If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether

Today we will read Isaiah 42:14 which says, “I have kept silent from ages past; I have been quiet and restrained Myself. But now, I will groan like a woman in labor, gasping breathlessly.”

Where is God? And why is He so silent? This is certainly one of the greatest questions and problems for a believer. It’s been asked countless times for thousands of years. And we’re not going to figure it out here. But we can add our anguish to the mighty human outcry and our tears to the ocean.

On one hand, there is a universe. It’s here. Why? If there’s no God it makes no sense why there’d be anything at all. But this is a logical explanation to a spiritual and emotional problem. If God is so good, and so personal, why is He so quiet?

For the believer in the biblical God, we appeal to the Bible. But the Bible itself implies hundreds upon hundreds of years, thousands or even exponentially more of utter silence from God. And even when He does speak, it’s to an individual or to a very few select individuals. The silence from God is deafening.

God admits this Himself. He says “I have kept silent from ages past.” Those are His words. You and I hold our tongues for a few seconds and feel we might explode. God keeps it in for ages! And when He finally speaks, it’s like a woman in labor. Something has been growing, steadily, quietly in the dark. And a moment comes when not even God can keep it in! It’s unmistakable and loud. Such is how God communicates. He stays quiet. But don’t mistake quiet for static. There is something new on the horizon even as ages go by. We’re a part of a much bigger, much greater story. Faith then isn’t so much waiting for Him to do a particular thing, but the confidence that He is up to things that are better than we can imagine. We may not see it in a hundred lifetimes but it’s there.

In the meantime, we find strength in what has been communicated. We worship, and wait in anticipation of the new thing He is doing.

God, I yield my assumptions about You to that which You actually are. I get the smallest glimpse. And You are wonderful. I’m grateful for what has been communicated. And I wait excitedly for what You will do!

If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether

Today we will read 1 Peter 5:6-7. These verses say, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.”

Often overlooked is the first part of the passage. Verse 6 contextualizes our posture as we cast our anxieties on God. It tells us how to treat God and others. First, to humble ourselves under God’s hand. How? Well in large part in how we treat others as the first part of chapter 5 tells us - not in resistance to those who are our elders. There’s a deference we should pay to those who are older, more mature, and in positions of leadership. And this should inform how we treat those who are younger, less mature, or in a lower level of leadership. We should be humble, and deferential to both groups and in this way show humility to God. This is the context in which we are invited to cast our cares on God.

He cares about you. God cares about you - dear worshipper. He cares about you. Do you need to hear it again? The God of the universe, the Creator of all things, cares…for you. You! It’s an interesting play on words in English. It says “Cast our cares on Him for He cares.” It’s as though what we give God is the same thing He gives us. But it’s not exactly the same in the greek. The care we give God is our anxiety. It’s the fear we have mainly for our own self-interest. The pressure, the existential angst. It is that messiness in our soul that we are invited to give.

And what does He give in return? His care. But not anxiety. His deference. His humility. His willingness to set aside His rights and High Holy desires in order to accommodate you and me small as we are. The kind of care that a shepherd gives his flock. A desire for our good. We have a desire for our good without the wisdom to inform it or the power to accomplish it. Whereas He desires our good but has perfect wisdom to understand all the variables and all the capacity to bring it about. This God, in all His goodness and perfection, cares for you!

God I can hardly believe it’s true. That You, mighty and good as You are, actually care for me. Here then are my anxieties.

If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether

Today we will read Leviticus 12:2-5. These verses say, “Tell the Israelites: When a woman becomes pregnant and gives birth to a male child, she will be unclean seven days…She will continue in purification from her bleeding for 33 days. She must not touch any holy thing or go into the sanctuary until completing her days of purification. But if she gives birth to a female child, she will be unclean for two weeks as she is during her menstrual impurity. She will continue in purification from her bleeding for 66 days.”

There are a lot of weird things in scripture. And this one ranks near the top. Just to summarize incase you missed it, a woman is essentially unclean for 40 days if she has a boy and 80 days total if she has a girl. 40 days, unclean, for a boy, and 80 days for a girl.

