You spoke with your mouth, and with your hand have fulfilled it this day. Now therefore, O Lord, God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father what you have promised him, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me.’ Now therefore, O God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you have spoken to your servant David my father. “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you this day, that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place. (1 Kings 8:22–29)

It did not take long for God's answer to Solomon’s request for wisdom. The rest of this prayer is essentially the Gospel, requesting forgiveness for His people when they sin and asking guidance for life.

I seldom hear prayers like this. Too often request are made for health, prosperity, and comfort. These days, many Christians do not want to be sick, needy, or in distress, even though it is trials that we grow. Prayer requests are often for relief from trials even though the NT says:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. . . . Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:2–12)

After 30+ moves and many changes in life, it seems that change is often feared because it requires learning how to manage new circumstances. In other words, wanting to continue to control life rather than be plopped into something new that cannot be controlled by self-effort. This means that God must be trusted, even though running life my own way fits His description of sin:

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6) 

In the wisdom God gave him, Solomon realized that going his own way would be contrary to God's way. He eventually failed some of those tests too, just like the rest of us, but would I even know the extent of my sin if the circumstances of life did not test my loyalty to God?

Lord Jesus, You gave Solomon the wisdom to know how much he needed You and to pray this prayer. I’m feeling a great need for wisdom too. I don’t know what trials lie ahead, today or in future days, but whatever comes, I want the to deal with it Your way and not my own. “Let my heart therefore be wholly true to You, Lord our God, walking in Your statutes and keeping Your commandments, as at this day.” (1 Kings 8:61)

Wisdom Needed

 

Since realizing I’ve a touch of both ADHD and autism, I can see more clearly how these affect life. For one thing, people with autism tend to not read other people very well, so some of them will over-analyze in the attempt to understand. I do that, yet for a long time thought that meant I was understanding others. But much research and making a long list of possibilities is not the same as getting it right. 

This also explains the difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowing a lot of facts is not the same as knowing what to do with that information. Wisdom goes farther and becomes action. 

Proverbs states this difference many times and the NT gives this example:

Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. (1 Corinthians 8:1–3)

Being filled with information about any topic could make me an expert in that topic, yet “expert” is sometimes humorously defined as ex means a “has-been” and “pert” means “a drip under pressure.” The above verse says why this is likely — knowledge can puff me up. 

Puff is from a Greek word that means to inflate, be proud, arrogant, haughty. Not at all like Jesus, even though He knows all things. In other words, if I make ‘gathering information’ my goal in life, I will mess with God’s goal of transforming me into the image of His Son. However, because of what Jesus has done, wisdom is available to me. All I have to do is ask God for it:

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5)

This morning I read a prayer that could sound like autism, but certainly sounds like humility. The author tells of matters that confuse him then asks God to show him the difference between a healthy costly investment in people’s lives versus an unhealthy entanglement and becoming enmeshed. He knows he should love as Jesus loves, but sometimes does not know what that looks like. I can relate to this request. He asks for wisdom to discern the difference between rightly validating the emotions of others and trying to “fix” them rather than love them. I relate to this also.

He also asks for wisdom about his own emotions. His list is not the same as mine, yet I also wonder why some things frustrate me one day and not the next, or not today but will tomorrow. He asks for help to listen to others and understand, rather than rushing to judgment or rush out of their story too fast.

PRAY: Dear Lord, just knowing You will give wisdom to those who ask is such a comfort. However, too often my pride gets in the way and I fumble with making a search for more knowledge only to wind up with a to-do list of choices rather than Your wise choice. I am so thankful for this reminder that You grant wisdom freely and generously. I do long for the time when terror is terrified and there will be no more tears, or brokenness or barrenness, or  heartaches or even heartburn, and no more human trafficking or even human tooth decay, no more war or even aggravation, no more evil or even envy, no more poverty or even pouting, and no more “not yet,” “not enough,” or “not now.” Those things I know and understand to be my hope. Grant me the wisdom to live in what are now the perplexities and negatives of this current life along with my current tests and trials. May You grant me the knowledge I need and the wisdom to know what to do with it, but most of all the grace to obey whatever You say to me. Amen.

Why I need to pray without ceasing

 

Yesterday’s devotions gave me much to think about my reasons for praying. While the reading said those who don’t pray miss out on God's promises, I know that is not true. If it was, then my salvation depends on me. Instead, regular prayer is evidence of trusting God. It also builds that relationship. The more I communicate with Him, the better I understand Him and the more He teaches me about myself.

