6.30.2011
Titus 2:12 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age... NIV
Four times in this passage Paul mentions self-control. He says older men are to be self-controlled; he says older women are to teach younger women to be self-controlled; and he says young men are to be self-controlled. And then he says, the grace of God has appeared to teach us to say, “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age… Paul also taught in Galatians 5 that self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Where would we be without the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit? What would we do without His gentle warnings, nudges, influences, and care? The fruit of the Holy Spirit among other things is self-control. Interestingly, I can’t conjure up self-control because in my nature, self controls me. And even as a believer, self likes to fart and belch and spit and generally make a bad-breathed nuisance. I need something way stronger than willpower to control my self.
And that something is the Holy Spirit, and the fruit of His presence: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. These things grow in us because of His presence. And the growth part is noteworthy because the growth doesn’t happen all at once but it never goes away. Without the Holy Spirit self-control is like trying to build a house without a hammer or saw; it’s like trying to build a car without tools of any kind. Self is nasty and we need divine intervention through trial and error to keep self where it belongs: controlled!
Today, I think of all of my failings in the arena of self-control; but I also have great hope in the presence of the Spirit of God. And I get to trust in Him again today and marvel at the power of His great grace which teaches me and empowers me to just say no to the little man inside who durst would have his way to my ruin and the misery of others…
Father in Heaven,
Thank You for the presence of Your Spirit and for His putting up with me. I pray that His influences, nudges, warnings, and care would not fall on fallow ground but would root and grow and produce great fruit for Your pleasure and the benefit of others around me – humbly I pray – amen.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Seeking God
6.29.2011
Amos 5:4-5 4 This is what the Lord says to the house of Israel: “Seek me and live; 5 do not seek Bethel, do not go to Gilgal, do not journey to Beersheba. For Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will be reduced to nothing. NIV
Imagine your nation going straight to hell; crime and oppression increasing, government uncaring and in the midst of it all God tells you to go preach against it. Who would listen, who would respect you? Welcome to the life of Amos. And to make matters worse, Amos was a shepherd. Who listens to shepherds?
The greatest sin of Jeroboam (the first, cf 1 Kings 12) wasn’t just his embracing others gods, that was bad enough; the greatest sin of Jeroboam was telling his people (the ten northern tribes of Israel) that they didn’t have to go to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple anymore. “Why go clear down there when you can worship God right here!?” It was substituting religion for God.
By the time Amos was prophesying the people went to the established worship centers at Bethel, Gilgal, and Beersheba. Their religion had become state-run, institutionalized, and hollow. They sought empty religion and God begged them to seek only Him.
Why go to church? Why meet with God’s people, sing songs, read the Bible, and listen to preaching? Do we seek God or seek church? Why do some stay home? Do we seek God at home in the manner of Bethel, Gilgal, or Beersheba? Are we offended by God’s people and stay away? Is it easier to seek God but reject His people? Is it easier to just stay away? In these days of uncertainty and shifting sand I think God invites you and me to seek only Him. I think He bids us not to put any hope in anything but Him and to share that hope with others – in the church and beyond. Trust me, it’s easy to stay away but that isn’t where God’s called us – He’s called each of us into the fray to stay.
Paul told Titus, “To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.” (Titus 1.15 NIV) To the pure, God is found in compassion, care, and concern; and in obedience. Seeking God requires the right motive to do so and purity in Him is a great place to start…
Father in Heaven,
Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me that I may seek You, find You, and help others to do so as well – amen.
Amos 5:4-5 4 This is what the Lord says to the house of Israel: “Seek me and live; 5 do not seek Bethel, do not go to Gilgal, do not journey to Beersheba. For Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will be reduced to nothing. NIV
Imagine your nation going straight to hell; crime and oppression increasing, government uncaring and in the midst of it all God tells you to go preach against it. Who would listen, who would respect you? Welcome to the life of Amos. And to make matters worse, Amos was a shepherd. Who listens to shepherds?
The greatest sin of Jeroboam (the first, cf 1 Kings 12) wasn’t just his embracing others gods, that was bad enough; the greatest sin of Jeroboam was telling his people (the ten northern tribes of Israel) that they didn’t have to go to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple anymore. “Why go clear down there when you can worship God right here!?” It was substituting religion for God.
By the time Amos was prophesying the people went to the established worship centers at Bethel, Gilgal, and Beersheba. Their religion had become state-run, institutionalized, and hollow. They sought empty religion and God begged them to seek only Him.
Why go to church? Why meet with God’s people, sing songs, read the Bible, and listen to preaching? Do we seek God or seek church? Why do some stay home? Do we seek God at home in the manner of Bethel, Gilgal, or Beersheba? Are we offended by God’s people and stay away? Is it easier to seek God but reject His people? Is it easier to just stay away? In these days of uncertainty and shifting sand I think God invites you and me to seek only Him. I think He bids us not to put any hope in anything but Him and to share that hope with others – in the church and beyond. Trust me, it’s easy to stay away but that isn’t where God’s called us – He’s called each of us into the fray to stay.
Paul told Titus, “To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.” (Titus 1.15 NIV) To the pure, God is found in compassion, care, and concern; and in obedience. Seeking God requires the right motive to do so and purity in Him is a great place to start…
Father in Heaven,
Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me that I may seek You, find You, and help others to do so as well – amen.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Scratching the Itch
6.28.2011
2 Timothy 4:3 3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. NIV
I admit it – there are certain people I like to listen to because what they say agrees with what I believe. I think most people are like that; we want to hear what we believe and like those who speak about what we espouse. And that’s not all bad. What is bad however is when we quit listening to God. God has something to say and the wise among us listen to Him.
When I chose to listen only to those who say what I believe or say what I want to hear I skirt dangerously close to territory where my discernment goes out the window. Paul said to Timothy there is great danger in surrounding oneself with teachers who say only what scratches the itch. Like a mosquito bite, or a skin rash, there is an itch in all of us and it craves self. It justifies and coddles and mollifies the self. And the more that itch is scratched the more that itch itches and soon all we can do is scratch the itch. Our attention is consumed with the itch.
Recently, I have come upon what appears to be an opportunity. I have had to do my best to ignore the subsequent day-dreaming that goes along with this kind of a thing. With my active imagination all I can see is good and success. So though my imagination is running wild, I have purposed to God that this will only work if He is in it; if He’s the One behind it. I am purposely not talking about it and when the knots of anticipation tighten in my stomach, I simply give it over to Him and they go away. On this occasion, it’s not what I desire, but what He has purposed for me; that is what I’m seeking!
Personally, I must guard against only listening to those who agree with what I believe. How I’m to live is by what God says; and sometimes what He says is very painful and counter to what I want to hear. The question is: can I trust Him when I don’t get my way… even when it sounds so good and so right?
Father in Heaven,
Your word is the balm to my itching ears. What You say is what I want even when I really don’t want it. Help me to remember that. There are many who say what I want to hear, I just don’t want to miss You in the midst of it – and worse, not even know it. May I live listening for You today and then do what You say – in Jesus’ Name, amen.
2 Timothy 4:3 3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. NIV
I admit it – there are certain people I like to listen to because what they say agrees with what I believe. I think most people are like that; we want to hear what we believe and like those who speak about what we espouse. And that’s not all bad. What is bad however is when we quit listening to God. God has something to say and the wise among us listen to Him.
When I chose to listen only to those who say what I believe or say what I want to hear I skirt dangerously close to territory where my discernment goes out the window. Paul said to Timothy there is great danger in surrounding oneself with teachers who say only what scratches the itch. Like a mosquito bite, or a skin rash, there is an itch in all of us and it craves self. It justifies and coddles and mollifies the self. And the more that itch is scratched the more that itch itches and soon all we can do is scratch the itch. Our attention is consumed with the itch.
Recently, I have come upon what appears to be an opportunity. I have had to do my best to ignore the subsequent day-dreaming that goes along with this kind of a thing. With my active imagination all I can see is good and success. So though my imagination is running wild, I have purposed to God that this will only work if He is in it; if He’s the One behind it. I am purposely not talking about it and when the knots of anticipation tighten in my stomach, I simply give it over to Him and they go away. On this occasion, it’s not what I desire, but what He has purposed for me; that is what I’m seeking!
Personally, I must guard against only listening to those who agree with what I believe. How I’m to live is by what God says; and sometimes what He says is very painful and counter to what I want to hear. The question is: can I trust Him when I don’t get my way… even when it sounds so good and so right?
Father in Heaven,
Your word is the balm to my itching ears. What You say is what I want even when I really don’t want it. Help me to remember that. There are many who say what I want to hear, I just don’t want to miss You in the midst of it – and worse, not even know it. May I live listening for You today and then do what You say – in Jesus’ Name, amen.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Are You Serious
6.27.2011
2 Kings 13:18-19 18 Then he said, “Take the arrows,” and the king took them. Elisha told him, “Strike the ground.” He struck it three times and stopped. 19 The man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.” NIV
To me, in this story, we have a classic misunderstanding – the king wasn’t hearing what the prophet was saying and the prophet thought the king did. It wasn’t that it was miscommunication – the king did exactly as the prophet commanded – it was just that the king (Jehoash) didn’t recognize the opportunity that was given to him.
Isn’t that the way we are sometimes? I don’t mean necessarily you and me, but I mean ‘we’ kind of in the general sense; we people. Someone asks us to do something and it isn’t exactly what we want to do so we do it half-heartedly so we can say, yes, I did do it! But it really wasn’t our idea so we didn’t really do it with passion and respect because, well, it wasn’t our idea… That was the king before this old and dying prophet: “Are you serious!? Do you expect me to pound the ground with these arrows until they’re splinters!? What will my advisers think watching me pound the ground with these arrows!?” Meanwhile the prophet (Elisha) is watching and is asking, “Are you serious!? Three taps on the ground is all I get!? Do you really want to defeat your enemies or not!? Or do you just want to look ‘presidential’!?”
The question for us then is will we do what God asks us to do? Will we do it with urgency, passion, and respect; or will we just check a box so that we can say, “Yes, I did do it!” The next question is are we even doing what God asks us to do? And are we doing it with urgency, passion, and respect? Are we living in love or are we just going through the motions? Sometimes, I really have to wonder where my own heart really is… do I want to succeed in life or just coast by?
Father in Heaven,
You know my heart and my propensity to skate by on as little effort as possible. I pray for a handful of arrows that before You I may beat them to smithereens. I pray that my passion for Your Kingdom be fueled by Your presence and engulfed by Your zeal for all that is right and good. Help me this day – in Jesus’ Name, amen.
2 Kings 13:18-19 18 Then he said, “Take the arrows,” and the king took them. Elisha told him, “Strike the ground.” He struck it three times and stopped. 19 The man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.” NIV
To me, in this story, we have a classic misunderstanding – the king wasn’t hearing what the prophet was saying and the prophet thought the king did. It wasn’t that it was miscommunication – the king did exactly as the prophet commanded – it was just that the king (Jehoash) didn’t recognize the opportunity that was given to him.
