Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Shall I Weep?


9.30.2009

Zechariah 7:3b “Shall I weep in the fifth month and abstain, as I have done these many years?” New American Standard Bible

Q: “What’s the use, God doesn’t answer my prayers anyway! I don’t really feel like going to church today; he always says the same thing! Shall I weep in the fifth month and abstain, as I have done these many years? Is this serving any meaningful purpose at all!?”
A: Depends on who you do it for.

A friend of mine says fasting is not for the purpose of showing God how serious I am or to strong-arm God into giving me what I want; fasting is for the purpose of aligning my heart with God’s. God’s complaint to the Jews all those years about forsaking the sabbaths and going through the motions in their fasts and feasts was not that they weren’t doing it – no, it was that they were leaving Him out; He was no longer their focus.

It doesn’t matter if I go to church or not if God’s not the Reason I do it. It doesn’t matter if I fast or tithe or teach children or serve on the board if God isn’t the Reason I do it. If I can’t go, serve or give to seek God, then it’s better that I don’t do any of it…

I’ve been neglecting my sabbaths and I’m going to repent. I’ve been neglecting the Reason, and I’m going to repent.

Father in Heaven,
You are the Reason for everything I do – work, worship, whatever. Thank You for the reminder that if it isn’t for You in all I do then it’s better off left undone. Your servant of old wrote, “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” May Your glory be the focus of all my activities today and every day – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Where What and How


9.29.2009

Luke 12:30b-31 “…but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. New American Standard Bible

Matthew recorded Jesus as saying, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you.” The overall desire of God for His people is that we would take our eyes (our wants, desires, preferences and focus) off of the things of earth and turn them toward the riches, possessions, and lifestyle of Heaven. Earthly life is the testing facility; the laboratory; the proving ground. Heavenly life is where true life is lived and where our true selves will be used by God forever.

God knows our needs; He made us. When will we get that!? God knows our need for food, clothing and shelter. God knows our need for employment and money with which to live. But God knows our need for self-control and how important it is that we not get too caught up in earthly things so that we can maintain and keep our focus on what is really important – the next life. And if we allow Him, God will give us all we need and more! Happy indeed is the person who gladly, willingly, and eagerly allows God to dictate what he/she really needs.

My life focus is:
Psalm 27.4: One thing I ask of the Lord, that will I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life
Luke 12.31, Matthew 6.33: seek God’s Kingdom first and foremost knowing I will be cared for in return
Proverbs 3.6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

One thing, first thing, and in all things… where to be, what to do, and how to act…

Father in Heaven,
You know how much I struggle with my culture, and my wants and desires. I simply ask again today to be in Your Temple, seeking Your Kingdom, and acknowledging You in all I do – therein is peace that passes all understanding. I then will trust You to meet all our needs according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus; in His Name I ask, amen.

Monday, September 28, 2009

The Light of Darkness


9.28.2009

Luke 11:35 35 “Then watch out that the light in you is not darkness.”
New American Standard Bible

There are two kinds of light: the light of truth and the light of error. One is passive, the other quite aggressive. One leads to life, the other leads to death. There are many who live in the light of darkness. Their reasoning is faulty and their thoughts are confused. Chesterton said something like this: to deny the existence of God is not belief in nothing, it’s belief in anything. The man who thinks he is smart enough to outwit God has already been outwitted by Satan.

Part of my responsibility as a child of God is to faithfully, carefully and obediently read and study the Bible and do what it says. It’s not optional; it’s required; it’s the difference between life and death. Both Jesus and James say it’s foolish and futile to read the Word and not obey it; to do that leads to the light of darkness; the light of darkness is a dangerous place – it’s a place of believing in anything.

The Word of God rips me apart and does violence to the complacency and error that is so prevalent in my life. It’s supposed to. I am to come away from the Word wounded and bloodied that I may reject the light of darkness and live in the light of Light. For my King is the King of Light, and He and all His servants dwell in Truth.

Father in Heaven,
You are the King of Light and You live in Light. I pray to walk in the Light as You are in the Light that we may have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus may cleanse me from all sin and error. Father, You have turned on the light in my life and may it grow brighter and brighter as I read and heed Your word – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Only One Choice


9.27.2009

Luke 10:42 42 but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” New American Standard Bible

A wise preacher once said, “How speedily your last night and day will come! Observe that which is lacking in the preparedness of your soul for such a time and seek it without delay.” That is a choice. In today’s reading Haggai the prophet said, “Consider your ways!” (Hag. 1.5,7 NASB); that’s a choice! And in Luke 10 Jesus tells Martha, “Mary has chosen…” Mary chose the presence of the Lord and listening to Him over cooking, cleaning, and whatever else was expected of her. She might’ve had trouble from Martha but she had no trouble from the Lord.

