Disciple, are you 'in shape,' in peak playing form?
No, I'm not inquiring about your athletic prowess. Are you spiritually in shape, making maximum contribution to this world with the spiritual gifts God has invested in you?
Major League Baseball's spring training is well underway. At small baseball parks in Florida and Arizona the pro's are working at getting their bats and gloves back into top form. These men, many of whom have spent years in the game, are being coached, working on their baseball skills- just like they did when they were rookies on an AA team. They are going through the aches and pains that are the result of coaxing their bodies into playing form again. They play games with deadly seriousness, even though the season has not started yet.
Just like these baseball players, disciples need training, need to be equipped for serving the Lord, need to hone skill to use the gifts and talents He's invested in us! Have you thought about what you might do to become a better Christian, a skilled member of God's team? There are the basics --daily intake of Scripture,-regular times of meditation when we listen for God's voice,-prayers for the needs of ourselves and others,-the choice to serve faithfully, and-regular worship with other Believers. When we do those things we are working out in a way that is similar to the routines that all the players do to get in top physical shape before their season begins. No matter if they are an outfielder or pitcher, all the players do the sit-ups, the crunches, the running that tones up their bodies. Likewise, Believers need to do the basics, no matter their calling or ministry.
I've been a Believer for 40+ years and I still do the basics! Every day I open the Bible to renew my mind with His wisdom. I spend time listening to Him, quieting my mind before Him. I pray and make the choice to get to church and to prayer group- even when I don't feel like it or when I'm 'on vacation.' Do I think doing those things 'earn' me extra points in Heaven, or help me to get my prayers answered more quickly? Of course not! Those are the fundamental exercises of the Christian life that help me 'stay in shape' so I am able to live as He desires and able to consistently do what He wants me to do.
Beyond the basics, the baseball pros have specialized training too. Each one is coached for the position he will occupy on the field. We all, regardless of what we do in God's service, need to be the best we can be for God! American Christians are blessed with abundant resources for which we should thank God! No matter what you do in His name, it seems there are books, magazines, and conferences where you can take advantage of shared wisdom that will help to sharpen your skills and the way that you exercise your gifts.
My hope is that you take what you do for God so seriously that you earnestly desire to be the BEST at it, for Christ's sake! I regularly read books and journeals that help me evaluate how I am leading the congregation He's entrusted to my care, that help me deepen my understanding of the Scripture, and that coach me on the way I communicate with the people He's called me to teach. I attend conferences, from time to time, to gain new skills and sharpen old ones. Do you train yourself for service for His glory? Who coaches you in your Christian walk? I hope and pray that you have those that you trust and to whom you have given permission to speak both the positive and the negative so that you can become ALL that God has called you to be. I've surrounded myself with people that I trust and I seek their feedback. I love it when they take note of the home run, but cringe when one of my trusted coaches points out an area of sloppiness or poor service! All of it helps me be the best I can be for the Master!
Read this passage slowly and let it sink in- and then, commit yourself to continual training in the Master's service. Envision yourself playing on a championship team, at peak performance, doing what you do with excellence - Soli Deo Gloria! (Glory to God alone!)
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body (discipline my body like an athlete- NLT ) and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
1 Corinthians 9:24-28 NIV
Friday, March 06, 2009
Thursday, March 05, 2009
The Pharisee in me
I must deal with spiritual pride, not all the time, but occasionally it creeps up on me! If I look at the choices made for good, the acts of self-denial, the discipline of living a moral life – Ego sees to it that the temptation to congratulate myself arises. Yes, friend, I hate that Pharisee that lives in me, the guy who finds himself thinking, “Oh, God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, crooks, adulterers, or, heaven forbid, like this tax man. I fast twice a week and tithe on all my income.” (Luke 18:11-12, The Message) I know exactly when that impulse finds a place in my heart: when I take my focus from Christ and His cross as my righteousness! When it is allowed to rise, the corruption of pride is a stench that overwhelms the fragrance of Jesus Christ in my life. His beauty is obscured by an ugly religious spirit.
Pride is a temptation that visits all those who seek to live a holy life. It is rather like the man who humbles himself and then takes note of his humility; losing it in that moment. We cannot defeat this kind of pride with self-abnegation. “Don’t look at me,” can really mean, “Please take note of me, but don’t say anything to me. Just quietly admire all my spiritual accomplishments!” There is but one way to put Self and pride to death – deep, heart-felt worship of the One who saves us. So-called ‘worm theology’ won’t do it. That phrase is borrowed from the Isaac Watts hymn, “At the Cross,” that includes this line, “would He devote that Sacred Head, for such a worm as I?” It is possible to be a very proud worm!