Why is this in the bible? I have no clue. We already believe that scripture is inspired of God but is also written within the context and agendas of the writers. Is this saying that little girls are twice as impure as little boys? I sure hope not.

We’re by far not the first to question this passage. Ancient Hebrew scholars came up with some very creative, and in some cases hysterical explanations. Including but not limited to: the length of time it takes for the woman to repent of swearing off ever having sex again. I kid you not. Supposedly this time is less for a boy because male babies were more preferable. You can’t make this stuff up.

Other explanations include the biological idea that if sperm goes to one side a male is produced, and on the other side a female, and it takes half as long for quote “rotted blood” to leave the body from the male side verses the female side. Sheesh.

I prefer the Adam and Eve explanation. Whatever your particular views of Genesis 1-3, the narrative states that Adam was in the garden first. And then later Eve is revealed as a mystery hidden within Adam. In a sense then Adam has a head-start in exploring God’s world. The females get a little more time then.

Whatever the explanation notice a few other things. First, Leviticus, far from being mean, is giving a new mom time to bond. There is no rush back to work, or any additional responsibilities given other than laying low and spending time with the new baby. Second, while we didn’t read it, the verses following spell out the need for an atonement offering. It’s the same for males and females. There’s not an extra offering for females. All humanity requires the same thing to be right with God, a sacrifice. And this sacrifice is offered before the baby has done anything immoral. It is necessary and provision is made even without the baby’s consent.

And finally, the females get a longer period of time. And while this could understandably be viewed as a knock against females, just consider that everything in creation led up to a female - not to a male. The crowning moment of goodness didn’t come with Adam but with Eve. When a man and woman get married, the groom walks in unceremoniously and without fanfare. But then everyone stands to attention, and marvels at the glory of the beautiful bride in the white dress. And in the future, Jesus will get His bride. Yes He’s made all the provision, He did all the sacrificing and suffering…Yes He’s the King and the Savior…but all His attention and romantic energy is aimed in one direction - the female - the bride - the church - the humanity that He is reconciling back to Himself.

God even in strange passages we can see You and marvel at You. I am part of Your bride. Show me more of what this means.

If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether

Today we will read Hebrews 10:26-27 which says, “For if we deliberately sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire about to consume the adversaries.”

Well this one is scary isn’t it? And to be clear, this affects us all. There is no one free of intentional sin. We’re all guilty, including the great apostle Paul himself. So is this passage teaching that we’re all doomed if/when we intentionally sin after receiving Jesus as our Savior? You could interpret it that way. It’s bleak and hopeless but an interpretation.

Perhaps a better way is through the lens of the Old Testament sacrificial system - something we’re sadly distanced from in Christianity.

In Leviticus, the first offering is the Burnt Offering. This is an all-purpose, thorough atoning sacrifice. It’s offered when a baby is born. It’s a pleasing aroma to God. It’s a sacrifice that seems to cover literally anything and everything and is offered regularly. None of the animal is spared. None is eaten. It is completely consumed by fire.

And while there are other sacrifices to be eaten and enjoyed as a family, or just given out of gratitude, the Sin Offering is the other serious big one. The Sin Offering, also a burnt offering, is offered case by case when someone sins unintentionally and becomes aware, or sins intentionally and repents. Either way, it requires the individual to take responsibility, repent, and offer the sacrifice. There is however the sin of defiance, or “High Handedness” in Numbers 15:30 and seems to describe an ongoing obstinance and resistance to repentance that no offering could cover.

Jesus being the ultimate sacrifice fulfills these requirements and also informs the New Testament Jewish understanding of His work. So back to our passage. Jesus serves as the thorough Burnt Offering. He’s covered it all. And when we go on to sin, which we do, He is also the Sin Offering covering each and every misstep. If we sin quote “intentionally,” I take this to mean an attitude of resistance - the opposite of repentance - the sin of “High Handedness.”