Isn’t that the way we are sometimes? I don’t mean necessarily you and me, but I mean ‘we’ kind of in the general sense; we people. Someone asks us to do something and it isn’t exactly what we want to do so we do it half-heartedly so we can say, yes, I did do it! But it really wasn’t our idea so we didn’t really do it with passion and respect because, well, it wasn’t our idea… That was the king before this old and dying prophet: “Are you serious!? Do you expect me to pound the ground with these arrows until they’re splinters!? What will my advisers think watching me pound the ground with these arrows!?” Meanwhile the prophet (Elisha) is watching and is asking, “Are you serious!? Three taps on the ground is all I get!? Do you really want to defeat your enemies or not!? Or do you just want to look ‘presidential’!?”
The question for us then is will we do what God asks us to do? Will we do it with urgency, passion, and respect; or will we just check a box so that we can say, “Yes, I did do it!” The next question is are we even doing what God asks us to do? And are we doing it with urgency, passion, and respect? Are we living in love or are we just going through the motions? Sometimes, I really have to wonder where my own heart really is… do I want to succeed in life or just coast by?
Father in Heaven,
You know my heart and my propensity to skate by on as little effort as possible. I pray for a handful of arrows that before You I may beat them to smithereens. I pray that my passion for Your Kingdom be fueled by Your presence and engulfed by Your zeal for all that is right and good. Help me this day – in Jesus’ Name, amen.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Those Who Are Opposed
6.26.2011
2 Timothy 2:25 25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth... NIV
For others that we know or come into contact with, what more could we want for them than to receive repentance from God and a knowledge of the truth? From ancient times the largest battle ever fought on earth with the most victories and casualties has been the Truth War. From the beginning truth has been at risk from the attack of deception; which makes me think about the power of deception in heaven itself where a third of the angels bought the satanic lie that God doesn’t know what He’s doing (Cf. Revelation 12; Jude 6 &c).
The truth has always been oppressed by those who say God is not sufficient. The truth has always been suppressed by those who refuse it. God must be way different than we think Him to be – He sure does things way different than we expect Him to… And so, to many, God is confusing; and so they reason He is lacking because to them He’s confusing. Confusion often leads to frustration and frustration leads to giving up. And it is to those who’ve given up, who’ve bought the lie and who oppose God and the concept of true truth, that the man (or woman) of God must gently, persistently, and persuasively present their case. But just because the godly present it gently doesn’t mean it will be received gently – or kindly – or readily.
I admit I sometimes struggle with being intimidated by opposition; then I get rattled and defensive and feel the only way to win is with righteous indignation and a raised voice. Those who are opposed aren’t impressed. And those who are opposed will bait and taunt because that is their only line of defense. Gentleness is such a gift from the Holy Spirit and such a weapon in the truth war. And gentleness comes from confidence in the message and the love of the Lord, who never retaliated nor was harsh with the sinner. The Lord was only ever harsh with the self-righteous.
Father in Heaven,
Your calling on me is to be like You – humble, gentle, and serving. I pray for the spiritual strength necessary to gently instruct those who oppose me, knowing that the battle isn’t mine but Yours and when You send me to Nineveh (or those who oppose You) I am to go gently and lovingly and leave all of the results up to You! Amen.
2 Timothy 2:25 25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth... NIV
For others that we know or come into contact with, what more could we want for them than to receive repentance from God and a knowledge of the truth? From ancient times the largest battle ever fought on earth with the most victories and casualties has been the Truth War. From the beginning truth has been at risk from the attack of deception; which makes me think about the power of deception in heaven itself where a third of the angels bought the satanic lie that God doesn’t know what He’s doing (Cf. Revelation 12; Jude 6 &c).
The truth has always been oppressed by those who say God is not sufficient. The truth has always been suppressed by those who refuse it. God must be way different than we think Him to be – He sure does things way different than we expect Him to… And so, to many, God is confusing; and so they reason He is lacking because to them He’s confusing. Confusion often leads to frustration and frustration leads to giving up. And it is to those who’ve given up, who’ve bought the lie and who oppose God and the concept of true truth, that the man (or woman) of God must gently, persistently, and persuasively present their case. But just because the godly present it gently doesn’t mean it will be received gently – or kindly – or readily.
I admit I sometimes struggle with being intimidated by opposition; then I get rattled and defensive and feel the only way to win is with righteous indignation and a raised voice. Those who are opposed aren’t impressed. And those who are opposed will bait and taunt because that is their only line of defense. Gentleness is such a gift from the Holy Spirit and such a weapon in the truth war. And gentleness comes from confidence in the message and the love of the Lord, who never retaliated nor was harsh with the sinner. The Lord was only ever harsh with the self-righteous.
Father in Heaven,
Your calling on me is to be like You – humble, gentle, and serving. I pray for the spiritual strength necessary to gently instruct those who oppose me, knowing that the battle isn’t mine but Yours and when You send me to Nineveh (or those who oppose You) I am to go gently and lovingly and leave all of the results up to You! Amen.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
His Personal Investment
6.25.2011
2 Timothy 1:12 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. NIV
Why be ashamed – you’re in God’s care. Many wrote Paul off as just another in a long, long line of losers. If Paul was so good, they reasoned, why were his circumstances so bad? (It’s amazing to me how much stock we put into difficulty and pain as if somehow we’re being punished - are we really that shallow and guilty?) Did Paul really have something to hide?
Paul himself may have had reason to doubt had he not known Him in who he believed. Paul’s shout down to his own doubts was, “No way! God is in complete control of this and He knows no defeat!”
And Paul was personally convinced that his circumstances and everything that had happened and was happening to him was safely in God’s reliable and trustworthy care. Paul had entrusted his entire being to God and knew no matter the outcome, God would prevail in His purposes and promises.
And on that day – that glorious day when all of heaven and earth celebrates the conclusion of God’s great and grand experiment of goodness, grace, and glory Paul was convinced that he himself would not be disappointed in the outcome of his personal investment into the eternal Kingdom of God – it was worth it all!
Father in Heaven,
O Great God! Holy and true are You – there are too few words to describe the majesty of Your being! Lord, overcome my fears and reluctance to put every last one of my ‘eggs’ into Your basket! May I invest my heart in You and celebrate with Paul singing – for I know Whom I have believed and am convinced – fully persuaded, that You are able, more than able to guard all of my investment in You until that Day of Jesus Christ when it will all come to consummation and completion in Him! Glory to Your Name! Amen!
2 Timothy 1:12 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. NIV
Why be ashamed – you’re in God’s care. Many wrote Paul off as just another in a long, long line of losers. If Paul was so good, they reasoned, why were his circumstances so bad? (It’s amazing to me how much stock we put into difficulty and pain as if somehow we’re being punished - are we really that shallow and guilty?) Did Paul really have something to hide?
Paul himself may have had reason to doubt had he not known Him in who he believed. Paul’s shout down to his own doubts was, “No way! God is in complete control of this and He knows no defeat!”
And Paul was personally convinced that his circumstances and everything that had happened and was happening to him was safely in God’s reliable and trustworthy care. Paul had entrusted his entire being to God and knew no matter the outcome, God would prevail in His purposes and promises.
And on that day – that glorious day when all of heaven and earth celebrates the conclusion of God’s great and grand experiment of goodness, grace, and glory Paul was convinced that he himself would not be disappointed in the outcome of his personal investment into the eternal Kingdom of God – it was worth it all!
Father in Heaven,
O Great God! Holy and true are You – there are too few words to describe the majesty of Your being! Lord, overcome my fears and reluctance to put every last one of my ‘eggs’ into Your basket! May I invest my heart in You and celebrate with Paul singing – for I know Whom I have believed and am convinced – fully persuaded, that You are able, more than able to guard all of my investment in You until that Day of Jesus Christ when it will all come to consummation and completion in Him! Glory to Your Name! Amen!
Friday, June 24, 2011
What People Say
6.24.2011
1 Timothy 6:1 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. NIV
It is important to remember how much God has ante-ed up by allowing us to have faith in Him. God, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see has (seemingly) staked His entire reputation on us. That says something. Either God is a fool, or God knows something we don’t know. Or perhaps God knows that His power and presence will work in the lives of His people. God doesn’t know defeat.
Now, in the context, I realize Paul was writing to Timothy about slaves and how Christ-following slaves should behave. But just because we don’t have ‘slaves’ today like they did in ancient days, doesn’t mean we don’t pay attention to the way we come off – many will base their opinion of Christianity, and the God of Christianity, by how we Christians live. Their testimony will be based on how ours matches up with our lives. If we were to use the above verse in the following way it might make us think a little differently about what we say and how we live: All who are bond-slaves of Jesus Christ ought to consider their Master worthy of full respect so that His Name and what we say about Him may not be slandered.
Whether slaves to humans or slaves to God, how we respect others says a lot about how we respect God.
My public conduct and speech tells others about my beliefs. I must remember that. I must remember that others are watching me and sizing up my faith by how I live. I must also remember that some slander God and the faith just because of me…
Father in Heaven,
Help me God to be the real deal and to live in a manner that brings honor to Your Name. May my conduct public and private reveal Your glorious presence in me – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.
1 Timothy 6:1 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. NIV
It is important to remember how much God has ante-ed up by allowing us to have faith in Him. God, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see has (seemingly) staked His entire reputation on us. That says something. Either God is a fool, or God knows something we don’t know. Or perhaps God knows that His power and presence will work in the lives of His people. God doesn’t know defeat.
Now, in the context, I realize Paul was writing to Timothy about slaves and how Christ-following slaves should behave. But just because we don’t have ‘slaves’ today like they did in ancient days, doesn’t mean we don’t pay attention to the way we come off – many will base their opinion of Christianity, and the God of Christianity, by how we Christians live. Their testimony will be based on how ours matches up with our lives. If we were to use the above verse in the following way it might make us think a little differently about what we say and how we live: All who are bond-slaves of Jesus Christ ought to consider their Master worthy of full respect so that His Name and what we say about Him may not be slandered.
Whether slaves to humans or slaves to God, how we respect others says a lot about how we respect God.
My public conduct and speech tells others about my beliefs. I must remember that. I must remember that others are watching me and sizing up my faith by how I live. I must also remember that some slander God and the faith just because of me…
Father in Heaven,
Help me God to be the real deal and to live in a manner that brings honor to Your Name. May my conduct public and private reveal Your glorious presence in me – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
At Issue - Really
6.23.2011
1 Timothy 5:3 3 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. NIV
Three times in this chapter Paul uses the term, “really in need”. I suppose what he was trying to say was, really in need. There are those among us who are really in need. Then there are those among us who appear to be in need but still have some options available; and then there are those who are really in need. The message here is proper recognition or the ability to see the truth and not let emotions or expedience cloud the situation.
When dealing with people we must factor in their perspective – what they see, how they feel, and what they think is coming to them. The fact that any of us thinks we have anything coming is ridiculous, but in fact in our hearts we think we deserve this, that, or the other. So, what’s at issue here is leadership and the proper administration of leadership.
Leadership is more than just being a decision-maker or the decision-maker; it is leading people effectively from one place to another in their minds. A leader who can’t discern real need is a leader who probably has problems accepting the things he can’t change, and lacks courage to change the things he can because he lacks wisdom to discern the difference between what he can and what he can’t. Leadership requires work. And leadership requires the leading of the Lord to get us from one place to another in our minds.
