Proverbs 16:1-3

Proverbs Chapter 16 [1] The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. [2] All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirit. [3] Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. (English Standard Version)

Let's look at each verse separately and then see what they tell us when wrapped together.

1. We tend to make a lot of plans for our lives, some good, some not so good. We make short-term plans (what's for dinner?), and we make long-term plans (where will I live?). People will go to great lengths to ensure that their plans are the “right” ones, or maybe the “best” ones, but God always has the last word as to what is right or best. It's not that our plans are wrong when they don't go through, just that His are better. The Bible actually tells us not to brag about what we would do in the future because we have no idea what the future holds (James 4:13-14). Only God knows for sure what will happen in the future, and it will happen according to His will. That is a point to hold onto until later.
2. When we mere humans make our plans, or take any course of action, we are generally convinced of the correctness of our actions. The motives which drive us will always seem to be the best ones in our own eyes, even when doing the wrong thing. A person can so delude themselves that they even forget that there is a right or wrong to the situation. It's simply about what we want and we will sell ourselves on the purity of our motives until we actually believe that what we want is the right thing to do. Unfortunately, verse two says that God can judge what is truly on our hearts. He knows our innermost selves even when we have completely obscured them from view. Even when I have forgotten my original, selfish motive, God knows what it is. No matter how convinced I am of how honorable I am behaving, God knows why I am doing it, regardless of outward appearances. So, no matter what my actions look like on the outside, God knows the real reason that I'm doing them.
3. If our efforts are truly aimed towards pleasing the Lord, our plans will become successful. This begins to happen in our lives in two ways. First, God honors those who honor Him (Psalm 84:11). This doesn't mean that our obedience turns God into a giant, cosmic vending machine ready to pass out wishes to the faithful. No. In fact, that approach is not Biblical because it takes the focus off of God and puts it on my wants and desires. As long as I focus on me I am not focused on Him. But when I do come to a place of committing all that I do to the Lord he will make the work that I do easier to accomplish. Remember, He sees into our hearts; we can not just say that we are doing it for Him, we have to be doing it for Him. When this happens we begin to see obstacles melt away. The second way that our plans become successful is that God changes our way of thinking to be more like His (Romans 12:2). Through prayer and meditating on God's word we begin to conform to His way of thinking. As this happens we see a change in our own wants and desires, and that change leads to a change in our actions. When our actions are in line with God's desires will He inhibit them? Usually not. There is an issue of our timing versus His timing; but, generally speaking, when our actions are in accordance with His will they will be successful actions.

So, what does this men for us as we continue our time on Earth? Do we stop making plans and sit on the floor with our eyes closed waiting on “a word from the Lord”? I don't think so. We still have lives to live and lives to touch. Instead, let's spend time praying about how we should be living and what we should be doing. Also, we need to examine our actions and motives. Are they in line with what God is showing us (or has shown us, don't forget past lessons)? Are we doing what we do for the right reasons or simply to make ourselves look or feel better? The most important thing may be to understand that when things don't work out the way you want them to, it does not mean that God is punishing you. He just wants something better for you (or someone else).

When we are focused on what God desires we will realize that a setback from our perspective is nothing more than a change in direction from His.

Psalm 103:8-14

Psalms Chapter 103 [8] The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. [9] He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. [10] He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. [11] For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; [12] as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. [13] As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. [14] For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. (English Standard Version)

So often, preachers, theologians, and those who think they know of God will try to assert that the Old Testament of our Bible is all about the Lord's vengeance and wrath, while only the New Testament shows His grace and mercy. Anyone who takes this approach to faith and theology has not spent much time reading in Psalms. It is true that the new Testament is a revelation of God's mercy through the life and teaching of Jesus, but throughout the Old Testament we also have snapshots of this mercy given to us that, when placed properly, show a beautiful mosaic which becomes complete when we add Jesus of Nazareth to it.

These verses show, like so many others, a picture of God as our Father. This can be such a difficult thing to deal with for some who have not had very good fathers here on earth. For them to compare the holy Creator of all the universe to the man they grew up with (if he actually stayed around to raise them) seems almost masochistic. They may have images of abuse, abandonment, neglect or complete disinterest when thinking of their fathers, and then they will apply those thoughts to God. No wonder so many will turn their backs to Him. If an earthly, finite father can be so scary or demanding, how much more one who is infinite and all-powerful?

When we compare our God in heaven to our earth-bound fathers we create major problems for ourselves. It becomes very difficult to see how good He really is. So, let's turn the analogy around; let's compare our fathers to Him instead.

The God revealed to us in the Bible is, at times, angry and vengeful. He is also kind and loving. He disciplines His children, but He will also show mercy. He seems to leave us alone at times, but only to allow us to grow. He provides everything we need and some of what we want. He truly is a father to us. Right here, on earth, we fathers are a pale reflection of what a father really should be; some of us are just paler than others.