Imagine a husband in a room with his wife, and he just willy nilly flips on porn. No shame, no remorse, nothing. What would happen? He has knowledge of the truth - his wife is in the room. And yet he’s obstinate. In that moment, the intimacy of the marriage hits a brick wall and all that remains is her consuming wrath and judgement. It’s either destruction of the relationship that could have been, or repentance and sacrifice. Those are the only options.

It’s no different with God. All provision has been made but you will not find intimacy with Him while in defiant intentional sin. You are right for feeling the impending weight of His wrath. The Sin Offering is however available whenever you repent. You can play that card a million times and never exhaust God’s grace. But it will always require a turning from your resistance and repenting. Destruction or repentance. Those are the only options. And the more time goes by, the clearer those destinies become in each of us.

God, I know my own heart. There are times I do sin intentionally, and I’m hard hearted. Forgive me. I repent again. I want You.

If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether

Today we will wrap up our time in Psalm 103 by reading verses 20-22. “Praise the LORD, all His angels of great strength, who do His word, obedient to His command. Praise the LORD, all His armies, His servants who do His will. Praise the LORD, all HIs works in all the places where He rules. My soul, praise Yahweh!”

Psalm 103 hits it all. God is a forgiving and healing God. God is a just God. We are frail, and temporary but He is solid and enduring. We are left with a choice - how do we respond to God such as He is? In short answer - we praise. But what is praise? The hebrew word is “barak” and means to bless. It’s literally to say good things. To use your energy to speak well of God. To kiss God with your words. To choose to celebrate Him and let your feelings and emotions follow. They will.

Do you find it difficult or strange to praise God? Does God seem just too far away to engage? Is He a non-physical essence that’s easier to just contemplate? Well okay. Understood. Then why not just simply follow the pattern of David here. Let’s repeat what he says and see what that does. After all we say day after day that seeking God is the risk we take. We make a choice to reach out into the void. Eventually that means actually doing it. So let’s say these together. Close your eyes for a moment, say it loud or soft. It doesn’t matter so long as you say it…

“Praise the LORD

All His angels of great strength who do His word,

obedient to His command.

Praise the LORD all His armies

His servants who do His will.

Praise the LORD, all His works

in all the places where He rules.

My soul, praise Yahweh!”

If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether

Today we will read Psalm 103:15-19. It says, “As for man, his days are like grass - he blooms like a flower of the field; when the wind passes over it, it vanishes, and its place is no longer known. But from eternity to eternity the LORD’s faithful love is toward those who fear Him, and His righteousness toward the grandchildren of those who keep His covenant, who remember to observe His precepts. The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.”

Everything you and I experience in this world is man-focused. We see everything through our eyes, and process it in our brains. We work feverishly to feed ourselves and our families, to make a name, to get along and negotiate with others, and vainly cling to the life that is rapidly slipping through our fingers.

Yes you will bloom like a beautiful flower. You’ll have your moment in the sun and all will look on you and your talents and your accomplishments and applaud. And just as quickly as the accolades come they will fade and move along to another - younger - better. And you will fade as the flower does. Eventually you’ll pass on and just perhaps be remembered by a generation or two before your memory fades into oblivion.

And then there’s God - solid - unchanging - forever. He’s always been here and always will. And fortunately for us fading humans, He is a God “Hesed” - of faithful, enduring, loyal love. You may fade, He does not. You’re unfaithful, He is faithful. You lack love - He has it all. You do not have the capacity to keep the little you have - while He is the unshakable King of an unshakable Kingdom.

So you have a choice to make today. What will you invest in? Can you keep the bloom alive? Can you keep the flower from fading? Of course not. Enjoy it for what is and embrace its imminent demise. But fix your thoughts, attention, devotion, obedience, and energy on the One who not only has it all, but desires to share it with you, and your children’s children. What good reason do you have then to not seek God? No one likes to think about our limits. But it’s as obvious as the rising and setting of the sun. Get a jump now on being a member of God’s Kingdom. And just see what He does with you.