Today is a day that will be filled with choices for me, for you, and really for most everyone (even little babies make choices.) For me, my choice is Mary’s: the Lord. I know I’ll get distracted by this, that, and the other, but I will strive this day for one thing – as a choice – to dwell in the Lord’s temple: His presence; and to do so first thing, to seek Him, not only chronologically, but volitionally, and practically; and then in all things to acknowledge Him; for then, His promise is, He will direct my paths and keep me in righteousness.

Father in Heaven,
You have made us volitional creatures, and in Christ have given us the freedom to choose You, to choose Your ways, and to live in Your presence. I choose this day to ask You for guidance and I choose to acknowledge You in all my activities for then my paths will be straight and then the rest of my choices will be right and the good part, it won’t taken away from me – Thank You God! In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Looking Back


9.26.2009
Luke 9:62 62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” New American Standard Bible

When Jesus said, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God”, must have meant something different than what it sounds like. His statement sounds too black and white over something so small; “looking back” must mean something other than “looking back”.

Luke 9 is full of instances where Jesus said something and was misunderstood. One thing the disciples were probably aware of was, Jesus often meant something different in His words. To a 21st century reader such as me, I must be careful how I approach what is recorded for me in the Bible; their mannerisms and their sayings then are different than ours today.

Looking back can’t mean just looking back it has to mean something more like giving up. Looking back must mean something more like going back. Because we all look back from time to time and wonder why we believe or what’s in it for us. We all face frustrations, temptations, and condemnations because of our faith and sometimes want to give up. But Jesus is simply telling us that by looking back, we’re setting ourselves up to give up and giving up is just not acceptable when there is a field to plow and seed to sow and plants to harvest and food to eat… Starting out in the Kingdom and then later giving up on all that the Kingdom is shows a heart that is not able to do what the Kingdom requires.

I could look back and think about how happy and carefree I was in days gone by. I could look back and tell myself how happy I was before I bumped into this Jesus Person. But I cannot deny what Jesus has done for me and I cannot deny what Jesus promises to those who hang in there with Him. So I might glimpse over my shoulder every once in a while – but not for long because I have a field to plow and seed to sow…

Father in Heaven,
I could look back and at times it looks like I am looking back but it isn’t for long that I am back on Your front porch asking for Your goodness and grace to sustain me and help me to keep going on. You have called me and I am grateful; may I complete the work You’ve given me – in Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Maintenance Is Required


9.25.2009

Luke 8:18 18 “So take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him.” New American Standard Bible

Listening can be with intention, and with attention; but it must be more than simply hearing. The Word of God is intended to make an impact on our lives so that we live differently and according to God’s ways. Routine self-inspection is required. Routine soul-cleansing is required. Routine life-analysis is required; because routine misalignment, misunderstanding, misinterpretation, and drifting; and sin, are part of life in this life. Our precious over-priced automobiles require routine maintenance, how much more our thoughts, our preferences, our perspectives and our choices?

I cannot be one person in the Word and another person in the world; it is incongruent and results in a life full of friction, tension and stress; this too is for sure, my witness and effectiveness for the Kingdom will diminish. I must take care how I listen to the Lord and I must take time to think about my relationship with Him and the things He tells me so that I make sure I’m on the right track because whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him…

Father in Heaven,
You have given me everything I need for life and godliness through Your great and precious promises but Lord it is required that I live with intention, and pay close attention, to all that You say; and work very hard to make it my life. Help me I pray – in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Forgiveness and Love


9.24.2009
Luke 7:47 47 “For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” New American Standard Bible

It appears there is a direct correlation between forgiveness and love. A person who is forgiven much has the capacity to love much because they have such a self-loathing for their sin. Sin is captivity, sin is a retardant, and sin is a crippling, impeding reality in human life. To be freed from that is to be grateful and to be filled with compassion for those who are still caught up in it… The woman turned to the only One who could free her from the horrors of her sin and she was relieved and released; it created love in her heart. Her love enabled her to address her demons and because she did, she was forgiven much.

When I approach life in self-righteousness, I cannot be forgiven much because I am, in that state, ignoring the real issue – my sin. David said, “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”— and you forgave the guilt of my sin.” (Psalm 32:1-5 NIV)

Confession of sin is good for the soul. Daily assessing our activities and addressing our heart motives is a good activity. Seeking God in love is recognizing how sick we are in our sins and how safe we’ll be when we admit them and turn from them – that is the way of the loving heart.