We must kneel (literally, I believe, for that posture is a way to pray with our body) and confess that Jesus is Lord, Master, and Savior. Contemplating His majesty, waiting silently before Him, giving thanks from a worshipful heart brings us to the realization that His grace is amazing. Such contemplative prayer often leads me to tears that are a reflection of the gratitude in my heart. And, too, we must meditate on the truth of the Scripture to bring to light the deception of ego. Pride cannot live under the brilliant light of a Word like this: "it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:8-10, NIV) That passage speaks to the intrinsic worth that God gives to me, a wonderful fact that must never be forgotten. And it also reminds me that I can take no pride in who I am, or what I do, an equally important fact.
Some mistakenly think that the way to defeat pride is to sin with abandon. How foolish, but it is an ancient response to grace. Paul addressed it in his letter to the Romans. "So what do we do? Keep on sinning so God can keep on forgiving? … Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we’re going in our new grace-sovereign country. Could it be any clearer? Our old way of life was nailed to the cross with Christ, a decisive end to that sin-miserable life—no longer at sin’s every beck and call!" (Romans 6:1, 5-6, The Message)
Disciple, are you gazing at yourself, admiring your goodness? Is the Pharisee in thee alive and well? Go to Jesus! Begin to worship, anew, at His Cross. Pride stinks, grace is sweetly fragrant. May grace fill your heart, your words, your life – today.
_________
That God should love a sinner such as I,
Should yearn to change my sorrow into bliss,
Nor rest till He had planned to bring me nigh,
How wonderful is love like this!
That Christ should join so freely in the scheme,
Although it meant His death on Calvary.
Did ever human tongue find nobler theme
Than love divine that ransomed me?
And now He takes me to His heart, a son;
He asks me not to fill a servant's place.
The "far off country" wand'rings all are done;
Wide open are His arms of grace.
Such love, such wondrous love!
Such love, such wondrous love!
That God should love a sinner such as I,
How wonderful is love like this!
Such Love
Bishop, C. / Harkness, Robert© 1929. Renewed 1957 Lillenas Publishing Company (Admin. by The Copyright Company)
CCLI License No. 810055
Pride is a temptation that visits all those who seek to live a holy life. It is rather like the man who humbles himself and then takes note of his humility; losing it in that moment. We cannot defeat this kind of pride with self-abnegation. “Don’t look at me,” can really mean, “Please take note of me, but don’t say anything to me. Just quietly admire all my spiritual accomplishments!” There is but one way to put Self and pride to death – deep, heart-felt worship of the One who saves us. So-called ‘worm theology’ won’t do it. That phrase is borrowed from the Isaac Watts hymn, “At the Cross,” that includes this line, “would He devote that Sacred Head, for such a worm as I?” It is possible to be a very proud worm!
We must kneel (literally, I believe, for that posture is a way to pray with our body) and confess that Jesus is Lord, Master, and Savior. Contemplating His majesty, waiting silently before Him, giving thanks from a worshipful heart brings us to the realization that His grace is amazing. Such contemplative prayer often leads me to tears that are a reflection of the gratitude in my heart. And, too, we must meditate on the truth of the Scripture to bring to light the deception of ego. Pride cannot live under the brilliant light of a Word like this: "it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:8-10, NIV) That passage speaks to the intrinsic worth that God gives to me, a wonderful fact that must never be forgotten. And it also reminds me that I can take no pride in who I am, or what I do, an equally important fact.
Some mistakenly think that the way to defeat pride is to sin with abandon. How foolish, but it is an ancient response to grace. Paul addressed it in his letter to the Romans. "So what do we do? Keep on sinning so God can keep on forgiving? … Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we’re going in our new grace-sovereign country. Could it be any clearer? Our old way of life was nailed to the cross with Christ, a decisive end to that sin-miserable life—no longer at sin’s every beck and call!" (Romans 6:1, 5-6, The Message)
Disciple, are you gazing at yourself, admiring your goodness? Is the Pharisee in thee alive and well? Go to Jesus! Begin to worship, anew, at His Cross. Pride stinks, grace is sweetly fragrant. May grace fill your heart, your words, your life – today.
