We Remember, He Remembers

5/2/2016

1 Chronicles 16.12;15 12 Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced; 15 He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations… - David

I do believe this psalm in 1 Chronicles 16 is David’s first recorded psalm; one of his earliest hits. It is not recorded in the Book of Psalms, but it is a psalm nonetheless. There are portions of this psalm that are found in the other recorded psalms in Psalms. Wow, that was a mouthful.

As I read this passage and thought about what it says, I remembered the wonders God has done in my life, and in the lives of those close to me. I can always point back to the days of our oldest son and all the issues he had, and remember how many times God provided for him when we, his parents, hadn’t a clue what to do. Marshall was our miracle man.

I think about how many times the Lord has come through in providence over the years: jobs, promotions, healings, encouragements, humblings, salvations. I remember. Not everything was necessarily a wonder or a miracle, but everything has/had His fingerprints all over it.

I remember because (according to David) He remembers; God Almighty remembers us in our days and ways. And God remembers His covenant forever; the promise He made, for a thousand generations.

Deuteronomy 7.9 says: Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. David must have known this or he wouldn’t have said what he said. David seemed to have a habit of remembering what God said. And David reminded himself of what He remembered.

For me and you, these are wise words if we’ll accept them as such. I don’t know what you’re going through at the moment, but I know what I am going through; and I need to remember the wonders of God in my life and the miracles He’s performed on my behalf. Maybe today is a day for you to remember. I know it is for me.

Because here is the Good News: He, God, remembers His covenant of love to a thousand generations. If a generation is about 40 years then, well, do the math – a thousand generations is a long, long time. And God is all about time for us as we approach a season of timelessness with Him which can only be described for us as: eternity.

Father, may the wonders You have done in my life be always on my mind. May I remember as You remember. You remember Your love for us, and You remember us in our weakness. Thank You God! Thank You that we are Yours, and You are ours. Thank You that You remember. May we return the favor – Amen.

Not What I Normally Write

5/1/2016

Today friends is a different day: I’m not sure if I saw a spirit of death, but I did have a nose-bleed. First some summary facts: what I think brought me to this day.

I have suffered with high blood pressure since I was nineteen. It was probably before nineteen that I actually had high blood pressure, but I tried to get into the Navy in 1974 and in the process the examining physicians told me I had high blood pressure; which would disqualify me for enlistment. So began the story.

I’ve been on blood pressure medication for over four decades. I have had some success with diet and exercise, but hypertension has always been with me. Yes, it has been a nuisance at times.

This past Friday I had a nosebleed. Not unusual for this time of year with spring pollen and such, but this one was different. I did Kleenex therapy and pinched my nose and after a while it stopped. But later that day, we took the dog for a walk and it came back – not with a vengeance, but it did come back.

Through the night there was no issue, but yesterday it came back. Cathy and I were packing to leave on a business trip and we got our things ready to go and left for Boise. When we got to our hotel at about 5:30pm it came back with a vengeance this time. We got to the hotel and I couldn’t stop the bleeding. It lasted and lasted and finally, I had Cathy take me to a local hospital to their Emergency Room.

They took me into an exam room and found that amidst the bloody nose, I also had shockingly high blood pressure. So, long story short, after an IV of medicine to stabilize my blood pressure, and cauterizing the burst vessel in my nose, they ended the affair by shoving packing material into my nostril at a force of which I imagined to be that of a mule kicking. It hurt. They discharged me within a half hour or so and within 8 blocks from the hospital, the packing fell out. Tough luck.

The nose bleed has come back twice today and currently is sleeping. My nervousness is not.

Here’s the deal guys: we don’t stay young forever. We are not invincible. Physicians and well-meaner's offer us advice and counsel. Diet, exercise, and following orders are important. They seem to be more important when you’ve seen a spirit. That’s what I’ve seen this weekend.

