Revealing the Grievous

4.29.2010

Matthew 16:23 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” ESV

“Uh, excuse me Lord; what did You just call me!?” Peter heard right, Jesus had just called him Satan; it meant, adversary or one who is opposed. Adversarial opposition to God is going to get us into big trouble every time. It sure got a backhand across Peter’s ego… but it also got his attention and was a teaching moment for him. Peter was laboring under his preconceived notions of who Jesus was and what He was doing. Jesus thumped him for it and he never forgot it.

Teaching moments may be excruciating but they are very important. I’m learning to embrace them for both how they are and what they are, no matter how I feel when they are. God is more interested in my getting the message than my feeling good about it all. A little passing embarrassment goes a long, long way to make a permanent point.

It’s not that I won’t make mistakes again, but the pain of past mistakes makes me think about my present conduct. David prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24 ESV) The searching and knowing process can painfully reveal the grievous, but it leads to the way everlasting! That’ what I want!

Father in Heaven,

As David prayed, so do I - Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! I know the process is often painful and embarrassing but I’d rather have that and live forever, than avoid it and be shut out of the Kingdom forever – in Jesus’ Name, amen.

What I Pray and What I Say

4.28.2010

Matthew 15:10b-11 10b “Hear and understand: 11 it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” ESV

I have adopted a prayer that I pray most everyday and it goes:

Father in Heaven,

Today, I surrender total control of my life to You; accepting that I am to listen to You, obey You, and trust You to direct every move I make. I give over my thoughts, hopes, dreams, ambitions, pleasures, and preferences. I give over my frustrations, disappointments, and heartaches. I give over revenge and I will listen for Your voice, and do what You say. I pray for Your correction and discipline when I try to take the reins back. Help me, speak to me, and guide me I pray. Amen.

I give God my life and ask for His help in living how He says, not how I want. But a lot of days what I pray and then how I act are different; and I pray, then I disobey. And most of the time it’s the overflow of my heart that manifests itself in my speech. If you’re like me you know it’s a daily battle. I want my life – every bit of it – to line up with God’s heart and I want to win more of the defilement battles by speaking the truth in love…

Lord God,

As the Canaanite woman asked You, “Lord, help me.” So Jesus, I ask You to do the same for me – help me to live what I say I believe and to honor You with my thoughts, words, and deeds – in Your Name, amen.

With God It All Adds Up

4.27.2010

Matthew 14:17-18 17 They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” 18 And he said, “Bring them here to me.” ESV

Maybe the search hadn’t been that thorough but the result was still the same: way too many people and way not enough food. The disciple’s math skills were wrong because they had forgotten the key entry into the equation: God; it wasn’t only five loaves and two fish; it was five loaves plus two fish plus God. That equaled enough food for the entire universe.

In Psalm 142:1-2 David said, “With my voice I cry out to the Lord; with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord. I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him.” David understood the New Math which was really the Old Math – where God guides, God provides. And wherever God provides there is always enough.

Friend, wherever you are today, whatever you’re facing, make sure that God is part of your equation. Without Him our math is incomplete. With Him there is more than enough of whatever it is you need. For me, with God it all adds up.

Father in Heaven,

You have never intended for me or my wife or my kids or anyone else to go it alone – You have promised to be there for those who believe. So God, my prayer is to You because You listen and act and give me what I need to succeed in a life of obedience to and faith in You. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Amen!

What I Want

4.26.2010

Matthew 13:43 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear. ESV

I’m not real sure what Jesus is saying here but shining like the sun in the Kingdom of my Father sounds like something I want. It sounds like something I want more than anything this world has to offer. It sounds more pleasing and desirable than position, possessions and power. It sounds like purpose, perfection, and pleasure; it sounds right. It sounds altogether good. It sounds secure. It sounds immeasurably comforting. That’s what I want because I know somehow it’s all of that and more. I know it’s truth.

The other night I watched part of the movie, The Invention of Lying which takes a backhanded swipe at truth because people can’t handle the truth and making up lies that the truth is a lie somehow makes them feel better. It’s true that God is invisible, and indescribable but He is knowable and He’s promised a hope and a future that is beyond anything we can hope or imagine and though that doesn’t look like my present, it doesn’t mean it isn’t true – it’s just that it’s true according to God and not to my standards unless I adopt His and He’s promised that those who do are the righteous and they will shine like the sun for all to see in His Kingdom… Yeah, baby! I want somadat!

