4.30.2011
Psalm 68:35 35 You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. NIV
It takes courage, determination, faith and the Spirit of God to walk with the Lord. God indeed gives power and strength to His people but if it is only power and strength to overcome others, then what good is that? But if it is power and strength to walk humbly with Him, to see Him correctly, and to keep oneself unspotted from sin, then there is great worth in such power and strength.
David told his wife Michal, “….I will be humiliated in my own eyes.” (2 Samuel 6.22) In other words, “I will see myself correctly because I know my God sees me correctly; and if you can accept it, I see God correctly.” Michal didn’t get it. David told the men who’d defected to him at Ziklag to support his cause, “But if you have come to betray me to my enemies when my hands are free from violence, may the God of our fathers see it and judge you.” (1 Ch 12:17) In other words, “Be sure you know what you’re doing because even though I may not, God sees you, and looks at your hearts and motives.”
God gives power and strength for us to hang on and to keep on believing. God gives power and strength when we are weak and suffering from all kinds of issues – within and without – because His power is made perfect in our weakness. God gives power and strength because the weapons of our warfare are not the power to control others, they’re the power to control ourselves; they look a lot like fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people – will we accept it? Will we use it?
Today, I must know again that God expects me to see myself correctly because He sees me – and I must see Him correctly. Today, I must know that God will indeed give me power and strength to walk humbly by His side and to depend on Him. The power I ask Him for is not to control others, for in me that will only lead to evil. The power and strength I look for from God is that power which sustains me in faithfulness; manifesting itself in my view of God, my view of sin, and the ability to walk humbly by His side.
Thank You God!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
The Validity of Our Faith
4.29.2011
Psalm 139.10(b) "...your right hand will hold me fast." NIV
Who (or what) has you? It’s important that we know such things about ourselves. We can be consumed mentally with the boss, a co-worker; a neighbor, a situation, a circumstance; a spouse, a relative, a disease, a locale. Often is the opine, Oh, I wish… (fill-in the blank).
David was keenly aware of Who had him even though he had his moments when his memory seemed to go south. But overall, the man after God’s own heart, spoke in faith to others and to himself. The statement above, tucked into Psalm 139, was a statement of faith that David sang about and probably reminded himself of regularly; he needed to as a king over a nation of people who routinely did stupid things like trying to score brownie-points with him by murdering those they assumed threatened the crown (Abner and Ish-Bohseth).
We need to follow David’s example and speak faith to ourselves. We need to honestly acknowledge who has us and then live accordingly. When we confess that [His] right hand will hold [us] fast, then the next logical step is to understand that no matter the situation, God is there and actively involved – He holds us fast – fast as in fastened, unshakable, immovable. We’ll learn what we need to learn by knowing that God is holding us fast.
What is it in our lives that threatens God’s grip? But Paul, you just said… Yes, I know I said, but how do we respond to the things that catch us off-guard, or bug the living crap out of us? The answer to that rhetorical question is this: Your right hand will hold me fast. Because when we’re assaulted by this, that, or the other the first place we should turn is to God who holds us fast, and talk it over with Him. And in all reality, nothing threatens God’s grip except the things we think threaten His grip and when we think that, then we need to re-read Psalm 139 again and get it straight – nothing threatens God’s grip!
As I said, David sang these songs to himself to remind himself of Who was in charge. We need to sing the songs of faith to remind ourselves of the same thing. Recently my pastor said (somewhat tongue in cheek) Christians don’t tell lies, they just sing them… Our songs of faith (as we sing them) need to be statements of faith; otherwise we need to seriously question the validity of our faith.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Co 10:31 NIV)
...and everything that does not come from faith is sin. (Romans 14:23b NIV)
Psalm 139.10(b) "...your right hand will hold me fast." NIV
Who (or what) has you? It’s important that we know such things about ourselves. We can be consumed mentally with the boss, a co-worker; a neighbor, a situation, a circumstance; a spouse, a relative, a disease, a locale. Often is the opine, Oh, I wish… (fill-in the blank).
