The Benefit and Blessing

5/31/2017 

Romans 12.4-5 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. – St. Paul 

One of the hardest things for us modern believers to do is to see ourselves as Paul saw the Body of Christ. Paul saw enormous value and responsibility for us to be together just as a human body only operates perfectly as each of its members (pieces, parts) operate in harmony and sync. I think the ancient church suffered from this malady as well; it’s the result of the fall. 

But just because there is the fall, and just because the ancient church suffered, doesn’t mean unity and working together can’t happen. There is enough giftedness in each church to accomplish great things because God is the God of the church and He has willed we work together as a human body does. 

Typically, we fail to see ourselves as God sees us. We tend to think the gifts are given willy-nilly and that they are interchangeable. Not so. Each person in the church is uniquely gifted to operate as God has foreordained they ought. The job of each individual believer to operate within their giftedness depends on the depth and strength of their personal relationship with God.  

When I get together with my church, I must see myself as God sees me in relationship to others present. My main focus is not what I can get out of the sermon, but how I can effectively operate within my gifts for the benefit and blessing of others. 

God is the giver of gifts and we are to cooperate with Him in His administration of those gifts. We must be careful not to set boundaries on how we operate – everything we do is to be done in the spirit of love and unity, and, cooperation. But, we must see each other as valuable and necessary. It all has to do with our personal relationship with God. 

Perhaps we could open up our worship services with a reminder of who we are and what we’re supposed to be and to do. Perhaps our declaration of Faith includes verbiage of what Paul called the Roman church to be and to do – in service and in love. I think we need constant reminders of who we are so we can do what we need to do for the sake of God and His church. 

At my church we have a kid’s ministry called, Royal Rangers, on Wednesday nights throughout the school year. At the beginning of each meeting we pledge allegiance to the American flag, the Christian flag, and we recite the Royal Ranger Pledge which goes:

With God’s help, I will do my best to serve God, my church, and my fellow man; to live by the Ranger Code; to make the Golden Rule, my daily Rule. 

It sets the tone for our gathering and helps everyone focus on the why we do what we do. I think it’s effective. What do we recite in adult church that helps us remember who we are in Christ and how we’re to operate with one another in love and in service? 

Glorious and Good God, work in me to use the gifts You’ve given me to be a blessing and benefit to others in Your Church. Help me to see myself as You see me, and to bless others accordingly. Thank You for Your Church and for those who make it up. May we work together as You have willed - Amen

The Work of Discipline

5/30/2017 

Proverbs 13.24 Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. 

Childrearing has always been a bit of a conundrum – parents want their children to imitate them, and, they do. An undisciplined life will tend to beget an undisciplined life. The hard part is the rod. 

It takes hard work to train up a child in the way he should go, but the payoff is, he won’t depart from it when he is old. He may question your ways or think he has it all figured out, but time and experience will bring him back to the truth of what he was taught. 

I see many parents today simply ignoring their kid’s behavior. Kids will remain kids until they are taught to be adults. Fools will remain fools until they are taught to be wise. Loving a child in the manner above will work toward his success in life when he becomes an adult. 

It does seem harsh that a requirement in childrearing is the rod. I think we tend to think of a piece of 1¾ inch doweling when we think of the rod. That’s not really the picture here, but suffice it to say, the rod was suitable to get one’s attention, and to help cement in the mind of the recalcitrant child that there are consequences for their actions. 

We moderns want to call ourselves more progressive or civilized than to take the approach of beating our children with an implement on instruction. But two things to consider: 1) the rod is an implement, 2) the hand or the fist is demeaning. And there’s a big difference between building a child up with discipline than tearing him down in punishment. 

Discipline must be meted out in love with wisdom. Anger is demeaning. But sometimes anger is hard to contain, so discipline may be more ardent at times; but the biggest factor is simply: sparing the rod, spoils the child and reveals what kind of people we really are: we don’t care for our child or for the ones our unruly child torments. An undisciplined child causes his parents to be despised. 

Discipline is hard work, but diligence in discipline makes for a happier home, and for a wholesome society. Snowflakes on modern college campuses may cause one to question their parentage. It is the hard work of godly childrearing that merits appreciation from the child who is well taught and the society that benefits from the diligence of godly parents. Think about Kim Jong In… 

If nothing else, I want to come alongside those who are training up their children and applaud their efforts, and to support them by the way I treat their kids. Children are not just to be seen and not heard; children add spice and variety to every part of life. They need to be cared for, and carefully directed so that the fabric of our society remains intact for generations to come. 

Father God, thank You for the charge to carefully discipline our children now, so that they don’t need to be punished by society later. Help me to support parents not only in their work, but also to reward good behavior with the kids with whom I deal – Amen.

Sovereignty

5/28/2017

 

Romans 9.11-12 11 Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: 12 not by works but by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” – St. Paul 

The Bible often uses language that makes me feel uncomfortable – take Romans 9, for instance. In this chapter of the great epistle to the Romans, Paul uses some terms that ought to give us pause. 

Consider some of these Greatest Hits from Romans 9:

·         Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children.

·         Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

·         For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”

·         What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction?

·         Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.

·         See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.”

These are massive statements that portray a massive, sovereign God.  The one thing I get from all this is simply: He is God and I am not; and the way He works is beyond my comprehension. Election is God’s doing, not man’s; and I would be well served to believe that. 