Timothy needed Paul to help him, encourage him, and to cause him to seek after discernment. Timothy needed Paul’s past experience to see what was truly at stake in his own life: his ability to lead people effectively. The treatment of widows was just one area where the Ephesian church needed help to overcome emotions and expedience. Paul’s man Timothy needed help when he faced push-back in the areas of human relationships and the true care of people.
Today, I seek after discernment knowing that how people present themselves and the baggage they’re dragging along with them may be two completely different things. They may really need help but I must discern the right option for them so that emotional expedience doesn’t exacerbate enablement.
Father in Heaven,
You are my Source and Supply and I ask for both discernment and the ability to discern. Help me to see clearly and make right choices – the first of which is checking in with You. Thank You for Your love and for this word today – amen.
1 Timothy 5:3 3 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. NIV
Three times in this chapter Paul uses the term, “really in need”. I suppose what he was trying to say was, really in need. There are those among us who are really in need. Then there are those among us who appear to be in need but still have some options available; and then there are those who are really in need. The message here is proper recognition or the ability to see the truth and not let emotions or expedience cloud the situation.
When dealing with people we must factor in their perspective – what they see, how they feel, and what they think is coming to them. The fact that any of us thinks we have anything coming is ridiculous, but in fact in our hearts we think we deserve this, that, or the other. So, what’s at issue here is leadership and the proper administration of leadership.
Leadership is more than just being a decision-maker or the decision-maker; it is leading people effectively from one place to another in their minds. A leader who can’t discern real need is a leader who probably has problems accepting the things he can’t change, and lacks courage to change the things he can because he lacks wisdom to discern the difference between what he can and what he can’t. Leadership requires work. And leadership requires the leading of the Lord to get us from one place to another in our minds.
Timothy needed Paul to help him, encourage him, and to cause him to seek after discernment. Timothy needed Paul’s past experience to see what was truly at stake in his own life: his ability to lead people effectively. The treatment of widows was just one area where the Ephesian church needed help to overcome emotions and expedience. Paul’s man Timothy needed help when he faced push-back in the areas of human relationships and the true care of people.
Today, I seek after discernment knowing that how people present themselves and the baggage they’re dragging along with them may be two completely different things. They may really need help but I must discern the right option for them so that emotional expedience doesn’t exacerbate enablement.
Father in Heaven,
You are my Source and Supply and I ask for both discernment and the ability to discern. Help me to see clearly and make right choices – the first of which is checking in with You. Thank You for Your love and for this word today – amen.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
A Matched Set
6.22.2011
1 Timothy 4:16 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. NIV
Paul instructed Timothy to keep a close watch over his life and doctrine to make sure they matched up. A leader’s lifestyle and beliefs must be a matched set otherwise his life will be hypocrisy; and if hypocrisy, then his life won’t amount to much; his effectiveness will be stunted.
The difficulty of not being the real deal is that trying to keep control over one’s life and doctrine is extremely difficult. Without complete surrender to God’s divine strength it is next to impossible. One may succeed for a season but those unguarded moments are killer. You can fool some of the people some of the time but unless your doctrine and life match, you can’t fool many of the people for much of the time. And, really, it isn’t about fooling anyone – it’s about living truthfully and practicing what you preach.
Paul told Timothy if he persevered in guarding his life and doctrine he would save both himself and his hearers. This isn’t salvation but being genuine. The world is starving for genuine people who say what they mean and mean what they say. Practicing what one preaches gets rid of the credibility gap and that is a gap worth closing.
Paul was challenging Timothy to live a disciplined life and that too is a hard, hard thing to do. Many love to make excuses for their lifestyle. Many have learned the fine art of cutting corners. Many have lost themselves and their listeners and don’t even know it… Discipline is the only way to maintain stability and balance.
My job is to watch over my life and doctrine closely and fight against those things within me that want to settle for mediocrity, hypocrisy, and half-heartedness. In Christ, I’m to make sure that what I believe and say match with how I live. That’s a tall order if I’m attempting to do that on my own.
Lord Jesus,
Only You can help me live with matching life and doctrine. Only You can make what I believe match how I live. And so today, Lord, I once again surrender all of me so that others may only see all of You – in Your Name, amen.
1 Timothy 4:16 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. NIV
Paul instructed Timothy to keep a close watch over his life and doctrine to make sure they matched up. A leader’s lifestyle and beliefs must be a matched set otherwise his life will be hypocrisy; and if hypocrisy, then his life won’t amount to much; his effectiveness will be stunted.
The difficulty of not being the real deal is that trying to keep control over one’s life and doctrine is extremely difficult. Without complete surrender to God’s divine strength it is next to impossible. One may succeed for a season but those unguarded moments are killer. You can fool some of the people some of the time but unless your doctrine and life match, you can’t fool many of the people for much of the time. And, really, it isn’t about fooling anyone – it’s about living truthfully and practicing what you preach.
Paul told Timothy if he persevered in guarding his life and doctrine he would save both himself and his hearers. This isn’t salvation but being genuine. The world is starving for genuine people who say what they mean and mean what they say. Practicing what one preaches gets rid of the credibility gap and that is a gap worth closing.
Paul was challenging Timothy to live a disciplined life and that too is a hard, hard thing to do. Many love to make excuses for their lifestyle. Many have learned the fine art of cutting corners. Many have lost themselves and their listeners and don’t even know it… Discipline is the only way to maintain stability and balance.
My job is to watch over my life and doctrine closely and fight against those things within me that want to settle for mediocrity, hypocrisy, and half-heartedness. In Christ, I’m to make sure that what I believe and say match with how I live. That’s a tall order if I’m attempting to do that on my own.
Lord Jesus,
Only You can help me live with matching life and doctrine. Only You can make what I believe match how I live. And so today, Lord, I once again surrender all of me so that others may only see all of You – in Your Name, amen.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
God’s Battles
6.21.2011
2 Chronicles 20:15 15 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. NIV
Enemies attack; diagnoses come. Employment ends; lives end. Fires, flood, and calamity happen. Family feuds fester. Life is full of unexpected battles and difficulties of all shapes and sizes which seem to always come at the worst possible moment. The question is not if they come, but how we respond when they do.
Judah was attacked by the nations of Moab and the Ammon. Moab and Ammon were simmering pots of racial hatred just waiting for the right moment to boil over against Judah. Such a moment happened under the leadership of Jehoshaphat King of Judah.
Jehoshaphat, when facing this vast army of hatred breathing enemies – brilliantly – called upon the Lord, “God, what shall we do!?” We see in his story bridging 1 Kings 22; 2 Kings 1-3; 2 Chronicles 17-20. Jehoshaphat, for one, got it – he understood that his power and authority came from God and that is where he received his marching orders. Over and over Jehoshaphat sought the Lord’s wisdom and advice and blessing; he was a rare jewel among God’s kings in Judah.
On this occasion, God simply reminded Jehoshaphat, the battle was the Lord’s. In our own stories it is no different. Whatever happens to us, whenever it happens, is the Lord’s business, not ours. Faith is not the means whereby we, by ourselves under the Lord’s watching eye, solve all of our problems; faith is the ability to hand whatever, whenever, over to God trusting Him with the outcome. God doesn’t want us to pick and choose our battles and keep the ones we think we can win and give Him the ones we think we can’t – God wants them all. That’s faith.
And faith leads to deliverance. God handles the big stuff and the little stuff. The battle is His. Let’s remember today that the gift of faith is the gift of giving all the frustrating and confounding and confusing stuff over to God and follow His lead wherever it takes us. The battles are His to help us remember whose they are…
Father in Heaven,
Whether it’s great big or really little may I honor You by giving all of my battles over to You and honoring You with faith that no matter the outcome, in You I win! In Jesus, amen.
2 Chronicles 20:15 15 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. NIV
Enemies attack; diagnoses come. Employment ends; lives end. Fires, flood, and calamity happen. Family feuds fester. Life is full of unexpected battles and difficulties of all shapes and sizes which seem to always come at the worst possible moment. The question is not if they come, but how we respond when they do.
Judah was attacked by the nations of Moab and the Ammon. Moab and Ammon were simmering pots of racial hatred just waiting for the right moment to boil over against Judah. Such a moment happened under the leadership of Jehoshaphat King of Judah.
Jehoshaphat, when facing this vast army of hatred breathing enemies – brilliantly – called upon the Lord, “God, what shall we do!?” We see in his story bridging 1 Kings 22; 2 Kings 1-3; 2 Chronicles 17-20. Jehoshaphat, for one, got it – he understood that his power and authority came from God and that is where he received his marching orders. Over and over Jehoshaphat sought the Lord’s wisdom and advice and blessing; he was a rare jewel among God’s kings in Judah.
On this occasion, God simply reminded Jehoshaphat, the battle was the Lord’s. In our own stories it is no different. Whatever happens to us, whenever it happens, is the Lord’s business, not ours. Faith is not the means whereby we, by ourselves under the Lord’s watching eye, solve all of our problems; faith is the ability to hand whatever, whenever, over to God trusting Him with the outcome. God doesn’t want us to pick and choose our battles and keep the ones we think we can win and give Him the ones we think we can’t – God wants them all. That’s faith.
And faith leads to deliverance. God handles the big stuff and the little stuff. The battle is His. Let’s remember today that the gift of faith is the gift of giving all the frustrating and confounding and confusing stuff over to God and follow His lead wherever it takes us. The battles are His to help us remember whose they are…
Father in Heaven,
Whether it’s great big or really little may I honor You by giving all of my battles over to You and honoring You with faith that no matter the outcome, in You I win! In Jesus, amen.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Whatever We Do
6.20.2011
1 Timothy 2:11-15 11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15 But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety. NIV
I will not even pretend to be an authority on what Paul is saying here – it kind of baffles me. I could write Paul off as a male-chauvinist pig after reading this and claim that he is simply hoarding public ministry to the realm of men excluding women from teaching, preaching and instructing others. I could also play the Paul’s Way in Paul’s Day card – that culturally this is just the way they did things way back then; but now that we moderns are so progressive and enlightened, we do them another way with more consideration for the contribution women, and their place of equality in our emancipated society.
I could believe all that except for this: if there has ever been a need for godly women and mothers to be godly influencers of their children at home, it is right now. I can think of several moms who’ve taken up the role of godly instruction to their children and have established a mission field at home. They take a huge interest in their children for God’s sake, and the sake of their kids. They involve their children in all sorts of activities and teachable moments, and their faith in Christ seems to thrive in the midst of it. They understand the principle that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. My hat is off to Kristi, Melissa, Adriel, Pearl, (to name a few) and the many others I know who’ve taken their place as teachers of the young and noble keepers of the home. Their salvation in Christ is through faith, and their purpose in life is godly focus on their kids and their homes.
Father in Heaven,
Wherever we are, whatever we do our faith is in Jesus and our trust is in you – amen.