Father in Heaven,

Your’s, is not the invention of lying, Your’s, is the revelation of truth. And the truth is there is more to this life than my own agenda and more to life than my own reality. But there is also a destination after this life and that is Your Kingdom where You will cause the miracle and glory of Your purposes to make those who believe in You and cooperate with You to shine like the sun because they are the objects of Your affection. Though I am presently just a light today, may I reflect Your glory in all I do today, that I may shine like the sun someday – in Jesus’ Name, amen.

The Turn to Return

4.25.2010

1 Samuel 30:6 6 And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. ESV

This may have been the turning point in David’s perspective – utter defeat. A friend of mine posed this question on FaceBook this morning: Do we who call ourselves "Christian" really know what it means to suffer well? Or are we simply whiners when it comes to the bumps and bruises of regular life? David was suffering and making bad decisions and the loss of his family and those of his men may have been the suffering necessary for him to strengthen himself in the Lord. Sometimes we have to ask, what will it take to get me to think differently?

Here are some things I think about this:

1. God will faithfully allow us to go off into our schemes in order to teach us how wrong they are.

2. God will never let us go completely but will use what is necessary to get us to see things differently and repent.

3. Pain and suffering are great teachers!

4. When the people we’re leading are picking up stones, it is time to listen to God…

5. I must carefully examine my ways and make sure I’m not deceiving myself by poor judgment.

6. I must trust God even in the worst of times that He is actively in the process of leading me back to that place of fellowship, humility and teachability with Him.

Father in Heaven,

You are faithful, and You love us enough to provide disaster in order to get our attention. Father, may I trust You to administer just what I need that I may turn and return to You. Help me in the tough times to be careful and thoughtful and to draw close that I may learn the lessons You’re teaching – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

The Lesser of Two Evils

4.23.2010

1 Samuel 27:1Then David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of seeking me any longer within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand.” ESV

David reasoned – he thought; he opted; he came to the conclusion. Was there truly nothing better than for a man of God to leave the people of God and go and dwell among the enemies of God? I think David was at the point of despair and was tired of being chased and harassed by Saul. Sometimes our circumstances lead us to despair and despair leads us to action. The temptation is to settle for less than God desires for us.

I have seen settling in the lives of people. I’ve seen desperate times lead to desperate decisions and a subsequent settling for less. Sometimes the circumstances drag on and on and the longer they drag on, the shorter our patience; and the quicker our solution. David chose what we might think to be the lesser of two evils. When I think about this, a line from a famous prayer comes to my mind: and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…

I’d really rather not have to choose the lesser of two evils. I’d really rather learn to trust God and not be put in that position. But if I do find myself there, I hope I have the fortitude in Christ to say, God, what do You want me to do? And listen for His answer.

Father in Heaven,

Many times I’ve found myself in utter despair scheming and dreaming of a way of escape. Sometimes that has led me to making the decision to dwell in a place where I really shouldn’t be among those I really shouldn’t be around. Father, lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil. And I ask for wisdom when faced with the choice of the lesser of two (or more) evils. Help me to do right – that’s my prayer in Christ, amen.

I Know What You Did

4.22.2010

Matthew 9:22 22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” ESV

The camera shows her struggling against the crowd and being foiled several times in her attempts to touch Jesus’ robe; and perhaps even a stern glance or two from a disciple or two… And then in one desperate effort her fingers brush against His garment and she turns to escape. As she’s fleeing from the crowd and what she feels are the impending consequences, she hears Him say, “Take heart, daughter; I know what you did; your faith has made you well.” She whirls around to see Him smiling as if to say, “You did the right thing – receive your reward!” And then He turns and continues down the street with the huge crowd and all the noise and excitement.

