Ever hear of Dennis Kozlowski? In June, 2005 he was convicted on numerous counts in Federal courts involving fraud and theft of millions of dollars from Tyco, International. Here's the amazing thing. Kozlowski was legally compensated with over $500 million (not that's not a typo) by the company he headed from 1992 to 2002. Under his leadership Tyco was a prosperous company that paid shareholders well. The board rewarded his efforts by making him one of the best paid CEO's in America, but it wasn't enough! Was that because this man from a poor section of Newark, NJ, who grew up hungry to be rich, somehow couldn't stretch $500 million to feed his lifestyle? No, it wasn't any material need that drove his efforts. It was a spiritual need, a hunger for a meaningful life. You see, dollars and things were the indicators of a man's worth to Dennis Kozlowski. So, he always needed more to prove to himself and the world that he was 'the man!'
In his book, The Good Life, Chuck Colson writes about another business wizard, Jack Welch. As head of GE, Welch made the company profitable beyond anybody's dreams. He was and is an icon among business leaders in America. His efforts were rewarded with great wealth, but the emptiness of Welch's heart became obvious after he glimpsed his mortality following open heart surgery. Colson reports that when Welch was asked if he had come to any revelations as a result of his crisis. Welch replied, "I didn't spend enough money..... wine that costs under $100 will never cross my lips again." He was serious!
If we measure life's worth by the size of the pile of things around us, ours will be a pathetic, and ultimately meaningless, existence. Most of us will nod in agreement with that statement, but our actions give the lie to our words. In truth, most Americans, including Believers, define a good life by the amount of money they have and the freedom to pursue their own happiness. A woman I know recently left a job in corporate America to take a job in a ministry setting. Her choice meant taking about a 60% pay cut and leaving behind a generous benefit package. Her choice mystifies most people, even Christians. "Why would she do that? Doesn't she understand that she is putting her financial future in jeopardy? Is she really thinking about the long term costs in this?" - are all questions I've heard asked about her decision. Yes, she is really thinking and I know that she actually believes the words of Jesus about laying up treasure in Heaven are true, not just poetic. Sure, she won't be able to take vacations to the Caribbean and she'll drive an older car. Her 401(k) account won't be growing, but her heavenly account will. And her child will most likely see that Mom's faith isn't just words, causing him to consider his own choices about serving the Lord!
Jesus once told a story about seeds that fell into different places; the hard pathway where they could not germinate, the shallow soil that could not sustain life, and the rich soil that caused them to grow and produce a rich harvest. He also said this - "The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life and are fooled by the desire to get rich. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything." (Matthew 13:22, CEV) Does that describe many of us? Have we heard the good news of Christ and received it with joy, only to return to the same empty life built around getting things and worrying about financial security?
How do you measure success? Is it by the size of your house, the amount of your money, the style of your clothing, or the model of your car? Is being 'cool' important to you? OR, have you chosen to pursue God's rewards, measuring your success by faithfulness to Him, by your willingness to live in obedience to Him and serve others?
Don't read a false conclusion here! Not every Christian has to abandon his job to take a position in ministry to find a meaningful life! We're not all called to be Pastors or to work in para-church ministries to please the Lord. That's not the point of this TFTD. But we are all called to serve Christ wherever we are. Colson penned a line that bears repeating - "The workbench, the kitchen counter, the computer station, or any other workplace is an altar." (The Good Life, page 83) The Bible urges us to "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." (Colossians 3:23, NLT) The measure of success is God's approval. His approval comes when we live in His ways. His ways, Jesus said, are defined with two basic commands - "Love God wholeheartedly, and love your neighbor as yourself."
Is a life worth living within reach for you? Yes!
But, don't be deceived by contemporary standards, trapped by thinking that happiness will arrive with a bigger check or some new possession.
Ask God to work in you deeply, changing your heart and mind, so that you think in a godly way. Make the small decisions today to live in ways that reflect that He is Lord of all of your life.
You will begin to experience joy and life with meaning.
____________________________
Out on the highways and byways of life,
Many are the weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Make me a blessing, make me a blessing;
Out of my life may Jesus shine.
Make me a blessing, O Savior I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.
Give as 'twas given to you in your need,
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true.
Make Me A Blessing - Ira B. Wilson
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Monday, August 21, 2006
The Privilege of Prayer
Prayer meetings are not usually the more well-attended functions at churches. I'm sure there are many reasons for that. Maybe it's the constant repetition of the same, "Lord, bless Charles" kind of prayers that are often the staple of such meetings. Maybe the reason people stay away is unbelief - "What good will it do, anyway?" Then, too, it may be the low view of God that grips even many Believers with a kind of evangelical deism - "God lives in His Heaven and left me to take care of myself on this earth."- that leads to a rather perfunctory prayer life.
Last night in our church we had a prayer meeting! About 75 people came together with expectant hearts, open minds, and a focus on the Majesty of the Lord. We worshipped - fervently, not foolishly. We didn't pray the same tired prayers of holy resignation. We boldly asked God to give us a breakout church, to equip those who minister with the power of the Spirit, to use us a spark that would ignite a fire in this region and to our world. And the Presence of God met us in a sweet way. We loved Him and He loved us in return. I left the church house wonderfully encouraged!
Believer, do you hold prayer meetings in your life?
Do you, from time to time, go beyond the meal time prayers, beyond the quick - "Jesus help me" emergency prayers, to spend time with God?
This privilege is neglected by so many. What a tragic loss. If you're not praying, let me encourage you to begin. Don't be afraid that you won't do it right. Prayer is intensely personal. There is no right way. I often pray lying flat on my face. Is that for everyone? Of course not, but for me it is a physical way to express my humility before the Lord. I seldom speak above a murmur in my private prayers, even when alone. Is that the only way to express prayer? No. Some pray loudly with tears. God is not nervous, so I'm sure the volume does not bother him. Of course, He's not deaf either! Sometimes I just sit quietly for 15 minutes, wordlessly presenting myself to God. Other times I sing. My point is that you can pray in a way that suits your situation and your personality. God loves to hear from you. Maybe your best prayers will be on your fishing boat, when you're far from shore - alone with your thoughts and your God. Maybe your best prayers will be in your car, or in the woods as you hike, or in your bedroom, behind a closed door.
We simply need to pray. The simple directive of the Scripture is "pray without ceasing!" (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NKJV) Do not be frustrated by 'unanswered' prayers. Truth is that as you pray, you will learn to pray better, more in line with the mind of the God. You will learn to agree with Him, to sense His will, to walk closer to Him through daily life. The Word tells us to "Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way." (James 1:6-7, The Message) No, that passage is not teaching us to be presumptive, brats in the family of God who demand our own way, who throw tantrums in our prayers in a silly attempt to get an answer. It tells us that we can pray confident prayers based on the Father's love for us, on His desire to work in our lives. Then, as His children, we trust Him when the answer is "no," as much as we love Him when the answer is "Yes."
In our prayer meeting last night, this song was sung - beautifully, movingly. Meditate on it today.
Welcomed in to the courts of the King,
I’ve been ushered into Your presence.
Lord, I stand on Your merciful ground,
Yet with every step tread with reverence.
Chorus:
And I'll fall face down,
As Your glory shines around!
Yes, I'll fall face down,
As Your glory shines around!
Who is there in the heavens like You,
And upon the earth, who's Your equal?
You are far above, Your the highest of highs,
We are bowing down to exalt You!
Bridge:
So, let Your glory shine around;
Let Your glory shine around;
King of glory here be found, King of glory!
Face Down
Words and Music by, Matt Redman © 2004 Thankyou Music CCLI# 2646749
Amen.
Last night in our church we had a prayer meeting! About 75 people came together with expectant hearts, open minds, and a focus on the Majesty of the Lord. We worshipped - fervently, not foolishly. We didn't pray the same tired prayers of holy resignation. We boldly asked God to give us a breakout church, to equip those who minister with the power of the Spirit, to use us a spark that would ignite a fire in this region and to our world. And the Presence of God met us in a sweet way. We loved Him and He loved us in return. I left the church house wonderfully encouraged!
Believer, do you hold prayer meetings in your life?
Do you, from time to time, go beyond the meal time prayers, beyond the quick - "Jesus help me" emergency prayers, to spend time with God?
This privilege is neglected by so many. What a tragic loss. If you're not praying, let me encourage you to begin. Don't be afraid that you won't do it right. Prayer is intensely personal. There is no right way. I often pray lying flat on my face. Is that for everyone? Of course not, but for me it is a physical way to express my humility before the Lord. I seldom speak above a murmur in my private prayers, even when alone. Is that the only way to express prayer? No. Some pray loudly with tears. God is not nervous, so I'm sure the volume does not bother him. Of course, He's not deaf either! Sometimes I just sit quietly for 15 minutes, wordlessly presenting myself to God. Other times I sing. My point is that you can pray in a way that suits your situation and your personality. God loves to hear from you. Maybe your best prayers will be on your fishing boat, when you're far from shore - alone with your thoughts and your God. Maybe your best prayers will be in your car, or in the woods as you hike, or in your bedroom, behind a closed door.
We simply need to pray. The simple directive of the Scripture is "pray without ceasing!" (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NKJV) Do not be frustrated by 'unanswered' prayers. Truth is that as you pray, you will learn to pray better, more in line with the mind of the God. You will learn to agree with Him, to sense His will, to walk closer to Him through daily life. The Word tells us to "Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way." (James 1:6-7, The Message) No, that passage is not teaching us to be presumptive, brats in the family of God who demand our own way, who throw tantrums in our prayers in a silly attempt to get an answer. It tells us that we can pray confident prayers based on the Father's love for us, on His desire to work in our lives. Then, as His children, we trust Him when the answer is "no," as much as we love Him when the answer is "Yes."
In our prayer meeting last night, this song was sung - beautifully, movingly. Meditate on it today.
Welcomed in to the courts of the King,
I’ve been ushered into Your presence.
Lord, I stand on Your merciful ground,
Yet with every step tread with reverence.
Chorus:
And I'll fall face down,
As Your glory shines around!
Yes, I'll fall face down,
As Your glory shines around!
Who is there in the heavens like You,
And upon the earth, who's Your equal?
You are far above, Your the highest of highs,
We are bowing down to exalt You!
Bridge:
So, let Your glory shine around;
Let Your glory shine around;
King of glory here be found, King of glory!
Face Down
Words and Music by, Matt Redman © 2004 Thankyou Music CCLI# 2646749
Amen.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Selling maps?
Today's TFTD is not my original work! Thank you to Eddie Hilburn for this article which was published in REV., Sept/Oct. '06 issue.
Selling Maps?
I was driving around in an unfamiliar city looking for a local coffee shop where I was going to meet a friend. I was lost! Being a 21st century man, I stopped to askd for directions at a convenience store. I explained my predicament to the man behind the counter and asked if he could help, but he told me he had no idea where I was trying to go. He loaned me a phonebook to look up the address and sold me a map while I mumbled in despair. A customer spoke up, "I overheard that conversation and I can help you. I know exactly where that coffee shop is. I'm going right by there. Come with me." I thanked him and followed him out of the store. My kind guide told me that we would go through a few traffic lights, make a couple of turns, then I'd easily spot the shop. I got into my car and stayed attached to the bumper of my new best friend's car until the coffee shop appeared.
Later I reflected on my experience with two people who had helped me find my way and I wondered about the ways that I help others. Am I just selling maps to places I've never been, or am I accompanying people on a transformational journey?
I intend to lead people to follow Jesus. I tell them that it is possible to find a life full of grace, and to want God more and more. In this life, we leave behind sinful and destructive behaviors- not just because we should, but because that is the natural result of being with God. That's what I tell people. But do I tell people this because it is just the right thing to say, or because that is my personal experience? I have no illusions that I am or ever will be a model of perfection. That's not even the issue. The issue is my own personal transformation. I am telling people they can be transformed more and more into Christ-likeness, but how deeply am I committed to the process? - Eddie Hilburn, Pastor - First Baptist Church, Kilgore, TX
_____________________________________
Christianity is not a process to be sold, nor is this life captured in formulas like 3 Easy Steps to Christlikeness. It's a life journey. Jesus never intended for you and me to work it out alone, nor is the best way to become all that God wants you and me to be discovered in solitary study. It is a communal thing! It is one friend walking with another friend, not merely telling, but showing. Every Christian should be in relationships where someone is leading him and in which he is leading another. When Jesus invited some men to become His disciples, He said - "Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!" (Mark 1:17, NLT) He wasn't inviting them into an exclusive club. He was showing them how to live, so they, in turn, could show others. Paul says it like this - "And you should follow my example, just as I follow Christ’s." (1 Corinthians 11:1, NLT)
That kind of involvement requires an authenticity of character, that is only found in truly knowing Christ, not in religious practices confined to a few hours each week. If we are not really forgiven and going through spiritual transformation, we cannot speak genuinely about change. If we have hidden sins that we have not carried to the Cross, we will never, ever be transparent to others, which is a foundational requirement for a shared journey of close friends in faith!