“God, I know my time is limited. But I’m limited. I need You to take these truths and bring them home.”

If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether

We’re continuing in our reading of Psalm 103 - a psalm of David. This is a beautiful and encouraging psalm. If you’re new, you might want to check out the last few episodes on Psalm 103. We’ve been encouraged to praise God - our ultimate healer - a God full of benefits - who enacts real justice. Even now, go ahead and take a few seconds and repeat after me out loud. Say, “I praise You God - my healer - in You I have everything.”

Today we’re looking at verses 11-14 which say, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His faithful love toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.”

How much do you think God loves you? Not someone else. Not someone more deserving. You - how much do you think God loves you? You wouldn’t believe it if I told you. It’s a lot. In fact its infinite. It’s as high as the heavens are above the earth. No one could measure that. That’s how much God loves you - yes you!

But what about all the stupid junk you’ve done? Maybe even yesterday, or 30 seconds ago? Isn’t He mad? Doesn’t it tarnish how He loves? Hardly. You just don’t understand the love of God yet. He has separated you from all your stupid junk as far as the east is from the west. Not sure if you’ve noticed, but there’s a limit to north and south. You can only go so far north and then you have to go south. But you can go east or west forever and ever. He has separated you from your sin by that much.

But isn’t He a mighty King? A powerful and holy sovereign? Isn’t He to be dreaded? Shouldn’t you cower in his presence? Well, do you cower in your dads presence? He’s your father. A good father loves his children and God is the perfect father. He has compassion on you. No need to cower.

But doesn’t He have high expectations of us that we fail at moment to moment? Surely He sees us as pathetic and weak. Surely we have failed Him.

Well - sorta. It is true He has lofty “Plans” for us. But He is keenly aware of what He’s made. He loves, forgives, and has compassion on you knowing that you - and this may seem odd - are dust. You are a transitory temporary tenant here. You are fragile, earthy, and limited. There are reasons you are this way and there are accompanying weaknesses. But God is aware of all of them. His expectations of you take your entire context into account. He’s a much better Father than you can possibly imagine.

You have one responsibility. And it’s right there. Your job (if that’s even the right word) is to “fear” Him. We’ve addressed this word before. But for now just ask yourself, “what is it you fear?” Do you fear the recession, losing your job, getting sick, losing a loved one? You fear something and probably lots of things. But do you actually fear that which has real power? God has all the power and resources. Why not elevate your fear to one object? God Himself. And there find out that He is supremely wonderful. This is what your soul needs. And there is an infinite supply in God Himself.

God I love You - You love me - I need You - You want me - I’m dirty - You forgive and pursue me…show me today how to live in light of that.

If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether

We’re continuing our time in Psalm 103. We began by praising God and then observed the incredible benefits we get in God. Perhaps listen to the last couple of episodes, or take a moment and say, “God I praise You. In You I have everything.” Go ahead…

Today we are looking at verses 6-10 which say, “The LORD executes acts of righteousness and justice for all the oppressed… The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and rich in faithful love. He will not always accuse us or be angry forever. He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our offenses.”

Some don’t like the idea of a punishing God. Others relish in it. But what is God actually like? Is He punitive? Is He permissive?

What would you want to God to be like if you could choose? At the very least, we want a God who is easy on us since we esteem ourselves as mild offenders. We prefer a light-handed God.

But do you want to live in a world where the victim is left holding the bag? Let’s say someone is murdered and God simply says, “I forgive you.” Who is paying the consequence? Well, it’d be the victim and their family. Or suppose the murderer is locked up, hung, or faces a firing squad - has justice been served? Has life been returned? Punishment has been meted out but has justice been restored?

These are the questions that haunt our souls because we are faced with such extreme suffering and injustice. Only God can be the solution to all of it. And here we see how.

The Lord does execute righteousness and justice for the oppressed. In other words, He restores the loss. He repays and restores. That’s nice - but what about when we’re the offender? Well, in that case He is gracious, slow to anger and rich in faithful love. While He accuses, and is angry, He’s not that way permanently. Other passages say this mercy is new every morning. Ultimately, He is lenient. He doesn’t treat us as we deserve. Are you grateful for that?

