Friday, December 31, 2010

The Ten Demandments


12.31.2010

Revelation 19:1-2 “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”

If the Bride is the Church then who possibly could be the great prostitute? I used to think the prostitute was false religion or totalitarian government or education or such. I’m now of the mind that the great prostitute is our world culture that is opposite to and vehemently opposed to God on every level of life. If the Church is God’s purpose then the world is counter-purpose. The great prostitute is that world system and way of thinking that is bitterly opposed to whatever is good and righteous, and true.

The 10 Demand-ments of the world:

1. Thou shalt determine to love thyself above all else.
2. Thou shalt surround thyself with images of thyself and thy wants.
3. Thou shalt revere thine own name above thy neighbors – after all thou lovest only and always thyself.
4. Thou shalt become a machine and shall work ceaselessly to build thy kingdom and thy throne; and thou shalt find no rest in thy pursuits, not even thine own.
5. Thou shalt blame thy father and mother for thy present faults and failures.
6. Thou shalt kill time, conversations, and relationships.
7. Thou shalt scheme and plan to vaunt thine own sexual desires to the foremost of thy mind; seeking only thy pleasures and treating all others as sexual objects.
8. Thou shalt lay claim to anything that is not red hot or nailed down – after all if they didn’t want thee to have it, they would have kept it more securely.
9. Thou shalt lie, and gossip, and spread malicious untruths whenever possible to take adverse attention off of thee, and put it on thy fellows.
10. Thou shalt keep up with the Joneses and spend resources thou hast not on substance thou wantest not to impress people thou lovest not – and thou shalt do this ceaselessly.

The great prostitute is the system that causes this to propagate and flourish. My friends, may 2011 find us more and more free from this false system…

Father God,
Thank You for freeing me (if yet only in stages) from this self-centered, self-absorbed and selfish system; and bringing me into Your Kingdom of truth and light. Amen. 

Thursday, December 30, 2010

The Measure of Greatness

12.30.2010

Revelation 18:23 23 …and the light of a lamp will shine in you no more, and the voice of bridegroom and bride will be heard in you no more, for your merchants were the great ones of the earth, and all nations were deceived by your sorcery. ESV

Years ago, I read a commentary by someone who made a big deal out of the merchants mentioned in chapter 18. In his commentary, the author seemed to vilify those who were involved in retail as if, somehow, they were co-conspirators in a vast and grand scheme to overthrow the earth and capture the souls of men. A good guess perhaps; but wrong. The merchants of this earth are the power-brokers; the ones who buy and sell power; and who use and abuse their power because they always seem to know how to get more. The merchants of the earth are not the CEO’s and shareholders of Macy’s, Target, and K-Mart.

The great ones of the earth are the least in heaven if they somehow manage to even get there. The great ones of the earth are of the culture of the earth and that culture is godless. The great ones of the earth are the ones who think they can control it and position themselves in the place of God so that they’ll be admired by men. Talk about selling oneself short…

If I’m to seek anything it’s greatness in heaven where the minimum threshold is humility; and for an arrogant old fart like me, humility comes hard. But I’m teachable – I think. The last thing I want to be is a great one of the earth because earth ain’t where it’s at. Heaven is…

Father in Heaven,
Yours is the Kingdom, the power and the glory for ever, not mine. Thank You that my place reserved in heaven, and thank You that You measure greatness by such things as humility, service, and faithfulness. May these things be mine more and more through Jesus Christ – amen.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Jerusalem

12.29.2010

Revelation 11:8 8 … their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. ESV

One day, Jesus stood on the Mount of Olives across the Kidron Valley from the city and wept, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (Mt 23:37-39)

The two witnesses mentioned in Revelation 11 will execute their ministry and be hated for it in the city of Jerusalem. They will also meet their demise in Jerusalem – and to the horror of all they will resurrect and ascend to Heaven in Jerusalem. Talk about irony...

It ain’t rocket science – John is speaking of Jerusalem; where their Lord (our Lord, the Lord) was crucified. In the Bible there is only one Lord and there is only one crucifixion: His. I usually don’t think of J-town as Sodom and Egypt. I think of Jerusalem as the City of David. I think of Jerusalem as the City of the Great King. I pray for the peace of Jerusalem. But when John has his vision Jerusalem has become no more than Sodom, the epitome of apathy and evil; and Egypt, the epitome of the world opposed to God. Jerusalem started out so well and ended up the pinpoint of God’s wrath and anger because she would not.

I wonder what Jesus says about me and you. I wonder if He looks at the Father and says something like, “They started out so poorly, but look at them now; and hear their praise!” I think so…

Father in Heaven,
Tonight I pray for my Jewish brethren and ask for their salvation and for the peace of Jerusalem. I pray that Your will be accomplished among them and that the floodgates of blessing burst forth upon them as they realize that Jesus is their Messiah and has come to win them back. O God may it be! Amen.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Ransomed

12.28.2010

Revelation 5:9-10 9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” ESV

A price had to be paid since the day the Two ate of the fruit of disobedience and in a volatile and vulnerable way became aware of good and evil; up until then, they only knew of innocence and good. I only say this as a fallen, broken, faulty, fickle, and frail person – we have no idea of the height or depth of God’s love for His creation, and the Pinnacle of that creation: mankind. A price had to be paid.

