Author: BJ Armstrong

People will never change, according to Morgan Housel.  In his book, Same As Ever, he illustrates over and over that people are primarily driven by greed and fear.  They never change.  But, I am a Christian.  “I can change,” I think.  “I have been changed,” I demand.  These answer come without much thought.  Is it true, that we are changed?

Today, we are reading about Haggai. He enters the story some 60 years after the Israelites were released from Babylon.  Remember Babylon?  The city was known for its debauchery.  Under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonians fought and “besieged Jerusalem.” “Nebuchadnezzar carried away all the treasures from the Lord’s Temple and the royal palace. He stripped away all the gold objects that King Solomon of Israel had placed in the Temple. King Nebuchadnezzar took all of Jerusalem captive, including all the commanders and the best of the soldiers, craftsmen, and artisans—10,000 in all. Only the poorest people were left in the land.”  (2 Kings 24:10-14). But, they would not be there forever.  The book of Ezra begins the next chapter, where King Cyress allows the Israelites to return to Jerusalem.  Specifically, he released them to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple of the Lord.  Behind the scenes, God was stirring the hearts of the priests and Levites and the leaders of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple of the Lord. Ezra 1:5.  So they went.  But, they did not rebuild the temple.  Haggai has something to say about it.

Here’s what happened.  The Jews returned to Jerusalem so that they could rebuild the Temple, but the city was in ruins.  If they were going to do this work, they needed places to live.  God graciously gave them the gift of time.  And they took it.  They built lavish houses, planted bountiful fields, feasted together, and dressed themselves exquisitely (Haggai 1:4-6).  Now, 60ish years later, God reminds them that he would like his temple rebuilt.  “Not yet,” the people respond.  The time has not yet come (Haggai 1:2).  The people were greedy.  Some things never change.  Housel is right that people will always be greedy.  What about fear?

Rebuilding God’s temple was monumental work.  How could they ever build this temple the way Solomon did?  It would take forever! Plus, he was the wealthiest man that ever lived, and these were tough times for the Jews.  Remember, that they had been enslaved and their land destroyed? These reminders created fear for the Israelites. Fear told them they were unworthy. Fear said they are not capable.  But it was not true.  God stepped in.  He asked them to be strong.  Work, for I am with you, declares the Lord of hosts. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not (Haggai 2:4-6).  Looks like Housel is right.  Well, partly right.

The Israelites made a choice.  They were able to defer their greed and overcome their fears through the power of the Lord.  Without God, we remain with our current thinking, we are not transformed by His power, and we are forever subject to our humanity of greed and fear.

Daniel 1-3, Psalm 88, John 17

Triggered: an emotional/psychological reaction caused by something that somehow relates to an upsetting time or happening in someone’s life, often when someone gets offended, gets their feelings hurt or people with strong victimization.

There are lots of things that trigger us.  Just say the words “I love Donald Trump” in a crowded restaurant and you will see what I mean.  Heck, maybe you get triggered because other people get triggered.

We are most likely to be triggered when we are afraid.  Think of triggered as the “flight or fight” response.  It starts with adrenaline and cortisol.  Our breathing becomes rapid and our hearts beat faster.  This is when we begin to sweat and our eyes dilate to broaden our field of vision.  The effects of fear on the mind are a little harder to discern, but they are very real.  Our mind becomes singularly focused.  We can only see the threat.  All of our brain power is directed toward one thing, relief.  How do we get out of this, fast!  Unfortunately, that often leads to poor decisions.

It’s easy to see in hindsight.  My reactions and responses when I am triggered are less than Godly.  Fear eliminates my big picture view.  Thankfully, there is a better way.  Consider Daniel.  King Nebechadnezer’s men came in, ready to kill him.  Yet, Daniel did not respond in fear.  In the moment, he was given power.  Not super human strength or mystical pwers like we expect, no, Daniel was given the power of peace.  How do we know?  Daniel 2:14 says that “Daniel handled the situation with wisdom and discretion.”  Do you know what that means?  It means that he was not overcome with fear.  He did not respond with adrenaline, rapid breathing, sweating and a narrow focus.  Instead, he was broadly focused.  He immediately saw the bigger picture.

