4.30.2011
Psalm 68:35 35 You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. NIV
It takes courage, determination, faith and the Spirit of God to walk with the Lord. God indeed gives power and strength to His people but if it is only power and strength to overcome others, then what good is that? But if it is power and strength to walk humbly with Him, to see Him correctly, and to keep oneself unspotted from sin, then there is great worth in such power and strength.
David told his wife Michal, “….I will be humiliated in my own eyes.” (2 Samuel 6.22) In other words, “I will see myself correctly because I know my God sees me correctly; and if you can accept it, I see God correctly.” Michal didn’t get it. David told the men who’d defected to him at Ziklag to support his cause, “But if you have come to betray me to my enemies when my hands are free from violence, may the God of our fathers see it and judge you.” (1 Ch 12:17) In other words, “Be sure you know what you’re doing because even though I may not, God sees you, and looks at your hearts and motives.”
God gives power and strength for us to hang on and to keep on believing. God gives power and strength when we are weak and suffering from all kinds of issues – within and without – because His power is made perfect in our weakness. God gives power and strength because the weapons of our warfare are not the power to control others, they’re the power to control ourselves; they look a lot like fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people – will we accept it? Will we use it?
Today, I must know again that God expects me to see myself correctly because He sees me – and I must see Him correctly. Today, I must know that God will indeed give me power and strength to walk humbly by His side and to depend on Him. The power I ask Him for is not to control others, for in me that will only lead to evil. The power and strength I look for from God is that power which sustains me in faithfulness; manifesting itself in my view of God, my view of sin, and the ability to walk humbly by His side.
Thank You God!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
The Validity of Our Faith
4.29.2011
Psalm 139.10(b) "...your right hand will hold me fast." NIV
Who (or what) has you? It’s important that we know such things about ourselves. We can be consumed mentally with the boss, a co-worker; a neighbor, a situation, a circumstance; a spouse, a relative, a disease, a locale. Often is the opine, Oh, I wish… (fill-in the blank).
David was keenly aware of Who had him even though he had his moments when his memory seemed to go south. But overall, the man after God’s own heart, spoke in faith to others and to himself. The statement above, tucked into Psalm 139, was a statement of faith that David sang about and probably reminded himself of regularly; he needed to as a king over a nation of people who routinely did stupid things like trying to score brownie-points with him by murdering those they assumed threatened the crown (Abner and Ish-Bohseth).
We need to follow David’s example and speak faith to ourselves. We need to honestly acknowledge who has us and then live accordingly. When we confess that [His] right hand will hold [us] fast, then the next logical step is to understand that no matter the situation, God is there and actively involved – He holds us fast – fast as in fastened, unshakable, immovable. We’ll learn what we need to learn by knowing that God is holding us fast.
What is it in our lives that threatens God’s grip? But Paul, you just said… Yes, I know I said, but how do we respond to the things that catch us off-guard, or bug the living crap out of us? The answer to that rhetorical question is this: Your right hand will hold me fast. Because when we’re assaulted by this, that, or the other the first place we should turn is to God who holds us fast, and talk it over with Him. And in all reality, nothing threatens God’s grip except the things we think threaten His grip and when we think that, then we need to re-read Psalm 139 again and get it straight – nothing threatens God’s grip!
As I said, David sang these songs to himself to remind himself of Who was in charge. We need to sing the songs of faith to remind ourselves of the same thing. Recently my pastor said (somewhat tongue in cheek) Christians don’t tell lies, they just sing them… Our songs of faith (as we sing them) need to be statements of faith; otherwise we need to seriously question the validity of our faith.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Co 10:31 NIV)
...and everything that does not come from faith is sin. (Romans 14:23b NIV)
Psalm 139.10(b) "...your right hand will hold me fast." NIV
Who (or what) has you? It’s important that we know such things about ourselves. We can be consumed mentally with the boss, a co-worker; a neighbor, a situation, a circumstance; a spouse, a relative, a disease, a locale. Often is the opine, Oh, I wish… (fill-in the blank).
David was keenly aware of Who had him even though he had his moments when his memory seemed to go south. But overall, the man after God’s own heart, spoke in faith to others and to himself. The statement above, tucked into Psalm 139, was a statement of faith that David sang about and probably reminded himself of regularly; he needed to as a king over a nation of people who routinely did stupid things like trying to score brownie-points with him by murdering those they assumed threatened the crown (Abner and Ish-Bohseth).
We need to follow David’s example and speak faith to ourselves. We need to honestly acknowledge who has us and then live accordingly. When we confess that [His] right hand will hold [us] fast, then the next logical step is to understand that no matter the situation, God is there and actively involved – He holds us fast – fast as in fastened, unshakable, immovable. We’ll learn what we need to learn by knowing that God is holding us fast.
What is it in our lives that threatens God’s grip? But Paul, you just said… Yes, I know I said, but how do we respond to the things that catch us off-guard, or bug the living crap out of us? The answer to that rhetorical question is this: Your right hand will hold me fast. Because when we’re assaulted by this, that, or the other the first place we should turn is to God who holds us fast, and talk it over with Him. And in all reality, nothing threatens God’s grip except the things we think threaten His grip and when we think that, then we need to re-read Psalm 139 again and get it straight – nothing threatens God’s grip!
As I said, David sang these songs to himself to remind himself of Who was in charge. We need to sing the songs of faith to remind ourselves of the same thing. Recently my pastor said (somewhat tongue in cheek) Christians don’t tell lies, they just sing them… Our songs of faith (as we sing them) need to be statements of faith; otherwise we need to seriously question the validity of our faith.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Co 10:31 NIV)
...and everything that does not come from faith is sin. (Romans 14:23b NIV)
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
All Ears
4.27.2011
Psalm 142:2 2 I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. NIV
Maybe it’s because I’ve done this now for nine years – reading through the Bible every year; maybe my mind is beginning to get seasoned to what’s coming next as I read the various accounts, psalms, gospels and epistles. I say this because I woke up this morning a bit out of sorts and this thought came to my mind:
To You, O God, I pour out my complaint,
For when I get tired and frazzled I tend to throw off restraint.
I tend to get whiny and get off my game
Forgetting my only rescue is the power of Your Name.
Nobody cares about our issues – nobody that is, except God. So if that’s the truth then why do I look for answers and sympathy anywhere, or from anyone, else? Why would I?
I think I’m like most people; I tend to look for a sympathetic ear to invite to my pity-party. But I am reminded today that there really isn’t anyone who truly cares about me except God, and He’s all ears – I pour out my complaint before Him. And pouring out my complaints before Him resets my emotional defaults which get all out of whack when I don’t pour out my complaints before Him.
The beauty of complaining to God is being able to honestly tell Him how I feel and to allow Him to get me going in the right direction again. I cannot – I must not forget Who genuinely and truly loves me! It’s only Him.
David, with all of his issues and faults, was a mighty saint in the army of God and if David poured out his complaints to God about the people who bugged him (he seemed to do this often), about circumstances, about his problems, who am I to not follow his example?
To You, O God, I pour out my complaint
For You have changed me from sinner into saint.
And if saints of old were called to pray
What makes me think I can live any other way?
I pray today proclaiming Your victory Lord
And back into the battle I go with Your Truth, my only sword;
To keep my mind stayed on what is good and right
Knowing You’ll do whatever according to Your might.
I pray for me, but I pray for others too
To get into the habit of pouring out our complaints only to You
Because in the end it will be when every battle’s won
It was throughYou and You only, that anything ever got done. Amen
Psalm 142:2 2 I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. NIV
Maybe it’s because I’ve done this now for nine years – reading through the Bible every year; maybe my mind is beginning to get seasoned to what’s coming next as I read the various accounts, psalms, gospels and epistles. I say this because I woke up this morning a bit out of sorts and this thought came to my mind:
To You, O God, I pour out my complaint,
For when I get tired and frazzled I tend to throw off restraint.
I tend to get whiny and get off my game
Forgetting my only rescue is the power of Your Name.
Nobody cares about our issues – nobody that is, except God. So if that’s the truth then why do I look for answers and sympathy anywhere, or from anyone, else? Why would I?
I think I’m like most people; I tend to look for a sympathetic ear to invite to my pity-party. But I am reminded today that there really isn’t anyone who truly cares about me except God, and He’s all ears – I pour out my complaint before Him. And pouring out my complaints before Him resets my emotional defaults which get all out of whack when I don’t pour out my complaints before Him.
The beauty of complaining to God is being able to honestly tell Him how I feel and to allow Him to get me going in the right direction again. I cannot – I must not forget Who genuinely and truly loves me! It’s only Him.
David, with all of his issues and faults, was a mighty saint in the army of God and if David poured out his complaints to God about the people who bugged him (he seemed to do this often), about circumstances, about his problems, who am I to not follow his example?
To You, O God, I pour out my complaint
For You have changed me from sinner into saint.
And if saints of old were called to pray
What makes me think I can live any other way?
I pray today proclaiming Your victory Lord
And back into the battle I go with Your Truth, my only sword;
To keep my mind stayed on what is good and right
Knowing You’ll do whatever according to Your might.
I pray for me, but I pray for others too
To get into the habit of pouring out our complaints only to You
Because in the end it will be when every battle’s won
It was throughYou and You only, that anything ever got done. Amen
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The Stories They Tell
4.26.2011
Matthew 13:12 12 Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. NIV
Jesus said, “This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.” Though seeing – everything around them. Jesus spoke of seeds and weeds because these were things that were around them all the time and they looked at them but didn’t understand the stories they were telling. They couldn’t; it never occurred to them to ask, “Why?”
Whoever has – has what? Has curiosity and inklings of insight; has eyes to see the stars and ask, why are they there; what are they saying? Who listens to the pounding of the surf and marvels at its power and asks, why, what, how? Whoever has the least interest in the testimony of nature might want to know what’s behind it all. Why are there seeds for food and weeds to hinder?
That day Jesus was by the lake (Galilee) and used natural occurrences all around them to teach them unnatural truths. He pointed out the agricultural process and said it’s like the Kingdom of Heaven – planting, watering, harvesting, and living. He pointed out the industry of fishing; describing netting fish out of water – keeping the good ones, and throwing out the bad. Why good; why bad? What does it all mean? Who says there is good and bad?
God created us and placed us on this earth not so that we would close our minds to Him but that through nature and industry we would get the point and somehow seek after Him. But most of us are numb. Most of us are dumb. And most of us succumb to the lowest common denominator and end up like those to whom Christ shared parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.” Not only did God create and place, but He woos us to come to know Him in His almightiness; His infinite power, and eternal presence.
I must live with the eyes of my soul wide open. I must look and see and use what’s around me to share Christ with others. I must never forget the reason that God put me here and what I’m to do with that knowledge. It’s not seeds and weeds – it’s the stories they tell.
Matthew 13:12 12 Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. NIV
Jesus said, “This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.” Though seeing – everything around them. Jesus spoke of seeds and weeds because these were things that were around them all the time and they looked at them but didn’t understand the stories they were telling. They couldn’t; it never occurred to them to ask, “Why?”
Whoever has – has what? Has curiosity and inklings of insight; has eyes to see the stars and ask, why are they there; what are they saying? Who listens to the pounding of the surf and marvels at its power and asks, why, what, how? Whoever has the least interest in the testimony of nature might want to know what’s behind it all. Why are there seeds for food and weeds to hinder?