Many of us are simply selling maps instead of taking trips together. Are you following someone in a pilgrimage to Heaven, inviting others along the way to join the journey- or are you just talking about place that others have described to you?
O may all who come behind us
Selling Maps?
I was driving around in an unfamiliar city looking for a local coffee shop where I was going to meet a friend. I was lost! Being a 21st century man, I stopped to askd for directions at a convenience store. I explained my predicament to the man behind the counter and asked if he could help, but he told me he had no idea where I was trying to go. He loaned me a phonebook to look up the address and sold me a map while I mumbled in despair. A customer spoke up, "I overheard that conversation and I can help you. I know exactly where that coffee shop is. I'm going right by there. Come with me." I thanked him and followed him out of the store. My kind guide told me that we would go through a few traffic lights, make a couple of turns, then I'd easily spot the shop. I got into my car and stayed attached to the bumper of my new best friend's car until the coffee shop appeared.
Later I reflected on my experience with two people who had helped me find my way and I wondered about the ways that I help others. Am I just selling maps to places I've never been, or am I accompanying people on a transformational journey?
I intend to lead people to follow Jesus. I tell them that it is possible to find a life full of grace, and to want God more and more. In this life, we leave behind sinful and destructive behaviors- not just because we should, but because that is the natural result of being with God. That's what I tell people. But do I tell people this because it is just the right thing to say, or because that is my personal experience? I have no illusions that I am or ever will be a model of perfection. That's not even the issue. The issue is my own personal transformation. I am telling people they can be transformed more and more into Christ-likeness, but how deeply am I committed to the process? - Eddie Hilburn, Pastor - First Baptist Church, Kilgore, TX
_____________________________________
Christianity is not a process to be sold, nor is this life captured in formulas like 3 Easy Steps to Christlikeness. It's a life journey. Jesus never intended for you and me to work it out alone, nor is the best way to become all that God wants you and me to be discovered in solitary study. It is a communal thing! It is one friend walking with another friend, not merely telling, but showing. Every Christian should be in relationships where someone is leading him and in which he is leading another. When Jesus invited some men to become His disciples, He said - "Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!" (Mark 1:17, NLT) He wasn't inviting them into an exclusive club. He was showing them how to live, so they, in turn, could show others. Paul says it like this - "And you should follow my example, just as I follow Christ’s." (1 Corinthians 11:1, NLT)
That kind of involvement requires an authenticity of character, that is only found in truly knowing Christ, not in religious practices confined to a few hours each week. If we are not really forgiven and going through spiritual transformation, we cannot speak genuinely about change. If we have hidden sins that we have not carried to the Cross, we will never, ever be transparent to others, which is a foundational requirement for a shared journey of close friends in faith!
Many of us are simply selling maps instead of taking trips together. Are you following someone in a pilgrimage to Heaven, inviting others along the way to join the journey- or are you just talking about place that others have described to you?
O may all who come behind us
Find us faithful,
May the fire of our devotion
Light their way.
May the footprints that we leave,
Lead them to believe,
And the lives we live
Inspire them to obey.
O may all who come behind us
Find us faithful.
We're pilgrims on the journey
Of the narrow road,
And those who've gone before us
Line the way.
Cheering on the faithful,
Encouraging the weary,
Their lives a stirring testament
To God's sustaining grace.
Surrounded by so great
A cloud of witnesses,
Let us run the race
Not only for the prize,
But as those who've gone before us.
Let us leave to those behind us,
The heritage of faithfulness
Passed on thru godly lives.
O may all who come behind us
Find us faithful.
© 1987 Jonathan Mark Music ARR UBP of Gaither Copyright Management / Birdwing Music (a div. of EMI Christian Music Publishing) CCLI License No. 810055
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Let God love you!
Is there a place of recurring pain in your life? No, I'm not just thinking about physical pain, like a headache. Has something turned out wrong, a relationship gone bad, your dreams been smashed? Philip Yancey wrote about the ache of the soul that leads some of to experience disappointment with God! It happens when God doesn't do what we think He ought to do. It happens when our Father allows us to suffer when we expected that He would rescue us. And all Believers find that though God assures us that He loves us and wants to be close to us, there are times when He seems to hide - His presence elusive. In those seasons, there is heartache that is indescribably painful. The choices that we make when we in such emotional and/or spiritual agony are important.
We must not allow our pain to embitter us or to cause us to turn from the very sources of healing that would strengthen us. A dog in pain will often bite the person who is trying to relieve its suffering. People in pain frequently lash out at the people who can offer them support and perhaps even healing, too! You would think a person would be smarter than a dog, wouldn't you? Think of the times when your spouse attempted to soothe you in a difficult time and you rebuffed her kindness. Perhaps you can remember when you were in the turbulent teen years and you screamed at your parents - "Get out of my face!" and all they were trying to do was to understand your struggles and uncertainty. In my ministry, it sometimes happens that people whose lives are filled with disappointment or pain, who are angry at the Lord or confused by His will, decide to use the Pastor as their punching bag!
Turning against God Himself is the saddest choice we can make in those times. Go ahead and mourn! Stuffing those feelings away, pretending that life is fine by pasting a happy smile on your face is not the answer.
But, please, cultivate humility as well. Pride will fuse with your pain if you allow it. Pride and pain will feed your ego and build an incredible selfishness. You'll become a slave to thoughts like:
"How could they do this to me?"
"No one cares about me."
"Everyone is against me."
"No one else I know has ever, ever had to endure this much pain."
That kind of pre-occupation with 'me, myself, and I' leads to bitterness and rejection of the sources of support and healing. Elijah, the prophet who did so many miracles by God's power, experienced a time when his expectations were missed. He fell into self-pity and prayed this woeful prayer - “I've had enough, Lord... take my life. ... I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” (1 Kings 19:10, NIV) His pain blinded him to God's past faithfulness and to the fact that there were thousands of people in Israel who still loved God!
We need to work hard to break down that self focus. Yes, we must acknowledge the reality of our heartache. But, we need to work to understand that we're not the only one who has ever been disappointed, alone, or afraid. Be humble enough to realize that the world doesn't revolve around you, that you're a part of world that is torn up by suffering produced by Satan and sin.
Offer up a sacrifice of worship and praise. God called Elijah out of the cave of his depressive thoughts and asked him to consider the goodness of the Lord! Offering up worshipful praise doesn't mean that you find the happiest song in the hymnal and sing it insincerely! Worship from the deep places of your heart. Ponder God's works in silent contemplation. Wait! Yes, wait, on God. He isn't captive to our mindset that demands instant gratification and/or solutions that are created in 29.5 minutes! God mourns with you. His heart was broken by sin and suffering too when He hung on the Cross of Calvary carrying the sorrow of this broken world. Now, let Him love you. Confess the truth of the Word which declares - The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18 NIV)
Isaiah 57:13-15 NLT "....whoever trusts in me will possess the land and inherit my holy mountain. I will say, ‘Rebuild the road! Clear away the rocks and stones so my people can return from captivity.’ The high and lofty one who inhabits eternity, the Holy One, says this: 'I live in that high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I refresh the humble and give new courage to those with repentant hearts.' "
We must not allow our pain to embitter us or to cause us to turn from the very sources of healing that would strengthen us. A dog in pain will often bite the person who is trying to relieve its suffering. People in pain frequently lash out at the people who can offer them support and perhaps even healing, too! You would think a person would be smarter than a dog, wouldn't you? Think of the times when your spouse attempted to soothe you in a difficult time and you rebuffed her kindness. Perhaps you can remember when you were in the turbulent teen years and you screamed at your parents - "Get out of my face!" and all they were trying to do was to understand your struggles and uncertainty. In my ministry, it sometimes happens that people whose lives are filled with disappointment or pain, who are angry at the Lord or confused by His will, decide to use the Pastor as their punching bag!
Turning against God Himself is the saddest choice we can make in those times. Go ahead and mourn! Stuffing those feelings away, pretending that life is fine by pasting a happy smile on your face is not the answer.
But, please, cultivate humility as well. Pride will fuse with your pain if you allow it. Pride and pain will feed your ego and build an incredible selfishness. You'll become a slave to thoughts like:
"How could they do this to me?"
"No one cares about me."
"Everyone is against me."
"No one else I know has ever, ever had to endure this much pain."
That kind of pre-occupation with 'me, myself, and I' leads to bitterness and rejection of the sources of support and healing. Elijah, the prophet who did so many miracles by God's power, experienced a time when his expectations were missed. He fell into self-pity and prayed this woeful prayer - “I've had enough, Lord... take my life. ... I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” (1 Kings 19:10, NIV) His pain blinded him to God's past faithfulness and to the fact that there were thousands of people in Israel who still loved God!
We need to work hard to break down that self focus. Yes, we must acknowledge the reality of our heartache. But, we need to work to understand that we're not the only one who has ever been disappointed, alone, or afraid. Be humble enough to realize that the world doesn't revolve around you, that you're a part of world that is torn up by suffering produced by Satan and sin.
Offer up a sacrifice of worship and praise. God called Elijah out of the cave of his depressive thoughts and asked him to consider the goodness of the Lord! Offering up worshipful praise doesn't mean that you find the happiest song in the hymnal and sing it insincerely! Worship from the deep places of your heart. Ponder God's works in silent contemplation. Wait! Yes, wait, on God. He isn't captive to our mindset that demands instant gratification and/or solutions that are created in 29.5 minutes! God mourns with you. His heart was broken by sin and suffering too when He hung on the Cross of Calvary carrying the sorrow of this broken world. Now, let Him love you. Confess the truth of the Word which declares - The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18 NIV)
Isaiah 57:13-15 NLT "....whoever trusts in me will possess the land and inherit my holy mountain. I will say, ‘Rebuild the road! Clear away the rocks and stones so my people can return from captivity.’ The high and lofty one who inhabits eternity, the Holy One, says this: 'I live in that high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I refresh the humble and give new courage to those with repentant hearts.' "
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Joyful compliance?
My grandson, age 4, has developed a real streak of independence. "I don't want to" and "Why?" are common responses to just about any directive he is given. Of course, since he is just four, gaining his compliance is not that difficult. But his obedience is grudgingly given - a fact that makes life more difficult for him and for his Dad. As he goes to pick up his toys, it is with tears and shoulders slumped in sadness. A small task becomes an issue, a confrontation develops. I just glad his Dad is willing to follow through, because the training and discipline will prove invaluable in years to come. But, if the little boy just did what was asked, the job would be finished in moments, and everyone would be happy. He hasn't the maturity to realize that, yet!
So, here's my point... Gavin isn't alone in his arguing and complaining against the authorities that exist in his life! Watching him, I realized that I often interact in the same way with my Heavenly Father. When God presents me with His will, I am prone to question, to delay, to resist. The Word speaks to that very issue with this piercing directive: -continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. (Philippians 2:12-15, NIV)
We naturally resist direction, rebel against God - until we are transformed by the Spirit. Part of the new spiritual nature is a desire to do what God wants us to do. Yet, the internal fight rages on, some days more intensely than others. God says, "Love that person!" We want to comply, but some part of our old nature says, "I don't want to!" God says, "Trust me with that situation and let Me work it out for you." A part of us believes that and wants to hand it over to Him, but another part of us says, "NO! I'll work it out my way! I know what I want." When we are dragging our feet, resisting Him, arguing with Him, or even complaining to anyone who will listen about how hard life is, we lose the joy that God's obedient children experience.
Know this, too. Complaining creates dangerous openings to other temptations. While we are griping about God's will, we are more prone to deception by offers that appeal to our desires. Read through the stories of the Israelite journey from Egypt to the Promised Land which is a grand illustration of the Christian journey from sin to salvation. When did Israel fall into sin? When they started to complain about some situation. The longer they complained, the more deceived they became. Eventually, God would declare it was enough, lay His hand of correction on them, and bring them back into compliance with His will. But, the correction was always costly and painful!