Our passage today shows God separating our sins from us by an infinite distance, as far as the east is from the west. It shows His love to be as vast as the space above our heads. He loves His children more than we can know because the love that we have experienced in this world is so shallow compared to what He gives to us. When we come to Him with true humility and sorrow for our failures He doesn't smack us on the head or call us names. He won't disappear one day never to return. No. He is faithful to forgive (I John 1:9). He will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5). He is everything that a father should be (Luke 11:13). The only requirement is that we allow Him to be that Father by trusting Him to know what is best for us (John 6:40).

Do you trust Him?

If so, then remember that you will be no more perfect than your parents. That's right, you are an imperfect child. God gives instruction that you ignore. He shows a path that you refuse to walk on. He gives everything you could ever need and you forget to thank Him. And when you go your own way and stumble, even when you fall, does He sit back and laugh? Does He say, “I told you so”? No. He reaches down His hand (that's grace) so that you can have something to hold onto (that's faith), and He continues to teach you how to walk (that's love).

Praise God!

**** Side Note ****

Any analogy given to us in the Bible is going to be imperfect. When we read that, “God is like this” or, “God is like that” we must understand that the Lord has chosen to reveal Himself to us in written, human words that are as imperfect as we are. When the finite and imperfect are used to describe the infinite and perfect some things are bound to get lost in the translation. Earthly words could never adequately describe heavenly objects or concepts because God's realm is nothing like ours (Isaiah 55:9). But, they can be used to give us a picture or description that we are capable of understanding. Something that we can wrap our minds around. One day, we will know God perfectly (I Corinthians 13:12) but, until then, we have His word to follow Him by.

Psalms 34:22

ESV: Psalms 34:22. The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned. (English Standard Version)

This is a rather short message. Two of the words in this verse stood out to me.

1. Redeems – This word made me think of Ruth and Boaz. Boaz had a responsibility as kinsman-redeemer to protect and provide for Ruth. He seemed to have a desire to do this also because from the time they met he was gracious and kind to her. We see from the moment he enters the story that Boaz is a good man who wants to do what is right. Likewise, no one who thinks about it would deny that Jesus is good. There are few who would argue that He was a good man who wanted what was, and is, best for His disciples.
2. Refuge – This word made me think of the cities of refuge in Israel. These were places that one could go to for safety from retribution in cases of manslaughter. All a person had to do to benefit from a city of refuge was get there. This not only speaks of grace and protection, but also humility. To benefit from these refuges you would have to know that you were wrong. You would have to admit that you were wrong. Then you would have to do something about it. You would have to go to the refuge. Not that you would save yourself. The Law would have its way with you eventually. No, you had to humbly seek refuge in something outside of yourself to avoid the punishment for what you had done.

When our verse says that the Lord redeems those who seek refuge in Him it shows a desire on His part to be a redeemer. It shows a need on our part to humbly accept that we need redeeming. We need a refuge. Left on our own we are unable to stand before a righteous God. We can't be what He desires us to be, nor do what He wants us to do. But, when we admit our shortcomings and seek the safety provided by Jesus, He is faithful to fulfill His place as our redeemer (I Thessalonians 5:23-24). And no one who seeks that safety will be condemned.

Luke 6:37-38

Luke Chapter 6 [37]  Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; [38] give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. (English Standard Version)

So often, verse 38 is used as a jumping off point for Prosperity Gospel preachers. When viewed outside of their context these words seem like a blank check to those who will give according to the law of sowing and reaping. I'm certainly not going to say that there is no truth in this approach; however, there is a much deeper truth than simple finances in Jesus' words.

1. 
   
   
   If we choose not to judge or condemn others then we will not be judged or condemned. Jesus promises freedom from retribution on the condition that we grant this freedom to others. It is His place to do the judging not ours. Instead, He told us to, “treat others the way you want to be treated”, “love others the way I have loved you”, “be merciful because I have shown you mercy”. God wants His love to flow into this world through those who trust in Him.

2. 
   
   
   These two verses also serve as a warning against hypocrisy. The Lord says that the measure we use on other people will be used against us. Hmmm. So if I judge someone on their sexual behavior, then I will be judged on mine. Ouch! I don't know many people who could stand up to God's scrutiny in that area. Especially after Jesus explains that, in God's eyes, lust is as bad as adultery. God does not grade on a sliding scale! You sin, or you don't. Period. We have all sinned (Romans 3:23). (Sexual behavior is just one example. We can just as easily look at other sinful attitudes and actions.)
3. 
   
   
   We also miss the point that Jesus seems to be focused on future rewards and punishment, not necessarily earthly ones. God's judgement comes to its fullness at the end of time, not here in this world. Certainly, there are blessings attached to those who follow Jesus, but blessings also fall on those who don't follow Him (Matthew 5:45). This world has its ups and downs. We can't claim that every bad thing in our lives is a curse or that every good thing is because we are “good little Christians”. Life is life. The good, the bad, and the ugly. God wants to see how we treat the people in this life. He is interested in whether or not we will emulate our Master or simply claim allegiance while following the world's lead.