What will our circumstances make us do in faith? Will we risk embarrassment or worse? Will we put it all on the line to hear Him say, “Take heart, [child]; your faith in action has made you well.”? Mercy is better than sacrifice. Obedience is better than sacrifice. And putting it all on the line for Jesus brings smiles from Heaven and reward on earth. Today I will let my faith do the talking…

Father in Heaven,

This scene in Your Book is touching – in more ways than one… It humbles me and makes me think of the things I face that make me want to react in anger, frustration, and fear when I should, against all reason, fight against the norm and strive to let my faith have me do the unthinkable: respond in godliness, humility, faithfulness, and truth. Abigail was right in 1 Samuel 26: The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness. Lord, may I do so today, I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Believing!

4.21.2010

Matthew 8:13 13 And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment. ESV

Jesus’ response to the centurion is important for me because I am believing God for some big things in my life. I need a buyer for this house of ours or the income to make it work; I'm believing God for that. I'm believing God for a work-schedule that is more predictable than the one I currently have so that I can reconnect with a local church and serve God’s people there. I am believing God for a month off with pay each year to serve at a youth camp and influence the lives of Jr. High and High school kids. I’m also believing God for a trip to Africa to visit with and encourage some missionary friends. These all are things I have laid out before the Lord. I’m believing for both big things and little, because if they are going to happen, the Lord is going to make it so. And if they don’t? Well, I’m believing Him for whatever He has in store for me.

Jesus told the guy, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” The guy believed if anyone could get the job done it would only be God and that was precisely what Jesus came to tell the Jews who’d forsaken God…

Father in Heaven,

I am encouraged and helped this day because whether or not I see it, You are working in my life to get me to where You need me to be – spiritually, mentally and physically. I trust You and am asking You for things that I believe will enhance my effectiveness and help in the lives of others for the Cause of Christ – in Whose Name I believe, and pray! Amen.

Fools

4.20.2010

Matthew 7:27 27 "And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” ESV

The video footage on TV of where a lot of rain has fallen and the rivers have flooded and the banks of the rivers are collapsing and the houses along the banks are being swept into the flood are pretty impressive. The power and force of nature is, to use the word carefully, awesome.

That’s the picture that Jesus paints of the person who listens to what He says then doesn’t do what He says. There were rain and floods in Jesus’ day. Nowadays there are those who claim that Jesus was a good teacher but don’t do what He says – these who say He was a good teacher are fools who’ve built their lives in the flood-zone; sooner or later will come the flood and the collapse.

There are other fools who are people like me who’ve acknowledged the Lordship of Christ and not done what He says. I’m one of them. I’m now paying the price for my decisions and reaping what I’ve sown, but now am trusting in the Lordship of Christ to see me through the messes that I’ve made. Fortunately, there’s been some progress – I’ve done the repenting and He’s graciously done the work of rebuilding where the floods have ravaged.

Father in Heaven,

You’ve spoken and we’ve the choice of whether or not we listen. Some of us listen partially and do partially and some listen with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. As the old song says, “I want to be in that number...” I want to be among those who listen to what You say and do all that You command; help me God, I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Spend It in the Right Place

4.19.2010

Matthew 6:25 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? ESV

I have lived most of my life anxiously; anxiety has been a close companion and I’ve done it so much for so long that it seems to be a part of me anymore – except that I know it’s not, and it’s wrong to be anxious…that is, if God is God.

Anxiety (among other things) is unbelief and selfish-striving to control the uncontrollable. No wonder Jesus said, “do not be anxious about your life…” It’s one thing to be wise, it’s one thing to be responsible; it’s one thing to be trusting. It’s another thing all together to worry about the stuff.

To worry is to expend precious energy over things I cannot control and I must repeatedly tell myself that my energy reserves are limited. As long as I’m going to expend energy I must train myself to spend it in the right place for the right reason. I think that’s why Isaiah said of God, “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.” (Is 40:29 ESV) And then he went on to say, “…but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Is 40:31 ESV) It’s divine leverage – I exchange all the energy I would waste on worrying and in return get God’s strength to make a difference in this world! That’s why Jesus said, ‘don’t be anxious!’

Father in Heaven,

You know what we want and know what we need. Help me today whenever I catch myself worrying to consciously give those thoughts over to You and to praise You for Your providence. Thank You that You meet my needs and always have. Help me to trust You more, I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Is 40:29,31). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Be Like the Lamp

4.18.2010

Matthew 5:16 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. ESV

The purpose of a lamp, says Jesus, is to give light when necessary – like every night perhaps, or on a cold and gloomy overcast day; or maybe when you’ve dropped something down there and need extra light to see it and retrieve it. Lamps serve a purpose and as a light of the world, my life is to serve the same purpose.