1 Timothy 2:11-15 11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15 But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety. NIV
I will not even pretend to be an authority on what Paul is saying here – it kind of baffles me. I could write Paul off as a male-chauvinist pig after reading this and claim that he is simply hoarding public ministry to the realm of men excluding women from teaching, preaching and instructing others. I could also play the Paul’s Way in Paul’s Day card – that culturally this is just the way they did things way back then; but now that we moderns are so progressive and enlightened, we do them another way with more consideration for the contribution women, and their place of equality in our emancipated society.
I could believe all that except for this: if there has ever been a need for godly women and mothers to be godly influencers of their children at home, it is right now. I can think of several moms who’ve taken up the role of godly instruction to their children and have established a mission field at home. They take a huge interest in their children for God’s sake, and the sake of their kids. They involve their children in all sorts of activities and teachable moments, and their faith in Christ seems to thrive in the midst of it. They understand the principle that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. My hat is off to Kristi, Melissa, Adriel, Pearl, (to name a few) and the many others I know who’ve taken their place as teachers of the young and noble keepers of the home. Their salvation in Christ is through faith, and their purpose in life is godly focus on their kids and their homes.
Father in Heaven,
Wherever we are, whatever we do our faith is in Jesus and our trust is in you – amen.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
A Wonderful Resource A Magnificent Promise
6.19.2011
1 Timothy 1:16 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. NIV
I used to think that God has His limits – that even God gets fed up at some point and says, “Okay! That’s enough!” I used to think that until I read 1 Timothy 1.16 and saw that Jesus Christ has unlimited patience. If I feel anything at all this morning, it’s this: I am immensely relieved that our Savior possesses unlimited patience; that’s good news. Yes, things will happen, and God who is slow to anger and rich in mercy will act but even so, He will do whatever He does whenever He does it with unlimited patience and love.
I have such a hard time seeing God apart from myself as far as the way He thinks and the way He operates. It’s hard for me to grasp unlimited patience because there are so many variables in that equation as far as I am concerned; and time seems to be working against me as far as I can tell. But the Lord is above and beyond time and somehow exists both within and without time.
The patience of God is a marvelous thing but very hard to understand – even the saints in heaven ask, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” (Revelation 6:10 NIV) But the patience of God is a wonderful resource and a magnificent promise of His indescribable love.
I’m glad for the patience of Jesus that He isn’t through with me and He will accomplish His purpose in me. The knowledge of His patience makes me remember that even though I am unbelievably dull He’ll help me get it. His patience is the affirmation of His love, His care, and His presence in me. His patience is the affirmation of how committed He is to my success in Him. His patience is the building block of the foundation of my faith in Him. I have much to be sorry for but I’m eternally glad for His patience with me and in me today.
Lord Jesus,
You began a good work in me and You’ve said You’ll see it through to completion that on that day I may step into Your presence unashamed. Help me , O Patient One! Help me to get it that I may have joy and may Your unlimited patience rub off on me that I may find true patience and grace toward others. Thank You God! Amen.
1 Timothy 1:16 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. NIV
I used to think that God has His limits – that even God gets fed up at some point and says, “Okay! That’s enough!” I used to think that until I read 1 Timothy 1.16 and saw that Jesus Christ has unlimited patience. If I feel anything at all this morning, it’s this: I am immensely relieved that our Savior possesses unlimited patience; that’s good news. Yes, things will happen, and God who is slow to anger and rich in mercy will act but even so, He will do whatever He does whenever He does it with unlimited patience and love.
I have such a hard time seeing God apart from myself as far as the way He thinks and the way He operates. It’s hard for me to grasp unlimited patience because there are so many variables in that equation as far as I am concerned; and time seems to be working against me as far as I can tell. But the Lord is above and beyond time and somehow exists both within and without time.
The patience of God is a marvelous thing but very hard to understand – even the saints in heaven ask, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” (Revelation 6:10 NIV) But the patience of God is a wonderful resource and a magnificent promise of His indescribable love.
I’m glad for the patience of Jesus that He isn’t through with me and He will accomplish His purpose in me. The knowledge of His patience makes me remember that even though I am unbelievably dull He’ll help me get it. His patience is the affirmation of His love, His care, and His presence in me. His patience is the affirmation of how committed He is to my success in Him. His patience is the building block of the foundation of my faith in Him. I have much to be sorry for but I’m eternally glad for His patience with me and in me today.
Lord Jesus,
You began a good work in me and You’ve said You’ll see it through to completion that on that day I may step into Your presence unashamed. Help me , O Patient One! Help me to get it that I may have joy and may Your unlimited patience rub off on me that I may find true patience and grace toward others. Thank You God! Amen.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Superhuman Strength
6.17.2011
Colossians 3:5 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. NIV
Yesterday, I thought about the process of killing all that within me that belongs to my earthly nature. I thought about what Jesus said, “And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14.27 NIV) and I realized that it is more than carrying my cross, it’s putting all of me on that cross and killing it – daily.
It is interesting exercise to take inventory of our thoughts and categorize them under the headings listed above. How much of my time do I spend thinking about things in the categories Paul spelled out? Paul went on to say, “But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” (v. 8) Add those kinds of thoughts and practices to your categories as well. To do that would make me cry out, O Lord! Save me, for I am a sinful man!!!
The Jesuits have an Ignatian practice called Examen. The Examen is a technique of prayerful reflection on the events of the day in order to detect God's presence. It is also an exercise in how I responded to these events to see how I reacted. I think Paul would have nodded approval to Examen or something like it. I think we’d all benefit from regularly taking the time before God to honestly identify our weak spots and confess them before Him that we know they’re there, and seek His power and presence to overcome them. Superhuman strength is required to kill whatever belongs to our earthly nature.
Father in Heaven,
You are my Source and Strength and I need You now. I ask You to strengthen me as I crucify all that is within me that smacks of my earthly nature. I ask for courage to honestly and humbly review the day previous, carefully identifying every area of my earthly reactions and responses. Help me to draw close to You confessing where I’ve failed, and finding strength in You to carry on in the process of putting it all to death. With my cross I pray – amen…
Colossians 3:5 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. NIV
Yesterday, I thought about the process of killing all that within me that belongs to my earthly nature. I thought about what Jesus said, “And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14.27 NIV) and I realized that it is more than carrying my cross, it’s putting all of me on that cross and killing it – daily.
It is interesting exercise to take inventory of our thoughts and categorize them under the headings listed above. How much of my time do I spend thinking about things in the categories Paul spelled out? Paul went on to say, “But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” (v. 8) Add those kinds of thoughts and practices to your categories as well. To do that would make me cry out, O Lord! Save me, for I am a sinful man!!!
The Jesuits have an Ignatian practice called Examen. The Examen is a technique of prayerful reflection on the events of the day in order to detect God's presence. It is also an exercise in how I responded to these events to see how I reacted. I think Paul would have nodded approval to Examen or something like it. I think we’d all benefit from regularly taking the time before God to honestly identify our weak spots and confess them before Him that we know they’re there, and seek His power and presence to overcome them. Superhuman strength is required to kill whatever belongs to our earthly nature.
Father in Heaven,
You are my Source and Strength and I need You now. I ask You to strengthen me as I crucify all that is within me that smacks of my earthly nature. I ask for courage to honestly and humbly review the day previous, carefully identifying every area of my earthly reactions and responses. Help me to draw close to You confessing where I’ve failed, and finding strength in You to carry on in the process of putting it all to death. With my cross I pray – amen…
Thursday, June 16, 2011
My Place and My Priorities
6.16.2011
1 Kings 19:13 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” NIV
In a time when Israel had left God, there was one man who stood in the gap for them: Elijah. Elijah lived a faithful but confrontational life as he stood against the evil in his nation fueled by the lifestyles of Israel’s king (Ahab) and his wicked bride (Jezebel). Elijah mourned that his people, God’s people, had left their love for God, and now worshiped Baal – a pagan god of fertility.
Elijah confronted the leadership of Ahab and in doing so received a death threat from queen Jezebel. When this happened Elijah fled for his life and ended up at Mt. Horeb (Sinai) on the Arabian Peninsula. When he got there, tired, confused, depressed, and afraid, God appeared to him and asked, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” A simple question demanding a very truthful response.
Today, where are you, and what are you doing there? Are you serving God? Are you zealous for righteousness and God’s people? What are you doing there? Are you being effective in what God has called you to do? Or do you feel alone, confused, depressed, and afraid? God’s question to Elijah was partly, where are you but also, why are you where you are? God had work for Elijah to do and if Elijah mourned for God’s people, imagine how God felt about them as they substituted the Real Deal for a sham… Now was not the time for Elijah to throw a pity party.
Ministry is tough and tiring but so is plain old everyday life. If I’m to spend my energy and effort living and getting tired in the process, I ought to at least consider to what am I giving all of my energy and effort. This passage makes me think about my place and my priorities today. Am I living a life for God with all of its pressures and stress – or just living for myself pretending that my pressures and stresses aren’t taking a toll on me? What are you doing here, child?
Father in Heaven,
You know where I am but You ask me, how I am. Father, today I ask for strength to live as You direct and to beware of wasting my life trying to manage just my own situation and circumstances. Help me to live wholly and solely for You – amen.
1 Kings 19:13 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” NIV
In a time when Israel had left God, there was one man who stood in the gap for them: Elijah. Elijah lived a faithful but confrontational life as he stood against the evil in his nation fueled by the lifestyles of Israel’s king (Ahab) and his wicked bride (Jezebel). Elijah mourned that his people, God’s people, had left their love for God, and now worshiped Baal – a pagan god of fertility.
Elijah confronted the leadership of Ahab and in doing so received a death threat from queen Jezebel. When this happened Elijah fled for his life and ended up at Mt. Horeb (Sinai) on the Arabian Peninsula. When he got there, tired, confused, depressed, and afraid, God appeared to him and asked, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” A simple question demanding a very truthful response.
Today, where are you, and what are you doing there? Are you serving God? Are you zealous for righteousness and God’s people? What are you doing there? Are you being effective in what God has called you to do? Or do you feel alone, confused, depressed, and afraid? God’s question to Elijah was partly, where are you but also, why are you where you are? God had work for Elijah to do and if Elijah mourned for God’s people, imagine how God felt about them as they substituted the Real Deal for a sham… Now was not the time for Elijah to throw a pity party.
Ministry is tough and tiring but so is plain old everyday life. If I’m to spend my energy and effort living and getting tired in the process, I ought to at least consider to what am I giving all of my energy and effort. This passage makes me think about my place and my priorities today. Am I living a life for God with all of its pressures and stress – or just living for myself pretending that my pressures and stresses aren’t taking a toll on me? What are you doing here, child?
Father in Heaven,
You know where I am but You ask me, how I am. Father, today I ask for strength to live as You direct and to beware of wasting my life trying to manage just my own situation and circumstances. Help me to live wholly and solely for You – amen.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Present Hope Future Glory
6.15.2011
Colossians 1:27 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. NIV
Paul speaks of a thing called a mystery; it’s simply an unknown. It’s not that it’s unknowable – it’s just that it’s unknown. When Jesus ascended He told His disciples, “…Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Mt 28:19-20 NIV) Jesus was telling His people, “Go tell them about Me and invite them to live the rest of their lives getting to know Me – that’s to be your job until you die.”
