Hardened for righteousness ∙

Hardened for righteousness ∙

Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” – Acts 5:29

Acts 16:22-32

 22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods.

 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape.

 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.

 25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.

 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!

 27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself.

 28 But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”

 29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.

 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.”

 32 And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household.

On June 9, 1963, Fannie Lou Hamer and six other black passengers stopped to eat in a diner at a Greyhound bus terminal in Winona, Mississippi. They sat at the “white only” lunch counter. The Winona Police Chief, Thomas Herrod, demanded they move to the “colored” side of the depot, but they bravely refused and were arrested and jailed.

Tragically, each of them endured severe beatings, with Fannie Lou Hamer suffering the most brutal treatment. Regrettably, Ms. Hamer never fully recovered from the physical and emotional trauma inflicted upon her during that incident.

What transpired in Hamer’s heart afterward is arguably even more remarkable than the events that occurred in the jail. Despite the physical toll the whipping took on her body, her spirit emerged fortified, steadfast and hardened for righteousness. The ordeal ignited an unyielding fire within her.

Hamer spent the night in silence, but a day later, while still in jail, she started to sing. Known for her resonant and inspiring voice, the same mouth that had been screaming in pain just the night before began sounding the strains of freedom.

          “Paul and Silas was bound in jail, let my people go.

          Had no money for to go their bail, let my people go.

          Paul and Silas began to shout, let my people go.

          Jail doors open and they walked out, let my people go.”

Doing the right thing often results in harmful downsides. When adverse consequences emerge, we always have a choice: complain and gripe or be grateful and rejoice.

REFLECT & PRAY

Courage and cowardice lurk in each of our hearts. We imagine both fleeing from danger and standing firm.

Father I long to have the courage to stand firm for You. It should not take the risk of a severe beating, jail time, or immolation to force me to decide. Encourage me to stand for You right now and keep right on standing!

INSIGHT

Taking a stand for the Father, sharing truth, and bringing joy to others, even in the face of potential consequences, is not merely a matter of conscience. It is an imperative, a call to action we must answer. The only question is will we follow it?

Matthew 28:19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Imagine the scene in Acts 4 and 5 more and more people accept the Lord Jesus Christ as Messiah and Savior. They were drawn by the gospel and the miraculous power wielded by the apostles. The religious leaders were alarmed and confronted them.

The apostles were unintimidated and went returned to the streets preaching the Word. The religious authorities were astonished and had them brought before them to threaten them again. The apostles were busted for upsetting this status quo and publicly proclaiming the truth.

“It is a tense moment. They have been duly warned, and now they can be convicted and severely punished. Peter, as always, speaks up for the group. Putting in positive form . . . this bold apostle now declares for all time: We must obey God rather than any human authority!” (Acts 5:29) (Chalmer Ernest Faw).

And so it was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Daniel 3:14-29

 14 Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up?

 15 I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?”

 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you.

 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.

 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”

 20 Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace.

 23 So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames.

 24 But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?” “Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did,” they replied.

 25 “Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four unbound men walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!”

 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire.

 27 Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!

 28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

 29 Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble. There is no other god who can rescue like this!”

Acts 16:34 And he [the Philippian jailer] brought them into his house and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, having believed in God with his whole household.

The Greek word translated as rejoice is agalliao. Agalliao means to exult, rejoice greatly, and experience ecstatic joy and delight. Secular Greek writers do not use this word. In the New Testament, it always signifies a deep spiritual joy. “Their hearts were singing” (UBS).

Jude 1:24 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 5-21-1

© Dr. H 2023

Jail time ∙

Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” – Acts 5:29

Acts 16:22-32

 22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods.

 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape.

 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.

 25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.

 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!

 27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself.

 28 But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”

 29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.

 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.”

 32 And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household.

On June 9, 1963, Fannie Lou Hamer and six other black passengers stopped to eat in a diner at a Greyhound bus terminal in Winona, Mississippi. They sat at the “white only” lunch counter. The Winona Police Chief, Thomas Herrod, demanded they move to the “colored” side of the depot, but they bravely refused and were arrested and jailed.

Tragically, each of them endured severe beatings, with Fannie Lou Hamer suffering the most brutal treatment. Regrettably, Ms. Hamer never fully recovered from the physical and emotional trauma inflicted upon her during that incident.

What transpired in Hamer’s heart afterward is arguably even more remarkable than the events that occurred in the jail. Despite the physical toll the whipping took on her body, her spirit emerged fortified, steadfast and hardened for righteousness. The ordeal ignited an unyielding fire within her.