I was created in Christ to be a receiver of power and to give off light. The power is the power of Christ by the work of the Holy Spirit and the light is the reflection of God is all that I am, say, and do. Jesus tells me, in the same way, let your light shine before others that they may see your [usefulness] and give glory to your Father who gives the power and privilege to do so; Paul, be like the lamp – powerful and useful.

Today is a work day for me and off I go in an hour or so to serve in the employment that God has provided. I go not only to collect wages by which to live but also to do His work, being a light in His world. My reflection of Christ is daily becoming more and more real to me and more and more serious in how I live it, and represent Him. May I be an unfiltered light of His presence and may my words and actions represent Him well…

Father in Heaven,

You’ve created me to be a light and so may I shine for You this day that others may see You in me – in Jesus’ Name and by the Holy Spirit – amen.

Safe Other Person

4.17.2010

1 Samuel 18b "And [David] and Samuel went and lived at Naioth." ESV

When Saul lost it, David went to Samuel and stayed with him for a while. During times of trouble, uncertainty, and adversity, it’s really a blessing to be able to hang out with someone who can provide some wise perspective on the situation; it seems that Samuel was that person to David when David was fleeing from Saul. David had already been anointed by Samuel as Israel’s next king and so it’s fitting that David went to see him to ask, “Hey, man, what’s going on!?”

There are many folks in this life who think one thing and experience another and are asking the question, “Hey, God, what’s going on!?” Personally, I know I need perspective in my days and I know there are others who need it as well. When I read this today, I thought about being in the place of serving someone just by listening and then maybe offering a point of perspective to help them to remember that God is in control, and He’s not forgotten about them. I know I need it, so why shouldn’t/couldn’t I be that person for someone else?

Today, I will watch with compassion and empathy that I may offer an ear if called upon to do so, or if I recognize the need – I think it’s the right thing to do and I think God has called us to be that safe other person for those who are hurting and confused, and need a little prayer and perspective.

Father in Heaven,

How gracious You were to provide Samuel for David. Both men were mistrusted by Saul and You allowed David to go to school in Samuel’s wisdom for a while. I think about the times You have provided those safe other people for me and I pray that even today You might employ me to be that for someone who needs to vent or rant or see things in a different light. Equip me and help me by the Holy Spirit to be that person – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Stick with God

4.16.2010

Psalm 11:3 3 ...if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” ESV

This song reminds me that when all seems lost, all is not lost – there is something the righteous can do. These days it seems the foundations are severely damaged and possibly beyond repair. What can the righteous do? In the colossal struggles between good and evil, light and dark, the Kingdom of God and Americanism, what can the righteous do?

There has always been a remnant of God’s people; not everyone has gone down the ways of man. It’s true, but it’s hard for me to believe. What can the righteous do? Stick with God, that’s what! David’s answer was, “In the Lord I take refuge!”

Today, I cannot do a thing but stick with God. I can’t control the government, I can’t control people; I’m powerless to change my age and stage – but I can find refuge in the Almighty whose plans and purposes are never thwarted. The wicked might bend their bows, fitted with arrows to shoot down the righteous from the dark – but death is not the end nor will their purposes prevail. If the foundations are ruined the righteous still have a place to go.

Father in Heaven,

Your times and plans and purposes are way above mine and remarkably, include mine. I can worry and fret or I can pray and stay at home with You amid the turmoil of the globe and the jockeyings of men. What can the righteous do? The righteous can do what they’ve always known to do: give it all over to You, and then trust You with the results. Thank You for Your love, Amen.

How God Got His Point Across

4.15.2010

Matthew 2.22 "...and being warned in a dream..."

Joseph the Dreaming…that’s what this section of the Scripture could be called – excepting that Joseph wasn’t the only one to be guided by dreams; the wise men from the east were as well.

Dreams can be vivid and cause one to be awakened from deep sleep wondering if it was a dream or if it really happened. Sometimes my dreams are a scream…sometimes they’re just plain old weird. But they often get my attention. As yet, I can only think of one that I might classify as from the Lord and I’m really not even all that sure about that one...

