Walk With God – Shalom Talk

Do not be Surprised at Such Things

Published on November 25, 2025November 21, 2025 by DanLeave a comment

It was my observation while browsing Ecclesiastes chapter 5 that making vows is a serious business. We are told to keep our obligations, do not back out. What does this mean in practical terms, how do we avoid loans and promises? God knows there are times when we need to obligate ourselves to debt. In those cases, we should be determined to keep our word. No waffling, no excuses – we keep our word.

Ecclesiastes 5:4-7 says — When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, ‘My vow was a mistake.’ Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore, fear God. [NIV]

How do we proceed? We should view our vow as a primal bond. Moses wrote — When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said (Numbers 30:2); before we make the vow (commitment) we carefully examine the conditions, and we confirm we are respecting the affirmations in God’s word. Leviticus says — They must not exchange it (the vow) or substitute a good one for a bad one, or a bad one for a good one; if they should substitute one animal for another, both it and the substitute become holy (Leviticus 27:10). After making an agreement, we should act on the agreement as if we are in God’s service and elevate God’s glory by keeping our word. If trouble arises and we cannot avoid a delay, we are wise to keep our debtor aware of the situation and the new plan for repayment. Clearly, it is better we do not make vows, than to vow and not to re-pay, or to vow with no intention of full repayment (implied from Acts 5:1-6).

If we view lack of repayment as an affront to the one true living God, we elevate the importance of the loan or vow to its proper place. We would not be able to show proper respect for God if we had no awareness of his objectives and plans. There are many ‘prophets’ who would talk you into purchasing things you do not need, new cars, new clothes, jewelry, road trips… All these things take money, easily borrowed with a charge card. These ‘prophets’ tell you to charge it – you deserve it – you can handle the debt and handle the payments.

Jeremiah wrote — Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. … which of them has stood in the council of the Lord to see or to hear his word? (Jeremiah 23:16-18). None of them.

Solomon seemed to understand the deeper truth. He wrote — This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, [they should] accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life [pining for things they crave]; because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20).

When the gifts (our earnings) come from God, and we acknowledge God as the source of the gift, we are given wisdom on how to use the gift. Seek the higher calling, seek God’s wisdom on how to manage your earnings.

Borrow carefully, only when it is necessary. Be at peace with yourself. Be not driven by avarice.

I choose Jesus.

The appearance of Justice

Published on October 28, 2025November 21, 2025 by DanLeave a comment

It has been my observation while reading scripture on God’s mercy that Justice also appears. We know that Mercy and Justice are attributes of God. We know they both existed before creation; we know they are part of who God is, was, and always shall be. The one true living God has always engaged in mercy when handling our problems and he has always employed justice (fair jurisprudence) when managing cases where his mercy has been rejected, trampled upon, and despised. This was the plan when Jesus walked on earth and he is doing it today, it shall be forever. for as long as we can visualize the future, Elohim will continue – He is God. God’s mercy is not a temporary thing but a strong dominate attribute of the one true living God.

Consider what Micah 6:8 says — He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God [ESV]. When deciding what to do, I think we should start by saying — but for the grace of God, I could be the one to be judged. When we are wronged – we usually have a choice: (1) seek justice or (2) forgive and strengthen the person involved. In general, with mercy, we restore a relationship and move forward towards a positive outcome. The proper outcome of justice should be the same. The notion of walking with God involves finding a proper balance between justice and mercy in a way that advances the cause of Jesus.

I spent many years running a company and was compelled in several cases to explore the relationship between justice and mercy. Justice is rendered when people receive their due. Within the operations of my company, an act of justice typically was causing people to keep their word in agreements. Mercy, on the other hand, was an exercise in forbearance, grace, and compassion (let them off the hook).

I recall a case where I had a client that needed some graphics support for several images in a federal proposal. I reached out to a friend of mine and gave him the subcontract. I defined the requirements and provided a few samples. He did his best, they were not acceptable, I requested and obtained edits to the images, still not good enough. I was starting to push against a due date with no product to deliver. I reached out to another friend, provided the requirements and original samples, he made good stuff, and I delivered the products. Now, what to do with failed graphics. I could not in good faith charge my client for the failures only for the success. I wrestled with paying my failed sub (subcontractor). I knew the failed sub needed the work and I had overestimated his skills. I talked with him, showed him the final results, talked about his mistakes and how to do it better next time, and then paid him. I made the contract with my sub, I concluded I was not clear enough on the acceptance criteria, I took the blame and moved on. I helped him find a job with a local company to get the skills he needed. Justice? Yes. Right decision? Absolutely.