David was keenly aware of Who had him even though he had his moments when his memory seemed to go south. But overall, the man after God’s own heart, spoke in faith to others and to himself. The statement above, tucked into Psalm 139, was a statement of faith that David sang about and probably reminded himself of regularly; he needed to as a king over a nation of people who routinely did stupid things like trying to score brownie-points with him by murdering those they assumed threatened the crown (Abner and Ish-Bohseth).
We need to follow David’s example and speak faith to ourselves. We need to honestly acknowledge who has us and then live accordingly. When we confess that [His] right hand will hold [us] fast, then the next logical step is to understand that no matter the situation, God is there and actively involved – He holds us fast – fast as in fastened, unshakable, immovable. We’ll learn what we need to learn by knowing that God is holding us fast.
What is it in our lives that threatens God’s grip? But Paul, you just said… Yes, I know I said, but how do we respond to the things that catch us off-guard, or bug the living crap out of us? The answer to that rhetorical question is this: Your right hand will hold me fast. Because when we’re assaulted by this, that, or the other the first place we should turn is to God who holds us fast, and talk it over with Him. And in all reality, nothing threatens God’s grip except the things we think threaten His grip and when we think that, then we need to re-read Psalm 139 again and get it straight – nothing threatens God’s grip!
As I said, David sang these songs to himself to remind himself of Who was in charge. We need to sing the songs of faith to remind ourselves of the same thing. Recently my pastor said (somewhat tongue in cheek) Christians don’t tell lies, they just sing them… Our songs of faith (as we sing them) need to be statements of faith; otherwise we need to seriously question the validity of our faith.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Co 10:31 NIV)
...and everything that does not come from faith is sin. (Romans 14:23b NIV)
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
All Ears
4.27.2011
Psalm 142:2 2 I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. NIV
Maybe it’s because I’ve done this now for nine years – reading through the Bible every year; maybe my mind is beginning to get seasoned to what’s coming next as I read the various accounts, psalms, gospels and epistles. I say this because I woke up this morning a bit out of sorts and this thought came to my mind:
To You, O God, I pour out my complaint,
For when I get tired and frazzled I tend to throw off restraint.
I tend to get whiny and get off my game
Forgetting my only rescue is the power of Your Name.
Nobody cares about our issues – nobody that is, except God. So if that’s the truth then why do I look for answers and sympathy anywhere, or from anyone, else? Why would I?
I think I’m like most people; I tend to look for a sympathetic ear to invite to my pity-party. But I am reminded today that there really isn’t anyone who truly cares about me except God, and He’s all ears – I pour out my complaint before Him. And pouring out my complaints before Him resets my emotional defaults which get all out of whack when I don’t pour out my complaints before Him.
The beauty of complaining to God is being able to honestly tell Him how I feel and to allow Him to get me going in the right direction again. I cannot – I must not forget Who genuinely and truly loves me! It’s only Him.
David, with all of his issues and faults, was a mighty saint in the army of God and if David poured out his complaints to God about the people who bugged him (he seemed to do this often), about circumstances, about his problems, who am I to not follow his example?
To You, O God, I pour out my complaint
For You have changed me from sinner into saint.
And if saints of old were called to pray
What makes me think I can live any other way?
I pray today proclaiming Your victory Lord
And back into the battle I go with Your Truth, my only sword;
To keep my mind stayed on what is good and right
Knowing You’ll do whatever according to Your might.
I pray for me, but I pray for others too
To get into the habit of pouring out our complaints only to You
Because in the end it will be when every battle’s won
It was throughYou and You only, that anything ever got done. Amen
Psalm 142:2 2 I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. NIV
Maybe it’s because I’ve done this now for nine years – reading through the Bible every year; maybe my mind is beginning to get seasoned to what’s coming next as I read the various accounts, psalms, gospels and epistles. I say this because I woke up this morning a bit out of sorts and this thought came to my mind:
To You, O God, I pour out my complaint,
For when I get tired and frazzled I tend to throw off restraint.
I tend to get whiny and get off my game
Forgetting my only rescue is the power of Your Name.
Nobody cares about our issues – nobody that is, except God. So if that’s the truth then why do I look for answers and sympathy anywhere, or from anyone, else? Why would I?