In the verses just before Colossians 1.27 Paul said, “I have become [the Church’s] servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.” (Col 1:25-26 NIV) Paul calls the Word of God the Mystery. Again, it’s not unknowable, it’s simply unknown – but not to all; only the church has received the mystery. The church is supposed to tell everybody else.
The mystery is this: Christ in [us] the hope of glory. We could say Christ is for us and He certainly is – Jesus is for us. But the difference is Christ in [us] the hope of glory. Not only is Jesus our God and Savior, He has chosen to live by His Spirit within us. And because in us is where He has purposed to dwell, then we have the hope of glory in the future and the promise of glory right now in the present. God’s hope and promises are as good as the real thing because they never fail or disappoint.
Today, my faith is built upon Christ in me, my Hope of glory. And glory is where everything good (according to heaven’s standard) is… I didn’t built that faith today, it was given to me a long time ago. The hope is the foundation upon which I live today in Him. And it isn’t just the hope, it’s also my hope of being with Him forever and everything else heaven has to offer.
Father in Heaven,
Today, may I be a teller of the hope of glory and the answer to every human dilemma known to man: Christ in me, the hope of glory. Today, I walk and live with Christ in me – He’s not somewhere else; and may the radiance of His present glory point to a future glory that all may see – I pray in His Name.
Colossians 1:27 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. NIV
Paul speaks of a thing called a mystery; it’s simply an unknown. It’s not that it’s unknowable – it’s just that it’s unknown. When Jesus ascended He told His disciples, “…Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Mt 28:19-20 NIV) Jesus was telling His people, “Go tell them about Me and invite them to live the rest of their lives getting to know Me – that’s to be your job until you die.”
In the verses just before Colossians 1.27 Paul said, “I have become [the Church’s] servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.” (Col 1:25-26 NIV) Paul calls the Word of God the Mystery. Again, it’s not unknowable, it’s simply unknown – but not to all; only the church has received the mystery. The church is supposed to tell everybody else.
The mystery is this: Christ in [us] the hope of glory. We could say Christ is for us and He certainly is – Jesus is for us. But the difference is Christ in [us] the hope of glory. Not only is Jesus our God and Savior, He has chosen to live by His Spirit within us. And because in us is where He has purposed to dwell, then we have the hope of glory in the future and the promise of glory right now in the present. God’s hope and promises are as good as the real thing because they never fail or disappoint.
Today, my faith is built upon Christ in me, my Hope of glory. And glory is where everything good (according to heaven’s standard) is… I didn’t built that faith today, it was given to me a long time ago. The hope is the foundation upon which I live today in Him. And it isn’t just the hope, it’s also my hope of being with Him forever and everything else heaven has to offer.
Father in Heaven,
Today, may I be a teller of the hope of glory and the answer to every human dilemma known to man: Christ in me, the hope of glory. Today, I walk and live with Christ in me – He’s not somewhere else; and may the radiance of His present glory point to a future glory that all may see – I pray in His Name.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
A King’s Prayer
6.14.2011
2 Chronicles 14:11 11 Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, “Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. O Lord, you are our God; do not let man prevail against you.” NIV
There are a few prayers in Scripture that get my attention – above is one. God said to Solomon, “If My people… pray…then I will hear…forgive…and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7.14) God’s people must pray. And God’s leaders must pray – but God’s leaders must pray from hearts that fully follow Him.
Asa was a godly king, he served the Lord with all of his heart – at least for a season. And this prayer of his is an example and reminder to us today that the battle is not against flesh and blood or even against us; the battle is against the Lord – and those who stand on His side.
God said to Solomon, “If My people…will humble themselves…” (see 2 Chronicles 7.12ff) humility is the prerequisite to prayer. A king cannot pray godly prayers without God. People cannot pray godly prayers without God. I don’t think for a minute that the United States of America is a godly nation but I do think God is looking for godly people who will humble themselves and pray prayers like Asa prayed. And I think when they do the reciprocal effect is the healing of our land.
Asa’s prayer is one worth praying this week in any trying circumstance we find ourselves. There is no One like God who helps the powerless against the mighty. But it’s belief in God that makes the difference in how we pray and what we say. May our prayers be like Asa’s this day…
Father in Heaven,
Lord, there is no one like You to help me against (fill in the blank). Help me, O Lord my God, for I rely on You, and in Your name I have come against (fill in the blank). O Lord, You are my God; do not let (fill in the blank) prevail against You.” I pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
2 Chronicles 14:11 11 Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, “Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. O Lord, you are our God; do not let man prevail against you.” NIV
There are a few prayers in Scripture that get my attention – above is one. God said to Solomon, “If My people… pray…then I will hear…forgive…and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7.14) God’s people must pray. And God’s leaders must pray – but God’s leaders must pray from hearts that fully follow Him.
Asa was a godly king, he served the Lord with all of his heart – at least for a season. And this prayer of his is an example and reminder to us today that the battle is not against flesh and blood or even against us; the battle is against the Lord – and those who stand on His side.
God said to Solomon, “If My people…will humble themselves…” (see 2 Chronicles 7.12ff) humility is the prerequisite to prayer. A king cannot pray godly prayers without God. People cannot pray godly prayers without God. I don’t think for a minute that the United States of America is a godly nation but I do think God is looking for godly people who will humble themselves and pray prayers like Asa prayed. And I think when they do the reciprocal effect is the healing of our land.
Asa’s prayer is one worth praying this week in any trying circumstance we find ourselves. There is no One like God who helps the powerless against the mighty. But it’s belief in God that makes the difference in how we pray and what we say. May our prayers be like Asa’s this day…
Father in Heaven,
Lord, there is no one like You to help me against (fill in the blank). Help me, O Lord my God, for I rely on You, and in Your name I have come against (fill in the blank). O Lord, You are my God; do not let (fill in the blank) prevail against You.” I pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
His Doing
6.12.2011
1 Kings 12:24 24 ‘This is what the Lord says: Do not go up to fight against your brothers, the Israelites. Go home, every one of you, for this is my doing.’ ” So they obeyed the word of the Lord and went home again, as the Lord had ordered. NIV
In 1 Kings 11.29–40, is the story of Abijah the prophet giving Jeroboam God’s directive that he, Jeroboam, would take 10 of the tribes of Israel and become their king. After Solomon died, his son Rehoboam ascended to the throne to take the leadership of the whole nation. But because he was a spoiled rich kid, he lacked the wisdom to win the nation’s heart to himself and subsequently lost the loyalty of the 10 northern tribes who seceded from the nation and went to be the subjects of Jeroboam (as was prophesied in 1 Kings.29-40).
Rehoboam, like every king would be, was angry that he lost what he lost, so he set out to recapture Israel and force them to become his subjects but God said through Shemaiah the man of God (another prophet), ‘Do not go up to fight against your brothers, the Israelites. Go home, every one of you, for this is my doing.’ Whenever I read this I think of the magnitude of two things: 1. that God always does what He says, and 2. God is the One who does it; it is His doing. When we think of God’s involvement in our lives, we’d best remember to filter our lives, and live our lives, by the brilliant light of God’s word… where every prophecy comes true…always. God isn’t saying one thing and doing another – God is saying what He’ll do and doing what He says; it is His doing.
Think about the events and circumstances of your life and factor in God who said through the Apostle Paul: ‘From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ (Acts 17:26-28 NIV) If that’s the case, then we need to remember where God is and what God is doing in our everyday lives.
Father God,
Just because You set the boundaries and circumstances of our lives in Your infinite wisdom doesn’t mean everything that happens to us is only Your doing –it means You are involved because You’ve said You are involved and You love us so that we will somehow in return love You and become Your friends. Help me to live wisely and to factor You into my everyday life so that I may know that Your doing is for my best that I may have all of You forever – amen.
1 Kings 12:24 24 ‘This is what the Lord says: Do not go up to fight against your brothers, the Israelites. Go home, every one of you, for this is my doing.’ ” So they obeyed the word of the Lord and went home again, as the Lord had ordered. NIV
In 1 Kings 11.29–40, is the story of Abijah the prophet giving Jeroboam God’s directive that he, Jeroboam, would take 10 of the tribes of Israel and become their king. After Solomon died, his son Rehoboam ascended to the throne to take the leadership of the whole nation. But because he was a spoiled rich kid, he lacked the wisdom to win the nation’s heart to himself and subsequently lost the loyalty of the 10 northern tribes who seceded from the nation and went to be the subjects of Jeroboam (as was prophesied in 1 Kings.29-40).
Rehoboam, like every king would be, was angry that he lost what he lost, so he set out to recapture Israel and force them to become his subjects but God said through Shemaiah the man of God (another prophet), ‘Do not go up to fight against your brothers, the Israelites. Go home, every one of you, for this is my doing.’ Whenever I read this I think of the magnitude of two things: 1. that God always does what He says, and 2. God is the One who does it; it is His doing. When we think of God’s involvement in our lives, we’d best remember to filter our lives, and live our lives, by the brilliant light of God’s word… where every prophecy comes true…always. God isn’t saying one thing and doing another – God is saying what He’ll do and doing what He says; it is His doing.
Think about the events and circumstances of your life and factor in God who said through the Apostle Paul: ‘From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ (Acts 17:26-28 NIV) If that’s the case, then we need to remember where God is and what God is doing in our everyday lives.
Father God,
Just because You set the boundaries and circumstances of our lives in Your infinite wisdom doesn’t mean everything that happens to us is only Your doing –it means You are involved because You’ve said You are involved and You love us so that we will somehow in return love You and become Your friends. Help me to live wisely and to factor You into my everyday life so that I may know that Your doing is for my best that I may have all of You forever – amen.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
More of You
6.11.2011
Philippians 1:9-11 9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. NIV
I don’t think there is one prayer in the New Testament offered for more riches. I don’t think there is one prayer offered in all of Scripture for the overthrow of the government, or for a bigger house, or for the success of any sports team. I do see prayer after prayer offered to God for more of Him.
Paul said, “And this is my prayer…” and he prayed for love to abound in knowledge and insight. He prayed that they would be able to properly discern what is best in order to be pure and blameless until the day of Christ. He prayed that the fruit of righteousness be abundant and plentiful to the glory and praise of God. Not once did he pray for health, wealth, or prosperity. The solution to all our problems in life (if they are indeed problems) is God Himself. What happens to us in life is probably more about learning lessons and growing in our faith than it is about having more money, time, and stuff.
As I read Paul’s prayers, I must guard my thoughts against the pull of the temporal – i.e. the stuff that is of little and decreasing value. Yes, there are things in this world that capture my attention and play upon my desire, but until I am willing to lay all of those things aside and crave only God, even my desires will be of little and decreasing value.
My prayers for you, me, or anyone else, is that we all come to know God more and more. Until my prayers become like Paul’s I think I’ll make little progress. Regardless of position, power, and possessions, unless I pray for more of God, I’m sort of wasting my time.
Father in Heaven,
You know that most of my issues in life have been as a result of asking You for more stuff rather than asking You for more of You. I know now that the end of my issues is asking You for more of You and less of me and the desires I have for more stuff. So my prayer today is for more of You in order that more of You will crowd out more of me and that I may discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ – in His Name I pray, amen.
