Tag: Bridger Grable

Looking for Solutions in All the Wrong Places?

Isaiah 31-34

Life is full of challenges and problems, and people are always looking for a quick fix to get them by. But a quick fix that the world promises often turns out to be no fix at all, just another problem on top of all of our existing problems. When we leave off trusting in God, and put our trust in ourselves or the quick fixes that the world has to offer, we set ourselves up for disappointment.

In Isaiah 31-32 we see how the Israelites were afraid of the impending Assyrian army and were looking at Egypt as a solution for the protection they needed. But God said, “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek Yahweh!” (Isaiah 31:1, REV) At the time this was written, chariots were a big deal, the latest and greatest military technology. Placing their hopes and trust in these, the Israelites were essentially telling God, “Don’t worry God; we can take care of this; we don’t need you.” And, of course, this is all wrong. God is concerned and invested in his people, he wants to participate in their salvation, and they really do need Him.

The reality is, sometimes we are a lot like the Israelites of Isaiah’s time, we are looking for solutions in all the wrong places instead of trusting in God.  We are not threatened by the threat of an invading army, but we have plenty of challenges and problems that we need solutions for. We don’t look to chariots anymore, but we do depend on modern technology, like cars and cell phones to carry us through. But we should ask ourselves if we are putting our trust in God or in ourselves and the solutions of the world. It is a question about our hearts. Is your cell phone your tool for distraction, connection, and maybe a false sense of safety? Are you running away from something? Have you prayed to God about whatever it is that you are feeling, facing, or going through? Just like Egypt couldn’t provide the security the Israelites were searching for, neither can our devices or distractions fix what’s going on inside us.

God deals with the real problem, not just the symptom. “The Assyrian will fall, but not by the sword of people; and the sword that is not of humankind will devour him. He will flee from the sword, and his young men will become subject to forced labor.” (Isaiah 31:8) With Yahweh our massive problems are no problem at all. It’s not the situation itself, but where we place our trust that makes all the difference.

“The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.” (Isaiah 32:17, REV) Quietness and confidence really stand out to me in this verse. Regarding quietness, I think of how, when a city is quiet, generally nothing bad is going on. And regarding confidence, that’s a kind of safety you feel when you’re not afraid of an impending disaster.

I used to have an old Jeep Cherokee that routinely broke down and on more than one occasion left me stranded on the side of the road, waiting for a tow truck or laboring to fix it under the hot summer sun. Of course, after multiple episodes of this, the Jeep lost my trust and I eventually sold it and purchased a newer Toyota. Since then, I’ve had more confidence that I’ll actually make it to my appointments without breaking down. When I placed my trust in that old, unreliable Jeep, the result was disappointment.

When we choose to follow and obey God, we can experience the quietness and confidence that only he can give. It is fundamentally a heart issue. God wants us, and he is persistent again and again, calling His people back to Him for peace and safety. Just like his promise to the Israelites, when we look to God for salvation, he will be faithful to deliver us.

-Bridger Grable

Reflection Questions

  1. “But we should ask ourselves if we are putting our trust in God or in ourselves and the solutions of the world. It is a question about our hearts. Is your cell phone your tool for distraction, connection, and maybe a false sense of safety? Are you running away from something? Have you prayed to God about whatever it is that you are feeling, facing, or going through?”
  2. What, or who, have you put your trust in, and then were disappointed?
  3. What does it look like to put our trust in God?
  4. What do you think of Bridger’s statement, “God deals with the real problem, not just the symptom”? Where have you seen this to be true?
  5. If you desire to transfer your trust from self, others, things to God what steps could be helpful? What should you avoid? How can you work at this heart change?
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When Blessings Lead to Spiritual Adultery

Hosea 10-14

Chapter 10 of the book of Hosea, implements an analogy of Israel as a thriving vine. The more fruit it bore, the more Israel used its prosperity to betray Yahweh, turning blessings into the means of idolatry. God gave them the Promised Land, and they used the blessing that he gave them to make other gods. Instead of gratitude, they responded with spiritual adultery.

The Israelites’ hearts were divided, pulled in different directions by possessions and self-interest. “You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13, REV). Israel never gave God their whole heart. And so they couldn’t find Him. God was ruled out of the life of Israel and now the same thing is happening here in our own nation. We see our country’s leaders supporting and encouraging sinful actions.

“How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within me; my compassion is aroused.” (Hosea 11:8, REV). Yahweh doesn’t want to destroy His people. He didn’t want to then, and he doesn’t now. But again and again, Israel turns elsewhere. In chapter 12, they make a covenant with Assyria looking for safety in the arms of another nation, not in God. Maybe that is the way we should treat some of the things in our lives. We tend to distance ourselves from the thought that we are creating an alliance with things daily like our phones instead of God. 