I think I’m like most people; I tend to look for a sympathetic ear to invite to my pity-party. But I am reminded today that there really isn’t anyone who truly cares about me except God, and He’s all ears – I pour out my complaint before Him. And pouring out my complaints before Him resets my emotional defaults which get all out of whack when I don’t pour out my complaints before Him.
The beauty of complaining to God is being able to honestly tell Him how I feel and to allow Him to get me going in the right direction again. I cannot – I must not forget Who genuinely and truly loves me! It’s only Him.
David, with all of his issues and faults, was a mighty saint in the army of God and if David poured out his complaints to God about the people who bugged him (he seemed to do this often), about circumstances, about his problems, who am I to not follow his example?
To You, O God, I pour out my complaint
For You have changed me from sinner into saint.
And if saints of old were called to pray
What makes me think I can live any other way?
I pray today proclaiming Your victory Lord
And back into the battle I go with Your Truth, my only sword;
To keep my mind stayed on what is good and right
Knowing You’ll do whatever according to Your might.
I pray for me, but I pray for others too
To get into the habit of pouring out our complaints only to You
Because in the end it will be when every battle’s won
It was throughYou and You only, that anything ever got done. Amen
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The Stories They Tell
4.26.2011
Matthew 13:12 12 Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. NIV
Jesus said, “This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.” Though seeing – everything around them. Jesus spoke of seeds and weeds because these were things that were around them all the time and they looked at them but didn’t understand the stories they were telling. They couldn’t; it never occurred to them to ask, “Why?”
Whoever has – has what? Has curiosity and inklings of insight; has eyes to see the stars and ask, why are they there; what are they saying? Who listens to the pounding of the surf and marvels at its power and asks, why, what, how? Whoever has the least interest in the testimony of nature might want to know what’s behind it all. Why are there seeds for food and weeds to hinder?
That day Jesus was by the lake (Galilee) and used natural occurrences all around them to teach them unnatural truths. He pointed out the agricultural process and said it’s like the Kingdom of Heaven – planting, watering, harvesting, and living. He pointed out the industry of fishing; describing netting fish out of water – keeping the good ones, and throwing out the bad. Why good; why bad? What does it all mean? Who says there is good and bad?
God created us and placed us on this earth not so that we would close our minds to Him but that through nature and industry we would get the point and somehow seek after Him. But most of us are numb. Most of us are dumb. And most of us succumb to the lowest common denominator and end up like those to whom Christ shared parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.” Not only did God create and place, but He woos us to come to know Him in His almightiness; His infinite power, and eternal presence.
I must live with the eyes of my soul wide open. I must look and see and use what’s around me to share Christ with others. I must never forget the reason that God put me here and what I’m to do with that knowledge. It’s not seeds and weeds – it’s the stories they tell.
Matthew 13:12 12 Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. NIV
Jesus said, “This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.” Though seeing – everything around them. Jesus spoke of seeds and weeds because these were things that were around them all the time and they looked at them but didn’t understand the stories they were telling. They couldn’t; it never occurred to them to ask, “Why?”
Whoever has – has what? Has curiosity and inklings of insight; has eyes to see the stars and ask, why are they there; what are they saying? Who listens to the pounding of the surf and marvels at its power and asks, why, what, how? Whoever has the least interest in the testimony of nature might want to know what’s behind it all. Why are there seeds for food and weeds to hinder?
That day Jesus was by the lake (Galilee) and used natural occurrences all around them to teach them unnatural truths. He pointed out the agricultural process and said it’s like the Kingdom of Heaven – planting, watering, harvesting, and living. He pointed out the industry of fishing; describing netting fish out of water – keeping the good ones, and throwing out the bad. Why good; why bad? What does it all mean? Who says there is good and bad?
God created us and placed us on this earth not so that we would close our minds to Him but that through nature and industry we would get the point and somehow seek after Him. But most of us are numb. Most of us are dumb. And most of us succumb to the lowest common denominator and end up like those to whom Christ shared parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.” Not only did God create and place, but He woos us to come to know Him in His almightiness; His infinite power, and eternal presence.
