The administrator at our Christian school and I sat down for a meeting yesterday to wrestle through some decisions about the coming year. The economic downturn that is effecting the country has reduced the resources available to for that ministry so decisions needs to be made about closing the gap between income and expenses. At one point in our discussion, Cindy asked, "So where is God in these calculations?" Her words echoed in my mind all day. Where is the balance between fiscal responsibility on our part as those entrusted with this work and the faith to trust God to supply the funds needed? Some people fall off one end and believe that God will endorse all their good plans and efforts! Others are too willing to let the circumstances that exist around them create the boundaries for their vision!
I admire that spirit that wants to tackle challenges, build businesses, and make things work because I know that God left Adam in charge of the Garden. I am not a puppet in the hands of God. I am also aware of my limitations as a human being. Solomon reminds me: "Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127:1, NIV) So, does that mean we are passive, that what we do and who we are is all up to Him? No! Something even more astonishing emerges from a study of the Scripture. God makes us partners with Him!
The critical issue for those who would do God's work is hearing from Him! When we know the will of God, we can go forward regardless of opposition, lack of funds, or limitations confident that He will give us everything we need to do His will. But, God is under no obligation whatever to fund our programs or bless our plans. James reminds us of the folly of presumption that looks like faith but is not. "Look here, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit." How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, "If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that."" (James 4:13-15, NLT)
The Bible teaches us about God's will with a metaphor. We read, "I went to the potter’s house, and sure enough, the potter was there, working away at his wheel. Whenever the pot the potter was working on turned out badly, as sometimes happens when you are working with clay, the potter would simply start over and use the same clay to make another pot. Then God’s Message came to me: "Can’t I do just as this potter does, people of Israel?" God’s Decree! "Watch this potter. In the same way that this potter works his clay, I work on you, people of Israel." (Jeremiah 18:3-6, The Message) He can do with us as He pleases. Yet, He calls us into partnership with Him. Jesus Christ taught consistently that the choice of obedience is critical. God allows us to resist His will, to walk away from His perfect plan OR to submit to Him and let Him shape us into a Masterpiece.
Are you malleable in the hands of the Potter?
Are you submitted to Him, trusting in Him?
Then, live confidently! If God says, "Go!" you can proceed and believe He will work in you and your circumstances to produce something that is "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV)
_____________________
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Improving the Scenery
When I drive up to my house, I take note of the property next door. The landscaping is nicely done, the fence in good repair - in all, very attractive. On the other side of my house, it is a different story. The lawn is neglected, the edges are not trimmed, and a pile of discarded lawn furniture is dumped behind the house. What a contrast. These two little pieces of suburbia got me to thinking about my life. Do I live in a way that improves the scenery for those who notice when they pass by? Another way to ask that is, "do I live nobly?" That word, nobly, means to live gallantly, magnificently, and splendidly. Those noble by inheritance were expected to honor their noblesse oblige (Fr.) -an obligation to live benevolently and honorably because of their social position.
We need not be rich or of the noble class to live nobly! Indeed, in Christ, we are called to be noble.
The Word says, "Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8, NKJV) And Jesus says that what fills our minds will fill our lives, for 'out of the heart the mouth speaks!' We are given life in Christ, called into the family of God. With that grace gift comes a new identity and an obligation of which Paul reminds us: "Live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own." (Ephesians 4:1, CEV)
Don't mistake pretension or exclusivity for nobility! We are not called to think we are better than others. Jesus, who was very God in flesh, did not insist on titles or deference from others. He did not climb the social ladder so he could spend time with the elite of the land. His love for all earned him the scorn of the 'nobles' who mocked Him as a 'friend of sinners,' a description He wore gladly. He loved the poor, ate with those who were recognized 'sinners,' and gave dignity to the discarded. That was His true nobility. And, it must be ours. Our lives must be marked with holiness - foul language replaced by praise, filth replaced with purity, greed replaced with generosity, hate replaced with love, fear replaced with peace - and those things then shared with those who live around us.
Believer, spend time with the Lord. Learn from Him how to live nobly in a base world. Then go and improve the scenery with your life.
Here's a word from the Word. As you meditate on it, I pray you will understand your calling better and be inspired to become a noble person, for God's glory. "Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."" (1 Corinthians 1:26-31, NIV)
We need not be rich or of the noble class to live nobly! Indeed, in Christ, we are called to be noble.