Hamer spent the night in silence, but a day later, while still in jail, she started to sing. Known for her resonant and inspiring voice, the same mouth that had been screaming in pain just the night before began sounding the strains of freedom.

          “Paul and Silas was bound in jail, let my people go.

          Had no money for to go their bail, let my people go.

          Paul and Silas began to shout, let my people go.

          Jail doors open and they walked out, let my people go.”

Doing the right thing often results in harmful downsides. When adverse consequences emerge, we always have a choice: complain and gripe or be grateful and rejoice.

REFLECT & PRAY

Courage and cowardice lurk in each of our hearts. We imagine both fleeing from danger and standing firm.

Father I long to have the courage to stand firm for You. It should not take the risk of a severe beating, jail time, or immolation to force me to decide. Encourage me to stand for You right now and keep right on standing!

INSIGHT

Taking a stand for the Father, sharing truth, and bringing joy to others, even in the face of potential consequences, is not merely a matter of conscience. It becomes an imperative, a call to action we must answer. The only question is will we follow it?

Imagine the scene in Acts 4 and 5 more and more people accept the Lord Jesus Christ as Messiah and Savior. They are drawn by the gospel and the miraculous power wielded by the apostles. The religious leaders are alarmed and confront them.

The apostles were unintimidated and went returned to the streets preaching the Word. The religious authorities are astonished and have them brought before them to threaten them again. The apostles were busted for upsetting this status quo and publicly proclaiming the truth.

“It is a tense moment. They have been duly warned, and now they can be convicted and severely punished. Peter, as always, speaks up for the group. Putting in positive form . . . this bold apostle now declares for all time: We must obey God rather than any human authority!” (Acts 5:29) (Chalmer Ernest Faw).

And so it was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Daniel 3:14-29

 14 Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up?

 15 I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?”

 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you.

 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.

 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”

 20 Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace.

 23 So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames.

 24 But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?” “Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did,” they replied.

 25 “Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four unbound men walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!”

 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire.

 27 Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!

 28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

 29 Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble. There is no other god who can rescue like this!”

Acts 16:34 And he [the Philippian jailer] brought them into his house and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, having believed in God with his whole household.

The Greek word translated as rejoice is agalliao. Agalliao means to exult, rejoice greatly, and experience ecstatic joy and delight. Secular Greek writers do not use this word. In the New Testament, it always signifies a deep spiritual joy. “Their hearts were singing” (UBS).

Jude 1:24 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 5-21-1

© Dr. H 2023

A word from the Lord was rare ∙∙

A word from the Lord was rare ∙∙

A word from the LORD was rare in those days, and visions were infrequent. – 1 Samuel 3:1

1 Samuel 3:1-11

 1 Now in those days messages from the LORD were very rare, and visions were quite uncommon.

 4 Suddenly, the LORD called out, “Samuel!” “Yes?” Samuel replied. “What is it?”

 5 He got up and ran to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” “I didn’t call you,” Eli replied. “Go back to bed.” So he did.

 6 Then the LORD called out again, “Samuel!” Again Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” “I didn’t call you, my son,” Eli said. “Go back to bed.”

 7 Samuel did not yet know the LORD because he had never had a message from the LORD before.

 8 So the LORD called a third time, and once more Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” Then Eli realized it was the LORD who was calling the boy.

 9 So he said to Samuel, “Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, LORD, your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went back to bed.

 10 And the LORD came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.”

 11 Then the LORD said to Samuel, “I am about to do a shocking thing in Israel.”

George was a master persuader. He had an uncanny ability to move a roomful of people to his perspective. How did he do it?

George would ask thought-provoking questions and then retreat into silence. George created a space for others to provide their viewpoints and allowed their voices to take center stage. He had perfected the art of active listening. He was mindful of the underlying guiding principles and perspectives contributing to what was said.

Consequently, George cultivated a deep understanding of others’ viewpoints and unspoken desires and motivations. He then acknowledges what he had heard (which is, most likely, more than has been said). There is almost always more substance below the surface of what people say than there is in their words. George would present his own arguments in a manner that corresponded to the underlying needs and aspirations of the audience. The result was a persuasive, resonating impact. George was always willing to learn something from others’ perspectives and to let them know when he was shifting his view as a result of theirs.

Because George had listened to them, people did not argue with him. Due to the fact that he had heard them, his perspective became the wisest in the room.