I looked at my wife from my gurney and saw the fear in her eyes. My children are concerned. People at my church are praying. I’m not dead – yet. But I have seen a different light today – the light of repentance. I see the need to amend my ways; while I still have a chance. Human life is not the outcome, but it is the means to eternal life it isn’t to be wasted along the way.

Today is a day of repentance and a renewal of faith for me. In the Book of Job it says: A spirit glided past my face, and the hair on my body stood on end. (Job 4.15) I can identify with that. My life is not my own and my body is not my property to abuse. I repent. It’s a new day. We’ll see what the doc has to say tomorrow. Pray for a miracle...

The Right Way

4/30/2016

1 Chronicles 13.12 David was afraid of God that day and asked, “How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?”

In Exodus 25, are the initial instructions for the transporting of the Ark; it was to be carried on the shoulders of the priests by use of two long, gold overlaid, wooden poles. The poles were never to be removed. (Cf. Exodus 25.14ff)

By the time King David was crowned, the Ark had been stored in Kiriath Jearim for quite some time and David even said, “Let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we did not inquire of it during the reign of Saul.” It had been relegated to a piece of furniture. So, David sought to bring it to Jerusalem where he thought it ought to be in the tabernacle.

The story goes they built a new wooden cart on which to place the Ark, and with two oxen they started to bring it back to Jerusalem. Along the way, the oxen stumbled, and with no suspension under the cart, the Ark took quite a jolt, and Uzzah, presumably one of David’s men or a chief Levite, reached out to steady the Ark with his hand; and God killed him for doing so. Struck him dead as a doornail.

Well, of course a happy and joyful occasion turned tragic and everybody, including the King, freaked out. So, they took the Ark on the cart to Obed Edom and left it there for three months. Obed Edom may have lived close by.

Verse 11, says David got angry because of the death of Uzzah. I tend to think his anger was based in: How could I have been so stupid!!? And verse 12 David asks: “How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?” Again, there may have been a healthy dose of self-deprecation. How do you bring the Ark David? You bring the Ark the right way.

After three months of trying to figure it out, someone must have consulted the Operating Manual (the Law) and realized the Ark of God was only to be transported a certain way: God’s way. And that they did, and the Ark came to rest in Jerusalem; and David visited Uzzah’s tomb with flowers every year after.

For us today, there is our way, and there is God’s way. Our way is leaning on our own understanding, cleverness, practicality and expedience. God’s way is leaning not on our own understanding, in humility, patience and prayer. Things with God seem to make haste slowly. This is amplified when we slow down, seek the Lord, and wait for Him to direct and guide. No one dies, and God’s will pervades.

I think about all the stuff I’m trying to do in these present days and in the next few years; and I have two options: His, or mine. I’ve relied on mine for decades and today’s reading reminds me of all the defeat and destruction that lays in my wake. I want to finish well but that has to be on God’s terms, not mine.

Lord God, it isn’t a matter of Arks and carts and poles; it’s a matter of walking humbly and obediently with You. Forgive me of my impulsiveness and help me to slow down, bow down, and trust You to lead me to where You want me to be: at home in Heaven, with You forever. Amen.

From Saint to Satan

4/29/2016

Matthew 16.23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

I have been in Church for many years and have heard many sermons, some of which, I staunchly disagreed. Now, it wasn’t just that I disagreed, it was how I disagreed. Had I the opportunity, I would have taken the pastor aside and, like Peter with Jesus (in Matthew 16), rebuked him for saying such things. How could you!? Why would you!? The difference between me and Peter is who we were listening to…

Peter was a pretty smart guy but at times he appeared to act as if he was a little too big for his britches. He, like many of us, knew just enough to be dangerous. Peter was laboring under the common human misconception of: I think I know what I thought you said… Peter was looking for the warrior king and Jesus was explaining to them that He was the Servant King. Swords were for another day.