Father in Heaven,
You desire purity in the life of Your child. I must go through the difficulties of thinking about my words and deeds so that I may come clean before You and when I do I am forgiven and when I am I can love others as You love me. Help me this day to love much for Lord, You have forgiven me much – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

The Outcome


9/23/2009

Daniel 12:8 8 ‘As for me, I heard but could not understand; so I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?”’ New American Standard Bible

I’m sure glad Daniel couldn’t understand; makes me feel better that I can’t either. But I love Daniel’s question, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?” Isn’t that so typical? We really want to know all the answers; we really want to know the outcome of the current political scheme, the test results that come from the doctor, or the impending foreclosure on our home? What will be the outcome of these events?

Will we all become Muslims? Will we all speak Chinese? Am I going to die? What’s going to happen to me? Very natural, very normal responses. And you know what, Daniel never got an answer – instead all he got was, “But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise again for your allotted portion at the end of the age.”

Sometimes, I too want to know the answers but more often than not, I couldn’t handle it if I got them. I wouldn’t like the prognosis the doctor would give or the thought of being homeless, or broke. The answer for me and everyone else is simply trust. Trust in God, trust in His word; trust in the Lord with all [our] heart and lean not on [our] own understanding; in all [our] ways acknowledge Him and He will direct [our] path… I must claim His promises despite the fact I don’t have and probably won’t have all the answers and a clear picture of the outcome of these events…

Father in Heaven,
You have called me to live by faith and so I place my faith in You to see me through no matter the outcome of the things I am facing. Thank You for Your love and the promises of Your word that I accept by faith – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Drinking Old Wine


9/22/2009

Luke 5:38-39 38 “But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. 39 “And no one, after drinking old wine wishes for new; for he says, ‘The old is good enough.’ ” New American Standard Bible

What Jesus said to them was not a riddle or a paradox or even a mystery – it was simply a plain truth: new wine must be aged in new wine skins because old wine skins cannot take the stretching process of aging the new. The other thing He said was this: “Old wine tastes better than new wine.” True, it does, but old wine gets consumed and new wine must be made in order for it to become old wine. The old may be good enough but it is passing away and when it does, then what? New wine must be made, that’s what!

All this to say they had a tough time with what Jesus was sharing and how Jesus was conducting Himself – but a new day had come; it was time to develop a taste for something new; if they could or if they would. And Jesus spent His entire ministry trying to convince them He was the Key to accepting the new…They could if they accepted Him...

I can attempt to follow the Lord out of my comfort zone. I can attempt to follow Jesus the way I always have (old wine). Or I can throw out the old and accept the new (which doesn’t taste as good) which is better and more effective. The choice is mine but the Master urges me to follow Him and accept the destruction of the old ways in me that I know and am comfortable with, and believe in the new ways in which He leads even if they are difficult, uncomfortable or taste different…

Father in Heaven,
You are all about me getting in step with You and living my life in response to Your every command. I still have a long way to go but I am developing a taste for the new and I want to please only You. Help me this day to keep in step with the Spirit and to follow You with my whole heart, soul, mind, and strength – trusting You and following through – in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Wondering


9/21/2009

Luke 4:22 22 And all were speaking well of Him, and wondering at the gracious words which were falling from His lips; and they were saying, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” New American Standard Bible

The other part of the question, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” is, “Where’d he learn all this stuff!?” They knew He couldn’t have learned it from the seminaries of His day because He didn’t go there. They knew He couldn’t have learned it locally because none of them knew it. Their suspicions were aroused and their defenses were being built up at light speed. These people in Nazareth had never encountered anyone who’d had an actual encounter with God…

What about us? Do people write us off as religious or weird when we begin to share our testimony? What about our own family? Family can be our toughest critics. What do we sound like to others when we encounter the Living God?

Perhaps the best approach is humility and brokenness. Jesus went to them “…in the power of the Spirit”; all I can do is go admitting that I am a sinner but that I have encountered the Living God and He has chosen to reside in me by His Spirit. I must then continue to encounter Him knowing that many this side of Heaven will not understand, accept or appreciate that fact; but I will seek God and obey Him as He sends me to the ones He desires those who know me and those who don’t. How many people up there in Nazareth do you suppose put their faith in Jesus that day?

Father in Heaven,
It is all about priorities. Had Jesus been tangled up in sociology we’d all be in a world of hurt. But He knew who He was and why He was sent and He shared the truth whether they listened or tried to throw Him off a cliff. Today Father, I am reminded of my mission and purpose and what You’ve called me to in the power of Your Spirit. Help me to walk worthy this day, I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

That Voice These Words


9/20/2009

Luke 3:22 22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.” New American Standard Bible

That’s it; that’s all God said, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.” No fanfare, no parade, no inaugural party, no dedication service; just a voice and just a statement. But oh, what a voice, and oh what a statement! God didn’t lay out a blueprint for Jesus to follow because Jesus was going to walk like we’re to walk – in obedience and by faith. And His faith got just what it needed that day when That Voice said simply these words: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.”