Listening is far more persuasive than speaking. If you want people to listen, Stop Talking (Peter Bregman, HBR).

The Father is always listening. Some people talk more with their deeds than they do with their words. At the right time, He speaks.

1 Samuel 3:7 Samuel did not yet know the LORD because he had never had a message from the LORD before.

When the Father first spoke to Samuel, the boy did not know or recognize His voice. He had never heard the Father speak before. Samuel was actively engaged in fulfilling his responsibilities at the Tabernacle, assisting Eli. He was serving the Lord, but he had not yet met Him.

Eli realized that the voice that Samuel was hearing was the Father speaking to him. The Father was calling out to the boy. Eli was wise enough to tell Samuel how to respond the next time he heard the Father’s voice.  

1 Samuel 3:9 “Speak, LORD, your servant is listening.”

There’s no longer a need to wonder how to act upon hearing the Father’s voice. Eli provides us with clear guidance on how to respond when the Father speaks. With a straightforward declaration, we surrender control and recognize the Father as our Lord. He is the Master, and we are His servants.

Samuel stands out in stark contrast to Eli and his sons. Eli was a passive and absent father. Eli’s performance as a priestly leader was marked by failure. His sons were worthless men who did not know or respect the LORD (1 Samuel 2:12).

At the same time, the people of Israel were defiant and distant from the Father. Could this be why messages from the LORD were very rare and visions were quite uncommon?

REFLECT & PRAY

It is all too possible to serve the Lord without ever knowing Him (Matthew 7:23).

Father how I long to be like Samuel. Let me quickly respond when You speak: “Speak, LORD, your servant is listening.”

INSIGHT

Now that Samuel was ready to hear and respond appropriately, he did not have long to wait. But this time, there was more than just a voice.

1 Samuel 3:10 Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

This was no mysterious voice nor mystical experience. The Lord was there, physically present.

Was all that preceded this moment preparing Samuel to hear and take in what the Father said? Samuel was still just a boy but a prophet, a man of God in the making.

The Father’s words were dreadful and terrifying. No doubt, Samuel was already intently listening and focused. But now, his eyes widened, and he took a deep breath. I can imagine that under his breath, Samuel whispered, “Oh God no!” Perhaps he wept.

1 Samuel 3:11 Then the LORD said to Samuel, “I am about to do a shocking thing in Israel.”

The Hebrew could be literally translated, “When anyone hears about it, both of his ears will tingle.”

Habakkuk had a similar reaction to comparable unnerving news.

Habakkuk 3:16 I trembled inside when I heard this; my lips quivered with fear. My legs gave way beneath me, and I shook in terror.

What was the Father about to do? The world, as the Nation of Israel, knew it was about to collapse. “The catastrophe was the impending defeat of Israel by the Philistines, the death of Eli’s sons and Eli himself, the capture of the ark of God, and the desolation of the national sanctuary at Shiloh” (Smith).

But there was a new world coming. The time of the Judges was ending. The Nation of Israel would no longer be twelve loosely confederated tribes. It was about to become a kingdom. And Samuel was being prepared to anoint the first king, the people’s choice, Saul. But Saul was a poor choice.

Samuel would also anoint the Father’s choice, David.

When the Father is silent, it’s not always a bad thing. Perhaps He is preparing you for the day that He speaks. Get ready. His perspective is always the wisest in the room.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 5-2-1

© Dr. H 2023

Money does stupid things ∙

Money does stupid things ∙

Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” – Hebrews 13:5

Psalms 119:35-40

 35 Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.

 36 Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money!

 37 Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.

 38 Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you.

 39 Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good.

 40 I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness.

One of the unforeseen consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic was the accumulation of substantial amounts of money in the bank accounts of individuals who remained employed and had nothing to spend it on. Apparently, money, akin to energetic individuals, thrives on being active and engaged rather than just lying around gathering interest. What would all this money do? “The money has nowhere to go, so it’s doing stupid things” (Howard Lindzon). Money learned to do stupid tricks (Erin Griffith).

A buying frenzy erupted. In March 2021, a Tom Brady trading card sold for $1.3 million, setting a new record. Additionally, a work of digital art created by the relatively obscure artist Beeple, previously unrecognized, astoundingly fetched $69.3 million at Christie’s auction house, surpassing initial bids that began at a mere $100. Meanwhile, the value of Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency, soared past the remarkable milestone of $1 trillion.