I’m not sure if Jesus was irritated with Peter at that moment, but Jesus did emphatically make His point: Get behind Me Satan! You don’t have God’s thoughts in mind, but your own! (Peter previously, when asked who people thought Jesus was replied: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”) But Peter was hacked that Jesus would say that He was to suffer at the hands of the religious leaders and be killed. That didn’t square with Peter’s ideas of how things ought to be and Peter mouthed off, and Jesus rebuked him! I can only imagine the other guys thinking: Did He just say what I think I thought I heard!?

At times, I have a pretty high opinion of my theology but I’m learning that high opinions usually have low reception. But I do know this: to avoid going from saint to satan is simply learning how to be humble and considerate of what others say. Combative words have a place, but not in ordinary conversations where rebuking is the only agenda. Nobody likes to be called: Satan.

Peter learned very quickly what not to say, but I also think he learned there is way more to spirituality than building spiritual constructs around human thinking and reasoning and calling it truth. The lesson for me: be quick to listen and slow to react. Listen to what is being said, and if there is a difference of opinion, don’t make that a hill to die on. Paul said, Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. I think that’s pretty good advice…we can go from Saint to Satan in the blink of a pre-conceived notion.

Lord, You taught Peter to be careful with what he thought and said. May I learn that lesson as well. Teach me Your ways and help me to share them with great patience and intention. Talking about You ought to be encouragement, not combat. May I learn to protect what You call me – a saint – in order that others may see that I am, and not, by my words, that I ain’t. For Your good and Your glory – Amen.

What Kind of Faith

4/28/2016

Matthew 15.27 27 Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” – a Canaanite woman

One day Jesus and His men encountered a Canaanite woman – she was from the region of Tyre and Sidon – she was probably from a pagan culture and a descendant of the Philistines (the ancient enemies of Israel).

The woman kept crying out to Jesus to help he because her daughter was demon possessed. But Jesus ignored her for quite some time. His disciples apparently, irritated, whined, Do something! So, Jesus did: He told the woman, I don’t deal with foreigners. That was just the opening the woman was looking for.

Jesus told her: It’s not right to take the children’s food and throw it to dogs. Undeterred the woman answered: True, but at least the dogs get the crumbs that fall from the table. Jesus marveled at her response. He commended her for her faith and sent her away where she would find her daughter restored.

It wasn’t that Jesus was going to send her away; apparently, He just tested her to see where her heart was. God never slams the door on the seeker whose heart is toward Him. God will respond to anyone who comes to Him in faith. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved… (Romans 10.10) I don’t know that the woman got saved but she did get what she wanted from the Lord and it was her faith that go it.

I believe that God tests the hearts of mankind to see what will come out. God knows we are all broken and fallen and even the best of us harbor the worst within us. But that doesn’t mean the worst always comes out. Sometimes in our thoughts and words comes a faith that gets God’s attention. Usually the desperate have such a hunger and thirst for God. Nowadays, we don’t seem to be that desperate.

Two things happened with Jesus that day: His disciples were yet again, amazed and humbled at what the Lord; did and the woman went away happy and justified that she’d put her faith in the right place. Jesus was building the faith of His men by pointing out the faith of a foreigner – possibly a pagan at that.

How will I respond in faith today? Because you know (I sure do) I will be tested in what I do and where I am. Anyone who belongs to God will experience it at some point today. Jesus said, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” Will I exercise such faith?

Where will I place my faith today? What kind will it be?

Father, You look at the heart. You look at the person and determine where their faith really is; and what kind of faith they really have. Find my faith only in You, and find my faith firm, strong, and fixed. Find me weak in my own strength and strong in Yours. Let me hear those words: You have great faith! I believe in You!  - amen.

With You

4/27/2016

Matthew 13. 29 “Come,” he said. – St. Matthew

In Matthew 14, is an account of a turbulent time in Jesus life in which John the Baptist had been beheaded, and many thousands had come to seek Him out. The load of ministry at times is very heavy. Throw in the death of a friend or relationship, and the load can become overwhelming. Jesus was perhaps feeling overwhelmed and needed to get away; and when He attempted to do so, the crowds, hurting and crying out, came seeking Him.

