Spiritfire- Proverbs 20:29, Glory and Splendor

“The glory of young men is their strength,
gray hair the splendor of the old.”
 
It was difficult to impress upon my children how strength will not always be available as they age.  Whenever I heard about it as a kid, I always ignored it because I had no context to understand it.  In my teenage years, I enjoyed pushing my limits mentally and physically.  I remember purposely going outside during weather that normally kept people inside.  I enjoyed being alone during the wind, and rain, and cold.  I would mentally estimate how long I could survive and though I’d never fully try, I’d attempt enough for a taste.
 
Now, things are vastly different.  I have even begun to get gray hair in my beard.  The change from glory to splendor may not have been one I ever fully contemplated, but like the changing of the seasons, I knew it would come.
 
The fading of the glory of physical abilities from illness, disease, accident, war, or age, can be sudden or agonizingly slow.  Some may even experience a roller coaster of gains and losses day by day due to whatever.  The process can push people into a weird mode of survival which makes sense of the various strategies they employ to accomplish what used to be simple tasks.
 
Though many try to continue to matter before the fading takes a more permanent hold, we looked at Jesus’ fulfillment and witnessed how He is both the glory and splendor of God forevermore, Hebrews 1:1-3.  His strategy for all things, both great and small, was and is to love.

7 Words That Describe God- ‘J’

7 Words that describe God- ‘J’:

Jealous
Jewel
Journey
Joy
Jubilee
Judge
Just

You are jealous for me. You tolerate no other to get between us. When I was young, You taught me, in my youth, you instructed me. Nothing can be shared in the flame but You. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego knew. The three became four only by Your presence. May I hold tightly to You. May my eyes only look to You, for everything else fades here. It all burns.  Deuteronomy 6:4-9

You are my jewel oh Lord, greater than any priceless stone. I can’t put a value on You. Knowing You is the greatest thing I will ever have and do. All the treasures of this world added together can not even hope to match Your worth. They can’t. It is impossible. I now know why You, my Lord, didn’t bow Your knee and worship the fallen one. You would have gained everything this place has to offer. It would not have matched even a drop of God’s presence. What have I need of these treasures? With You, I can see beyond the veil.  Luke 4:6-8

Getting to know You is my greatest honor, my Lord. The journey You take me on blesses me as it prunes me. There is so much I’d rather avoid but You guide me through. You protect me as I submit myself to You. I walk in Your light and am exposed, my weaknesses for all to see. I wait for the mocking, the ridicule, to begin, but the only voice I hear from You is that of love. You claim me as Your child. This journey of vulnerability does the opposite of what I expect. You make me stronger.  Proverbs 3:5-6

You are my joy. You give me more than happiness or emotions based on favorable conditions, for like the weather, all can change in a moment. The joy I find in You is beyond this place. It is of stronger stuff. There is a weakness here based on lesser things. Selfishness raises its head and makes fleeting desires equal to Your will. Why do we think such things will stand? We don’t really even want them, for the ‘joy’ we think we’ll receive fades before it is found. It is madness to pursue the sand after it has fallen, and folly to attempt to slow the clock. May we awaken to Your joy and find the things which are eternal.  1 Peter 1:8-9

You are my Jubilee, oh Lord! The era of destructive thinking has ended. You have brought new life to me. Wayward thoughts that seek to make me less have failed. I celebrate Your freedom and rejoice in Your resurrection by marking this as my year of Jubilee. More than wishful thinking, this is a determination. I have seen the fruits of my enslavement and their decay reveals a fading resilience to convince me of my hopeless state. I stand upon You, my Lord. You, who do not rot. You, who do not fade. You, who ever shine!  Isaiah 61:1-3

Thank You for being the Judge, mighty One. You, who alone knows every thought before we do. You, who alone knows our story completely. You, who after all is said and done, are merciful, gracious and kind. I submit all I am to You, oh wise Judge. Your rulings over me are always perfect and lead me to life everlasting because I believe in Your Son. My own judgment towards myself fails for I am not a fair judge. I condemn myself with wayward thoughts. You, however, cannot be bribed.  James 4:11-12
 