Of course, money learned or did nothing. Money is not alive and sentient. It is devoid of the ability to learn or take action. Instead, the individuals who possess money are the culprits. They sprang into action. When faced with prolonged periods of boredom and confinement at home, people eventually reached a tipping point and burst out. Investment manias of all types, many unheard of, exploded. People’s hearts follow their treasures. But what do these people treasure the most?

Solomon had this worked out 3000 years ago. He provided great insight and wisdom for all to absorb and consider. Solomon’s teachings offer invaluable lessons.

Ecclesiastes 5:10-15

 10 Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!

 11 The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what good is wealth – except perhaps to watch it slip through your fingers!

 12 People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much. But the rich seldom get a good night’s sleep.

 13 There is another serious problem I have seen under the sun. Hoarding riches harms the saver.

 14 Money is put into risky investments that turn sour, and everything is lost. In the end, there is nothing left to pass on to one’s children.

 15 We all come to the end of our lives as naked and empty-handed as on the day we were born. We can’t take our riches with us.

REFLECT & PRAY

“Money in itself is neither good nor bad, but the love of it may lead to evil. With it, people may selfishly serve their own desires . . .. Money is not itself an evil, but it is a great responsibility. It has power for good and power for evil” (Barclay).

Father help me to be wise with my priorities. Encourage me to treasure what You treasure. Help me to align my heart so that my greatest treasure is my love for You and Your precious Word.

INSIGHT

Treasuring money, wealth, and material things put us at odds with the Father. The Lord Jesus Christ revealed an unchanging principle that encompasses and informs all we do.

Matthew 6:24 No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

A remnant of children of the King displays a clear and sincere affection for the Word of God. This profound love for scripture naturally stems from their deep-rooted affection and intimate connection with the Lord Jesus Christ.

When our treasures do not align with the desires of the Father, redirecting our hearts begins with a crucial question: How do we repurpose our affections? When a new child of the King asked this question, seeking guidance. He was advised to spend time in the Word of God every day and earnestly pray to fall in love with the Lord Jesus Christ. Remarkably and delightfully, after several months, the transformation began to happen.

Most of us know what it is like to be in love with another person. Our hearts dance with delight at the mere thought of them, and the anticipation of being in their presence becomes nearly irresistible. Emotions well up within us, occasionally leading to tears, as our overwhelming joy bursts forth, impossible to contain.

Have you ever contemplated what it is like to be deeply in love with the Lord Jesus Christ? Imagine the sheer joy, boundless joy, and exhilaration that accompanies such a profound connection.

Wonder of wonders, every child of the King can fall in love with Him.

Have you ever considered or imagined what it would be like to have a passion and a deep heartfelt love for the Word of God itself? This is more than a desire for the pure milk or the delight of tasting and consuming it. It is so much more than that. What a thrill, a sheer delight, to be passionately in love with the Word of God.

1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk . . .. Cry out for this nourishment,

Psalms 119:103 How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.

Take a moment to reflect on the marvel of honey. This extraordinary substance is marvelously manufactured by industrious honeybees using raw nectar. Beyond its delightful sweetness, honey possesses many remarkable qualities, some recently discovered by nutritionists. Honey contains an array of antioxidants and antibacterial and antifungal properties. Honey is healing and soothing. Furthermore, it fortifies the immune system, protecting against harmful elements in the natural world.

The Word of God far exceeds honey in all of these areas and so much more.

The power to choose what we treasure ultimately rests within us. We control our priorities. In the present moment, it is wise to reassess our priorities and humbly request the Father to search our hearts, bringing to light any concealed sins lurking within. The potential negative consequences of neglecting this introspection are explicitly outlined and serve as a cautionary reminder.

1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and with many sorrows.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 4-28-1

© Dr. H 2023

The G Factor vs. going it alone ∙∙

The G Factor vs. going it alone ∙∙

Two people are better than one. – Ecclesiastes 4:9

Ecclesiastes 4:8-13

 8 This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, “Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?” It is all so meaningless and depressing.

 9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.

 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.

 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?

 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

 13 It is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who refuses all advice.

In 2020, the population of the United States of America was approximately 330 million. According to the Census Bureau, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of Americans living alone. This reflects a global trend. The percentage of Americans residing alone has shown a consistent upward trend since the 1920s, with figures of 5% in 1920, 25% in 1990, and 35% in 2018.

The term “G factor” serves as an abbreviation for general intelligence or commonly referred to as intelligence (IQ). Historically, intelligence was primarily associated with knowledge and skills. However, in recent times, intelligence is defined as a mental capacity encompassing various abilities such as reasoning, planning, problem-solving, abstract thinking, grasping complex concepts, learning from experience, and acquiring knowledge rapidly. Additionally, when individuals collaborate collectively, a phenomenon known as the “group mind” emerges.