I hear many say things like, “God would never do that – He only allows things like that to happen.” Really? I think we misunderstand God. God does what God wants, and God accepts responsibility for all that He does: He alone, is sovereign. He, has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and hardens whom He wants to harden. That doesn’t sound like God allowing; it sounds like He has a purpose. And that’s our struggle: His purpose. 

I saw a quote which said: “We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us: we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.” And that I think, is the prime-motivator: how much is my relationship with God going to cost me? 

It’s going to cost me my belief. It’s going to cost me persecution. It’s going to cost me suffering. It’s going to cost me friends and family. It’s going to cost me my wealth and health. It’s going to cost me my time and my priorities. It’s going to cost me my life. It’s going to cost me everything I have … but, in turn, I am going to gain everything He has, for all eternity. The price is worth the belief. 

God is sovereign, and those who doubt Him will struggle with that immensely. But God is also love and He freely gives His love to all who freely accept it. The caution is simply: trust God in all things at all times, and be thankful that He is, and we are not. 

Father God, thank You for Your sovereignty over all things, especially my life. I can live in fear of You, that it’s going to hurt, or I can hurt in You knowing You love me and Your purpose is best. Help me to trust You in all things and be thankful for whatever happens. You are God, and I am not. Amen

Divine Friendship

5/27/2017 

Romans 8.3-4 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. – St. Paul 

An old song lyric goes:

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign

Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind

Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign? (Five Man Electrical Band - Signs (1971)) 

As I read Romans 8 today, I thought about that song. And then I came up with the Romans 8 version:

Rule, rule, everywhere a rule

You must obey them all; man, you’re a fool

Do this, don’t do that, you gotta keep the rule! 

Of course, there’re are rules. Of course, there are laws. But rules and laws cannot be kept by everyone all the time. We’re too broken and sinful to keep the rules. And yet, there’s a part of us that insists we can. The above says: For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. God never meant for us to just follow the rules; He always meant for us to become His friends. 

I know I say that often, but it’s true: God desires to be our Friend. And He desires our friendship in return. Now, friendship with God is way beyond any human experience. And friendship with God is not tainted by human understanding. Friendship with God is fully holy, fully satisfying, and fully forever. We are God’s children and the greatest thing a child can ever become in the eyes of his parent, is a friend. 

Friendship extends courtesy and understanding never fully known in the parent/child relationship. A child needs continually to be stewarded and taught –a friend, however, seeks enhancement of another, coming alongside to enjoy, encourage, and serve. A friend always looks to protect and defend, but on the level of peer, not parent. Jesus said, Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15) He went on to say: You are my friends if you do what I command. (John 15.14); and then: Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. (John 15.15) 

Friendship is a big deal to God. The Lover of my soul, my Father and Friend. Parenthood is freed when a child becomes a friend. Childhood is freed when a parent becomes a friend. Our Divine Parent desires to become our Divine Friend. And in friendship, there is no place for rules, only mutual trust and respect – and love. What I could not do in keeping the rules and obeying the signs, God did for me in Christ, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in [me], who [does] not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit… 

Father God, thank You for the pursuit of holiness that You have sought me (and billions other) to become your children, and friends. May I pursue life according to Your Spirit because the righteous requirements of the Law have been met in Jesus for my sake. May my life with You be friendship of mutual trust, respect, and love – amen

The Rebuke

5/26/2017 

Proverbs 1.23 Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings. – Wisdom 

I find it fascinating that the Proverbs portray Wisdom as a personality. I think we tend to think of wisdom, training, and discipline as inanimate things, but not so the Scripture.  

And right out of the gate in Proverbs 1, we find the personality of Wisdom. Wisdom is fair-minded, but not to be messed with. God, also is fair-minded, but not to be messed with. Perhaps the personality of Wisdom in Proverbs actually represents the personality of God Himself. Seems fitting to me. 

Wisdom says: Repent at my rebuke! God says, repent, and seek My Kingdom! What Wisdom says is what God says. Wisdom, much like the revelation of God is an experiential and progressive process. Wisdom does not offer prizes to the proud, but practice for the prudent. We don’t use the word prudent that much these days. Perhaps a revival of prudence might be of benefit for many people. 

There is a humility that accompanies Wisdom, it’s called repentance – and the relationship with Wisdom only begins when one heeds Wisdom’s advice. Up until that point, Wisdom only views what we do as foolish, self-centered and disastrous. Jesus said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Repent from what? Repent of leaving Almighty God out of our everyday life. 

Wisdom is not for the foolish or faint in heart. Wisdom, is learning the hard way. Wisdom is learning how to think things through and realizing the consequences or rewards of our actions beforehand. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1.7) In other words, knowledge comes from God and is equated as wisdom and instruction, but is only available to the one who fears (respects) God. Tough call for some. 

To understand Wisdom, we must also include the love of God for His creation – all of us, including, you and me. I think we underestimate the power of sin upon our race, and we routinely disregard the need for God in our daily living. In doing so we overlook how special we are to God. We talk of God’s love so much that it is, in our minds, trite. That’s because sin has dumbed us down to accepting only our own way as the way. 

We see ourselves as dependent upon ourselves. My dad used to say, God helps those who help themselves. That is faulty theology he probably learned being a child of the depression and the Great War. I think what he meant was: God expects the individual to take responsibility for his actions. He may have been onto something there, if that is what he meant. We need Wisdom to take responsibility. 

But God only helps those who turn to Him for help – the word, ‘turn’ means, repent. Repentance is both an Old and New Testament concept. Repentance means I am willing to turn from my ways and accept only God’s ways. True repentance only works when I truly turn.