If God's Spirit is working in me, leading me, guiding me, then it seems to follow that I would begin to act more like Him as I follow that leading. If Jesus is my Master then I should grow to be more like Him (Luke 6:40). So, what do I do as a Christ-follower? I read God's word to see how Jesus dealt with people. What I notice is that He never condemned a simple sinner. He forgave and healed them. The people He condemned were hypocritical sinners. Those who claimed Godliness while showing none of His attributes in their lives; also those who used religion as a tool for personal profit.

We must learn to see how God sees, so

we can learn to feel how God feels, so

we might learn to love what God loves, which is

mercy towards people and praise towards Him.

***Side Note***

Some Christians would argue that people must be convicted of their sin before they can come to Jesus with any real faith and that the merciful approach is too soft. My answer to that is that God is working in this world today, by His Spirit, through His believers, to bring more people to Him. We are to be a light (Matthew 5:14), a flavor (Matthew 5:13), an aroma (II Corinthians 2:15), and a reflection (I Corinthians 13:12) of God. People should look at Christians and begin to see what God looks like. If they see vengeance and venom in the lives of Christians then there is no desire on their part to meet the one we follow. If, on the other hand, they see mercy and kindness then we are painting a picture of a Christ that the people around us will want to know more about. As they learn more about Him, the Holy Spirit will do the convicting, not us.

Praise God.

Luke 6:27-36

Luke Chapter 6 [27] But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. [29] To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. [30] Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. [31] And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. [32] If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. [33] And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. [34] And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. [35] But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. [36] Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. (English Standard Version)

This passage comes right after the Beatitudes in which Jesus explains that a rough life now can mean great blessings at some future time (blessed are you when this happens to you and so on). The Beatitudes have always been popular because they are such a great promise. We all think that life stinks at times, and the idea that something better is coming is a relief to us all.

In verse 27 Jesus abruptly changes direction. Suddenly, He isn't talking about how my life is so much as how I treat others. The focus comes off of me and moves to my behavior, where it stays for the rest of the chapter.

He starts this change with the phrase, “Love your enemies”.

The beginning of this teaching showed Jesus to be different because no one had ever thought that the poor, hungry, and persecuted could be considered blessed; but He brought our attention to eternity where God rewards the faithful. Then He tells us that our focus during our time on Earth should be on other people, even when they are the ones who cause us to be poor, hungry, and persecuted.

vv. 32-34 A big problem with Christians is that non-believers often seem to be nicer and more loving than us. Oops! Jesus says that we should excel in niceness by showing love to everybody, including the unlovable.

The biggest point we miss is in verse 35, God is kind to the “ungrateful and the evil”.

God has shown unrelenting mercy in my life, yet I sometimes repay the favor by showing no mercy to those I consider unlovable or evil. Matthew 18:20-35 gives a very strong warning about this kind of behavior, as well as the rest of Luke, chapter 6.

If I want to continue growing past a certain point in my faith, I have to keep the focus in my life off of my life. This is true of any Christ-follower. The Bible says that we are on a mission to reconcile this world to God (II Corinthians 5:18-21). We cannot do this while focused on our own circumstances. Each of us must begin to look outside of ourselves and see others the way God does. Then we need to treat them with the same mercy and love that has been shown to us.

This is what true discipleship would look like.

Luke 6:12-16

Jesus, after spending all night in prayer, chose His apostles. Among them were manual laborers, a Roman sympathizer, one who believed in the military overthrow of the Romans, and a man who would go down in history as “the doubter”. Then, in verse 16, we see, “and Judas Iscariot who would become a traitor”.

A more rag-tag group of adventurers had never been assembled. Certainly not a very auspicious group to take on the established world order. And after a full night of communion with God! Couldn't Jesus do better than this?

No.

According to worldly wisdom, which we might follow, Jesus' selection makes no sense at all; but according to God's wisdom, which Jesus sought out, these were the men who would bring about His will. Regardless of their differences, inadequacies and failures, these men were chosen by God. Even the one “who would become a traitor”.

In my mind I want to focus on our wisdom versus God's wisdom. The problem is that God keeps bringing me back to “Judas Iscariot who would become a traitor”. God Himself, in the person of Jesus, hand picked Judas Iscariot. God, who knows everything, actually chose who would betray the cause and bring about the crucifixion of our Lord.

This brings at least three thoughts to mind:

I.We cannot follow ministers simply because their ministry seems great or ordained by God (remember Jim Jones?). We are called to follow Jesus and no one else. Ministers are given to the church for the building up of it's members (Ephesians 4:11-12), not to be followed as if they have all the answers. Even those who are chosen by God to minister are liable to fail. They are only human.
II.I can not judge God's will or what He is doing in someone else's life. From my human perspective the betrayal of Christ seems a horrible thing. If I were one of the other disciples, I would have probably said very bad things about Judas. Gossip would have abounded! But, in the end, God's will was done. That is something to spend more time on...some other time.
III.On those days that I feel that I too have betrayed Jesus in some way I must remember that I am not dead yet. I have to turn back to Him and say, “what next?”. Judas chose to die rather than move on. Peter, who also betrayed Jesus through inaction and denial, put one foot in front of the other until the time was right to begin a new ministry. In our times of failure we have to choose to follow the example of Peter as opposed to Judas.