Gratitude is Powerful!

 

When we pause to extend a sincere word of thanks to another, it is like a tonic. It lifts the heart, brightens the day, and improves the life of the one giving thanks. Try it!  Gratitude is powerful.

The inspired Word directs Christians to live differently, walking in love, in light, in wisdom. "Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him. Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God." (Ephesians 5:2-4, NLT)  Let’s think about that closing line. 

What does thankfulness have to do with being a loving, pure, morally upright individual?  

When we train ourselves to live with an attitude of gratitude, we become God-aware; our mind, our heart open to what He is doing in and around us. In that life that invites an intimacy with the Holy Spirit we live in a way that allows Christlikeness to ‘rub off’ on us, His beauty and character growing in us.  Think about a friend with whom you are close. You adopt their phrases, learn to like their food, value what they value, to like what they like.  It just happens, sometimes by conscious imitation, more often just because they are around all the time. You can deny it, but it is true.

We are influenced by those that surround us. This is true in our spirit, as well.  When we live with a thankful heart, offering praise to God for even the simple things in life, His Presence takes over and we become a ‘friend of God.’  As His friend, we begin to be like Him!

In that Ephesians passage, Paul returns to this theme of praise and thanks as an evidence of the life of the Holy Spirit in us. "Be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:18-20, NIV) 

The first directive- Be filled with the Spirit- is written in the present tense.  Yesterday’s experience of the goodness of God is great, but no substitute for experiencing His life today.

It is an imperative.  The Spirit-filled life is not an option for those who would please God and know all that He has prepared for them. We must be filled with the Spirit.

It is also written in the passive voice. We cannot fill ourselves with the Spirit. He must be received, the gift of Christ Jesus for those who believe. 

 We need not beg God to give us His Spirit. We don’t have to travel to some far away place or find a special prophet to impart the blessing.  We receive Him, by faith, in response to the promise of Jesus.  "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17, NIV)  His life in us is evidenced by fruit of character – love, joy, peace, patience – and a joyful thankfulness that bubbles up in us.

Yesterday the New York Times reported a decline in life expectancy in the US. The article said “For many, daily life lacks the structure, status and meaning that it once had, as the Princeton University economists Anne Case and Angus Deaton have explained. Many people feel less of a connection to an employer, a labor union, a church or community groups. They are less likely to be married. They are more likely to endure chronic pain and to report being unhappy.

These trends have led to a surge of “deaths of despair” (a phrase that Case and Deaton coined), from drugs, alcohol and suicide. Other health problems, including diabetes and strokes, have also surged among the working class. Notably, the class gaps in life expectancy seem to be starker in the U.S. than in most other rich countries.” 

Despair, resulting from the death of hope, affects physical well-being!  I suppose I should not be surprised. Christian, a true life of thankfulness, one that invites God close, that connects meaningfully to others, and that overflows with joy brings health to us as well.

Friend, do you want the joy of the Lord in your life? 
Invite Christ to be Lord and Light. Be God-aware, living with an attitude of gratitude, giving thanks. Invite the Holy Spirit to live in you, making Him welcome in your songs and praise.

The word from the Word today -
"The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous. A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones." (Proverbs 15:29-30, NIV)

_____________

Joy Unspeakable

I have found His grace is all complete

He supplieth ev'ry need

While I sit and learn at Jesus' feet

I am free yes free indeed

 

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory

Full of glory full of glory

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory

Oh the half has never yet been told

 

I have found the pleasure I once craved

It is joy and peace within

What a wondrous blessing I am saved

From the awful gulf of sin

 

I have found that hope so bright and clear

Living in the realm of grace

Oh the Saviour's presence is so near

I can see His smiling face

 

I have found the joy no tongue can tell

How its waves of glory roll

It is like a great o'erflowing well

Springing up within my soul

The safety net

 

When a high wire performer at the circus walks daringly out on a line suspended 30 feet above the ground, generally something called a ‘safety net’ is strung between the wire and the floor! It is there to catch her if she falls. The more daring perform without one! The term has come into our vocabulary referring to the government programs created to help people in need. Social Security is a safety net for older Americans. Unemployment compensation is there for those who lose their job. Whatever your opinion of those programs, it is hard to deny that generally Americans live a better life because of them.