Father in Heaven, Wisdom’s rebuke is falling on my mind today. As I look at the wreckage of my life and what is laying in its wake, I can only fall on my face in utter shame, and repent! Help me God to be an ‘A’ student in the front row of Wisdom’s school, and to be quick to listen and quick to repent. Amen.

Hold Fast

5/25/2017

1 Kings 11.2 They were from nations about which the Lord had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.” Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. 

Love is a many-splendored thing. So, they say. That many-splendored love of which they speak is that mysterious love between a man and a woman. And mysterious it is. And complicated. And, though splendored, it is also faceted. Human affection is as natural as it can be, but it isn’t an end, it’s a means. 

King Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived, was a dumbass when it came to women. Solomon used his power and influence to wow the girls, and he thought he was some kind of sexual superman in attempting to replicate his ‘love’ to nearly a thousand women. The Scripture is pretty emphatic when it says Solomon held fast to them in love. Solomon had quite a collection, but his love for women outstripped his love for God, and it cost him dearly. 

Love can be affection. Love can be attraction. Love can be abundant, but love cannot be multiplicitous. Nor is love to be replicated – at least in the way Solomon attempted. 

Solomon had an advantage, as potentate, he could choose any woman he wanted, whenever he wanted, and as often as he wanted. Many men dream of such power. Few ever get the opportunity. Most regret having that kind of freedom; it costs them dearly. 

If love was only sexual, it would wear off pretty quickly. But sexuality is only a component of love – not the sum-total. Solomon’s view of love was mainly sexual, and the only way to keep it fresh and new was to add another lover to the mix. Son, if you can’t do it with one, what makes you think you can do it with a thousand!? Sex is surely a factor in love, but it ain’t the thang-arang. The law of diminishing return has to be dealt with. 

In love, marriage, or pre-marriage, the goal is for the woman to feel secure that she has found the one. For the man, his need is to be admired. Her sense of strong security in the relationship makes her admire him. His feelings of being admired builds his desire to make her feel secure. We can’t do that with multiple partners. We may think we can; we may want to; but we aren’t wired that way and it won’t work – somebody is always telling the lie… and somebody is always left holding the bag. Love is always about the other, not the self. 

And that was the fallacy of Solomon’s plan: it was always about him. 

True love, whether eros, philos, or agape, is always about the other, not the self. If there is such a thing as self-love, it ought to be expressed through a deep satisfaction of living life for the benefit and satisfaction of others. Self only needs to know that others always count more than self… And God always counts more than all else. True, Godly love is what this world has too little of… 

Father God, fill me with Your Spirit this day to love, not to criticize and judge. Religion has its hierarchy and may I avoid that in my relationships today. May my love for others only be fulfilled by my love for You – and may I hold fast to You in love – amen.

Justified

5/24/2017 

5.1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. – St. Paul

Faith, is a justifiable belief, and belief is justified through its actions. Paul said we are justified through faith; and faith is action based upon belief. Why does anyone do anything? We do what we do, because we believe we can. It doesn’t matter what we do, it only matters that we believe we can do. And all actions have consequences. 

For the person on earth who believes God in faith, there is the indescribable gift of peace – peace with God. Peace with God is peace that assures us our sins have been dealt with, and there is no more penalty for our original nature. Faith in God, changes my status before God. Where many fail is in their understanding of what faith actually does: faith does not eradicate sin, but it is a vital partner in the battle against sin. Faith doesn’t let me live doing whatever I want, then giving God the bill. Faith, opens the door for peace with God and my access into His favor.

Faith in God, gives me standing with God – that’s justification. What I believe justifies who I am and how I am viewed by God. For a person of faith in God, there is peace and access into God’s grace by Jesus Christ. That’s a safe place. For the person who doesn’t believe and has no faith, they are left only to defend themselves before God and they are no match for Him. 

Faith in God, justifies my actions – that, is a very bold thought. But it’s true. Faith is the rule in the life of the believer as he believes in God, and in His Son, Jesus Christ. And the reward is peace. Not that the world will go away, but that the world will have less and less influence on the believer as his faith in God grows. 

Today, I am justified because of my faith in Christ. Today, in faith, I believe in Jesus and what He did to open access for me to approach God in faith. Apart from faith, it’s only sin. Apart from Jesus Christ it is only my effort; and it amounts to nothing. Justification is not an excuse, but a granting from God that because of my faith in Him, everything in life between us is good. 

Father, faith in You justifies a person. I am justified. That is my identity. May I live out this day in peace with You because You’ve given me the gift of faith. Amen

God Has Power

5/23/2017 

Romans 4.21 21 …being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. – St. Paul 

‘The’ is a determiner: the dog, the cat, the car, the house. When we’re talking about our house, we refer to it as the house; and the the helps us understand whose house it is, or why the house is more important or meaningful than another house. We typically want to use the word, the, to describe God’s power, as in: God has the power to do…

Today, however, I found that God’s power is not referred to by St. Paul as the power. In Romans 4, Paul explained why Abraham was credited (by God) with righteousness: Abraham was fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. Not the power, but power. Nothing else in all creation has power as God does. God’s power is power, not the power as if it was available to anyone else in creation. 

Why is that important? It’s important because God’s power is that which builds our faith. If it was the power, we’d place our faith in something outside of God. But because it is God, and God has power, it is power that is only found in God.  

God has power to make a ninety-year-old woman get pregnant by a ninety-nine year-old man. Abraham believed that. God has power to impregnate barren wombs. When we say, God has the power, we grammatically relegate power by a determiner. God is not like us, and no one but God has power. We think we do. We crave it as if it was something of value. But we have no power. At least none as God has. God’s power is unique. 

