Psalm III: Helping Hills

PSALM III

I lift up my eyes to the hills.  From where does my help come?  My help comes from the Lord,

who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1,2 ESV)

HELPING HILLS

The people of ancient Jerusalem had constant reminders of God’s authority, presence, and character.  Each of the hills around Jerusalem symbolized some aspect of God’s history and help.  Wherever they looked, they were reminded of God’s help.  When they had struggles, worries, terrors or fears, they could SEE the hills that encouraged them.

We do not have such hills, at least not in Kansas, where I live.

But we do have reminders.  Our checkbook balances can remind us of God’s provision.  Our anniversaries and birthdays can remind us of the communities God has placed us in.  Our gardens can remind us of God’s physical care.  Storms can remind us of God’s power. 

If we have eyes to see and understand the hills, we are reminded, too!  From where I help comes.

Job IV: Arguing With God

Though He slay me, I will hope in Him; yet I will argue my ways to His face. (Job 13:15 ESV)

Arguing with God

Few people argued with General Douglas McArthur.  Subordinates or Superiors, when McArthur spoke, people nodded their heads, and submitted.  There was something about him that seemed to forbid disagreement.

But he also did not have many friends.

God is not like that.  YES, He is the absolute Lord of heaven and earth.  YES, He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-present.

But He is also patient, understanding, and loving.

He brooks disagreement.  He listens when we cry out.  He is not distant, arrogant, or deaf.

Even Christ, in Gethsemane, argued with His Father.

We can argue with God… but be prepared to lose…

Psalms II: Shepherd and Want

PSALM II

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1 ESV)

Shepherd and Want

I never did a 4H sheep project.  I do not think I would make a good shepherd.  I would probably lack focus, dedication, and compassion.

Sheep are dumb, and sheep are needy.  Without a shepherd, sheep struggle to eat, struggle to be safe, and struggle to rest.

But WITH a shepherd… they have all they need.

With a good shepherd, anyway.

And God’s people have a GREAT shepherd.  Despite our arrogance, we do not know what we need, but our shepherd does.  Despite our pride, we do not have the skills necessary to survive or thrive, but our shepherd does.  Despite our efforts, we are not able to be safe from God’s enemies, let alone our own.  But our shepherd is able!

The Lord is our shepherd… He provides life, salvation, joy, peace, and love. 

Psalm I: Central Word

Psalm I

…but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:2 ESV)

Central Word

We might not sit cross-legged, form an ‘O’ with our fingers, and close our eyes while humming strange tunes… but we do meditate.

Meditate simply describes the centrality, for the Psalmist of God’s Law… symbolic for him of ALL of God’s Word.  God’s Word is the foundation of his thoughts, the framework for his words, and the guide for his deeds.

I write, “simply”, but it is actually quite profound.  It is easier to choose other foundations.  It is easier to meditate on public opinion instead of God’s Law.  It is easier to meditate on my experience instead of God’s Law.  It is easier to meditate on so-called common sense instead of God’s Law.  It is easier to meditate on my education instead of God’s Law.  It is easier to meditate on my favorite things instead of God’s Law.

But because Jesus is the Word, we can attach ourselves, like the Psalmist.  Because the Holy Spirit makes God’s Law alive for us, we can attach ourselves, like the Psalmist.  Because the Father gives GOOD Law, we can attach ourselves, like the Psalmist.

What is your center?

Job III: Bring Your Worst!

JOB III

Though He slay me, I will hope in Him; yet I will argue my ways to His face. (Job 13:15 ESV)

Bring your worst!

I worked with a football coach who really knew what he was doing.  I was six steps below amateur, and I observed with wonder the plans he made, the tricks he pulled, the things he taught, and the games he won.

Most of the time his ideas did not make sense to me.

But no matter how strange his play, (Huh?  Run left NOW?  Pass the ball THERE?  Let the opposing team do WHAT?) I trusted him enough to believe in him.

Job trusts God like that.  He claims that even if God does that absolute WORST thing Job can imagine, death itself, Job will still trust that odd-acting God.

Job knows that God is a better coach than Job was.

Many times Christians could learn from Job.  When God does not ‘do’ things the way WE would, we pout, doubt, do without.  We are pretty sure we would do a better job running the universe (OR our lives) than God does.

Some BIG theological events fit into this category… Christ’s crucifixion, Jeremiah in the cistern, Joseph being sent to Egypt come to mind.

God’s worst is ALWAYS better for us than we imagine.  In fact, it is the best!