Paul says (Ephesians 2:4-6) — because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, … made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by [God’s] grace you have been saved. [For] God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms [NIV].

The deeper truth – it is hard to embrace God’s justice, generally we are not able to fully trust he will deal with the sins committed against us – we want to become part of the vengeance. It is hard to embrace God’s mercy because we are not sure he will accept our meager request for forgiveness, we are not sure he will put away our grievous sin’s. For both viewpoints, there is only one answer. A cross with streaming red blood dripping onto the ground. A tomb with nothing remaining but the empty clothing of a risen Jesus. His mercy and justice will be perfectly applied to close the issues. He will do the right thing. He will never break a bruised reed. He is far more merciful than we can ever imagine.

I choose Jesus.

The Hand of the Lord was upon Him

Published on October 9, 2025September 29, 2025 by DanLeave a comment

It was my experience while assessing the Babylon exile story, Ezekiel entered this at the very beginning of the story. Ezekiel was among the first wave of captives (Much of the Hebrew nation was still in their own land). Jeremiah spoke of this first wave of exiles as the ‘good figs’ who had been initially sent to Babylon (Jeremiah 24:5). For this group of figs, God provided a prophet to bring them back to the Law. We read in Psalms 94:12 — “Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law. From this context, we could say, this first group was being pursued by God.

Ezekiel 1:1-3 paraphrased says — In my thirtieth year … the word of the Lord came to Ezekiel the priest … in the land of the Babylonians. There the hand of the Lord was on him [NIV].

I think we can agree that it is an act of mercy for God to bring a message of hope to them even when they were experiencing self-inflicted trouble. Those chosen to deliver God’s message and mercy are blessed for their actions. I would be remiss if I did not make clear; it was 5 years into the exile before God provided Ezekiel (see Ezekiel 1:2). He gave the Hebrews in Babylon time to realize their need. However, at the same time, God provided Jeremiah to the Hebrews still in Jerusalem to guide them. Even in distress, God did not leave the Hebrew nation unguided, no matter how obstinate they were.

It was by the rivers of Babylon the Psalmist spoke of musicians setting down and singing songs of lamentation (see Psalm 137:1-3). What was the topic of their songs? The people who were in this area Babylon were experiencing the harshness of captivity, more important, they were feeling the national and personal judgement inflicted upon them for sin against God’s law. Yet, they were not very repentant – they continued to claim entitlement as God’s people. This accounts for Ezekiel’s assessment of their resistant heart as the cause of their woes. This theme recurs often in Ezekiel’s message

His message was a combination of condemnation, aggressive counsel to repent, and restoration (the exile would not last forever). I think God knew the message would be easier to hear if the message came from a fellow exile. For, even though God’s messenger is bound in chains, the message from God is not bound (see 2 Timothy 2:9). John the Revelator was banished to an island and yet the message from Jesus to John left the island and traveled around the globe. Paul tells us — For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:5)

Ezekiel was clearly being guided by the Holy Spirit, he tells us what he saw, what he heard, and what he felt; all of it centered on connectivity with the Spirit of God. In the first chapter, Ezekiel saw a profound vision of God, even when scripture says no man can see God and live, Ezekiel has a vision (the next best thing). This was not the first time this happened. We are reminded of visions in Isaiah Chapter 6 and Jeremiah Chapter 1. Furthermore, let us not lose sight of Moses (Exodus 34:5-7), Abraham (see Acts 7:2), and Paul (Acts 9:1-19) to name a few. They all saw, they all heard the voice of God.

It is wise for all of us to be well acquainted with God and willing to be influenced by his message. Especially if we want to be engaged in the business of bringing others to the knowledge and love for Jesus. In this context, we find the hand of God upon Ezekiel, as it was on Moses, Abraham, and the others. This kept them focused, safe, and able to press forward not crushed by resistance to the message. God’s grace was sufficient for them. Furthermore, it is sufficient for us as we press on towards that higher calling. His hand is certainly upon us. His grace will abound. I choose Jesus.

The Steadfast Heart.