You are just and right in all You do. I am not. You deliver me even from myself. You lift me beyond my own limited and shallow perspective, and You teach me there. I do things that benefit me but then they fade. If I do them Your way, they bless me and all in my house. So I know to turn to You.  Psalm 25:8

Spiritfire- Proverbs 20:28, Throne Maintenance

“Mercy and truth protect a king,
and with mercy he maintains his throne.”

We spent some time talking about reasons for loyalty and fealty to a righteous king.  Mercy and truth inspire and will guard a leader from harm by strengthening the foundation in the people.  When we looked at this Proverb’s reflection, we saw how an unmerciful ruler who lies inspires rebellion.  It is only a matter of time.

Jesus fulfilled this proverb by being God’s love among us, 1 John 4:9.    He gave us mercy and grace and He is the Truth.  Our fealty is in Him whose throne is eternal.  His Kingdom paves the way for us to be made new and it will not end, Luke 1:33.

7 Words that Describe God- ‘I’

7 Words that Describe God- ‘I’:

Immanent
Important
Impressive
Incarnate
Infinite
Intimate
Intricate

You are not far from me. Even in times of silence, Your immanence astounds me. You are active and present in all things. How can we comprehend it? There is so much death and loss here, it steals the breath. We celebrate things in this fading world as if it’s our right when we should not, killing our future, our hope, in order to keep our vanity secure even as we fade. It is madness, Lord. Almost every sin is tied to it- our desperation to exist in our time of strength. How can You be active in our weakness? We do terrible things and embrace in bitterness the only ‘power’ we think we have, the power of failure and destruction, but You have not left us alone here. Your unchanging presence gives us hope.  Psalm 8

The importance of who You are and what You have done, are doing, will do, can never be diminished. It will never fade as things do here. You are the Ultimate One. You are the standard by which all things, which can’t even set foot on Your mountain, are beneath. My thoughts, will, and emotions, bow and submit to You. Thank You that I am important to You.  Matthew 4:4

You impress me. Your thoughts impress me. Your words impress me. Your actions impress me. Anything and everything about You impresses me. The fact that You, God on high, consider me, impresses me. Your thoughts about me lift me up and make me more. Your words about me strengthen me and encourage me. Your actions saved me and gave me life. You impress me, my Lord. You make me clap my hands.  Psalm 47

You are the Incarnate One. You answer mysteries with an even greater one. You came here and took the form of a man. You, who knew no sin, were baptized and lived among us. You were sentenced to die the death of a criminal. You were buried in a tomb. 3 days later, You were raised from the dead. You are now seated at God’s right hand, bringing salvation to all who believe. Thank You for Your all-sufficient sacrifice, oh Lord.  Philippians 2:6-11

There are no limits with You, oh Lord. You are infinite, Your knowledge and wisdom are unfathomable. Your love and goodness are inconceivable. You are God. You are beyond us and within us. You are beyond the reach of time, beyond what constrains us. Yet you are ever with us, ever near. Your Holy Spirit teaches and guides us and helps us through our days. You set the planets on their course. You give the stars their place to shine, and You care about my wife’s new dress and our car’s flat tire. You amaze me. There are no limits with You, oh Lord.  Psalm 147:5

You allow me to explore in Your house. Your love allows me to be free. I don’t have to walk on eggshells around You. You know my thoughts before I do. You know things about me that I may never know. What we do know about ourselves only reveals how much we don’t measure up to any standard of character and strength. Yet You allow me to walk in Your house with my muddy shoes on, sitting on Your priceless-uncovered couch when my clothes are a mess. You clothe me in robes finer than can ever be found here. You give me a crown, though we both know I’m no king. You bring me to a higher place than I could ever go. Because of Your intimacy, I can dance among the stars. It is through Your intimacy that I learned the price of the mud, and that being muddy is not Your Way.  Psalm 139:1-6

