According to What

12.31.2009

Revelation 22:12 12 “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. New American Standard Bible

It won’t be what we believe or think but what we say and do that will matter in the end when God comes to judge mankind. The question will be, “What did you do with your life and how did you respond to Me?”

We humans seem to be so caught up in the doing and it seems often we do without much thought as to why or for what. It is important that we do, but it is more important for whom we do. The Lord will measure the effectiveness of our lives according to what we do, how we live, and how we love. Those will be important indicators to Him of what was really going on in our lives.

Recently, I have been seeking to discern God’s will for my life and I admit I came dangerously close to missing it by trying to compress His will into a particular vocation or course of action. I suddenly realized how foolish this was – it is for the child of God to live according to what is written in the Word of God and then to trust God to lead him into whatever activity or vocation He deems appropriate. On this closing day of 2009 I realize that to live for the Lord according to His word is my job one. Everything else is His to direct, guide, and lead.

So in response, at 54 years old, I surrender my aspirations, dreams, and ambitions to the Lord, and commit myself to live a life of love for God and love for my fellow man and to walk according to the behavioral prescriptions of the Bible. If I am to be judged according to what I have done, then I will do what He says, and leave the results up to Him!

Father God,

You are looking at the lives of all men (including mine) and You will judge us all according to what we have done. May I do what You say and relax about vocation knowing You will lead me into precisely where You deem me to be. I give You praise – in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Pull and Persuasion

12.30.2009

Revelation 18:4 4 I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues; New American Standard Bible

In this world it is a matter of choosing; we choose to do what we want to do, to believe what we want to believe, and to act accordingly. What we choose is largely determined by whom, or by what, we are influenced. We must never underestimate the pull and persuasion of culture.

This comment from heaven made in the above verse is significant in my thinking. It is made because His people are in the city or immersed in the culture in which they live. We all are. It’s not so much what the culture is, but what it does to us, that matters – in other words how much its influence impacts our lives, our words, our thoughts and actions. The invitation/command is given to get us to realize what our culture is and does, and the size of its strength and influence; most of the time we are completely immersed without even knowing it.

So what I get from this is, “Hey kids, keep a watch on your lives by staying so close to me so that you don’t get caught up in the seeming innocence of your surroundings that want no part of Me. And when you find yourself there, or nearing there, summon whatever spiritual resources you need to leave. Please.” The invitation wouldn’t be made if the danger wasn’t real…

Father God,

You love me enough to warn me that my culture is a very ungodly and dangerous thing and that if I’m not careful, not only will I be immersed in it but swallowed alive as well. I pray for the spiritual resources that are mine in Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit to resist the pull and persuasion of culture and to remain in that place of being in it but not of it. Thank You, I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

The Bigger the Better

12.29.2009

Revelation 14:13 13 And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.” New American Standard Bible

We who believe in God will not show up to Heaven empty-handed; our deeds will follow after us! The size of the pile or the number of deeds may vary but they will follow after us.

For all of us, today is a day of opportunity to add to the pile, or to leave it the same size as yesterday. Today is a day of opportunity to kill whatever is in me that is opposed to my deeds for the Kingdom, and to live for Jesus that my deeds and life’s efforts will grow in size and effectiveness.

James said ‘faith without works (deeds) is dead’; no sense in showing up in front of God with dead faith! I am energized and refreshed by these words today that I may serve God with my life and know that He knows and rewards those whose lives are at work for Him, the Kingdom, for righteousness, and for truth. I want to be in that number, when the saints go marching in!

Father in Heaven,

You seem to be impressed with effort when it is done in faithfulness and obedience. You have commanded that I love You with all of my heart, mind, soul, and strength; and that I love my fellow man as myself. So be it Lord. Help me this day to increase my pile that on the day I come home, I may offer You faithfulness and obedience – the bigger the pile, the better – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen!

The Posture of Worship

12.28.2009

Revelation 5:14 14 And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped. New American Standard Bible

The scenes in Heaven in Revelation are strange to me; particularly the scenes around the throne with the four living creatures and the angels and the 24 elders whom I assume are the original apostles and the sons of Israel. What I am keen on is the falling down of the elders in the posture of worship to God and the Lamb.

The posture of worship is an attitude of the heart. And whether one stands, or bows, or falls prostrate – the physical is a representation of the spiritual.

The other thing I see is they appear to be eager to assume the posture because in Heaven they apparently know more of God’s Big Picture and the reasons for why things have happened the way they have; and how they have been spared the wrath because their belief. They give God all the credit.

The posture of worship in my life can sure use some upgrading and I learn from these guys that there will come a time when I too will know more of God’s Big Picture and why things have happened the way they have; God has always been in complete control and has met His eternal purposes through His Christ and through those who believe in Him.

Father God,

You are worthy O Lord! You are in complete control and You are allowing things to run their courses so that Your plans and purposes may be gloriously met. Thank You that I am part of that plan and today I lay my life out in the posture of worship giving You the glory and knowing that whatever I do is to be done in the attitude of Holiness Unto the Lord! for whether I eat, or drink, or whatever I do, must be done in an attitude of worship – in Jesus’ Name, amen.