That day Jesus was by the lake (Galilee) and used natural occurrences all around them to teach them unnatural truths. He pointed out the agricultural process and said it’s like the Kingdom of Heaven – planting, watering, harvesting, and living. He pointed out the industry of fishing; describing netting fish out of water – keeping the good ones, and throwing out the bad. Why good; why bad? What does it all mean? Who says there is good and bad?
God created us and placed us on this earth not so that we would close our minds to Him but that through nature and industry we would get the point and somehow seek after Him. But most of us are numb. Most of us are dumb. And most of us succumb to the lowest common denominator and end up like those to whom Christ shared parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.” Not only did God create and place, but He woos us to come to know Him in His almightiness; His infinite power, and eternal presence.
I must live with the eyes of my soul wide open. I must look and see and use what’s around me to share Christ with others. I must never forget the reason that God put me here and what I’m to do with that knowledge. It’s not seeds and weeds – it’s the stories they tell.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Then Write the Obituary
4.25.2011
1 Chronicles 10:13-14 13 Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, 14 and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. NIV
It sounds kind of harsh doesn’t it; that the Lord put [Saul] to death…? And this is what is recorded in God’s word for all eternity – heaven and earth may pass away but the word of the Lord lasts forever… So, what will they say about us when we die? What will we be remembered for? Will we be known for being unfaithful or will those who know us say that we were devoted to God? It’s kind of up to us.
What an obituary: Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord. Faithfulness is a virtue and Saul didn’t have it; and Saul was God’s choice. So before we go blaming God for a bad choice we have to look at ourselves in the mirror of God’s word and question His choice of us – did God make a mistake there too? God chooses and offers Himself to those He will, and it’s up to them to cooperate. Salvation is a gift – what we do with it is how we receive it. Two people may make the choice to get married but it’s up to them to make the relationship work. Saul could’ve availed himself to God, but he didn’t. I used to think, why Saul? Now I think, why anybody!? God’s choice is God’s choice; and if that’s the case, then I must avail myself to Him that I may learn His ways and walk in His will. Then write the obituary.
The older I get and the longer I walk with the Lord, the more I find His gift to me to be so precious I can’t describe it. And then when I compare His gift with what the world offers – well, there is no comparison; I’d be the biggest fool in the whole universe to trade a heavenly blessing for an earthly curse… faithfulness is my choice, and contemplative, prayerful, meditative living keeps me pointed in the right direction…all based on God’s word. Amen!?
Father in Heaven,
Thank You for Your choice, Your gift, and Your word. The content of my obituary is largely how I handle, respond to, and relate to what You’ve given to me. Amen.
1 Chronicles 10:13-14 13 Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, 14 and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. NIV
It sounds kind of harsh doesn’t it; that the Lord put [Saul] to death…? And this is what is recorded in God’s word for all eternity – heaven and earth may pass away but the word of the Lord lasts forever… So, what will they say about us when we die? What will we be remembered for? Will we be known for being unfaithful or will those who know us say that we were devoted to God? It’s kind of up to us.
What an obituary: Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord. Faithfulness is a virtue and Saul didn’t have it; and Saul was God’s choice. So before we go blaming God for a bad choice we have to look at ourselves in the mirror of God’s word and question His choice of us – did God make a mistake there too? God chooses and offers Himself to those He will, and it’s up to them to cooperate. Salvation is a gift – what we do with it is how we receive it. Two people may make the choice to get married but it’s up to them to make the relationship work. Saul could’ve availed himself to God, but he didn’t. I used to think, why Saul? Now I think, why anybody!? God’s choice is God’s choice; and if that’s the case, then I must avail myself to Him that I may learn His ways and walk in His will. Then write the obituary.
The older I get and the longer I walk with the Lord, the more I find His gift to me to be so precious I can’t describe it. And then when I compare His gift with what the world offers – well, there is no comparison; I’d be the biggest fool in the whole universe to trade a heavenly blessing for an earthly curse… faithfulness is my choice, and contemplative, prayerful, meditative living keeps me pointed in the right direction…all based on God’s word. Amen!?
Father in Heaven,
Thank You for Your choice, Your gift, and Your word. The content of my obituary is largely how I handle, respond to, and relate to what You’ve given to me. Amen.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
The Invitation and the Reminder
4.24.2011
Matthew 11:28 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. NIV
It’s over. It’s no more – the striving, the jockeying for position; the keeping up with the Joneses – it’s over. When Jesus said, “I will give you rest” He meant He will give us true rest and true peace and freedom from all we value as important; He only, is what is important.
What wearies and burdens us? Whatever it is, it is, in Christ, the Resurrected Lord, no more. Many of us see the inequities in life and can’t understand why – it’s over. Many of us see the injustice and the unfairness of life – it’s over. In Jesus Christ it’s over. That doesn't mean it’s gone, it means that the pain of it, the frustration of it, or the reality of it, loses its impact; the lion has lost his teeth and his claws. And I am freed, in Him, to quit worrying and fretting about it.
Freedom in Christ and rest from the friction of life is an indescribable gift. If Jesus was still in the grave then I’d still be enslaved to all that the world values. But today, the tomb is empty, and the power of all that burdens me is gone. Hallelujah!!!
Today, the invitation and the reminder is this: Come to Me (says Jesus), all you who are wearied and burdened, and I will give you rest…from all of the unimportant stuff that falsely claims a right and an authority over you. In Me, it (whatever it is that bothers you) is no more!
Lord Jesus,
How wonderful and refreshing You are and how kind and merciful You are to offer Yourself as rest for the weary. Today Lord, like a bucket of cold water thrown onto my soul, I thank You for the reminder that You Only are my Rest; and that in You, whatever tries to lay claim to me, is nothing but a sorry, mangy, toothless, and clawless kitty, trying to masquerade as a roaring lion. You are my Rest! Amen!
Matthew 11:28 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. NIV
It’s over. It’s no more – the striving, the jockeying for position; the keeping up with the Joneses – it’s over. When Jesus said, “I will give you rest” He meant He will give us true rest and true peace and freedom from all we value as important; He only, is what is important.
What wearies and burdens us? Whatever it is, it is, in Christ, the Resurrected Lord, no more. Many of us see the inequities in life and can’t understand why – it’s over. Many of us see the injustice and the unfairness of life – it’s over. In Jesus Christ it’s over. That doesn't mean it’s gone, it means that the pain of it, the frustration of it, or the reality of it, loses its impact; the lion has lost his teeth and his claws. And I am freed, in Him, to quit worrying and fretting about it.
Freedom in Christ and rest from the friction of life is an indescribable gift. If Jesus was still in the grave then I’d still be enslaved to all that the world values. But today, the tomb is empty, and the power of all that burdens me is gone. Hallelujah!!!
Today, the invitation and the reminder is this: Come to Me (says Jesus), all you who are wearied and burdened, and I will give you rest…from all of the unimportant stuff that falsely claims a right and an authority over you. In Me, it (whatever it is that bothers you) is no more!
Lord Jesus,
How wonderful and refreshing You are and how kind and merciful You are to offer Yourself as rest for the weary. Today Lord, like a bucket of cold water thrown onto my soul, I thank You for the reminder that You Only are my Rest; and that in You, whatever tries to lay claim to me, is nothing but a sorry, mangy, toothless, and clawless kitty, trying to masquerade as a roaring lion. You are my Rest! Amen!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Arrested Development
4.23.2011
Matthew 10:19 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. NIV
God’s people will be arrested – either by the force of law, for there will come a time in our own country where it will be against the law to speak the Gospel; or through the force of persecutions – the people of our nation are becoming increasingly hostile to the Gospel. Jesus makes a point to let us know what’s coming. But, He says, when you are opposed, don’t worry about how you’ll respond; neither in what is said, or how it is said. There is power in the Gospel, and Jesus assures us that the Holy Spirit will do all the talking (vvs. 19b-20).
As a public speaker, I am usually concerned with what I say and how I'll say it. I want to make sure I communicate clearly, correctly, and concisely. But I’d be the first one to admit that I can always learn to do it better and as much as criticism bugs me, I do learn from it – even if it’s only to avoid further criticism; such is the shallow male mind…
But think about it – getting arrested is going to be at the very least irritating and uncomfortable; the last thing I’ll probably be thinking of is presentation. Stephen, the first martyr (cf. Acts 6-7), said some things that were probably even surprising to him when he was viciously arrested by the Freedmen (oh, the irony!) for preaching the Good News. You and I may experience the same thing.
Dialogue is important but sometimes it’s hard to quell the emotion welling up inside when those we’re talking to are just plain stubborn and pig-headed about their point of view and launch into ridiculing us at ours. We might even be arrested by those who merely wish to taunt us, make fun of us, and attempt to goad us into losing it… it could happen… Don’t worry, said Jesus, keep your eyes focused on the truth and let Me do all the talking.
Fair enough, Lord; just help me to keep my point of view pointed in the right direction – amen.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Honed Skill
4.22.2011
1 Samuel 25.18 18 Abigail lost no time. NIV
The girl was on a mission – she knew her husband Nabal had insulted David and she knew David was coming to get revenge. Abigail was no dummy – she’d seen this kind of behavior before from Nabal who was well-known for his curmudgeonly bad manners. And because she had the ability to see the big picture, she lost no time in doing what was necessary to intervene on her family’s behalf, knowing that an insult of this magnitude would not be left alone.
There are few miracles mentioned in the Bible during the times of the judges and the kings. But that doesn’t mean God wasn’t active in the lives of His people because there are recorded prayers and God’s answers to these prayers. During the times of the kings the role of government in Israel shifted away from the priests over to the kings. During the times of the kings the nation of Israel became more secular – but that doesn’t mean God wasn’t involved; He was helping the nation through the lives of people...
We can read a lot into the story of Abigail, Nabal, and David; it seems to be an isolated incident. But God was at work in the lives of all three characters in this account, as well as in the lives of all those surrounding it. Nothing ever really takes place in a vacuum or in a bubble. And God is still at work in the lives of people today.
Abigail was a woman of wisdom and insight – a gift that Nabal probably never understood or appreciated; and probably took for granted. Ironically, God paired wise Abigail with foolish Nabal; and under Nabal’s foolish, brash and uncouth lifestyle, Abigail’s skills as a ‘fire-fighter’ were honed. Not only are no incidents in life isolated; God also knows what He’s doing – putting the right people in the right place at the right time to do in and for them what their circumstances will teach them. Abigail lived with a loose cannon, and whenever one does, one eventually learns how to deal with them; often quickly and efficiently.
I must never underestimate the circumstances in my life and the people God has placed around me. They are His gifts to me to help hone skills in me that I don’t readily recognize as necessary, but someday may be. They are indescribably valuable to teach me what I need to learn for some future event or season.
Thank You God!
1 Samuel 25.18 18 Abigail lost no time. NIV
The girl was on a mission – she knew her husband Nabal had insulted David and she knew David was coming to get revenge. Abigail was no dummy – she’d seen this kind of behavior before from Nabal who was well-known for his curmudgeonly bad manners. And because she had the ability to see the big picture, she lost no time in doing what was necessary to intervene on her family’s behalf, knowing that an insult of this magnitude would not be left alone.