The Word says, "Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8, NKJV) And Jesus says that what fills our minds will fill our lives, for 'out of the heart the mouth speaks!' We are given life in Christ, called into the family of God. With that grace gift comes a new identity and an obligation of which Paul reminds us: "Live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own." (Ephesians 4:1, CEV)
Don't mistake pretension or exclusivity for nobility! We are not called to think we are better than others. Jesus, who was very God in flesh, did not insist on titles or deference from others. He did not climb the social ladder so he could spend time with the elite of the land. His love for all earned him the scorn of the 'nobles' who mocked Him as a 'friend of sinners,' a description He wore gladly. He loved the poor, ate with those who were recognized 'sinners,' and gave dignity to the discarded. That was His true nobility. And, it must be ours. Our lives must be marked with holiness - foul language replaced by praise, filth replaced with purity, greed replaced with generosity, hate replaced with love, fear replaced with peace - and those things then shared with those who live around us.
Believer, spend time with the Lord. Learn from Him how to live nobly in a base world. Then go and improve the scenery with your life.
Here's a word from the Word. As you meditate on it, I pray you will understand your calling better and be inspired to become a noble person, for God's glory. "Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."" (1 Corinthians 1:26-31, NIV)
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Intending to Grow UP?
Intentionally?
"So, what kind of Christian do you want to be?" The question struck me as silly, at first. The more I thought about it, however, the more it made a great deal of sense. Planning is obviously important and valuable and we do it all the time. We plan for retirement, setting aside money, making investments, for the days when we will not be producing income at the same level as we do now. We plan vacations, buy plans for our new deck, plan which road to take to Grandma's house. But many of us make no plans when it comes to spiritual development. "I just let the Spirit lead," we say, excusing ourselves from disciplines of the Spirit that are vitally important!
The Scripture uses a powerful metaphor about those who fail to plan to grow up in Christ. Take a look. "You are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God." (Hebrews 5:11-6:1, NLT) You are like babies! The writer urges us to grow, to get past saying, "I'm sorry, Lord," as we fall into the same sins over and over.
Bev and I raised four children, the youngest now 26 years of age! We loved when they were infants, so cute, so cuddly. We accepted the ton of work that came with having a totally dependent little human that required constant care, that did not respect our need for sleep, that produced stinky diapers, that threw up on my suits. But, we also knew that it was important to help each of our kids mature. Gradually, as they grew physically, we transferred responsibilities to them - "make your bed, get your own shower, put away your stuff." When they were in their teens, I gave them responsibility for managing their own limited finances, including a checking account and a credit card with a small line of credit. We encouraged them to learn to think about the consequences of their actions, even allowing them to make foolish decisions that we knew would produce pain later on. Each of them, at one time or another, resisted maturity! It was easier to be dependent. Now, they are productive people, managing their own lives; each of them a person I am proud to call my son or daughter! Growing up happened without much thought. Becoming mature required a great deal of intentional work.
When we are baby Believers, it is perfectly acceptable to be dealing with simple temptations, to be very dependent on other people, to create messes from time to time in our relationships. God is patient with us while we're growing up. But, He also desires that we learn to live in the Spirit, that we master our emotions, that we know how to say "Yes" to His will, even when it is hard; and "No" to our Self, even when the urge to sin is pulling powerfully at us.
So, what kind of Christian do you want to be?
Believer, are you allowing God to take you through the school of maturity?
Are you cooperating with Him as He teaches you to be a mature Believer who is productive, who knows how to think critically, who serves well at all times?
I want to be a powerful, generous, selfless, peaceful, loving, joyful, patient saint! It won't just happen, but God can make it happen if I let Him father me, discipline me, and lead me. And then it will be said of me, he is an "oak of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor." (Isaiah 61:3, NIV) Could there be anything better?
_______________________
Rise up, O men of God!
Have done with lesser things;
Give heart and soul
And mind and strength
To serve the King of kings.
Rise up, O men of God!
His kingdom tarries long;
Bring in the day of brotherhood
And end the night of wrong.
Rise up, O men of God!
The church for you doth wait,
Her strength unequal to her task;
Rise up, and make her great!