I too can rest on those words as well because according to the Bible I too am God’s beloved son and with me He is well pleased. My faith is built upon the truth that He is not only God, He is my God; and calls Himself my Father. With God on my side, how can I go wrong?

So, I walk as Jesus walked, by faith believing in the Word of God, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.”

Father in Heaven,
When You identify a person, they are identified. Jesus needed to hear those words and they rang in His ears for the rest of His life. I too need to heed those words and let them guide me in all I say and do for You have called me into relationship, not that I may live as I please but to live in faithful obedience to You – just like Jesus did. Help me today, I pray in His Name, amen.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Anna’s Bio


9/19/2009

Luke 2:37b b “She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers.” New American Standard Bible

Psalm 27.4 says this, “One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple.” That verse sums up the life of Anna daughter of Phanuel, who is presented to us in Luke 2 (btw, Phanuel means, face of God). Anna had it right, she allowed the world to pass her by so she could spend her days in fastings and prayers; and you know what, God revealed Himself to her!

We ought to learn a lesson from Anna. We ought to see that God probably used a traumatic circumstance in her life (the death of her husband) to get her attention and she fell in love with the Lord and He eased her pain to the point that seeking Him became her lifelong lifestyle. Wow. Maybe those weird, difficult or confusing circumstances in our own lives are directed by Him to accomplish the same thing…

I have fallen in love with the message of Psalm 27.4. My life is more tangled and messed up than it has ever been, but in the midst of it I am learning to sneak away every chance I get into His presence leaving the world to roll on so that I can behold His beauty and think about His glories and allow my thoughts to feast on His goodness to me – a lowly little sheep way out in Baker, Oregon. Anna’s bio serves as a reminder to me of what’s important and where I need to be night and every day with fasting and praying…

Father in Heaven,
You look for all of Your children, the infrequent and the regulars, to come and spend time in Your Temple. And somehow You’ve made it like an investment – the more time we spend the greater the return. May that be the case in my life more and more; may I dwell in Your Temple all this day, seeking Your phanuel and thinking about Your glories – I pray it all because Jesus makes it possible – in His Name, amen.

Friday, September 18, 2009

This Thought


9/18/2009

Luke 1:37 37 “For nothing will be impossible with God.” New American Standard Bible

I’ve always wondered why the discipline of silence was laid against Zacharias and Mary seems to ask the same sort of question and she gets away with it. Two thoughts:

1. Zacharias was a priest and was married. Priests are supposed to know and proclaim that nothing will be impossible with God; even their own elderly wife getting pregnant. Also, age really doesn’t preclude baby-making… Zacharias based his rejection in unbelief and nature.
2. Mary was a peasant and single. Yes, Matthew tells us she was betrothed but she was still a virgin and baby-making sort of throws the whole virginity thing out the window. Also, Mary accepted what Gabriel said, "...may it be done to me according to your word.” (v. 38)

Luke 1 is filled with the evidence of God interacting with His people and helping the humble and opposing the proud. We all should always approach God with this thought: “for nothing will be impossible with God.” Of that, I am reminded today, and with that I am reminded to pray; lest my voice be taken from me, and in silence I come around to humility…

Father in Heaven,
Nothing will, shall, can, is, impossible for You. You can and have made the deaf hear, the blind see, the lame to walk and the dead to come forth from their graves. You are God and You are stopped at nothing. Help me in everything through my circumstances these days to remember that truth and to grow in my trust of what it is You are doing (or not doing) on my behalf; I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

He Who Overcomes


9/16/2009

Revelation 21:7 7 “He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. New American Standard Bible

When I read of the Temple in Ezekiel and the New Jerusalem in Revelation I must be very careful not to see them as I see them but as they are: far grander in grandeur than I can imagine. And God says, “He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.” The glory of heaven is mine if I remain faithful and true to my God.

But first, there is this life to overcome. There are many who think this life is all there is. There are many who think this life is the best we’ll ever see. But this life at its best is only a dark shadow of the glories of heaven and the beauty and welcome of the New City.

I am to live today as an overcomer – that means way more than living by trying to be good. Overcoming means to trust God for every move I make, every step I take, and for every sin I forsake no matter how comfortable I am with it or how often I use it. Overcoming in this life means a daily routine and habitual abandoning of all it promises, and looking forward with ever increasing expectation to the grandeur and glories of heaven.

God expects me to walk as an overcomer and that is the life I choose. And I can only do that as I depend upon Him and live with the expectation of His presence as my only goal for my present every day. So, today I set out trusting God that I can somehow overcome all that I am used to, and live with eagerness for all that He’s promised me in Heaven; which is infinitely better than the best offered here.