Job II: Humility is Comparative

JOB II

I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes. (Job 42:5,6 ESV)

True Humility is Comparative

I am trying to learn to play the bagpipes.  I am using a video serious with a teacher.  I watch (and listen, with the volume WAY down) to him play some notes.  I then try to imitate him.

The more I learn, the more I watch him, the more I understand, the better I see HE is… and the worse I see I am.

Job experienced that with God.

The more Job learned, the more amazed at God Job was.

Imagine what Job would have thought if he had met Jesus.

We know Jesus.

And the more we learn… the more we read about Him in scripture… the more we see Him mirrored in others… the more we experience Him… the more that we compare Jesus to ourselves, and are amazed!

The goal of the comparison is not to belittle ourselves.  We know our sin.

The goal of the comparison is to be more and more amazed at Jesus!  And we will have an eternity of continuing that comparison.  We will know Him more, and be more amazed.  We will see Him more, and be more amazed.  We will be with Him, and be more amazed.

Job I: Heaven

And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, (Job 19:26, 27 ESV)

 Heaven’s Wonder

Our concept of heaven has been tainted by two things.  First, Christians seem to understand heaven based on pictures absorbed from the entertainment world.  Whether from medieval artists, 1980’s films, or popular non-fiction description, we seem to think heaven is a place centered around ourselves.  We like to wonder about new healthful bodies, age, and recognition.  These are fine things.  But our excessive wondering shows we might not understand heaven.

The second taint is connected to the first.  We, ourselves, are often the center of our attention.  We are selfish, now… and our consideration of heaven follows that vein.

But heaven is about God.

Job realizes that the decay of his body might seem depressing.  But when his body is gone, Job will be in the presence of God!  The actual, complete, fully experienced presence of God.

Sometimes we might be so earthly minded, we are no heavenly good.

Esther III: Resignation

Esther III

Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish. (Esther 4:16 ESV)

Resignation

I can imagine Esther making this pronouncement in a voice like Eeyore.  Sad, resigned, expecting the worst, but not really caring.

But better, I can imagine Esther saying these words with hope.

She knows her God.  She knows His character.  She knows His power.  She knows His reputation.  She knows His history.  She knows what He has ALWAYS done.

And so she knows what He WILL do.

Esther knows that God is lovingly in charge.

Esther knows that God is wisely in charge.

Esther knows that God is delightfully in charge.

EVEN IF things appear to go poorly, at first… if she perishes… things will be fantastic!

We know that, too.

Esther II: THIS Time

Esther II

And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14 ESV)

THIS time

The American Pioneer Daniel Boone was searching for his daughter.  She had been captured, and was SOMEWHERE in the vast Kentuckian wilderness.  He attempted to use reason, trail-craft, and geographical awareness to find her and her captors.

And one morning, he found them.

While he had been (as he later admitted) basically wandering around, so also was the party of men that were holding his daughter.  Two groups of people, wandering almost aimlessly.

And they ran into each other.  Boone’s daughter was rescued, and Boone was delighted.

He mused, years later, about the amazing knowledge, planning, and sovereignty of God. 

Two groups of people ending up at EXACTLY the right place, at EXACTLY the right time.

Esther was moved by God in a similar way.

JUST the right King.  JUST the right Esther.  JUST the right circumstances.  JUST the right timing.

And God’s people were rescued.

He does this all the time.  We are in just the right place for HIS plans.  We are with just the right people for HIS plans.  We are in just the right circumstances for HIS plans.

So do not despair, do not fear, do not lose faith.

God’s plans are great.

Esther I: Strange Circumstances

Esther I

Then the king gave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther’s feast. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity. (Esther 2:18 ESV)

Strange Circumstances

Esther was in a tough spot.  She was a stranger in a strange land, but was given the opportunity to transform that strange land.  She represented God and His people to a nation of enemies, hostiles, and pagans.

She lived in a harem.  She was unequally yoked.  She bowed to a king who was not her king.  Perhaps she ate food sacrificed to idols.

But God took those strange circumstances, and changed her world.

I do not know what to do with Esther’s un-Daniel-like activities.

But God knew what to do.  He used them.  He transformed them.  He centered His plan around them to save Esther, Mordecai, the Jews, and all of God’s people.

I am glad that God’s mind is bigger than mine.  I am glad that God takes the tainted and purifies it.  I am glad that God knows what He is doing, even when I do not.

Nehemiah IV: Guilt and Grace

Nehemiah IV

Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10 ESV)

Guilt and Grace

As often happens, returning to God often brings feelings of guilt.  Here, when the ex-exiles returned to Jerusalem and heard again (perhaps after 40 years of quiet!) God’s Word, they grieved, mourned, and knew their guilt.