Here is the kicker: Abraham was fully persuaded by God’s power. Abraham had faith in God because of God’s power. Abraham was a recipient of God’s power. If we need a determiner, it’s God’s power. There’s no other power floating around out there to which we have access – God’s power is exclusive to Him. And the only faith worth having is in a God with power. 

So, who are we going to believe? Fallen man? Our parents? Society? In whom are we fully persuaded? Where do we find accreditation of righteousness? Like old Abe, I want to be fully persuaded that God has power to do what He has promised. These words become more important every day I live. 

God has power to make my life different. The reward of life is not Heaven, but God. And God desires to help me believe that. And in what I face on earth, I do being fully persuaded that God has power to make it happen – whatever ‘it’ is… My righteousness in not in God’s power but in God who has power to affect the miraculous in, and through, me. 

Father, do Your work in me today. Build my persuasion. Build my faith. You have power to make it all happen. To You be glory! Amen

No Deitic Pressure

5/18/2017 

2 Thessalonians 2.13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. – St. Paul 

Maybe we’re not all ag-oriented – maybe there’re some terms in the Bible that escape our notice or we gloss over because they’re antiquated, or point to an ancient cultural practice that we just don’t do these days; or at least not in the way they did them then. Take the concept, the term: firstfruits. 

Firstfruits, has to do with the first of a harvested crop being set apart to a deity as a way of thanking said deity for the harvest, as an appeasement of sin, and the hope of future harvests. Think of it in the terms of ‘give back’. Here, share some of what You’ve given me. 

God started the world according to His will and purpose, and He was way ahead of the game long before Adam and his wife, Eve ever tasted the forbidden fruit. God did what no one ever in the history of ever, did: He created a perfect race of beings to worship Him in freewill; no deitic pressure. But His creatures failed on their own without Him. They perhaps knew to worship; it seems, they just didn’t want to… 

So, phase two was God’s preplanned plan of redemption to rescue His creatures from the effects of their sin: death. God said, I will be their God, and they will love Me and accept My offer of friendship because they want to…no deitic pressure. And God began, even in those days of sin and separation, to tell them of His plan of redemption through a future Messiah who would come and rescue them with the sacrifice of Himself for their sins, opening the door of relationship with Him because they want to. 

And some looked at the world in all its chaos, and believed God. (One needn’t look far in our world to see the devastating effects of our sin to go it alone without God.) And belief took hold. And those who believed were called: believers. They freely believed God, and they freely believed in God. God chose that some would believe, and some did, and they were called firstfruits. 

Firstfruits were, in ancient practice, always set apart for the deity. In God’s Kingdom, the firstfruits are no different, they are set apart. For God. Forever. God chose for it to be that way – much to the amazement of the rest of heaven watching all of God’s plan, unfold. 

God chose freewill believers as firstfruits (of His plan) to be saved through the (setting apart) work of His Spirit and through their belief in the truth (the truth that He wants men to be His friend, and dwell with Him in eternity). The process is: a journey toward eternity with God, not on our own, but with God, all done in freewill. No deitic pressure. Only love, and the knowledge of God. 

God chose some to be saved, and some were saved just because they, in freewill, believed God, with the help, not the force, of His Holy Spirit. It happens still, to this day. 

Father, Your work of salvation is truly a mystery, but it simply boils down to this: You made a way for me to become Your friend, and all I had to do was believe. With freewill. It happened, it worked and I am part of it – forever. Thank You! Amen

The Evidence

5/17/2017 

2 Thessalonians 1.5 All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. – St. Paul 

“You can’t handle the truth!” – Colonel Nathan R Jessup (Commanding Officer, United States Marine Ground Forces, Guantanamo Bay Naval Station, Cuba) – A Few Good Men. Sometimes, the truth hurts. 

Paul had written to the church in Thessalonika to encourage them and to reimid them of their calling in Christ. He said, of their trials and difficulties in living out their faith: All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. You want the truth? You can’t handle the truth... apart from Christ. 

It’s true, the Thessalonians were suffering for their faith. In the ancient world, the gospel was not welcome, and the local churches established by Paul and others ran into immense push back from the local pagans and from the culture as a whole. The truth hurts; and truth is rejected by men because man cannot control the truth, let alone handle it. And God’s people suffer for their faith in the truth. 

Why is suffering so necessary? Does God need to make sure we’re the real deal? Is our faith only valid in the face of persecution and suffering?  

Suffering is important in at least on aspect: it’s a reality. As one accepts Jesus, he also rejects the world. The world does not take lightly to rejection. Consider a quote attributed to Orwell: The further a society drifts from truth the more it will hate those who speak it. Nothing, in this world, could be truer than the hatred of mankind toward the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

And as the Gospel is hated, so are the preachers of the Gospel. And so, persecution for those to whom the truth belongs and to which belong the truth. God does not hate man – quite the contrary, God loves man. But man does not love God. Nor will man love any who would dare to suggest that his need for God is absolute. 

Man won’t handle the truth, and God’s people will suffer. “The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable.” – James A. Garfield. As believers, our job is to push through the push back. The push back is: evidence that God’s judgment is right, and [because it is, the children of God] … will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which [they] are suffering. One will suffer as a Christian not because God hates, but because God loves those who believe Him, and believe in Him, despite their circumstances, however unpleasant they may be.  