I must live with the eyes of my soul wide open. I must look and see and use what’s around me to share Christ with others. I must never forget the reason that God put me here and what I’m to do with that knowledge. It’s not seeds and weeds – it’s the stories they tell.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Then Write the Obituary
4.25.2011
1 Chronicles 10:13-14 13 Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, 14 and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. NIV
It sounds kind of harsh doesn’t it; that the Lord put [Saul] to death…? And this is what is recorded in God’s word for all eternity – heaven and earth may pass away but the word of the Lord lasts forever… So, what will they say about us when we die? What will we be remembered for? Will we be known for being unfaithful or will those who know us say that we were devoted to God? It’s kind of up to us.
What an obituary: Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord. Faithfulness is a virtue and Saul didn’t have it; and Saul was God’s choice. So before we go blaming God for a bad choice we have to look at ourselves in the mirror of God’s word and question His choice of us – did God make a mistake there too? God chooses and offers Himself to those He will, and it’s up to them to cooperate. Salvation is a gift – what we do with it is how we receive it. Two people may make the choice to get married but it’s up to them to make the relationship work. Saul could’ve availed himself to God, but he didn’t. I used to think, why Saul? Now I think, why anybody!? God’s choice is God’s choice; and if that’s the case, then I must avail myself to Him that I may learn His ways and walk in His will. Then write the obituary.
The older I get and the longer I walk with the Lord, the more I find His gift to me to be so precious I can’t describe it. And then when I compare His gift with what the world offers – well, there is no comparison; I’d be the biggest fool in the whole universe to trade a heavenly blessing for an earthly curse… faithfulness is my choice, and contemplative, prayerful, meditative living keeps me pointed in the right direction…all based on God’s word. Amen!?
Father in Heaven,
Thank You for Your choice, Your gift, and Your word. The content of my obituary is largely how I handle, respond to, and relate to what You’ve given to me. Amen.
1 Chronicles 10:13-14 13 Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, 14 and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. NIV
It sounds kind of harsh doesn’t it; that the Lord put [Saul] to death…? And this is what is recorded in God’s word for all eternity – heaven and earth may pass away but the word of the Lord lasts forever… So, what will they say about us when we die? What will we be remembered for? Will we be known for being unfaithful or will those who know us say that we were devoted to God? It’s kind of up to us.
What an obituary: Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord. Faithfulness is a virtue and Saul didn’t have it; and Saul was God’s choice. So before we go blaming God for a bad choice we have to look at ourselves in the mirror of God’s word and question His choice of us – did God make a mistake there too? God chooses and offers Himself to those He will, and it’s up to them to cooperate. Salvation is a gift – what we do with it is how we receive it. Two people may make the choice to get married but it’s up to them to make the relationship work. Saul could’ve availed himself to God, but he didn’t. I used to think, why Saul? Now I think, why anybody!? God’s choice is God’s choice; and if that’s the case, then I must avail myself to Him that I may learn His ways and walk in His will. Then write the obituary.
The older I get and the longer I walk with the Lord, the more I find His gift to me to be so precious I can’t describe it. And then when I compare His gift with what the world offers – well, there is no comparison; I’d be the biggest fool in the whole universe to trade a heavenly blessing for an earthly curse… faithfulness is my choice, and contemplative, prayerful, meditative living keeps me pointed in the right direction…all based on God’s word. Amen!?
Father in Heaven,
Thank You for Your choice, Your gift, and Your word. The content of my obituary is largely how I handle, respond to, and relate to what You’ve given to me. Amen.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
The Invitation and the Reminder
4.24.2011
Matthew 11:28 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. NIV
It’s over. It’s no more – the striving, the jockeying for position; the keeping up with the Joneses – it’s over. When Jesus said, “I will give you rest” He meant He will give us true rest and true peace and freedom from all we value as important; He only, is what is important.
What wearies and burdens us? Whatever it is, it is, in Christ, the Resurrected Lord, no more. Many of us see the inequities in life and can’t understand why – it’s over. Many of us see the injustice and the unfairness of life – it’s over. In Jesus Christ it’s over. That doesn't mean it’s gone, it means that the pain of it, the frustration of it, or the reality of it, loses its impact; the lion has lost his teeth and his claws. And I am freed, in Him, to quit worrying and fretting about it.