A bit of research on the reason for prayer first said that perseverance in prayer, even when facing delays or silence, is often the way God uses to deepen faith, foster spiritual growth, and strengthen my relationship with God. 

The Bible agrees and so do I. Perseverance says “I trust You.” However, giving up suggests backsliding and a lack of dependence on God. Any time that I’ve been slack about prayer, my faith suffers, but if I am praying, my faith deepens. Part of it is feeling closer to God, just as communication with anyone draws two people closer to each other. 

Many assume that prayer is about asking for and receiving what we want or need. Jesus did say:

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:7–11)

Yet in these words, I see prayer being more about discovering God’s goodness and wisdom than it is about getting what I want. It is also about learning to trust His timing, and therefore developing perseverance, a quality that applies to most of life. Perseverance comes when I don’t get answers. James describes the process but adds another value in prayer:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:2–8)

While trials boost my prayer life, they also produce perseverance plus a desire for God’s wisdom. Thinking of the situations in the world that stress me, the closer I am to God in prayer, the more apt I am to be wise about what He is doing, rather than struck with horror at it all.

The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. (Deuteronomy 29:29)

Drawing near to God in prayer and listening to Him helps me respond to life because of what He tells me. It puts me in teachable mode. This is far better than not praying and being overcome with distress and fear, or remaining in ignorance.

The NT says, “Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and be open to God’s will. I might not get what I expect, but staying close to Him in conversation helps me see He is good and that all He does is for my good and His glory. 

PRAY: Jesus, I cannot pray well using a keyboard, but it does push me in the right direction. This day brings new challenges and I need to hear from You to meet those challenges with faith and wisdom. Thank You for Your Word and for always being near to speak with me.

  

God only wise…

What a great vanity for a glow-worm to boast that is as full of light as the sun — leaving its proper place only to fall into confusion and thicken its own darkness. This is God's lesson again,  another instruction in the folly of thinking I can run my own life in even the least dimension without needing the wisdom of God. Such epitome of pride.

Charnock jolts me by saying how humans, by pushing the wisdom of God aside in Eden, got a crack in the head which has continued more than five thousand years. And we can feel so secure with our heads, not realizing they do not work as our Creator intended.

You felt secure in your wickedness; you said, “No one sees me”; your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray, and you said in your heart, “I am, and there is no one besides me.” (Isaiah 47:10)

To be guided by my wisdom is to be led by a blind leader, even to follow a traitor and enemy to God and ourselves. My prudence often proves hurtful to me as it fails even when I thought I was okay and had no idea that my glowing was that of a mere bug in the scheme of things.

Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? (1 Corinthians 1:20)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. (Proverbs 3:5–8)

To fear the Lord and depart from evil is inconsistent with my conceit of my own wisdom, and totally inconsistent with trusting in the Lord with all my heart. It is God-playing to trust my own wit as if it were equal with or superior to the wisdom of God. The only solution God gives:

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. (1 Corinthians 3:18)

The true way to wisdom is to be sensible of my own weakness, and it is not merely dropping the comparison but realizing there is no comparison. Since the fall, human wisdom is the wisdom of the serpent without the innocence of the dove. It flows from self-love, runs into self-interest. It is the wisdom of the flesh, and a choice — when I cannot bother with God, but do my own thing. But my ‘best’ wisdom is imperfect, a mere nothing and vanity. How even dare I compare myself in any way with God? If a holy and innocent wisdom is to be had, I must fill my empty well from His pure fountain.

The OT speaks that even if “many years teach wisdom, it is the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes us understand. It is not the old who are wise, nor the aged who understand what is right.” (Job 32:7–9) Even a child can be a vessel for the wisdom of God.