According to Your Deeds

12.27.2009

Revelation 2:23 23 ‘And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds. New American Standard Bible

Have you noticed the tone of Jesus’ voice in Revelation? Sounds business-like to me. Here’s one thing I glean this morning – Jesus is the One who searches the minds and heart; and He will give to each one of us according to our deeds. So from that I base the belief that my conduct has consequences from the Lord. I also base my belief that my faith ought to be displayed in deeds of belief.

In America, I believe the party is over and we in the church are entering a time of testing that we’re not used to; our faith will be tested and all we have held dear – our precious possessions, positions, and performance – will go through the fire. And the result will be how we do as a result of our faith.

Jesus searches our minds and hearts and He knows what we cling to. My response to that is to let go of all I have come to accept as my rights, and learn to live with the privileges I have, that may be taken away at any time so that I may honor the Lord with how I live; privileges or no.

Father God,

May all I do, honor and glorify You. You search the hearts and the mind and in those places in me may it be righteousness You find. Help me to let go of all I’ve come to hold dear, that I may properly serve You this coming year – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

What Speaks for You

12.26.2009

3 John 12 12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true. New American Standard Bible

Here is a truth: who you are, what you do, and how you live will speak for you. It doesn’t matter what race, religion, sex, or creed you are, your life – how you live, what you think, act and say, will speak for you.

Demetrius in 3 John not only had the testimony of the saints and also of the truth itself. The message of the Bible – the truth of the Bible is that God is love and those who know Him are people of love. It’s fairly simple. Demetrius was not only a God-follower, he was a people lover and the truth spoke up for him.

I am not called to anything extraordinarily difficult; I am called by God to live a life of love towards my fellow saints and among the world of ain’ts. I am called to live the truth so that the truth itself will speak its testimony over how I live and conduct myself.

Father God,

You have not created a difficult system of do’s and don’ts – You’ve called Your people to live the truth and to love You and love others. Let my soul live that it may praise You, and let Your ordinances help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I do not forget Your commandments. Then the truth will speak for me, I pray in Jesus’ Name, from Whom, in Whom, for Whom, and through Whom the truth testifies, amen.

All I Want For Christmas

12.25.2009

1 John 3:22 22 and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight. New American Standard Bible

Today another Christmas Day dawned and shortly after dawn we trooped out of our respective bedrooms out to the tree and opened our gifts with care to see if there was evidence of St. Nick having been there. He hadn’t been. but no one seemed to notice as long as there was gifts…

I got some things I wanted and I got some things I didn’t expect and though my family seems happy enough, I must confess I felt a certain hollowness in the whole process this year. Christmas isn’t about gifts. Christmas isn’t about merry and Christmas isn’t the most wonderful time of the year regardless of what’s toasting or roasting and caroling out in the snow; neither is it about scary ghost stories or tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago. (Our culture seems to have gone mad…)

I didn’t have a Christmas list this year, but I know what I want for Christmas: see above: and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the thing that are pleasing in His sight. (1 John 3.22) I want God’s holiness and my unflinching obedience to His will. I want the pull and promises of the world to diminish in my life, and I want to do the things that are pleasing in God’s sight. That’s what I want for Christmas. Probably not a popular thought with the Wal-Marts, Targets, Sears, and K-Marts of the world. Probably not a popular thought with the current Administration or Congress either.

But that’s what I want for Christmas, and that’s what I’m gonna go after – especially the part about doing what is pleasing in God’s sight…

Father in Heaven,

Your Gift to our world was not another version of Wii, a new Lexus, or every kiss beginning with K – Your Gift to the world was the One who would teach us how to forsake the world and do what is pleasing in Your sight. May my life be an imitation of His, and may His Spirit be my Guide – I pray in His Name anticipating Your help. Amen.

Glorifying Death

12.24.2009

John 21:19 19 Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me!” New American Standard Bible

Peter, your life has been created for a purpose and the end of your life will bring glory to God because you will have lived for the ultimate purpose of glorifying God. As I have lived to achieve God’s purposes and bring Him glory, so you do the same in living as I have lived. – Jesus, (PTP)

I’m kinda awestruck by these words as I’m sitting here thinking about the beauty of death for the servant of God. Thinking about that, I’m also thinking about ugly appearing flower bulbs that are planted in the fall, remain in the cold, frozen and seemingly lifeless ground throughout the winter, which bloom gloriously in the spring.

Psalm 116.15 reads, Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones. Peter’s life was to glorify God. My life is to glorify God. And death is a beautiful thing for the servant of the Lord whose life has served it’s purpose and God is glorified as a result.

I’ve got something to think about today…

Lord God,

Precious in Your sight is the death of Your godly ones. I’m not sure I’m right but that sounds like You take immense pleasure in the homecoming of Your kids. And Lord, as Peter’s life brought You glory and his death served even that purpose, I pray that mine life, and death, does as well. Help me to live steadfastly following Jesus and to remember that even in death I may bring glory to Your holy Name. Amen.

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty – Who was and is and is to come! Come, Lord Jesus!