I could do without much of mankind with their cruelty, criticism, murders, lies and deceptions. I could do without the cheating and manipulation. I could do without the underhanded dealings and the out and out corruption – but then I’d have to do without me – I’d have to go. But God in His mercy and kindness and unfathomable and incomprehensible love ransomed people for Himself through Christ. To be ransomed means that we were (or had been) kidnapped and were being held for ransom. To one we were only a pawn; to the Other a prize. Man! How God loves us!

Today, as a fallen, broken, faulty, fickly, frail person, I am eternally glad that God ransomed me from my fate and my choices. I am thrilled that He looked past all of my issues to what I could become in Him – oh how happy I am! Things could be a lot worse…

Father God,
For all You’ve done I am thankful that You didn’t see me for what I was but for what I could become in Him – thank You for Him and by His blood He ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and He has made us a kingdom and priests to You, our God, and we shall reign on the earth because of it – hallelujah, amen!

Monday, December 27, 2010

The God of Right Now

12.27.2010

Revelation 1:8 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” ESV

Might not mean much to you, but today I noticed what the Lord says about Himself: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” I thought, now wait a minute I thought He was and is and is to come – but no, He is, and was, and is to come. He says this, once in 1.8 and John said the same thing in 1.4. The angelic beings in chapter four say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” It’s a subtle thing but it caught my attention.

Who is the Lord? Well, for sure He is right now; for Him there isn’t an ago, or a ‘to come’ for He is, and always is. Who is God: God is. But God also was – there isn’t a time in our present when God wasn’t; He’s always been. And He also will be; forever, He will be. But I think in our present moments, it’s more important to have a God who is. To the angelic beings, eternal in their own way, they would tell us, He was, and is, and is to come – because He is the One who gives them eternity and they see Him differently than we do. For them, there is no need for a God Now because for them they know no different – to them it’s always now.

We however, need a God who is. In all of our timeliness or un-timeliness we need a God who identifies with us right now, not then (either past or future). I need a God right now – I need God right now. For me, He is first and foremost and that is the way I need to live my life; and the way I must approach my life. What’s done is done and what isn’t yet, is yet to come. My past is slipping away every moment; and my future is always just one moment away. I need God right now because right now is all I have.

As I look back on 2010 I think about all the real time I have wasted either regretting my past, or worrying about my future. Through every one of those futile moments God has gently and lovingly been nudging me toward right now – Paul, the past is done and the future is yet to come – I am the God of your right now – live with Me right now.

Father in Heaven,
You are the God of right now and I pray to live in the right now. I thank You that You are first and foremost Who is, and Who was, and Who is to come. Amen.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

The Truth Implied

12.26.2010

Psalm 119:89-90 89 Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. 90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. ESV

So I guess I don’t have to worry – God seems to have it all under control and I don’t have to worry about cataclysmic events, or meteors or asteroids or comets hitting the planet. And even if they do, I don’t have to worry about God changing His mind about anything He’s said because His word is firmly fixed in the heavens and everything He’s said about me will hold to the end. Whew! Or maybe I should say, whoo-hoo!

If I had to worry about anything, I guess I could worry about the cunning and craftiness of men who seem hell-bent on power and control. But even that lusting and craving can’t dislodge the promises of God’s word firmly fixed forever in the heavens; a place where the cunning and the crafty don’t seem to have access. So I guess I don’t have to worry about that either. Might be slightly uncomfortable; but then the cross was uncomfortable for Jesus… and He didn’t seem to mind…

I always start thinking about next year at this time of the year – probably like everyone else does. I need to remember Psalm 119.89-90 all throughout the year. I need to remember the truth implied here: “Don’t worry; I’ve got it all under control – even your discomfort. Just stay fixed on Me and hold to what I’ve said, and you’ll be fine…”

Lord God,
Another year is rapidly coming to a close and I thank You for all that has happened in this one and I look forward to the next one. Thank You that You are firmly fixed and not one atom is allowed to go rogue without Your noticing or approval. My heart is filled with joy and expectation for all You’re going to do on our behalf down the road through Your Son, my Savior – amen.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Our and Your

12.25.2010

1 John 1:4 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

You know, sometimes it’s hard to shake the preconceived notions that have taken root in our lives and to remember that our perception, as good as it may be at times, is only as good as it may be. In my Bible, the word, “our” in the above has a notation that says in some manuscripts of the Scripture, our is actually your; that your joy may be complete… like it really matters whether our joy is complete or your joy is complete. What really matters is that somebody's joy is complete.