There are few miracles mentioned in the Bible during the times of the judges and the kings. But that doesn’t mean God wasn’t active in the lives of His people because there are recorded prayers and God’s answers to these prayers. During the times of the kings the role of government in Israel shifted away from the priests over to the kings. During the times of the kings the nation of Israel became more secular – but that doesn’t mean God wasn’t involved; He was helping the nation through the lives of people...
We can read a lot into the story of Abigail, Nabal, and David; it seems to be an isolated incident. But God was at work in the lives of all three characters in this account, as well as in the lives of all those surrounding it. Nothing ever really takes place in a vacuum or in a bubble. And God is still at work in the lives of people today.
Abigail was a woman of wisdom and insight – a gift that Nabal probably never understood or appreciated; and probably took for granted. Ironically, God paired wise Abigail with foolish Nabal; and under Nabal’s foolish, brash and uncouth lifestyle, Abigail’s skills as a ‘fire-fighter’ were honed. Not only are no incidents in life isolated; God also knows what He’s doing – putting the right people in the right place at the right time to do in and for them what their circumstances will teach them. Abigail lived with a loose cannon, and whenever one does, one eventually learns how to deal with them; often quickly and efficiently.
I must never underestimate the circumstances in my life and the people God has placed around me. They are His gifts to me to help hone skills in me that I don’t readily recognize as necessary, but someday may be. They are indescribably valuable to teach me what I need to learn for some future event or season.
Thank You God!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The Perfect Marriage of Pain and Grace
4.20.2011
1 Samuel 23:16 16 And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. NIV
As I read the history of David I see the perfect marriage of pain and grace. And when pain and grace have a child, its name is Maturity. David’s circumstances drove him closer to God. Saul’s circumstances drove him further away from God every time.
Jonathan went to Horesh to help his friend get a better perspective of what was happening. Jonathan was a good guy. Jonathan encouraged David and David knew to seek out the Lord. Ah, but the messes around David and the king seeking his life were creating a maturity in David that he would get no other way. And God’s hand was right in the middle of it all. Pain without grace is just pain. Grace without pain is neglect.
I use to think that time was the great equalizer – that we all seem to mellow and get better with age. How foolish! If that’s my thinking, then who needs God? If it’s just time that helps me get better then I am no different than the surliest curmudgeon out there. But time is not the great equalizer; relationship with God and time work together to make me better. It’s not just circumstances that change me, it’s God who changes me. David learned these lessons firsthand.
I must never make the mistake of leaving God out of the picture – He is the sole reason that whatever happens in my life is happening for my good (Romans 8.28). And I must never neglect to remind my fellow saints of the same thing.
The heart-cry of the maturing soul is, God is in control!
Father in Heaven,
Find in me Lord a cooperative spirit, a teachable spirit, and a grateful spirit as You work out Your plans in and through me – may pain and grace find a happy home in me – I pray in Christ; amen.
1 Samuel 23:16 16 And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. NIV
As I read the history of David I see the perfect marriage of pain and grace. And when pain and grace have a child, its name is Maturity. David’s circumstances drove him closer to God. Saul’s circumstances drove him further away from God every time.
Jonathan went to Horesh to help his friend get a better perspective of what was happening. Jonathan was a good guy. Jonathan encouraged David and David knew to seek out the Lord. Ah, but the messes around David and the king seeking his life were creating a maturity in David that he would get no other way. And God’s hand was right in the middle of it all. Pain without grace is just pain. Grace without pain is neglect.
I use to think that time was the great equalizer – that we all seem to mellow and get better with age. How foolish! If that’s my thinking, then who needs God? If it’s just time that helps me get better then I am no different than the surliest curmudgeon out there. But time is not the great equalizer; relationship with God and time work together to make me better. It’s not just circumstances that change me, it’s God who changes me. David learned these lessons firsthand.
I must never make the mistake of leaving God out of the picture – He is the sole reason that whatever happens in my life is happening for my good (Romans 8.28). And I must never neglect to remind my fellow saints of the same thing.
The heart-cry of the maturing soul is, God is in control!
Father in Heaven,
Find in me Lord a cooperative spirit, a teachable spirit, and a grateful spirit as You work out Your plans in and through me – may pain and grace find a happy home in me – I pray in Christ; amen.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
In the Secret... World
4.19.2011
Matthew 6:4 Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. NIV
There is a secret world – a world of the unseen. You won’t find it on the six o’clock news or on the cover of People. Newsweek doesn’t care about it nor does USA Today or the New York Times. If you look for it, you won’t find it; it isn’t visible. There are only two persons who know about it: the child and God.
The Secret World is the world where the believer communes with the Believed. The Secret World is a place where all the important stuff happens; it’s a world of quietness, gentleness, and yes, power. Governments cannot withstand it and haven’t been able to wipe it out (though they’ve tried, immensely.) It’s a place deeply rooted in the heart and no one has access without the permission of the loved; and usually, the only One invited is the Beloved.
The spouse can have a secret world where the other spouse cannot intrude. Both can have secret worlds where the common bond is only God.
Today, the Secret World is frustrating to many in this world, because it exists and thrives. It is the secret strength of the persecuted Church. It is the safe- haven of those oppressed. It is more valuable than all of the riches of both heaven and earth because it is inhabited by the Owner of all – Who sees in secret.
Today, the Secret Place is the power to succeed because the Only One watching – Who sees in secret – is accomplishing His plans for a needy world. No flash, no gimmicks – just quiet unstoppable strength and secret irresistible force.
Father in Heaven,
You are the God who sees in secret for only You know the thoughts and intents of the heart. So often I pray, Go with me! Today, I simply ask to go with You wherever You lead in secret, that I may do in secret, and together we may be in secret; accomplishing Your Good in this dark and hurting world – through Christ, amen.
Matthew 6:4 Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. NIV
There is a secret world – a world of the unseen. You won’t find it on the six o’clock news or on the cover of People. Newsweek doesn’t care about it nor does USA Today or the New York Times. If you look for it, you won’t find it; it isn’t visible. There are only two persons who know about it: the child and God.
The Secret World is the world where the believer communes with the Believed. The Secret World is a place where all the important stuff happens; it’s a world of quietness, gentleness, and yes, power. Governments cannot withstand it and haven’t been able to wipe it out (though they’ve tried, immensely.) It’s a place deeply rooted in the heart and no one has access without the permission of the loved; and usually, the only One invited is the Beloved.
The spouse can have a secret world where the other spouse cannot intrude. Both can have secret worlds where the common bond is only God.
Today, the Secret World is frustrating to many in this world, because it exists and thrives. It is the secret strength of the persecuted Church. It is the safe- haven of those oppressed. It is more valuable than all of the riches of both heaven and earth because it is inhabited by the Owner of all – Who sees in secret.
Today, the Secret Place is the power to succeed because the Only One watching – Who sees in secret – is accomplishing His plans for a needy world. No flash, no gimmicks – just quiet unstoppable strength and secret irresistible force.
Father in Heaven,
You are the God who sees in secret for only You know the thoughts and intents of the heart. So often I pray, Go with me! Today, I simply ask to go with You wherever You lead in secret, that I may do in secret, and together we may be in secret; accomplishing Your Good in this dark and hurting world – through Christ, amen.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Short Accounts
4.18.2011
Matthew 5:25 25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. NIV
Recently, my wife and I had a difference of opinion which led to a bit of quietness, terseness, and maybe some distance. I may have been wrong in how I said what I said, but my opinion remains the same. Perhaps I touched a nerve. Flare ups happen. So, I spent the night, and part of the next day planning how to maintain my opinion and how to repair the breach. I did and I did.
Jesus said, “Settle matters quickly…” He was talking specifically about adversarial situations but I think we can include marital difficulties, misunderstandings, and especially sin; I think He’s okay with that. We’re to right the ship as soon as possible. We’re to keep short accounts with others and we’re to admit to God as quickly as we can when become aware of transgression in our lives, minds and hearts toward Him.
What motivated me with my wife was: I like it when we are comfortable with one another and very uncomfortable when we aren’t. So, I try to make amends quickly, because I can’t stand unrest. With God, when I am aware of something I’ve done that I know is wrong, I can’t stand looking into the Word until I come to Him and make it right. The guilt and uneasiness I feel is almost overwhelming. And God isn’t my Adversary. But He is my God, and when I know He knows then I know it is time to come clean and do it right now.
Today, I am reminded to settle matters quickly. Life is very short and I can’t afford to waste time harboring ill-will toward anyone and I can’t afford to let my behavior become a burr in someone’s saddle – if you know what I mean…
Father in Heaven,
There is glory in keeping short accounts and there is much to be said for coming to You at lightning speed, admitting my wrong, and settling my issues with You. My issues are my sin and God may I learn two things: Not to do it in the first place and to quickly settle it with You when I do – amen.
Matthew 5:25 25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. NIV
Recently, my wife and I had a difference of opinion which led to a bit of quietness, terseness, and maybe some distance. I may have been wrong in how I said what I said, but my opinion remains the same. Perhaps I touched a nerve. Flare ups happen. So, I spent the night, and part of the next day planning how to maintain my opinion and how to repair the breach. I did and I did.
Jesus said, “Settle matters quickly…” He was talking specifically about adversarial situations but I think we can include marital difficulties, misunderstandings, and especially sin; I think He’s okay with that. We’re to right the ship as soon as possible. We’re to keep short accounts with others and we’re to admit to God as quickly as we can when become aware of transgression in our lives, minds and hearts toward Him.
What motivated me with my wife was: I like it when we are comfortable with one another and very uncomfortable when we aren’t. So, I try to make amends quickly, because I can’t stand unrest. With God, when I am aware of something I’ve done that I know is wrong, I can’t stand looking into the Word until I come to Him and make it right. The guilt and uneasiness I feel is almost overwhelming. And God isn’t my Adversary. But He is my God, and when I know He knows then I know it is time to come clean and do it right now.
Today, I am reminded to settle matters quickly. Life is very short and I can’t afford to waste time harboring ill-will toward anyone and I can’t afford to let my behavior become a burr in someone’s saddle – if you know what I mean…
Father in Heaven,
There is glory in keeping short accounts and there is much to be said for coming to You at lightning speed, admitting my wrong, and settling my issues with You. My issues are my sin and God may I learn two things: Not to do it in the first place and to quickly settle it with You when I do – amen.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Only For You
4.17.2011
Psalm 59:9-10a 9 O my Strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress, 10(a) my loving God. NIV
Much of what we learn about David, the great king of Israel, can be gleaned from what we hear him sing about in his songs – like, Psalm 59. David may never have sung these songs had not God tapped him to be the next king after Saul. Thanks a lot God, we might say.
David was God’s choice as was Saul God’s choice, but David had a heart different than Saul’s. David was the baby of his family, and that’s why we have the saying, “[It] rolls downhill.” Because he was the youngest, David got all the crap jobs while his older brothers went and did the normal men-stuff like being soldiers and vying for society’s attention. The youngest didn’t get the birthright; the youngest usually got the inheritance leftovers. But David, however, won the lottery, so to speak – God had His anointing poured on David’s head; and that’s what David became to his nation – the head.