What is it that separates Daniel from the rest of us?  Why do we get triggered and he gets peace?  The answer is simple.  Daniel first set his heart upon God, then  he allowed his mind to be governed by the Holy Spirit, and finally, he submitted his will.

 

Ezekiel 37-39, Psalm 87, John 13

Gathered around the table, Jesus is talking to his disciples.  “One of you will betray me.”  He says.   The disciples looked at each other, wondering who he was talking about.  But it wasn’t that simple.  The disciples were struck with fear.  Matthew 26:22 presents them as “greatly distressed.”  In their worry, each man asked Jesus, “Is it I?”

instinctively, the disciples knew their hearts were fickle.  They could, at any moment, fail Jesus.  But that only explains part of it.  In a moment the disciples reaffirmed their hearts, clarifying their motives and commitment.  Having satisfied their inner turmoilI, they ask Jesus ‘Is it I,” with confidence.  Its as much a statement of ‘It is not I.’

It is easy for me to forget that this conversation occurs during the Last Supper, right in the middle of communion.  Can you imagine passing the elements at church and the Pastor says, “one of you…?”  The direct question brings to the fore my own betrayal.  The things I have done, the words I have said and the longings of my heart lay out before me.  My guilt overwhelms and is quickly followed by shame.  Thankfully, this not an ending, it is a beginning.   Like the disciples,  when I affirm my faith in Him I find hope.  One step farther takes me to his sacrifice.  Through it, I am justified.

 “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:26-28 (ESV)

 

Ezekiel 19-21, Psalm 84, John 7

In almost every circumstance, I am thinking of where I would rather be.  If I’m at work, I’d rather be at home.  I’d rather be at my desk when I’m in a meeting, and when I’m at home, I’d rather be at the lake.  Thinking about it now,  I see it’s foolishness.  The places I’d rather be are not very thoughtful.  If they were, maybe my rathers would look more like the Psalmist in Psalms 84.

His thoughtful approach starts by considering the dwelling place of the Lord.  ‘Lovely,’ he calls it.  We see quickly that he would rather be in the dwelling place of God.  My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord, he says. (v2)

Quickly determining the value of one day in the Lord’s courts, the Psalmist understands that he would rather spend one day there, than thousands elsewhere (v10).

Finally, the Psalmist compares the many options he has before him and determines that he would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of God (v10), than

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than live the good life in fine homes amongst the wicked (v10).

There is no doubt that today we will find ourselves longing for a place that we would rather be.   Setting our minds on the dwelling place of the Lord will be a good start.

Ezekiel 7-9, John 3

Among the most terrifying stories in the Bible show up in today’s reading, Ezekiel 7-9.  It starts with God declaring that “the end is upon you!” ‘Now,’ He continues, “you will get my anger; I will judge you, I will punish you, and I will not spare you or have pity.”  If you have the audacity to keep reading, you will see doom, wrath, anger, judgment, violence, wickedness, pestilence, shame, and terror.

Reading through the horrifying list of proclamations against mankind has me looking for an out.  Should I fall on my knees?  Just ask forgiveness?  ‘Just give me a minute, God, to explain myself.  There is a perfectly good reason for all of this…’  But it is too late.  There is no more time for excuses.  The executioners have gathered near (EZ 9:1)

There are a few, however, that will survive the wrath.  Who are they?  How do you separate those who truly love God from those who just want a get-out-of-jail-free card?  God has a way.

“Put a mark on the foreheads of the men that sigh and groan.”  God cuts straight to the heart with this directive.  Instead of saying, mark the men who ask for help, or mark the men who beg for mercy, he wants the ones that sigh and groan.  The others are too easily masked by desperation.  We will do anything when we are desperate.  Mostly, we don’t feel guilty until we are caught.  In these cases, we have one thing in mind.  Ourselves.   We will do whatever it takes to save our butts.  I will say anything, do anything, and promise anything.  God knows this.