_________
That God should love a sinner such as I,
Should yearn to change my sorrow into bliss,
Nor rest till He had planned to bring me nigh,
How wonderful is love like this!
That Christ should join so freely in the scheme,
Although it meant His death on Calvary.
Did ever human tongue find nobler theme
Than love divine that ransomed me?
And now He takes me to His heart, a son;
He asks me not to fill a servant's place.
The "far off country" wand'rings all are done;
Wide open are His arms of grace.
Such love, such wondrous love!
Such love, such wondrous love!
That God should love a sinner such as I,
How wonderful is love like this!
Such Love
Bishop, C. / Harkness, Robert© 1929. Renewed 1957 Lillenas Publishing Company (Admin. by The Copyright Company)
CCLI License No. 810055
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Life in the Throne Room
Seconds after the words left my mouth, I sensed the Holy Spirit’s correction. “Jerry, you did not honor Me; you were polishing your own pride!” The thought stung, hurt even. The overarching goal of my life is to honor my Lord – in thought, in word, in action. There is only one way that happens. I must live before the Throne of God. When I stay in that place, His Presence captivates me, holds my attention, so that other things do not intrude. When my eyes are on His Majesty; temptation’s attraction lessens, fears lose their grip on me, I am drawn to holiness.
Let me illustrate using a scene from a recent mini-series, John Adams. Mr. Adams is sent by the Continental Congress to be the ambassador to England. Raised in New England with egalitarian ideals and a disdain for pomp and titles, Mr. Adams had to be schooled in the protocols required at an audience with the King of England, then one of the world’s most powerful men. Adams mocks the ceremonial bows, resisting what he felt was a foolish nod to a mere man. He is told that he must have appropriate clothing prepared, not the simply waistcoat that he wore everywhere else. This, too, was resisted by the American. But, days later, when he was shown to the door of the throne room, the powerful authority of the role held by the man hit him. He was left nearly speechless. When entering the throne room, he could not address the King, nor could he approach the throne until he was invited to do so. When the meeting was over, he could not turn and walk away. Instead, he backed away, facing the king until the door opened behind him.
Dear disciple, we make a serious error when we diminish our God, stealing His majesty! Yes, He loves us and invites us to His Throne Room, but not casually. We come, by invitation, and clothed in the righteousness of Christ. Without that, we must die! But, when we are properly clothed and the door to His Presence opens, we are captivated by His power, His love, and His glory! When I live before the throne, His goodness fills up my life. This is why a disciple who would be holy, who would know the true love of God, must be a constant worshipper. In acts of worship, in regular devotion – we consciously stand in the Presence.
Proverbs warns that the "fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." (Proverbs 29:25, NIV) In other words, if my desire is to please others and/or gain their approval, I will be tripped up by sin.
Take these amazing encouragements as your challenge and your guide.
"We keep our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up." (Hebrews 12:2-3, NLT)
"We come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven.
You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect. You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel. Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven!" (Hebrews 12:22-25, NLT)
_______________
Worship along with the singers on this You-Tube presentation.
Click on this link.– Before the Throne
Before the throne of God above,
I have a strong, a perfect plea,
A great High Priest whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in heaven He stands,
No tongue can bid me thence depart,
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there,
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the Just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me,
To look on Him and pardon me.
Behold Him there the Risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I Am,
The King of glory and of grace,
One with Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God,
With Christ my Savior and my God.
One with Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ my Savior and my God,
With Christ my Savior and my God.
Before The Throne Of God Above
Cook, Vikki / Bancroft, Charitie Lees
© 1997 PDI Worship (Admin. by The Copyright Company)
CCLI License No. 810055
______________________
Let me illustrate using a scene from a recent mini-series, John Adams. Mr. Adams is sent by the Continental Congress to be the ambassador to England. Raised in New England with egalitarian ideals and a disdain for pomp and titles, Mr. Adams had to be schooled in the protocols required at an audience with the King of England, then one of the world’s most powerful men. Adams mocks the ceremonial bows, resisting what he felt was a foolish nod to a mere man. He is told that he must have appropriate clothing prepared, not the simply waistcoat that he wore everywhere else. This, too, was resisted by the American. But, days later, when he was shown to the door of the throne room, the powerful authority of the role held by the man hit him. He was left nearly speechless. When entering the throne room, he could not address the King, nor could he approach the throne until he was invited to do so. When the meeting was over, he could not turn and walk away. Instead, he backed away, facing the king until the door opened behind him.