The passage above references another blessing for those who quickly comply with God's will - they become pure, sparkling examples of godliness! When we cooperate with the Spirit's work in us, He produces a stellar quality of character that others admire because our lives stand in such contrast to the world. Just as an obedient son is a credit to his parents, so if we, as God's children, are obedient, we become a credit to Him as our Father.
What are you arguing about today?
Is there some part of God's plan for your life that you are resisting?
Don't make Him lay His hand on you. Instead, comply and with joy.
Here's a word from the Word to think on --
"While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God’s holy best. At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God." (Hebrews 12:10-11, The Message)
So, here's my point... Gavin isn't alone in his arguing and complaining against the authorities that exist in his life! Watching him, I realized that I often interact in the same way with my Heavenly Father. When God presents me with His will, I am prone to question, to delay, to resist. The Word speaks to that very issue with this piercing directive: -continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. (Philippians 2:12-15, NIV)
We naturally resist direction, rebel against God - until we are transformed by the Spirit. Part of the new spiritual nature is a desire to do what God wants us to do. Yet, the internal fight rages on, some days more intensely than others. God says, "Love that person!" We want to comply, but some part of our old nature says, "I don't want to!" God says, "Trust me with that situation and let Me work it out for you." A part of us believes that and wants to hand it over to Him, but another part of us says, "NO! I'll work it out my way! I know what I want." When we are dragging our feet, resisting Him, arguing with Him, or even complaining to anyone who will listen about how hard life is, we lose the joy that God's obedient children experience.
Know this, too. Complaining creates dangerous openings to other temptations. While we are griping about God's will, we are more prone to deception by offers that appeal to our desires. Read through the stories of the Israelite journey from Egypt to the Promised Land which is a grand illustration of the Christian journey from sin to salvation. When did Israel fall into sin? When they started to complain about some situation. The longer they complained, the more deceived they became. Eventually, God would declare it was enough, lay His hand of correction on them, and bring them back into compliance with His will. But, the correction was always costly and painful!
The passage above references another blessing for those who quickly comply with God's will - they become pure, sparkling examples of godliness! When we cooperate with the Spirit's work in us, He produces a stellar quality of character that others admire because our lives stand in such contrast to the world. Just as an obedient son is a credit to his parents, so if we, as God's children, are obedient, we become a credit to Him as our Father.
What are you arguing about today?
Is there some part of God's plan for your life that you are resisting?
Don't make Him lay His hand on you. Instead, comply and with joy.
Here's a word from the Word to think on --
"While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God’s holy best. At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God." (Hebrews 12:10-11, The Message)
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Praying the Word
The conversations in our home are quite ordinary most of the time.
"Hey, are you going to take out the garbage this morning?"
"Did the mail arrive yet today?"
"When will you be home from work?"
Not exactly scintillating sharing, but quite necessary communication, isn't it? But then there are times when our conversation moves into the deep discussions about our dreams and disappointments, or there are those the tender words of affection, or the playful words of love that sparkle and dance! Perhaps you think me a fool, but occasionally I buy the 'words' of another - printed on a card - to express my love to my wife, too.
So, why I am writing about this in TFTD? Because, since the Scripture teaches that the Believer's relationship with God is modeled on marriage; He being our husband, and Believers being the Bride, we can learn about our relationship with Him by observing the interactions of marriage. Prayer is the daily conversation with our God! Our prayers are often about the mundane stuff of living, aren't they? And that is as it should be. The Bible tells us to 'pray about everything!' We should pray about our budgets, about the concerns of the day, carrying on a conversation with God about the stuff of living. But, we miss out if we do not include worshipful words, thoughtful words, words of wonder, pauses full of awe, interludes of stirred emotions in our prayers - at least every now and then!
One way that we can move our prayers beyond the "Lord, bless the kids, my wife..." ordinariness is to borrow the words of the Scripture. There are some amazing prayers recorded in the Word that touch on our deepest needs, our most intimate longings, that give us ways of expressing our love to Jesus Christ that are incredibly beautiful. This morning, in my own prayers, my heart was troubled by a pressing, sorrowful need. I simply could not find words to express the depth of my longing for His comfort. Yes, there is the language of the Spirit, and I pray in the Spirit on a daily basis, but I wanted to talk with the Lord from my mind. So, I opened to the 119th Psalm and used the words there to express my longings and my love to the Lord.
The beauty of those worshipful words touched a deep place in my life.
Read the words of 'my' borrowed prayer.
Psalm 119:81-90 (NIV)
My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.
My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, “When will you comfort me?”
Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees.
How long must your servant wait?
When will you punish my persecutors?
The arrogant dig pitfalls for me, contrary to your law.
All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for men persecute me without cause.
They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts.
Preserve my life according to your love, and I will obey the statutes of your mouth.
Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.
Now, that's not just ordinary conversation, is it? Nor is it simply poetry to stir the emotions!Those words fill us with hope, call on the Lord to meet our need, and build our faith.
By the way, did you see that phrase "I am like a wineskin in the smoke."? No, I didn't know what it meant either!That made me think about what I was praying and I went my study resources. There I found that the writer was speaking about a the dried up, wrinkly appearance of wineskin left too close to the fire!Expressive, isn't it? Who among us, at one time or another, hasn't felt like our soul is shriveled, dried up by the fires of life? But the Psalmist expresses determination to remain faithful to his God even when his soul is dry. Then, so honestly he pleads, "How long must I wait?" Oh, that's rich stuff. That's great praying!
In your times of prayer, use the Word from time to time. Take the inspired Words and let them shape your thoughts, express your heart, and deepen your conversation with God.
"Hey, are you going to take out the garbage this morning?"
"Did the mail arrive yet today?"
"When will you be home from work?"
Not exactly scintillating sharing, but quite necessary communication, isn't it? But then there are times when our conversation moves into the deep discussions about our dreams and disappointments, or there are those the tender words of affection, or the playful words of love that sparkle and dance! Perhaps you think me a fool, but occasionally I buy the 'words' of another - printed on a card - to express my love to my wife, too.
So, why I am writing about this in TFTD? Because, since the Scripture teaches that the Believer's relationship with God is modeled on marriage; He being our husband, and Believers being the Bride, we can learn about our relationship with Him by observing the interactions of marriage. Prayer is the daily conversation with our God! Our prayers are often about the mundane stuff of living, aren't they? And that is as it should be. The Bible tells us to 'pray about everything!' We should pray about our budgets, about the concerns of the day, carrying on a conversation with God about the stuff of living. But, we miss out if we do not include worshipful words, thoughtful words, words of wonder, pauses full of awe, interludes of stirred emotions in our prayers - at least every now and then!
One way that we can move our prayers beyond the "Lord, bless the kids, my wife..." ordinariness is to borrow the words of the Scripture. There are some amazing prayers recorded in the Word that touch on our deepest needs, our most intimate longings, that give us ways of expressing our love to Jesus Christ that are incredibly beautiful. This morning, in my own prayers, my heart was troubled by a pressing, sorrowful need. I simply could not find words to express the depth of my longing for His comfort. Yes, there is the language of the Spirit, and I pray in the Spirit on a daily basis, but I wanted to talk with the Lord from my mind. So, I opened to the 119th Psalm and used the words there to express my longings and my love to the Lord.
The beauty of those worshipful words touched a deep place in my life.
Read the words of 'my' borrowed prayer.
Psalm 119:81-90 (NIV)
My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.
My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, “When will you comfort me?”
Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees.
How long must your servant wait?
When will you punish my persecutors?
The arrogant dig pitfalls for me, contrary to your law.
All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for men persecute me without cause.
They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts.
Preserve my life according to your love, and I will obey the statutes of your mouth.
Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.
Now, that's not just ordinary conversation, is it? Nor is it simply poetry to stir the emotions!Those words fill us with hope, call on the Lord to meet our need, and build our faith.
By the way, did you see that phrase "I am like a wineskin in the smoke."? No, I didn't know what it meant either!That made me think about what I was praying and I went my study resources. There I found that the writer was speaking about a the dried up, wrinkly appearance of wineskin left too close to the fire!Expressive, isn't it? Who among us, at one time or another, hasn't felt like our soul is shriveled, dried up by the fires of life? But the Psalmist expresses determination to remain faithful to his God even when his soul is dry. Then, so honestly he pleads, "How long must I wait?" Oh, that's rich stuff. That's great praying!
In your times of prayer, use the Word from time to time. Take the inspired Words and let them shape your thoughts, express your heart, and deepen your conversation with God.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Living blissfully?
Bliss, do you know what it is? The dictionary says it is a state of great joy! The opposite state would be anxiety. Now, given the choice, would you rather be anxious or blissful? The answer is obvious; but, desire does not translate into experience for most people. Anxiety is one of America's most common ailments. Millions of prescriptions for medications that help us to deal with our anxiety are written every month. Many needs medical sleep aids that let them turn off the anxious thoughts so they can rest.
Some reasons for our epidemic of anxiety are plainly seen. Our window on the world lets us see threats from all over the globe and we realize that we live in a dangerous world. Then, too, there are the multiple choices that confront us. Yes, believe it or not, the array of options in everything from where we live, to what we eat, creates a residual of anxiety in many of us as we wonder, "Did I choose the best thing?" Our increasing scientific knowledge is a double-edged sword that let's us create better lives on one hand, and makes us more aware of the potentials for harm on the other! A baby is unaware of the millions of microbes lurking unseen on the floor and happily crawls around eating whatever he finds! No knowledgeable adult would do that.
The Scripture speaks to our anxiety- - "Do not be anxious about anything..."! Ouch! That sounds like a challenge to me. How about you? Written as a command, it cannot be ignored. Believer, we must deal with anxiety differently from those who do not know our God. Even that sounds like a reason to be anxious. What if I can't turn off the worries? What if it seems like I can't obey God's command to live blissfully? Did I sin when I spent a couple of hours in the middle of last night wrestling with the challenges of my world?
Let's read on - "but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7, NIV) The truth is that bliss is not an external state. It is an internal quality, a gift from God for us when we accept the resources that He, the Almighty, makes available. "Tell Me about it," He says. "Lay the things that steal your peace of mind on Me." Let's not mis-read that. God doesn't direct us to tune out, drop out, or escape to some remote place away from life in the pursuit of bliss. He doesn't promise us that we will enjoy lives without challenges, either. The bliss of the Believer is rooted in Who he knows, not in where he lives or what going on in his world!
The quality of our intimacy with God, a sound grasp of Who the Lord is, is a key to living without fear, to being a person at peace in a troubled world. If our religion is a just Sunday morning experience, we will know little peace. If we live like a pagan, pursuing a life that ignores God, that seeks security in wealth or power, we cannot know God's promised peace. If we are double-minded, speaking Scripture truth with our mouth but living with a mind shaped by the values of the world and a heart that is in love with the world; bliss will remain an illusive mirage on the horizon.
Believer, it is the will of God that we learn to live peacefully. A primary evidence of the Spirit's life in us will be our peace in the middle of the storms. If we are connected to Christ, experiencing the daily flow of the Spirit's Presence, bliss will result. The Presence of God will let us live differently from those around us who are running around seeking some way to alleviate the stress. If we are held in the Hand of the One who is the Eternal God when our world is severely shaken and we will remain solid as a rock in our faith; capable of engaging with the needs and troubles of the world of which we are a part without loosing our bliss.
Here's a word from the Word. As you read it, breathe a prayer of thanksgiving. Reach out to the Lord of life and receive peace for your day.
Jesus says - "“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30, The Message)
_________________________________________
When peace, like a river,
attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot,
Thou hast taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my soul”
Though Satan should buffet,
though trials should come,
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul!
My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross,and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
O my soul!
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul!
And Lord haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound,and the
Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Horatio Spafford - Public Domain
Some reasons for our epidemic of anxiety are plainly seen. Our window on the world lets us see threats from all over the globe and we realize that we live in a dangerous world. Then, too, there are the multiple choices that confront us. Yes, believe it or not, the array of options in everything from where we live, to what we eat, creates a residual of anxiety in many of us as we wonder, "Did I choose the best thing?" Our increasing scientific knowledge is a double-edged sword that let's us create better lives on one hand, and makes us more aware of the potentials for harm on the other! A baby is unaware of the millions of microbes lurking unseen on the floor and happily crawls around eating whatever he finds! No knowledgeable adult would do that.
The Scripture speaks to our anxiety- - "Do not be anxious about anything..."! Ouch! That sounds like a challenge to me. How about you? Written as a command, it cannot be ignored. Believer, we must deal with anxiety differently from those who do not know our God. Even that sounds like a reason to be anxious. What if I can't turn off the worries? What if it seems like I can't obey God's command to live blissfully? Did I sin when I spent a couple of hours in the middle of last night wrestling with the challenges of my world?