Lift high the cross of Christ,
Tread where His feet have trod;
As brothers of the Son of Man,
Rise up, O men of God!
Rise Up, O Men of God
William Walter© Public Domain /
"So, what kind of Christian do you want to be?" The question struck me as silly, at first. The more I thought about it, however, the more it made a great deal of sense. Planning is obviously important and valuable and we do it all the time. We plan for retirement, setting aside money, making investments, for the days when we will not be producing income at the same level as we do now. We plan vacations, buy plans for our new deck, plan which road to take to Grandma's house. But many of us make no plans when it comes to spiritual development. "I just let the Spirit lead," we say, excusing ourselves from disciplines of the Spirit that are vitally important!
The Scripture uses a powerful metaphor about those who fail to plan to grow up in Christ. Take a look. "You are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God." (Hebrews 5:11-6:1, NLT) You are like babies! The writer urges us to grow, to get past saying, "I'm sorry, Lord," as we fall into the same sins over and over.
Bev and I raised four children, the youngest now 26 years of age! We loved when they were infants, so cute, so cuddly. We accepted the ton of work that came with having a totally dependent little human that required constant care, that did not respect our need for sleep, that produced stinky diapers, that threw up on my suits. But, we also knew that it was important to help each of our kids mature. Gradually, as they grew physically, we transferred responsibilities to them - "make your bed, get your own shower, put away your stuff." When they were in their teens, I gave them responsibility for managing their own limited finances, including a checking account and a credit card with a small line of credit. We encouraged them to learn to think about the consequences of their actions, even allowing them to make foolish decisions that we knew would produce pain later on. Each of them, at one time or another, resisted maturity! It was easier to be dependent. Now, they are productive people, managing their own lives; each of them a person I am proud to call my son or daughter! Growing up happened without much thought. Becoming mature required a great deal of intentional work.
When we are baby Believers, it is perfectly acceptable to be dealing with simple temptations, to be very dependent on other people, to create messes from time to time in our relationships. God is patient with us while we're growing up. But, He also desires that we learn to live in the Spirit, that we master our emotions, that we know how to say "Yes" to His will, even when it is hard; and "No" to our Self, even when the urge to sin is pulling powerfully at us.
So, what kind of Christian do you want to be?
Believer, are you allowing God to take you through the school of maturity?
Are you cooperating with Him as He teaches you to be a mature Believer who is productive, who knows how to think critically, who serves well at all times?
I want to be a powerful, generous, selfless, peaceful, loving, joyful, patient saint! It won't just happen, but God can make it happen if I let Him father me, discipline me, and lead me. And then it will be said of me, he is an "oak of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor." (Isaiah 61:3, NIV) Could there be anything better?
_______________________
Rise up, O men of God!
Have done with lesser things;
Give heart and soul
And mind and strength
To serve the King of kings.
Rise up, O men of God!
His kingdom tarries long;
Bring in the day of brotherhood
And end the night of wrong.
Rise up, O men of God!
The church for you doth wait,
Her strength unequal to her task;
Rise up, and make her great!
Lift high the cross of Christ,
Tread where His feet have trod;
As brothers of the Son of Man,
Rise up, O men of God!
Rise Up, O Men of God
William Walter© Public Domain /
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Who's in your network?
Robert Fulghum wrote a book about the rules of life we learn in Kindergarten. Among them is this classic: "When you go out in the world, watch out, hold hands, and stick together!"
Somewhere in the teen years a new idea is presented to us that teaches us to assert ourselves, to stand tall and alone, to go our own way. "Leave me alone!" replaces "walk with me." "Mind your own business!" replaces "Let's do that together." No wonder Americans are among the loneliest people on earth.
I used to think, "if it's going to get done, I'll have to do it myself," was the most efficient method of doing my work. What an idiot I was! Life has taught me that cooperative efforts are sometimes not the most efficient ways but they are always the most effective ways. The most competent person on earth limits his reach and his impact if he fails to build a deep network of partnering relationships. How thankful I am for the people who are part of the web of my life. I get to share the joy of their work and they participate in mine. Together we can make a measurable difference in the world- whether it is building a better machine or creating a worshipping church or becoming a beautiful community!
