“A day that will live in infamy” was how President Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke of 12/7/1941, better known as Pearl Harbor Day. It was a defining day for people in my grandparents’ generation. It ushered America into the terrible war that raged around the world for the next 4 years.
My parents’ generation can tell you where they were when they heard that America’s young President, JFK, had been assassinated in Dallas on 11/22/1963. His untimely death was the beginning of social upheaval and great change in America that stretched through the remaining part of that decade.
My generation remembers 9/11/2001! Eight years later I still remember the fear that gripped me when I heard the news of jets crashing into buildings in NYC and DC. 19 terrorists brought hate to us, killed more than 3000 and galvanized our nation to war, which has proven terribly costly in both lives and resources. What I like to remember about that time was the national unity that we enjoyed for a few weeks; tragically then lost to ever greater partisan politics from that day to this.
Personally, we have days to remember, too. Good days- weddings, birth of our children, promotions; bad days- deaths, divorces, job loss. My prayer is that as we remember, we will use our memories to lay a foundation for the future. From our memories come lessons in faith, lessons about choices, course corrections for our lives.
Christianity’s core practice is an act of remembering. Jesus, as He passed the Cup and the Bread to his disciples, told them “Do this in remembrance of me!” Sharing the Lord’s Supper brings us back to the Cross where his sacrifice changed our destiny, opened up God’s Presence to us, and made possible our restoration to our Father. We must never forget the wonderful gift of our salvation. How easily we fall into the ruts of ritual, taking the bread and the wine, without really remembering.
Paul soberly reminds us that "anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. … if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself." (1 Corinthians 11:27, 29, NLT) If we worship without reverence, that which should bless, becomes a curse! We need to approach his table preparing ourselves in true worship and inviting the Spirit to help us to remember as we should.
Do you remember?
"When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." (Luke 22:14-20, NIV)
The blessed body of Jesus, broken for me! The precious life of Jesus offered for me! What grace, let us never forget. As much as we love the new and the novel, we cannot, we must not ever forget the ancient, yet ever new, story of Who brought us life.
____________________
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ, My God;
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See, from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Since I, who was undone and lost,
Have pardon through His name and word;
Forbid it, then, that I should boast,
Save in the cross of Christ my Lord.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a tribute far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my life, my soul, my all.
When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
Watts, Isaac / Miller, Edward
© Public Domain
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
It’s under control!
Since Sam (our Irish Setter) arrived, we have become fans of Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, whose show is on the National Geographic Channel. His insight into dog behavior is amazing. His signature line, “I rehabilitate dogs and train people,” causes me to smile. A common issue for those of us who own dogs is excessive barking in the house. Our canine friends are territorial and believe that they must announce themselves and defend their home with loud, persistent barking. In response to the barking many people yell, “Stop!” only increasing the noise and the barking! Cesar’s solution? Stay quiet and calm. Let your dog know that you have the situation under control, that they don’t have to “defend” because you’re in charge. Don’t project anxiety. Instead, bring calm assertive control that allows your dog to relax. (Worked with Sam!)
Some of us approach life’s challenges like a barking dog! As we sense what looks like a real threat coming our way our levels of anxiety rise and we start to ‘bark.’ We complain. We threaten. We bluff, bluster, and growl. All of our noise only tends to increase the tension, drive away those who might really be of assistance, and deafen us to the voices of reason. Here’s the Truth. Jesus Christ has it all under control!
In our Weds. Bible Study last night, we spent time in the 1st chapter of the Revelation, where John was given a vision of the magnificence of Christ, the King! I was much encouraged by these words. Take a look.
"On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet.... I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man,” dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters.
In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead.
Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades." (Revelation 1:9-20, NIV)
Each of those descriptive phrases are important! John wasn’t wasting adjectives.
Jesus was not a monster, but a man.
His long robe signals his nobility!
His golden sash speaks of his priestly office.
His white hair is a mark of wisdom, his fiery eyes speak to his piercing insight!
His feet like bronze assure us that he can tread on his enemies and that voice is one of command authority!
His words go right to the source of life, "sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey." (Hebrews 4:12, The Message)
But it is the final line that is best for with it He says, “It’s ALL under control!” Here’s what it says again: "Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave." (Revelation 1:17-18, NLT) The greatest threat, the ultimate ‘enemy’ is death and Jesus says, “I’m greater even than death, holding complete authority to grant eternal life!”
When Sam starts to bark at the front door, I follow Cesar’s advice. I call her to me, have her sit, and touch her, while speaking calmly. Her focus is switched from the ‘threat’ outside to me, the guy in charge! How about letting Jesus take control of your life? When you feel threatened, turn your attention to the One who is “First and Last!” Take time out to re-focus, to trust His wisdom, to acknowledge that even when you are clueless – He knows it all.
Here’s a word from the Word. Receive it, believe it, live it!
“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord." (Psalm 40:1-3, NIV)
Some of us approach life’s challenges like a barking dog! As we sense what looks like a real threat coming our way our levels of anxiety rise and we start to ‘bark.’ We complain. We threaten. We bluff, bluster, and growl. All of our noise only tends to increase the tension, drive away those who might really be of assistance, and deafen us to the voices of reason. Here’s the Truth. Jesus Christ has it all under control!