Dogged Determination

12.23.2009

John 17:4 4 “I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. New American Standard Bible

One glaring characteristic of Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John 17 is this: He never confessed sin. The writer of Hebrews explains that the Jewish High Priest annually made atonement for the sins of the people and his own sins. But Jesus never did that because Jesus did what He was sent to do; having accomplished the work which the Father had given Him to do. And He did it without sin. Jesus was more into obedience than He was Himself.

It takes a dogged determination to do what you are given to do. It takes courage and self-discipline because life doesn’t cooperate with our agendas. I have to confess my sins when I pray; I have to confess my distractions from my agenda and my self-will. I have to, because I’m so weak at doing what I have been given to do – that is to believe in His Name and believe in His Cause – and obey.

My calling is to accomplish what I have been given to do: to believe. No, I haven’t been called to die for the sins of the world, that’s already been done; but I am to take up my cross daily and follow Jesus; holding to His example and His passion for the things of God. I’m called to self-discipline and self-control and I am called to keep in step with the Holy Spirit. Yes, I have to confess my sins when I blow it but my goal, aim and desire is to say to God, “I sought Your glory on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given me to do…”

Father God,

You have created me and called me into Your Kingdom. Help me to keep my mind focused and to complete the work which You have given me to do. Help me to grow each day in my understanding of that work and to employ dogged determination to live the way You’ve called me to live – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Approval Ratings

12.22.2009

John 12:42-43 42 Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God. New American Standard Bible

Hard passages can be arduously narrow or strenuously steep or both. Hard passages can be filled with such withering truth that it’s almost a relief to turn away rather than put up with the blistering heat.

Nearly every day (I try to read the Bible, think about it, and journal my thoughts about it everyday) I start out by asking God to open my eyes to the truth in His word so that I may know it and live it. Nearly every day I go off to work or off to some interaction with people and I go having read and retrieved something out of the Word for my edification. Nearly every day I interact with others and then and then at some point nearly every day I play back the game tapes of how I conducted myself as a child of God among my fellow men. And nearly everyday I realize just how pathetic my performance was and how I’m gonna try harder tomorrow to live up to the blistering heat of the truth and I go through the same process over and over nearly every day.

And then I hit a hard passage like John 12.42-43 and realize, wow, I am one of the rulers who believes! But because of my undying desire to be liked, accepted, befriended, etc, etc, etc, I find myself not confessing Him because I don’t really want to be a religious pariah among those with whom I interact. And so I hit this passage and think about my approval ratings and where and why they are; and I realize, I love the approval of men and get skittish around the approval of God. I know the truth, I love the truth and I want the truth but I fight this approval ratings battle nearly every day.

Father God,

Only You can save me. Only You can free me from performance and the desire to be adored by my fellow man. Help me God! I confess I love their approval because all too often I act like it; but I want Yours, and there is no comfortable way to ride the fence – it gets me nowhere and saddle-sore in places I’d rather not mention. Help me to be the real deal I ask in Jesus’ Name, amen.

The Sent Pool

12.21.2009

John 9:4 4 “We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work. New American Standard Bible

Today because I am supposed to, under the order of things, go to work; I am sent because that is the way it's supposed to be. I have to contribute to the needs of my family, my community, my state and my nation. I am also to contribute to the needs of the church, local and overseas missions and ministries in my area. Therefore, I am sent.

But I am also sent to do the works of Him – God. I don’t just work for the money alone – I am to do the works of Him who sent me…God.

Jesus said, “We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.” I take that to mean as long as there is opportunity, because a time appears to be coming when the opportunity will be removed. But as long as the opportunity lasts, I am to participate in the works of Him who sent us all.

As Jesus was sent, by God, and as the blind man was sent, by Jesus, so too, I am sent by the Lord to do what contributes to the glory of God in this world as long as I have opportunity to do so. I am, as a sent one, to do my part in the works of Him who sends…

Father in Heaven,

There is nothing in the Bible by accident and the Pool of Sent was called so on purpose. Father, You’ve sent us all to do Your works and will and I accept that sending. Help me to remember today I am on mission and under orders to live a life that contributes to the Kingdom. Fill me with Your Spirit to do so I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

What You Say to Say

12.20.2009

John 8:28 28 So Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. New American Standard Bible

It gives me shivers to think that Jesus did not come to earth or say or do anything on His own initiative; I don’t think I like the sound of that. But I do like the sound of Jesus admitting that He spoke and did as the Father taught Him to say and do.

Taking initiative is something admirable in most of life. We teach our kids to take the initiative to do good, study hard, and clean up their rooms. But we don’t want our kids to take the initiative to smoke pot, abuse alcohol underage, shoplift or anything else on the list of Big Nasties. That kind of initiative is not admirable.

But what about me; where am I losing the taking-the-initiative battle? I do it all the time when I speak or act without thinking. I do it all the time when I think about how unfair or distant God seems to be – and just why is it that He can’t seem to see what it is I’m going through!?

Last night before bed I read Psalm 40 which begins: ‘I waited patiently for the Lord and He heard my cry…’ (Italics mine). Here’s my initiative – to wait patiently. I won’t wait silently because the verse says I waited patiently and He heard my cry. I will take the initiative to cry out to God but I will also take the initiative to thank Him for what He’s doing whether I see it or not. I will take the initiative to bring the sacrifice of praise; the fruit of lips that give thanks to His Name! (Heb 13.15) I will take the initiative to cooperate with Him, learn from Him and obey Him.