In Discipleship Journal, (Issue 68) Paul Stanley writes:
"A circle of accountability is the safeguard for finishing well. Western individualism makes for exciting adventure stories, but the “lone-ranger” approach leads to spiritual ill health. We need a balance of
Upward mentors, who have gone before and can show the way;
Downward mentorees, who shake our complacency, renew our convictions, keep us on our toes, and multiply our ministry for His Kingdom;
Peer co-mentors, who know us, identify with us, and provide mutual stimulation and personal accountability.
This kind of network will constantly evolve as those in the relational network develop and circumstances change."
All of that is summed up in the wisdom of the Scripture.
"There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other." (1 Corinthians 12:5-7, NLT) God is weaving a web of relationships all around you and me. Are we cooperating and letting Him place right where we need to be or are we pridefully resisting His efforts to make our lives and work richer with others in the constellation of people around us?
Beware a subtle pride that says, "I do not need you." On Sunday, following worship, a friend offered to pray for me. God knew I was depleted by a week filled with demanding service and that I was facing another week with a heavy schedule. He sent this man to me, but was I ready to stop giving long enough to receive? No! Foolishly, I thanked him for his concern and moved on, passing up the opportunity to let him bless me and receive from the Lord, too! I tore a little hole in the relational web with that foolish decision. Be wiser than I was in that moment. Take time to connect with others. Receive the gifts of encouragement that are offered. Listen to the counsel that is presented. Unless we are able to receive; we will never be able to give from the heart!
So, who's in your network?
Who leads you?
Who are you leading?
Who stands alongside of you as a friend?
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." (Proverbs 17:17, NIV)
"Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy." (Proverbs 27:6, NLT)
Somewhere in the teen years a new idea is presented to us that teaches us to assert ourselves, to stand tall and alone, to go our own way. "Leave me alone!" replaces "walk with me." "Mind your own business!" replaces "Let's do that together." No wonder Americans are among the loneliest people on earth.
I used to think, "if it's going to get done, I'll have to do it myself," was the most efficient method of doing my work. What an idiot I was! Life has taught me that cooperative efforts are sometimes not the most efficient ways but they are always the most effective ways. The most competent person on earth limits his reach and his impact if he fails to build a deep network of partnering relationships. How thankful I am for the people who are part of the web of my life. I get to share the joy of their work and they participate in mine. Together we can make a measurable difference in the world- whether it is building a better machine or creating a worshipping church or becoming a beautiful community!
In Discipleship Journal, (Issue 68) Paul Stanley writes:
"A circle of accountability is the safeguard for finishing well. Western individualism makes for exciting adventure stories, but the “lone-ranger” approach leads to spiritual ill health. We need a balance of
Upward mentors, who have gone before and can show the way;
Downward mentorees, who shake our complacency, renew our convictions, keep us on our toes, and multiply our ministry for His Kingdom;
Peer co-mentors, who know us, identify with us, and provide mutual stimulation and personal accountability.
This kind of network will constantly evolve as those in the relational network develop and circumstances change."
All of that is summed up in the wisdom of the Scripture.
"There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other." (1 Corinthians 12:5-7, NLT) God is weaving a web of relationships all around you and me. Are we cooperating and letting Him place right where we need to be or are we pridefully resisting His efforts to make our lives and work richer with others in the constellation of people around us?
Beware a subtle pride that says, "I do not need you." On Sunday, following worship, a friend offered to pray for me. God knew I was depleted by a week filled with demanding service and that I was facing another week with a heavy schedule. He sent this man to me, but was I ready to stop giving long enough to receive? No! Foolishly, I thanked him for his concern and moved on, passing up the opportunity to let him bless me and receive from the Lord, too! I tore a little hole in the relational web with that foolish decision. Be wiser than I was in that moment. Take time to connect with others. Receive the gifts of encouragement that are offered. Listen to the counsel that is presented. Unless we are able to receive; we will never be able to give from the heart!
So, who's in your network?
Who leads you?
Who are you leading?
Who stands alongside of you as a friend?
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." (Proverbs 17:17, NIV)
"Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy." (Proverbs 27:6, NLT)
Monday, July 21, 2008
Let the Sonshine In!