Dear disciple, we make a serious error when we diminish our God, stealing His majesty! Yes, He loves us and invites us to His Throne Room, but not casually. We come, by invitation, and clothed in the righteousness of Christ. Without that, we must die! But, when we are properly clothed and the door to His Presence opens, we are captivated by His power, His love, and His glory! When I live before the throne, His goodness fills up my life. This is why a disciple who would be holy, who would know the true love of God, must be a constant worshipper. In acts of worship, in regular devotion – we consciously stand in the Presence.
Proverbs warns that the "fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." (Proverbs 29:25, NIV) In other words, if my desire is to please others and/or gain their approval, I will be tripped up by sin.
Take these amazing encouragements as your challenge and your guide.
"We keep our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up." (Hebrews 12:2-3, NLT)
"We come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven.
You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect. You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel. Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven!" (Hebrews 12:22-25, NLT)
_______________
Worship along with the singers on this You-Tube presentation.
Click on this link.– Before the Throne
Before the throne of God above,
I have a strong, a perfect plea,
A great High Priest whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in heaven He stands,
No tongue can bid me thence depart,
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there,
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the Just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me,
To look on Him and pardon me.
Behold Him there the Risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I Am,
The King of glory and of grace,
One with Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God,
With Christ my Savior and my God.
One with Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ my Savior and my God,
With Christ my Savior and my God.
Before The Throne Of God Above
Cook, Vikki / Bancroft, Charitie Lees
© 1997 PDI Worship (Admin. by The Copyright Company)
CCLI License No. 810055
______________________
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
The DOW- Oh, Wow!
6700 – to many the number is meaningless, just something they hear on the news. As in indicator it is frightening, announcing the freefall of the American economy. As we watched the news last night and the story was about the looming possibility of the bankruptcy of the state of California, my wife said, “I’m finished with this. Just turn it off.” Seems that even the so-called “Golden State,” with an economy that is larger than most nations in the world, has no money left. I’ve noticed a requiring graphic that accompanies these stories, printing presses full of American currency, not a reassuring picture! Are we becoming a third-rate financial system that attempts to solve monetary issues by just printing more money?
Never one to pretend, I won’t start now. A part of me tenses up when I think about a decade long financial nightmare of unemployment, food lines, and bankruptcies. I wonder what repercussions will land in my house despite our refusal to pile up consumer debt and our faithful stewardship of our small store of resources. But, another part of me feels a tingle of anticipation, something akin to joy. Strange reaction, isn’t it? Here’s why. We have all been in love with our stuff for far too long! American wealth has allowed us to indulge ourselves in rich food and every kind of entertainment. We’re fat – literally and figuratively. The Hummer (that mammoth SUV) was a metaphor of all that was whacky with America, a symbol of over-the-top consumption and excess. I sincerely believe this is a time of correction, that God is allowing us to reap the consequences of our idolatry. And yes, just as in ancient Israel, when the harvest of sin arrives, all in the nation suffer – the righteous along with the sinful.
Here’s what God says: (Don’t rush through it. Deeply contemplate His wisdom!) "Man of God; run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you,… Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life." (1 Timothy 6: 11-12, 17-19, NLT)
We American disciples of Jesus have ignored materialism for far too long. While we fixated on the porn culture, the sensuality of our entertainment, and the worship of the flesh; we were totally blind to an equally destructive force that sat in our churches and lived in our hearts – “love of our stuff.” Strangely, (or should I say, tragically?) some among us even built theological systems that said that being filthy rich (an intentional play on words there!) is the sign of righteousness and God’s favor. If God cries, I’m sure He has been sobbing over that one! The so-called ‘prophets’ to this nation filled hours of TV time declaring to us that we could enjoy our best life now, if only we had enough faith to claim our heritage as children of God, ‘king’s kids.’ "Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance." (Psalm 73:9-10, NIV)
Jesus hit the lie of wealth as a sign of righteousness squarely between the eyes when He said, “No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus." (Luke 16:13-14, NIV) He also warned that "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” Those who heard this said, “Then who in the world can be saved?” He replied, “What is impossible for people is possible with God.” (Luke 18:25-27, NLT)
So, though the DOW is plummeting and the shape of my future is now completely uncertain, I am eager to see what God will do for me, for us, as we learn to love Him in new and deeper ways. And disciple, this I know, the Lord will care for us if we trust Him completely. “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." (Matthew 6:31-33, NLT)
________________
When we walk with the Lord,
In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way,
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey,
For there’s no other way,
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.