Freedom in Christ and rest from the friction of life is an indescribable gift. If Jesus was still in the grave then I’d still be enslaved to all that the world values. But today, the tomb is empty, and the power of all that burdens me is gone. Hallelujah!!!
Today, the invitation and the reminder is this: Come to Me (says Jesus), all you who are wearied and burdened, and I will give you rest…from all of the unimportant stuff that falsely claims a right and an authority over you. In Me, it (whatever it is that bothers you) is no more!
Lord Jesus,
How wonderful and refreshing You are and how kind and merciful You are to offer Yourself as rest for the weary. Today Lord, like a bucket of cold water thrown onto my soul, I thank You for the reminder that You Only are my Rest; and that in You, whatever tries to lay claim to me, is nothing but a sorry, mangy, toothless, and clawless kitty, trying to masquerade as a roaring lion. You are my Rest! Amen!
Matthew 11:28 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. NIV
It’s over. It’s no more – the striving, the jockeying for position; the keeping up with the Joneses – it’s over. When Jesus said, “I will give you rest” He meant He will give us true rest and true peace and freedom from all we value as important; He only, is what is important.
What wearies and burdens us? Whatever it is, it is, in Christ, the Resurrected Lord, no more. Many of us see the inequities in life and can’t understand why – it’s over. Many of us see the injustice and the unfairness of life – it’s over. In Jesus Christ it’s over. That doesn't mean it’s gone, it means that the pain of it, the frustration of it, or the reality of it, loses its impact; the lion has lost his teeth and his claws. And I am freed, in Him, to quit worrying and fretting about it.
Freedom in Christ and rest from the friction of life is an indescribable gift. If Jesus was still in the grave then I’d still be enslaved to all that the world values. But today, the tomb is empty, and the power of all that burdens me is gone. Hallelujah!!!
Today, the invitation and the reminder is this: Come to Me (says Jesus), all you who are wearied and burdened, and I will give you rest…from all of the unimportant stuff that falsely claims a right and an authority over you. In Me, it (whatever it is that bothers you) is no more!
Lord Jesus,
How wonderful and refreshing You are and how kind and merciful You are to offer Yourself as rest for the weary. Today Lord, like a bucket of cold water thrown onto my soul, I thank You for the reminder that You Only are my Rest; and that in You, whatever tries to lay claim to me, is nothing but a sorry, mangy, toothless, and clawless kitty, trying to masquerade as a roaring lion. You are my Rest! Amen!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Arrested Development
4.23.2011
Matthew 10:19 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. NIV
God’s people will be arrested – either by the force of law, for there will come a time in our own country where it will be against the law to speak the Gospel; or through the force of persecutions – the people of our nation are becoming increasingly hostile to the Gospel. Jesus makes a point to let us know what’s coming. But, He says, when you are opposed, don’t worry about how you’ll respond; neither in what is said, or how it is said. There is power in the Gospel, and Jesus assures us that the Holy Spirit will do all the talking (vvs. 19b-20).
As a public speaker, I am usually concerned with what I say and how I'll say it. I want to make sure I communicate clearly, correctly, and concisely. But I’d be the first one to admit that I can always learn to do it better and as much as criticism bugs me, I do learn from it – even if it’s only to avoid further criticism; such is the shallow male mind…
But think about it – getting arrested is going to be at the very least irritating and uncomfortable; the last thing I’ll probably be thinking of is presentation. Stephen, the first martyr (cf. Acts 6-7), said some things that were probably even surprising to him when he was viciously arrested by the Freedmen (oh, the irony!) for preaching the Good News. You and I may experience the same thing.
Dialogue is important but sometimes it’s hard to quell the emotion welling up inside when those we’re talking to are just plain stubborn and pig-headed about their point of view and launch into ridiculing us at ours. We might even be arrested by those who merely wish to taunt us, make fun of us, and attempt to goad us into losing it… it could happen… Don’t worry, said Jesus, keep your eyes focused on the truth and let Me do all the talking.
Fair enough, Lord; just help me to keep my point of view pointed in the right direction – amen.
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