On this Christmas day I think it’s important to mention that joy (as described in Scripture) is not selfish, self-centered, or self-absorbed – joy is a totally selfless thing and a precious gift from God. I’ve heard that the definition of joy is: knowing that what one does, thinks, or says is totally pleasing to God – therefore joy is the knowledge that my life is pleasing to God; and He derives some sort of benefit thereof. Wow – that God would have joy in my finding His joy… go figure!

I can see now why John would say that he wrote so that his joy would be complete – what could be more fulfilling, thrilling and joyful than sharing really good news with others that their joy would be complete!? I can see now why scribes along the way have wavered back and forth between our and your – they understood that either way somebody gets the selfless gift of Joy knowing our God is totally pleased and satisfied with all that He’s for us done through Jesus Christ. Yeah!

Today my thought is to encourage my loved ones with the selfless gift of joy by encouraging them about the birth of our Savior Who (John says) appeared to take away sins (see 1 John 3.5) in order to open up the way for us to get to know God – if that ain’t joyful news, I don’t know what is!

May your days be merry and bright because God shared with us His light!

Father God,
Thank You! Amen!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Killing Pragmatism

12.24.2010

John 20:25 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” ESV

We might call him pragmatic – Thomas of the twelve. Thomas had a problem that though he was with Jesus, I’m not sure he knew why – I think he was just along for the ride; he’d decided to go along just to see what would happen. Now, that isn't to say that he wasn’t a believer, he was; his problem seemed to be that was he just wasn't sure why he was a believer.Believing requires faith and Thomas appears to be in short supply.

Thomas is famous for a couple quotes that shed some light on his pragmatism and his loose belief. First he said, “Let us also go, that we may die with him…” when Jesus decided to go raise Lazarus from the dead. Then he said, when Jesus was having the last supper with His men, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” That dang pragmatism was entrenched in Thomas.

There’s a part of me that wants so desperately to know how – how did that happen? How can he do that? Sometimes faith just has to say to pragmatism, “Quit trying to figure out the impossible and just believe that it happened!” Thomas is famous for one more quote after he said what is recorded above in John 20; Thomas said, “My Lord and my God!” His pragmatism was assaulted one last time and I think Jesus finally got the upper hand…

For me, the way to kill pragmatism is to keep my eyes lovingly focused upon the Lord and trust Him. I cannot explain how He did what He did, but I can, by faith, accept it for what it was – the result of God taking upon Himself human form and coming to live among us so that we could learn to walk as He walked: in total unflinching dependence upon the Father.

Jesus,
You didn’t call me to be pragmatic but to trust You. Lord I trust You, amen.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Proving His Presence

12.23.2010

John 15:8 8  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. ESV

Jesus said fruit bearing is only achieved by abiding in Him and remaining in Him. I think about this truth and every time I read it my whole being screams out, Okay, Lord, what can I do!? And every time the answer is simply: Abide in Me and remain in Me. There is nothing I can do but abide in Him.

My great big fat thought for the day recently was this: the only way to deny self is to remain totally focused upon God. It’s no wonder Brother Lawrence wrote “Practicing the Presence of God”; he wanted to learn how to deny self. Denying self isn’t natural and it isn’t easy but I believe it is accomplished by using all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength to keep the focus and direction of my life in and toward God. There cannot be any other way than by abiding in Him.

And that sheds light on all the other things I do – thought, speech, and action. Either my thoughts, words, and actions are an echo and reflection of God or they are simply mine. When they are an echo and reflection of Him, then they are as a result of keeping my mind trained toward and upon only Him. I believe that is abiding.

Today, I conversed with the Lord as I read John 15 through 18. Today, I asked that I bear more fruit, and to learn how to abide. This morning, I will go off to my work and will attempt to practice His presence and try to remember that all I do is to be a reflection of Him who is true – thus proving His presence. Fruit-bearing is proof that He's there...

Abiding One,
You abide with and in me – is it too much to ask that I return the favor? I pray Lord Jesus, that You help me to forsake all this trying to please You crap that I’ve been dragging around for years and simply practice Your presence in every conversation, thought, and deed this day. I want to bear fruit for You. Amen.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Your Glorious Gift

12.22.2010

John 12:40 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them.”

John quoted Isaiah 6.10 in pointing out that the Jews of Jesus’ time could not see Him for who He was or believe in Him for what He was trying to do. The blinding and hardening are not because God did it, but because man in his nature cannot stand God. This is the magnitude of the Fall. Man becomes blind and hard because his nature is violently opposed to God and that is his only natural response. This is also why we need a Savior because we need to be freed from our nature in order to accept God.

Throughout Scripture this blinding and hardening is noted over and over, but we cannot blame God for our own response, nor can we approach God in any other way than by what He has established: faith in Christ. I’ve always wanted to blame God for this but I see that it is not God, but how I view God, that is the problem. And the same goes for every other human on the planet.

So like the 12-Step method, part of my coming to Christ is being broken to the point of admitting that my Only Way Out is by Him. And even that is an act of God. All I need do is look back on my life history and think about those things that caused me to accept God, or to reject Him. Things have happened in our lives that caused us to accept God – maybe at least in principle. Other things have happened that caused us to hate Him – or blame Him. But when the heart is readied it will accept because it finally sees the Only Escape. Some in their hardness and blindness will view that a trap; others in their new-found freedom will exult in joy over being finally released.