But that is how God got His point across to Joseph and the wise men. And everyone got the point at whatever point it was necessary to tell them the next thing to do. Sometimes I wish it were that easy; it’s not and I have to live by faith that whatever I’m to do next, God will get me to move…I just need to obey.

Father in Heaven,

You know that I have consumed a ton of energy trying to figure things out and I keep coming up with the same answer – and when I need to know, You’ll let me know. In the meantime I am trusting You and calling upon You to take us to the next place be it locale, ministry, relationships, or employment. You are in control and You’ll let me know…I’m sure in hindsight it will all look perfectly clear…Amen.

What God Does and What God Says

4.14.2010

Matthew 1:20-21 “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” ESV

Joseph was in a quandary, he was mortified that his fiancé was pregnant and he knew he had to do something, he just couldn’t figure what. It had to be quiet; he knew that, but what!? God’s hand was on this man’s life because of his lineage and because it was time to do something – and God had it all planned out.

What happened to Joseph happens to us all the time – things don’t always go as planned or things are way different than they appear. What matters is what God does and what God is saying.

God was telling Joseph, “this isn’t what it seems, so trust Me and go with Me on this one – it’ll be alright!”

My response is to be like Joseph – to trust God even though what’s going on around me may not be according to my script. When it looks weird, I need to keep my eyes open to what I see God doing, and keep my ears attuned to what He’s saying – Paul, son of Mine, do not be afraid…

Father in Heaven,

You called Joseph to lead his family through one tumultuous time to the next and You talked to him along the way and warned him and reminded him that You were in control of every thing around him – all You asked was that he trust You and obey. Help me to do the same, I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

A Pauline Life

4.12.2010

2 Corinthians 12.10b&c “…I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” ESV

Contentment – Paul had nothing to prove; he was who he was and he was commissioned and sent by Christ. He didn’t have to prove himself to the Corinthians, the fact that they believed in Christ because of his testimony ought to have been proof enough. Paul was secure in himself, his calling and in his Lord. And Paul knew what purpose weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities were for – they were the tools God used in his life to keep him from trying to be Christ and overreaching his calling and ministry.

Paul was free.

I too must abide with Christ in order to be free in who I am and the weaknesses I have; I can’t do it all and must daily remind myself, this life is not all about me. So as I strive to live a Pauline life, I too am learning to embrace weaknesses so that Christ may have all the glory. All the glory; none of it is for me or else I don’t need Jesus and then I’m truly in deep weeds…

Father in Heaven,

Would You grant me the serenity to accept the things I can’t change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know which is which. Would You help me to live one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardships as Your God-given pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful and fallen world as it is, not as I want it to be; trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His will in each and every circumstance; that as a result, I may be reasonably happy with Him in this life, and supremely happy with Him forever in the next? Thank You! In His Name, amen.

God Help Them

4.11.2010

1 Samuel 12:23 23 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. ESV

Probably the greatest prayer a person can pray is, “God, help me!” God knows our needs and nothing is hidden from His sight. It may surprise us to find, when we arrive home in His presence, that we will say of our greatest difficulties and trials on earth, with love and gratitude, “You did that!? For me!!?” God, help me.

Samuel’s words always give me pause. I think he was genuinely disappointed in the demand of the people for a king but he showed great character by not criticizing or complaining; he prayed and stayed with them – at least in spirit; but I believe in his attitude as well. God, help them.

As I pause and remember what Samuel said I am reminded to pray for those I know and to ask, God, help them whenever I see the needs in their lives. It’s easy for me to criticize and judge, but that is not the example, nor the mandate of Scripture; God, help them. I must cease sinning against God by not praying for those among whom I live (that, in Christ, I’m supposed to love).

Father in Heaven,

You’ve made it clear to me that to pray without ceasing is really how You’d like me to live and I’ve made such a lifestyle out of complaining and criticizing that praying is unnatural and difficult. I repent. I see that I need Your help and others do as well and may You help us all; but help me to remember to pray that when I arrive home with You, that I may be joyfully surprised at what my prayers accomplished in the lives of others by Your grace – in Jesus’ Name, amen.