Let's read on - "but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7, NIV) The truth is that bliss is not an external state. It is an internal quality, a gift from God for us when we accept the resources that He, the Almighty, makes available. "Tell Me about it," He says. "Lay the things that steal your peace of mind on Me." Let's not mis-read that. God doesn't direct us to tune out, drop out, or escape to some remote place away from life in the pursuit of bliss. He doesn't promise us that we will enjoy lives without challenges, either. The bliss of the Believer is rooted in Who he knows, not in where he lives or what going on in his world!
The quality of our intimacy with God, a sound grasp of Who the Lord is, is a key to living without fear, to being a person at peace in a troubled world. If our religion is a just Sunday morning experience, we will know little peace. If we live like a pagan, pursuing a life that ignores God, that seeks security in wealth or power, we cannot know God's promised peace. If we are double-minded, speaking Scripture truth with our mouth but living with a mind shaped by the values of the world and a heart that is in love with the world; bliss will remain an illusive mirage on the horizon.
Believer, it is the will of God that we learn to live peacefully. A primary evidence of the Spirit's life in us will be our peace in the middle of the storms. If we are connected to Christ, experiencing the daily flow of the Spirit's Presence, bliss will result. The Presence of God will let us live differently from those around us who are running around seeking some way to alleviate the stress. If we are held in the Hand of the One who is the Eternal God when our world is severely shaken and we will remain solid as a rock in our faith; capable of engaging with the needs and troubles of the world of which we are a part without loosing our bliss.
Here's a word from the Word. As you read it, breathe a prayer of thanksgiving. Reach out to the Lord of life and receive peace for your day.
Jesus says - "“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30, The Message)
_________________________________________
When peace, like a river,
attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot,
Thou hast taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my soul”
Though Satan should buffet,
though trials should come,
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul!
My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross,and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
O my soul!
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul!
And Lord haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound,and the
Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Horatio Spafford - Public Domain
Friday, August 04, 2006
A benefit of trust
One of the characteristics of our present society that I deeply despise is the tendency to make decisions, not based on what is right or even good, but on what limits liability! More than once when I've proposed some project to an organization, the response has not been around the good that potentially could be accomplished. The questions focus on "how does this expose us to liability?" Where once we trusted each other's intent to do the right things and accepted that living involves risks, many among us now see the accidents that happen as evidence of bad intentions and thus, as an opportunity for gain through lawsuits. By way of example, I am told that physicians are often pressured to practice medicine based on avoiding being sued for malpractice. Tests that are marginally valuable are ordered so that there can be no accusation of negligence. Treatments that might work are not used because, if they fail, there is a greater risk of liability. I smile as I report that even the church which I serve as Pastor carries a 'clergy malpractice' policy for me! Imagine being sued for being a bad spiritual leader... well, actually clergy malpractice usually involves clergy sin that leads to very bad things which I must not minimize.
A network of trust frees us to get on with life, to experiment with choices that involve greater risk, but which also maximizes our ability to achieve greater results. In an excellent book, The World is Flat, Thomas L. Friedman, I read this quote from Dov Seidman - "Norms and institutions that create predictability and confidence and trust... propel innovation. Without trust there is no risk-taking, and without risk-taking there is no innovation. . . if you want to get more people to take the necessary risk to innovate, just put more trust in the room. ... Having an abundance of trust is essential in the world of collaboration because the more that people trust each other, the more likely it is that they are going to work well together."
I have been thinking about that for days in terms of the Church. What might we accomplish in the cause of Christ if we trusted each other and encouraged each other to accept gifts of the Spirit, to experiment in the ways that we offer up service, to discover the best ways we can minister in His name, within the context of a loving, supportive Body that steadies and provides solid guidance? I see that trust as extending up and down the line of spiritual authority. As a Pastor I cannot fulfill my calling to teach and lead the people of God if they do not trust me. Of course, I must give those I lead reason to trust by exhibiting a deep love for God, a spiritual maturity, an unselfish heart, and constantly improving professional skills. But I also realize that I must trust those with whom I serve, looking for the best in their efforts, extending them a steadying hand even as I encourage them to take the risk of doing something new for God, thus widening the reach of the Kingdom! Maybe for you this is all just obvious stuff, but for me it is like a revelation!
Trust is not automatic and it is fragile! Most of us do not naturally trust, taught as we are both by experience and lesson, to question and to be skeptical. And all of us know how quickly trust can be broken by actions that are self-centered or words that are accusatory, based on perception and judgment. That is one reason that the command of Christ to love is so very important. Paul quotes Jesus reminding us - “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements. (Romans 13.10 NLT) When I think how the church would be transformed if all of us really took that command seriously, I am filled with excited anticipation.
Just imagine the possibilities created within a 'high trust' ministry where the first question asked is always - "how can we help that person feel secure in our love so that they can pursue the will and purpose of God fearlessly?"
Then, too, let me close by reminding you that God has secured you and me in His love! He wants to relieve us of fear so that we will not cower before Him, but work diligently for Him for the joy of accomplishing His plans and purposes in this world. He does not desire that we live defensively. Instead He wants us to go into our world boldly, risking failure, even as we serve Him with the gifts He's invested in us. Isn't that what Jesus says at the end of the parable of the talents when confronted with the one talent servant who buried the investment of the Master instead of putting it to good use? That servant came before the Master to give an accounting, but because he was fearful, having completely mis-understood the true nature of the Master, he had done nothing with the investment except to keep it safe. In case you think that was good enough for God, read on! In Matthew 25 (The Message) we read,
The servant said, "I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.’ “The master was furious. ‘That’s a terrible way to live! It’s criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest.
‘Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this “play-it-safe” who won’t go out on a limb."
Friend, God trusts you, loves you, and desires that you love and trust Him in return! That trust should provide a context for service that is joyful, fruitful, and that wins His approval with a "Well done, good and faithful servant."
___________________________
TFTD will return on Monday, August 14. Thanks for reading along!It is a joy to come into your life day by day.
A network of trust frees us to get on with life, to experiment with choices that involve greater risk, but which also maximizes our ability to achieve greater results. In an excellent book, The World is Flat, Thomas L. Friedman, I read this quote from Dov Seidman - "Norms and institutions that create predictability and confidence and trust... propel innovation. Without trust there is no risk-taking, and without risk-taking there is no innovation. . . if you want to get more people to take the necessary risk to innovate, just put more trust in the room. ... Having an abundance of trust is essential in the world of collaboration because the more that people trust each other, the more likely it is that they are going to work well together."
I have been thinking about that for days in terms of the Church. What might we accomplish in the cause of Christ if we trusted each other and encouraged each other to accept gifts of the Spirit, to experiment in the ways that we offer up service, to discover the best ways we can minister in His name, within the context of a loving, supportive Body that steadies and provides solid guidance? I see that trust as extending up and down the line of spiritual authority. As a Pastor I cannot fulfill my calling to teach and lead the people of God if they do not trust me. Of course, I must give those I lead reason to trust by exhibiting a deep love for God, a spiritual maturity, an unselfish heart, and constantly improving professional skills. But I also realize that I must trust those with whom I serve, looking for the best in their efforts, extending them a steadying hand even as I encourage them to take the risk of doing something new for God, thus widening the reach of the Kingdom! Maybe for you this is all just obvious stuff, but for me it is like a revelation!
Trust is not automatic and it is fragile! Most of us do not naturally trust, taught as we are both by experience and lesson, to question and to be skeptical. And all of us know how quickly trust can be broken by actions that are self-centered or words that are accusatory, based on perception and judgment. That is one reason that the command of Christ to love is so very important. Paul quotes Jesus reminding us - “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements. (Romans 13.10 NLT) When I think how the church would be transformed if all of us really took that command seriously, I am filled with excited anticipation.
Just imagine the possibilities created within a 'high trust' ministry where the first question asked is always - "how can we help that person feel secure in our love so that they can pursue the will and purpose of God fearlessly?"
Then, too, let me close by reminding you that God has secured you and me in His love! He wants to relieve us of fear so that we will not cower before Him, but work diligently for Him for the joy of accomplishing His plans and purposes in this world. He does not desire that we live defensively. Instead He wants us to go into our world boldly, risking failure, even as we serve Him with the gifts He's invested in us. Isn't that what Jesus says at the end of the parable of the talents when confronted with the one talent servant who buried the investment of the Master instead of putting it to good use? That servant came before the Master to give an accounting, but because he was fearful, having completely mis-understood the true nature of the Master, he had done nothing with the investment except to keep it safe. In case you think that was good enough for God, read on! In Matthew 25 (The Message) we read,
The servant said, "I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.’ “The master was furious. ‘That’s a terrible way to live! It’s criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest.
‘Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this “play-it-safe” who won’t go out on a limb."
Friend, God trusts you, loves you, and desires that you love and trust Him in return! That trust should provide a context for service that is joyful, fruitful, and that wins His approval with a "Well done, good and faithful servant."
___________________________
TFTD will return on Monday, August 14. Thanks for reading along!It is a joy to come into your life day by day.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Forgiveness, easier said than done!
On hearing the news of the woman's choice, anger surged through me like an ocean wave. "How could she do this? Whatever is she thinking?" were my more rational thoughts. On a parallel track in my mind played the words I had used to counsel a Believer that same day about choosing to forgive. I had urged that angry person to remember that forgiveness is as much a benefit to the forgiver as the forgiven, that forgiveness requires that we give up the need to be right, or vindicated, or even appreciated. Now I was faced with the challenge of practicing what I preach.
We can find hundreds of excuses to dodge the issue of forgiveness, can't we? "He hasn't apologized." "She needs to face up to what she's done to me." "What about justice?" "He doesn't deserve to be forgiven!" "If I forgive her, what will she learn about consequences of her actions?" Who hasn't said something like one of those comments at one time or another? And there is much merit in each of them, too. Apologies do pave the road of forgiveness. God cares about justice. Learning to accept responsibility for things we've said and done to harm others is a major part of maturity, but none of those statements gives you or me a pass on forgiveness.
Finding the way to forgiveness is a critically important discipline for the person who wants to live like Jesus. He does not give us much wiggle room on the subject. In the model prayer, one phrase is "forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. " (Matthew 6:12, NKJV) And then Jesus explains that we have the power of choice in the matter of forgiveness and that our decision to forgive really matters to God. He goes on to say, “In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part." (Matthew 6:14-15, The Message)
From God's forgiveness of those who sin against Him, we can learn much about how to forgive.
- Forgiveness begins with you and me, not the person who has offended us. God extends the offer of forgiveness to us at His own expense. He initiates the process. So must we! We cannot be passive, waiting for someone to seek forgiveness. We must work through our anger, hurt, and offense with God, doing the spiritual and emotional work necessary to forgiveness with the help of the Spirit. Then we will be able to reach out graciously.
- Forgiveness with God is not partial, nor conditional. When He forgives and we accept His forgiveness, there is a wonderful phrase that describes the extent of His forgiveness - "You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean!" (Micah 7:19, NLT)
- Forgiveness is a process, not an event. We offend God, He forgives... again and again. Our sins are not to pile up. Instead, His desire is that we live close to Him, with no guilt, no shame, alienating us from His love. In our relationships, we must not wait 'til Christmas, or a birthday, or some family gathering - for example - to decide to 'clean up' the junk that has accumulated. We need to be forgiving, gently finding ways to keep our relationships with others close and safe and trusting.
- Forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation. God offers forgiveness, but for real reconciliation to occur, we must receive it appropriately with repentance. Finding peace with another person requires the involvement of both, but releasing them from indebtedness to us over an offense is a personal choice!
Are you feuding with someone, feeling offended by another's actions, dealing with anxiety over an unresolved dispute?
Dear friend, it's time to start to forgive. Honestly take your emotions to the Lord. Tell Him how you feel, what you feel, why you think you're feeling that way. Listen for the inner voice of the Spirit and ask Him to help you to find a way to genuine forgiveness. Hand over the offender to the Lord for judgment! No, I don't mean that you should ask God to blast her with some terrible tragedy. Just give Him the issue for His justice. Tell Him that you don't want to carry the load of resentment any longer, that you trust Him to deal justly, that He knows the motives, the reality of the situation better than you do. Then, as Jesus teaches, begin to "bless those who curse you!"