The Bottom Line is that the hardening and blinding we experience is not because of God’s doing but more because of His Being. Yet He always reaches out to blind and hard hearts to help them see beyond the Fall to the Truth. That’s worthy of a ‘Thank You!’

Father in Heaven,
Thank You for freedom and for the gift of belief; a gift I am convinced You offer to all humanity every moment of every day. Thank You, for Your relentless pursuit of my heart throughout all of my life, and all of my circumstances; and thank You, for welcoming me into Your Kingdom. May I continue to serve You by telling others about Your glorious Gift – I pray in His Name, amen.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

The Jesus Report

12.21.2010

John 11:53 53 So from that day on they made plans to put him to death. ESV

I’m not sure what all the daily responsibilities of the High Priest were; I’m sure however he did stuff each day that had to be done. The High Priest in those days was kind of like a CEO today – the mover, the shaker, the planner. I’m fairly certain that he had regular meetings with people under him to make sure the machine (not as he viewed it) was functioning properly. I’m fairly certain he had regular interaction with the Romans. High Priests were after all, just men doing their usual manly things – creating, controlling, commanding and: conniving.

And then because of circumstances beyond his control the High Priest had to deal with this Jesus. Whatever his previous To Do list was, he now had an additional item on it and John tells us that from that day on they (he and his helpers) made plans to put Him to death. I think they called it, The Jesus Report. And getting rid of this meddlesome nuisance overshadowed everything else they did.

What’s on our To Do list – cooperating with Jesus or getting rid of Him? Or how about just ignoring Him and hoping He’ll go away? If someone was to map out our plans from this day forward, how would they word our actions? Would they say something like. “From that day on he did (such and such) as part of his daily life.” What overshadows our lives these days – Christmas, work, sickness? What’s on our To Do list?

What’s interesting to me is that Jesus seemed to be totally unconcerned with their To Do list and the fact that He was Item Number 1. I’d like to live with that kind of freedom and purpose. That means however that I need to learn how to let go of the To Do list and walk in step with the Holy Spirit, like Jesus did. My Jesus Report ought to consist of me reporting in to Jesus and asking Him for guidance and direction today; and then trusting Him as He shows me what to do.

Lord Jesus,
All I want for Christmas is You leading me by the Spirit and the ability to hear what You say; and to do as You ask. Help me as I seek that, and help me as I live for You today. Amen.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Knowing God

12.20.2010

John 7:28 28 So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I come from? But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. ESV

I have to admit that I have read this verse many, many times and have never understood until tonight that Jesus actually asked a question: You know me, and you know where I come from? The Scripture thinly masks the incredulity of the Lord at the arrogance of these people.

Mankind is arrogant. Mankind, intelligent and gifted, creative and clever, is horribly arrogant. It’s almost as if a risky experiment went way wrong and the outcome is a race of self-centered, self-absorbed, selfish monsters running loose. God came to save these people and they said, no thanks, we’re fine; go save someone else – we’d don’t need You! They were no different then than we are now.

Probably one of the best books I’ve every read is J.I. Packer’s book, Knowing God*. Most people would admit they know about God; if mankind were to collectively write a book about God, it would probably be entitled, Knowing About God; and in it we would find out more about God than we care; we just wouldn’t find God. With man it’s all about knowing about God – all the do’s and don’ts; what’s in, what’ out. Man can tell you all about God but only as an expert who is trying to tell you why people get the common cold… all show and no blow…

Jesus’ question is one many will have to answer to someday. Jesus will ask, ‘You know Me and yet you did nothing with Me – what’s up with that!?’ To know Jesus is to accept Him for who He is; not what I think about Him. And Jesus shows Himself to the humble not to the arrogant…

Lord,
You’ve shown Yourself to me, and everyday You make it abundantly clear that without You, I’m toast. Jesus, cause Your personality to rub off on me that I may help others to know You, not just about You. I ask in Your Name, amen.

*Knowing God, J.I. Packer, Inter-varsity Press, 1993

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Calling You Father

12.19.2010

John 5:18 18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. ESV

In modern America we don’t take each other that seriously nor do our words hold that much meaning. Most of us don’t know each other’s father. Most of us could care less what our ancestors were up to. We, as a society, tend to live for today without much thought about tomorrow and what impact our lives will have through our offspring. Not so in the east when Jesus walked on the earth.

In those days who your father was, was a big deal; what your father did and what worldview he espoused were very important. There are statements all throughout the Gospels that give up glimpses of the importance of parenting, heritage and family. And when one claimed his father, it was viewed as being an extension of that person’s life and his father before him and before him and so on…

There are two kids in this community who call me father (well ok, they call me, dad). I hope my life and conduct as they talk to others is a reflection of my calling God my Father. I hope my legacy wears off on them and someday they truly call God their Father. I hope it makes a difference in our world and in the lives of others, just like Jesus did when He walked this earth…

Father in Heaven,
You’ve placed me where I am and given me the kids I have. I pray that my calling You Father makes a difference in the lives of my kids and in the lives of others here in this little town – I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Only By You

12.18.2010

John 4:49 49 The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.”