Father God,

You aren’t seeking my assistance, advice, or action – You are seeking my cooperation and taking the initiative to be teachable. Thank You that Jesus did what He was taught to do and said what He was taught to say. I ask for the same instruction because what You say to say always means and does something for the good of the listener. I ask that on behalf of Curt, Steve, Ben, and Monty today, that somehow Your words would penetrate their hearts and that true life would begin – in Jesus’ Name I ask, amen.

Eat Me

12.19.2009

John 6.57 57 “As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me. (NASB)

What is the purpose of food? Food is for sustenance and nourishment of the body. Food is a necessary part of everyday life. None of us can survive indefinitely without food. But food is not just for survival – it’s also for pleasure. In an affluent society food is sought for pleasure and for comfort. Where there is an abundance of food there is an abundance of appetite and there is the misuse of food, i.e. the consumption of food way beyond what is required for nourishment; hence our corpulent population.

Jesus said, “he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me.” What!? Jesus, what do You mean!? I think He meant to take Him in like we would take in food so that all He is, will become all we are. There is in the taking in of Jesus the process of ingestion and digestion; both are necessary for the appreciation, acceptance, and actuality of Christ. And it's way more than a tiny wafer and a thimble-full of grape juice - it's the believing and doing of all He says. We allow our eyes to feast on objects that feed our mind so why not feast on all of who Jesus is, was, did and does in order to feed our soul?

Jesus’ words were offensive that day; many rejected Him saying, “This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?” (v. 60) Jesus, You’ve gone too far in Your analogies, pal. We can’t accept this one!

What does Jesus do for you and me? How does His life affect ours? For us, is it a continual feasting on His words, His fellowship, and His lordship? Or is it, “This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?” The ramifications of this passage are massive. The one who claims Christ but doesn’t feed is one who is stunted, malnourished, and ineffective. The one who feeds, feeds and feeds without living out life-change is obese and ineffective. The answer is: “As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me.” (v. 57) He who eats, believes and he who believes, responds.

Father in Heaven,

May all I do today be in response to my feasting upon the Body and Blood of Jesus. I pray in His Name, amen.

Stay Out of the Street

12.18.2009

John 3:18 18 “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. New American Standard Bible

Judgment is not for the believing but for the unbelieving. There is no reason for the believing to be judged because they believe in the One who took their judgment for them – the Lord Jesus.

Yes, there are demands in the New Testament. There are certain things we shouldn’t do but that’s only because they are harmful to us – or to others. Most all of us would try to stop a little child from running into a busy street – not so that the child can obey some law, but that he wouldn’t be injured or killed as a result. The demand is, “Billy, stay out of the street!” But is Billy judged for wanting to do so? NO! Billy is loved – and corrected, counseled and taught – but he’s not judged. And if Billy later willingly chooses, despite the warnings to go into the street, he still isn’t judged – he reaps what he’s sown. Billy is still loved – even in the ICU. But what do we think of Billy when he proclaims and lives the lifestyle, “There is no God!”? Judgment then takes on a different hue…

When will we quit trying to impress God with what we do and believe that we aren’t judged because Jesus already did that – once for all!? That still means stay out of the busy street or stay away from temptation, or love your neighbor as yourself. The only way to escape the insanity of sin is to believe in the One who has dealt with its penalty and offers freedom to all who will believe that fact.

The more I try to impress God with all I can do manifests what I really believe…

Father in Heaven,

You did it all, You paid it all and there is nothing I can add to it. Help me to understand there is no judgment for the believer; there is simply love. Help me to love people and try to help them by showing them the judgment is over through belief in Jesus. Father, help me to believe, I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

A Higher Rank

12.17.2009

John 1:30 30 “This is He on behalf of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’ New American Standard Bible

John’s words meant something like this: “He is the One I am announcing who comes before me in the order of this because He existed long before me.” Who could have a higher rank than God?

John was born first then Jesus, so John wasn’t talking about birth-order. John was talking about authority and Jesus was the One who gave his words credence. Whenever John was questioned about his ministry he always pointed to Jesus and said, “He’s the One, not me!” John knew his place and knew without Jesus his words and ministry meant nothing.

My words only mean something because of Jesus – I’d better get that! Only Jesus gives my words credence (oh, and yours also!) I’d better know my place, Paul Turk, servant of God. And when folks look at my life and ask why I better be pointing always and only to Jesus – the One who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me and because of Him I exist at all…

Father in Heaven,

You created an order of things and You expect us to live within that order and to cooperate with You. John knew it, Peter, knew it – Paul and all the rest knew it. Help me this day to be conscious of that fact and to cooperate with You within Your order. You existed long before any of us and without assistance from anyone. May Your rank lend credence to my words this day I pray in Jesus Name, amen.

Fervent Love

12.16.2009

1 Peter 4:8 8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. New American Standard Bible

A cover-up is an attempt to conceal a secret deed. Cover-ups are normal in our day and seemingly especially when it comes to big-business or big-politics; it seems to be the way we do business with each other. Expedience is the order of the day and as long as no one really knows what means or methods were employed to achieve the results, all that matters then are the results.