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – Jesus

Lord Jesus, I will be thankful in all my circumstances, and even in those against Your truth, and my faith. Jesus, may I trust that All this is evidence that Your judgment, is right, and as a result, I will be counted worthy of Your everlasting kingdom, for which I, along with my fellow saints, suffer - amen

In Writing

5/16/2017

1 Chronicles 28. 19 “All this,” David said, “I have in writing as a result of the Lord’s hand on me, and he enabled me to understand all the details of the plan.” 

Say what you will about David – his prowess as a warrior, a worshiper of God, his skill as a musician, his kingship, and all that he accomplished for Israel – the man was a thinker. David may have been busy, but whenever he had ‘down time’ his mind was always going, and going, and going. 

At the end of his days David had thoughts about bigger, bolder, better. He wanted to increase the capacity of Israel’s militarily, he wanted to expand his global influence, and he wanted to build a temple for God. (Personally, I think David got a good case of the guilties over his living in a spectacular palace, and God’s Ark being in a tent…) So, David sought to build that temple, but God said, No! Your son Solomon will build the temple… but I’m going to let you in on the planning process. 

But that didn’t stop David from thinking about it, dreaming about it, and planning in his mind what it would look like; and what a sight it would be for God’s people to view reminding them of the magnificence of their God. And David wrote it all down. Huh! 

I think we all dream, plan, and envision. I think there are those pet thoughts in our minds of things we’d like to create, correct, or cause. Some of us are better than others at the planning process. And some of us are going to do whatever it takes to get ‘er done. Some of us are dreamers, others are doers. David didn’t get to build the temple, but he dreamed it into existence. He wrote down all the plans. 

Some dream, some do, and some dream and do. And some are just the catalyst to get the thing moving. David was a catalyst. I think God put the thought in David’s mind to plan the temple, but God’s plan was for Solomon to, get ‘er done! And he got ‘er did. It started with a thought that God planted in David’s mind. 

And so, what do we think about? Are we dreamers or doers, or both? What really stood out to me today was that David wrote it all down saying: “I have in writing as a result of the Lord’s hand on me, and he enabled me to understand all the details of the plan.” God’s fingerprints were all over the project before it even started. What about you and me – what does God want to accomplish through us? It may start with something as simple as a case of the guilties over what we have, or do, that would benefit others. 

As for us, I think we need to follow David’s lead in talking to God about it, and then writing it all down. Whether we actually do the work or not, isn’t as important as getting all the details right with God’s hand on us enabling us to understand all the details of the plan… Are we ready to get to work? 

Father, I think about this and ask myself today, what do You have in store for me? It might start with writing thoughts down and giving them to You for guidance, encouragement, and accomplishment. David set the example for me and Lord, I want to do what You want me to do. Help me as I think and plan to see where this is all headed, and give You all the credit when it falls into place. Amen

Unique

5/15/2017 

1 Thessalonians 4. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. – St. Paul 

Last week I learned something. I know, it’s true, Mr. Full-of-Himself actually realized there was one bit more he could cram into his onboard computer. I have often referred to the word, Holy, as being interpreted as ‘other’. It’s what I’ve been taught, and it sounded good to me. God, the Church, and His people are other than all the rest. The Church is other than the world.  

But, I learned that, holy, is better understood as unique. God, among all the gods out there, is unique. The Church, among all the religions out there, is unique. The Bible among all the Scripture and teachings so called, is unique. And the Savior, Jesus Christ, is the most unique of all: He is the only One who died for all our sins. Every person, everywhere – past, present, and future. 

The claim of the world is: the Church, the Scriptures, and the firmly held belief that Jesus is Lord, is no different than the teachings of the Buddha, Mohammed, or any other leader, sect, or cult. The claim of the world is that God, if there is one, will deal with all of us in the way we have dealt with each other. The belief of the world is, what goes around, comes around; payback is real, and life is, mostly, just part of an endless training cycle man goes through before he gets it right…whatever right is. 

The pull of the world’s thought is all roads lead to God. The answer of Christianity is: All roads lead to Christ, and only He provides access to God the Father. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14.6) 

All religions claim their own brand, but none claim unique. The unique Bible claims Jesus as Lord, and salvation through Him alone. And it’s not religion, but a personal relationship with God. That is unique. 

And, God, the One True, and Living God, calls His people to be unique. Unique in thought, practice, and speech. Unique in prayer and devotion. Unique in love for one another. Unique in forgiveness and gentleness and patience. Unique in service. Unique in compassion and kindness. Unique in worship and inclusion. Unique in living, loving, and giving. Unique in teaching, preaching, and discipleship. 

Being unique is being noticeable, but not just for noticeable sake; it’s for the sake of God our Creator and for man, His creation. Jesus said, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12.32) That is unique. Jesus draws men to Himself so He can lead all men to God. Unique. 

As a child of God, I am called to be holy: to be unique. If it’s religion we want, it’s religion we’ll get. If it’s God we want, it’s relationship with Him, we’ll get. It’s unique.  

Father, as an emissary of Jesus Christ, may I spread the uniqueness of Jesus where I am, and in whatever I am doing. I am called to be unique because of my belief and trust in You. Make my life count! Amen

Nine Months

5/13/2017 

2 Samuel 24.8 After they had gone through the entire land, they came back to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days. 

The apostle James had a lot to say about what happened to King David in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21. James made a point by talking about the conception and birth cycle of sin: 

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (James 1.13-15) 

It’s interesting what James said: When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” God is never the Author of sin. James continued: For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.  