The NT affirms: “We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20)

PRAY: Such shame to think that I can do anything apart from seeking Your face and mind. It is through Your precepts I get understanding and how I learn to hate every false way. Whatsoever comes from You is always wise. All that You do in this world is wise, good, righteous; because You are essentially wise, good and righteous. And the gospel is evidence of our folly — for if You told me Your Son should be crucified, I would think it cruel and unjust. How can goodness and the only One who kept the law die for those who violate it? Yet as Your wisdom unravelled Your plan, You show the marvel of how You put together justice and mercy, love and wisdom, no matter how absurd it appeared to the ‘whacked in the head’ reasoning of humans, me included. Put my foolish pride where it belongs. Replace it with greater reliance on You, including the things I think I can handle without You. And to the only wise God be glory, through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

Struggling to be Holy

 

Each day brings new problems. Not only do I want God’s will for solutions, but I wonder about the nature and the reasons for whatever happens. I realize this could be human curiosity, even sinful seeking for gossipy tidbits, but my heart deeply wants to know how to pray. Understanding people starts with understanding myself, yet I know that not everyone thinks the same, nor do they interpret others the same.

An example recently revealed that friends we see as open and transparent are not viewed like that by others. It came out when these friends withheld information from those they do not trust and were  viewed as secretive, even deceptive and called liars, which is not true. Guesses and conjecture. I’m beginning to realize why some say their relationships are ‘complicated’ and difficult to manage.

Hubby and I discuss issues like this one and conclude that many problems are God’s to solve. I have no idea how to let a person know that they are not trusted and told everything. How does anyone tell another person that their inability to listen is off-putting, or that laughing at a sad story is hurtful, or that always talking about themself makes listeners feel belittled. Conviction of sin is not my job. This is what God says to me today:

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. (1 Peter 1:14–19)

The word ‘holy’ means having superior moral qualities yet goes beyond that as possessing divine qualities in contrast with what is human. God is unlike us, “other than” and beyond our goodness. He is described in the Bible in understandable terms, yet His fullness goes beyond familiar words.

I am reading “The Existence and Attributes of God” by Stephan Charnock that attempts to make known the realities of who God is in this lengthy, two-volume set. It is incredibly convicting as it describes the contrast between God’s thinking and human understanding. It also clearly describes the  difference between being Spirit-filled and living according to our old nature.

Charnock is convicting, but God is using his book to help me figure out why I do things and why other people do things. Sometimes the fleshy old nature is subtle and many Christians do not realize what makes them tick, never mind what makes others tick. However, in puzzling relationships, Charnock’s explanations are helping me know how to pray when I see any Christian conformed to the world and seem without the discernment to realized this as a problem.

God calls His people to a life of entire consecration and perfect trust. We must come out from the world and be separate, setting our minds and affections on heavenly things, not on earthly ones. Jesus said I must seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, surrendering every thing that would interfere with this, and walk through the world as Christ walked — with His mind and His tenderhearted kindness for one another, forgiving them as God forgave us. I am to return good for evil, seek the honor of others and not stand up for my own rights. I must be kind, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ’s sake, has forgiven me. I must be gentle, meek, and yielding, not standing up for my own rights but for the rights of others. I must do everything not for my own glory but for the glory of God. This means I’m to be holy as God is holy, not like the world but like Jesus.

PRAY: In all the messes around me, I hear You telling me to keep my eyes on You, to be like You when confronted, or when others are walking in the flesh and expect me to get on their side. You always know what to say to those whose attitude is sinful. I don’t. So far, I can see such problems, pray for them, but am anxious that my sinful flesh does not pop up and harshly tell them they are in error. You show me in such kind ways and do not shame me when I act foolishly, so this is a hard place to be. Teach me to do and say the best thing when it is needed, and help me to keep my mouth shut when there is nothing You want me to do besides fervently praying.

Trusting God in all things…

 
Last night, every prayer request involved situations over which none of us have any control or ability or even ideas about what to do. They involved broken relationships, lack of opportunities, and others making poor or even dangerous decisions. Today’s devotional is about letting go of our possessions, yet this and those prayer requests require the same attitude — total trust in God.

Broken relationships prompted: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.” (Malachi 4:5–6) God is able to turn hearts even in these days of split families and feuds between people and nations. While I am responsible to live at peace with those in my life, there is nothing I can do that will change the wars in the world or bring peace between fathers and children. Surely we need to trust the Lord God to change things.

Lack of opportunities can involve everything from wanting a job, wanting a new car, to wanting a husband. Waiting on the Lord does not mean sitting and waiting for the phone to ring, yet in human searching for changes or new things, the doors can be repeatedly closed. My best efforts do not automatically mean success. Writers can send book proposals to dozens of editors. Skilled workers can submit resumes to dozens of employers. People can belong to several match-making groups yet still be disappointed. God must be trusted to open doors.