Peter doesn’t say love is a cover-up for sin, however. Peter says love covers a multitude of sins. Love accepts responsibility and accepts the consequences, but doesn’t deny what is. Love enables the sinner to come to terms with his sins and to repent and find the forgiveness of God and the acceptance of the saints. We know what you did, but we know who you are in Him, and we still accept you – therefore go and sin no more.

But we can’t do what Peter said without fervency. His instruction to us is nothing short of passionate compassion and enthusiastic encouragement for success between those who call themselves His children. It can’t be any other way and work.

One thing I have learned thus far in the journey: I rub some people the wrong way; so do you. So, for the sake of Christ let’s learn to love one another fervently and by doing so put a covering of grace, understanding, and acceptance upon our lives and let the perfect love of 1 Corinthians 13 make up the difference.

Father in Heaven,

I can’t think of the last time I went to church fired up and filled up with fervent love for anyone. I pray that You help me to understand what is being asked of me here in Peter’s writing and to put it into practice so that I may learn to treat my fellow saints with the love and courtesy they deserve in Christ – In His Name I pray, amen.

Approved

12.15.2009

James 1:12 12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. New American Standard Bible

How can you encapsulate the gist of James into one word? You can if you land on the word, approved. Life is an approval process and God is both the Authority for approval and the Tester of all who call themselves children of God. It’s one thing to call oneself a child of God – it’s another to be approved as such.

Trials are for approval and come from God. Temptation is for failure and springs from rebellion and godlessness that abides within us. Trials are meant to build our faith and only come from God; temptation is only for tearing our faith down. The difference is outcome. The difference is intent and the difference is that temptation never comes from God for God who approves cannot at the same time be God who destroys. He is only ever seeking approval and our passing the test.

So James’ letter is full of instruction on how to pass the test to win the approval of God that we are fit and faithful to carry out His will. Recently a friend posed the question, ‘If money was no object, what [present] would you want to find beneath your [Christmas] tree this year?’ I think I want to find the gift of “Approved!”

Father in Heaven,

You are the Authority and the Tester. Only the approval that comes from Your authority and by Your methods means anything at all. Father help me to remember that part of why I live life is to pass the tests and part of passing the tests is to recognize and avoid temptation at all costs. The outcome means life or death. Thank You for Your love and for every good and perfect Gift You give – amen.

He is Able

12.14.2009

Jude 24 24 “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy,” New American Standard Bible

He is able – that ought to be a settled fact in the mind of every child of God – He is able. His track record is unmatchable and perfect. He is able…to keep me from stumbling and to make me fit to stand in His presence without blame and bubbling over with giggling, giddy joy. He is able.

But am I? Am I able to cling to this God with all my might? Am I able to “strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet”? Am I able to pursue peace with all men, to, see to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled? (cf. Heb 12:12-15) Am I!?

Because these are the things that are being asked of me. These are some of the demands of the New Testament. This is where I make the decision, am I going to remain as I am or am I, in Christ, going to rise above these things and by the discipline of God be made ready for that great day to stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy!? Am I going to believe and in faith be saved or am I going to die in the wilderness of self like those of old?

He indeed is able. The question remains, will I forsake all and follow Him no matter what? Every person needs to ask that question and make that decision – stay or go, which shall it be?

As much as I whine and moan and carry on about it, I’m gonna go with God and let the chips fall where they may. Blameless with great joy in His presence sounds good to me…

Father in Heaven,

You are able, and I am willing – help me on the journey this day – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Hello Stranger

12.13.2009

Hebrews 11:13 13 All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. New American Standard Bible

Hello stranger! That’s what you are if you choose to accept it. There are certain ‘buzz’ phrases in the Bible that smack up against our culture and can give the unenlightened reason for calling the people of God a cult; and this is one of them, “…[they] confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.” Do that today and see what kind of reaction you get.

Followers of Christ in America are NOT American Christians, they are Christians. Where we live, what we do, who we know, has very little to do with who we are: strangers and exiles on the earth. And if we are exiles, where are we exiled from? We are exiled from our culture, our up-bringing, our traditions, etc., etc., etc. (The same can be said of followers of Christ anywhere in the world.) This world (in its current configuration) is not our home. We know we are who we are when we can say we are strangers and exiles on the earth.

Part of my success in being a follower of Jesus Christ is saying about myself what is true. Here is what is true, I am God’s son and I am a stranger and exile on the earth. Those two statements set me apart from the rest of the herd and dictate how I am to live. Yes, I am in the world, but according to Jesus, I am not of the world and as such, I yearn for my homeland which is above, not below. Today, I live loving and learning, that I may fit into what is giving and yearning: sharing the Gift of God and yearning for the day I go home forever.