We would expect Nehemiah to scowl approvingly.  “FEEL GUILTY, YOU SCUM!!” we might imagine him proclaiming.

But Nehemiah does not say such things.  Seeing their awareness of their wandering hearts, and hearing their expressions of sorrow, Nehemiah responds with the gospel.

Their guilt is now a chance for partying!

Not silly partying… not drunken revelry… but joyful celebration because GOD BROUGHT THEM BACK TO HIMSELF.

It ties in with the Messiah to come… but His Grace is already present.

God forgives His people.

When we feel guilt, that is a good thing.  But it is good particularly when we move from sorrow to celebration… from tears to laughter… from weeping to rejoicing.

There is grace even in guilt.

Nehemiah III: Costly Obedience

Nehemiah III

As soon as it began to grow dark at the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I commanded that the doors should be shut and gave orders that they should not be opened until after the Sabbath. And I stationed some of my servants at the gates, that no load might be brought in on the Sabbath day. (Nehemiah 13:19 ESV)

Costly Obedience

Keeping God’s laws brings success.  That is not WHY we obey, but because God’s laws are practical, based on the creator’s knowledge, and based on God’s sovereignty, His laws will enable us as individuals to work the way were created.  His laws will enable us as a community to work the way we were created.  His laws will enable us as a civilization to work the way we were created. 

But God’s laws often go against what society thinks is common sense.

For Nehemiah’s newly returned Israelites, keeping the Sabbath was costly.

They had to turn down profit.

But Nehemiah knew that obeying God’s law, even the unpopular Sabbath, pleases God.

Even if it costs a bit of profit.

Our obedience, whether regarding the Sabbath, or telling the truth (and getting into trouble), or loving our enemy (even when they laugh at our foolishness), or trusting Jesus instead of chariots, bank accounts, or knowledge… will make us successful. 

Because His law works.

Nehemiah II: How to Pray

‘O Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who delight to fear Your name, and give success to Your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” (Nehemiah 1:11a ESV)

How to Pray

Nehemiah was desperate.  He knew his people suffered under foreign rule, and exile.  He knew that God had promised a return to the Promised Land, and no evidence of that return was observed.  He knew that the people of God, already having wandered from God with the resulting exile, were now wandering further.

And so Nehemiah used his best strategy and tactics.

He prayed.

Particularly, he prayed humbly.  Nehemiah made no demands.  He did not glare at God, demanding God’s attention.  He did not push loudly… but Nehemiah prayed to God humbly, making the context of his prayer God Himself. “ Your” servant. “Your” servants, “Your” servant.

Particularly, he prayed personally. Nehemiah, even in his flowery language, spoke to God personally.  He had a conversation with God.  He expressed his fear, his hope, and his confidence in God. 

Particularly, he prayed clearly.  Nehemiah was not vague in his prayer.  Nehemiah outlined his relationship with God, his specific need from God, and his clear hope in God, and God alone.

Pray like Nehemiah.

Nehemiah I: Cupbearer!

Nehemiah I

 O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who delight to fear Your name, and give success to Your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Now I was cupbearer to the king. (Nehemiah 1:11 ESV)

Cupbearer!

Dramatic moments in movies, literature, and poetry could certainly hope to match the description presented here of Nehemiah.  The book that bears his name begins with a thoughtful set of desperate prayers, theological comments, and church-talk.  It is a good start for a Biblical book.

But then, out of the blue (unless we know the story) we see that Nehemiah was not a desert-dwelling prophet.  Nehemiah was not a thoughtful scholar teaching at Jerusalem Seminary.  Nehemiah was not a vague, unknown, hidden barely-historical figure.

He was the cupbearer to the King!  This was a close, intimate, important member of the royal household and staff!  In today’s world, he would be a talking head on the news, a billboard-present face, a well-known and publicly trusted bureaucrat.

But the irony here is that Nehemiah, as important as he was, was MORE important to His God.

Cupbearer to the King, but servant of the one true living God.

Cupbearer to the King, but God’s hands and mouth.

Cupbearer to the King, but a driving force in the plans of God for the restoration and salvation of His people.

Jesus was like that.  A member of Israel’s hidden royal line.  An important craftsman in Nazareth.  A rabbi, a teacher, a prophet…

But the Servant of the One True Living God.

And God’s Hands and Mouth.

And THE driving force in God’s Plan for the Restoration and Salvation of His People!

And we, when we walk in God’s path, and follow His way, and strive to work in Him, through Him, by Him, and for Him… are just as important to God.

Cupbearers? No… but God’s Servants!