Sooner or later you are going to need a safety net in life. We all get knocked off the wire by gusts of winds of trouble at one time or another. Aside from knowing God, Who is the ultimate source of security, we need people who form networks that can support us, who will catch us as we fall. 

Are you weaving a strong safety net of relationships? 
Is your life inter-connected with others in a network of care?

Solomon, reflecting on the plight of the person who has attempted life as a solo act, "There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless— a miserable business! Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:8-12, NIV)

American wealth and independence has an unintended consequence – creation of legions of people who come to a crisis without knowing anyone on whom they can call. We love to live life on our own terms, doing our own thing, finding our own way.  A generation ago, Frank Sinatra recorded a song that celebrated the myth of the independent man, I Did It My Way.  It was an anthem reflecting an impossible ideal, attractive on the surface, but tragic in the long run. People who did it their way, burning bridges along the way, discarding difficult people, refusing to ‘join’ a wider network of relationships that would hinder them in their pursuit of their own life, often end up sitting alone in their home friendless and afraid.

Christian, God calls us into His Church, not just to sit in a church on Sunday morning, but to become part of an intimate community. I’m sure that you already know that intellectually, but my question to you is this – does the way you live each day show that you prioritize those relationships?  It is easy to give a nod to the idea of being ‘in the Body of Christ.’  We know and believe Jesus’ words about love for one another. Now, will we actually work those concepts into our lives, in the process creating strong interdependent relationships that a reliable safety net for life?

A single line in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians holds the key to networks that last: "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." (Ephesians 5:21, NIV) The word he uses in the first text of the Bible is a word about order, about falling in line and keeping step with the marching column.   

We love to celebrate the person who ‘marches to the beat of their own drum.’  But, the Spirit of God asks us to hear the call of Christ and to give up our independence as we revere Him together, following His lead. It’s complicated, isn’t it?  Living in a real community is inconvenient, costly, and very counter-cultural to our American ideals!

Here are some words from the Word. Take some time to meditate on them, prayerfully asking God how this wisdom can be woven into your choices in life. You will be richer in obedience.

"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." (Romans 12:10, NIV)

"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart." (1 Peter 1:22, NIV)

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (offenses)" (1 Peter 4:8, NIV)

"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." (1 John 4:12, NIV)

Now, how strong are your safety nets?

________________

 

We Will Stand

(From the 80’s – a song by Russ Taff about ‘together.’)

 

Sometimes it's hard for me to understand

Why we pull away from each other so easily

Even though we're all walking the same road?

Yet we build dividing walls

Between our brothers and ourselves.

 

But, I don't care what label you may wear,

If you believe in Jesus you belong with me!

The bond we share is all I care to see,

And we'll change the world forever,

If you will join with me,

Join and sing, sing.

 

You're my brother, you're my sister,

So take me by the hand.

Together we will work until He comes.

There's no foe that can defeat us,

When we're walking side by side,

As long as there is love,

We will stand!

 

The day will come when we will be as one

And with a mighty voice

Together we will proclaim that

Jesus, Jesus is King.

It will echo through the earth.

It will shake the nations.

And the world will see, see that;

 

You're my brother, you're my sister,

So take me by the hand.

Together we will work until He comes.

There's no foe that can defeat us,

When we're walking side by side,

As long as there is love,

We will stand!

 

James Hollihan | Russ Taff | Tori Taff

© 1983 Word Music, LLC (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)

CCLI License # 810055

Choosing the marks of success

 

As I close the season of my life given to pastoral ministry, I am given to reflection about that part of my life.  What does it mean, will it matter? There are markers of worldly success that are easy to see – titles, influence, accumulation of wealth, awards and recognition. Then there is a life of significance that is about spiritual values, what God thinks of a person.