This sentence is found in John 4.46-54. A local official of some sort knows Jesus can heal and he sends for Him because his child is deathly ill. But Jesus seems to resist the man’s urging. Jesus, meek and mild, says, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” (v. 48) In other words, “You came here for a service and I'm asking for your heart!” The official [responds] to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus then responds to him: “Go; your son will live.” And the son does and the man believes.

Praying in faith is the heart of this miracle. Asking God to come to my house is not what I need; having faith He’ already here is what I need. It’s all a matter of perspective and persistence. Jesus responded to the man’s persistence, not to his insistence. Jesus is more inclined to help the desperate who come to Him by faith having no other place to turn.

Insisting from God that He do things my way is a hard lesson to learn; because He won’t.  Accepting Him at His word is more often a big pill to swallow; it’s swallowing my pride and in faith, taking the Lord at His word.

Lord Jesus,
You know my every need. You know all things about my life – my strengths, my weaknesses; my victories, my defeats. Today, I give them all over to You – again. I come to You in faith and accept that the resolution to all I think I need will be masterfully and wonderfully provided only by You. Amen.

Friday, December 17, 2010

A Thousand Year’s Worth

12.17.2010

2 Peter 3:8 8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. ESV

There are days when I could stand a thousand year’s worth. There are other days when it seems to carry on for a thousand years. I like the thousand year’s worth; I’m not too keen on the other. Most of the time, I’m zipping through my ordinary day eagerly awaiting an evening at home; and then off to sleep awaiting a fresh cup of  hot coffee in the morning. Most of my days are sort of nondescript.

The challenge is looking for the thousand year’s worth and making the most of the days I have. And making the most doesn’t have to be huge; it’s mostly simple stuff like saying kind things to my loved ones, being energetic and efficient at work, having meaningful conversations, and starting my day by spending time in God’s word. Often the thousand year’s worth is found in an hour or so of simply filling my mind with what I read in the Bible and writing about it in hope that some will read it and find encouragement.

Peter summed it up for me very well when he said “… do not overlook this one fact, that with the Lord…” There you have it: with the Lord. Whether a day is a gracious reward or a grueling retooling, with the Lord is what it’s all about. Lately, I've taken to writing my daily want-list to the Lord on slips of paper and carrying them with me throughout the day; reading them when I have a brief moment or two. It helps remind me of Who is really in charge and that He’s with me in whatever I find myself doing. He is after all, the Keeper of my days – good or bad…

Father in Heaven,
You know what I need before I speak it. You’re completely aware of every need I’ve had, I have or will ever have. Whether or not a day is good or bad by my standards, may I remember that You are the Keeper of my days, and the Guardian of my soul. Help me to make the most of my days in the light of that truth I pray, in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Everyone

12.16.2010

1 Peter 4:5-6 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. ESV

My dad always hated the Apostle’s Creed; he couldn’t accept the thought of the one line in the Creed that goes: He descended into hell.** Dad's understanding of hell was that anyone who went there went on purpose and deserved every bit of it. He then reasoned, how could God, holy and righteous, ever go to such a place!? It was unthinkable for him.

Peter, however, says, “For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead…” Granted, I might be reading a lot into my dad’s thoughts, the Creed’s thoughts, and Peter’s thoughts but the above sure sounds like there was some preaching done somewhere at some point for some who might have not heard it for some reason. True, the verse doesn’t say, hell. But it implies that there may have been a point after the death of Christ when He went to Sheol (the place of the dead) to give those there a chance to hear the truth and make up their dead minds once and for all.  Peter says, this is why.

Everyone deserves to hear the Gospel once. Everyone deserves to make up their own mind and decide if God is telling the truth. A young person I know sent my wife a card recently that says, “You’re like a mother to me.” As I read that card I thought, well if that is how she views my wife, then I’m to be like a father to her. And to anyone else who might need one. But as a father, I am called like the early fathers to preach the gospel in love, kindness, and mercy like my heavenly Father has done for me; and apparently did for some who were already dead and were where no man could reach them with words of truth.

Father God,
You reached out to me when I was dead in my trespasses and sins. You sent a person to tell me the truth. You even at one point through Jesus, preached to some who seemed to have missed the bus. Help me God, as a sent one to see the opportunities to share the truth and to grab them – everyone deserves at least that. In Christ, amen.

**For more on the Apostle’s Creed you might want to visit: http://www.reformed.org

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

What is My Life?

12.15.2010

James 4:14 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. ESV

As I read James epistle this morning it occurred to me that his missive is a series of questions and answers. In other words, as he writes it seems he seems to be asking over and over, don’t you know? (And by his asking implying, you should know; and, if you don’t know, why not?) There are at least 22 questions in the little book of James.