David’s life was that of difficulty – being the youngest of the household notwithstanding. David was acquainted with difficulty all of his life but he seemed to have the innate ability to accept it all of as from the hand of God; and therefore, as we would say, okay. David looked at his life under the gleaming radiance of God’s glory and proclaimed, “It’s all good!” And Psalm 59, is a testament to the life of a guy who knew how to make comparisons between the life of the godly and that of the ungodly. David was pretty danged good at it.
I don’t claim to be the sharpest tool in the shed but the longer I live the more I can adopt some of David’s perspective that, (a) it’s all from God; and (b) it’s all good. By God’s grace I seem to have picked up some of the ability to make comparisons somewhere along the way, and lately my only response to what’s going on around me is this: it always goes good for the godly and always goes ill for the rest…(Cf. Psalm 59.11-13)
Lord God Almighty,
You care for the godly and work in their lives to affect holiness. You give them the ability to make comparisons between their lives and the lives of those who refuse You. And You help them to see that You are truly the only Choice worth making because, Lord, through adversity, difficulty, and trials, they learn how to watch only for You! Amen.
Psalm 59:9-10a 9 O my Strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress, 10(a) my loving God. NIV
Much of what we learn about David, the great king of Israel, can be gleaned from what we hear him sing about in his songs – like, Psalm 59. David may never have sung these songs had not God tapped him to be the next king after Saul. Thanks a lot God, we might say.
David was God’s choice as was Saul God’s choice, but David had a heart different than Saul’s. David was the baby of his family, and that’s why we have the saying, “[It] rolls downhill.” Because he was the youngest, David got all the crap jobs while his older brothers went and did the normal men-stuff like being soldiers and vying for society’s attention. The youngest didn’t get the birthright; the youngest usually got the inheritance leftovers. But David, however, won the lottery, so to speak – God had His anointing poured on David’s head; and that’s what David became to his nation – the head.
David’s life was that of difficulty – being the youngest of the household notwithstanding. David was acquainted with difficulty all of his life but he seemed to have the innate ability to accept it all of as from the hand of God; and therefore, as we would say, okay. David looked at his life under the gleaming radiance of God’s glory and proclaimed, “It’s all good!” And Psalm 59, is a testament to the life of a guy who knew how to make comparisons between the life of the godly and that of the ungodly. David was pretty danged good at it.
I don’t claim to be the sharpest tool in the shed but the longer I live the more I can adopt some of David’s perspective that, (a) it’s all from God; and (b) it’s all good. By God’s grace I seem to have picked up some of the ability to make comparisons somewhere along the way, and lately my only response to what’s going on around me is this: it always goes good for the godly and always goes ill for the rest…(Cf. Psalm 59.11-13)
Lord God Almighty,
You care for the godly and work in their lives to affect holiness. You give them the ability to make comparisons between their lives and the lives of those who refuse You. And You help them to see that You are truly the only Choice worth making because, Lord, through adversity, difficulty, and trials, they learn how to watch only for You! Amen.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
The Wrong Thing to the Right Guy
4.16.2011
1 Samuel 18:25 25 Saul replied, “Say to David, ‘The king wants no other price for the bride than a hundred Philistine foreskins, to take revenge on his enemies.’ ” Saul’s plan was to have David fall by the hands of the Philistines. NIV
Saul said the wrong thing to the right guy – Saul didn’t know David. From a distance Saul didn’t know David, the harp player who soothed his jangled nerves (Cf. 1 Samuel 17.55ff); to him David was some nameless faceless servant among the many who did something Saul felt he needed.
And up close, Saul didn’t know who David was. When Saul offered his oldest daughter to David as a wife, David simply responded, “Who am I, and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel, that I should become the king’s son-in-law?”(1 Samuel 18:18).
So when Saul demanded the foreskins of the Philistines from David as payment for Michal, his daughter, David, who saw through the eyes of the Spirit, saw this as an opportunity to zealously reduce the number of the enemies of God; Michal was just icing on the cake to him. So David went out and killed not one hundred, but two hundred Philistines, to fulfill what he saw as his duty to the king. David, by the Spirit, had the ability to see things that Saul was completely blind to…
When we say things to people, we must remember that they will only hear them by their relationship to God; Saul had no idea of the magnitude of David’s devotion to God. To Saul, David was just another groupie trying to get the best out of the situation like everyone else in the king’s court. Saul misunderstood anointing, authority, and most of all, godly affection. David didn’t. So when Saul sent David on what he thought was the perfect fool’s errand, David went in the same Spirit that he did when he fearlessly took on Goliath. David’s focus was always upon God – Saul’s was only upon himself. I must daily discipline myself to keep my focus always upon the Lord!
Father in Heaven,
It is not for my kingdom that I live, but for Yours. I pray this day for spiritual strength to maintain my focus and to be wise in how I relate to others knowing that it all depends on how we all relate to You – amen.
1 Samuel 18:25 25 Saul replied, “Say to David, ‘The king wants no other price for the bride than a hundred Philistine foreskins, to take revenge on his enemies.’ ” Saul’s plan was to have David fall by the hands of the Philistines. NIV
Saul said the wrong thing to the right guy – Saul didn’t know David. From a distance Saul didn’t know David, the harp player who soothed his jangled nerves (Cf. 1 Samuel 17.55ff); to him David was some nameless faceless servant among the many who did something Saul felt he needed.
And up close, Saul didn’t know who David was. When Saul offered his oldest daughter to David as a wife, David simply responded, “Who am I, and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel, that I should become the king’s son-in-law?”(1 Samuel 18:18).
So when Saul demanded the foreskins of the Philistines from David as payment for Michal, his daughter, David, who saw through the eyes of the Spirit, saw this as an opportunity to zealously reduce the number of the enemies of God; Michal was just icing on the cake to him. So David went out and killed not one hundred, but two hundred Philistines, to fulfill what he saw as his duty to the king. David, by the Spirit, had the ability to see things that Saul was completely blind to…
When we say things to people, we must remember that they will only hear them by their relationship to God; Saul had no idea of the magnitude of David’s devotion to God. To Saul, David was just another groupie trying to get the best out of the situation like everyone else in the king’s court. Saul misunderstood anointing, authority, and most of all, godly affection. David didn’t. So when Saul sent David on what he thought was the perfect fool’s errand, David went in the same Spirit that he did when he fearlessly took on Goliath. David’s focus was always upon God – Saul’s was only upon himself. I must daily discipline myself to keep my focus always upon the Lord!
Father in Heaven,
It is not for my kingdom that I live, but for Yours. I pray this day for spiritual strength to maintain my focus and to be wise in how I relate to others knowing that it all depends on how we all relate to You – amen.
Friday, April 15, 2011
The Best Thing to Know
4.15.2011
Psalm 9:10 10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. NIV
Think of the best person you know outside of the sphere of your family, or spouse. What kind of person is this; and what privilege is it for you to know their name? This is probably a person to whom you could turn in crisis and find wisdom, comfort and maybe even godly rebuke (So, how’s your devotional life; are you spending time in God’s word?)
David says in Psalm 9, “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Knowing God’s name means knowing where to turn in times of trouble; trouble of any kind, at any time. To know God’s Name is to know power, provision, protection and presence. David told Goliath, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied…” (1 Samuel 17:45 NIV) All David had was a Name; but what a Name!
For You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You – who know Your Name. There are lots of things to know in this world. There are lots of things to get worried or frightened over but the Lord has never forsaken those who know His Name. So, not only do I know God’s Name but I know whose behind God’s Name; Someone who never forsakes me – ever! That’s the best thing to know in this world. If I don’t ever know much else, I must know this: God’s Name and that He never forsakes His people.
I am glad to know that God never forsakes His people. We may find ourselves in an impossible jam once in a while, but we can lay our heads on the pillow tonight knowing that God never forsakes and never forgets. He never gets upset when we forsake Him or forget Him. He always leads us gently back to Himself.
Father in Heaven,
Like a cool breeze on a really hot day, Your word is refreshment to me tonight. I rejoice that I am never forgotten or forsaken and that I am blessed eternally and infinitely because I simply know Your Name – my God, my Father, my Lord, and my King – in Your Name, amen.
Psalm 9:10 10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. NIV
Think of the best person you know outside of the sphere of your family, or spouse. What kind of person is this; and what privilege is it for you to know their name? This is probably a person to whom you could turn in crisis and find wisdom, comfort and maybe even godly rebuke (So, how’s your devotional life; are you spending time in God’s word?)
David says in Psalm 9, “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Knowing God’s name means knowing where to turn in times of trouble; trouble of any kind, at any time. To know God’s Name is to know power, provision, protection and presence. David told Goliath, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied…” (1 Samuel 17:45 NIV) All David had was a Name; but what a Name!
For You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You – who know Your Name. There are lots of things to know in this world. There are lots of things to get worried or frightened over but the Lord has never forsaken those who know His Name. So, not only do I know God’s Name but I know whose behind God’s Name; Someone who never forsakes me – ever! That’s the best thing to know in this world. If I don’t ever know much else, I must know this: God’s Name and that He never forsakes His people.
I am glad to know that God never forsakes His people. We may find ourselves in an impossible jam once in a while, but we can lay our heads on the pillow tonight knowing that God never forsakes and never forgets. He never gets upset when we forsake Him or forget Him. He always leads us gently back to Himself.
Father in Heaven,
Like a cool breeze on a really hot day, Your word is refreshment to me tonight. I rejoice that I am never forgotten or forsaken and that I am blessed eternally and infinitely because I simply know Your Name – my God, my Father, my Lord, and my King – in Your Name, amen.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Have Faith in God
4.14.2011
1 Chronicles 5:20 20 They were helped in fighting them, and God handed the Hagrites and all their allies over to them, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him. NIV
The brief account of Jabez is found in 1 Chronicles 4.9; where Jabez prayed and God granted his request. Jabez, it appears, trusted God in his circumstances and God responded. As we read along in 1 Chronicles we find again in chapter 5 that because the peoples of Rueben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh trusted God, He answered their prayers (specifically in delivering the Hagrites over to them in battle).
Jesus said in Mark 10, “Have faith in God,”… “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:22-25) Have faith in God. Jabez, the trans-Jordanites, and God’s people are to trust Him and pray to Him in faith.
Sometimes I think my prayers don’t get answered – at least the way I want them to be answered; but that is no excuse not to pray. Twice recently my wife and I have prayed for God’s intervention in specific issues and He granted our request. But request granting isn’t the focus here, it’s trust; the frosting on the cake then is what God does for people who trust Him. God takes care of His faithful ones...
Father in Heaven,
I trust You, and have seen and felt the futility of trying to manipulate my circumstances in my own power. I trust You with the outcome of the things that are beyond me over which I have no control, but am asking for Your help. I ask for faith to increase and my whining to cease as I give over control to You; and will celebrate Your deliverance in whatever means You’ve chosen to make it happen. Amen.
1 Chronicles 5:20 20 They were helped in fighting them, and God handed the Hagrites and all their allies over to them, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him. NIV
The brief account of Jabez is found in 1 Chronicles 4.9; where Jabez prayed and God granted his request. Jabez, it appears, trusted God in his circumstances and God responded. As we read along in 1 Chronicles we find again in chapter 5 that because the peoples of Rueben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh trusted God, He answered their prayers (specifically in delivering the Hagrites over to them in battle).
