Friday, June 26, 2015

What is Unseen



06.26.15

2 Corinthians 4.16-18 16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. – St. Paul to the Corinthians

This morning my devotional reading took me to the Book of Jonah; a very strange little book. The book begs more questions than it gives answers. Why did Jonah run? Why didn’t he tell the mariners what his problem was with God. Why was his life so miserable when God wouldn’t let him have his way? Jonah sounds a lot like me. Jonah, what’s wrong witchu boy?

Like everyone on the planet, Jonah was having issues – we all do in some form or other, and at some time or other in our earthly living. Issues are about as common to man as Dandelions are in the spring: they’re everywhere! It’s the job, it’s the spouse, it’s the kids, it’s my back, it’s my… We all have issues.

So, I read about clever Jonah who tries to outwit God but it doesn’t work. He convinces the sailors to pitch him overboard in a raging tempest thinking that the waves will do him in, and – problem solved. Except Jonah factored out God. (Or at least he tried too.) Running, hiding, rebelling, yelling, screaming, or scheming won’t get us away from God. Jonah found that out.

But instead of learning, Jonah decided to get angry and pout. I’m sure there is much more to the story, but the bottom line is Jonah, in my humble opinion, had a ‘tude.

The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians that though we have issues, we should be overjoyed what those issues are doing to the one who believes in God unshakable and unstoppable love for His creatures. And to the saints of God it is even more so…unless, like Jonah, we try to factor out God.

What our issues do for us (if we’ll let them) is prepare… for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. In other words, our issues are changing us in ways we cannot see but will be evident to us in glory: Oh! So that’s why that had to happen!

That may be hard for the one who is suffering. That may be hard for the broken hearted. That may be hard for the devastated. But the divine call is to see our issues for what they really are and what they’re really doing. It takes faith and courage but in the end we’ll rejoice because they end is not here – and it never ends over there.

Father in the midst of all my issues may I find courage to trust You and believe in You throughout my issues, knowing that they are preparing for [me] an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison…that sounds like something to go after… Amen.

Friday, June 19, 2015

Always Buying



06.19.15

Psalm 5.11 11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. – Of David

Sometimes, my pastor takes a little getting used to: he encourages praise and celebration of the Lord at all times for all reasons. Many in the house are less expressive than he; arms folded, somber expressions, studious, and quiet. He calls for exuberant praise and usually gets a reluctant nod…maybe.

Perhaps we need to rethink why we gather together and do this thing called, church.

I read Psalm 5.11 today. It says: let them ever sing for joy…that those who love Your name may exult in You. I thought about that and the congregations of which I have been associated over the years; there hasn’t been much visible exultation. Maybe it’s a cultural thing. Maybe people simply say: I’m exultative in my heart; in my own private moments, alone, where nobody sees.  Maybe so.

Fair enough, but why aren't we when we’re together? Why aren’t we all happy and cheerful and expressive when we are together in the assembly of the saints, in the presence of our Lord? Why the quietness – that seems to be the last thing God wants from His kids. God likes parties. We need to party together every time we assemble in His Name. We love His Name don’t we? Don’t we?

Are we afraid of looking silly? Is rejoicing, singing with joy, and exultation too much to ask? Or are our services together – our meetings – supposed to be these serious, introspective, and somber affairs? Where in Scripture are we asked to do that?

Certainly there is the mandate to be still and know that He is God. We need to do that when we’re fearful (it happens) and anxious (it happens) and confused and harried, and doubting (they happen). But being still in front of Him is humbling ourselves to let go and let God be who He is. Be anxious for nothing; peace be with you; in all things with supplication and thanksgiving, let you requests be made known to God.

I’m guilty. I’m Mr. Expressionless in church. I’m Mr. I’m-going-to-somberly-take-this-all-in-and-judge-its-merit-and-worthiness. I’m too damn proud to humble myself and look silly in front of God and everybody. I think it boils down to pride. I’m too concerned about others than I am about God. I need God; I don’t need others. I need to express my worship of God in front of others and alongside others, but only God is going to meet my needs.

I’m going to try Psalm 5.11 on for size and get used to its ill-fitting but oh so necessary covering of exuberant praise. It’s a mandate for the courageous to meet. It’s a test of where my heart really is with God, who Alone, is my All; and is bringing me safely home to a party in Heaven where there’s millions of friends, and the fun never ends, and God is always buying…

Sunday, June 14, 2015

The Thick and the Thin



06.14.15

Philippians 4.11-13 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – St. Paul to the Philippians (ESV)

A caution for Bible verse memory is to remember to consider the context in which a verse (or certain verses) is found. I memorized Philippians 4.13 back in 1983 and it has been a precious reminder to me of what is possible to the saint who understands and believes in the power, presence, and provision of Christ. But it must be considered in its context.

In the above Paul said, “…for I have learned…”. Learning is paramount in the life of the believer. We needn’t worry about the lesson, the timing, or the result; God is in charge of all that. And Paul learned to be content. Situations and circumstances had no lasting effect on this man; he gave it all over to God. Lord, if I’m to be about Your business, then I am to remember that You are in charge; and You will provide all I need. (Cf. Philippians 4.19) That confidence requires experience, trust, and thanksgiving.