To root out the committed, He implemented a simple test that examines the character of men’s’ hearts.  Do they sigh and groan?  Do you know what that feels like?  Psalm 119:53 describes it as  “Hot indignation [that] seizes me, because of the wicked.” And, “My eyes shed streams of tears” because they ignore you (Psalm 119:136).  Those are both outward manifestations of pain, deep inside.  It’s not physical pain; it’s heartbreak.  It’s the kind of pain that drives us to our knees. Helpless, distressed, and desperate.  Matthew Henry says it this way: those who will receive the mark  “sigh in themselves as men in pain and distress, cry to God in prayer, as men in earnest, enormities that were abominations to God.”  Those last words get to it, “abominations to God.”  What are the marked so sick over?  The destruction of beauty, the eradication of love, and the elimination of hope.  These are the hallmarks of God himself.

Only one question remains.  Will you be receiving the mark?

Obadiah, Jeremiah 40-42, Psalm 147, 1 Peter 5

I recently had occasion to look at Louis Vuitton purses.  Yes, they are known for their style and elegance, but maybe more well known for their ridiculous prices.  As such, many people will do whatever it takes to carry one on their arm.  “Whatever it takes” means that many people will fake it.  That’s right, not every purse you see with the Louis Vuitton logo is made by Louis Vuitton.  Many of these fakes seem so real that it takes a trained eye to detect them.  This is exactly what the apostle Paul is helping us understand today in 1 Peter 1:5-11.  Just like designer handbags, there are many people that want all the benefits of faith without paying the price.

Would you like to know if your faith is real?  Paul begins this scripture with one simple way to be sure.  He says that we need to add virtue to our faith.  Other versions use the words ‘moral excellence’ and ‘character’ in place of virtue.  These are the outward appearance of our inward faith.  The Greek translations use words like purity and modesty to define them.  Of course, the full reflection of our faith requires more than just virtue.  Paul adds self-control, steadfastness, Godliness, brotherly affection and love to the list.  As I read through that list, I hear the word obedience in the back of my head.  Now, that’s not a word that I like to use, but I cannot think of a better description.  In other words, Paul is telling us that obedience, as displayed through our virtue, self-control, steadfastness, Godliness, brotherly affection and love, is the outward proof of our faith.  As we consider that truth, we must consider how these traits manifest themselves in our own lives.  In addition, are they growing?

Paul hits us between the eyes in verse 9.  He clearly states that these are traits that need to be developed.  In other words, they need to be growing, continually.  This is where it gets hard.  If they are not growing, Paul exhorts us that we have forgotten about the gift given us by Jesus.  Let me say it very directly, if these traits are not growing in your life, you have no faith.  Ouch!

No, I don’t like thinking that maybe I have put my faith on hold.  No, I don’t like to be reminded that sometimes I get off track, taking my life into my own hands.  Why?  Because it puts me face to face with inauthentic faith.  Thankfully, I have been created by a loving God who relentlessly pursues a relationship with me.  Paul gets it right in verse 4.  He says, “by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire” 2 Peter 1:4 (ESV).  There it is, God makes us authentic.  In fact, he promises authenticity to those who believe.  I don’t know of any other response to becoming authentic, than praise and worship.  Thank you Lord, for doing for me what I am not capable of doing for myself.

 

Jeremiah 30-33, 1 Peter 1

1 Peter 1:13 (ESV) Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ

 

Sober (nḗphō) – properly, to be sober (not drunk), not intoxicated; (figuratively) free from illusion, i.e. from the intoxicating influences of sin (like the impact of selfish passion, greed, etc.).

3525 /nḗphō (“be sober, unintoxicated”) refers to having presence of mind (clear judgment), enabling someone to be temperate (self-controlled). 3525 /nḗphō (“uninfluenced by intoxicants”) means to have “one’s wits (faculties) about them,” which is the opposite of being irrational.

 

Sober minded is not just about not being drunk on drugs or alcohol.  Many, many things intoxicate us.  Anxiety, lust and greed are a few.  The Greek dictionary includes things like dreaming and fantasies (illusions).  What do these things have in common?  They all have the ability to intercept every good thought, impairing our judgement.

Sobriety gives us presence of mind.  Only when present, are we able to set our hope fully on the grace of Jesus Christ.  The result is sincere brotherly love.  This love is exactly what Peter is calling us to when he says “Prepare your minds for action.”  Earnest love that flows from a pure heart (v22).

Father, reveal to us the things that intoxicate us.  Show us the thoughts and activities that consume our minds so that we can be sober-minded and put all our hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world 1 Peter 1:13 (NLT).