Jesus said in Mark 10, “Have faith in God,”… “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:22-25) Have faith in God. Jabez, the trans-Jordanites, and God’s people are to trust Him and pray to Him in faith.
Sometimes I think my prayers don’t get answered – at least the way I want them to be answered; but that is no excuse not to pray. Twice recently my wife and I have prayed for God’s intervention in specific issues and He granted our request. But request granting isn’t the focus here, it’s trust; the frosting on the cake then is what God does for people who trust Him. God takes care of His faithful ones...
Father in Heaven,
I trust You, and have seen and felt the futility of trying to manipulate my circumstances in my own power. I trust You with the outcome of the things that are beyond me over which I have no control, but am asking for Your help. I ask for faith to increase and my whining to cease as I give over control to You; and will celebrate Your deliverance in whatever means You’ve chosen to make it happen. Amen.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Passing the Test
4.13.2011
2 Corinthians 13:5 5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? NIV
There are fallacies in life; there are things that are plain old wrong and then there are things that eventually prove wrong. We may choose a path of thinking only to get down the way a ways and realize our thinking was the wrong way. Keynesian economics comes to mind; so does a woman’s ‘right’ to choose. Often, unfortunately, we may have chosen a path and traveled so far down that path only to find that a course of correction is too painful, and so we, in fear, continue down that path perpetually justifying our choice. Being in a cult comes to mind.
I remember those little signs that people put in their car windows that said, “Baby on Board.” Like we were all supposed to see those signs and somehow give the car with the sign in it a wider birth because it had such precious cargo in it. Somehow babies always seem to be more special that anyone else; except of course in cases of rape, incest, or unwanted, unplanned parenthood. It seems a political ploy these days is to do something and justify it because it benefits “at risk” kids. Aren’t all kids, at risk? Aren’t there people everywhere who would take advantage of our kids (McDonalds, Mattel, Disneyland, The US Department of Education)?
Within the last decade or so we’ve had in the Church a, “What Would Jesus Do?” kind of fad. Sounds good; implies we ought to read our Bibles and investigate what Jesus did, so that we can go emulate the same behavior. Problem is, with WWJD, it relegates Jesus to somewhere else, “out there…” In the verse above Paul asks, “Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” All of our behavior collectively and individually can be judged under this standard. Paul seemed to insist that all of our behavior be judged under that standard.
The Good News is that wherever Jesus is, there is unquestioned obedience, submission to the Father, and compassionate, active love for others. If I am a believer and that ain’t happening the question ought to be, why? “Do [I] not realize that Christ Jesus is in [me]—unless, of course, [I] fail the test?” I shouldn’t be asking, what would Jesus do, but rather, Where is Jesus?” If I answer Jesus is in me, then shouldn’t all of my behavior, thoughts, preferences, and responses; as well as all of who I am, and think I am, line up with that truth? Paul sure seemed to think so…
2 Corinthians 13:5 5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? NIV
There are fallacies in life; there are things that are plain old wrong and then there are things that eventually prove wrong. We may choose a path of thinking only to get down the way a ways and realize our thinking was the wrong way. Keynesian economics comes to mind; so does a woman’s ‘right’ to choose. Often, unfortunately, we may have chosen a path and traveled so far down that path only to find that a course of correction is too painful, and so we, in fear, continue down that path perpetually justifying our choice. Being in a cult comes to mind.
I remember those little signs that people put in their car windows that said, “Baby on Board.” Like we were all supposed to see those signs and somehow give the car with the sign in it a wider birth because it had such precious cargo in it. Somehow babies always seem to be more special that anyone else; except of course in cases of rape, incest, or unwanted, unplanned parenthood. It seems a political ploy these days is to do something and justify it because it benefits “at risk” kids. Aren’t all kids, at risk? Aren’t there people everywhere who would take advantage of our kids (McDonalds, Mattel, Disneyland, The US Department of Education)?
Within the last decade or so we’ve had in the Church a, “What Would Jesus Do?” kind of fad. Sounds good; implies we ought to read our Bibles and investigate what Jesus did, so that we can go emulate the same behavior. Problem is, with WWJD, it relegates Jesus to somewhere else, “out there…” In the verse above Paul asks, “Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” All of our behavior collectively and individually can be judged under this standard. Paul seemed to insist that all of our behavior be judged under that standard.
The Good News is that wherever Jesus is, there is unquestioned obedience, submission to the Father, and compassionate, active love for others. If I am a believer and that ain’t happening the question ought to be, why? “Do [I] not realize that Christ Jesus is in [me]—unless, of course, [I] fail the test?” I shouldn’t be asking, what would Jesus do, but rather, Where is Jesus?” If I answer Jesus is in me, then shouldn’t all of my behavior, thoughts, preferences, and responses; as well as all of who I am, and think I am, line up with that truth? Paul sure seemed to think so…
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Learning to do the Same
4.12.2011
2 Corinthians 12:9 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. NIV
In his defense of his ministry, Paul gladly owned up to the things he had difficulties with. Now, though he wasn’t specific, he did admit that he had issues. The difference however between Paul and most of the rest of us is that Paul knew where the victory was and dealt with his weaknesses in the power and presence of Christ. And what Paul made up for in Jesus way overshadowed what weaknesses he had in himself.
Many Christians I know want to hear the Lord say to them on that day when they meet Him face to face, “Well done good and faithful servant!” That’s a noble goal. But what we have to attune our ears to now before that day occurs is this, “My grace is sufficient for you, My power is made perfect in weakness.” And we need to hear this routinely and regularly in order to conquer the weaknesses we have by giving them to Jesus and allowing Him to deal with them by His grace.
Last night before I went to sleep I took the opportunity to pray for two relatives of mine who are going through hard times. What’s ironic is I criticized them earlier in the evening for what I think is their fault – the circumstances and their actions. But this thought occurred to me: Where Jesus is there is true compassion for those who don’t seem to get it. And so with that thought I prayed, Jesus You are the Compassionate One and I pray in Your compassion for these two because where You are is compassion, care, and concern; not cruel criticism or judgment.
I must learn that Jesus has chosen to dwell in the hearts of His people – and as such, He brings everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1). I must admit my weakness before Him and allow Him in His strength to overcome my weaknesses so that I may pray and share the gospel effectively. Paul knew how to deal with his weaknesses in Christ by His grace – I must learn to do the same…
2 Corinthians 12:9 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. NIV
In his defense of his ministry, Paul gladly owned up to the things he had difficulties with. Now, though he wasn’t specific, he did admit that he had issues. The difference however between Paul and most of the rest of us is that Paul knew where the victory was and dealt with his weaknesses in the power and presence of Christ. And what Paul made up for in Jesus way overshadowed what weaknesses he had in himself.
Many Christians I know want to hear the Lord say to them on that day when they meet Him face to face, “Well done good and faithful servant!” That’s a noble goal. But what we have to attune our ears to now before that day occurs is this, “My grace is sufficient for you, My power is made perfect in weakness.” And we need to hear this routinely and regularly in order to conquer the weaknesses we have by giving them to Jesus and allowing Him to deal with them by His grace.
Last night before I went to sleep I took the opportunity to pray for two relatives of mine who are going through hard times. What’s ironic is I criticized them earlier in the evening for what I think is their fault – the circumstances and their actions. But this thought occurred to me: Where Jesus is there is true compassion for those who don’t seem to get it. And so with that thought I prayed, Jesus You are the Compassionate One and I pray in Your compassion for these two because where You are is compassion, care, and concern; not cruel criticism or judgment.
I must learn that Jesus has chosen to dwell in the hearts of His people – and as such, He brings everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1). I must admit my weakness before Him and allow Him in His strength to overcome my weaknesses so that I may pray and share the gospel effectively. Paul knew how to deal with his weaknesses in Christ by His grace – I must learn to do the same…
Monday, April 11, 2011
What You Want – What You Get
4.11.2011
2 Corinthians 11:30 30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. NIV
Paul had received some ‘bad press’. There were those among the Corinthians who thought he was just a religious phony. And why not! He didn’t act the way they thought he should by lording over them as others had done - he was too humble and self-deprecating. Men are so weird – they don’t know what they want. They want leadership but unless a leader ‘acts like a leader (according to them) he is relegated to the class of leader-wannabe; cute maybe, but annoying. And how are leaders supposed to act according to this formula? They’re supposed to act like men have seen them act for centuries: mostly self-centered, demanding, and petty. No, certainly not every leader is this way, but the overwhelming majority of them are. Just look at the bunch leading us!
So when Paul came along and said he was the leader and didn’t act according to how men thought he ought, they wrote him off as a phony and a wannabe. Paul’s model in leading was that of Christ – sacrificially. You act sacrificially these days and folks will suspect your motives (or your mind).
I knew of a church that was looking for a pastor to fill the spot that had been vacated by the previous one. This is what it seemed they wanted: a handsome, youngish (mid to late thirties) guy married to a Proverbs 31 wife who looked like she just stepped off the cover of Glamour magazine with a Master’s degree in Christian education. They had to have to two flawlessly perfect, obedient, and well-behaved kids. (Pet ownership was optional but not required.) He had to have: 50 years of experience, having successfully led, and managed, several churches; an approved seminary degree; a doctorate in Theology, and another in counseling; with the management skills of a Fortune 500 CEO. He had to be a superbly gifted and entertaining public speaker with an uncanny ability to end the service at 12 noon, exactly. He had to know precisely when and where everyone in the congregation was at all times so that he could minister to their needs accordingly. He had to be perfect.
Paul wouldn’t have lasted through the first interview. So they settled for someone less that what they wanted and that allows them to criticize and complain. That’s what the Corinthians did to Paul and that’s usually what happens in ministry today. But a true leader knows that he can only boast in Christ and in his own weaknesses so that those he leads will follow Christ and in Him, admit their own weaknesses… In ministry papers and resumes aren’t the most important things – the heart is, and God looks at the heart.
2 Corinthians 11:30 30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. NIV
Paul had received some ‘bad press’. There were those among the Corinthians who thought he was just a religious phony. And why not! He didn’t act the way they thought he should by lording over them as others had done - he was too humble and self-deprecating. Men are so weird – they don’t know what they want. They want leadership but unless a leader ‘acts like a leader (according to them) he is relegated to the class of leader-wannabe; cute maybe, but annoying. And how are leaders supposed to act according to this formula? They’re supposed to act like men have seen them act for centuries: mostly self-centered, demanding, and petty. No, certainly not every leader is this way, but the overwhelming majority of them are. Just look at the bunch leading us!
So when Paul came along and said he was the leader and didn’t act according to how men thought he ought, they wrote him off as a phony and a wannabe. Paul’s model in leading was that of Christ – sacrificially. You act sacrificially these days and folks will suspect your motives (or your mind).