“I knew you in the wilderness, in the land of great drought.” (Hosea 13:5, REV). The idea from Hosea 13:5 is that when we have an abundance of conveniences it’s hard to see the things we need. In the States most of our problems are “first world problems” which is a polite way of saying they’re not problems at all, just inconveniences. Our abundance and ease of living is one of the many reasons that America is struggling morally in our present time. With too many conveniences, too many options, or too much time -it’s easy to forget what you need.

“According to their pasture, so were they filled. They were filled, and their heart was exalted, so they forgot me.” (Hosea 13:6, REV). Let us not forget our God and turn foolishly toward the things of this world. 

Application Questions:

Do you prioritize things like work, school, social media, TV, over your family, time reading God’s word, or time helping other people?

What are some distractions that are pulling you away from God?

Who are a couple people in your life who can keep you accountable in spending less time on the things of this world and more time on things of God?

-Bridger Grable

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Separated

Hosea 5-9

In chapter 5 of Hosea, we see judgement pronounced over Israel.

“Listen to this, O priests! Listen, O house of Israel, and give ear, O house of the king! For the judgment is against you; for you have been a snare at Mizpah, and a net spread on Tabor.”
 (Hosea 5:1, REV)

Later in verse 14, Yahweh says:

“I myself will tear them in pieces and go away. I will carry them off, and there will be no one to rescue them.” (Hosea 5:14, REV)

Things are starting to look bleak for Israel. Yet some begin to consider returning to Yahweh:

“Come and let’s return to Yahweh; for he has torn us to pieces, but he will heal us; he has injured us, but he will bind up our wounds.” (Hosea 6:1, REV)

But in verse 4, Yahweh reveals a deeper issue – Israel is not loyal to its covenants. He compares them to a morning cloud or dew that vanishes early. Yahweh knows they won’t truly turn back, but will continue down a path of unrighteousness:

“The pride of Israel testifies to his face, yet they do not return to Yahweh their God, nor have they sought him for all this.” (Hosea 7:10, REV)

In chapter 8, Yahweh continues to speak on the corrupt mindset of Israel and the many reasons for their separation from Him. Midway through the chapter, we see what happens to Israel.

“Israel is swallowed up. Now they are among the nations like a vessel that nobody wants. For they have gone up to Assyria, like a wild donkey wandering alone. Ephraim has hired herself out to lovers.” (Hosea 8:8–9, REV)

Back in chapter 5, verse 4, it says that Israel cannot return to God because of their deeds. That verse reminds me how important it is to change our actions when we turn to God. We can’t claim to be pure in mind and soul while continuing in sin and partaking in things that bring us further from God.

Since working in the construction industry and expanding my social circle beyond the church, I’ve noticed something. When I talk to people about faith and religion, many say they follow Christ but in the same breath, they contradict that by showing allegiance to themselves. My prayer for them is that they would not follow the path that Israel took, but recognize this hypocrisy and take steps to correct it. If they are sincere, they will allow God to begin to move in their lives or maybe even discover who God truly is for the first time.

-Bridger Grable

Reflection Questions

  1. How would you describe Israel’s problem in Hosea’s day?
  2. Where have you seen similar problems?
  3. In your own life when has your love evaporated quickly, like the morning dew? How are you doing right now? Are your deeds taking you closer to God or further from Him? What might Hosea (speaking for God) say about your heart?
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Unfaithful

Hosea 1-4

There’s no doubt that adultery is one of the most talked-about sins in the Bible. Even King David, a man after God’s own heart, fell into this sin. Earlier in Scripture, we see God destroy an entire city because of its sexual immorality. In the book of Hosea, God uses adultery as a metaphor for the unfaithfulness of Israel. Hosea doesn’t just speak God’s message, he lives it out, through his marriage and even the names of his children.

Right off the bat in Hosea 1:2, we see what God asks of him, “When Yahweh began to speak with Hosea, Yahweh said to Hosea, ‘Go, take for yourself a wife of prostitution and have children of prostitution; for the land commits great adultery, forsaking Yahweh.’” (REV) God’s people were a promiscuous bunch, chasing idols and worldly desires they believed would fulfill them.

Hosea and his wife Gomer have three children, each with a symbolic name. First is Jezreel, representing God’s judgment and the scattering of Israel. Then comes Lo-Ruhamah, meaning “no mercy,” because God was withdrawing his compassion. Finally, there’s Lo-Ammi, meaning “not my people,” a symbol of God’s rejection after Israel broke their covenant with Him.