Over the weekend Bev and I attended a nephew's wedding. It was an occasion to celebrate, to join in with the joyful couple in marking a wonderful moment in their life! Our good friends, Karen and Jerry, came on Thursday to spend a week in our home and brought joy to my life. Do you, do I remember how important it is to choose joy? John Ortberg's The Life You've Always Wanted includes a chapter about is celebration, practicing the habit of joy! Christianity is to be characterized by incredible joy, among other things. Ortberg challenges me by pointing out some key truths.
First is this: God is joyful! Most of us are clear on the fact that God is love, aren't we? And we also get that God is holy, of course. We are ready to declare that God is good, always. But, that God is joyful is not something we often consider. Think about it. When He created, how did He summarize His work? "And God saw all that He had made, and it was very good!" He was delighted by His creativity. Isaiah uses a great metaphor about God's joy -- "as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you." (Isaiah 62:5, NIV) The picture that the prophet paints of our God is that of a young man rejoicing in his new wife!
Second: Jesus said that He came to bring us 'abundant life' and the reason is that our 'joy may be full!' Jesus laughed! Alongside of the picture of the Savior who mourns for a sinful world, the Gospels show us a joyful Man. Children liked him, sought Him out. Kids don't climb onto the laps of cranky guys! Buried in His teaching are remarks designed to spark laughter. We don't always 'get it' because of the gap in culture and time, but they are there. He poked fun at the Pharisees who were so scrupulous about external holiness. His audience roared when He said, "you strain the gnats out of your drinks but swallow camels."
Third: The Scripture commands us to rejoice! "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4, NIV) If joy were simply the result of uncontrollable circumstances as many of us think, then this command would be unfair or impossible. Joy is a choice for the Believer, regardless of the 'happiness content' of the day.So, how do we practice joyfulness?
Ortberg suggests 7 things...
1. Begin NOW! Stop waiting for joy to make it's way to you, or waiting for something you hope for to happen. Believe what the Word declares, that "This is the day the LORD has made" ... and when you believe that... then go on to the next step..."let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24, NIV)
2. Find a 'joy' mentor. Experiencing joy is a learned response. Griping and complaining comes naturally to the sinful nature. So let somebody who's grasped the joy of the Lord coach you.
3. Set aside a day a week to celebrate. Make sure your "Sabbath" includes JOY as well as worship. Eat ice cream! In moderation, it won't hurt you a bit. Revel in beauty. Appreciate a sunset, a work of art, a musical composition. So, make sure you celebrate regularly to break out of the monotony of life.
4. Unplug from the steady stream of 'bad news' from the world for a week. Depression is an epidemic among us. Might it be because we are trying to deal with the ugliness, the sin, the suffering of the whole world everyday? Those 24/7 news channels might keep you informed, but they may also be a great hindrance to joy as you find yourself confronted with terror, tragedy, and woe from the four corners of the earth.
5. Discipline your mind to see life from the Biblical perspective. Today is not IT! You and I are not all that we will ever be. Change is happening, that is the assurance of the Word. "...we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him. " (2 Corinthians 3:18, The Message) Not happy with who you are, what you're like today? Work with God and He'll change you. Keep hope alive by reminding yourself of Christ's coming Kingdom! There is coming a day when wrongs will be made rights, the reason for unexplained sorrow will be revealed, and the curse of sin will be removed. "Lord, let your Kingdom come!" That perspective will keep the disappointment and sorrows of this day from overwhelming you.
6. Pray for the fruit of the Holy Spirit (the evidence of His life) to be created in you. What is that fruit? "Love, JOY...." Yes, second on the list is JOY! "Oh, God, teach me to celebrate, to live joyfully, because You live in me."
7. Practice joyfulness. Yes, when you hear yourself joining in with complaining, when you're chafing against situations, when you are ungrateful- make a choice, by the power of the Spirit, to go in a different direction. Look up, not down. Speak with faith, not from fear. Thank God for what He's given you, instead of complaining about what you perceive that you lack.
"Lord, thank you for being You and for being Joyful over us.
Wherever we are, in whatever state we find ourselves today,may our response to you be gratefulness for your faithfulness.
When our hearts are broken by real suffering, by hurt visited on usby cruel people, heal us and hold us close.
When we are selfish, touchy, and full of irritability -convict us and help us to listen when you say, "Get your heart right!"