I knew of a church that was looking for a pastor to fill the spot that had been vacated by the previous one. This is what it seemed they wanted: a handsome, youngish (mid to late thirties) guy married to a Proverbs 31 wife who looked like she just stepped off the cover of Glamour magazine with a Master’s degree in Christian education. They had to have to two flawlessly perfect, obedient, and well-behaved kids. (Pet ownership was optional but not required.) He had to have: 50 years of experience, having successfully led, and managed, several churches; an approved seminary degree; a doctorate in Theology, and another in counseling; with the management skills of a Fortune 500 CEO. He had to be a superbly gifted and entertaining public speaker with an uncanny ability to end the service at 12 noon, exactly. He had to know precisely when and where everyone in the congregation was at all times so that he could minister to their needs accordingly. He had to be perfect.
Paul wouldn’t have lasted through the first interview. So they settled for someone less that what they wanted and that allows them to criticize and complain. That’s what the Corinthians did to Paul and that’s usually what happens in ministry today. But a true leader knows that he can only boast in Christ and in his own weaknesses so that those he leads will follow Christ and in Him, admit their own weaknesses… In ministry papers and resumes aren’t the most important things – the heart is, and God looks at the heart.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Grown Faith
4.10.2011
2 Corinthians 10:15b-16a Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, 16 so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. NIV
Growing faith ought to effect global change.
I’m thinking that the Corinthians were having a hard time seeing the big picture. I’m thinking that they were a lot like many modern day churches, they majored on the minors. I’m thinking they were a church of faith, but it was weak faith and when Paul had written to them, they hadn’t done what was necessary to take a stand for the Lord or the faith. They might not have really understood what their true calling was (See Matthew 28.19-20).
And Paul shared their true calling right here in the verse above: Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. Ever the visionary, Paul saw the strategic potential this church had in its people, location, and effectiveness to preach the gospel in places where it had never been presented. That is what they were called to and Paul worked hard to prepare them for that calling.
And that should be the calling of every church of Christ on the planet – to preach the gospel in regions beyond them. And the battle of every church from then to now has been to see faith in God and in the mission grow in the hearts of their people so that the potential of the church be unleashed to do good and bring about godly change everywhere it goes.
So, today, there should be two things happening: the local folks faith ought to grow in faith through preaching, teaching, and through opportunities to reach out; and missionaries ought to be identified and be sent out, locally, nationally and internationally to regions beyond where the message has not been preached or fully presented. The potential is enormous!
My prayer is that our faith would grow and that we all would see and accept our calling in Christ and our potential in Him!
2 Corinthians 10:15b-16a Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, 16 so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. NIV
Growing faith ought to effect global change.
I’m thinking that the Corinthians were having a hard time seeing the big picture. I’m thinking that they were a lot like many modern day churches, they majored on the minors. I’m thinking they were a church of faith, but it was weak faith and when Paul had written to them, they hadn’t done what was necessary to take a stand for the Lord or the faith. They might not have really understood what their true calling was (See Matthew 28.19-20).
And Paul shared their true calling right here in the verse above: Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. Ever the visionary, Paul saw the strategic potential this church had in its people, location, and effectiveness to preach the gospel in places where it had never been presented. That is what they were called to and Paul worked hard to prepare them for that calling.
And that should be the calling of every church of Christ on the planet – to preach the gospel in regions beyond them. And the battle of every church from then to now has been to see faith in God and in the mission grow in the hearts of their people so that the potential of the church be unleashed to do good and bring about godly change everywhere it goes.
So, today, there should be two things happening: the local folks faith ought to grow in faith through preaching, teaching, and through opportunities to reach out; and missionaries ought to be identified and be sent out, locally, nationally and internationally to regions beyond where the message has not been preached or fully presented. The potential is enormous!
My prayer is that our faith would grow and that we all would see and accept our calling in Christ and our potential in Him!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Giving God Something That Matters
4.9.2011
1 Samuel 6:3 3 They answered, “If you return the ark of the god of Israel, do not send it away empty, but by all means send a guilt offering to him. Then you will be healed, and you will know why his hand has not been lifted from you.” NIV
Whatever you do, offer Israel’s God something that will mean something to Him! We may not be His followers but we know what gods can do and we know what this One did to Egypt and the early peoples of Canaan – this God means business!
You know, you can only stand so much devastation and chaos and the Philistines had had, after about seven months, about enough. They wanted to get rid of the lost Ark because as raiders of it, they we paying a heavy price to keep it around. (Today, at the store, we waited on a customer who made a $1,000+ purchase – but what we had to go through to help this person might not have been worth the sale! Some customers…)
The Philistines hadn’t figured on a real Deity – they were used to theirs and theirs were just like all the rest, idols made of wood and stone that really didn’t do anything. So when they bumped into God, they knew there was something different going on; and tens of thousands of dead people from the plagues and the tumors. And they remembered history and what happened when Israel’s God was offended by the Egyptians. They were smart enough to know that messing around with this God meant big trouble, so whatever else they thought to do, they thought to apologize, and make an offering admitting their guilt for taking something that wasn’t theirs.
God isn’t interested in the blood of bulls and goats; God isn’t interested in our money or our talents – what God is interested in is the heart, and how each one of ours individually relates to Him. There is no offering we can give that out-gives God or the Sacrifice He gave us in Christ. But, we can be honest with Him; we can give Him our undiluted devotion; and we can give Him our unquestioning obedience. I guess if we feel like we have to give God something that matters, we could start with those things…
1 Samuel 6:3 3 They answered, “If you return the ark of the god of Israel, do not send it away empty, but by all means send a guilt offering to him. Then you will be healed, and you will know why his hand has not been lifted from you.” NIV
Whatever you do, offer Israel’s God something that will mean something to Him! We may not be His followers but we know what gods can do and we know what this One did to Egypt and the early peoples of Canaan – this God means business!
You know, you can only stand so much devastation and chaos and the Philistines had had, after about seven months, about enough. They wanted to get rid of the lost Ark because as raiders of it, they we paying a heavy price to keep it around. (Today, at the store, we waited on a customer who made a $1,000+ purchase – but what we had to go through to help this person might not have been worth the sale! Some customers…)
The Philistines hadn’t figured on a real Deity – they were used to theirs and theirs were just like all the rest, idols made of wood and stone that really didn’t do anything. So when they bumped into God, they knew there was something different going on; and tens of thousands of dead people from the plagues and the tumors. And they remembered history and what happened when Israel’s God was offended by the Egyptians. They were smart enough to know that messing around with this God meant big trouble, so whatever else they thought to do, they thought to apologize, and make an offering admitting their guilt for taking something that wasn’t theirs.
God isn’t interested in the blood of bulls and goats; God isn’t interested in our money or our talents – what God is interested in is the heart, and how each one of ours individually relates to Him. There is no offering we can give that out-gives God or the Sacrifice He gave us in Christ. But, we can be honest with Him; we can give Him our undiluted devotion; and we can give Him our unquestioning obedience. I guess if we feel like we have to give God something that matters, we could start with those things…
Friday, April 8, 2011
For Dennis, Steve, and All the Rest
4.8.2011
Psalm 77:10-12 10 Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High.” 11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 12 I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. NIV
Today is the third day in a row I’ve read a psalm and stopped on the issue of God’s hearing/listening to our prayers, our cries, our pleas. I believe God hears us when we cry out to Him but sometimes His answers are delayed; often, His answers are simply wrapped around some miracles of long, long ago.
Recently, a reader asked me this question about my perspective: “Relating to Mark 16:17-18, am I a believer if I don't see the fulfillment of Jesus' words regarding the signs following those who believe?”
To maybe answer that, I had to think about this: Asaph was a believer, but I think Asaph was acquainted with hard times which led him to ask questions of God – “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” (Ps 77:7-9) There were few miracles recorded in the days of Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, the Kings, and the Chronicles. Conversely, there was a lot of national unbelief and a lot of individual backsliding. Kind of like our days.
So, to answer the questions of my reader and Asaph, I turn again to Asaph himself who said, “Then I thought, ‘To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High.’ I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.”
Whoever we are, wherever we are, and whenever we see what we think is a dearth of God’s miraculous activity, we must remember that this God of ours (the same yesterday, today, and forever) is the same God of mighty miracles; and what He did then, should serve as a real-time reminder of who He is now, and what a Resource He is to us whether we see signs and wonders following us or not. Asaph didn’t have any right-now miracles to hang his hat on but he sure knew of some that had happened and by faith he accepted them as if they had happened that day. It’s not as much what we want God to do today, but for us to accept by faith what God has already done in the past; and to believe that His power and presence have never diminished or died out in the annals of human history.
Psalm 77:10-12 10 Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High.” 11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 12 I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. NIV
Today is the third day in a row I’ve read a psalm and stopped on the issue of God’s hearing/listening to our prayers, our cries, our pleas. I believe God hears us when we cry out to Him but sometimes His answers are delayed; often, His answers are simply wrapped around some miracles of long, long ago.
Recently, a reader asked me this question about my perspective: “Relating to Mark 16:17-18, am I a believer if I don't see the fulfillment of Jesus' words regarding the signs following those who believe?”
To maybe answer that, I had to think about this: Asaph was a believer, but I think Asaph was acquainted with hard times which led him to ask questions of God – “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” (Ps 77:7-9) There were few miracles recorded in the days of Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, the Kings, and the Chronicles. Conversely, there was a lot of national unbelief and a lot of individual backsliding. Kind of like our days.
So, to answer the questions of my reader and Asaph, I turn again to Asaph himself who said, “Then I thought, ‘To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High.’ I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.”
Whoever we are, wherever we are, and whenever we see what we think is a dearth of God’s miraculous activity, we must remember that this God of ours (the same yesterday, today, and forever) is the same God of mighty miracles; and what He did then, should serve as a real-time reminder of who He is now, and what a Resource He is to us whether we see signs and wonders following us or not. Asaph didn’t have any right-now miracles to hang his hat on but he sure knew of some that had happened and by faith he accepted them as if they had happened that day. It’s not as much what we want God to do today, but for us to accept by faith what God has already done in the past; and to believe that His power and presence have never diminished or died out in the annals of human history.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Attitude and Full-Grown Respect
4.7.2011
Psalm 66:16-20 16 Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. 17 I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. 18 If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; 19 but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. 20 Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! NIV
Probably one of the most important aspects of all prayer, is knowing that God listens. If God is deaf, why pray? But God has perfect hearing and hears our prayers in ways we maybe don’t understand or realize. God hears our prayers in wisdom and judgment – is this person praying genuinely? Or is his prayer all for show and just to impress men? Is this person praying out of purity or is his heart sullied with dirtiness? Only God knows the true condition of our heart and the real motives behind our prayers.
The writer of Psalm 66 said, If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened… (v18). So the first thing I need to do when my prayers seem to be hitting the ceiling is to examine my heart and see if there’s some secret place where I am playing footsy with some sin; God expects purity.
There are people out there today who’d say, “No, Paul, this is Old Testament stuff; it doesn’t apply to us today under the New Covenant!” I know what they mean, but I also know that God expects purity out of me (and every other believer) today like He did with any other saint in the Old Testament. The issue isn’t covenant – the issue is the basic condition of one’s heart toward God. Even if there was no covenant, my relationship with the Lord would still be characterized by how I relate to Him – am I a phony, or the real deal?
Paul said in 2 Corinthians 7: Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. (v 7:1) It’s amazing what difference it makes with a good attitude toward God, along with a full-grown respect for His distaste of sin… Reverence for God is not reverence – for you or me or anyone else – if it is devoid of purity and respect. My life depends on knowing that God is hearing my prayers; but I especially need to know that when I am harboring sin or sins, His hearing is hindered by the cacophony in my soul.