-public domain
Never one to pretend, I won’t start now. A part of me tenses up when I think about a decade long financial nightmare of unemployment, food lines, and bankruptcies. I wonder what repercussions will land in my house despite our refusal to pile up consumer debt and our faithful stewardship of our small store of resources. But, another part of me feels a tingle of anticipation, something akin to joy. Strange reaction, isn’t it? Here’s why. We have all been in love with our stuff for far too long! American wealth has allowed us to indulge ourselves in rich food and every kind of entertainment. We’re fat – literally and figuratively. The Hummer (that mammoth SUV) was a metaphor of all that was whacky with America, a symbol of over-the-top consumption and excess. I sincerely believe this is a time of correction, that God is allowing us to reap the consequences of our idolatry. And yes, just as in ancient Israel, when the harvest of sin arrives, all in the nation suffer – the righteous along with the sinful.
Here’s what God says: (Don’t rush through it. Deeply contemplate His wisdom!) "Man of God; run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you,… Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life." (1 Timothy 6: 11-12, 17-19, NLT)
We American disciples of Jesus have ignored materialism for far too long. While we fixated on the porn culture, the sensuality of our entertainment, and the worship of the flesh; we were totally blind to an equally destructive force that sat in our churches and lived in our hearts – “love of our stuff.” Strangely, (or should I say, tragically?) some among us even built theological systems that said that being filthy rich (an intentional play on words there!) is the sign of righteousness and God’s favor. If God cries, I’m sure He has been sobbing over that one! The so-called ‘prophets’ to this nation filled hours of TV time declaring to us that we could enjoy our best life now, if only we had enough faith to claim our heritage as children of God, ‘king’s kids.’ "Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance." (Psalm 73:9-10, NIV)
Jesus hit the lie of wealth as a sign of righteousness squarely between the eyes when He said, “No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus." (Luke 16:13-14, NIV) He also warned that "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” Those who heard this said, “Then who in the world can be saved?” He replied, “What is impossible for people is possible with God.” (Luke 18:25-27, NLT)
So, though the DOW is plummeting and the shape of my future is now completely uncertain, I am eager to see what God will do for me, for us, as we learn to love Him in new and deeper ways. And disciple, this I know, the Lord will care for us if we trust Him completely. “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." (Matthew 6:31-33, NLT)
________________
When we walk with the Lord,
In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way,
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey,
For there’s no other way,
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.
-public domain
Monday, March 02, 2009
When Dreams Die
Bob died yesterday. A week ago, to all appearances, he was a healthy middle-aged man. On Sunday, his heart quit! What is God doing and why did Bob die? Honestly, I do not know! It is faith-walkin' time for me.
Sometimes God can be infuriatingly unpredictable. God, why is one dream realized and another shattered? There are not enough answers this side of Heaven to satisfy every question. However, there are enough testimonies of grace to help us to trust Him even when we cannot understand His ways.
Naomi, whose story is told in the book of Ruth, moved to Moab with her husband and two sons to escape a famine. It looked like finally they were getting life together, then Elimelech died. Naomi, picked up the pieces of her life and went on. Her two sons married Moabite women and for 10 years, life was good, then... both sons died! Naomi's life was tragic, her dreams shattered.
Where was God in all that happened to her? Right there with her. Now that might just seem to the 'right' answer, but it is the true answer.
Dear disciple, consider that sometimes our dreams must be shattered so we can find God's dreams for us. When God doesn't automatically make OUR dreams come true, we are faced with a huge choice.
Will we trust Him and wait for a new dream to replace the shattered one OR
will we descend into bitterness and unbelief?