In our Weds. Bible Study last night, we spent time in the 1st chapter of the Revelation, where John was given a vision of the magnificence of Christ, the King! I was much encouraged by these words. Take a look.
"On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet.... I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man,” dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters.
In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead.
Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades." (Revelation 1:9-20, NIV)
Each of those descriptive phrases are important! John wasn’t wasting adjectives.
Jesus was not a monster, but a man.
His long robe signals his nobility!
His golden sash speaks of his priestly office.
His white hair is a mark of wisdom, his fiery eyes speak to his piercing insight!
His feet like bronze assure us that he can tread on his enemies and that voice is one of command authority!
His words go right to the source of life, "sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey." (Hebrews 4:12, The Message)
But it is the final line that is best for with it He says, “It’s ALL under control!” Here’s what it says again: "Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave." (Revelation 1:17-18, NLT) The greatest threat, the ultimate ‘enemy’ is death and Jesus says, “I’m greater even than death, holding complete authority to grant eternal life!”
When Sam starts to bark at the front door, I follow Cesar’s advice. I call her to me, have her sit, and touch her, while speaking calmly. Her focus is switched from the ‘threat’ outside to me, the guy in charge! How about letting Jesus take control of your life? When you feel threatened, turn your attention to the One who is “First and Last!” Take time out to re-focus, to trust His wisdom, to acknowledge that even when you are clueless – He knows it all.
Here’s a word from the Word. Receive it, believe it, live it!
“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord." (Psalm 40:1-3, NIV)
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Even a pickle glows!
John Ortberg, in his book, God Is Closer Than You Think, makes a wonderful point about being empowered by God. He brought an electrical engineer to church to conduct an experiment. "We turned off all the lights, hooked up an ordinary pickle to some wires, and then passed an electrical current through it. The pickle glowed! It gave light to a room. Many people believe that the flow of the Holy Spirit is reserved for spiritual giants. but, throughout history God has caused His power to flow through the most unlikely people; a prostitute named Rahab, a con man named Jacob, and a cheat named Zacchaeus. So the next time you're feeling inadequate, remember that even a pickle can glow if it stays plugged in to the flow of power."
Representing Christ is a high calling for which I often feel only marginally qualified, if at all! Paul's words, "who is equal to such a task?" (2 Cor. 2:16) are words with which I can easily identify. How can I, a man so prone to failure, even hope to help others find the new life that the Word calls us to live? When I stop to think about the privileged responsibility that is mine to stand before a congregation to teach God’s truths, I am quickly sobered. But, I also know this: When we come to the end of ourselves and acknowledge the persistent power of sin at work in us, we are in the place where God can use us. Yes, the Word says 'when we are weak, He is strong!'
Just before He ascended to Heaven, leaving a little group of all-too-ordinary people to carry on the work of the Kingdom, Jesus promised, "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." (Luke 24:49, NIV) Luke continues the story (Acts 2) telling us that a few days later, the Holy Spirit flowed into that Upper Room and rested on those men and women in a life-transforming way. Were they made perfect in that instant? Hardly. In Acts, which tells the story of the first generation of Christians, we read of their disagreements, watch them work through misunderstandings, and cringe as they deal with sin. Through it all, we see them filled with God's power, again and again. Because of the Spirit's power, they turned the world upside down in a generation!
Christianity has not survived for 2000 years because of the greatness of Believers, but because of the faithfulness of God.
Are you feeling a little overwhelmed by life today, wondering if you’re up to doing anything useful for the Lord? Have you failed Him in some way? Are you discouraged by what appears to be more problems than answers, more need than resource?
Remind yourself to remain totally dependent on His power and see what He will do with you. Before you give in to that temptation to quit, find some time to get alone with the Word and wait on the Lord. Those first disciples had to wait in the Upper Room for days. God, the Holy Spirit, came in HIS time, not theirs!
Remember, even a pickle glows when it's plugged into a current.
Here's a word from the Word to keep in your mind today:
"Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.
God can do anything, you know-far more than you could ever imagine or guess
or request in your wildest dreams!
He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit
deeply and gently within us.
Glory to God in the church!
Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!
Glory down all the generations!
Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes! "
(Ephesians 3:19-21, The Message)
Representing Christ is a high calling for which I often feel only marginally qualified, if at all! Paul's words, "who is equal to such a task?" (2 Cor. 2:16) are words with which I can easily identify. How can I, a man so prone to failure, even hope to help others find the new life that the Word calls us to live? When I stop to think about the privileged responsibility that is mine to stand before a congregation to teach God’s truths, I am quickly sobered. But, I also know this: When we come to the end of ourselves and acknowledge the persistent power of sin at work in us, we are in the place where God can use us. Yes, the Word says 'when we are weak, He is strong!'