Paul and Silas were in jail — praying, singing and worshiping God. They did not look for a way to escape yet…

Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. (Acts 16:26)

Even then, the opportunity was not for escape but to lead the jailer and his household to faith in Jesus Christ. We have an Almighty God who can open literal doors as well as doors of opportunities to do His will.

As for decision making, He says:

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5–8)

This is an incredible promise even though it comes with a caveat; I must ask in faith that God will answer. Why do I need to be certain? Because God’s answers are often not what I expect. What if I wanted wisdom for buying a new car and He told me not to buy a car at all? What if I wanted wisdom for other choices and His choice was not on my list? This happens, and I must not let my I-wants clash with His wisdom because, as these verses say, my I-wants will mess with my faith. When they are strong, I tend to assume they come from God and make me think He will do whatever I want. Again, this calls for prayer but also a plea to be yielded to the will of God and to whatever He knows is best for me. And this is how I can pray for others — for wisdom and faith, both from God and given by His goodness.

PRAY: Lord, each day is filled with choices, never mind prayer needs that I cannot begin to do anything about, even pray specifically for because I don’t know what You want done in many situations. Surely I need wisdom in prayer as well as in taking action. Grant this to me today for all decisions, including what I need to do and what I need to avoid. May Your will be done in my life and in the lives of the people in my heart and in my prayers. And as I prayed yesterday, guide me in what to give away and what You want me to hold unto.

Bloom where I am planted . . .

 

READ 2 Chronicles 1–4

Solomon teaches a spiritual principle about having a godly ambition that results in success, no matter what a person is doing. When he became king, God asked him:

“Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said to God, “You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place. O Lord God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?”

This was a godly answer. The Lord was pleased and said, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.” (2 Chronicles 1:7–12)

Imagine hearing that offer. Most would go for personal greatness of some sort, but Solomon was not thinking about selfish gain. His mind was on the task that fell to him, the task of leading a nation. He wanted to govern well for their sake. By this request, God gave him far more than he asked.

My tasks are not so grand; I make quilts, mostly to give to others. The latest project was a challenge and I prayed about every step. I wanted it to be well done and express God’s love to the person who would receive it. God heard my requests. When I look at the finished quilt, I can hardly believe that I made it and must glorify God for the result; any skill was His doing.

Principle: no matter the task that God places in my life, asking Him to bless me with whatever is needed to do that task for His honor and glory makes a difference. His hand in my to-do list not only draws me closer to Him as I pray, the work itself will be a surprise, even to the point of feeling detached from it, as if I didn’t do it.

I don’t know how Solomon felt as he watched the house of God go up, but he did say at the beginning:

The house that I am to build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods. But who is able to build him a house, since heaven, even highest heaven, cannot contain him? Who am I to build a house for him, except as a place to make offerings before him? (2:5–6)

This is an attitude of detachment. It is not about Solomon but about God. This man willingly asked God for a helper, a man “skilled to work in gold, silver, bronze, and iron, and in purple, crimson, and blue fabrics, trained also in engraving, to be with the skilled workers who are with me . . . .” and asked for “cedar, cypress, and algum timber from Lebanon” for he knew whatever God gave would be amazing. He did not mind sharing the task either, for it was not for himself but for God’s glory.

The helper God sent said: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who made heaven and earth, who has given King David a wise son, who has discretion and understanding . . . .” (2:12–13) He recognized the source of Solomon’s wisdom.

God then blessed him with whatever timber he needed and its delivery. The house was lined with gold and had carved cherubim on the walls. The altar was bronze. Every detail was beautiful as well as functional and most of it was overlaid with gold. His helper also made the pots, the shovels, and the basins. All the vessels were gold — the snuffers, basins, dishes for incense, and fire pans, the sockets of the temple, the inner doors to the Most Holy Place and the doors of the nave of the temple. The result of asking for wisdom was amazing!

Whatever I do does not compare to the temple in glory, yet God wants me to follow Solomon’s example, whether I am making a quilt, baking a cake, visiting a shut-in, writing a text or this blog, or answering the phone. He says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

All of life is an opportunity to glorify the Author of Life. Doing everything with this attitude is blessed, and the results are far more surprising and wonderful than merely doing something for personal gain, or even just doing it because it needs to be done, like eating and drinking.

And all of this makes me realize how slow I am to learn and remember the truths of God, and to simply bloom where He plants me.