You will find a new sweetness of spirit enveloping you, a sense of health overtaking you, a newly peaceful sleep pattern coming on your nights. In forgiveness you are like your Father in Heaven.
Here's a word from the Word to ponder today:
"Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No!” Jesus replied, “seventy times seven!"
“For this reason, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. He couldn’t pay, so the king ordered that he, his wife, his children, and everything he had be sold to pay the debt. But the man fell down before the king and begged him, ‘Oh, sir, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ Then the king was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt. “But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment. His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and jailed until the debt could be paid in full. “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him what had happened.
Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Then the angry king sent the man to prison until he had paid every penny. “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters in your heart.”" (Matthew 18:21-35, NLT)
Jerry D. Scott, Pastor
Washington Assembly of God
http://www.WashingtonAG.com
We can find hundreds of excuses to dodge the issue of forgiveness, can't we? "He hasn't apologized." "She needs to face up to what she's done to me." "What about justice?" "He doesn't deserve to be forgiven!" "If I forgive her, what will she learn about consequences of her actions?" Who hasn't said something like one of those comments at one time or another? And there is much merit in each of them, too. Apologies do pave the road of forgiveness. God cares about justice. Learning to accept responsibility for things we've said and done to harm others is a major part of maturity, but none of those statements gives you or me a pass on forgiveness.
Finding the way to forgiveness is a critically important discipline for the person who wants to live like Jesus. He does not give us much wiggle room on the subject. In the model prayer, one phrase is "forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. " (Matthew 6:12, NKJV) And then Jesus explains that we have the power of choice in the matter of forgiveness and that our decision to forgive really matters to God. He goes on to say, “In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part." (Matthew 6:14-15, The Message)
From God's forgiveness of those who sin against Him, we can learn much about how to forgive.
- Forgiveness begins with you and me, not the person who has offended us. God extends the offer of forgiveness to us at His own expense. He initiates the process. So must we! We cannot be passive, waiting for someone to seek forgiveness. We must work through our anger, hurt, and offense with God, doing the spiritual and emotional work necessary to forgiveness with the help of the Spirit. Then we will be able to reach out graciously.
- Forgiveness with God is not partial, nor conditional. When He forgives and we accept His forgiveness, there is a wonderful phrase that describes the extent of His forgiveness - "You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean!" (Micah 7:19, NLT)
- Forgiveness is a process, not an event. We offend God, He forgives... again and again. Our sins are not to pile up. Instead, His desire is that we live close to Him, with no guilt, no shame, alienating us from His love. In our relationships, we must not wait 'til Christmas, or a birthday, or some family gathering - for example - to decide to 'clean up' the junk that has accumulated. We need to be forgiving, gently finding ways to keep our relationships with others close and safe and trusting.
- Forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation. God offers forgiveness, but for real reconciliation to occur, we must receive it appropriately with repentance. Finding peace with another person requires the involvement of both, but releasing them from indebtedness to us over an offense is a personal choice!
Are you feuding with someone, feeling offended by another's actions, dealing with anxiety over an unresolved dispute?
Dear friend, it's time to start to forgive. Honestly take your emotions to the Lord. Tell Him how you feel, what you feel, why you think you're feeling that way. Listen for the inner voice of the Spirit and ask Him to help you to find a way to genuine forgiveness. Hand over the offender to the Lord for judgment! No, I don't mean that you should ask God to blast her with some terrible tragedy. Just give Him the issue for His justice. Tell Him that you don't want to carry the load of resentment any longer, that you trust Him to deal justly, that He knows the motives, the reality of the situation better than you do. Then, as Jesus teaches, begin to "bless those who curse you!"
You will find a new sweetness of spirit enveloping you, a sense of health overtaking you, a newly peaceful sleep pattern coming on your nights. In forgiveness you are like your Father in Heaven.
Here's a word from the Word to ponder today:
"Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No!” Jesus replied, “seventy times seven!"
“For this reason, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. He couldn’t pay, so the king ordered that he, his wife, his children, and everything he had be sold to pay the debt. But the man fell down before the king and begged him, ‘Oh, sir, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ Then the king was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt. “But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment. His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and jailed until the debt could be paid in full. “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him what had happened.
Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Then the angry king sent the man to prison until he had paid every penny. “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters in your heart.”" (Matthew 18:21-35, NLT)
Jerry D. Scott, Pastor
Washington Assembly of God
http://www.WashingtonAG.com
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
When we are in the wilderness
A long time ago, I settled my mind on the question of God's existence. All of Creation is one big argument that God is. From time to time I do have to deal with a different question and yesterday was one of those days. Does He care, is He present? Have I done something that caused me to wander from His side? Amazing, isn't it, that I can go from a wonderful time of intimate prayer, knowing the touch of the Hand of the Lord one day to wondering where He is the next? But, that is to be human. We react to our circumstances, are stressed by the suffering that is real, and cry out - "May Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth!" sometimes more out of desperation than real faith.
The window into the war zones of the Middle East is a like a view of Hell for me. Realizing that men and women are dying, that their homes and property are being destroyed by hatred, leaves me too sad for words and sometimes wondering, "Why God, do you permit such things?"
Standing by the side of a suffering Christian who is in terrible pain despite our prayers causes me to feel a little like Job who prayed - “My complaint today is still a bitter one, and I try hard not to groan aloud. If only I knew where to find God, I would go to his throne and talk with him there." (Job 23:2-3, NLT)
Standing in a funeral home seeing the body of a brave woman who lived with ALS for three long years and feeling only a fraction of the grief her family must know, I grew angry - for a moment - with God. For a while, I felt alone, almost forsaken.
Matthew 4 helps me to understand the source of my questions. Jesus was led by the Spirit to a time of temptation in the wilderness. Matthew 4 reports - Jesus was taken into the wild by the Spirit for the Test. The Devil was ready to give it. Jesus prepared for the Test by fasting forty days and forty nights. That left him, of course, in a state of extreme hunger..." (4:1-2, The Message) Who showed up next? Satan, with his various offers. It was Jesus' hunger that the devil exploited. In the middle of the battle for his soul, Jesus wanted food, comfort, and meaning.
You and I live in a 'wilderness' as long as we are on this earth! We are often engaged with challenges - spiritual and physical - that deplete our reserves and leave us hungry. Not just physically, either. We hunger for love. We hunger for meaning in our life. We hunger for peace and soul rest. We hunger for our Father's embrace after we have given our all in the battles of life. The Bible teaches us that the Enemy of our soul exploits that hunger. Note what Satan did when Jesus was near exhausted, depleted, and vulnerable. He lied - offering temporary satisfaction for the hunger that Jesus experienced.
"Make a stone into bread!
Throw yourself down and make God, your Father, show up to rescue you.
Worship me, just for a moment, and I'll give you recognition among men!"
Similarly, when we ache for comfort, when we want life to be easier to understand, he comes to offer us 'solutions' too.
Feeling emotionally empty? Throw an abusive tantrum and get some attention.
Need to be comforted? Overeat. Buy a new toy.
Want meaning? Pour yourself into getting power or gaining awards for your 'selfless' service.
Manipulate religion to make it serve your needs and desires.
Behind all of his suggestions is the great lie: "God doesn't care about you. If He did, He wouldn't allow you to be hungry! SO, it's time to take care of yourself."
Here's the faith challenge in such moments. It is the very love of God that allows us to feel hunger -- for that hunger should drive us to Him, to seek for Him! That is why Jesus replied to the devil with the Word Truth again and again. Jesus insists - "My need will be met by my Father!" And so should we! That does not mean that God will take away our hunger or fill us up in the way we always want Him to. If He did, we would not worship Him. Fatness, not leanness, is the greater test of the soul. And, we must never forget in it all - God is still Present! Jesus was in the wilderness by the will of His Father. God, our Father, calls us to contentment in Him, trusting in His promise even when our hunger diminishes our ability to sense Him there.
Contentment is something entirely different than being satisfied. John Eldredge writes, "Contentment is not freedom from desire (hunger), but freedom of desire. Being content is not pretending that everything is way we wish it to be; it is not acting as though we have no wishes. Rather, contentment is no longer being ruled by our desires."
Are you feeling an ache of spiritual hunger today? Has a trip through a wilderness left you worn out, wondering where God is, why He letting it happen?
I ache with you. But, don't let your human emotions or the Deceiver turn that hunger into an occasion for sin- either by trying to satisfy it with temporal things or by accusing your Father of leaving you orphaned.
Rather, let that hunger drive to a place of quiet before Him. And consider this:
"... if we look forward to something we don’t have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently. And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don’t even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." (Romans 8:24-28, NLT)
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Traveling Stand-by
Sean, my son, is able to fly at reduced rates because his father-in-law is a pilot with a major air carrier. It's one of those nice perks, except for one thing; it's stand-by. That means he cannot make a confirmed reservation and can only get on a flight if there is a seat available at the last moment. Much of the time, that's not a problem. In peak travel seasons and on busy routes, it can be. Today, he had hoped to fly home, albeit on a circuitous route, but when he checked the flight status this morning, every flight was status 'red' meaning they were already oversold with the likelihood of getting on board near zero. Young as he is, stand-by flying is somewhat of an adventure. But it is not for me! When I go to the airport, I want to be assured of a seat on that plane.
I know a lot of people who think they're going to enjoy eternal life on a stand-by basis. They make no advance reservations, pay little attention to their spiritual life, they think they will appear at the gates of Glory and hope they will get in on a space available basis! What an awful way to think about eternity. The stakes are too high for 'hope so, could be' thinking. No wonder so many fear death with such intense dread. Death for me holds no terrors. Sure, I'm not exactly gleeful over the process of dying, but once the transit from earth to glory is made, I have no fear. Why? Because, I have a confirmed reservation, purchased by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, made available to me by His amazing grace. Like Paul, I can say, "I know in Whom I have believed and am convinced that He is able to guard what I've entrusted to Him..."
The Word makes this promise to those who live in faith - "So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that great, perfect sanctuary in heaven, not made by human hands and not part of this created world. Once for all time he took blood into that Most Holy Place, but not the blood of goats and calves. He took his own blood, and with it he secured our salvation forever." (Hebrews 9:11-12, NLT)
That is a wonderful phrase - "He secured our salvation forever!" You and I can enter into eternal life, right here, right now. We don't have to wait to die to see if there is room in the Father's house for us. We need not be anxious about our inevitable trip beyond the skies. He, at His own expense, purchased our salvation and gives us life, eternal and full! The ticket is issued, paid in full.
As I've just mentioned, salvation is not just about 'getting into Heaven.' Some mistakenly think that praying a prayer to receive Christ, a prayer affirming their hope in Him, is the whole thing wrapped up and done in one little package. Wrong! Being 'saved' is as much about how we live now as it is about going to Heaven. When Christ saves us from sin and the penalty of death and Hell, He gives us a high and holy calling to become Kingdom people, responsible for extending the reign of God here on earth. We are commissioned to 'go into all the world' and preach - both with words and actions - the goodness of God. Like Abraham of old, we realize that we are looking forward to a city not built with human hands, and we begin to live differently, focused on the values of Heaven, even as we live here on earth.
I want to be one of those Believers who brings a little bit of Heaven down to earth, don't you? I want people to sense the Presence of God in me, to catch a bit of the fragrance of Heaven when I pass by. And, as I walk in the Spirit, with a heart that is already at home in God's house, with a mind that is filled with the wisdom of Heaven, that will happen.
Here's a word from the Word for you today. Believe it and live!
"... because of Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us from the beginning, and all things happen just as he decided long ago. God’s purpose was that we who were the first to trust in Christ should praise our glorious God. And now you also have heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us everything he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. This is just one more reason for us to praise our glorious God." (Ephesians 1:11-14, NLT)
Got your ticket? If not, confirm your reservation for Heaven today, right now.
I know a lot of people who think they're going to enjoy eternal life on a stand-by basis. They make no advance reservations, pay little attention to their spiritual life, they think they will appear at the gates of Glory and hope they will get in on a space available basis! What an awful way to think about eternity. The stakes are too high for 'hope so, could be' thinking. No wonder so many fear death with such intense dread. Death for me holds no terrors. Sure, I'm not exactly gleeful over the process of dying, but once the transit from earth to glory is made, I have no fear. Why? Because, I have a confirmed reservation, purchased by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, made available to me by His amazing grace. Like Paul, I can say, "I know in Whom I have believed and am convinced that He is able to guard what I've entrusted to Him..."