Now if we examine the narrative of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles it states first:  Again the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and he incited David against them… (2 Chronicles 24.1) We can blame God for this because we might be led to believe it was God’s doing to incite David against Israel – but the $64,000 is this: why? And 1 Chronicles 21.1 says: Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. Now we’re getting somewhere.  

It is said that the best commentary of Scripture is Scripture. Many claim God’s word to be contradictory, but really, it isn’t. Why would God cause David to sin? Impossible! But Satan on the other hand? James said: Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. I thought it interesting that Joab took nine months and twenty days to get the census back to David. And I thought of conception, pregnancy, and birth. And then I thought of James. And us. 

Reminds me of the old country western tune: Who’s Cheatin’ Who? Who incited David to sin against his own people? Certainly, not God because, 1) God never incites anyone to sin and 2) …each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Or as old Flip Wilson: the Devil made me do it. We are culpable. We are the ones who sin and whether it’s the Devil’s cause, or completely our own, we’re culpable.  

Might be a dozen reasons why David did what he did, but the long and short of it is this: David was tempted his own evil desire and enticed. And when his desire conceived, it gave birth to sin and sin grew up into death: So, the Lord sent a plague on Israel, and seventy thousand [of David’s precious] men of Israel fell dead. (1 Chronicles 21.14) James gives us proper perspective on the conception, birth, and death of sin. The consequences affect us, and also others… seventy thousand in David’s case…

 

Father, O Father, give me wisdom, courage and strength in the battle against enticement, sin and death. Sin is not just what happens to me, but also what happens to others because of what I do. May my love for You be expressed in my obedience to You, and then indirectly in my love for others by fighting the good fight of faith. Help me God! Amen

Imitators

5/12/2017 

1 Thessalonians 1.6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. – St. Paul 

Imitation is as old as mankind – somebody always trying to be like somebody else. There is imitation in a good way, and imitation in less than noble ways as well. When Michael Jordan was in his prime with the Chicago Bulls, a whole advertising campaign revolved around the slogan: Be Like Mike… 

When our son was in Basic Military Training for the US Air Force, each Sunday was called Cheesus Day because the recruits were allowed to go to the worship service of their choice, and afterwards were served grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch. ‘Cheesus’ had to do with grilled cheese, and Jesus. The three hours of Cheesus was a welcome relief from the TI’s demands and yelling. However, many chose Cheesus only as a way to escape the rigors of the training regimen awaiting them for the new week: I can choose what I’m not, to escape what I am… 

Paul commended the Thessalonian Church for their imitation of him and his devotion to Christ – someone had to lead the way. And imitation now, is like it was then: follow the leader. Some do it with sincerity, and some with less than committed hearts. 

Imitation however, is important because God told His people: Be holy as I am holy. In other words, imitate Me! I think Paul wanted the Thessalonians to be devoted as he was devoted. I think he said: be like me. 

It is one thing to imitate, it is another to ask others to imitate you. Someone has to set the example. Someone has to lead. Imitation is doing what another does and thinking the way they think. It’s speaking the way they speak, and living the way they live. And imitation can lead to joy. 

Paul was not offering was clear skies and sunny days with warm breezes and nary a ripple on the pond. Paul said they imitated him, in the midst of severe suffering. Well, what kind of a deal is that!? You want me to be a believer, and all you’re offering me is a life of trouble and persecution – no thanks! Paul, however, pointed out the payoff: joy! 

It’s one thing just to suffer and another to suffer for the right reason. The right reason for suffering in life can be a source of joy, and that is what is offered: joy. Joy is knowing what I am doing is being done for the right reason, and that what I am doing, no matter how it feels, pleases God. The life of a believer often can, and will be, less than comfortable, but the payoff is joy: knowing what I am doing is for a purpose, and pleases the Almighty. 

Jesus, for the joy set before Him, endured the shame and humiliation of the cross. If He did it, can we? It’s what’s expected of us – a holy imitation of a holy Lord Who beckons us to join Him in redeeming the world. Wow! 

Father, today Your word stands: be holy as I am holy. It’s the calling upon my life and Lord, I want to imitate You. Help me to bless and encourage others in their imitation of You. Father, for the joy set before us, we endure knowing what we do is not in vain, but useful to help us in our pursuit of You – amen

O David

5/11/2017

2 Samuel 19.4 The king covered his face and cried aloud, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”

God chose David to replace king Saul. God said of David: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’(Acts 13) It’s important that we remember what God said of David. Was David perfect? No. Was David often hasty, foolish, and impetuous? Yes.

David, as near as I can tell, was wrong about as many times as he was right. Granted, he did have the then current king, Saul, out to get him. No surprise there, kings don’t take lightly to competition. But when David assumed the throne, he did some pretty weird things: transporting the Ark on a cart; not inquiring of the Lord on numerous occasions, and then having to backtrack and do it right the next time.

And the Bathsheba affair – he should have been stoned for that one. And the Amnon affair with Tamar – Amnon should’ve been stoned for that one. Oh, and the whole Absalom debacle – what a disaster! And so, it isn’t by accident that when Absalom is killed that David mourns: “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!” Everyone was pretty confused by that pity-party.

I think what David was really doing was mourning himself: “O David, God’s son! O David, God’s son, God’s son!” David knew he was God’s choice for the king, but David also had a bit of weird streak and it cost him dearly. David took action when he shouldn’t have, and didn’t take action when he should have. And the price was a heavy toll.