Your design for life is so intricate it baffles the mind. People devote their entire lives to delving into its vast mysteries. From the alignment of the planets to the blinking of an eye, Your plans astound us. The beating heart, the thinking brain, the feeling fingers, the twinkling toes, our bodies never cease to amaze. As we look around at the beauty around us and within, we know Your hands have made it all. Only You could have done this. Only You, our eternally intricate God.  Job 12:7-10

7 Words that Describe God- ‘H’

7 Words that Describe God- ‘H’:

Haven
Healer
Help
Holy
Home
Hope
How

You are my safety, my refuge, my Haven. You protect me from the storm. I see Your favor upon Your people, and it brings me to worship. I watch Your strong arm deliver those who look to You, who depend on You. Nothing can get in the way. You let nothing block Your love over them. You let us rest in peace, mighty God.  Psalm 46:1-3

I look to You, my Healer. You alone know what is going on. I don’t understand. At times, I think You put me where I finally belong, where I can do the most good for Your glory, then I watch it get taken away. Somedays death’s knell is far too near. Even then, oh Lord, I look to You. Health escapes me and leaves me destitute, but even there, You hold me. Wondering ‘why’, is as frustrating as trying to eat cereal with tremoring hands. I look to You, my Healer, I have never looked anywhere else. Do what Your Word says You do and heal all my diseases. Thank You.  Psalm 103:3

You are my Help in times of celebration and in times of trouble and need. You lift me above the highest of heights and you pull me safely from the pit and snare. I look to You and am not dismayed. You are my Shining Light amidst the dark of night. You wash me from its black embrace. Your promises renew and restore, while the promises of the shadow imprison and impale. It tried to do that to You, Lord Jesus. It tried to hold You in the secrets of the grave, but You were risen above its reach to be seated at God’s right hand. You invite me to join You there, in the sanctuary of Light.  Psalm 46:1

You are the Holy One. Your holiness is untouched by our greed, by our pride- the real reason for many wars and conflicts. We can’t control You or manipulate You and that terrifies us. Yet we look to You for that very reason. We create definitions of devotion that echo our inability, our frustration- Deism. Yet You acted before we were born. Your holiness set everything in motion. You brought forth Your Son who through His death and resurrection enabled us to be holy, to share in Your sacred separateness that we might stand with You when this world ends.  1 Peter 1:13-16

You are my Home, oh Lord. You are my tranquil place. Even when You disturb me, I have peace knowing You, who knows all things, are God. You bring me to a place of trust, for I know You are good and You love me. Your goodness rebukes and corrects, Your love lifts me up beyond to where my actions limit me. You are my Home, my Lord.  2 Corinthians 5:1-10

You are my Hope, oh Lord. You, who do not disappoint. You, who do not fail. You give me hope beyond dreams. I have to wake from a dream, but with You, I wake to Life. Wishes are limited by my imagination, but the hope You give isn’t bound by such things. You are beyond us and Your Holy Spirit is within us. You equip me for greater things that offer eternal life as the reward. I only have eyes for today, but as long as it is called Today, may I praise You. You are my only hope.  Psalm 33:20-22

You are my explanation, my ‘How’, in answer to any doubting question. When Moses and the people of Israel were with their backs to the sea and the Egyptian army was hot on their heels, You were the only reason they triumphed that day. You opened the waters allowing Israel to pass through and you closed it on the heads of the pursuers. When they doubted David as he faced off against Goliath, it’s because of You that his courage stood so strong. He slew the giant and carried off his head for all to see that You will not be mocked. There are many other people who held fast in the face of opposition because of You: Elijah, Daniel, and Jesus. The heroes of the faith listed in Hebrews 11 stretching back to Abel, Enoch, and Noah were also commended for their faith in You. For as it says in 11:6, “because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”  Psalm 46:10

Spiritfire- Proverbs 20:27 “The Lamp of the Lord”

“The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being.”
 