30 years ago I attended a conference where a man named Bob Buford spoke to us about shifting our focus from success to significance. Buford had made a lot of money and become a ‘big guy’ in the world of cable television.  Then, at the height of his success his adult son died tragically in a swimming accident. Buford, a Christian, was radically effected and gave the second half of his life to helping others, to mentoring leaders in spiritual values.  He shifted to living for a significant legacy.  He said  “As for me, I have decided that just about all that will be left of me when I leave this earth is what I can let go of to invest in the lives of others. The fruit of my life and my work will grow on other people’s trees.” 

Can you differentiate between success and significance? 

Success is largely built around self- focused on ‘me.’  Significance looks outward - builds relationships, encourages others, serves without need for recognition, and most importantly – recognizes that submission to the will of God is the key.  Don’t make the mistake of thinking that a person pursuing a life of significance cannot also find wealth or fame.  We do understand what Jesus said about this.  

Worldly success can, and often does, complicate spiritual development because it provides an illusion of self-sufficiency.  Jesus said it simply: "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Luke 18:25, NIV)  Those who would know God must be totally surrendered to the Spirit of God, willing to ‘keep in step with the Spirit.’  That is nearly impossible choice for that person who is accustomed to having the control that wealth can offer, who has lived to lead the charge! However, when a person who finds success says 'yes' to the will of God, understanding the true Source of his blessings, God make him useful for His work in this world.

Jesus puts this challenge before us-
will you choose to chase success as measured by accumulating possessions, or
will you pursue significance as measured by Heaven's values?

He warns about the illusory value of worldly success. “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where they can be eaten by moths and get rusty, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be." (Matthew 6:19-21, NLT)  

The siren song of success lures many to give the whole of their lives to creating a life for themselves that will inevitably be taken from them.  No matter how great the store of things that are accumulated, no matter how many awards pile up, no matter the admiration of others -  at some point the merry-go-round of life comes to a stop. What then?

Solomon’s sigh near the end of a life of ‘success’ was one of regret -  "My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11, NIV)

Significance, a life that is rich in service, love, and worship – leads to security of a different kind; the peace of God.  By the way, do not leap to the conclusion that the gateway to significance is poverty or retreat from the struggle of life in the real world!  It is not just monks or pastors who can find spiritual significance.  The real question is where we place our treasure, what we love and value most.  Jesus is painfully clear that we cannot "serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Luke 16:13, NLT)

Christian, what is the true goal of your life- success or significance?

The word from the Word comes from Solomon, the summary of a man who mis-spent the greater part of his life. "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”— … Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, NIV)

________________

Build My Life

(let this worship song speak to you today)

Worthy of ev’ry song we could ever sing

Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring

Worthy of ev’ry breath we could ever breathe

We live for You

 

Jesus the name above ev’ry other name

Jesus the only one who could ever save

Worthy of ev’ry breath we could ever breathe

We live for You

We live for You

 

Holy there is no one like You

There is none besides You

Open up my eyes in wonder and show me who You are

And fill me with Your heart

And lead me in Your love to those around me

 

I will build my life upon Your love

It is a firm foundation

I will put my trust in You alone

And I will not be shaken

 

Brett Younker | Karl Martin | Kirby Elizabeth Kaple | Matt Redman | Pat Barrett

© 2016 Martin, Karl Andrew (Admin. by Arkyard Music Services Limited)

Kaple Music (Admin. by Bethel Music Publishing)

Bethel Music Publishing

CCLI License # 810055

Beauty Matters!

 

 

This Monday morning I want to urge you to find soul strength in beauty. Take some time to appreciate beauty – in music, in the natural world, in the soul of another, in a sunset, in a photograph, a work of art, or a flower.  Stop to think about it, appreciate it, and to thank God for the gift of beauty in the world in which you live. 