Philippians 1:9-11 9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. NIV
I don’t think there is one prayer in the New Testament offered for more riches. I don’t think there is one prayer offered in all of Scripture for the overthrow of the government, or for a bigger house, or for the success of any sports team. I do see prayer after prayer offered to God for more of Him.
Paul said, “And this is my prayer…” and he prayed for love to abound in knowledge and insight. He prayed that they would be able to properly discern what is best in order to be pure and blameless until the day of Christ. He prayed that the fruit of righteousness be abundant and plentiful to the glory and praise of God. Not once did he pray for health, wealth, or prosperity. The solution to all our problems in life (if they are indeed problems) is God Himself. What happens to us in life is probably more about learning lessons and growing in our faith than it is about having more money, time, and stuff.
As I read Paul’s prayers, I must guard my thoughts against the pull of the temporal – i.e. the stuff that is of little and decreasing value. Yes, there are things in this world that capture my attention and play upon my desire, but until I am willing to lay all of those things aside and crave only God, even my desires will be of little and decreasing value.
My prayers for you, me, or anyone else, is that we all come to know God more and more. Until my prayers become like Paul’s I think I’ll make little progress. Regardless of position, power, and possessions, unless I pray for more of God, I’m sort of wasting my time.
Father in Heaven,
You know that most of my issues in life have been as a result of asking You for more stuff rather than asking You for more of You. I know now that the end of my issues is asking You for more of You and less of me and the desires I have for more stuff. So my prayer today is for more of You in order that more of You will crowd out more of me and that I may discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ – in His Name I pray, amen.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Fully Prepared
6.10.2011
Ephesians 6:11 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. NIV
There’s no sense in going into battle (something I’ve never done militarily) without being fully prepared. There is no sense in using money if counterfeit currency cannot be recognized. There is no sense in trying to withstand an enemy without the wherewithal to actually stand firm. This is what Paul is saying in Ephesians 6 – put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes; it’ so important that he says it twice.
Not only am I to put on the armor, I’m to use it, and know how to use it. That’s discipleship. There is also no sense in putting off the battle until tomorrow. That’s apathy. The schemes of the devil are real and they are intentionally employed to attack my faith, my witness, and my effectiveness. And the schemes are relentless, therefore, put on the full armor of God – even the pieces that may seem a bit uncomfortable or cumbersome or the ones that chafe.
Fully prepared, I am to go into battle today. I am to approach the rest of this day in faith, but in somberness knowing that at any moment I will be attacked, and that around every corner is a scheme or a trap designed to take me down. So, I am to approach this day humbly knowing that I am to put on the armor and walk in submission to the Lord trusting in His mighty power and the armor He’s supplied that I may be aware, equipped, and able to take my stand in the moments of battle I’ll encounter today.
Some of those battles will be so intensely subtle that without being faithfully alert, they’ll escape my attention… like the battles of distraction. I must keep my eyes open to what is really happening around me and beware of those things that lull me into complacency or divert my attention away to myself. That one is hard because the yard needs mowed, that laundry needs done; and the bills need paid. But those things, as important as they are, cannot be a replacement for taking my stand in the Lord. I have to learn to multi-task – one hand on my sword and the other “placing the brick.”
Father in Heaven,
You know my weaknesses and the areas of my life that require more spiritual attention. I pray for Your help if putting on the armor and fighting the battle effectively. Help me to put on and keep on the full armor that I may take my stand – and having done all to stand. Through Jesus Christ, amen.
Ephesians 6:11 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. NIV
There’s no sense in going into battle (something I’ve never done militarily) without being fully prepared. There is no sense in using money if counterfeit currency cannot be recognized. There is no sense in trying to withstand an enemy without the wherewithal to actually stand firm. This is what Paul is saying in Ephesians 6 – put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes; it’ so important that he says it twice.
Not only am I to put on the armor, I’m to use it, and know how to use it. That’s discipleship. There is also no sense in putting off the battle until tomorrow. That’s apathy. The schemes of the devil are real and they are intentionally employed to attack my faith, my witness, and my effectiveness. And the schemes are relentless, therefore, put on the full armor of God – even the pieces that may seem a bit uncomfortable or cumbersome or the ones that chafe.
Fully prepared, I am to go into battle today. I am to approach the rest of this day in faith, but in somberness knowing that at any moment I will be attacked, and that around every corner is a scheme or a trap designed to take me down. So, I am to approach this day humbly knowing that I am to put on the armor and walk in submission to the Lord trusting in His mighty power and the armor He’s supplied that I may be aware, equipped, and able to take my stand in the moments of battle I’ll encounter today.
Some of those battles will be so intensely subtle that without being faithfully alert, they’ll escape my attention… like the battles of distraction. I must keep my eyes open to what is really happening around me and beware of those things that lull me into complacency or divert my attention away to myself. That one is hard because the yard needs mowed, that laundry needs done; and the bills need paid. But those things, as important as they are, cannot be a replacement for taking my stand in the Lord. I have to learn to multi-task – one hand on my sword and the other “placing the brick.”
Father in Heaven,
You know my weaknesses and the areas of my life that require more spiritual attention. I pray for Your help if putting on the armor and fighting the battle effectively. Help me to put on and keep on the full armor that I may take my stand – and having done all to stand. Through Jesus Christ, amen.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
What is Love Anyway?
6.9.2011
Ephesians 5:1-2 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. NIV
The writer of Psalm 94 wrote: When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your love, O Lord, supported me. (Ps. 94:18 NIV) In the history of gods, which one, other than the true and living God, ever showed love to the devotees? The short answer is none.
What is love anyway? Some would call it a strong emotion. Some would say it’s romance. Some would say it’s the capacity to always put someone else’s welfare ahead of our own. Some would say it is strong affection. Whatever it is, love has no place is religion but is always found through relationship. That’s the difference.
What caught my attention today is the statement in Psalm 94 about love – specifically God’s love; God’s love supported the slipping. Why not just let the slipping slip and learn his lesson the hard way? I dunno; that may be the mystery of love that says, I’ll love you even in the hard times – my care for you transcends your penchant for selfishness and stupidity. That sure doesn’t come from gods of our own making…
Paul urged the Ephesians (directly, and us indirectly) to imitate God – the God of love; and to live a life of love just as Christ loved and sacrificed Himself for us. So, maybe love is the act of selflessly giving of oneself for another – for the welfare of others – at whatever the cost. And maybe that’s what Paul was trying to teach us that love is greater in our giving it away, than it is in our receiving.
The only way for me to give love, is to know love; and to know the Source of love: the God of love. Love is counterintuitive and is only consummated in me through acts of sacrifice – both great (occasionally) but mostly consistently through small – small acts of selflessness incessantly given for the benefit of others. Doing what God does.
Father in Heaven,
Today, I am Yours; and I pray to be a channel, not of my own love but, of Your love, through me, as I imitate You, and celebrate Your presence in me – through Christ, amen.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
That Is Why It Says
6.8.2011
Ephesians 4:8 8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.”
The Bible is all about Jesus Christ; He is the Overarching Subject of the whole of the Scriptures. When Paul was ministering, there was no such thing as the Old Testament (nor was there such thing as the New Testament); all there was, was the Scriptures; and those Scriptures we about Jesus Christ. God never intended to just let the thing play out (the fall, redemption, etc.) without being a Major Player. He is the Major Player. God is the Most Valuable Player because without Him none of us would play at all!
I digress. The Old Testament is interpreted in and through the New – that is why Paul said, “This is why it (the Scripture) says…” In modern America we might not readily identify with his statement, “When He ascended on high, He led captives in His train and gave gifts to men.” I haven’t the time or space today to go into all that but I can say that this Old Testament statement is interpreted by Paul, in what would become the New Testament.
If we focus on verse 7 of Ephesians 4, then we understand where Paul was going and what he meant by what he wrote: But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. (Eph 4:7 NIV) When we realize this, we realize that we all are players in God’s plan. The Old and New Testaments are about Jesus Christ and the Old is interpreted by the New (or at least given clarity); and Paul said we are all given a measure of grace (favor and enablement) by Jesus Christ in order to accomplish God’s plan of redeeming the world to Himself.
So the bottom line is we need the New Testament to open our minds to what was said in the Old; and to remember that New or Old, we are all given gifts by Jesus Christ to use as members of His family and His Team (if we want to borrow a more modern term.) Teams are not families – but they can be. Families are not teams; but the can be! And God has chosen for those who believe to be equipped to share His message through their lives and lifestyles and to accomplish His will on earth – that is why it says…
Father in Heaven,
You have a plan and a purpose to everything in my life. You have invited me to be participant in all You do. Help me God to get it, that not one thing in my life is overlooked or unimportant. Help me to serve You readily right where I am and to rejoice in all You are doing in me with the gifts You’ve given – through Christ, amen.
Ephesians 4:8 8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.”
The Bible is all about Jesus Christ; He is the Overarching Subject of the whole of the Scriptures. When Paul was ministering, there was no such thing as the Old Testament (nor was there such thing as the New Testament); all there was, was the Scriptures; and those Scriptures we about Jesus Christ. God never intended to just let the thing play out (the fall, redemption, etc.) without being a Major Player. He is the Major Player. God is the Most Valuable Player because without Him none of us would play at all!
I digress. The Old Testament is interpreted in and through the New – that is why Paul said, “This is why it (the Scripture) says…” In modern America we might not readily identify with his statement, “When He ascended on high, He led captives in His train and gave gifts to men.” I haven’t the time or space today to go into all that but I can say that this Old Testament statement is interpreted by Paul, in what would become the New Testament.
If we focus on verse 7 of Ephesians 4, then we understand where Paul was going and what he meant by what he wrote: But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. (Eph 4:7 NIV) When we realize this, we realize that we all are players in God’s plan. The Old and New Testaments are about Jesus Christ and the Old is interpreted by the New (or at least given clarity); and Paul said we are all given a measure of grace (favor and enablement) by Jesus Christ in order to accomplish God’s plan of redeeming the world to Himself.
So the bottom line is we need the New Testament to open our minds to what was said in the Old; and to remember that New or Old, we are all given gifts by Jesus Christ to use as members of His family and His Team (if we want to borrow a more modern term.) Teams are not families – but they can be. Families are not teams; but the can be! And God has chosen for those who believe to be equipped to share His message through their lives and lifestyles and to accomplish His will on earth – that is why it says…
Father in Heaven,
You have a plan and a purpose to everything in my life. You have invited me to be participant in all You do. Help me God to get it, that not one thing in my life is overlooked or unimportant. Help me to serve You readily right where I am and to rejoice in all You are doing in me with the gifts You’ve given – through Christ, amen.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The Freedom to Go
6.7.2011
Ephesians 3:12 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. NIV
The Ephesians were (apparently) confused by Paul’s imprisonment and difficulties. They (apparently) reasoned that it was either, his faulty faith, or theirs, that was causing the problem. What Paul did for them was to encourage them to remember that by God, for God, and through God are all things; and that in Him and though Him we have the freedom and confidence to go to God and deal with them.