We began talking about the ‘darkened path’.  Without God, the path of our heart and mind is dark indeed filled with many dangers, toils, and snares.  Many walk claiming they can see, but without a light, they are lost.  Psalm 119:105 helps us to see God’s revealing aid upon our path.  Not only does His light shine on our path but this proverb points out how it reveals our ‘inmost being’ to His ever-watchful eye.  We then talked about how many don’t want to know what He sees.  They would rather hide and let darkness cover them.  But His light will shine, and all will be revealed.
 
Up until now, the ‘fear’ of our inadequacies revealed in the light of a righteous and holy God, helped to keep our feet on His path.  But now a better path has been revealed, a better Way has been made known.  When we explored Proverbs 20:19, we witnessed how Jesus fulfilled ‘avoidance’- the path to Wisdom’s house.  We saw in what context His parable of ’The Good Samaritan’ was told.  Now, in this proverb, we see how Jesus, the Word made flesh, John 1:14, fulfilled the ‘lamp of the Lord’ by becoming the ‘Light of the world’, as in John 8:2.  For now, His light reveals the Righteousness of Jesus, which takes away our wickedness, as in 2 Corinthians 5:17-19.
 
A better Light has come!  Amen, thank You, Lord Jesus.

7 Words that Describe God- ‘G’

7 Words that Describe God- ‘G’:

Gain
Gallant
Generous
Glorious
Goal
Good
Gracious

Only after we’ve lost everything do we realize what ‘gain’ we have in You. This life here is antithetical to You. Its opposition to eternity is felt in the pain of loss. To focus on it harbors madness. To find safer shores is comfort. To focus and find You is the only gain that there is. Without You there is no gain, only loss. With You there is gain, my only sure reward.  Philippians 3:7-11

You save and deliver us, oh Lord! You ride upon a steed of righteousness and lift us from the pit. You placed Yourself in danger. You willingly went to the cross for us, to provide a way where there was no way. You place us where we could never go, to a place we do not belong. At the throne of God we bow, we worship, we dance. We are the mouthpiece of Your creation. May the words we say give You glory, oh gallant One. Deuteronomy 31:6

You are kind to me, oh Lord. You know where and how I need help before I do. You know my fears as I learn to trust in You. Your generosity blesses my life more than meeting my needs would allow. It guides me on the paths of faith, making me strong where I am weak.  2 Corinthians 9:10-11

Your splendor outshines the sun; Your glory to the ends of the earth! You display knowledge and wisdom beyond compare! The slightest word from Your mouth changes everything. Your favor is life! Oh that my ears would strain for it, that I may hear Your call! May I be found under Your gaze, may You consider me. May Your eyes look upon me and reveal any false way in me. May Your glory shine away all darkness and reveal the way for me to let go of everything and anything that doesn’t radiate You. You, the glorious One.  1 Timothy 6:15

You are my goal, oh Lord; to please You is my only aim. I have nothing without You. It is worse than nothing, for what I have here rots the bones. If You are my goal then whatever I do have is turned into seeds- seeds for vision, seeds for change. To have ‘pleasing You’ as my goal, You keep me safe amidst the waves- waves that drown, waves that destroy. May Your waves cleanse me, may they drown and destroy all that would mislead me from You, my only goal.  Psalm 33:11

You are the source of all that is good in my life and in this world. Without You, we would be lost. Left to make our own way through this life alone when we don’t even live very long or have a lasting effect on anything, would be our pointless lot. Grab as much as you can as quick as you can, only to give it all away in the end, makes me shake my head. This is the fading world. Thank You for opening the Way that doesn’t fade or end. We are but sparks here, we glow for a moment then are gone. But You, oh Lord, last forever and You are good.  Mark 10:18