Father in Heaven,
Be with me Lord Jesus, I ask that I stay; close by You forever and help me I pray. Bless all my endeavor, take all of my care; and fit me for heaven to live with You there – I pray in Your precious Name, amen.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

All Who


9/15/2009

Psalm 145:14 14 The Lord sustains all who fall
And raises up all who are bowed down.
New American Standard Bible

The Lord knows; there is nothing hidden from His eyes; He is God. It is of infinite benefit to have a God and even more so a God who loves us, cares for us and sustains all who fall – and fall we do; and fallen we are. We say things to one another that are hurtful; we make disastrous decisions that have long and lasting effects upon us and those we’re responsible for; we sin, and sin, and sin.

But the Lord sustains all who fall and raises up all who are bowed down – bowed down with guilt, sorrow and humiliation. God takes care of the humble and is opposed to the proud and arrogant; losers in the Kingdom of God look like winners on earth… Winners in God’s Kingdom are those who are bowed down.

I have heard it said when you fall off the horse the best thing to do is to get right back on. I think this also applies to the one who jumps off the horse. Whether you fall because of fear or you fall because of failure, God sustains all who fall.

Today, my heart and my faith are renewed in the God who loves me and cares for me and sustains me when I fall, whether it is of my own doing, or for some other reason. I am loved and cared for by Him! Therefore I am motivated again to give Him this day, and bow down to His Lordship over my life. God sustains all who fall and raises up all (even me) who are bowed down!

Father in Heaven,
You are the God of Success – there is nothing You do that fails to accomplish the purposes You intend. How wonderful! Father, I commit to You this day despite my fallenness, fear, failure, and foolishness; and my past. Thank You that the work You began in me, You’ll see through to completion on the day of Christ – I rejoice in that and thank You that You are my God and will fulfill the desire of all who fear You – in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Behind the Voice


9/14/2009

Revelation 19:13 13 He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. New American Standard Bible

John 1.1: In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God. John used the Greek word, logos – in the beginning was the logos and the logos was with God and the logos was God. John then wrote later, “He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called Logos.” Our God is the Word, the Voice and the Person who speaks it!

But the Word isn’t just a sound or a voice; it is the Person behind the logos that matters. The Bible is one gigantic recording of the Voice of God and all that Voice represents. Peter reminds us, “For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water…” (2 Peter 3.5 NASB) Peter said, “by the logos”.

The Person behind the Voice speaks everyday to every person on earth – red and yellow; black and white, they are precious in His sight. But not everyone listens. Many ‘hear’ the Voice and call it religion or ridiculous but it is the Voice and the Person speaking.

That is why I worship the Bible – okay if that’s too whacky for you – I exceedingly reverence the Bible, and give myself to the study of it and to talking about it and writing about it, that I may OBEY it – it is my copy of the Logos and it changes my life and the very creation around me so spoiled by sin. It both encourages me and convicts me. It tells me when I am trying to play God and where I am trying to control my destiny. There is no other document on earth that can make that claim.

Father in Heaven,
You are never random; You have a purpose for everything in Heaven and on earth. John tells me Your name is Logos and I worship You because You have leaned down to speak to me – God, thank You for Your Voice, and for Your logos, and for changing me, and for the invitation to get to know You better – what a place earth would be if we all could do that! In Logos’ Name I pray, amen.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

In One Day


9/13/2009

Revelation 18:8 8 “For this reason in one day her plagues will come, pestilence and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for the Lord God who judges her is strong. New American Standard Bible

Two days ago we in the US remembered the horrible attack our nation suffered at the hands of terrorists in New York, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania. It didn’t take long to throw this country – the whole thing – into a panic and I’m not sure we’ve ever recovered. In just one day in the space of about 5 hours this all took place and the powerful United States of America was looking pretty grim…

It won’t take long for Babylon, whether it is a culture, a city, or a nation, to fall into complete disarray on the day of her judgment. Historically, ancient Babylon under Belshazzar the king, fell in just one night to Darius the Mede. Judgment doesn’t need much time.

It doesn’t take long to repent either. Sin’s consequences may last indefinitely, but repentance can take place in a heartbeat. God’s grace is patient up to a point but His love truly lasts forever. I’m glad. In just one moment my whole life turned around forever because I finally submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Father in Heaven,
O God, You are strong - once You go, You go; it doesn’t take long for Your judgment to take place. But it doesn’t take long for Your mercy either. Thank You for salvation, and thank You also that there is final and speedy retribution for those who oppose You. Your Word reminds me that You are gracious and compassionate; slow to anger and rich I love. May that truth leak from me all the days of my life; who knows what can happen as a result – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Watershed


9/12/2009

Daniel 4:26 26 ‘And in that it was commanded to leave the stump with the roots of the tree, your kingdom will be assured to you after you recognize that it is Heaven that rules. New American Standard Bible

Heaven rules – Nebuchadnezzar drools! They had a bunch of t-shirts and bumpers-stickers printed up.