The one that got my attention is this one in 4.14: What is your life? It made me stop and think, what is my life? If I was to stop today and have to give an account of my life what would I say? What are the things I would take credit for; and what are the things I would make excuses for? What is my life? Much of my life is the things I would make excuses for; missed opportunities; relationships I’ve let coast to a stop because I’ve moved on for whatever reason.

When I turned 50 I decided I wanted the second half (what a laugh silly boy, 50 is way past half!) of my life to account for something. I still want to make something of my life but now I realize that the only way that’s going to happen is by following close to God, tripping over His feet, so to speak. What is my life?

My life is boiling down to this: I am an offering to God. Yes, I have made many missteps and mistakes, but these days it’s only about hearing Him and obeying Him that matters. The battles of life and self still rage but the peace of God that passes all understanding still remains – and seems to be growing.

So, I offer myself to God for whatever He wants and accept that everything that happens to me in the space in between is ordained by Him for my learning and my good. What is my life? My life is an offering to God that His will be accomplished in me for the good of His Kingdom and for the sake of others…

Father God,
Turn me upside down and shake me until all the stuff comes out that gets in the way of what's important to You. (Please…) May it be so, amen.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

The Presence of Mind

12.14.2010

Jude 3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. ESV

It seems like most Sundays (when I’m in church) I’m reminded of my need to contend for my faith. I know most days I am assaulted for my faith from without and within. I see from Jude’s writing that contending for our faith is nothing new.

Coming to Christ is a one time deal but it is an all the time action; we’re to come to the Lord initially for relationship, but we’re to keep coming to Him for life, safety, knowledge, and the ability to continue to contend for our faith. If James felt the need to say it to believers then, it is still appropriate for believers today.

I hate to say it, but there is nothing in our world presently that isn’t tainted by sin, brokenness, and fallenness. Everything we come into contact with has something wrong with it – the only Remedy is Jesus and we must be with Him regularly and routinely to keep ourselves unspotted from all that is around us that is spoiled, infected and contagious.

Being with Jesus however is not on again off again. Being with Jesus is striving with all that is in us to keep our thoughts, words, and deeds open and accountable to His ever-present presence. In this day and age if that’s not contending, I don’t know what is…

Lord Jesus,
Today, may it be with the presence of mind to recognize and celebrate Your presence in all I do, think and say. Help me Lord by the Holy Spirit to contend for the faith and to start by keeping my focus fixed upon You – I pray in Your Name, amen.

Monday, December 13, 2010

They Had It

12.13.2010

Hebrews 10:34 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. ESV

Oh the pull and push of culture as we witness the utter perversion of Christmas each year. The music, the media, the mushiness, and the merchandise – it’s sickening. Happiness is not found in stuff because there is no substance in stuff.

These people, to whom the writer was addressing, had their property plundered by others who’d decided that they had the right to do so. These people, whose allegiance was to God, stood by and watched as those whose allegiance was to the government, ransacked their houses and property and took every precious thing. They couldn’t, however, take what they had hidden in their hearts: the truth. Everything on earth and of the earth is passing – only that which is hidden away in the heart by faith is enduring; and they had it.

Persecution like this is right around the corner for us. This calls me to a heavenly perspective and a faith that won’t settle for second-best. Nothing on this earth can bring me happiness – only God can and He’s the one who said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12 ESV)

Father in Heaven,
When all around me is eroding and slipping away
You’ve given me the gift of faith by which I’ll stay
Close by You forever and with You I’ll be found;
For it is by faith I stand in You on holy ground. Amen.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Given and Guided

12.10.2010

2 Timothy 1:15 15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. ESV

It is indeed lonely at the top – there are few who truly understand the vision and capture the passion for the mission. It’s lonely at the top and even lonelier in prison awaiting execution. I tend to think that Paul might’ve had a question or two for the Lord regarding his circumstances. But I also tend to think that Paul practiced what he preached. I tend to think Paul’s relationship with the Lord was such that he truly entrusted his situation to God and looked forward to beheading as the last step before rounding the bend into the Lord’s presence forever.

All who were in Asia turned away from Paul including a couple of leaders (I assume because they are mentioned specifically). But Paul didn’t turn away from the Lord and the Lord didn’t turn away from Him. And true to his mission, Paul used every opportunity to encourage and edify as he awaited his death. His letters were all about being courageous and careful and none of it was poor pitiful me.

So I am encouraged today as I think about Paul’s response to walk as he did with trust that Jesus is completely in control of all that I do and am and wherever I find myself. Paul’s circumstances didn’t derail his love for God and for others, nor did they cause him to whine and complain. His circumstances fanned the flame of urgency and caused him to make the best use of his remaining days as he awaited departure into a future that all of us in Christ long for.

Father in Heaven,
I firmly believe that all of my days are given and guided by You. May I respond by using them to fulfill the mission You’ve given me and to live in ever-increasing passion for Your Kingdom as I await my departure from here and enter into there in Christ – in His Name, amen.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Why Bother?