Your grace enables me to be a new creation. I can now do things unattainable by human hands! I can outpace the grip of this life, escaping its pain and bitterness. I can even fly free from those who would do me harm. Though they seek to bring me low and cripple me with oppression, I can dance on the heights because You are gracious to me. You empower me to forgive, and it is a power none can defeat. I can walk on water! I can escape the flames and the lion! I can defeat the giant! Better than a stone, Your grace changes us by putting to death our old self and raising us up to be with You! You are gracious to me. Help me to walk this path with You. Psalm 116:5

7 Words that describe God- ‘F’

7 Words that describe God- ‘F’:

Faithful
Father
First
Forefront
Forgiving
Freedom
Fulfiller

You are more faithful than I. Shiny lights, money, and fame get our attention and often mislead us, taking our eyes off of You. When Satan tempted You, Lord Jesus, I imagine memories of God’s heavenly courts made his worldly temptations seem less than paltry. Oh, that I would show such faith in the face of trial. Thank You for the better way. May I gain the discernment to know Your blessings from the trials. May I see clearly the path You would have me on. May I be resolute in my faithfulness to You so that I will never be shaken, or tossed by these waves. Deuteronomy 7:7-9

I have never loved greater than the day I became one. Heavenly Father, You help me to understand my role. You give good gifts. You help us understand who we are and what this life is for. Your love equips us and Your light reveals the way. Thank You for Your everlasting love, we need it. I need it.  1 John 3:1-3

Lord Jesus, You are the firstborn over all creation, the firstborn from among the dead. You considered us first when You were murdered. You are the First and the Last, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. All things in heaven and earth find their fulfillment in You. Thank You, You, who will set the record straight. You, whose judgments are just. You, who knows our hearts. You, who knows what is said in the dark. You, who offers the path of forgiveness and repentance for the disobedient, mercy and grace for the foolish, to make righteous those who were wicked, bringing near those who were far. Thank You. All praise and glory be unto You, Lord Jesus. You are first in our thoughts and hold preeminence in our hearts. Colossians 1:15-20

Your favor outshines the sun, oh Lord. You give us courage to stand amidst the storm. You are not a timid God. You are found at the forefront. Thank you for never failing us or forgetting what You called us to. Your goodness knows no end. You encourage us to trust in You, to wait on You. We will see Your glory overcome the darkness. All praises be to You!  Deuteronomy 31:6

One of Your greatest mysteries that daily baffles the mind, beyond even the flight of the bumblebee, is grace. Mercy makes sense if we beg enough for it, are pathetic enough to stir the heart, but grace doesn’t. Grace is the most powerful seed for change. It is so powerful, the offender is challenged to receive what he/she could never earn. It brings life to a dry and thirsty land. Fear, revenge and recompense are also seeds, but they only grow loss, bitterness and regret. Grace gives us strength where we are weakest. Forgiveness rids us of the burden our actions made and grace clothes us in robes no hands could make. We can forgive because of Your grace toward us. I am made new by You. 1 John 1:9

You are the One in whose gaze I am always under. You consider the ways of the oppressed and You lift them up. Your ways lead not only to identity, to peace, to love, they bring freedom to those whom the lies have ensnared and forsaken. You are there to rescue no matter how determined we are to lock the gates. When we say, “We are hopelessly lost. None can save us from what our hands have done.” You bring freedom, you pass us through those gates no matter how complicated the lock. Praise be to You, Oh Lord!!  Luke 4:18-19

You fulfill all things that need to be. You fulfill wisdom itself opening the way for us to be new creations. You fulfilled the law, the Torah, and all that the prophets, the Nevi’im, said. The writings, the Ketuvim, find their meaning at Your feet. Wherever You walk, You bring completion. You have fulfilled even my heart, soul, and mind, my own Ketuvim, Nevi’im, and Torah. Thank You for bringing to completion all I could ever hope for.  Luke 24:44