Psalm 66:16-20 16 Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. 17 I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. 18 If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; 19 but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. 20 Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! NIV
Probably one of the most important aspects of all prayer, is knowing that God listens. If God is deaf, why pray? But God has perfect hearing and hears our prayers in ways we maybe don’t understand or realize. God hears our prayers in wisdom and judgment – is this person praying genuinely? Or is his prayer all for show and just to impress men? Is this person praying out of purity or is his heart sullied with dirtiness? Only God knows the true condition of our heart and the real motives behind our prayers.
The writer of Psalm 66 said, If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened… (v18). So the first thing I need to do when my prayers seem to be hitting the ceiling is to examine my heart and see if there’s some secret place where I am playing footsy with some sin; God expects purity.
There are people out there today who’d say, “No, Paul, this is Old Testament stuff; it doesn’t apply to us today under the New Covenant!” I know what they mean, but I also know that God expects purity out of me (and every other believer) today like He did with any other saint in the Old Testament. The issue isn’t covenant – the issue is the basic condition of one’s heart toward God. Even if there was no covenant, my relationship with the Lord would still be characterized by how I relate to Him – am I a phony, or the real deal?
Paul said in 2 Corinthians 7: Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. (v 7:1) It’s amazing what difference it makes with a good attitude toward God, along with a full-grown respect for His distaste of sin… Reverence for God is not reverence – for you or me or anyone else – if it is devoid of purity and respect. My life depends on knowing that God is hearing my prayers; but I especially need to know that when I am harboring sin or sins, His hearing is hindered by the cacophony in my soul.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
What God Hears
4.6.2011
Psalm 65:2 2 O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come. NIV
God hears prayer – I don’t think He listens to much whining. What, today, is your prayer request? To what would you address, if God called you and said He wanted to go have coffee (or a Coke), and talk? My firm conviction is that most of our prayer is the whining of self (sorry folks, broad, sweeping generalization). And I want to own up that I am just as guilty as the next guy in this matter. Our prayers are, God fix it!, not, God, fix me!
Today, I am thinking about an elderly parent who is diminishing mentally fairly rapidly. Part of me wants to jump up, rush over to the town where this parent lives, and save the day – and I find my prayers are a reflection of that mentality. So, I waste a lot of mental energy scheming and dreaming about what I think ought to happen, rather than coming to God Almighty and humbly responding, Father, Your will be done, not mine.
Today, I am thinking about a 13-year old who needs his dad to pay more attention. And so rather than pray in inaction, Lord, what shall I do? (not a bad request) I pray in inaction, Lord, show me what to do! I think I hear God saying back, Paul, just be the dad I’ve created you to be! You already know what to do!
A lot of my praying is my attempt to just to check a box (pray without ceasing*); or to throw God a cheap substitute for my devotion in matters that are important to Him (“These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men." *)
I think my biggest problem is I’m not broken - at least if I am, it's not working; I’m distracted. Maybe when I get desperate enough I’ll come to the One who hears prayer. That’s my only hope.
Father, Your will be done, not mine; may I obey You and trust You in prayer; and may my prayers be true communication and communion – not just whining away at my want-list…
* 1 Thessalonians5.17; Isaiah 29.13
Psalm 65:2 2 O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come. NIV
God hears prayer – I don’t think He listens to much whining. What, today, is your prayer request? To what would you address, if God called you and said He wanted to go have coffee (or a Coke), and talk? My firm conviction is that most of our prayer is the whining of self (sorry folks, broad, sweeping generalization). And I want to own up that I am just as guilty as the next guy in this matter. Our prayers are, God fix it!, not, God, fix me!
Today, I am thinking about an elderly parent who is diminishing mentally fairly rapidly. Part of me wants to jump up, rush over to the town where this parent lives, and save the day – and I find my prayers are a reflection of that mentality. So, I waste a lot of mental energy scheming and dreaming about what I think ought to happen, rather than coming to God Almighty and humbly responding, Father, Your will be done, not mine.
Today, I am thinking about a 13-year old who needs his dad to pay more attention. And so rather than pray in inaction, Lord, what shall I do? (not a bad request) I pray in inaction, Lord, show me what to do! I think I hear God saying back, Paul, just be the dad I’ve created you to be! You already know what to do!
A lot of my praying is my attempt to just to check a box (pray without ceasing*); or to throw God a cheap substitute for my devotion in matters that are important to Him (“These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men." *)
I think my biggest problem is I’m not broken - at least if I am, it's not working; I’m distracted. Maybe when I get desperate enough I’ll come to the One who hears prayer. That’s my only hope.
Father, Your will be done, not mine; may I obey You and trust You in prayer; and may my prayers be true communication and communion – not just whining away at my want-list…
* 1 Thessalonians5.17; Isaiah 29.13
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Who Are the Poor
4.5.2011
Ruth 2:22 22 Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, “It will be good for you, my daughter, to go with his girls, because in someone else’s field you might be harmed.” NIV
Who are the poor? Keep that in mind. In the book of Ruth, Elimelech and his wife Naomi and their two boys went on an ill-fated journey to Moab (godless enemies of Israel) to escape the famine where they lived. As it happened all of the men died in Moab and Naomi – a widow – returned to her home in her native land with the widow of one of her sons, a woman named Ruth. Who are the poor?
Through a series of circumstances Ruth, while caring for her mother-in-law Naomi, goes to glean in the fields to find food for the two of them to live (see Leviticus, 19.9 & 23.22). The fields in which Ruth gleans belong to a relative of Naomi, a guy named Boaz. Naomi said to Ruth, “It will be good for you, my daughter, [to glean in Boaz’s fields] because in someone else’s field you might be harmed. [In Boaz’s fields, with his people, you’ll be safe.]
Think of what it took to get home from Moab – two women all by themselves. Think of what it took for Ruth to go out into the fields of strangers and look for food – all by herself. Ruth was poor, Ruth was a widowed-woman in a man’s world, and Ruth was defenseless.
Who are the poor? They are not just those without money. They are those without opportunity, they are those without defense; they are those without means. And, they are those who are watched over by God and helped by God’s people. The poor are the young, the old, the widows and the orphans. The poor are all around us and in the church, it is our duty – our God-given obligation – to care for them.
I can no longer live in this world ignoring the poor. As I read the Bible there is at least one thing I come away from it with: caring for the poor pleases God. The story of Ruth is one of how a poor woman was given back a husband and another poor woman was given back a destiny. Who knows but God what He’s doing through the lives of the poor, and what opportunities presented to them will be a part of His divine plan to the benefit of all mankind… As a believer, I must enlist in God’s service to the poor and lend a hand.
Ruth 2:22 22 Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, “It will be good for you, my daughter, to go with his girls, because in someone else’s field you might be harmed.” NIV
Who are the poor? Keep that in mind. In the book of Ruth, Elimelech and his wife Naomi and their two boys went on an ill-fated journey to Moab (godless enemies of Israel) to escape the famine where they lived. As it happened all of the men died in Moab and Naomi – a widow – returned to her home in her native land with the widow of one of her sons, a woman named Ruth. Who are the poor?
Through a series of circumstances Ruth, while caring for her mother-in-law Naomi, goes to glean in the fields to find food for the two of them to live (see Leviticus, 19.9 & 23.22). The fields in which Ruth gleans belong to a relative of Naomi, a guy named Boaz. Naomi said to Ruth, “It will be good for you, my daughter, [to glean in Boaz’s fields] because in someone else’s field you might be harmed. [In Boaz’s fields, with his people, you’ll be safe.]
Think of what it took to get home from Moab – two women all by themselves. Think of what it took for Ruth to go out into the fields of strangers and look for food – all by herself. Ruth was poor, Ruth was a widowed-woman in a man’s world, and Ruth was defenseless.
Who are the poor? They are not just those without money. They are those without opportunity, they are those without defense; they are those without means. And, they are those who are watched over by God and helped by God’s people. The poor are the young, the old, the widows and the orphans. The poor are all around us and in the church, it is our duty – our God-given obligation – to care for them.
I can no longer live in this world ignoring the poor. As I read the Bible there is at least one thing I come away from it with: caring for the poor pleases God. The story of Ruth is one of how a poor woman was given back a husband and another poor woman was given back a destiny. Who knows but God what He’s doing through the lives of the poor, and what opportunities presented to them will be a part of His divine plan to the benefit of all mankind… As a believer, I must enlist in God’s service to the poor and lend a hand.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Choosing or Losing
4.4.2011
Judges 19:29-30 29 When he reached home, he took a knife and cut up his concubine, limb by limb, into twelve parts and sent them into all the areas of Israel. 30 Everyone who saw it said, “Such a thing has never been seen or done, not since the day the Israelites came up out of Egypt. Think about it! Consider it! Tell us what to do!” NIV
I’ve already done the math – twelve parts is the head, and the torso – that’s two; the upper arms, the lower arms, and the hands – that’s 8; the thighs, ten; the calves and feet (attached) equal twelve. Twelve bloody body parts sent to the leaders of the twelve tribes; a grisly statement of how bad things were. It’s no wonder they cried out, “Such a thing has never been seen or done, not since the day the Israelites came up out of Egypt. Think about it! Consider it! Tell us what to do!” I’d want to know what to do if FedEx delivered a body part to my house!
The darkest part of the night is always right before the dawn. This passage portrays truly one of the darkest nights in the history of Israel; and its ensuing civil-war. At least they hadn’t completely lost all sense of justice. I think this account is darker than the exile because the exile had some benefit in the long run – this just doesn’t make sense except to show that the anarchy and evil of their times shows just how far they had fallen in such a short period of time. Judges chapter one wasn’t all that long before…
Okay Paul, the point! The point is this is the reality of a nation gone astray. This is the reality of going one’s own way. This is the consequence of no God and no government (please don’t interchange the two). Think about it! Consider it! Tell us what to do! Repent… that’s what to do. There, but for the grace of God, go I.
I can have my own way if I insist upon it – I just have to remember that having my own way also includes everything that comes with it – bloody body parts and all. God loves me but will let me have my own way; the thought of bloody body parts however, gives me pause…
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ and I don’t plan on giving up on that; but, I must always remember that I can have what I choose and depending on what that is, I also have to remember that I my choosing can be my losing – not my salvation, but my testimony, my witness, my effectiveness, and my character. God save me from that!
Judges 19:29-30 29 When he reached home, he took a knife and cut up his concubine, limb by limb, into twelve parts and sent them into all the areas of Israel. 30 Everyone who saw it said, “Such a thing has never been seen or done, not since the day the Israelites came up out of Egypt. Think about it! Consider it! Tell us what to do!” NIV
I’ve already done the math – twelve parts is the head, and the torso – that’s two; the upper arms, the lower arms, and the hands – that’s 8; the thighs, ten; the calves and feet (attached) equal twelve. Twelve bloody body parts sent to the leaders of the twelve tribes; a grisly statement of how bad things were. It’s no wonder they cried out, “Such a thing has never been seen or done, not since the day the Israelites came up out of Egypt. Think about it! Consider it! Tell us what to do!” I’d want to know what to do if FedEx delivered a body part to my house!