Do the work of transformation in us, so that the joy of the Lord will be evident in us.In this you will be honored and the world will know that we are people of faith.Jesus, we pray this in your holy name.
Amen."
First is this: God is joyful! Most of us are clear on the fact that God is love, aren't we? And we also get that God is holy, of course. We are ready to declare that God is good, always. But, that God is joyful is not something we often consider. Think about it. When He created, how did He summarize His work? "And God saw all that He had made, and it was very good!" He was delighted by His creativity. Isaiah uses a great metaphor about God's joy -- "as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you." (Isaiah 62:5, NIV) The picture that the prophet paints of our God is that of a young man rejoicing in his new wife!
Second: Jesus said that He came to bring us 'abundant life' and the reason is that our 'joy may be full!' Jesus laughed! Alongside of the picture of the Savior who mourns for a sinful world, the Gospels show us a joyful Man. Children liked him, sought Him out. Kids don't climb onto the laps of cranky guys! Buried in His teaching are remarks designed to spark laughter. We don't always 'get it' because of the gap in culture and time, but they are there. He poked fun at the Pharisees who were so scrupulous about external holiness. His audience roared when He said, "you strain the gnats out of your drinks but swallow camels."
Third: The Scripture commands us to rejoice! "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4, NIV) If joy were simply the result of uncontrollable circumstances as many of us think, then this command would be unfair or impossible. Joy is a choice for the Believer, regardless of the 'happiness content' of the day.So, how do we practice joyfulness?
Ortberg suggests 7 things...
1. Begin NOW! Stop waiting for joy to make it's way to you, or waiting for something you hope for to happen. Believe what the Word declares, that "This is the day the LORD has made" ... and when you believe that... then go on to the next step..."let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24, NIV)
2. Find a 'joy' mentor. Experiencing joy is a learned response. Griping and complaining comes naturally to the sinful nature. So let somebody who's grasped the joy of the Lord coach you.
3. Set aside a day a week to celebrate. Make sure your "Sabbath" includes JOY as well as worship. Eat ice cream! In moderation, it won't hurt you a bit. Revel in beauty. Appreciate a sunset, a work of art, a musical composition. So, make sure you celebrate regularly to break out of the monotony of life.
4. Unplug from the steady stream of 'bad news' from the world for a week. Depression is an epidemic among us. Might it be because we are trying to deal with the ugliness, the sin, the suffering of the whole world everyday? Those 24/7 news channels might keep you informed, but they may also be a great hindrance to joy as you find yourself confronted with terror, tragedy, and woe from the four corners of the earth.
5. Discipline your mind to see life from the Biblical perspective. Today is not IT! You and I are not all that we will ever be. Change is happening, that is the assurance of the Word. "...we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him. " (2 Corinthians 3:18, The Message) Not happy with who you are, what you're like today? Work with God and He'll change you. Keep hope alive by reminding yourself of Christ's coming Kingdom! There is coming a day when wrongs will be made rights, the reason for unexplained sorrow will be revealed, and the curse of sin will be removed. "Lord, let your Kingdom come!" That perspective will keep the disappointment and sorrows of this day from overwhelming you.
6. Pray for the fruit of the Holy Spirit (the evidence of His life) to be created in you. What is that fruit? "Love, JOY...." Yes, second on the list is JOY! "Oh, God, teach me to celebrate, to live joyfully, because You live in me."
7. Practice joyfulness. Yes, when you hear yourself joining in with complaining, when you're chafing against situations, when you are ungrateful- make a choice, by the power of the Spirit, to go in a different direction. Look up, not down. Speak with faith, not from fear. Thank God for what He's given you, instead of complaining about what you perceive that you lack.
"Lord, thank you for being You and for being Joyful over us.
Wherever we are, in whatever state we find ourselves today,may our response to you be gratefulness for your faithfulness.
When our hearts are broken by real suffering, by hurt visited on usby cruel people, heal us and hold us close.
When we are selfish, touchy, and full of irritability -convict us and help us to listen when you say, "Get your heart right!"
Do the work of transformation in us, so that the joy of the Lord will be evident in us.In this you will be honored and the world will know that we are people of faith.Jesus, we pray this in your holy name.
Amen."
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