Published on July 29, 2025July 8, 2025 by DanLeave a comment

To Jacob, a friend of mine. I am sorry for your troubles. Let me tell you about somebody else who has a story like your story. I heard her story many years ago. Her name was Patty. In her early days, Patty lived a faithful life focused on Jesus. She was active in her church choir, spent hours praying for others. She made meals for neighbors when their children were sick. But then Patty broke her back. She rarely asked why, Patty simply tried to be true to God no matter how bad it got. Patty could have sat on the ground and withered away. She was completely flattened by life. The increased health care insurance premiums caused her boss to let her go. Quickly after the release, her house was repossessed by the bank for lack of payments. Patty had no place to go. Her girlfriend stepped in and invited Patty to shelter in her house until she recovered from the injury and found more work.

Gradually Patty was getting better. Then her friend died from a kidney rupture. Once again, her life was in turmoil, but her girlfriend had told the children that Patty should remain in the house. Then the children of the girl friend reneged on their agreement, took the house, and pushed Patty onto the street. She had no family, money, or place to go. She only had the clothes on her back. Gradually, things got better. She drifted to a new city and started again – she remained in the eye of the Hurricane.

I heard about Patty when she was working at a church thrift store — after all this happened. As I listened to the story, it appeared this woman, who had been faithful to God, had been completely crushed. Patty should have given up on God. She should have quit. She had every human excuse to stomp her foot and curse God. But Patty did not. In time, God restored her life with new friends, a job, a home, and the things she needed to live her remaining life in fullness. Through all of this, she stayed the course.

Abraham should have let go of the dream from God and returned to the land of his parents. He should have quit. Abraham should have told God that this covenant thing was dead, he was too old and completely unable to make a life in this new place. Yet, God had called Abraham several years earlier and Abraham responded. He left his home and traveled to a distant land. He left for this new place because God had promised to bless him with land, children, and prosperity (Genesis 12:1-13,18). However, none of that was forth coming. So far, this new place brought him famine, conflict with other groups, no children, and personal threats upon his life. Abraham had nothing to show except a sad adventure story.

So, he asks for guidance from God and once more God steadies him…be patient (Genesis 15:18). But after that conversation, all Abraham obtained was more silence (Genesis 16:1-6). He should have given up on God. He should have quit. But he did not and we know the rest of the story. Abraham became the father of many nations. We Christians continue to be adapted into his family (read the book of Hebrews).

Paul says — Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. (2 Timothy 2:11-13)

In the face of what could be deemed as God’s failure, neither Patty nor Abraham gave up. They did not quit. They lived within his strength. All during her time of trouble, Patty would take aside young women who were in deep trouble, pray for them, encourage them, take them under her wing, and help them to trust in God despite their troubles. Abraham became the father of many nations. God is sovereign. No questions, no whining, just obedience. He is sovereign. When we are faithful, in the end he is faithful. Even if we waver a bit during the dark days, he is faithful. He loves us.

I choose Jesus.

Rebellion is their Name

Published on July 8, 2025July 8, 2025 by DanLeave a comment

It was my observation after reading Ezekiel chapter 1 and then progressing to chapter 2 that we are given a detailed image of the throne. Why did God show this to Ezekiel? Consider the message that Paul heard on the Damascus Road. Paul was clearly chosen by God, things happened around hi to be sure he got the message. There was no question in his mind what had happened. Now in the case of Ezekiel we see something similar. His nickname appears in this chapter – Son of Man. I suspect God applied this phrase to Ezekiel as an affectionate nickname; as a term of endearment. The Hebrew term for Son of Man is Ben-Adam. We see something similar in Daniel 7:17, we find the term Son of Adam, Son of the earth. I think this means he was called to be a representative of God on earth.

In the passage we are about to read, Ezekiel is told — Get up. Get off the ground, I want to talk to you. I think that God did not want to talk to the back of Ezekiel’s head. He stood Ezekiel up so Ezekiel was looking at the glory before him – this reveals the affection God has for people who walk with God. As much as we could imagine, within the confines of extreme holiness and the translucent shroud that protected us, they were looking at each other. Ezekiel’s instinct is to get prostrate, God says to him, not today. I am affirming your commission. Right here, right now. Face to Face.