The Word makes this promise to those who live in faith - "So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that great, perfect sanctuary in heaven, not made by human hands and not part of this created world. Once for all time he took blood into that Most Holy Place, but not the blood of goats and calves. He took his own blood, and with it he secured our salvation forever." (Hebrews 9:11-12, NLT)
That is a wonderful phrase - "He secured our salvation forever!" You and I can enter into eternal life, right here, right now. We don't have to wait to die to see if there is room in the Father's house for us. We need not be anxious about our inevitable trip beyond the skies. He, at His own expense, purchased our salvation and gives us life, eternal and full! The ticket is issued, paid in full.
As I've just mentioned, salvation is not just about 'getting into Heaven.' Some mistakenly think that praying a prayer to receive Christ, a prayer affirming their hope in Him, is the whole thing wrapped up and done in one little package. Wrong! Being 'saved' is as much about how we live now as it is about going to Heaven. When Christ saves us from sin and the penalty of death and Hell, He gives us a high and holy calling to become Kingdom people, responsible for extending the reign of God here on earth. We are commissioned to 'go into all the world' and preach - both with words and actions - the goodness of God. Like Abraham of old, we realize that we are looking forward to a city not built with human hands, and we begin to live differently, focused on the values of Heaven, even as we live here on earth.
I want to be one of those Believers who brings a little bit of Heaven down to earth, don't you? I want people to sense the Presence of God in me, to catch a bit of the fragrance of Heaven when I pass by. And, as I walk in the Spirit, with a heart that is already at home in God's house, with a mind that is filled with the wisdom of Heaven, that will happen.
Here's a word from the Word for you today. Believe it and live!
"... because of Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us from the beginning, and all things happen just as he decided long ago. God’s purpose was that we who were the first to trust in Christ should praise our glorious God. And now you also have heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us everything he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. This is just one more reason for us to praise our glorious God." (Ephesians 1:11-14, NLT)
Got your ticket? If not, confirm your reservation for Heaven today, right now.
Monday, July 31, 2006
A Present Help - My God!
In that little waiting room in the hospital, I sat with my head bowed. With a broken heart and troubled mind I went to prayer - at first not sure even how to pray. A beautiful young woman lay just steps away, holding onto life by a thin thread. "Oh God, Oh God, Oh God" - was all I could manage, at first; but then with the help of the Spirit, I began to thank Him for His beauty, His majesty, His greatness, the love He has shown to us. From that praise came a boldness to ask God to intervene. Nearly an hour slipped quickly by as I prayed in quiet murmuring of petition and silent ponderings of praise. That alcove became a sanctuary! I felt Him come close and touch us!
How do people face life alone, without God? I cannot answer that question, because I have been blessed all my life with the knowledge of His love for me. From the earliest days of my childhood, prayer and the Presence of the Lord have been part of my the world I live in. No, I am not always a perfect saint! I don't always live close to God, but I've always known He is there, sometimes even abusing His mercy and grace in my immaturity and ingratitude. Yet, He loves me. Don't read this paragraph as indicating that my life has been without disappointment, without moments of doubt or confusion, or even fear. Sometimes, for reasons I cannot know, it seems that God stands aside and I feel like I'm on my own. Sometimes He allows situations to develop for which I can find no purpose and I'm left with the stark option of faith! The truth is that I never walk alone. In the darkest situation, He is there.
David writes -
"You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
"You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you." (Psalm 139:3-12, NIV)
Even the darkness will not be dark to You! What a wonderful assurance. The Father walks with us and sees the way - even in the dark. He knows our frail nature, our tendency to fall, and loves us anyway.
Do you live in His Presence?
Do you walk with Him?
Is your first inclination in times of joy and trouble to share it with your Friend, Jesus Christ?
If you answer those questions with a 'yes,' then you know what I'm writing about. If 'no,' then let me urge you to receive Him into your life today! Open your heart and mind to Him. Hand over your life to Him. Sell out - irrevocably! The transaction is one born in faith. It doesn't require a priest or preacher, just a hungry heart that says, "Jesus save me. Love me. Be my Lord!" Becoming a child of God does not mean that you will be exempt from the trials and tests of living. That's the nonsense of prosperity preachers imaginations. Those of us who walk with Him continue to live in a world where there is war, pain, suffering, and death. But, we never walk alone!
_____________________________
WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS
Friday, July 28, 2006
A God big enough to worship
When was the last time you felt awe - the sweaty palms and tightening gut that results when understanding fails and mystery remains? Most of us are quite uneasy with such a feeling. We do everything we can to destroy mystery, to define boundaries, and to find ourselves a place of comfort. In this we are not unlike the ancient Israelis who were camped around Mt. Sinai awaiting the Lord's direction. As the mountain quaked and smoked under His Mysterious Presence, they grew fearful. The Bible tells us - "Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. Then they said to Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”" (Exodus 20:18-19, NKJV) Later in the saga, when Moses went up the mountain again, after a few days they abandoned the Lord, preferring to make a lesser god - one less intimidating. In one of the more tragic episodes of the Exodus, Aaron capitulated to their demands and made them an idol, a golden calf. The result was amazing! "Moses saw that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies." (Exodus 32:25, NIV)
Like those ancient Jews, many of us find ourselves discomfited by the God of the Scripture who defies definition and formulas. We read of His exploits and wonder what it means, asking - Who is He really? In response many of us unconsciously adopt images for Him to which we can relate and, in the process, lose the Majesty. God asks "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you ever build me a temple as good as that?’ asks the Lord. ‘Could you build a dwelling place for me?" (Acts 7:48-49, NLT) We must be willing to live with a God of wonder, One who is big enough to worship with our whole hearts.
When we diminish God, when we take away His majesty and make Him over as a tame god, awe disappears.
With the loss of awe comes a loss of moral restraint!
I believe that one of the reasons the Church is so full of sin in our time is that her theology is so impoverished. We sing "Jesus loves me, this I know..." and as precious as that truth is, it is not all there is to know. God, as seen in the face of Jesus Christ, is approachable and that is a treasure for those of us who follow Him. But, God is still the God of Sinai and the God of Whom the prophets thundered. He is the God that John met on the Isle of Patmos who revealed His sweeping plans for the triumph of His kingdom and the destruction of evil. Believer, we need to make a fast from all our pious chatter to ponder the ways of the Most High. In humility we need to admit that God is greater than our understanding and that He always will be! That is not a terrible thing at all. In fact, admitting that God does not live in our back pocket, that He is not exclusively the god of Christian evangelicals or the god of America, will go a long, long way to restoring our love for the world that He loves and serving Him in a way that is holy.
“I am the LORD your God, ... “You shall have no other gods before me.
“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below." (Exodus 20:2-4, NIV)
______________________________________
"You are awesome in this place,
Mighty God.
You are awesome in this place,
Abba Father.
You are worthy of all praise,
to You our lives we raise.
You are awesome in this place,
Mighty God." Amen.
- Dave Billington
Like those ancient Jews, many of us find ourselves discomfited by the God of the Scripture who defies definition and formulas. We read of His exploits and wonder what it means, asking - Who is He really? In response many of us unconsciously adopt images for Him to which we can relate and, in the process, lose the Majesty. God asks "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you ever build me a temple as good as that?’ asks the Lord. ‘Could you build a dwelling place for me?" (Acts 7:48-49, NLT) We must be willing to live with a God of wonder, One who is big enough to worship with our whole hearts.
When we diminish God, when we take away His majesty and make Him over as a tame god, awe disappears.
With the loss of awe comes a loss of moral restraint!
I believe that one of the reasons the Church is so full of sin in our time is that her theology is so impoverished. We sing "Jesus loves me, this I know..." and as precious as that truth is, it is not all there is to know. God, as seen in the face of Jesus Christ, is approachable and that is a treasure for those of us who follow Him. But, God is still the God of Sinai and the God of Whom the prophets thundered. He is the God that John met on the Isle of Patmos who revealed His sweeping plans for the triumph of His kingdom and the destruction of evil. Believer, we need to make a fast from all our pious chatter to ponder the ways of the Most High. In humility we need to admit that God is greater than our understanding and that He always will be! That is not a terrible thing at all. In fact, admitting that God does not live in our back pocket, that He is not exclusively the god of Christian evangelicals or the god of America, will go a long, long way to restoring our love for the world that He loves and serving Him in a way that is holy.
“I am the LORD your God, ... “You shall have no other gods before me.
“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below." (Exodus 20:2-4, NIV)
______________________________________
"You are awesome in this place,
Mighty God.
You are awesome in this place,
Abba Father.
You are worthy of all praise,
to You our lives we raise.
You are awesome in this place,
Mighty God." Amen.
- Dave Billington
Thursday, July 27, 2006
I am not God.
Aren't you glad I cleared that up? Many Americans have a religion that makes it seem as though they are god, with rituals and rules bent to favor their own needs, interests, and prejudice. The glorious statement in the opening chapter of the Bible that reveals God's Creative purposes, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;..." (Genesis 1:26, NKJV) is rewritten by many so that it reads, "Let us make gods in our image!" We can see the results of this trivialization of God all around us. Christianity 'lite' to which about 50-60% of Americans subscribe simply cannot bring about the transformation of character or restraint of self-serving impulses that are required for truly godly lives. Sermons that are little morality lessons wrapped in cute stories about kids don't bring about conviction of sin. Treating the Bible like a collection of Aesop's Fables won't make us godly people.
We need a new revelation of the Transcendent God, the One who stands above the world as the Creator of the Universe, and to Whom each of us will give an account of himself. A person who believes in the God of the Bible, who understands that God is not his peer but his Lord, views all of life through a different lens than the person who sees god only as the Cosmic Buddy, good for making him feel a little better in the tough moments like death. The person who sees God as Creator, as the One who gives divine law and expects those He has created to adhere to that law, begins to grasp that the world is sacramental - that is, it a place where everything reflects God's holiness and where all actions become means of giving Him glory.
Rod Dreher, author of an excellent little book called Crunchy Cons, (goofy name, great book) writes this - "to see the world sacramentally is to see material things, objects and human actions - as vessels containing or transmitting ideals. To live in a sacramental world is to live in a world pregnant with meaning, a world in which nothing can be taken for granted, and in which no one and nothing is without intrinsic worth. If we live sacramentally, then everything we do and everything we are reflects the things we value."
Believer, does pondering the truth about God make you shiver? It should!
Does the revelation that - "Nothing in all creation can hide from him. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done." (Hebrews 4:13, NLT) - make you sit up and think about the casual ways in which you're living? It should!
And, once we have felt that fear which the Bible says is the beginning of wisdom, we are ready to be converted, truly saved. The Cross of Christ which provides atonement (complete forgiveness of our sins) makes little sense if God is an impotent being incapable or unwilling to call us to account. But, if we have felt the icy grip of holy terror, we will run to the Cross, embracing Christ Jesus the Savior, with something very much like desperation. Jesus Himself reminds us that "those who are forgiven much, love much!" What, does He mean some of us are more in need of salvation than others? I think not. He means that some of us see ourselves in the true Light of God and realize just how depraved we are, the depths from which we have been lifted- and that only by the grace of God. It is wonderful to say, "Jesus loves me" and it is true, too. But, apart from the revelation of the Majesty of God, the love of Jesus diminishes into a sappy kind of thing, a romantic notion without life transforming power.
Believer, let me urge you to think again about the God you serve.
Is your theology (that's not a dirty word!) sound? Do you know who God is, as He is revealed in the Holy Scripture?
If so, then a holy life will follow as you humble yourself before Him, inviting the Spirit to fill you up and to mold you into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
I remain firmly convinced that right living comes from right thinking; and, that right thinking begins only with the revealed Truth of God.
I am not God, nor are you. Of course, even that statement is ridiculous when written out.
But if your daily choices are examined, who would others determine is your God?
_____________________
Spirit of God, descend upon my heart;
Wean it from earth; through all its pulses move;
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as Thou art;
And make me love Thee as I ought to love.
I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies,
No sudden rending of the veil of clay,
No angel visitant, no opening skies;
But take the dimness of my soul away.
Teach me to feel that Thou art always nigh;
Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear.
To check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh,
Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.
Hast Thou not bid me love Thee, God and King?
All, all Thine own, soul, heart and strength and mind.
I see Thy cross; there teach my heart to cling:
O let me seek Thee, and O let me find!