Father in Heaven,

You have called me to live by faith and as such to confess and accept that I am in a foreign country on assignment for You. Help me to live out my faith among those who don’t know You that somehow they can see You and confess that they too accept that they are strangers and exiles on the earth. Help me today, I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

The Four Greatest Words

12.11.2009

Hebrews 1:5 5 For to which of the angels did He ever say, “You are My Son..." New American Standard Bible

Today I am breaking the S.O.A.P. rules that I hold so dear. My devotions (or daily venture into the Bible) follow the READ, OBSERVE, APPLY, PRAY, design of the SOAP method. Wow, I think I just admitted I’m a methodist… Oh yes, breaking the rules… I’m only going to devote my writing to a part of a verse and not the whole thing. GASP! Paul, how could you!?

Easy, just four simple words: “You are My Son”. Words that were never spoken to any angel regardless of how wonderful and worshipful they may be. “You are My Son” – God had a plan in place long before Adam and Eve sinned. “You are My Son” – He led the people of Israel out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. “You are My Son” – He watched over them and loved them and helped them through their greatest days – and their worst. “You are My Son” – when the time was right He entered their world and took up His mission of telling them the truth and sacrificing Himself for their sins and ours that we all might become sons and daughters of God.

Today, I am reminded, I am His son. He said it and I repeat it. If there were ever any words worth repeating as I go through this life they are these: I am His son. For this reason I was created - I am His son. To accomplish His will and purpose - I am His son. To live a faithful and obedient life and to encourage others to do the same - I am His son. To break the rules of SOAP and proclaim to my brothers and sisters in the faith: we are His children!

Father in Heaven,

Other than “I love you”, the four greatest words any human can ever hear from Your lips are “you are My child!” What more do we need? What else do we need to hear? Abba, thank You that You loved me, created me and now call me Your son – Your child. May I live this day in response to those miraculous words and may I bring glory to Your Name – Dad! I give You praise in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Fulfill Your Ministry

12.10.2009

2 Timothy 4:5 5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. New American Standard Bible

Be sober in all things – life is serious because of the plague of sin and so sobriety is called for because this life will be judged because of sin.

Endure hardship – because hardship is one of the best catalysts to break our culture’s grip on us and help us to see just how fleeting and temporary this life truly is.

Do the work of an evangelist – make use of your days to invite others to know this marvelous God we serve who is preparing for a party in eternity that will be completely free of sin, sickness and sadness and will be infinitely acceptable for all those who attend – forever.

Fulfill your ministry – whatever that is. God has no ‘B’ team and benchwarmers need not apply. Everyone has a role to play that is vitally important no matter how it is viewed or perceived. Wherever we are whatever we do, do all to the glory of God.

Was Paul just talking to Timothy or does his letter include instruction for us. Yes and Yes. If the imminent apostle spoke these words to a trusted fellow-servant would he not speak them to you and me? Aren’t we trusted fellow-servants as well?

Today I am not going to dictate to God or anyone else what my ministry is – I’m simply, earnestly, and persistently going to live out my faith in front of those who don’t know that somehow they may know this marvelous God I call my Father who loves me and cares for me and calls me to fulfill my ministry diligently.

Father in Heaven,

You have a plan, place, and purpose for each of Your children. Among us, there are no “B” players; we each serve an infinitely vital role and purpose. And each of us are to be faithful and obedient always. Help me and my fellow-servants to be just that today, and in faith to trust You, to meet our needs, open our doors, and to be shining lights of faith in whatever we do, wherever we are – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

A Whack Upside the Head

12.9.2009

Titus 1:12-13 12 One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, New American Standard Bible

What was on display here in Titus was a culture – It appears the Cretans (where Titus was a pastor) had a bad reputation for being liars, evil, and fat and lazy. Bing, bing, bing, three strikes… Paul conveyed to Titus, “What is said of them is true, I know these folks!” And so Paul counseled Titus to reprove them severely in order to get them to be sound in the faith. They needed a whack upside the head to get their attention and break the grip of their culture.

How could we characterize our culture? Personally, I think Americans fall into the ‘Cretan’ category; we are the same kind of people. But our problem is, on top of all that, we whine and moan that we’re victims and it’s just not our fault that we are the way we are; we are very adverse to any kind of severe reproof because, we gots our rights! Yeah, right. And as a result we moderns have a very shallow view of grace and are dismally unsound in the faith.

I am currently in one of the largest battles of my life – my faith versus the residue of my culture, my upbringing, and my world-view. Out of one side of my mind I desire the Kingdom of God; out of the other is what I’ve always held to be true. The two are in fierce opposition to one another and the only answer for me seems to be a whack upside the head (repeatedly) to get me to let go of and recognize the disastrousness of the culture I’ve held so dear and to urgently flee to soundness in faith, purity, and godliness; lest I lose the battle. Personally, I have to have the demands of Scripture and heed and embrace them, or I’ll lose, and I’ve too much at stake to lose.

Father in Heaven,

You are the Source of wisdom and I plead for wisdom this day. I need Your wisdom and courage to live the life You demand that I may obtain the Prize You have promised. Help me this day to keep my bearings and to fight the good fight. I need regular and sharp reproof, and I trust You to administer what is needed so that I may be sound in the faith – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Know How

12.8.2009

1 Timothy 3:15 15 ...but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. New American Standard Bible

While there is some benefit in the process of trial and error; there is much more to be gained by know how. Know how saves a lot of time spent in trial and error and avoids the often ugly effort of recreating the wheel. So Paul wrote to Timothy, his young protégé and instructed him so that Timothy would know how to conduct himself in the household of God (which is often a very scary place in belief and practice) that is supposed to be (by God’s intent and design) the pillar and support of the truth.