In such moments, borrow the prayer of a desperate father who brought his son for healing to Jesus and cried out when the Lord asked him to believe: "I do believe, but help me not to doubt!" (Mark 9.24)IF we will trust Him, He can give us a new dream, a new life that recovers JOY! Four chapters later in the book of Ruth, we read the end of Naomi's story... "Boaz married Ruth. She became his wife. Boaz slept with her. By God's gracious gift she conceived and had a son. The town women said to Naomi, "Blessed be God! He didn't leave you without family to carry on your life. May this baby grow up to be famous in Israel! He'll make you young again! He'll take care of you in old age. And this daughter-in-law who has brought him into the world and loves you so much, why, she's worth more to you than seven sons!" Naomi took the baby and held him in her arms, cuddling him, cooing over him, waiting on him hand and foot. " (Ruth 4:13-16, The Message)
That baby became the grandfather of Israel's great king, David! An alien woman, Ruth, was brought to Israel and included in the line of David and the line of the Messiah, Jesus.
You might read that and say, "So, does that make the pain Naomi had to endure all right?" I cannot answer that, nor can you! Life is not about us living in a perfectly balanced scale where the pain is always offset by the blessings, where the hard times are offset by the good times. Life is about living in full faith, trusting that He is able to keep us secure in His love through the shattered dreams!
Are your dreams for life shattered today? Reach out to people who will love you, weep with you, and hold you up until your faith is strong enough to touch the heart of God again. Reject the easy answers, the psycho-babble, the half- truths..... but do not reject God. Ask Him for courage to weep yet keep hope and faith intact as you pray --- "I do believe, but help me not to doubt!"
________________
O love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in Thee.
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in Thine ocean depths its flow,
May richer fuller be.
O light that foll'west all my way,
I yield my flick'ring torch to Thee.
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in Thy sunshine's blaze it's day,
May brighter fairer be.
O joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to Thee.
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.
O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
George Matteson © Public Domain CCLI License No. 810055
Sometimes God can be infuriatingly unpredictable. God, why is one dream realized and another shattered? There are not enough answers this side of Heaven to satisfy every question. However, there are enough testimonies of grace to help us to trust Him even when we cannot understand His ways.
Naomi, whose story is told in the book of Ruth, moved to Moab with her husband and two sons to escape a famine. It looked like finally they were getting life together, then Elimelech died. Naomi, picked up the pieces of her life and went on. Her two sons married Moabite women and for 10 years, life was good, then... both sons died! Naomi's life was tragic, her dreams shattered.
Where was God in all that happened to her? Right there with her. Now that might just seem to the 'right' answer, but it is the true answer.
Dear disciple, consider that sometimes our dreams must be shattered so we can find God's dreams for us. When God doesn't automatically make OUR dreams come true, we are faced with a huge choice.
Will we trust Him and wait for a new dream to replace the shattered one OR
will we descend into bitterness and unbelief?
In such moments, borrow the prayer of a desperate father who brought his son for healing to Jesus and cried out when the Lord asked him to believe: "I do believe, but help me not to doubt!" (Mark 9.24)IF we will trust Him, He can give us a new dream, a new life that recovers JOY! Four chapters later in the book of Ruth, we read the end of Naomi's story... "Boaz married Ruth. She became his wife. Boaz slept with her. By God's gracious gift she conceived and had a son. The town women said to Naomi, "Blessed be God! He didn't leave you without family to carry on your life. May this baby grow up to be famous in Israel! He'll make you young again! He'll take care of you in old age. And this daughter-in-law who has brought him into the world and loves you so much, why, she's worth more to you than seven sons!" Naomi took the baby and held him in her arms, cuddling him, cooing over him, waiting on him hand and foot. " (Ruth 4:13-16, The Message)
That baby became the grandfather of Israel's great king, David! An alien woman, Ruth, was brought to Israel and included in the line of David and the line of the Messiah, Jesus.
You might read that and say, "So, does that make the pain Naomi had to endure all right?" I cannot answer that, nor can you! Life is not about us living in a perfectly balanced scale where the pain is always offset by the blessings, where the hard times are offset by the good times. Life is about living in full faith, trusting that He is able to keep us secure in His love through the shattered dreams!
Are your dreams for life shattered today? Reach out to people who will love you, weep with you, and hold you up until your faith is strong enough to touch the heart of God again. Reject the easy answers, the psycho-babble, the half- truths..... but do not reject God. Ask Him for courage to weep yet keep hope and faith intact as you pray --- "I do believe, but help me not to doubt!"
________________
O love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in Thee.
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in Thine ocean depths its flow,
May richer fuller be.
O light that foll'west all my way,
I yield my flick'ring torch to Thee.
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in Thy sunshine's blaze it's day,
May brighter fairer be.
O joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to Thee.
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.
O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
George Matteson © Public Domain CCLI License No. 810055
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