Teach me to love Thee as Thine angels love,
One holy passion filling all my frame;
The kindling of the heaven descended Dove,
My heart an altar, and Thy love the flame. -- George Croly
We need a new revelation of the Transcendent God, the One who stands above the world as the Creator of the Universe, and to Whom each of us will give an account of himself. A person who believes in the God of the Bible, who understands that God is not his peer but his Lord, views all of life through a different lens than the person who sees god only as the Cosmic Buddy, good for making him feel a little better in the tough moments like death. The person who sees God as Creator, as the One who gives divine law and expects those He has created to adhere to that law, begins to grasp that the world is sacramental - that is, it a place where everything reflects God's holiness and where all actions become means of giving Him glory.
Rod Dreher, author of an excellent little book called Crunchy Cons, (goofy name, great book) writes this - "to see the world sacramentally is to see material things, objects and human actions - as vessels containing or transmitting ideals. To live in a sacramental world is to live in a world pregnant with meaning, a world in which nothing can be taken for granted, and in which no one and nothing is without intrinsic worth. If we live sacramentally, then everything we do and everything we are reflects the things we value."
Believer, does pondering the truth about God make you shiver? It should!
Does the revelation that - "Nothing in all creation can hide from him. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done." (Hebrews 4:13, NLT) - make you sit up and think about the casual ways in which you're living? It should!
And, once we have felt that fear which the Bible says is the beginning of wisdom, we are ready to be converted, truly saved. The Cross of Christ which provides atonement (complete forgiveness of our sins) makes little sense if God is an impotent being incapable or unwilling to call us to account. But, if we have felt the icy grip of holy terror, we will run to the Cross, embracing Christ Jesus the Savior, with something very much like desperation. Jesus Himself reminds us that "those who are forgiven much, love much!" What, does He mean some of us are more in need of salvation than others? I think not. He means that some of us see ourselves in the true Light of God and realize just how depraved we are, the depths from which we have been lifted- and that only by the grace of God. It is wonderful to say, "Jesus loves me" and it is true, too. But, apart from the revelation of the Majesty of God, the love of Jesus diminishes into a sappy kind of thing, a romantic notion without life transforming power.
Believer, let me urge you to think again about the God you serve.
Is your theology (that's not a dirty word!) sound? Do you know who God is, as He is revealed in the Holy Scripture?
If so, then a holy life will follow as you humble yourself before Him, inviting the Spirit to fill you up and to mold you into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
I remain firmly convinced that right living comes from right thinking; and, that right thinking begins only with the revealed Truth of God.
I am not God, nor are you. Of course, even that statement is ridiculous when written out.
But if your daily choices are examined, who would others determine is your God?
_____________________
Spirit of God, descend upon my heart;
Wean it from earth; through all its pulses move;
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as Thou art;
And make me love Thee as I ought to love.
I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies,
No sudden rending of the veil of clay,
No angel visitant, no opening skies;
But take the dimness of my soul away.
Teach me to feel that Thou art always nigh;
Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear.
To check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh,
Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.
Hast Thou not bid me love Thee, God and King?
All, all Thine own, soul, heart and strength and mind.
I see Thy cross; there teach my heart to cling:
O let me seek Thee, and O let me find!
Teach me to love Thee as Thine angels love,
One holy passion filling all my frame;
The kindling of the heaven descended Dove,
My heart an altar, and Thy love the flame. -- George Croly
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Learning to be Less
"I'm learning to be less." Now there is one catchy slogan. Not! I don't see the Army selling itself by advertising that they'll teach you to submit to authority, to take orders without question during weeks of demanding basic training. How do they advertise? With an appeal to pride: "Be all that you can be ... in the Army." The Marines recruiting posters don't show pictures of sweating kids pushed to the limits of their endurance, mentally and physically. They play up the elite nature of the corp with this line: "the few, the proud, the Marines!"
Jesus is much more truthful about the cost of being in His service. “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life." (Luke 9:23-24, NLT)
Whatever does He mean, "shoulder your cross?" His first listeners knew all too well. The cross was a slow painful means of execution used by the Romans to keep conquered peoples in line. Outside of major Roman garrisons, there were always crosses alongside the road. They stood like billboards advertising the might and power of the empire, even to the point of death! Jesus borrowed the imagery to talk about subduing our sinful nature, making it responsive to God's will and ways. We can't talk ourselves into being good. We can't educate ourselves into being holy. There is but one way that we can completely serve God. That way? Die to self! Jesus invites us to learn to be less, even to the point of regarding ourselves as dead. The result will be that He can give us real and lasting life, not life that is focused on satisfying the body's endless demands, but life that is focused on doing God's will and entering into eternal life right here, right now.
Shouldering the cross need not be some grand gesture, a move to some remote place of service, or a rejection of all creature comforts like the ascetic monks of the Middle Ages. It is a daily decision to be less, to set aside reputation, self-advantage, pride, and our sense of purpose and place in this world in order to sign onto God's plans and to walk in His purposes. John, the Baptist, the fore-runner of Jesus shows us how. This cousin of Jesus knew early on that he was not the great Messiah, the hope of the godly. He was a powerful preacher and moved great crowds to repentance, to consider God's demands. But, he always knew that Someone else was coming to be the Savior. He announced Jesus with these amazingly self-effacing words.
"The bride will go where the bridegroom is. A bridegroom’s friend rejoices with him. I am the bridegroom’s friend, and I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. “He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. I am of the earth, and my understanding is limited to the things of earth, but he has come from heaven." (John 3:29-31, NLT)
Did John always enjoy his role? We cannot be certain since the Gospels do not tell us much. But we do learn this; when the Kingdom didn't show up as John had thought that it would with great power and the end of sin on the earth, he grew disillusioned. He sent some of his friends to Jesus to ask Him, "Are you really the One we expected or did we get it wrong?"
Jesus call to service does involve glory. It's not all blood, sweat, and tears. But times of suffering will certainly come to those who walk the road of life with Him. There will be attacks from the world systems, from the Devil who hates good and God; and even internal struggles with doubt and uncertainty. That when we take hold of what we've learned and hang on, literally, for dear life! That's when raise our eyes to the horizon to catch a glimpse of Heaven, our true home.
Are you willing to reject the spirit of this age which teaches us that the meaning of life is to serve Self?
Are you willing to learn to be less, so that He can become more?
Here's a word from the Word to ponder.
"... of this gospel I was appointed (by the will of a Sovereign God) a herald and an apostle and a teacher.
That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, (embarrassed by my circumstances) because
I know whom I have believed, and
I am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.
What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.
Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us." (2 Timothy 1:11-14, NIV)
Jesus is much more truthful about the cost of being in His service. “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life." (Luke 9:23-24, NLT)
Whatever does He mean, "shoulder your cross?" His first listeners knew all too well. The cross was a slow painful means of execution used by the Romans to keep conquered peoples in line. Outside of major Roman garrisons, there were always crosses alongside the road. They stood like billboards advertising the might and power of the empire, even to the point of death! Jesus borrowed the imagery to talk about subduing our sinful nature, making it responsive to God's will and ways. We can't talk ourselves into being good. We can't educate ourselves into being holy. There is but one way that we can completely serve God. That way? Die to self! Jesus invites us to learn to be less, even to the point of regarding ourselves as dead. The result will be that He can give us real and lasting life, not life that is focused on satisfying the body's endless demands, but life that is focused on doing God's will and entering into eternal life right here, right now.
Shouldering the cross need not be some grand gesture, a move to some remote place of service, or a rejection of all creature comforts like the ascetic monks of the Middle Ages. It is a daily decision to be less, to set aside reputation, self-advantage, pride, and our sense of purpose and place in this world in order to sign onto God's plans and to walk in His purposes. John, the Baptist, the fore-runner of Jesus shows us how. This cousin of Jesus knew early on that he was not the great Messiah, the hope of the godly. He was a powerful preacher and moved great crowds to repentance, to consider God's demands. But, he always knew that Someone else was coming to be the Savior. He announced Jesus with these amazingly self-effacing words.
"The bride will go where the bridegroom is. A bridegroom’s friend rejoices with him. I am the bridegroom’s friend, and I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. “He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. I am of the earth, and my understanding is limited to the things of earth, but he has come from heaven." (John 3:29-31, NLT)
Did John always enjoy his role? We cannot be certain since the Gospels do not tell us much. But we do learn this; when the Kingdom didn't show up as John had thought that it would with great power and the end of sin on the earth, he grew disillusioned. He sent some of his friends to Jesus to ask Him, "Are you really the One we expected or did we get it wrong?"
Jesus call to service does involve glory. It's not all blood, sweat, and tears. But times of suffering will certainly come to those who walk the road of life with Him. There will be attacks from the world systems, from the Devil who hates good and God; and even internal struggles with doubt and uncertainty. That when we take hold of what we've learned and hang on, literally, for dear life! That's when raise our eyes to the horizon to catch a glimpse of Heaven, our true home.
Are you willing to reject the spirit of this age which teaches us that the meaning of life is to serve Self?
Are you willing to learn to be less, so that He can become more?
Here's a word from the Word to ponder.
"... of this gospel I was appointed (by the will of a Sovereign God) a herald and an apostle and a teacher.
That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, (embarrassed by my circumstances) because
I know whom I have believed, and
I am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.
What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.
Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us." (2 Timothy 1:11-14, NIV)
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Serving for the Joy?
Jake loves what he does for the Lord. He is skilled, faithful, and humble about his place of service. A few years ago the Lord impressed on him that he was to be # 2 on the team, not because he was less, inferior, or without qualification. It was just the will of God. He accepted that obediently and I have watched him function in that role. He's willing to take on grunt work, do what isn't glamorous, and put in sweat time without thanks or recognition. I'm fairly certain that if asked, he'd even step aside from his place without bitterness or rancor. He serves the Lord for the pure joy of serving and it shows. He doesn't ask for thanks, doesn't seek glory, and seldom complains.
Recently I was chatting with another woman about her long-time 'service' in the various churches she has attended over the years. She complained about how one church after another failed to recognize her abilities, about Pastors who didn't give her the place she thought her talents deserved, etc., etc! Now, I know she loves the Lord. She's been a Believer longer than I've been alive, but she is missing the point of ministry. Ministry is never about 'me,' never about what service does for 'me.' True service in God's work is about Him, about His church, about giving away ourselves without a care or thought of cost, recognition, or reward. The tragedy about this dear soul is that her ministries are unconsciously shaped around gaining affirmation, making her feel valued, about 'being somebody' in the big wide world. As a consequence, what she does for the Lord is tainted. It always has a tinge of pride which eventually corrupts the service and makes it less than it might otherwise be.
There is a story in the book of Acts that helps us to understand the importance of forgetting about "me" so we can serve Christ in the most effective ways. It is about a man that the Church nick-named, Barnabas. This man was a learned Christ-following Jew who was very influential in the early years of the development of Christianity. The Bible describes him with these glowing words... "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. " (Acts 11:24, NLT) This leader heard about a man named Saul who once had been very hostile to Christians, that he had been converted but was finding it hard to find acceptance by Believers who were still frightened by his reputation. So, Barnabas went and found Saul (later renamed Paul) and introduced him to the Church. For the next few years, when people spoke of the team, it was always "Barnabas and Paul." But, the mentor was soon eclipsed by the gifts of his student. People came to refer to "Paul and Barnabas." A few years later, Barnabas slipped into obscurity and Paul went on to be known throughout the Church!
What might Christianity be like today if Barnabas had gone to see Paul and recognized the man's greater gifts and tremendous abilities, only to feel threatened?
What if he saw Paul's potential to become greater and decided that he didn't want the 'competition?'
Thankfully, good ole' Barney didn't see his 'service' to the Church as a means of building his reputation, feeling good about himself, or gaining a place where he could be recognized in this world.
Let me leave you with this challenging parable that Jesus told about service. Think deeply about it.
If you realize that your service has even a grain of pride, of self-serving, of concern for reputation or reward, ask the Lord for forgiveness and for the Spirit's help in developing true humility.
"Suppose one of you has a servant who comes in from plowing the field or tending the sheep. Would you take his coat, set the table, and say, ‘Sit down and eat’? Wouldn’t you be more likely to say, ‘Prepare dinner; change your clothes and wait table for me until I’ve finished my coffee; then go to the kitchen and have your supper’? Does the servant get special thanks for doing what’s expected of him? It’s the same with you.