Massive statements, these. I failed as a pastor only because I didn’t conduct myself with know how and spent much time in trial and error (a lot of error) and a lot of energy in trying to recreate the wheel. And I know what God intends for the church to be but I also know from experience what the church actually is and sometimes those two realities are universes apart.

But if I were to do things again (pastoring that is) I’d do them differently because now I possess some know how. (I said some not all.) And the Church, with all her warts and blemishes, is still the pillar and support of God’s truth on earth; He uses His people to accomplish His purposes. That’s why the reading and studying of Scripture, coupled with our experiences and the fellowship of the saints, is so vital to growth in our spiritual lives. Without it we become cynical and unbelieving – two things I’d rather avoid.

Father in Heaven,

You are all about know how. You’ve ordained for Your church to be the pillar and support of the truth. So, You’ve given us Your word by which we are to live so that we know how to conduct ourselves in the church and in the world. And, You’ve stocked Your church with people who can and will accomplish Your purposes as they gain know how to do so. Help me to know how, I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

The Flavor of Heaven

12.7.2009

Colossians 4:6 6 Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. New American Standard Bible

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth…” By saying this I think He was implying that the earth is rather bland without salt. Not just the earth – dirt, rocks, mountains and seas – but the realm of the earth and all that is in it. As wonderful as the earth may be, God has decreed that His people are what set it apart and make it special.

In a performance-based world, grace is a hard concept for those who think the world revolves around them, their interests, and their perspective. Grace is: I favor you just because I do – nothing else. Man argues: it has to be because of something that you like me; God answers: There is nothing you can do to earn it!

So the speaking, the words of the Christian, is to be gracious with the seasoning that comes along with being God’s representative. The Salt of the Earth is to speak accordingly so that the bland of the earth may see, hear, and taste the difference.

I must continue to think differently about who I am and what I do. If I am salt of the earth then I am so only because Jesus has made me so for His purposes. Therefore, I must be aware of my calling and to what purpose I serve among my fellow man today – to spice things up a bit.

Father in Heaven,

Your world and all who are in it are spoiled and bland because of the effects of sin. But You have placed Your people in the world to bring the flavor of Heaven amidst all of that. Help me this day to do as Paul instructs and to use my speech to share grace and seasoning among those who know nothing of Your glory and have decided that this is all there ever will be – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Conformed Transformed

12.6.2009

Philippians 3:10 10 …that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death… New American Standard Bible

What does it mean to be conformed to His death? What was His death?

Jesus’ death was (among all the other eternal and infinite implications) willing, sacrificial, unique, final, effectual, temporary, sinless, obedient, pleasing, right, holy, real, painful, perfect, hopeful

What would my life look like labeled with these kinds of adjectives – willing, sacrificial, purposeful, pleasing, and obedient? As Paul sought to be conformed to these things, so must I – it gives me a whole new slant to the way I live. Paul sought to be conformed to Jesus’ death in order that he could experience the power of Jesus' resurrection. And Paul knew, and wanted us to know, that as he/we live conformed to Jesus’ death, he/we would then be transformed into Jesus’ life and then become worthy partakers of Heaven with new bodies of glory as Jesus’ body is glorious.

A Puritan father from the 17th century wrote, “If sincerely adhered to, these (practices gleaned from the Scripture) will be conducive to the holiness, fruitfulness, and quietness of your life, and [will] add to you a comfortable and peaceful death.” What more could I ask for?

Father in Heaven,

Your plans and purposes infinitely exceed where my puny little mind goes but You created me to resolutely and irrevocably go where they are, in everyday life and one certain day, in death. May I, as the Apostle, learn to be conformed to my Lord’s death so that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection – death could not overcome Him, and in Him, it won’t overcome me either. Father conform me by Your Spirit to the crucified life that I may be transformed into the glorified life – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

The Head

12.5.2009

Ephesians 5:29 29 ‘…for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church…’ New American Standard Bible

No one ever hated his own flesh because even the most worthless among us eats and sleeps and takes some measure of pleasure from this life. [He] nourishes and cherishes it (being his flesh, his life, his being, his existence) – it is a normal part of life to do the bodily functions and to care for the basics of human-ness. But here’s the ringer: just as Christ also does the church. I am a part of Christ’s body, the church. And He nourishes and cherishes it – including me and you.

The person nourishes and cherishes his own body; the husband cherishes and cares for his wife and Jesus Christ nourishes and cherishes His church – a group of people who are His own. There may be those who destroy their body; there may be those who abuse their body – but Jesus Christ is never ever included in that number.

Today I am rejoicing in the light of the truth that Jesus nourishes and cherishes me – and all who call upon His Name and all who are called to be the church. Jesus is the Head; Jesus is the Husband. Jesus is my Authority and He is my keeper. My life is not my own and I cannot call the shots any longer; for me to do so is to deny my Head. I am so sorry that I so often do…

Father in Heaven,

The word that comes to my puny little mind this morning is ‘reeling’. I am reeling because of the magnitude of this verse and the horrific-ness of my selfish and sinful ways. O God, help me see, accept, and faithfully live accordingly, I pray in His Name – The Head of [my] Body – amen.