It is often confusing to people that they go through such difficulties or trials or circumstances wondering what (and why whatever) is happening to them. Such is the case of anyone who misunderstands what God is asking of them, and what God is attempting to accomplish in them. We would truly marvel if we could see what God sees. But until we do we need to accept by faith, and continue to live by faith, that it’s true.
Stuff happens; it happens to believers and unbelievers alike. But the one thing the believer is assured of: freedom and confidence to go to God with such things and to freely find comfort and peace with Him.
That is why Paul said this in Ephesians 3.14 and following: “For this reason… I pray…” What reason? The reason we have, in Christ and through faith in Him, freedom and confidence to approach God with all of our issues. Paul’s prayer was that they would get the meaning of how important freedom and confidence are to the human heart. Paul prayed that they would receive true spiritual resources to enable them to encompass in their hearts, “…how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” In light of all that what else matters?
Father God,
May I know it; and may I receive all I need from You to know it and know it good… through Jesus – amen.
The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (Eph 3:18-19). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
Ephesians 3:12 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. NIV
The Ephesians were (apparently) confused by Paul’s imprisonment and difficulties. They (apparently) reasoned that it was either, his faulty faith, or theirs, that was causing the problem. What Paul did for them was to encourage them to remember that by God, for God, and through God are all things; and that in Him and though Him we have the freedom and confidence to go to God and deal with them.
It is often confusing to people that they go through such difficulties or trials or circumstances wondering what (and why whatever) is happening to them. Such is the case of anyone who misunderstands what God is asking of them, and what God is attempting to accomplish in them. We would truly marvel if we could see what God sees. But until we do we need to accept by faith, and continue to live by faith, that it’s true.
Stuff happens; it happens to believers and unbelievers alike. But the one thing the believer is assured of: freedom and confidence to go to God with such things and to freely find comfort and peace with Him.
That is why Paul said this in Ephesians 3.14 and following: “For this reason… I pray…” What reason? The reason we have, in Christ and through faith in Him, freedom and confidence to approach God with all of our issues. Paul’s prayer was that they would get the meaning of how important freedom and confidence are to the human heart. Paul prayed that they would receive true spiritual resources to enable them to encompass in their hearts, “…how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” In light of all that what else matters?
Father God,
May I know it; and may I receive all I need from You to know it and know it good… through Jesus – amen.
The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (Eph 3:18-19). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
Monday, June 6, 2011
The Meaning of Life
6.6.2011
Ecclesiastes 3:22 22 So I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?
When I read Ecclesiastes I get a sense of one who craves more but is frustrated at times that there appears to be nothing more. For Solomon to make the assumption that there is nothing better to do except enjoy our lot in life is to my thinking, leaving out a lot. Paul said in his first letter to the Corinthians, “Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.” (1 Corintians 7:17 NIV) So from this, I learn that I’m to bloom where I’m planted.
Solomon’s implication is that this is all there is… and Paul says, seek the Lord, learn from the Lord, and serve the Lord wherever you find yourself – in whatever condition you find yourself. He does say, (if you are enslaved but can gain your freedom, try to do so (1 Corinthians 17.21)). But the bottom line for Paul is for us to be with the Lord and allow Him to be with us in all we do. And there we find satisfaction in life.
Solomon found emptiness in having all his heart desired. Paul found satisfaction in gaining Christ Who gave him the purpose and meaning in life that Solomon, for whatever reason, could not attain.
So where does this leave me – how am I to approach the meaning of life? Well, I think I’m left with one option: follow Christ and find my meaning and purpose in life by telling others about Him. Jesus summed up the meaning in life well when He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Mt 28:18-20) That’s worth living for!
Father in Heaven,
May I go and make disciples, and be about making disciples this day – in Your Name, amen.
Ecclesiastes 3:22 22 So I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?
When I read Ecclesiastes I get a sense of one who craves more but is frustrated at times that there appears to be nothing more. For Solomon to make the assumption that there is nothing better to do except enjoy our lot in life is to my thinking, leaving out a lot. Paul said in his first letter to the Corinthians, “Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.” (1 Corintians 7:17 NIV) So from this, I learn that I’m to bloom where I’m planted.
Solomon’s implication is that this is all there is… and Paul says, seek the Lord, learn from the Lord, and serve the Lord wherever you find yourself – in whatever condition you find yourself. He does say, (if you are enslaved but can gain your freedom, try to do so (1 Corinthians 17.21)). But the bottom line for Paul is for us to be with the Lord and allow Him to be with us in all we do. And there we find satisfaction in life.
Solomon found emptiness in having all his heart desired. Paul found satisfaction in gaining Christ Who gave him the purpose and meaning in life that Solomon, for whatever reason, could not attain.
So where does this leave me – how am I to approach the meaning of life? Well, I think I’m left with one option: follow Christ and find my meaning and purpose in life by telling others about Him. Jesus summed up the meaning in life well when He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Mt 28:18-20) That’s worth living for!
Father in Heaven,
May I go and make disciples, and be about making disciples this day – in Your Name, amen.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
True Strength
6.5.2011
Ephesians 1:19b b That power is like the working of his mighty strength... NIV
Unfortunately for many today, Hollyweird has robbed them of the meaning of true strength. The phrase above in its context is this: "...and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms..." (Eph 1:19-20 NIV) God’s strength is different than man’s strength. God can become a man; God can raise the dead; God can speak and it comes to be (Cf. Psalm 33.9).
I used to think that this verse (or fragment of a sentence) was saying God exerted mighty strength in the way a strong man would lift weights or the front end of a small car – muscles bulging and veins popping – sweat shooting from His pores. God’s strength is not man’s strength and God can never bust a sweat because though His strength is routinely manifest in the physical, it isn’t physical. God’s power is of the magnitude of helping a sinner find grace and repentance and follow after Him in belief. If that ain’t power, I don’t know what is… God’s strength causes a man to praise and glorify Him as his lowly body is being ripped apart by wild beasts or man’s bullets.
When God called Jesus back from the dead, He exerted His power in one simple command, “Come! My Son, Your work is done!” It was that simple. When God exerts, He simply wills it to be and it is… no more argument, no more resistance.
God’s mighty strength is at work in us who believe. His power to overcome our wills is at work in us at this very moment. Many are the thoughts of men but God overcomes them all. Strong indeed is the freewill of man but God’s love is more powerful even though He Himself respects freewill. God is at work in us despite whatever our freewill does or doesn’t do. That’s power!
The most amazing thing to me, a piece of a fleck of dust, is that God’s power is humble. That is so unnatural to us men. In humility God exerts His power and influence over us as not to violate His respect for the human heart and the freewill of man. Somehow that power accomplishes His will and leaves ours intact – wow!
Father in Heaven,
Your power causes me to cry out, Have Your own way God – do what You will with me and within me! May that same resurrection power that causes the dead to live, swell within my heart, and cause me to seek You alone with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength – through Jesus, amen!
Ephesians 1:19b b That power is like the working of his mighty strength... NIV
Unfortunately for many today, Hollyweird has robbed them of the meaning of true strength. The phrase above in its context is this: "...and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms..." (Eph 1:19-20 NIV) God’s strength is different than man’s strength. God can become a man; God can raise the dead; God can speak and it comes to be (Cf. Psalm 33.9).
I used to think that this verse (or fragment of a sentence) was saying God exerted mighty strength in the way a strong man would lift weights or the front end of a small car – muscles bulging and veins popping – sweat shooting from His pores. God’s strength is not man’s strength and God can never bust a sweat because though His strength is routinely manifest in the physical, it isn’t physical. God’s power is of the magnitude of helping a sinner find grace and repentance and follow after Him in belief. If that ain’t power, I don’t know what is… God’s strength causes a man to praise and glorify Him as his lowly body is being ripped apart by wild beasts or man’s bullets.
When God called Jesus back from the dead, He exerted His power in one simple command, “Come! My Son, Your work is done!” It was that simple. When God exerts, He simply wills it to be and it is… no more argument, no more resistance.
God’s mighty strength is at work in us who believe. His power to overcome our wills is at work in us at this very moment. Many are the thoughts of men but God overcomes them all. Strong indeed is the freewill of man but God’s love is more powerful even though He Himself respects freewill. God is at work in us despite whatever our freewill does or doesn’t do. That’s power!
The most amazing thing to me, a piece of a fleck of dust, is that God’s power is humble. That is so unnatural to us men. In humility God exerts His power and influence over us as not to violate His respect for the human heart and the freewill of man. Somehow that power accomplishes His will and leaves ours intact – wow!
Father in Heaven,
Your power causes me to cry out, Have Your own way God – do what You will with me and within me! May that same resurrection power that causes the dead to live, swell within my heart, and cause me to seek You alone with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength – through Jesus, amen!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
With Whom I Converse
6.4.2011
Proverbs 29:26 26 Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the Lord that man gets justice. NIV
Oh, if only I could go and address a joint session of congress and the president – boy, I’d give them a piece of my mind! How many of us have longed to do such a thing. These days I think there are many more who’d like a shot at correcting this band of politicians who seem hell-bent on totally ruling our every move and thought. I’d like to address the situation – fool that I am to think those who have utterly no respect for me would stop long enough to listen to what a little peep like me would have to say.
So as I read this, I thought, hmmm, God almighty listens to my prayers; and through His apostle Paul He said, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior...” (1 Ti 2:1-3 NIV) Prayer pleases God and prayer offered in faith is something that God loves.
Do we think for a minute that any of that bunch of weenies in Washington really cares anything about any of us? Do we think God does? Our problem is, as Americans, we think our troubles are solved politically. David said, in Psalm 60, “…for the help of man is worthless…” not just unreliable, totally worthless. And yet we seem to pay more attention to our voting rights than to the words of David. There is more spiritual power in one present-day praying church than all of the Federal Government combined since its inception. Do we believe that? And are we going to try to use our spiritual power to accomplish affluence and apathy? The population in hell grows every moment of every day…
Friends, I repent of thinking I can make a difference in Washington by joining that crowd of losers who think all of our problems are to be corrected politically. Many seek an audience with the boss neglecting to realize that God is the Only One who cares and can do anything at all about all of our problems. My response is to pray! I get to choose where and when and with Who I have my conversations.
Father in Heaven,
You know every political thought I’ve ever had. I’m sorry I’ve had them. Voting is a right that I am blessed with but prayer and prayer for my leaders and my country is what pleases You. May I please You with my thoughts and may they be godly and un-political – God I trust in You! Amen.
Proverbs 29:26 26 Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the Lord that man gets justice. NIV
Oh, if only I could go and address a joint session of congress and the president – boy, I’d give them a piece of my mind! How many of us have longed to do such a thing. These days I think there are many more who’d like a shot at correcting this band of politicians who seem hell-bent on totally ruling our every move and thought. I’d like to address the situation – fool that I am to think those who have utterly no respect for me would stop long enough to listen to what a little peep like me would have to say.
So as I read this, I thought, hmmm, God almighty listens to my prayers; and through His apostle Paul He said, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior...” (1 Ti 2:1-3 NIV) Prayer pleases God and prayer offered in faith is something that God loves.