Gomer, like Israel, is unfaithful. She cheated on Hosea and eventually fell into prostitution, chasing after other men. This would have been enough for most people to get a divorce over. But God had other plans for their relationship. Hosea doesn’t give up, rather he pursues her. When she’s at a point of desperation he buys her back – “So I bought her for myself for 15 pieces of silver and a homer and a half of barley.” (Hosea 3:2, REV)

God rejected Israel because they had turned from Him and started following other gods like Baal. I thought it was interesting how even small things like loving raisin cakes can symbolize where our hearts are drifting –  “Yahweh said to me, ‘Go again, love a woman loved by another, and an adulteress, even as Yahweh loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love cakes of raisins.’” (Hosea 3:1 REV) It’s not about the cake, but rather what it represents. The misplaced love and devotion.

Despite everything, God promises restoration. He doesn’t stop loving His people and we can have security in knowing he will not stop.

“Afterward the children of Israel will return and seek Yahweh their God, and David their king, and will come with trembling to Yahweh and to his blessings in the last days.” (Hosea 3:5 REV)

-Bridger Grable

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways was Israel unfaithful to God?
  2. In what ways have you been unfaithful to God?
  3. What is God’s response to unfaithfulness?
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Wonderful Statutes. Wonderful God.

OLD TESTAMENT: Obadiah

*POETRY: Psalm 119:129-136

NEW TESTAMENT: Revelation 10

When’s the last time you paid God a compliment? We all like to be complimented, even if it’s just about our new shoes, nice watch, or friendly smile. In Psalm 119:129 we see a beautiful example of a compliment to God. The psalmist says, “Your statutes are wonderful…” What a beautiful place to connect with our God in relationship. Often the distractions that infiltrate every aspect of our lives, push out what should be a natural response to the greatness and goodness of God.

What naturally follows from the fact that God’s statutes are wonderful is that we obey them. That is what the Psalmist says, “… therefore I obey them.” This is something I have found hard to do with all that the world has to offer. On the outside the world’s handouts appear innocuous, but they are often a distraction that take us off course from following God, or even acknowledging Him. Is God our priority? Do we love and cling to his word? Are we ready to obey him?

 “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130 NIV) The first part of the verse uses the well-known example of light representing good. (Sorry Star Wars fans, the light versus dark paradigm predates George Lucas by a few thousand years.) We also see that God’s word can be understood by the simple-minded. You do not need your PhD to discern the light that the Bible contains. All you need is a heart longing for God and a willingness to open his word.

In verse 131 the psalmist uses the metaphor of opening one’s mouth and panting to show the severity of how much he longs for God’s commands and authority. And yet, it is more than just commands and rules to be followed but it is about a relationship with God.

In verse 132 we see that he imparts grace to those who love him. Earlier in the Old Testament we see examples of when people did not love his name but rather chose to follow a path without God. A doozy being Sodom and Gomorrah when God not only withheld grace but also doled out punishment for the sin of the city by obliterating the whole place.

The psalmist shows his heartbreaking emotion for the people who do not keep his law. Everyone who has experienced God’s changing power within them knows the heart aching emotion the psalmist is going through. God is the center of all creation, the source of true happiness, and the one we should be living for.

-Bridger Grable

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Psalmist compliment God? How can you compliment God today?
  2. What is the Psalmist’s response to God? What is your response to God today?
  3. Which verse in today’s section of Psalm 119 would you like to post in your home and work on memorizing?
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My Delight

OLD TESTAMENT: Jeremiah 49-50

POETRY: Psalm 119:89-96

NEW TESTAMENT: Revelation 5

We see that God has founded the earth and established himself on it. God’s reign will not perish, and His words won’t be changed. The Psalm says “Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.” (Psalm 119: 89 ESV). This is something that is easy to forget as we live our busy lives. He made the earth, and he is still here, performing works all the time. He has given us the ability through prayer to connect with him and access his presence. 

In verse ninety one the psalmist writes “By your appointment they stand this day for all things are your servants.” As God’s creation, we are made to love God and follow his commandments just as a son should love and obey his father. As the scriptures later reveal through Jesus, our lives should be a constant act of servitude towards God. The Psalmist wants to bring glory to God through the obedience of the law. We should conform our lives to God’s will by following His commandments.

“If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction”(Psalm 119:92 ESV) He made laws and commandments not out of selfish reasoning to show his dominion over us but for our good. Just as a parent tells their child not to touch the stove when it is hot, God likewise gave his people commandments to protect them. It is not hard to see in modern culture what it looks like when we mess up. Living our lives selfishly, not following God’s Law. The world stays in turmoil with great nations constantly at war, families being divided, and sin taking over. It Has been like this since The Fall in Genesis 3. If we follow God’s word, he will bless us and be with us.

-Bridger Grable

Hi, my name is Bridger Grable. I am 19 years old and live in Southern California. I have 8 siblings so it’s always a party at my house. I love hiking and the outdoors.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you keep in mind today that God and His word are firmly fixed in the heavens? What can happen when we forget this?
  2. How can you bring glory to God through obeying His Word today?
  3. Is God’s law your delight? Explain what that does (or would) look like? What afflictions can you handle better when His law is your delight?
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