Are two heads better than one?

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.

Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, paints a rather dark, bleak, and somewhat meaningless picture of being alone. Loneliness often involves lots of hard work but diminishing rewards.

Ecclesiastes 4:8 This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, “Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?” It is all so meaningless and depressing.

Solomon envisions a person who was driven to achieve success in life. This individual has now reached the pinnacle of success, becoming the king of the mountain, but all alone. They are contemplative and introspective. They realize that ceaseless labor without fulfillment ultimately leads to unhappiness.

The example of John D. Rockefeller, renowned as one of the wealthiest individuals of his time, comes to mind. When asked the question, “How much money is enough?” Rockefeller famously replied, “Just a little bit more.” This raises the question of what truly constitutes “enough.” If even Rockefeller always felt the need for more, who will ever have enough?

But Solomon, in his great wisdom offered an alternative. Two are better than one. Working side-by-side, wise people are more effective. They get more “bang for the buck.” Achievement is often accompanied by increased productivity and reward, contentment, and help in times of need. Work is sweeter and more successful when done with another. Working well together is a life skill well worth pursuing.

Life is full of challenges! Given the choice, why face them alone? Initially, who first advocated that going through life alone was not a good idea? The answer is familiar but surprisingly just off the radar.

Genesis 2:18 The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.

According to this simple comparison, it is better to share our life and work than to try to make it on our own. With very few exceptions, the Father did not design children of the King to go it alone!

But this is more than simply talking about having a mate. This is about finding the person tailor-made for us. Togetherness is better than loneliness. Connection is better than competition (Ryken). This applies to long-term, life-long relationships and short-term partnerships, and more casual ad hoc alliances or projects. The “buddy system” is the Father’s plan for life. Such relationships provide practical and emotional support, strength, and reassurance.

The Father rarely calls on children of the King to “go it alone” in their walk with Him. We need each other not only to receive help and encouragement but to give it as well (Stanley).

REFLECT & PRAY

In the challenges of life, having someone to help us is a gift from the Father.

Father thank You for putting people into my life who have my back. Encourage me to reach out and help others in need.

INSIGHT

Ecclesiastes is a long lament about living life for this world only, or as Solomon puts it, “under the sun.” Living life with solely an earthbound view is cruelly dissatisfying. We toil and strive, yet we remain haunted by a vague sense that we’re missing something (Tim Gustafson).

Against this grim background, Solomon offers simple, homespun wisdom: companionship is better than loneliness. Companions are there for each other and help each other out. They provide warmth and comfort. There is strength in numbers, and they defend one another. A threefold cord describes a rope or cord formed of three strands twisted or plaited together. A rope with three strands is harder to break than a rope with two.

“It is not in numbers, but in unity, that our great strength lies” (Thomas Paine).

Ecclesiastes 4:10-13

 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.

 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?

 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

 13 It is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who refuses all advice.

How does the old king demonstrate that he is foolish? He refuses to take advice. He is inflexible and unwilling to learn. Sadly, as we age, many not only become rigid in body but also in mind. The old king’s problem was not simply age but being closed to the advice and counsel of others. Is this king the individual who chose to go it all alone?

This need not be the case. Regardless of our age, we should be willing and open to admonition, correction, and instruction. We should seek it out.

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

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© Dr. H 2023

A whisper ∙∙

A whisper ∙∙

These are just the fringes of all he does, merely a whisper of his power. Who, then, can comprehend the thunder of his power? – Job 26:14

1 Kings 19:11-12

 11 And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.

 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.

How much of the vast knowledge present in the universe do we currently know and understand? How many books in the Library of Congress have we read? When it comes to the infinite, all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present Father God, know and understand?

The answer to all these questions is the same, extraordinarily little.

Despite significant advancements, our current knowledge only represents a nano fraction of the vast knowledge throughout the universe. Our understanding remains limited and incomplete, with countless galaxies, stars, and mysteries yet to be discovered.

The Father’s omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence are seen in what has been made. The unlimited power and authority of the Creator, who brought everything into existence and governs it, holds profound implications. However, attempting to fully comprehend the nature of the Father through His creation is limited at best and foolhardy at worst. It is akin to studying a solitary grain of sand and assuming that it grants us complete knowledge and understanding of all the sand in existence.