Do we think for a minute that any of that bunch of weenies in Washington really cares anything about any of us? Do we think God does? Our problem is, as Americans, we think our troubles are solved politically. David said, in Psalm 60, “…for the help of man is worthless…” not just unreliable, totally worthless. And yet we seem to pay more attention to our voting rights than to the words of David. There is more spiritual power in one present-day praying church than all of the Federal Government combined since its inception. Do we believe that? And are we going to try to use our spiritual power to accomplish affluence and apathy? The population in hell grows every moment of every day…
Friends, I repent of thinking I can make a difference in Washington by joining that crowd of losers who think all of our problems are to be corrected politically. Many seek an audience with the boss neglecting to realize that God is the Only One who cares and can do anything at all about all of our problems. My response is to pray! I get to choose where and when and with Who I have my conversations.
Father in Heaven,
You know every political thought I’ve ever had. I’m sorry I’ve had them. Voting is a right that I am blessed with but prayer and prayer for my leaders and my country is what pleases You. May I please You with my thoughts and may they be godly and un-political – God I trust in You! Amen.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Urged
6.3.2011
Romans 15:30-33 30 I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. 31 Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, 32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. 33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Twice in Romans, Paul urged them – Romans 12.1: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. And now at the close of his letter (see above), he urges them again, to pray.
Paul was on his way to Jerusalem to offer relief to the impoverished saints and would subsequently find himself embroiled in a death-match with the Jews who so vehemently opposed his preaching of the Gospel. In the passage above he expressed a great desire to be with the Roman believers but I don’t think he thought it would be the way it happened (Cf, Acts 21ff.)
For many, we need to be urged pray because we just don’t have the urge to pray. We kinda think that stuff will just happen and everything will be okay if God does what He does and we don’t mess up too badly. Specifically Paul’s request was for protection from the unbelievers in Judea and although he nearly lost his life in the process, he didn’t and he was, in fact, rescued. He also prayed that God’s will be accomplished in his coming to be with them and after several years of imprisonment – and a subsequent shipwreck – he made it. But he also had a visit with the Emperor of Rome to share the Gospel with him! Hmmm, go figure!
What happens when we pray? What happens when we don’t? Both are huge questions with dramatically different answers. Often when we pray all hell breaks loose; usually when we don’t things just drift along quietly and people go to hell. These days, we need hell to break loose of its grip on people, circumstances, and its incessant opposition to the truth. We are a moral mess as a nation and our kids, friends, and family members are casualties in the chaos – we need to pray. And we need to urge one another to pray.
Father in Heaven,
Lord, find a praying heart within me. May I pray for others who are so oppressed by such devilish activity in their lives; and may I pray for Your truth to prevail. Paul’s prayers were answered – just not in the way he expected so may I pray with anticipation of Your answers regardless of how they come – amen.
Romans 15:30-33 30 I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. 31 Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, 32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. 33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Twice in Romans, Paul urged them – Romans 12.1: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. And now at the close of his letter (see above), he urges them again, to pray.
Paul was on his way to Jerusalem to offer relief to the impoverished saints and would subsequently find himself embroiled in a death-match with the Jews who so vehemently opposed his preaching of the Gospel. In the passage above he expressed a great desire to be with the Roman believers but I don’t think he thought it would be the way it happened (Cf, Acts 21ff.)
For many, we need to be urged pray because we just don’t have the urge to pray. We kinda think that stuff will just happen and everything will be okay if God does what He does and we don’t mess up too badly. Specifically Paul’s request was for protection from the unbelievers in Judea and although he nearly lost his life in the process, he didn’t and he was, in fact, rescued. He also prayed that God’s will be accomplished in his coming to be with them and after several years of imprisonment – and a subsequent shipwreck – he made it. But he also had a visit with the Emperor of Rome to share the Gospel with him! Hmmm, go figure!
What happens when we pray? What happens when we don’t? Both are huge questions with dramatically different answers. Often when we pray all hell breaks loose; usually when we don’t things just drift along quietly and people go to hell. These days, we need hell to break loose of its grip on people, circumstances, and its incessant opposition to the truth. We are a moral mess as a nation and our kids, friends, and family members are casualties in the chaos – we need to pray. And we need to urge one another to pray.
Father in Heaven,
Lord, find a praying heart within me. May I pray for others who are so oppressed by such devilish activity in their lives; and may I pray for Your truth to prevail. Paul’s prayers were answered – just not in the way he expected so may I pray with anticipation of Your answers regardless of how they come – amen.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Where is the Heart
6.2.2011
6 Do not eat the food of a stingy man, do not crave his delicacies; 7 for he is the kind of man who is always thinking about the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. NIV
What kind of people are we? I don’t mean are we white or black, red or yellow; I mean, what do we value? In this proverb Solomon taught that a stingy man is so because that’s all he can think about – it’s the sum total of his worldview. The King James renders this: Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. (Pr 23:6-7) As he thinketh in his heart – he ain’t thinking about his guest – he’s thinking about his money. So I ask again, what kind of people are we?
The last three days seem to have been a discussion about the heart – what it produces, what kind of heart it is, and again today, where it is. And all of these combined pretty much spell out who we are; they’re the sum on the balance sheet of who we really are…
What causes stinginess? I could be wrong but it might spring from fear – a person might be deeply afraid of not having enough (whatever that is) and clinging to every little bit they have. It could be they don’t trust people and are afraid someone’s going to rip them off. It could be that they love what money does for them and they don’t like giving it away. Who knows? I think fear is a part of it.
The thing that causes me to wonder is the part of the verse that says, but his heart is not with [you]. To which I ask, “Well if it ain’t with me, then where it!?” If someone is always only thinking about the cost (to him, NIV) then he isn’t thinking about whoever the guest is except that the guest, in his heart, is nothing more than a rodent eating away at his substance… profits… retirement… 401K… What kind of a heart is that; and who wants his food anyway if that’s how he really thinks?
As a man thinks in his heart – so is he – he is what he thinks; and he is what his thinking makes him do. Jesus said this: For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts... (Mk 7:21 NIV) I think Jesus was telling us that what we think about, and how we think, is how we direct our actions.
Jesus,
Take control Lord! Without You, I’m sunk! May I, in You, think rightly and deal generously – help me God!
6 Do not eat the food of a stingy man, do not crave his delicacies; 7 for he is the kind of man who is always thinking about the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. NIV
What kind of people are we? I don’t mean are we white or black, red or yellow; I mean, what do we value? In this proverb Solomon taught that a stingy man is so because that’s all he can think about – it’s the sum total of his worldview. The King James renders this: Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. (Pr 23:6-7) As he thinketh in his heart – he ain’t thinking about his guest – he’s thinking about his money. So I ask again, what kind of people are we?
The last three days seem to have been a discussion about the heart – what it produces, what kind of heart it is, and again today, where it is. And all of these combined pretty much spell out who we are; they’re the sum on the balance sheet of who we really are…
What causes stinginess? I could be wrong but it might spring from fear – a person might be deeply afraid of not having enough (whatever that is) and clinging to every little bit they have. It could be they don’t trust people and are afraid someone’s going to rip them off. It could be that they love what money does for them and they don’t like giving it away. Who knows? I think fear is a part of it.
The thing that causes me to wonder is the part of the verse that says, but his heart is not with [you]. To which I ask, “Well if it ain’t with me, then where it!?” If someone is always only thinking about the cost (to him, NIV) then he isn’t thinking about whoever the guest is except that the guest, in his heart, is nothing more than a rodent eating away at his substance… profits… retirement… 401K… What kind of a heart is that; and who wants his food anyway if that’s how he really thinks?
As a man thinks in his heart – so is he – he is what he thinks; and he is what his thinking makes him do. Jesus said this: For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts... (Mk 7:21 NIV) I think Jesus was telling us that what we think about, and how we think, is how we direct our actions.
Jesus,
Take control Lord! Without You, I’m sunk! May I, in You, think rightly and deal generously – help me God!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
A Different Heart
6.1.2011
Proverbs 21:2 2 All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart. NIV
Yesterday we looked at motives – the produce of the heart: All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord. (Proverbs 16:2 NIV) God sees what is generated from within our hearts and weighs it to see if there is any measure of good; or to see what the outcome of our present and future living may be. Motives are what move us to do what we do; be it a larger slice of the pie, or what have you.
Today, we see a slightly different point of view: God weighs the heart. I used to think poorly of the Proverbs. I used to think they were just a profound grasp of the obvious. I used to think they were just repetitions of the same thing (case in point above). I used to just breeze through them with the attitude of “Yeah, yeah, yeah… But these days I appreciate them for what they are: truth.
The heart generates motives. Whatever and wherever the “heart” is, it makes things. It makes us see things in a particular manner; it makes us respond in a particular way. The heart can be fooled up until the point we become unguarded, then watch out – whatever’s in there will come out. And so Proverbs 16.2 looks at the produce of the heart, and Proverbs 21.2 looks at the heart itself: its capacity for good or evil.
A faulty piece of equipment is always going to produce a faulty product; the heart is no different. God said, “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time,”… “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” (Jeremiah 31.33 NIV) The heart, the seat of our being, is where God chooses to make us different and wherever God sees a faulty heart He sees potential for everlasting change.
In Romans 13 Paul said this: The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Verse 9 NIV) If God expects that, then we have to have the capacity to do it; and the only way we can is with a different heart…
Father in Heaven,
You are in charge of production and process; You are in charge of my heart. I pray for Your touch upon the seat of my being that I may reflect Your presence and thereby ‘produce’ in Your power; all in the name of Love – Amen.
Proverbs 21:2 2 All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart. NIV
Yesterday we looked at motives – the produce of the heart: All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord. (Proverbs 16:2 NIV) God sees what is generated from within our hearts and weighs it to see if there is any measure of good; or to see what the outcome of our present and future living may be. Motives are what move us to do what we do; be it a larger slice of the pie, or what have you.
Today, we see a slightly different point of view: God weighs the heart. I used to think poorly of the Proverbs. I used to think they were just a profound grasp of the obvious. I used to think they were just repetitions of the same thing (case in point above). I used to just breeze through them with the attitude of “Yeah, yeah, yeah… But these days I appreciate them for what they are: truth.
The heart generates motives. Whatever and wherever the “heart” is, it makes things. It makes us see things in a particular manner; it makes us respond in a particular way. The heart can be fooled up until the point we become unguarded, then watch out – whatever’s in there will come out. And so Proverbs 16.2 looks at the produce of the heart, and Proverbs 21.2 looks at the heart itself: its capacity for good or evil.
A faulty piece of equipment is always going to produce a faulty product; the heart is no different. God said, “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time,”… “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” (Jeremiah 31.33 NIV) The heart, the seat of our being, is where God chooses to make us different and wherever God sees a faulty heart He sees potential for everlasting change.
In Romans 13 Paul said this: The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Verse 9 NIV) If God expects that, then we have to have the capacity to do it; and the only way we can is with a different heart…
Father in Heaven,
You are in charge of production and process; You are in charge of my heart. I pray for Your touch upon the seat of my being that I may reflect Your presence and thereby ‘produce’ in Your power; all in the name of Love – Amen.
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