But. There’s a ray of sunshine: God chose David and even though David did some pretty stupid things, he loved God and remained faithful to his calling. Here’s the difference between Saul and David: commitment to God. Not flawless perfection: both men failed there. But David remined steadfastly committed to God and that is why God said: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ Despite a few costly setbacks…

And so, the question for us is simply: are we committed to God? Are we men and women after God’s own heart, willing to do whatever He wants us to do? I think those are questions that merit serious consideration. But only we, as individuals, can answer them – before God.

God calls us His children – His sons and daughters: that’s our true identity. David was truly identified as one after God’s own heart. We are the children of God. Are we willing to live up to our true identity; living as who we are, as God has declared? 

For sure we’ll screw up. For sure we’ll take action when we shouldn’t, and not take action when we should; and chances are, the price will be a heavy toll. But that doesn’t negate our identity, or God’s love, as long as we don’t buy the lie. Our identity before God is vital and powerful as long as we believe it, and receive it. Apart from Him we can do nothing, and with Him, we can move mountains. Only God’s kids have that right and privilege.

Father, it is a right and a privilege to call You Father because of my belief in Your Son. Thank You for my identity in Him and for the life that is mine through Him. Mistakes and all, I am a child of the Living God - amen

What You Want

5/10/2017 

Matthew 27.22-23 22 “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!” 23 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” 

It has taken me a lifetime (so far), but these days, I am beginning to understand why God does what God does in, and with my life: He is equipping me to live in dependence upon Him. God uses all I am to bring glory to all He is by working to develop a never-ending dependence upon Him within me. His success will be a miracle beyond description. 

Everyone is born in sin, and everyone has inherited an independent streak from the moment of conception. That, I think, is one of the foremost reasons why everyone is so stubborn and uncooperative, not only with each other; but also with God. 

God will give us what we want but He will not guarantee the results. Alternatively, God will give us what He wants, but we must accept it on His terms, and in doing so, He does guarantee the results.  

When Pilate asked, “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?”, the Jews, God’s very own people, all answered, “Crucify him!” So, Pilate wanting  their justification asked, “Why? What crime has he committed?” All they did was shout louder: Crucify Him! God allows us to seek what we want. 

I think, it’s when we get to the end of our faithless wants that God then offers: will you now consider My way? God’s way is not our way. God’s way is His way, and His way is completely counter to our way. That’s where the human rub comes: our way vs. His way. 

God’s own people rejected God’s own Messiah, but God wouldn’t guarantee the results. He would remain faithful to His way. That ought to be some measure of comfort to us all that despite our loudest shouts for our own way; God still loves us and works to help us to see things His way. And, perhaps, it’s selfish on His part. Only God gets to be selfish because only God can pull that off, and remain God. 

God’s own people didn’t realize that crucifying God’s Messiah was opening a way for them to have a preferred relationship with Him. God’s ways are not our ways. God works goodness in us, even within our unfaithfulness. Do we have to be unfaithful for God to respond? No, but God has responded to our unfaithfulness. His faithfulness outweighs our unfaithfulness. 

I am tired of doing the same thing repeatedly, expecting different results. I am learning that God is glorified in me for two reasons: first, He is God; and second, He reaches out to me in my sinful independence to teach me holy dependence. Dependence on God is unearthly and counter to all I know and am. But dependence on God gives me meaning, purpose, and peace; and God guarantees the results. 

Father, apart from You, I can do nothing. Nothing of any value, nothing of any meaning, and nothing of any purpose. Use these days to draw me close to You. Help me to loosen my grip on the reins leading to destruction. May I learn to love mercy, seek justice, and walk humbly, obediently, and dependently on You – amen.

Two Days

5/9/2017 

Matthew 26.2 “As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” – Jesus

Passover would have commenced on Friday night at about 6pm and lasted until Saturday at the same time. So, this had to be on about Wednesday. Question: What do you do with two days? What do you do with that information for two days? 

On earth is the concept of time. I suppose the concept of time is also elsewhere in the Universe, but for us humans, our sphere of influence is consigned right here to the planet. Now then, time is a concept but it really isn’t real. We think it is, but it is only in our minds. Time is reinforced by our constructs of days and nights, and months and seasons; but time is relegated to the space between our ears. 

The trick with time is to live in the moment; the eternal now. It’s tricky to do because we’re so hard-wired to think that time is real, because we’ve affixed to it seconds, minutes, hours, and days. Our modern calendar is something we’ve made up. It works, except every four years we have to add a makeup day to it to make it work.  

Even Jesus dwelt in the realm of time, He said: “As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” His men didn’t want to hear this – they thought they we on the cusp of a global takeover and the kingdom of Israel would emerge as the world power. But here their Messiah was. talking about His crucifixion, a horrible, evil, and undignified way to die. Only the worst of the worst got crucifixion. 

And for two days, that’s all they had to think about.  

In the other gospels, it’s recorded that their natural response was at first grief and dismay, but soon it turned to a coping mechanism of who would be the successor in the absence of Jesus: who among them was the greatest, and would usher in this great Jewish world kingdom overthrowing Rome and the Gentiles? Somebody had to do something – their Scriptures told them so. 

And Jesus said it was all two days away. 

What do we do with two days? I think a more important question is: what do we do with today? And even more important, what do we do with right now – it’s all we’ll ever have. Right now. 

I’m learning that God calls me to enjoy Him in the moment, right now. And as I move from this right now to the next, my enjoyment of His presence is to move with me from moment to moment. Jesus had to warn His men of what was coming, but, God calls me to dwell with Him, right now. Tomorrow will take care of itself, and today has enough troubles of its own. How do I live quietly and peacefully, right now? 