God’s Way

4.10.2010

2 Corinthians 10:7 7 Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we. ESV

Paul was reminding the Corinthians that he and they were on the same side. Apparently there were those who didn’t see eye to eye with Paul and for some reason (sin, arrogance, and pride?) were disputing his authority and teachings.

It’s not surprising that this comes up in the Scripture because even today, this happens all the time; those who are appointed, elected, selected, (whatever) into leadership are targets for those who cannot accept who they are or how they lead – that is part and parcel of human nature. It’s wrong, but it’s part of who we are; sad, fallen, and rebellious people who want things our way.

Israel demanded a king (1 Samuel 8-10) and remarkably, God granted their request. Sometimes God says, yes, sometimes He says, no; sometimes He says, maybe, and sometimes He says, if you insist. Paul’s argument and defense was against those who insisted that it was all about them and their way. I think God shakes His head and says with a smile, they’ll learn, they’ll learn.

I’m learning that my way is not the good way and each day I see just how much I insist on my way. But I’m learning. I’m learning and repenting because God’s way, no matter how petty I think it is, is the right way and the right way is why they call it righteousness and that is how I want to live and how I want to be commended by God (see 2 Cor. 10.18).

Father in Heaven,

Your way is the right way and You love is relentless that I learn and live the right way. Help me to shut my mouth and quell my opinions and submit to Your way. May I be commended as righteous and my I bring honor to Your Name (and my belief in Your Name) by how I carry myself in everyday life – in righteousness. Amen.

Her Problem and Her Pledge

4.9.2010

1 Samuel 7:13 13 So the Philistines were subdued and did not again enter the territory of Israel. And the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. ESV

If you look back at the end of the book of Judges you’ll find this statement: In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. (Judges 21.25 ESV) This sums up the culture of Israel when Samuel became Israel’s judge after Samson. This culture was never God’s intention but God never forces His ways upon men; He gives them the choice to obey Him, and gives them the consequences for not; but never forces them. But neither does He abandon them.

The book of First Samuel could’ve been named Hannah for it all started with her – she longed for a child and I believe she longed for the return of her nation to God; she saw first hand the disastrous result of everyone did what was right in his own eyes… so she went to God with her problem and her pledge.

So the Philistines (the perennial enemies of Israel in those days) were subdued while Samuel was the judge of Israel. And Samuel became judge because his mom, Hannah, asked the Lord for a son; and God loved Israel and sought for them to return to His perfect love and beneficial rule.

I got a few Philistines in my life – things that are perennially problems for me – attitudes, perspectives; the consequences of my choices. My Samuel is Jesus and my Hannah is the Holy Spirit who longs for me to do the right thing (take a slow and meditative read through Romans 8). The question is, will I bring my problems to God? And what then will I pledge to Him in return?

Father in Heaven,

You have never stopped loving Israel. You’ve never stopped loving me. I pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit today that the Philistines in my life may be subdued. I pray for a right heart and a teachable spirit; and I pledge my heart to You; help me in my life and use me in my culture, I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

She Gets It

4.8.2010

2 Corinthians 8:24 24 So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men. ESV

In the early summer of 2008 former president Bill Clinton stopped by our little town here and stumped for his wife Hillary’s bid in her campaign for president. At one point in his speech (I heard it firsthand, I was there) he said, “And as for energy and jobs development, she gets it!” He was talking about windmills and green jobs and stuff like that. I listened and wondered what he really meant, she gets it… She didn’t win the primary.

Paul had been boasting to his peers, she gets it, speaking of the Corinthian Church when it came to helping and sharing what they had when others were lacking. Paul had been telling his ministry pals that if anyone would lead the effort in the sharing of resources to help the saints in Jerusalem who were suffering from a severe famine (comparable in magnitude to the recent earthquakes down in Haiti) – it would be the Corinthians!