Paul went on to write, “I know how…” He knew how because he experienced and went through times of abundance and times of lack. He said, “I have learned the secret of facing…" both abundance and lack; plenty and hunger: the power and presence of God. And Paul confidently wrote: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. He’d learned, he’d experienced, and he survived all because he trusted in God; in good times and not so good.

Much, or perhaps all, of our walk with the Lord boils down to trust. Do I trust God to meet all my needs – whatever, however, and how many there are? If the answer is yes, then I’m (like St. Paul) learning how to put God in charge of the things I need so that I can, in turn, focus on the things He wants me to do. God is my Paymaster; not me.

The point here is first: trusting God. The second: concentrating on what He has called me to do without getting caught up in the distractions of life: what shall I eat, what shall I wear, where will I live, what shall I do – the list goes on and on and on. Twofold trust: God guides, God provides.

My comfort in this today is in giving God time, and by trusting Him, I learn how to live in lack and abundance. And I learn how to keep my eyes focused on what it is I’m to be doing; and leaving all of the results up to God. Pretty simple formula.

Father God, if there is anything I’d like to do today it’s to take back all of the wasted time and energy I’ve spent worrying over how I’m going to do all of the things that only You can do. It makes me feel vulnerable and small when I try to give the details over to You; but that is exactly what You ask: Paul, give it all to Me, and watch and see how I get you through the thick and the thin – you need Me for both; don’t ever forget that. Lord, I’ll try not to. Help me when I do. Thank You! Amen.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

The Reality of Belief



06.11.15

Philippians 1.13 “…so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.” – St. Paul (ESV)

It’s probably not a big deal – I mean why it’s important to know that the whole imperial guard knew why Paul was there and the reason for his imprisonment; you know, the whole gospel thing… Why would we care that a bunch of Roman soldiers knew about Paul and his plight; and, that he preached a gospel of salvation, redemption, and an eternity of living in the presence of God?

I’ve wondered about the term, gung-ho, it describes someone who is passionate about their cause. I think those Roman guards were gung-ho about their cause – their very lives depended on it. One slip in passion could cost one his position, pay, perks, and life – his gung and his ho. They didn’t call them the Imperial Guard for nothing.

Being in the Imperial Guard then, was probably something akin to being in the Secret Service now; not everyone makes the cut. A Secret Serviceman must put his life on the line for the safety and protection of another. His politics don’t matter. His preferences don’t matter. What matters is his life as a shield for another; perhaps someone he doesn’t care for, or about. And these guards knew Paul who put his life on the line for his Cause. And he told them about it.

I pray for the release of Saeed Abedini. Saeed is an American pastor imprisoned in Iran for his crime of believing in Jesus. Saeed put his life on the line for the Cause. And I believe with all that is in me that when he is able, Saeed is telling others about salvation, redemption, and an eternity of living in the presence of God. I think the whole stinking Iranian prison knows about him. I think hearts and lives are being impacted for the Gospel: the good news of that reality.

I want my life to count for Jesus and for my beliefs. It doesn’t matter that I am not in a prison; it does matter that I am surrounded by others who may be…the prisons of their own making. I want my life to be a reflection of the reality of my belief in the gospel of salvation, redemption, and an eternity of living in the presence of God. I want others to know whether they are the Imperial Guard or my family, or my friends, or my fellow workers, or my neighbors or whoever.

The great apostle said this: Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel… (Philippians 1.27) In other words, put your life on the line today that others may see the evidence of the reality of your belief.

Father, may it be so this day – amen!

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Acceptance



06.07.15

Ephesians 1.5-6 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he [has] made us accepted in the beloved. (KJV)

I laid in bed last night (in pre-crash mode) and thought about acceptance. Or, being accepted. I thought about relationships, team-building, church, and other things where acceptance is a key component of belonging. Acceptance is crucial to belonging. But acceptance is more than just preference or tolerance; acceptance is compassion, empathy, and vulnerability. Acceptance is intentionally going the extra mile.

A marriage makes or breaks in acceptance. And that’s where this whole thought process came from – the majesty and mystery of marriage.

To be married to someone, is to first be attracted to them. As time goes along, attraction may diminish, or be replaced by comfort and familiarity. Eventually, marriage gets down to the brass tacks of acceptance. When we are at our best, we are more acceptable than we are at our worst. When we are along in years however, the crucible of human behavior is perhaps put to the test, and infatuation and romance are long replaced with courage, wisdom, and acceptance. That isn’t to say that there isn’t affection and desire; but it is to say that they are viewed and used in an entirely new way. And acceptance is key.

To the Ephesians Paul wrote: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In Christ, God finds us acceptable. I believe God desires for even the worst of humanity to become acceptable. But only through Jesus Christ. And the only difference is this: I am never at my best with God – I am only ever at my worst and only accepted and acceptable in and through Jesus: who knew no sin and became sin for me so that I would inherit the righteousness of God, in and through Him – the Beloved – the Acceptable.

Acceptance is key but only available through Jesus Christ. God’s determination is for everyone to be accepted but the test is whether they are in Christ or not. I needn’t improve my performance (I can’t). I needn't seek to be improved (it is impossible). I need acceptance, and it is only mine through Him who took my sins upon Himself that He, and only He, would satisfy the demands of God’s justice and provide for me the acceptance I so desperately crave.

I fell asleep sometime after thinking about this. And today, I felt like sharing my thoughts with you. Are you accepted? Answering that question is worth losing a little sleep over…