The darkest part of the night is always right before the dawn. This passage portrays truly one of the darkest nights in the history of Israel; and its ensuing civil-war. At least they hadn’t completely lost all sense of justice. I think this account is darker than the exile because the exile had some benefit in the long run – this just doesn’t make sense except to show that the anarchy and evil of their times shows just how far they had fallen in such a short period of time. Judges chapter one wasn’t all that long before…
Okay Paul, the point! The point is this is the reality of a nation gone astray. This is the reality of going one’s own way. This is the consequence of no God and no government (please don’t interchange the two). Think about it! Consider it! Tell us what to do! Repent… that’s what to do. There, but for the grace of God, go I.
I can have my own way if I insist upon it – I just have to remember that having my own way also includes everything that comes with it – bloody body parts and all. God loves me but will let me have my own way; the thought of bloody body parts however, gives me pause…
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ and I don’t plan on giving up on that; but, I must always remember that I can have what I choose and depending on what that is, I also have to remember that I my choosing can be my losing – not my salvation, but my testimony, my witness, my effectiveness, and my character. God save me from that!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Curse Confession Creation
4.3.2011
Judges 17:5-6 5 Now this man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and some idols and installed one of his sons as his priest. 6 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit. NIV
First the curse – she lost her money and cursed that fact (Judges 17.2). I’m assuming she also cursed whoever took the money. Next the confession (same verse) – he confessed he’d taken the money and felt remorse (sorrow, guilt, and superstition) about what he’d done. Then the creation of some silver idols (Judges 17.4) that laid around and stayed around until the captivity of the Northern Kingdom around 722 BC (Judges 18.30)
Here are some realities: Cursed are those who steal; those who choose this kind of a life-style to get by in life. They steal money, time, resources, and relationships; they feel as if they have an inalienable right to everything. Nothing has a price because all of it is theirs – potentially. To them there are no boundaries and whatever isn’t nailed down or red-hot is just one more opportunity.
Blessed are those who confess and repent – what I did was wrong and I will turn from that, make restitution wherever possible and live rightly from that point on.
Doomed are those who make idols; who substitute the things of this earth for God; or make them to be suitable representations of God. God is not represented by things. Doomed also is the one who wanders from the truth and chooses to live by the principles of this world – this world and all that is in it is dead or dying and the rules are ever-changing and the scales are tilted against anyone who says I can play by the world’s rules and win. And doomed is false religion that creates a god of its own making to dodge the One who made us all.
We need a Savior because within certain boundaries and certain realities, we do as we see fit. As long as my fit doesn’t interfere with yours, or yours doesn’t inhibit mine; we’re gonna be okay – or so our rationale. We don’t need a king, we need a God! But not a god of our own making – we need God. The closing chapters of Judges are just plain bizarre to me – but so is the mentality that says, I can do whatever I want and no one’s gonna stop me…
Judges 17:5-6 5 Now this man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and some idols and installed one of his sons as his priest. 6 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit. NIV
First the curse – she lost her money and cursed that fact (Judges 17.2). I’m assuming she also cursed whoever took the money. Next the confession (same verse) – he confessed he’d taken the money and felt remorse (sorrow, guilt, and superstition) about what he’d done. Then the creation of some silver idols (Judges 17.4) that laid around and stayed around until the captivity of the Northern Kingdom around 722 BC (Judges 18.30)
Here are some realities: Cursed are those who steal; those who choose this kind of a life-style to get by in life. They steal money, time, resources, and relationships; they feel as if they have an inalienable right to everything. Nothing has a price because all of it is theirs – potentially. To them there are no boundaries and whatever isn’t nailed down or red-hot is just one more opportunity.
Blessed are those who confess and repent – what I did was wrong and I will turn from that, make restitution wherever possible and live rightly from that point on.
Doomed are those who make idols; who substitute the things of this earth for God; or make them to be suitable representations of God. God is not represented by things. Doomed also is the one who wanders from the truth and chooses to live by the principles of this world – this world and all that is in it is dead or dying and the rules are ever-changing and the scales are tilted against anyone who says I can play by the world’s rules and win. And doomed is false religion that creates a god of its own making to dodge the One who made us all.
We need a Savior because within certain boundaries and certain realities, we do as we see fit. As long as my fit doesn’t interfere with yours, or yours doesn’t inhibit mine; we’re gonna be okay – or so our rationale. We don’t need a king, we need a God! But not a god of our own making – we need God. The closing chapters of Judges are just plain bizarre to me – but so is the mentality that says, I can do whatever I want and no one’s gonna stop me…
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Samson’s Obituary
4.2.2011
Judges 16:31 31 Then his brothers and his father’s whole family went down to get him. They brought him back and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of Manoah his father. He had led Israel twenty years. NIV
When I read this verse today, I asked myself, Paul, so what exactly did Samson do? He led Israel for twenty years, he killed numerous Philistines; he was married once, slept with prostitutes, and had himself a girlfriend – one Delilah. He led Israel for twenty years and the sum total of his life seems to me to be: an odious irritant to Philistia.
In Judges 13 it says of Samson, “No razor may be used on his head, because the boy is to be a Nazirite, set apart to God from birth, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Philistines.”(v. 5) So, in twenty years of leading his nation, Samson accomplished this: he began the deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Philistines. And what Samson began, continued through Saul, and finally was accomplished in David.
This morning’s reading made me think about my life and how my obituary might read. Samson’s was this: He began the deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Philistines and he led Israel twenty years.
Last night I heard a guy say, “none of us has peaked yet – we’re all still learning.” And that’s true. I want to learn up until the day I die. And I want to serve the Lord with what might be considered ever-increasing effectiveness. I think about my family, I think about my job and I think about my ministry and something in me pushes me to have an obit that reads a little more than, “He lived his life and led his family.”
Our lives mostly are what we make of them; and always what we make of our circumstances. Apparently Samson knew part of his mission; his life was a wreck and he wrecked just about everything he touched from his parents to Dagon’s temple in Philistia; but he was one odious irritant to God's enemies. What about you – any spark of divine fire in you to become more than just an odious irritant to … ? Are we living our lives so that others give God glory: If He can do that with him, then there’s hope for me! I hope so – for me and for you.
Judges 16:31 31 Then his brothers and his father’s whole family went down to get him. They brought him back and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of Manoah his father. He had led Israel twenty years. NIV
When I read this verse today, I asked myself, Paul, so what exactly did Samson do? He led Israel for twenty years, he killed numerous Philistines; he was married once, slept with prostitutes, and had himself a girlfriend – one Delilah. He led Israel for twenty years and the sum total of his life seems to me to be: an odious irritant to Philistia.
In Judges 13 it says of Samson, “No razor may be used on his head, because the boy is to be a Nazirite, set apart to God from birth, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Philistines.”(v. 5) So, in twenty years of leading his nation, Samson accomplished this: he began the deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Philistines. And what Samson began, continued through Saul, and finally was accomplished in David.
This morning’s reading made me think about my life and how my obituary might read. Samson’s was this: He began the deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Philistines and he led Israel twenty years.
Last night I heard a guy say, “none of us has peaked yet – we’re all still learning.” And that’s true. I want to learn up until the day I die. And I want to serve the Lord with what might be considered ever-increasing effectiveness. I think about my family, I think about my job and I think about my ministry and something in me pushes me to have an obit that reads a little more than, “He lived his life and led his family.”
Our lives mostly are what we make of them; and always what we make of our circumstances. Apparently Samson knew part of his mission; his life was a wreck and he wrecked just about everything he touched from his parents to Dagon’s temple in Philistia; but he was one odious irritant to God's enemies. What about you – any spark of divine fire in you to become more than just an odious irritant to … ? Are we living our lives so that others give God glory: If He can do that with him, then there’s hope for me! I hope so – for me and for you.
Friday, April 1, 2011
A Little Thanks
4.1.2011
Psalm 50:14-15
14 Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, 15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” NIV
My hope in heaven one day is to have some long conversations with this guy Asaph, who wrote such beautiful and thoughtful psalms. I like his perspective and the simplicity of his faith; no pomp and circumstance, just simply saying, thank you. A little thanks goes a long way.
In Judges 11, a man named Jepthah fulfilled his vow to the Lord – he sacrificed his only daughter to the Lord. Human sacrifice has been around a long, long time, was a pagan ritual, and was strictly forbidden by Moses in the Law. But there is something the ancients held dear – at least for a season – their word; their oaths; their vows. Jepthah vowed to the Lord to sacrifice the first thing that came out of the door of his house to meet him if the Lord gave his army victory over the army of Ammon. Well, it was his only daughter who was the first to come out. Yikes! She did and he did. Weird story, weird ending. Imagine how Jepthah felt when they lit the fire to kill an innocent person and one that he loved…
Psalm 15 asks in verse 1, Lord, who may dwell in Your sanctuary? Who may live on Your holy hill? Out of the list of answers in verses 2-5 it says, “… [He] who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts…” Jepthah was such a man. And Asaph said in his psalm, “Sacrifice thank offerings to the Lord…fulfill your vows to the Most High…”
Sometimes it hurts to keep our vows; sometimes it hurts to tell God, thanks. But God is more impressed when we keep our word than when we spout off our intentions. A little thanks to the Lord goes a long way to reveal a heart that is grateful to Him for all He is and all He’s done – even in the worst of times. Asaph said we’re to call upon God in our days of trouble implying that God knows and cares, and will deliver us; and the proper response to His delivery is our honoring Him in heartfelt gratitude.
Thank You God!
Psalm 50:14-15
14 Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, 15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” NIV
My hope in heaven one day is to have some long conversations with this guy Asaph, who wrote such beautiful and thoughtful psalms. I like his perspective and the simplicity of his faith; no pomp and circumstance, just simply saying, thank you. A little thanks goes a long way.
In Judges 11, a man named Jepthah fulfilled his vow to the Lord – he sacrificed his only daughter to the Lord. Human sacrifice has been around a long, long time, was a pagan ritual, and was strictly forbidden by Moses in the Law. But there is something the ancients held dear – at least for a season – their word; their oaths; their vows. Jepthah vowed to the Lord to sacrifice the first thing that came out of the door of his house to meet him if the Lord gave his army victory over the army of Ammon. Well, it was his only daughter who was the first to come out. Yikes! She did and he did. Weird story, weird ending. Imagine how Jepthah felt when they lit the fire to kill an innocent person and one that he loved…
Psalm 15 asks in verse 1, Lord, who may dwell in Your sanctuary? Who may live on Your holy hill? Out of the list of answers in verses 2-5 it says, “… [He] who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts…” Jepthah was such a man. And Asaph said in his psalm, “Sacrifice thank offerings to the Lord…fulfill your vows to the Most High…”
Sometimes it hurts to keep our vows; sometimes it hurts to tell God, thanks. But God is more impressed when we keep our word than when we spout off our intentions. A little thanks to the Lord goes a long way to reveal a heart that is grateful to Him for all He is and all He’s done – even in the worst of times. Asaph said we’re to call upon God in our days of trouble implying that God knows and cares, and will deliver us; and the proper response to His delivery is our honoring Him in heartfelt gratitude.
Thank You God!
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