Ezra II: The Whole World

Ezra II

In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, (Ezra 1:1 ESV)

The Whole World

I used to sing in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, “He’s got the whole world, in His hands!”  but I I do not think I really understood what I was singing.

Cyrus probably was not a believer in God.  But he was stirred up by God.

Cyrus probably did not pray to God, submit to God, or follow God.  But God moved him as God willed.

Cyrus probably could not understand God’s actions, revelations, or Law.  But he was under the authority of God, whether he knew it or not.

We might mistakenly think that Sunday is the Lord’s Day, and the rest of the week is our own, or the world’s, or no one’s. 

But every day is the Lord’s.  Every atom is the Lord’s.  Every part of creation is the Lord’s.  Every king is the Lord’s.  Every servant is the Lord’s.

The whole world is His.

Ezra I: Focus

Ezra I

For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. (Ezra 7:10 ESV)

Focus

Ezra changed his world.  He was involved in one of the most surprising restorations in the history of the world.  Israel, alone of the lands locked into the Persian empire, got to go home.  Exiled, they returned under Ezra’s staff.

And Ezra found the way to do that by focusing on God’s word.  More knowledge was known in the Persian empire than anywhere on earth at that time.  More military might was wielded in the Persian empire than anywhere in earth at that time.  More wealth had accumulated in the Persian empire than anywhere in the earth at that time.

And Ezra found his plans, his solutions, his strategy, his success no where but in God’s word.

His focus was on Scripture… and the rest followed naturally after.  

The same is true today.  Theology is not the merely the top tier of education. Nor is theology opposed to nuclear physics, geology, history, sociology, psychology, economics, ecology, or any hard or soft science.

Focus on God, true focus, is the foundation of all knowledge. 

Everything else derives from that.  Start right, and like Ezra, you’ll finish well.

II Chronicles II: Who??

II Chronicles II

Solomon the son of David established himself in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great. (II Chronicles 1:1 ESV)

Who?

Who is helping whom here? Solomon was the most famous, the most successful, the most wealthy, the most wise King.  But it is the Lord whose presence made those things happen, and who made Solomon exceedingly great.

But it seems to me that Solomon was not passive.  Solomon did not sit back and hope that God would do something.  Solomon established Himself as king.  In line with God’s law, in accordance with Godly wisdom, in submission to God… of course.

But Solomon figured out what to do, and did it.

The Bible is all about God’s sovereignty.  But God’s sovereignty, by His choice, is entwined with our actions.  God’s sovereignty, by His choice, is manifested in our decisions.  God’s sovereignty, by His choice, is noticeable through our presence in the world.

It is Him… but because He is amazingly gracious, it is through His people.

Weekly News

JEREMY CASELLA

Sunday June 8, 2025

11:00 Worship

7 PM Concert

Sing the Gospel!!!

Hymning, Humming, and Fellowship!

(Free Will offering during the evening concert)

II Chronicles I: Who?

II Chronicles I

… if My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (II Chronicles 7:14 ESV)

Who?

The One True Living God is a God of second chances!  We see this repeatedly in Scripture, often in places that go unnoted.

This verse is often used as a rallying cry for political activism in the form of prayer… but that is not the point here.

Without our usual labels and attachments, God simply gives hope.  If God’s people, in other words, Christians, turn back to Him after we have wandered, He will forgive and undo the effects of our sin.

This is not a battle cry for Americans, because while many Christians are American citizens, America is not God’s People.  It is similarly not a battle cry for Canadians, British, French, Russians, or Iranians. 

It is an offer of hope for Christians, God literally says, “my people.”

Even better, it refers not only to individuals, but to the church!  Because yes, even the church wanders and has ill effects from our sins… and when the church seeks God’s face instead of other things that have distracted us, He forgives and heals the ill effects of the church’s sins.

We err when we think the church is automatically in God’s favor.  We are only in His favor when we humbly seek His face, and reject the wickedness that slips in the back door.

But note… our God, because of Christ forgives us!  He heals us! He continues to love us!

I Chronicles II: The Presence of God

I Chronicles II

And the ark of God remained with the household of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the Lord blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that he had. (I Chronicles 13:14 ESV)

The Presence of God

The people living in the Kingdom of Israel understood something that we seem to have forgotten.  Nothing is better than the presence of God.

Nothing solves problems better than the presence of God.

Nothing brings joy like the presence of God.

Nothing shines light like the presence of God.

Nothing works more effectively than the presence of God.

Nothing blesses like the presence of God…

In fact, nothing blesses OTHER than the presence of God!

For Obed-edom’s family, that presence was shown in the ark of the Covenant.

For us… it is the Holy Spirit!