Adored and Implored

12.4.2009

Ephesians 4:1 1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called... New American Standard Bible

Walk worthy – live up to the calling that is on us. Walk worthy – live life in the light of truth. Walk worthy – give consideration to the magnitude of God’s grace. Walk worthy – give thanks for all that God has done. Walk worthy – eagerly and enthusiastically join with God in accomplishing His purposes in the world. Walk worthy – pay attention to the way I interact with others and ask, “Does this thought, word, or deed bring glory to God?” Walk worthy – use the time He’s given and the life He’s shared to prepare for the next life and to bring as many others with me as possible.

Consider the calling and the immenseness of God’s love for His creation.

Keep an eye on the Lord at all times and respect His wishes and His commands.

Walk worthily – not worthlessly.

What I’m doing and what I’m involved in is worthy of my life’s full attention as well as every ounce of my energy and effort. I am a full-partner in God’s Firm and am assigned a mission right here in Eastern Oregon among those who do not see and do not believe; think to, or care to. I am called to live the Life in a manner worthy before them that they might see and ponder and perhaps seek after Him who called me that they may be saved by His grace and walk worthy themselves.

Father in Heaven,

By You I am both adored and implored. Father expand my understanding and help me this day to walk with one eye riveted on Your throne knowing I am called to be Your own. Help me to bring glory to You, by all I say, think, and do – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Oh Behave!

12.3.2009

Romans 13:13 13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. New American Standard Bible

Paul’s argument here is to properly regard the governing authorities and to treat others in love as we treat ourselves. Then he tells us (told them) to behave properly; in other words to keep a watch over our own conduct and live in a manner that is acceptable to God.

So, I have something to do and that is to keep guard over my conduct. I must remember that everything I do has a reciprocal effect and I don’t want to be guilty of burning bridges. Every person I encounter is either a person in Christ or a person on their way to Christ. Period. If that is the case, then I am to treat them accordingly and behave properly toward them.

I have learned that it is much easier to get something done with others with a spoonful of honey than it is with a spoonful of vinegar. My conduct is vastly important and how I treat people will be watched by God.

Father in Heaven,

You have called me to be Your ambassador, and as such I represent You and Your Kingdom – a place where everyone is treated and accepted with selfless love. Help me to behave properly by seeing others properly and may my actions, attitudes and words be used to help those in Christ – to encourage them – and to help those who don’t know Jesus to see what behaving properly is all about and maybe as a result come to know the Savior – I pray in His Name, amen.

Therefore

12.2.2009

Romans 12:1-2 1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. New American Standard Bible

Therefore, what is that there for? The word therefore ties us back into what the writer just wrote and (hopefully) what we just read. What we just read was a colossally important perspective of indescribable magnitude on the sovereignty of God and the duty of man. And it centers on God’s mercy and what God is currently doing to His chosen people, the Jews, with His merciful and marvelous interaction with the Gentiles. And Paul sums it all up by saying God is dealing kindly and wonderfully with the Gentiles to stir up the Jews romantic jealousy with Him as a result.

Who knew!? My faith and daily interaction with God are being used to reach a people group!? Wow!

So now what do I do? Paul answers that in the above two verses. He says, “Look guys, if you want to be part of the process of the salvation of these people then bring your life – every stinking part – to God’s altar of service and interaction and offer it up everyday.”

And if I want to know what to do I must renew my mind so that I won’t be conformed to the ways of this world that say, “If the Jews don’t get it, screw them! I get it – too bad for them!” A renewed mind begins to understand the bigger picture and the magnitude of God’s love for everyone – the Jews first, and also everybody else.

So, renew my mind, I do and offer up my life for service to God, I do. Happily. Willingly. Consistently. There is no way to serve other than that. It is God’s will that I do so…

Father in Heaven,

May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth in my life as it is in heaven – in Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.

BTW: I don’t think it is a stretch at all to call it romance or romantic love. It is for sure holy and good, but it is also tender and wonderful and romance seems to be at its heart…

Death Squad

12.1.2009

Romans 8:13 13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. New American Standard Bible

It seems to me the major part of my day is to be (must be) devoted to learning how to hear and respond to the voice of the Spirit of God for He is the One who illumines those things in me that are fleshly and deathly. Flesh and death are synonymous; that’s what Paul implies in this verse. So I need to work at listening to the Spirit and cooperate with Him that I may under His direction, identify and crucify all that is of the flesh in me – He gives me the wherewithal to do so.

So I am the death squad and I take my directions and initiative from the Holy Spirit who is present in me to show me what to kill in me that feeds and breeds death in me. And so by killing the deeds, perspectives, attitudes, desires and deceptions of the flesh under the Spirit’s control, I live victoriously, obediently, and ultimately, eternally.

Father in Heaven,

By Your Spirit, help me identify all that is in me that is fleshly and deathly. I accept in Jesus Christ my role as the death squad to all that is opposed to You and all that feeds and breeds death in me. I want to learn so I ask You to show me – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.