 

Jeremiah 14-16, Psalm 76, 2 Corinthians 13

When was the last time you were on an airplane?  Were you afraid?  Of course not.  That is probably because the risk is so very low.  In fact, the International Air Transport Association documents just one accident for every 2.1 million flights.  That’s a great record!  It does not come by accident.  That jumbo jet that took you safely to the beach was subject to very careful examination.  The most basic happens every 500 flight hours.  Then, it gets a little more detailed every 18 months, and finally, every 4-5 years, experts examine every fastener, nut, wire, hinge, and component.  Each of these parts must be tested to ensure its quality, durability, and ability to perform the operation it was designed for.

Obviously, Paul knew nothing about inspecting airplanes.  He did, however, know a think or two about our hearts.  These need examination, too, he says.  “Examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5).  What exactly are we examining?  Everything.  That includes our actions and behaviors, thoughts, mindsets, relationships, possessions, desires, and our health.  Examination is not enough though.  We must also test.  Inevitably, we will find things that do not fit with our faith.  These need to be repaired, maintained, or fully replaced.  Many things, we hope, will pass the test.  These are the ones that provide proof, first-hand evidence, that Jesus is in you.

Sure, testing and examination is tough, scary work.  But it is worth it.  Done right, we will safely arrive at our final destination.  We might even enjoy the ride.

Jeremiah 1-4, Psalm 130, 2 Corinthians 9

They did not say, Where is the Lord?  Jeremiah 2:6 (ESV)

It is easy in our grief, challenges, and wantonness to ask, ‘where is the Lord?’  These are opportunities to cry out, chances to seek a power greater than what we can attain on our own in this world.  The question comes in the most dire of circumstances.  Sometimes.  But what if it doesn’t come?

It happens more than you think.  We grumble and complain about our lives but do not ask, ‘Where is the Lord.’  We wander in the mire of broken relationships and ruined circumstances but refuse to inquire ‘where is the Lord?’

Perhaps your life is different.  Maybe you have riches and influence.  You live in the land of fruitfulness and bounty, but you still do not ask, ‘where is the Lord?’  You choose, instead, to ignore Him and waste your time on worthless idols.

Today, whethere in want, or in plenty, there is one thing that can satisfy our deepest longing and our greatest need.  That is to know right here, right now, in these circumstances, ‘where is the lord?’

2 Kings 21, 2 Chronicles 33, Psalm 71, 2 Corinthians 3

There is something odd about reading 2 Kings vs 2 Chronicles today.  Both are an account of King Manasseh, but they are different.  In reading 2 Kings, you would believe that all hope is lost.  Manasseh was full of evil.  The account in 2 Kings mentions mass murder, then his death.  You would think that this is the story of another hopeless king.  But that is not true, 2 Chronicles tells the rest of the story.

As we see in 2 Chronicles, Manasseh’s evil has consequences.  The Lord allowed him to be captured, bound with chains and taken to Babylon. This should have been the end for him, but it wasn’t.  Instead, Manasseh does a curious thing.  He repents.

But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors.  2 Chronicles 33:12 (NLT)

The best part of the story comes next.  How exactly would you expect God to handle an evil, mass-murdering leader?

And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request. So the Lord brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the Lord alone is God!  2 Chronicles 33:13 (NLT)

That’s one powerful prayer! We don’t learn much about it from 2 Chronicles, except that Manasseh turned to God, humbly.  I imagine that much of his prayer mirrored that of David’s from Psalm 71.  Consider the first five verses:

O Lord, I have come to you for protection;

don’t let me be disgraced.

Save me and rescue me,

for you do what is right.

Turn your ear to listen to me,

and set me free.

Be my rock of safety

where I can always hide.

Give the order to save me,

for you are my rock and my fortress.

My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked,

from the clutches of cruel oppressors.

O Lord, you alone are my hope.

My cynical heart wonders what Manasseh’s response had been if God had chosen not to return him to Jerusalem.  Would he have remained faithful?  That thinking is a dark path that fails to trust in who God is.

 Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.  Deuteronomy 7:9 (NLT)

1,000 generations.  Chat GPT estimates that at 20,000 years.  Jesus promises that it is much longer.

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)