12.9.2010

1 Timothy 5:9-10 9 Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, 10 and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.

Last night at men’s group we talked about being a mature Christian. First, we all decided that we knew of very few people we would call mature; and second, we confessed none of us were mature. I think some of us looked at the quest for maturity as a lot of work and thought, why bother. The threshold is pretty high.

Paul set the threshold high when it came to widows in the church. If we’re to read the above and use it as a standard, then few women come to my mind. But if that is the goal (so to speak) then my question is, why not? Why not be a widow who meets the age and has been married only once; who has a good reputation for serving; who has brought up children, shown hospitality, washed the feet of the saints, cared for the afflicted and devoted herself to every good work? Why not be a mature Christian, even if no one else seems to want to be?

Maturity is not a rank or really even a privilege; maturity is an indicator of the depth of devotion one has for the Savior. Maturity is an indicator of the level of influence of the culture upon us. Maturity is the result of life having kicked the crap out of us and we find ourselves crap-less, selfless, and humble. Maturity is not what you say you are but how you live in relationship to Jesus Christ.

Why bother? Because the world is dying in need for such people. Our families and churches; our cities and towns need such people. Our places of employment or study need such people. Maturity is obvious to others.

Father in Heaven,
May I mature before You, in You, and through You. May I not see maturity as an end in itself but may I prove useful to You more and more as You reach into the lives of people who are dying for a Savior. Help me to live side by side with You and to keep in step as You fulfill Your desires for me – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

The Best and Most Essential

12.8.2010

1 Timothy 4:7-8 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

I cannot number the times I have heard someone bemoan the fact that they are “out of shape” and they’re going to do something about it. I hear the hew and cry of those who bemoan (outwardly) the presence of Christmas goodies and their need to protect themselves from overindulgence so that the outcome of such indulgence won’t be evident in February once the goodies are long gone and the Visa bill is due.

I know others who live by silly myths believing that somehow by holding to the knowledge of a rabbit’s foot, a dream catcher, or some other idiotic notion that they’re preparing their way for whatever their understanding is of God and heaven. Superstition is a powerful deceptive force – strong enough to guide people away from the reasonableness of truth. Paul warned Timothy (and by his words to Timothy, us as well) to stay away from such nonsense. Paul maintained that godliness is of value in every way as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 

Thoughtful, intentional, regular exposure to God’s word is some of the best and most essential training in godliness we can get. Our Bibles ought to be well-worn. Our minds should be filled with God’s truth and the histories presented in Scripture… or they will be simply full of something else.

I like the, ‘promise for the present life and also for the life to come’ part. I need help everyday in the present life; and I so look forward to the one to come when life will take on a whole new dimension.

Jesus,
Be with me Lord Jesus I ask You to stay close by me forever and help me I pray. I’m glad I reside safely in Your tender care as You prepare me for heaven to live with You there. Amen.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Still Reading

12.7.2010

Colossians 4:18 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. ESV

Just the other day, I read Paul’s personal greetings to the Church in Rome (chapter 15-16). In chapter 15 he speaks of visiting them on his way to Spain. He then tells them that he was on his way to Jerusalem to bring needed aid to the saints there – and on that trip everything changed; I’m pretty sure from that point on all Paul spent the rest of his life in prison.

What do we do when our plans get interrupted? What do we do when things suddenly change? How do we handle it when life deals us a hand that seems to hamper our freedom and threaten our effectiveness? One thing’s for sure; Paul didn’t quit thinking about his people and did his best from jail to stay connected. And Paul’s effectiveness and leadership morphed into a prison ministry the likes of which were rarely repeated.

What are the things that are hampering our ministry today? How are those hindrances helping vitalize our vision and cultivate our creativity? Think about this: no one told Paul he couldn’t write letters. Surely somebody could have, but apparently some of the letters got out – amen? Apparently what some overlooked as a pathetic prisoner pitifully penning prose, God saw as a means to keep His message going; and some two thousand years later, we’re still reading Paul’s letters.

God’s plans for our influence and how He uses it are totally under His control and command. My job is to adapt to the situations I find myself in and bloom for Him wherever that may be. We are still reading Paul’s letters…

Father in Heaven,
Your word is not bound by chains or prisons or death or demons or anything else. And Your word goes out from Your heart through Your people wherever they find themselves. I pray for the ability to adapt more and more. I pray to be creative and useful. I pray that rather than kick at my ‘chains’ that I would praise You for Your limitless power to help me share Your truth wherever I am – amen.

Monday, December 6, 2010

And Let it Begin with Me

12.6.2010

Philippians 4:22 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. ESV

There is a vast difference in Paul’s tone between this epistle and say the Epistle to the Galatians or the one to the Corinthians. This seems to be a kinder, gentler letter with the intent to be gently redemptive as well as gently corrective. Maybe the issues weren’t as dramatic in Philippi or maybe prison life helped Paul find a different way to address the issues one finds in local churches. Wherever there are groups of people meeting together as churches, there are going to be personality issues until God by His Spirit through the leadership of the church brings about maturity.