I believe every person on earth in their life has some kind of watershed experience that poses the question: ‘will you go your way or could there be some other way?’ I don’t know how that happens but I base that thought on Romans 1. 20 which says, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” (NASB) The result of the watershed is this: belief in God or belief in you.

God’s grace gives everyone a chance to believe but not everyone accepts the chance. Nebuchadnezzar however did, and Daniel 4 attests to that; and in his own words, Nebuchadnezzar said, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.” (Daniel 4.37 NASB) Imagine if Ahmadinejad said that – or Kim Jong-il? (btw – always be suspicious of leaders who wear sunglasses…)

My watershed experience led me to faith in Christ and my journey since then brings me back (over and over) to this conclusion: there is a God and I am not Him! My God is able to humble those who walk in pride and I will stand up and say, He did it for me!!! And in his experience Nebuchadnezzar realized heaven ruled and Nebuchadnezzar drooled… at least until it sunk in.

Father in Heaven,
You caused a great monarch to come to his true senses that he was limited, weak, and no match for heaven. But You graciously showed him the truth. I thank You for showing me the truth and ask that You use me in some way to be a part of that watershed experience for those around me who are still wondering if You are God, or they are. In faith I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Friday, September 11, 2009

They Deserve It


9/11/2009

Revelation 16:6 6 for they poured out the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. They deserve it.” New American Standard Bible

I’ll admit I don’t understand a lot of the Book of Revelation. I’m not sure who are the characters are, and is Babylon a city, or a world system, or a culture, or what? I do not understand the nature of God’s wrath. God is gracious and loving and slow to anger, but when He does get angry, everyone knows it and His wrath once started, is unstoppable until it has satisfied His entire divine displeasure.

But here’s what I do understand: they deserve it. The wrath of God is poured out upon mankind because after thousands of years of evil upon evil and indescribable arrogance, they deserve it. After killing God’s prophets and mocking His Church, all the while insulting Jesus Christ by making His Name a swear word, they deserve it. And so, in wrath, God turns their playground against them so it is no longer fit for any more of the evil they are so good at accomplishing – they deserve it.

I deserve it too. I am entitled to nothing of God’s goodness and deserve all of His wrath. For the bottom line is this: I am a sinner. But as sinful as I am, God has extended His grace and asked, “Paul will you believe Me?” I do and I will, and I am saved from wrath because I have chosen God over the world. I haven’t overcome the world but Jesus has and I cling to Him because He did; therefore, though I deserve it, yet because of His mercy I am spared.

Father in Heaven,
You will bring the arrogance of mankind to an end; You will turn this paradise into a cesspool, and men will have to suffer the consequences of their actions. But before all that happens, before wrath and suffering and destruction You patiently offer grace to those who will believe in You. And You ask those who believe to stand against the evil around them as a testimony of Your goodness and love and the reality of Who You are. Help me this day to walk in righteousness and to hold out the offer of the grace that You proffer; spared I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Knowledge and Faith


9/10/2009

Revelation 15:8 8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power; and no one was able to enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished. New American Standard Bible

Somewhere in our universe or the realm next door, is a Temple. I don’t know where it is or what it’s for, but God does and that is all that matters.

Like many, I was raised to believe in a thing called, “Science” or knowledge (at the discovery of men). Knowledge mocks the existence of the Temple in heaven and mocks heaven itself because knowledge throws down the challenge, “Prove yourself!” and reaches the conclusion that without proof, the Temple doesn’t (yea, cannot) exist. Knowledge rejects faith and ridicules those who claim to have it.

As I read this morning, I wondered about the Temple in heaven and thepurpose it serves and though I don’t understand it, I accept it by faith knowing that whether I see it or not, it is and it is very much a part of the culture of Heaven.

Faith doesn’t reject knowledge but faith doesn’t prove itself either. Faith is accepting God as He is and not as we want Him to be. Faith accepts the Temple and heaven and doesn’t try to prove its whereabouts. If the Scripture proclaims there is a temple then so be it; my faith is built upon my understanding that God has made Himself known to me and what He reveals I may not be able to prove or understand, but I am by Him, able to accept.

Father in Heaven,
You are unsearchable and unexplainable in Who You are but You claim to love us and have expressed a desire to save us from the wrath to come – another thing that man cannot prove, understand, or accept because he lives in darkness. You have called me into the light and I pray for opportunities to share You with other dark-dwellers. Science doesn’t save – You do, and You do through Jesus Christ and it is in His Name I pray, amen.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

The Seeds of Yesterday


9/9/2009

Lamentations 1.9 “…She did not consider her future.” NASB

Powerfully poignant is the picture painted by the words of Jeremiah in Lamentations. Jerusalem, the crown jewel of Judah’s culture, lies in smoldering ruins and I can imagine the prophet sitting up on the Mount of Olives overlooking the devastation and mourning not just the loss of the city, but the loss of a kingdom and a culture that was started by God and now looks more like a landfill. She brought it on herself because she did not consider the future result of her past actions.