I saw a kind of ‘beauty’ yesterday during a funeral service. The US Marine honor guard played taps from the back of the church and the crowd rose to their feet. Then I noticed the shaking shoulders of some vets moved by the simple song and symbolism. Most beautiful, though, were the arms of those standing near those men that encircled them with an embrace.

 

I’m a country boy and love the beauty of back roads, winding lanes, sunlight streaming through the trees, a laughing brook.  While I wrote these words this morning, I looked out on my yard to see twins fawns, still spotted, running through the grass playfully.

What beauty renews you?

 

David writes of about an important aspect of our worship. He says, "One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple." (Psalm 27:4, NIV)  

Christian, do you love God’s Presence? Do you take time to see His beauty? I am afraid that our noisy hurried ‘worship’ experiences in modern buildings stripped of symbols makes us prone to miss the beauty that is found near His heart. He is always with us, near us, but I believe there can be a special beauty found in prayer pauses, in shared Communion, in looking on the cross and altar as we open our minds and hearts to God’s Presence.

 

When we learn to spend some time each day in quiet reflection, contemplating the Person of God, one of the benefits is the reminder that our lives are not just about eating, sleeping, and going to work. We remember we are Children of God, eternal beings destined for His home - what a beautiful thought.  Paul reminds us that contemplating the beauty of Jesus has a direct impact on our lives. It’s not just dreaming or escapism.  

Listen to the Spirit’s wisdom. "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:17-18, NIV)  Contemplating His beauty allows us to share in His ‘glory,’ His bright radiance, and we are changed, ‘with ever increasing glory,’ made brighter and brighter as we stand in the Light.

Do not think that I am incapable of seeing the ugly.  Sin mars God’s world. The Creation full of beauty can turn violent. Gardens quickly degenerate into weedy messes when left untended. The same human being that can love is capable of hatred. Even art becomes an expression of chaos when God’s order is removed from it. Much art produced by post-moderns, people who see the world as a product of chance and a place without over-arching purpose, is chaotic, full of noise and fury, and harsh - because that is the place from which the artist begins his work!

But, this I know, in Christ Jesus God is reconciling the world to Himself. His desire is not just to make it possible for us to go to Heaven someday, though that is wonderfully true. He desires to ‘make all things new,’ to restore beauty in us and through us in this world. 

Has life overwhelmed you, problems become many while resources have diminished?

Take a beauty break!   Go ponder the works of God in Creation. Or, listen to some beautiful music. Or, visit a garden. Or, enjoy a work of art... and do it with a prayerful invitation to the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to embrace you, to come close and to remind you that despite the destruction and chaos that the Evil One wreaks on this world, that He is the King of Kings, the Author of Life, the One who remains the Source of Hope, Life, and Beauty.

 

Here's a word from the Word to ponder today:  

"Let Your work appear to Your servants,

And Your glory to their children.

And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us,

And establish the work of our hands for us;

Yes, establish the work of our hands." (Psalm 90:16-17, NKJV)

____________

 

How Great Thou Art

 

O Lord my God

When I in awesome wonder

Consider all the worlds

Thy hands have made

I see the stars

I hear the rolling thunder

Thy pow'r thru'out

The universe displayed

 

Then sings my soul

My Savior God to Thee

How great Thou art,How great Thou art

Then sings my soul

My Savior God to Thee

How great Thou art, How great Thou art

 

And when I think

That God His Son not sparing

Sent Him to die

I scarce can take it in

That on the cross

My burden gladly bearing

He bled and died

To take away my sin

 

When Christ shall come

With shout of acclamation

And take me home

What joy shall fill my heart

Then I shall bow

In humble adoration

And there proclaim

My God how great Thou art

 

Stuart Wesley Keene Hine © Copyright 1949 and 1953 Stuart Hine Trust

CIO Stuart K. Hine Trust

 

CCLI License # 810055