The vastness and complexity of creation, with its countless galaxies, stars, planets, and intricate ecosystems, are merely glimpses of the immense power and wisdom of the Creator. Our attempts to comprehend the divine through the limited lens of our human understanding fall short. Our observations and perceptions of the world around us can only offer glimpses of the grandeur and mysteries of the Creator.

We hear thunder, but how can we presume to understand thunder by merely hearing it?

Job 26:14 These are just the fringes of all that he does, merely a whisper of his power. Who, then, can comprehend the thunder of his power?

The Hebrew word translated as fringes or outskirts is qatsah. It refers to the end or extremity of objects, border regions, or edge. It speaks of something which is only partially disclosed or revealed; the term can be translated as outline, glimpse, a small part of, only a fraction of, and hints of.

“In this context, refers not to a distant area such as outskirts suggests (as when referring to the distant outskirts of a city), but rather to something only partially disclosed or revealed; the term can be translated as ‘outline, glimpse, a small part of,’ which NJB renders ‘only a fraction of,’ and TEV ‘only hints of’” (UBS).

Job’s friends, observing the wonders of the Father’s creation in nature, mistakenly and arrogantly believed they had a comprehensive knowledge of Him. In their presumption, they audaciously thought they could explain the nature of the Father to Job.

Drawing from their observations of the natural world, Job’s friends saw glimpses of the Father’s handiwork and interpreted it according to their limited understanding. However, their confidence in their interpretation led them astray, as they failed to recognize the Father’s vastness and complexity.

Job’s view is diametrically opposed. How can you know the whole from the parts? How can you understand and comprehend an object by only observing its outline or shadow?  How can we possibly reason from the lesser to the greater and fully apprehend when the greater is the Father Himself, who is infinite?

Observing the creation, we see only the fringes of His ways. We have only tidbits of Who and What He is. What we hear is but a whisper of His power! Knowing a few facts about God’s creation is not the same as knowing truths about the God of Creation (Wiersbe).

“He truly knows God perfectly that finds Him incomprehensible and unable to know him” (Richard Rolle). The more we learn about the Father and His Word, the more we realize how little we know and how much more there is to discover. They provide only a tiny hint of His greatness.

“Beware of people who claim to know all about God, for their claim is proof they know neither God nor themselves” (Wiersbe).

REFLECT & PRAY

Job’s friends misguided approach serves as a cautionary tale. It demonstrates the dangers of presuming to fully comprehend the Father based solely on limited observations of the natural world. The Father’s ways and intentions are far beyond our human comprehension, and attempting to reduce His nature to simplistic explanations is misguided.

Father help me to look beyond Your power and listen for Your gentle, soft whisper.

INSIGHT

When we contemplate the omnipotent Lord God, the Father of all, our thoughts naturally gravitate to immense things in space and time. The Father sees everything, made everything, and controls everything (Job 26:7-13).

We are filled with wonder when we contemplate the seemingly infinite immensity and complexity of the Father’s creation. We marvel at the intelligent design, precision, and absolute balance. Not to mention the harnessed control of the vast power and energy throughout the cosmos. Even seeming chaos and disarray have order and beauty.

Chaos theory suggests that the apparent randomness of chaotic complex systems is not random at all. Instead, underlying patterns and laws govern the seeming disorder and irregularities.

The Father does not always act “big.” When the Father gets personal, very personal, He draws close and speaks in soft whispers. He uses His “inside voice.” Perhaps remembering the Exodus, Elijah set his expectations on the big, powerful, and dramatic. But the Father was not in the powerful wind, the rock-shattering earthquake, or the fire he witnessed.

Instead, the Father did something unexpected. Rather than speak in a great, potent, thunderous voice shaking the earth, He spoke in a gentle, quiet whisper, the “sound of sheer silence” (NRSV) (1 Kings 19:11-12).

The Father was tenderly beckoning Elijah to return to Him. Gripped by fear, Elijah had fled for his life and sought refuge in a cave, desperately attempting to keep himself safe and out of danger. Take a moment to envision Elijah concealed within the cave, trembling with fear.

In nearly hushed silence, the Father whispers. When someone whispers, you have to get close to hear and understand. The Father, with gentle insistence, coaxes Elijah to summon his courage. Only when Elijah discerns the soft whisper of the Father’s voice does he find the strength to venture out from the shelter of the cave. Once again, Elijah was safe in the Father’s presence.

When was the last time you heard His whisper, His still small voice?

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© Dr. H 2023