What happens when we live only for today? What happens when we give no future thought to our present actions, preferences, or to dealing seriously with our habitual sins? At some point the party will be over and then what?

God expects His children to live circumspectly – that’s what Paul teaches us in Ephesians 5.15 (see the KJV for the usage of that word). I see now at my age and stage, I’ve largely ignored that warning and now live having to eat the harvest of the seeds of yesterday.

Jeremiah’s words had a chilling effect upon me because I sit where I am today as a result of yesterday’s decisions; realizing I never seriously considered what effect they’d have on my tomorrows. I do now, but what’s done is done. I can count on the Lord for some measure of restoration but I still have to eat the bitter fruit of the consequences of my actions and attitudes toward life. The good news is, I see it now – not too long ago, I was blind as a brick…

Father in Heaven,
Thank You for Your grace and goodness and for steadfastly caring for me in the midst of my lack of consideration for the future. I simply commit to follow You as You lead me through and help me to learn so that somehow, I may help others and we all may become one in You – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Pleasant or Unpleasant

9/8/2009

Jeremiah 42:6 6 “Whether it is pleasant or unpleasant, we will listen to the voice of the Lord our God to whom we are sending you, so that it may go well with us when we listen to the voice of the Lord our God.” New American Standard Bible

It’s a big ask to request God’s will and then commit, whether it is pleasant or unpleasant, to 'listen to the voice of the Lord our God' and obey. It takes courage to ask for something like that. But it takes power, God’s power, to actually do what He instructs, because to ask Him for what He wants and then not do it, is just plain foolish or insanity.

It’s the ‘pleasant or unpleasant’ part that gets to me – I want pleasant. Sometimes God's will smacks against conventional wisdom and smacks of insanity to my puny human thinking. But I’m learning to live with the unpleasant as well and if I'll trust Him, sometimes God’s greatest gifts are wrapped in the consequences of my own stupidity. Unfortunately the Jews who asked Jeremiah for God’s will decided not to do it when it appeared unpleasant; I cannot afford such luxury.

Father in Heaven,
It's not a matter of pleasant or unpleasant – it all boils down to doing what You ask and that is what I ask – to do what You ask. I sometimes pray for a glimpse but I suspect that I may not like what I see, so I’ll simply commit to trusting in Your great love and goodness and the promise that where You lead, whether pleasant or unpleasant, is always and infinitely the best – I give You praise in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Deceit Has Its Limits


9/7/2009

Revelation 12:9 9 And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. New American Standard Bible

Did you know there once was a king of Judah who was only eight years old who reigned for 3 months and did evil in the sight of the Lord? Some kid. Did you know that there was a pillar outside the Temple in Jerusalem that was so massive and heavy it couldn’t be weighed? Some pillar. Did you know that God used a Persian king to rebuild His Temple in Jerusalem? Some king. Did you know there was war in heaven and deceit in heaven? Deceit? War?

Did you know the only place there isn’t deceit is with God? But did you know wherever there is deceit there is grace and it is boundless, infinite, and saving? Deceit, although it has the power to deceive the whole world is no match for God’s grace which has defeated it and limited it to the realm of men.

God’s grace has been extended to everyone who believes in Him and is given to cause believers to succeed in living a holy life, pleasing to God in every way. That is the magnitude of grace that doesn’t forbid deceit, but renders it harmless. And I can say today I am a recipient of God’s grace. It doesn’t keep me from stinking thinking, but it does help me return to God in repentance and ask for wisdom and understanding.

Father in Heaven,
You took such risk in creating us but You didn’t do it without grace. Yes, there is deceit powerful enough to fool even the whole world, but that deceit is no match for Your favor to those You love. Help me today to remember the grace shown to me and to walk worthy in it. Help me to stand against deceit and to share truth with those who are deceived that somehow they may come to know Your limitless grace – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Gave Glory


9/6/2009

Revelation 11:13 13 And in that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell; seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. New American Standard Bible

John records that at the time of the judgments of God against the earth that there will be a massive earthquake in Jerusalem and 7000 people will lose their lives and the survivors will give glory to God. They won’t give glory to God and repent, but they’ll be forced to acknowledge God’s presence and power.

Most of us today have witnessed or heard of massive earthquakes that kill thousands and cause untold devastation. Earthquakes seem to be God’s signature stroke throughout the centuries and in the Scripture. When Jesus was crucified Matthew records that the earth shook, the veil of the Temple was torn in two, and the graves of many saints were opened. (I wonder what the Chief Priests thought about that.)