Do I get it? My faith should stir me to action – that’s the evidence of I get it. My walk with the Lord is to cause me to act and respond differently so that those around me may know that my testimony of God lines up with my lifestyle. If it does, I get it; if it doesn’t I don’t. My faith, no matter what I say, without godly action, is not the real deal…and that is what others see and judge me by…

Father in Heaven,

May all I do today be for Your glory and that others may see You in me. Help me by Your Spirit to be the real deal – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

No Country for Old Men

4.7.2010

1 Samuel 2:32 32 Then in distress you will look with envious eye on all the prosperity that shall be bestowed on Israel, and there shall not be an old man in your house forever. ESV

An overlooked word in our day is legacy. What will be the end of our end? Who will carry on when we pass? How long will the church be the church and reach out to the lost? What will be our legacy? These were important things in the days of 1 Samuel. It was important back then to be a contributing member of society and so sons and daughters were raised in the mentality of who they were, to whom they belonged, and what impact they would leave on society – that was legacy. They would live, have a positive impact with their lives, grow old to be thanked with honor, and die with dignity. At least the ones who followed the Lord would…

To those who didn’t? “…there shall no be an old man in your house forever.” They would die young. Life was something to be lived for God and for the nation; not to be lost in one’s youth – that was unthinkable!

Part of my responsibility these days is to have interaction with my children and continue to try to persuade them how to live and show them what will be the legacy of their living. But that means I am to live life so that they may see how and what it is I do with the life I have, and the relationship I have with God, and men. My living for the Lord is to be an example to them that we all may leave a legacy of godliness in our society which is rapidly becoming no country for old men…

Father in Heaven,

You called the ancients and now the presents to live with legacy in mind and to ask, “what will be the gift I leave to my fellow man after I’m gone?” Lord may my life be that of godly legacy and enduring faith. Thank You for Your calling and for the importance of living a life worth sharing – and remembering – through Jesus Christ; in His Name, amen.

His Relationship with God

4.6.2010

2 Corinthians 6:4 "...as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way..." ESV

Okay, I admit it, I’ve taken this phrase of Paul’s out of context and at face-value it appears to be boasting. But we must remember that Paul was defending his ministry against some pretty unfair accusations with people he’s led to the Lord. The thanks you get sometimes…

What caught my attention is in the list of his commendations, Paul never mentions his college degrees, or the churches he’s planted, or the awards he won in his list of accomplishments; no, he mentions beatings, imprisonment, slander, hardships and such – these are the true commendations of someone who is genuinely in the game and is unwilling to quit no matter what. That’s the kind of leadership needed in the church because church can be an ugly place sometimes with competing agendas, petty little egos, and the pastor not acting in the manner some think he ought…

Paul’s commendation is really his relationship with God (no matter what) and everything that comes with it; and if I’m looking for a commendation then mine can be nothing other than my walk with the Lord. Life is not what I’ve done but who I serve and all that comes with it because it isn’t popular to serve God. And when I serve the Lord and name Him Jesus Christ, He said there will always be slander, hate, want, and the like (cf. John 16.33).

Father in Heaven,

You have called me to serve You; You have called me to be a partner with You in the redemption business and the payoff is Your love, grace and Your living in me in order that I may do the things You’ve ordained. May my commendation be my walk with You and may it bring glory to Your Name I pray in Christ’s Name, amen.

David Knew and Ruth Did

4.5.2010

Psalm 61:4 4 Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! ESV

David knew it, Ruth did it (Ruth 2.12) the place to be is underneath the sheltering wings of God. David prayed, “[Lord] let me dwell in Your tent forever!” He prayed that because he knew that no matter how good the world’s offering it doesn’t hold a candle to the promise and presence of God. That’s why Ruth went back to Israel with Naomi – despite their dysfunction (Elimelech and his family) she witnessed the presence of God with them and saw the difference between the Lord and the gods of Moab; she saw the gods of her people as a dead-end street. She wanted to live with truth and that is only found in the Lord…

Today is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it because the Lord is my Lord and I will dwell this day in His promise and presence. My identity is found in Him and His power – not in me or mine or anything this world has to offer. I ask as David did and as Ruth chose, “Let me dwell in Your tent today, and forever!” Better is the tent of the Lord than any palace of man.

Father in Heaven,

"Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell in Your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of Your wings! For You, O God, have heard my vows; You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name"*; in Jesus’ Name, amen.