Just before He ascended to Heaven, leaving a little group of all-too-ordinary people to carry on the work of the Kingdom, Jesus promised, "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." (Luke 24:49, NIV) Luke continues the story (Acts 2) telling us that a few days later, the Holy Spirit flowed into that Upper Room and rested on those men and women in a life-transforming way. Were they made perfect in that instant? Hardly. In Acts, which tells the story of the first generation of Christians, we read of their disagreements, watch them work through misunderstandings, and cringe as they deal with sin. Through it all, we see them filled with God's power, again and again. Because of the Spirit's power, they turned the world upside down in a generation!
Christianity has not survived for 2000 years because of the greatness of Believers, but because of the faithfulness of God.
Are you feeling a little overwhelmed by life today, wondering if you’re up to doing anything useful for the Lord? Have you failed Him in some way? Are you discouraged by what appears to be more problems than answers, more need than resource?
Remind yourself to remain totally dependent on His power and see what He will do with you. Before you give in to that temptation to quit, find some time to get alone with the Word and wait on the Lord. Those first disciples had to wait in the Upper Room for days. God, the Holy Spirit, came in HIS time, not theirs!
Remember, even a pickle glows when it's plugged into a current.
Here's a word from the Word to keep in your mind today:
"Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.
God can do anything, you know-far more than you could ever imagine or guess
or request in your wildest dreams!
He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit
deeply and gently within us.
Glory to God in the church!
Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!
Glory down all the generations!
Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes! "
(Ephesians 3:19-21, The Message)
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Make it beautiful!
While mowing the lawn yesterday, I whistled and smiled which is not always my mood when I am engaged in that task. Why the happiness? Because I was thinking what a privilege it was to be able to make my little ½ acre a little more attractive in this corner of the world. Whether we are speaking of the state of our lawn or our heart, we need to remember that it takes effort to create beauty! Weeds grow quite well without fertilizer, don’t they? Sin flourishes similarly in my heart. Rebellion, envy, and selfishness spring up just like the dandelions that seem to appear overnight. When the rain does not fall, the grass in my lawn dries up, but the broadleaf plantain does just fine! Without consistent water of the Word, the fruit of the Spirit withers in my life, but the sinful nature does just fine!
I love Isaiah’s prophecy about the beautiful destiny of those who are the people of God. He says that He will "provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor." (Isaiah 61:3, NIV)
Now, note the response of those so loved. "I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations." (Isaiah 61:10-11, NIV)
Pray that the Lord will make your life one in which the “beauty of His holiness” is on display today. Don’t confuse the pinched, self-created ‘holiness’ taught by some with the real holiness of the Lord. There is a kind of holiness that focuses on the superficial, that is built solely around rigid regulations of human behavior. It is ugly! Jesus, when interacting with the Pharisees, who specialized in external forms of ‘holiness,’ said that they were “whitewashed tombs!” In scathing terms He rejected their ‘holiness’ as anything but good or godly.
"Their lives are perpetual fashion shows, embroidered prayer shawls one day and flowery prayers the next. They love to sit at the head table at church dinners, basking in the most prominent positions, … You’re hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You keep meticulous account books, tithing on every nickel and dime you get, but on the meat of God’s Law, things like fairness and compassion and commitment—the absolute basics!—you carelessly take it or leave it. Careful bookkeeping is commendable, but the basics are required." (Matthew 23:5-6, 23, The Message)
Let me leave you with a promise of greater Glory! As you read these words I invite you to give the Lord full access to every corner of your life. Invite Him to prune and beautify, so that His beauty is on full display today.
"You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul." (1 Peter 2:9-11, NIV)
_______________
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,
All His wonderful passion and purity;
O Thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine
‘Til the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.
Public Domain—Orsborn
I love Isaiah’s prophecy about the beautiful destiny of those who are the people of God. He says that He will "provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor." (Isaiah 61:3, NIV)
Now, note the response of those so loved. "I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations." (Isaiah 61:10-11, NIV)
Pray that the Lord will make your life one in which the “beauty of His holiness” is on display today. Don’t confuse the pinched, self-created ‘holiness’ taught by some with the real holiness of the Lord. There is a kind of holiness that focuses on the superficial, that is built solely around rigid regulations of human behavior. It is ugly! Jesus, when interacting with the Pharisees, who specialized in external forms of ‘holiness,’ said that they were “whitewashed tombs!” In scathing terms He rejected their ‘holiness’ as anything but good or godly.
"Their lives are perpetual fashion shows, embroidered prayer shawls one day and flowery prayers the next. They love to sit at the head table at church dinners, basking in the most prominent positions, … You’re hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You keep meticulous account books, tithing on every nickel and dime you get, but on the meat of God’s Law, things like fairness and compassion and commitment—the absolute basics!—you carelessly take it or leave it. Careful bookkeeping is commendable, but the basics are required." (Matthew 23:5-6, 23, The Message)
Let me leave you with a promise of greater Glory! As you read these words I invite you to give the Lord full access to every corner of your life. Invite Him to prune and beautify, so that His beauty is on full display today.
"You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul." (1 Peter 2:9-11, NIV)
_______________
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,
All His wonderful passion and purity;
O Thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine
‘Til the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.
Public Domain—Orsborn
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