Ask yourself, are there any one of these characteristics of God that you wished were different? Is anything left unsatisfied? Only this God could truly bring all things back in order. But how? Well, the grand story of scripture, and certainly this one, is that in Jesus, all the injustice of the world, the righteousness, compassion, grace, and anger of God, came to a head and was dealt with in a thorough, God-sized way. How exactly? That’s for God to know. Our response is to marvel, praise, and express gratitude.

God, You’ve got it all under control. You will deal as You see fit, and I’m so grateful. Thank you for dealing with injustice in a real way, and thank You for dealing with me kindly.

If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether

Today we will continue in Psalm 103. We began by looking at verse 1 & 2 as an encouragement to our soul to praise God. Even now, take just a moment and encourage your own soul. You can simply say softly, “I praise You God, I praise You God, I praise You God.” Go ahead.

We continue in this Psalm in verses 3-5 which say, “He forgives all your sin; He heals all your diseases. He redeems your life from the Pit; He crowns you with faithful love and compassion. He satisfies you with goodness; your youth is renewed like the eagle.”

What sticks out to you as you hear these verses? Personally, it’s the “heals all your diseases” part. Great songs have been written on it. But He clearly doesn’t heal “all” diseases. At least not yet. Indeed some suffer with ailments for years until their physical bodies succumb. Perhaps some of us focus on the “diseases” because it’s the most visceral, most obvious.

But look at the other things God is doing…forgiving all your sin, redeeming your life from…well…whatever the Pit is. Crowning you with His love and compassion, satisfying you, renewing your youth and energy.

My goodness, if He’s truly doing these things, then what a God! Healing disease is the easiest bit. God is treating you and me like royalty. Do you want that? Do you want God?

We are strange people. We can tie our sense of wellbeing to facebook likes - people that can offer us nothing more than a passing bit of attention. Meanwhile the God of the Universe is giving us infinite attention and treasure. Just think about that.

But again, facebook likes, like diseases, are immediate, here and now, and fleeting. Whether or not a disease takes you or me today, or in 20 years remains to be seen. But in the heavenly’s and for all eternity, you have God Himself and all the benefits that come with Him. Be blessed and live in that light today.

God, You forgive, heal, redeem, crown, and satisfy. I want to know You and rest in You today. Praise You God.

If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether

We’re going to be spending a few days in Psalm 103 - a beautiful song by David. Today we will read verses 1 & 2 which say, “My soul, praise Yahweh, and all that is within me, praise His holy name. My soul, praise the Lord, and do not forget all His benefits.”

Good morning to you (or whenever you’re listening). Have you noticed yet that life is a rat-race and it doesn’t take much to get overwhelmed by the frenzy of your life? Of course you have. Things you want to do, things you fear you’ll never get to. Want to know what to do? King David tells you. “My soul, praise Yahweh.”

Start here. David is giving an order to his own soul. What’s the soul? It seems to be the immaterial part of you. David doesn’t say, “I’m going to praise.” He’s not that brazen. Rather he’s encouraging something within him.

What is he telling his soul to do? Obey Yahweh? Think about Yahweh? Evangelize others about Yahweh? Pray to Yahweh? No. He tells his soul to praise. Praise - to express warm admiration.

How do you praise someone? You applaud them, verbally express their qualities, recount their exploits, lift your voice or your hands to participate in their triumph… there are any number of ways to praise. And as a human, you do this naturally. And you should be lavish in your praise of others.

And if you’re comfortable praising and celebrating a worthy person for their work, how much more appropriate to praise God for His? Of course with most things, especially important things, it’s not that easy. Why do you think David has to tell his own soul what to do? Perhaps you should too. Soul - praise God - and don’t forget all the advantages God gives.

Why not do that now right where you are? Even open your mouth and hear your own voice say, “Soul - praise God. God you are worthy to be praised for the following…” go ahead.