Ezekiel 2:1-5 says — He said to me, Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you. As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. He said: Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me to this very day. The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, This is what the Sovereign Lord says. And whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are a rebellious people, they will know that a prophet has been among them. [NIV]

The short version of this passage is simple – Get up. You are my prophet to Isreal. They will not like you, but they will know one thing for sure – A prophet has been called to walk among them. They will know that I am the Lord their God and I am not Silent. This tells us something about how God thinks. He is immensely pleased to work with us. He delights in our willingness to serve. When we show a tiny bit of interest, he is all over it. He brings power and strength. He fills us with himself and then works from within us to accomplish his tasks. If you ponder this for a bit, you will realize how truly amazing this situation is. The one true living God choosing to work through us, training us in his way. He does not need help, but he has decided to partner with us to implement his plan. Goodness. We are loved.

Matthew Henry said — Thus, in a similar case, Daniel was strengthened by a divine touch (Daniel 10:18) and John was raised by the right hand of Christ laid upon him (Revelation 1:17). The Spirit set him upon his feet, made him willing and forward to do as he was bidden, and then he heard him that spoke to him. He heard the voice before, but now he heard it more distinctly and clearly, heard it and submitted to it. The Spirit sets us upon our feet by inclining our will to our duty, and thereby disposes the understanding to receive the knowledge of it.

We find the conclusion of this passage, Ezekiel is being called, prepared, strengthened and sent to deliver a message to a rabble. A rebellious group of people who have been pushed off the island, the land of the promise to the land of Babylon. Ezekiel knew what this was all about. He knew it would not be an easy life. But he had a calling and purpose. His people were in captivity for rebellion against Gods law. He hoped God would be gracious, but his resolve to serve was clear. We do the same. I choose Jesus.bellion is their Name

Gulliver’s Travels

Published on July 1, 2025July 8, 2025 by DanLeave a comment

It has been my observation while reading Ecclesiastics that Solomon struggled to find something new that had not been done. He really struggled with this idea. Permit me to fast forward and talk about things that are new today. Consider the lowly cell phone, our ability to talk to computers, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Were we not introduced to these things in the mid 60’s by the Star Trek Communicator? Gene Roddenberry created the prototype Star Trek show in 1964, you may recall that most historians believe that Gene was influenced by the thought ‘engine’ in Gulliver’s Travels, a 17^th century novel. In the mid 60’s Captain Kirk used a flip-phone and talked to his computer all the time, just like we do now. So, do we really have ‘new stuff’ or just clever remakes and embellishments 60 years later? New Stuff? In 1956 the initial ideas for AI were explored at Dartmouth – I took a few classes on AI software development at the University of Nebraska in 1985. Now, 70 years later, Google uses AI for routine searches. Yep, I think Solomon got it right, nothing much is new under the sun.

We read in Ecclesiastes 2: 12-17 — I turned my thoughts to consider wisdom, and also madness and folly. What more can the king’s successor do than what has already been done? I saw that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness. … Then I said to myself, “The fate of the fool will overtake me also. What then do I gain by being wise?” I said to myself, “This too is meaningless.” For the wise, like the fool, will not be long remembered; the days have already come when both have been forgotten. Like the fool, the wise too must die. So, I hated life, the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, chasing after the wind [NIV].

At the beginning of chapter 2, Solomon builds and creates everything he can imagine, his world is opulent. Yet, when he completes the work, he felt no satisfaction. Just more angst. He learned that ‘doing stuff’ without a goal outside of himself leads to the blahs. When he did things that included God, he felt settled, content. With out God in the formula, any pleasure derived from the action was short lived, the pleasure wore off and he drifted deeper into despair and self-hate.

He wonders if things would have been different without God’s wisdom. Perhaps being a simpleton, oblivious to the endgame, was best. In time, he reasoned that enjoying God’s company was a better plan. God’s wisdom prevailed.

Ecclesiastes 2:22-26 says — What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days the work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless. A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and happiness; but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God [NIV].

Solomon was bright enough and wise enough to know the proper response, but he was a bit stubborn and not able to wrap his mind around the solution initially. He gradually learned that we do better when we learn to accept the simple pleasures of work and taking care of our families as an offering to God. “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence” (Psalms 16:11). “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress — I will never be shaken” (Psalms 62:1-2).

When we find contentment in these things, we start losing the angst and moving towards God’s peace. Solomon knows the truth about work is simple – there is no enjoyment without God’s involvement. If we do our tasks and projects with him at the helm, cognizant of his presence, we can find joy and peace in our life. When you walk with God, the angst will ebb away.

I choose Jesus.

Rebellion Is Their Name

Published on June 10, 2025May 30, 2025 by DanLeave a comment