What will it take to get men to believe? Death and destruction may cause some to see. The loss of employment and income, or the loss of a loved one may cause others to see. Some will look at the hopelessness of man and his machinations and come to the conclusion that there has to be something more. But the bottom line is that ‘they’ have to want to believe. They have to despair of who, what, and where they are and cry out to God. And perhaps God in His mercy will hear and respond and grant to them the understanding that all roads lead to Christ but only One Road leads to God: His Son Jesus Christ.

Father in Heaven,
You have proclaimed that man can have his way or he can have Your way; the choice is simple. I pray for effectiveness in proclaiming the truth that some may hear, believe and be saved before they are forced to acknowledge Your presence and power through some cataclysmic event. Help me to walk in the light and share the truth today – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

In Your Midst


9/5/2009

Ezekiel 28:22 22 "...and say,
‘Thus says the Lord God,
“Behold, I am against you, O Sidon,
And I will be glorified in your midst.
Then they will know that I am the Lord when I execute judgments in her..." New American Standard Bible

God will be glorified; they will all say that and see that. And He can be glorified now by choice, or He will be glorified later by force. The judgments of Ezekiel against the nations around Israel who rejoiced at her downfall have one common theme: “Then they will know [indisputably] that I am the Lord!”

Although God is gracious and loving He is not to be toyed with, mocked, or ignored; and He means business – He will make Himself known now to those who humbly seek, or He will make Himself known later by cataclysmic ‘acts of God’.

Now is not the time for me to pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; the world is at war in a titanic struggle of truth versus error – and I find myself (by God’s grace) right smack in the middle of it. But my comfort is this: He has shown His glory to me! I can rest knowing that whether I live or die, God has glorified Himself in me through the knowledge of Jesus Christ. So, I will work to proclaim that truth and I will stand on the side of truth all the while knowing that someday, when He is graciously, lovingly ready, “…then they will know that I am the Lord when I execute judgments in [them]”

Father in Heaven,
Now is not the time to shrink back, but to stand forth in You. Now is not the time to be fearful but to be faithful, regardless of the cost. Now is not the time to build and plant and reap and rest – now is the time to fight the good fight and to stand for the glory of God among men. Help me to do that with eyes to see, and ears to hear – I ask in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

The Value of A Person


9/2/2009

Ezekiel 18:31b-32 "...For why will you die, O house of Israel? 32 “For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,” declares the Lord God. “Therefore, repent and live.” New American Standard Bible

The value of a person in heaven is infinitely greater than that of a person on earth. On earth, because of our own limitations we limit others and when others have reached what we perceive as their limits, then they’re replaced. On earth it is no big deal to replace others by taking their lives; it happens all the time. Our limitations limit us from seeing the giftedness, potential, and worth of a person. But God who has the supreme right to give or take life and death, takes no pleasure in the death of anyone because God sees what a person can become in Him! God sees what I can become in Him!

And God offers the way of repentance and life and continued potential; all He’s offering hinges on being linked up with Him.

So, God knows the result of my choices and sometimes has to ask me, “Why will you die, Paul? Why are you doing what you’re doing; the result of that is death?” I must carefully weigh my choices and consider the path that I may have taken. If it leads to life I must continue; but if it leads to death, I must repent and get the heck out of there! I must learn to value others the way God does, regardless of what potential I see or don’t see in them…

Father in Heaven,
Your way of measuring is different than ours. We are limited by limitations and You are not. Help me to see others the way You see them and to not place limits on them that are based on what I see or think – they are Yours. I will value according to heaven and not according to earth and I will do that by following Jesus and remaining faithful to Him – in His Name, amen.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

A Covenant


9/1/2009

Ezekiel 16:8b "...I also swore to you and entered into a covenant with you so that you became Mine,” declares the Lord God. New American Standard Bible

If ever we forget the standing we have with the Lord we need only refresh our thinking with Ezekiel 16. If ever we doubt the love the Lord has for us and for our brothers and sisters in the Jewish nation, we need only take a few minutes and kick start our thinking with a cruise down Memory Lane in Ezekiel 16. For it is here we hear the love of a Husband for His wife and the heart of God for His people.

If we spin the tapes forward to John 15 we see the heart of a Savior for His disciples - past and present.

It took the heart of God to reach me because I wanted nothing to do with Him; I was having too much fun forgetting about His goodness and love; now I can’t imagine life without Him – but I am so ashamed when, to this day, I wander off and forget about His covenant with me. Ezekiel 16 brings me back…

Father in Heaven,
You love Your own and expect them to love You back. It takes the power of the Holy Spirit to keep us from wandering away permanently. Help me to remember Your love and the covenant You’ve entered with me through Jesus Christ. Thank You for the reminder today – I praise You in Jesus’ Name, amen.