Jesus never turned the crowds away. Ministry is 24/7/365. So Jesus marshaled His men and met the needs of those who’d come to be with Him. Jesus miraculously fed them. The account says, the number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. (Matthew 14.21)

After Jesus dismissed the crowds and sent them back home, He instructed His men to take the boat and go to the other side of the lake. He went to pray. As His men rowed and pushed in the wind to get to the other side, Jesus met them out on the lake –He was walking on the water. They were terrified.

Jesus identified Himself and told them to relax. Peter said, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” So Jesus said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat and for a few steps, he walked on water as well. Then he realized what he was doing, and panicked, and began to sink into the water.

I thought about the Lord’s invite: Come. Jesus says to the rest of us: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11.28,29)

God’s invitation to all of us is: Come be with Me and I will be with you. Religion and mankind have accused God of being a party-pooper; always looking to take something from us or make us do something we don’t want to do, or go someplace we don’t want to go. Peter challenged the Lord: If it’s You, tell me to come to You on the water… Don’t ask if you won’t do.

But Jesus wants us to be with Him wherever He is: on the water, with the sick, with those in prison, or with our neighbor next-door. The invitation is always: Come! Be with Me!

And we’re to repeat the Lord’s invitation: we’re to invite those on the outside to come on inside. Come – come and see Who the Lord is and why being in His presence is the safest and best place to be – ever. Jesus seeks our friendship and desires to bring us into the Father’s presence: the safest and best place to be. All we need do is get out of the boat…

Father, You don’t require water-walking but You do invite us to come. We’re to be with You wherever You are, and we’re to do whatever You ask us to do. There. Help me to be courageous to respond and trust, water or not: with You is the safest and best place to be – Amen.

I Accept You

4/26/2016

2 Samuel 1.25-26 25 “How the mighty have fallen in battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights. 26 I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women. – David

It takes a big man to say what David said, and to sing what David sang: Your love for me was wonderful… David and Jonathan were friends in a deep and special way. They accepted one another and saw in each other, God and greatness.

Now, my Pastor always tells me he loves me. I accept that. My brothers tell me they love me – I accept that. But I have never heard someone say: Paul, your love for me is wonderful; more wonderful than that of women. That’s not acceptable in our day – I think. It’s not that it isn’t right; it’s just not what we say.

The love of women is wonderful. The love of women is the gift of: I accept you. In other words: I accept you for in all the smelliness and crudeness that is man. I accept your awkwardness in intimacy, I accept your childish emotions. I accept your hairy face and body. I accept you. Every man wants that.

Acceptance is the freedom to be loved, and to love, just the way I am. Acceptance paves the way for self-improvement. Acceptance awakens that sleeping hope of promise, and mutual fulfillment. Acceptance oils the gears between the sexes. So, for a man to accept another man on the level of David and Jonathan – it’s huge!!

Jonathan was royalty and the heir to the throne. But he knew David was the Lord’s anointed. He knew God had special plans for David and for Israel. Jonathan accepted his place in God’s plan. And Jonathan accepted God’s plan for David.

Like everything in this world, all can be twisted, maligned, and ridiculed. But acceptance on the level of these two servants of God, Jonathan and David, from different backgrounds and callings, was truly remarkable. I’m not sure if it has ever been repeated since those days.

And remarkably, a true man, a big man sang glorious praise over God’s king and his son. David didn’t spike the football. David didn’t gloat over the loss of Saul – he sang and wept and did what real men ought to do: he mourned the loss of the great.

It’s good to consider such words about such men, and hold out hope that we men of today can get to that place where we can truly say: “…you are very dear to me. Your love for me is wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.”

Father, I have learned today that relationship, in Christ, ought to be just like relationship with Christ: undying affection and acceptance. Break down the resistance in me with my brothers to accept them for who they are and for what You’ve called them to do. May we love each other as You love us – in Christ. Amen