Euodia and Syntyche, both believers, apparently effective helpers, apparently had an inability to get along. Paul gently addressed the issue and solicited the local leader of the church to assist him in helping these two women put aside their differences and work together for the good of the church and for the gospel. Sometimes there has to be someone who comes alongside to make peace between believers even in the church.

So, there are two things here on which I must focus: One is my own ability to get along with those in the church who rub me wrong, and the other is to gently help bring about peace, love, and cooperation when I am aware of issues among others. Divisiveness has no place in the church and can be extremely destructive unless it’s addressed and quenched. I must make sure it has no root in me and must gently, kindly deal with it when I see it in others.

Father in Heaven,
Let there be peace on earth and in our local churches and let it begin with me. I know I judge others needlessly and I pray for the gift of grace to help and not criticize. Thank You for this word today, I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

I Believe in You

12.5.2010

Psalm 119:66 66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments. ESV

One could read Psalm 119 and see it as all about keeping the Law, or one could read Psalm 119 and see it as all about faith; one way is performance, the other is relationship.

The writer of this Psalm I believe, was looking beyond the Law. The commandment, precepts, statutes and rules were not written down in some document but were written upon his heart for he said, I believe in Your commandments; he put his faith not in the Law but in Him who was behind the Law, and immeasurably linked to every part of human existence.

The confusing part is when we get hung up on the rules. Paul gives a number of commands in Ephesians 5 and 6 that could look like commands but Paul would be the first one to tell us that relationship with God has nothing to do with keeping the rules and everything to do with loving relationship with God who, like a spouse or a relative, or a good friend, has earned the right to speak into our lives. Our obedience to their words isn’t performance based but out of respect for their love and knowing that what they say is probably for our best.

Yes, we want to please God, but not because we can go to Him and boast of all our rule-keeping. We please God because we trust Him and love Him out of respect for the fact that His intentions for us (and His presence in our lives) are for our infinite good. So, to say no to what is unhealthy for us is not done out of tip-toeing around the Tyrant, but loving our Creator to the point of accepting that all He does in us, for us, and through us is totally good and for our greatest benefit. So, that’s why we can pray like the psalmist, “Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments… because I believe in You!”

Father in Heaven,
Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments. Help me to walk in the paths of Your commands because I seek them, trust them, and love You. Amen.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Dreaming of Spain

12.3.2010

Romans 15:23-24 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while.

I don’t, but I want to; I want to live as Paul lived and accept the mission as Paul accepted it: living each and every day to preach Christ in ever widening circles of influence and when those places of influence get filled up, to share Him in more and more places where He is not named. Paul dreamed of Spain.

I need to see my life as Paul saw his: preaching Jesus and witnessing to others as a  normal, everyday, godly lifestyle. Paul loved what he lived and lived what he loved. Paul understood the answer to man’s dilemma and used each of his days to tell others about the Lord. Paul’s mission field was wherever he was that day. His dream was always the next mission field tomorrow (whenever and wherever that would be.)

My current mission field is a small community in northeastern Oregon. Yes, I’d like to travel to Uganda to see B & V; yes, I’d like to accompany PC out of the Philippines; but today’s mission is right here where I live and hopefully not interfering with all the others who look at Baker City the same way. I think there’s plenty of room…

Father in Heaven,
You’ve planted me here, and here may I bloom and grow for You. I dream about other places but I like having influence for Your Kingdom right here in my town – amen…

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Progression

12.1.2010

Romans 5:3-5 3 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. ESV

Last night I read the blog of a dear friend whose husband is suffering from some, as yet, unexplainable malady. They just don’t quite know what’s wrong with him. It would be an understatement to say they’re concerned over the current set of circumstances. Now if given the choice to have this taken away, I believe they’d do so, but in the midst of their trial of affliction and the unknown, there is a spark of hope brightly shining. And they recognize Jesus is with them no matter what.

It’s not my intent to define what Paul calls suffering in this passage because I know unbelievers suffer just like believers. I don’t want to say that suffering is just spiritual either, because whatever happens to us in life is spiritual in the sense that we have a spirit and are spirit beings.

So, suffering in whatever sense, is a part of a progression that ought to lead us to holiness, godliness and love. The reason the saint can rejoice in suffering is because he sees God in it and knows that God lovingly uses it to effect holiness and righteousness in His children. And Paul doesn’t say it can; he says, it does.

Today, wherever we are and whatever our suffering, we must cling to the truth of the Lord’s reign in our hearts. He’s in control and that ought to make us immensely happy – joyful to the point of crying out. Suffering is a normal part of the progression; and in the saint leads to a life worth living here as we wait for life worth living there…

Father in Heaven,
May suffering have it’s share of the progression of my life; may it produce endurance, character, and hope. May I not fear but only trust that You love me and that all things work together for good for those who love You – amen.