Father God, attune my heart to dwell forever in Your forever moment by moment, presence. I believe that is the key to a life well-lived. I know there will be things in my day that grab for my attention, but help me to focus on You, and to walk humbly with You today – moment by moment. The mastery of time is in my moments. May You and I enjoy them together this day – amen

The Gaffe of the Calling

5/8/2017 

Matthew 25.12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ – Jesus  

Matthew 25 has always given me pause. First, I think in a production mentality; that’s part of my problem, because the Kingdom of God is not about my production. It is about fruit, not the fruit I produce, but the fruit He grows in me. Second, Matthew 25 is all about respect and relationship. A great relationship with God is going to produce great fruit that will be for the benefit of others… 

In this parable, in which Jesus spoke about virgins, lamps, oil, and a bridegroom, the focus is readiness. It’s about prior planning preventing poor performance. And it’s also about distraction. It’s about not being focused on the simplest of tasks: being present in the moment. 

The virgins, of course, are invited participants. They were expected, and I ask myself, why? I get it the ancients did weddings their way, in their day. Of course, I’m wondering where does the bride fit in; but if there are ten virgins prior, who am I to question protocol? 

Where I get bogged down is why the five invited virgins, who left to get oil, are then disqualified for not being present when the bridegroom shows up? Hence: ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ I’ve thought about this and I think it boils down to disrespect: one is to be present at the appointed time and if there is lag-time until the appointed time, one is to wait until the signal is given that the appointed time has arrived. Responsibility required the five foolish virgins to be ready when they were called upon; not after they’d gone to get lamp oil. Foolish virgins frequently fail.  

So, how does this apply to you and me? Well, for one, it has to do with: our calling and response. It has to do with: timing and preparedness. Further, it has to do with: being ready to go at a moment’s notice. Jesus said, you can’t be committed to putting your hand to the plow and then look back; ploughing always requires looking forward. (Luke 9.62) 

And, it has to do with respect for the calling. If one is to be there when the groom shows up and one is not, what does that say about one’s commitment to the main man? People count on us for all kinds of things and when/if we let them down, their counting-on-us account depletes. It seems the five oil-less virgins discounted their being present when they were supposed to be. Not taking enough oil to begin with might’ve been a good place to start.  

I think God, all-knowing and all, expects us to be present in the moment and ready in the moment when He expects us to be. He is looking to us to do the good work He’s prepared for us to do so that the body of Christ may be built up… If we don’t respond in a timely manner, He’ll find someone who will. 

The gaffe of the oil-less virgins was entirely preventable. Many of our gaffes are preventable. It requires proper prior planning, prayer, readiness, respect for the calling, and for the One who calls. The punishment for the foolish virgins was more than they anticipated, and had they known the risk, they might’ve brought enough oil to float a boat.

Lord, may I learn the importance of calling – wherever, whenever, and however it comes. And may I respect the calling in readiness, because it comes from You, along with every other good and perfect gift - amen

A Daughter’s Promise

5/4/2017 

Matthew 21. 5 “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” – St. Matthew 

How low can you go – a king (small ‘k’) gentle, and riding on a donkey!? What kind of king is this? And yet, the crowds cried out: Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! It was short-lived, but it was effective. Somebody knew something. 

At that time, Israel already had a king – actually, she had several. There was Herod, the Idumean (Edomite); there was Caesar, the emperor; there was Caiaphas, the High Priest; and there was Pontius Pilate, the procurator. Israel had many ‘kings’. She even had a God, but her problem was she didn’t have a Lord. To them, God was apparently busy out there somewhere doing whatever it is He does, and the rest, well, you know men and their power trips… 

And here comes this Galilean claiming to be a King as well. His credentials are a bit sketchy and He doesn’t seem to come from the right side of the tracks. No king in Israel ever comes from Galilee!  

The Kingdom of God is not what we think. The Kingdom of God is where a King comes, whose arrival was announced from antiquity. He doesn’t show up in the way kings are supposed to show up: He takes His time. He shows up out of obscurity and poverty. He shows up with only this on His resume’: His ancestor was king David. But He keeps talking about a Kingdom like it’s His deal. 

Yes, kings are supposed to be through succession, but the current king is, take your pick: either an ancient enemy, or a pagan despot. The Priests won’t recognize Him, and He keeps doing things unbecoming a King: He seeks the lowest places to hang out in, and the lowest people to hang out with. And He keeps talking about His Kingdom: The Kingdom of God. Talk about playing the God-card. What kind of a King is this? 

Well, God never plays by our rules. God patiently works within our rules, but He plays by His own, within ours. And God’s King comes preaching a gospel that only the discerning will understand: the greatest is the least, and the last will be first. Loving enemies and rejoicing in persecutions. The more we preach the Truth, the more we will be hated by those who are threatened by it, and deny its reality.

What kind of a kingdom is that? 

God never intended for man to sin, but He was infinitely prepared for it when it happened. God didn’t freak out and go into ‘damage control’, He already had His plan in place and when the fullness of time came, He sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship (Galatians 4.4-5). God knew, God cared, God prepared. That’s what kind of God He is. 

What if sin had never happened? Well, life would certainly be great, but faith would never have been tested. Does that mean sin had to come in order for God’s plan to work? No, but sin did come, and God built His Kingdom as a means for the sinners to repent and to dwell with Him for all time and eternity.

A gentle King, riding on a donkey, a daughter’s promise – God, You are so good! Amen!