*(Psalm 61:1-5 ESV)

Accordingly and Appropriately

4.3.2010

Judges 18:17 17 And the five men who had gone to scout out the land went up and entered and took the carved image, the ephod, the household gods, and the metal image, while the priest stood by the entrance of the gate with the 600 men armed with weapons of war. ESV

If there is any word to describe the closing chapters of the Book of Judges, it’s bizarre. This is a collection of several accounts of very strange behavior for the chosen people who we called out of Egypt by God, given the Law through Moses and led into the Promised Land by Joshua. How soon and how far they wandered away from the life God intended for them.

Without God we are left only with the option of grasping any advantage we think we can obtain in order to survive. Without God wisdom and reason go out the window; there is no law, no right, no wrong; only what everyone thinks is best for them. And more often than not, their think is different from ours…

Paul teaches us in Romans 8, “…but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” (v5). So by the Spirit of Christ I am to walk accordingly and appropriately to the leading of the Holy Spirit – that’s the essence of the life with God. His blessing flow from there.

Today I have the option of walking with God and keeping in step with the Holy Spirit or I have the option of living my life on my own at whatever cost to others and with whatever advantage I think I can can grasp. I’m tired of option B; it’s gotten me nowhere.

Father in Heaven,

Thank You for the honesty in the history of the chosen people. Thank You for the frankness of all that is exposed – including their bizarre behavior. May I walk this day according to Your Spirit and live my life appropriately as Your servant and ambassador – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

The Story of Me

4.2.2010

Judges 16:30 30 And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” ESV

In the English Standard Version of the Bible the words ‘I’ or ‘me’ are used in Samson’s story 65 times from verse 13.6 through to verse 16.30. Samson is the story of Me. Samson’s story is a testimony of the people of Israel who wandered from the Lord to serve the selfish little god called ‘me’. And ‘me’ is often a cruel, petty, little monster.

But remarkably, God works through ‘me’. God is not limited or hindered by you or me or the ‘me’s’. The Bible also says Samson judged Israel for twenty years and God used Samson as the beginning of the overthrow of the Philistines (see Judges 13.5)… not bad for a selfish piece of work…

And if that’s not enough, Samson is mentioned in the Faith Chapter in Hebrews 11 where the writer says, “And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith …were made strong out of weakness…” (Hebrews 11:32-34 ESV) God purposely uses people who are weak, impulsive, hesitant, or passionate; God uses those whose lives are a train wreck – like Samson’s. And God uses people like you and me to begin the overthrow off all that may be wrong in our lives, our families, or our communities.

I cringe at some of the stuff I read in Judges because it is some of the same selfish stuff I do and I’m encouraged that God works with me (and often in spite of me) just as I am. Yes, I am to grow in my faith, in personal holiness, and through grace, but many, many times I’m just pathetic little old me with all of my Samson-esque foibles, faults and fractures; but God has chosen to use me.

Father in Heaven,

You must not look for talent, skill, looks, or cleverness, or You certainly would have chosen someone else – for those are the things I lack in abundance. But You purposely choose the weak, the foolish, the overlooked, and those who routinely don’t live up to their potential in order that through them Your glory may be revealed. May I walk with You this day and learn from You and be used by You if only just to be a pothole of Your glory to someone else. May I give myself away so that others may benefit – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Help Us by Praying

4.1.2010

2 Corinthians 1:11 11 You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. ESV

God is omnipresent meaning He is everywhere at once; God is omnipotent, meaning He is unlimited in His power. And God is omniscient – meaning He knows everything. God neither expands nor diminishes – He is God almighty, unlimited, and never changing. So why pray?

I don’t know how or why, but I do know prayer is necessary and important. I know prayer changes things. I know God loves the sound of my voice, your voice, and all who love Him. Our prayers matter to Him, and His love and faithfulness never fail. I know God deserves the glory for He is responsible for our very existence and He has promised good to those who believe in Him.

Asaph wrote this about God in psalm 50:

[God says] “If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine. Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?

Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Ps 50:12-15 ESV)

It’s no wonder Paul says, “You also must help us by prayer…”

This day I will help those who work for the Lord by praying for them. I will help by praying; and not hinder by remaining silent. I don’t know why or how but God expects me to help by praying…that I will do.

Father in Heaven,

You call us to pray and You call us to help. Help me to heed the call to help and to pray – in Jesus’ Name, amen.