When you’ve done everything expected of you, be matter-of-fact and say, ‘The work is done. What we were told to do, we did.’ ” (Luke 17:7-10, The Message)
Recently I was chatting with another woman about her long-time 'service' in the various churches she has attended over the years. She complained about how one church after another failed to recognize her abilities, about Pastors who didn't give her the place she thought her talents deserved, etc., etc! Now, I know she loves the Lord. She's been a Believer longer than I've been alive, but she is missing the point of ministry. Ministry is never about 'me,' never about what service does for 'me.' True service in God's work is about Him, about His church, about giving away ourselves without a care or thought of cost, recognition, or reward. The tragedy about this dear soul is that her ministries are unconsciously shaped around gaining affirmation, making her feel valued, about 'being somebody' in the big wide world. As a consequence, what she does for the Lord is tainted. It always has a tinge of pride which eventually corrupts the service and makes it less than it might otherwise be.
There is a story in the book of Acts that helps us to understand the importance of forgetting about "me" so we can serve Christ in the most effective ways. It is about a man that the Church nick-named, Barnabas. This man was a learned Christ-following Jew who was very influential in the early years of the development of Christianity. The Bible describes him with these glowing words... "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. " (Acts 11:24, NLT) This leader heard about a man named Saul who once had been very hostile to Christians, that he had been converted but was finding it hard to find acceptance by Believers who were still frightened by his reputation. So, Barnabas went and found Saul (later renamed Paul) and introduced him to the Church. For the next few years, when people spoke of the team, it was always "Barnabas and Paul." But, the mentor was soon eclipsed by the gifts of his student. People came to refer to "Paul and Barnabas." A few years later, Barnabas slipped into obscurity and Paul went on to be known throughout the Church!
What might Christianity be like today if Barnabas had gone to see Paul and recognized the man's greater gifts and tremendous abilities, only to feel threatened?
What if he saw Paul's potential to become greater and decided that he didn't want the 'competition?'
Thankfully, good ole' Barney didn't see his 'service' to the Church as a means of building his reputation, feeling good about himself, or gaining a place where he could be recognized in this world.
Let me leave you with this challenging parable that Jesus told about service. Think deeply about it.
If you realize that your service has even a grain of pride, of self-serving, of concern for reputation or reward, ask the Lord for forgiveness and for the Spirit's help in developing true humility.
"Suppose one of you has a servant who comes in from plowing the field or tending the sheep. Would you take his coat, set the table, and say, ‘Sit down and eat’? Wouldn’t you be more likely to say, ‘Prepare dinner; change your clothes and wait table for me until I’ve finished my coffee; then go to the kitchen and have your supper’? Does the servant get special thanks for doing what’s expected of him? It’s the same with you.
When you’ve done everything expected of you, be matter-of-fact and say, ‘The work is done. What we were told to do, we did.’ ” (Luke 17:7-10, The Message)
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Bait and switch
It's an old ploy of unscrupulous marketers- offer a product at a low price to attract attention, but once the interested party is in the store, make the bargain item unavailable and offer another, more expensive item. This week's car search (see TFTD, 7/19) led us into a classic 'bait and switch' situation! Chris' Internet shopping led her to a car that seemed very desirable, the right year - the right equipment - great price. So, after confirming availability of the car with a phone call; off we went, driving over an hour to the dealer down in the city. The salesman went to bring the car to show us, and the moment it appeared, I knew we'd been 'had.' The 'bargain item' was dented, dirty, and undesirable - not the cream puff advertised. When we said we were not interested, guess the next line. Yep, that's right. "Well, we have several other models of this car for a few $thousand more!" I don't know what made me more disgusted and angry - that I was deceived or the disappointment in my daughter's eyes. (Happily, our next stop was at an auto dealer of superb reputation and ethics and we closed a deal.)
The Tempter is a pro at 'bait and switch.' He dangles opportunities before us that promise all kinds of satisfaction of our desires. He whispers, "you can reach that goal, with just a little compromise of your ethical standards." Or, "you can make that sense of anxiety go away by indulging yourself in some pornography." Or, "his wife is so much more desirable than yours, what's a little fantasy going to hurt?" He plays off of our legitimate needs and heart-felt desires, but the satisfaction he promises through illicit means never lives up to his advertising. His offers are always mostly a lie, with just enough truth to draw us in. The Bible warns us - "Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light." (2 Corinthians 11:14, NLT) In the very first story of temptation, he offered 'knowledge' without disclosing the high cost of that disobedient choice! What a story it is. Take a look!
Eve said, “It’s only the fruit from the tree at the center of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God says we must not eat it or even touch it, or we will die.”“You won’t die!” the serpent hissed. “God knows that your eyes will be opened when you eat it. You will become just like God, knowing everything, both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. The fruit looked so fresh and delicious, and it would make her so wise! So she ate some of the fruit. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her. Then he ate it, too. At that moment, their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they strung fig leaves together around their hips to cover themselves." (Genesis 3:3-7, NLT)
Talk about remorse. Yes, the choice to disobey God brings a certain sense of empowerment and gratifies our sinful nature - temporarily. Then come the sense of loss, of alienation from God, of guilty shame. The story of descent into sin repeats itself over and over and over again. Human beings fall for the lie, the 'bait and switch' tactics of the one who is the father of lies.
Here's the good news! You and I do not have to be duped. God, the Holy Spirit, can help us to see past the ploys of the Soul Destroyer. He wants to make you wise! When Chris told me about her on-line find and that the dealer was in the city, I was suspicious. I knew that many of those 'highway' dealers operate on a numbers basis, depending on a nearly endless supply of first-time customers rather than a steady relationship with repeat customers, so they don't care if they rip off people. But, she didn't have that insight, so she needed a first-hand experience to learn. I am just glad that I was along to guide her through it. God knows Satan's tactics and He will keep you from deception - if you will trust and obey, as you maintain your walk with Him.
Paul reminds a younger pastor named Timothy - "Unscrupulous con men will continue to exploit the faith. They’re as deceived as the people they lead astray. As long as they are out there, things can only get worse. But don’t let it faze you. Stick with what you learned and believed, sure of the integrity of your teachers— why, you took in the sacred Scriptures with your mother’s milk! There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way." (2 Timothy 3:13-16, The Message)
Be wise. Pray for insight. Live obediently. God's promises are always 'Yes and amen,' that is, trustworthy and true. Sometimes they require delayed gratification, and almost always they involve real faith. But He's a good God. He never will practice 'bait and switch' tactics.
"But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God." (2 Corinthians 1:18-20, NIV)
______________________
TFTD will return next week.
I'm taking another short break for some rest and renewal.
Thanks for reading along.
The Tempter is a pro at 'bait and switch.' He dangles opportunities before us that promise all kinds of satisfaction of our desires. He whispers, "you can reach that goal, with just a little compromise of your ethical standards." Or, "you can make that sense of anxiety go away by indulging yourself in some pornography." Or, "his wife is so much more desirable than yours, what's a little fantasy going to hurt?" He plays off of our legitimate needs and heart-felt desires, but the satisfaction he promises through illicit means never lives up to his advertising. His offers are always mostly a lie, with just enough truth to draw us in. The Bible warns us - "Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light." (2 Corinthians 11:14, NLT) In the very first story of temptation, he offered 'knowledge' without disclosing the high cost of that disobedient choice! What a story it is. Take a look!
Eve said, “It’s only the fruit from the tree at the center of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God says we must not eat it or even touch it, or we will die.”“You won’t die!” the serpent hissed. “God knows that your eyes will be opened when you eat it. You will become just like God, knowing everything, both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. The fruit looked so fresh and delicious, and it would make her so wise! So she ate some of the fruit. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her. Then he ate it, too. At that moment, their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they strung fig leaves together around their hips to cover themselves." (Genesis 3:3-7, NLT)
Talk about remorse. Yes, the choice to disobey God brings a certain sense of empowerment and gratifies our sinful nature - temporarily. Then come the sense of loss, of alienation from God, of guilty shame. The story of descent into sin repeats itself over and over and over again. Human beings fall for the lie, the 'bait and switch' tactics of the one who is the father of lies.
Here's the good news! You and I do not have to be duped. God, the Holy Spirit, can help us to see past the ploys of the Soul Destroyer. He wants to make you wise! When Chris told me about her on-line find and that the dealer was in the city, I was suspicious. I knew that many of those 'highway' dealers operate on a numbers basis, depending on a nearly endless supply of first-time customers rather than a steady relationship with repeat customers, so they don't care if they rip off people. But, she didn't have that insight, so she needed a first-hand experience to learn. I am just glad that I was along to guide her through it. God knows Satan's tactics and He will keep you from deception - if you will trust and obey, as you maintain your walk with Him.
Paul reminds a younger pastor named Timothy - "Unscrupulous con men will continue to exploit the faith. They’re as deceived as the people they lead astray. As long as they are out there, things can only get worse. But don’t let it faze you. Stick with what you learned and believed, sure of the integrity of your teachers— why, you took in the sacred Scriptures with your mother’s milk! There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way." (2 Timothy 3:13-16, The Message)
Be wise. Pray for insight. Live obediently. God's promises are always 'Yes and amen,' that is, trustworthy and true. Sometimes they require delayed gratification, and almost always they involve real faith. But He's a good God. He never will practice 'bait and switch' tactics.
"But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God." (2 Corinthians 1:18-20, NIV)
______________________
TFTD will return next week.
I'm taking another short break for some rest and renewal.
Thanks for reading along.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
The Father's provision
Pete and Chris (my son-in-law and daughter) came to visit this week. Their old car is tired, needing replacement so Chris asked me if I'd assist them in the search for a replacement. Yesterday, we spent the late afternoon and well into the evening looking at cars. It was my delight to walk through the process with them; helping them with negotiations, with understanding financing, and just being "Dad." They thanked me profusely for the assistance, but their thanks was not necessary. That's what Dad's are for. It was far more fun for me to be included in their purchase than they realize because it lets me feel useful to them despite their adult independence. The chances to feel needed in that way are fewer all the time!
As I thought about our adventure this morning, the Holy Spirit whispered to me- "that's how your Heavenly Dad feels about you." What an amazing fact. God is MY Father and He delights in being part of my life, too. The Almighty Maker of Heaven and Earth desires to walk with me, to provide for me; yes, to be my Counselor. The Bible says, "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into his family—calling him “Father, dear Father.” For his Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God’s children." (Romans 8:14-16, NLT)
Tragically, too many people, even Believers, do not grasp the Father-heart of God. They do not understand that He is their Dad. Yet, it is right and proper to use that familiar term with Him and for Him. Paul does! In that passage where the translators say, "Father, dear Father," in other translations we read, "Abba." The term is one that reflects the deep intimacy which God offers to us as His children. It is only sin that causes us to run away from His Presence. It is only the terror of judgment that causes us to hide from Him. But, where sin is taken away by the gracious gift of grace in Jesus Christ, fear is replaced with deep love. To the forgiven God says, "Come boldly to my Throne and find the help you need!" (Hebrews 4.16)
What's your need today?
What is of concern to you? Take it to Dad! Literally, as you respectfully enter into prayer, address Him as "Dad in Heaven." I'm not being silly, though you might feel that way when you say it. It is good practice to let God love you in that way, based on sound theology! Yes, He desires the best for you. He won't always give you what you want, but He'll provide everything you need.
The number one healing truth in the universe is the 'love of God!' Nothing else comes close. I am convinced that is why the world, the sinful nature, and the Devil combine their efforts to keep us at a distance from our Father. If we fail to have a growing understanding of His compassion, His grace, His love - our Christianity will always be skewed. We will live at a distance, robbing ourselves of the rich fellowship He offers. I seldom can talk about the Father's love without becoming emotionally moved, often to the point of tears. That is how precious His love has become to me. I lived as a dutiful son for far too long. For too many years I was like the elder brother in the story of the Waiting Father. (Read it in Luke 15:11-32. It's the best story Jesus ever told!) I reminded God of my rigid self-disciplines, my 'goodness,' and of my sense that He owed me. What a joke; no worse, an obscenity! I was a sinful wretch and, actually, in all my self-righteousness, treated His love with contempt. Then, His love broke through my pretensions of self-sufficiency and prideful religiosity. Oh, how I thank Him for patiently letting me live long enough to come to the end of myself, so I would experience the amazing grace and love He offers freely to me at His own expense.
"With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are.
Set the world right; Do what’s best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes."
(Matthew 6:9-13, The Message)
Amen.
As I thought about our adventure this morning, the Holy Spirit whispered to me- "that's how your Heavenly Dad feels about you." What an amazing fact. God is MY Father and He delights in being part of my life, too. The Almighty Maker of Heaven and Earth desires to walk with me, to provide for me; yes, to be my Counselor. The Bible says, "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into his family—calling him “Father, dear Father.” For his Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God’s children." (Romans 8:14-16, NLT)
Tragically, too many people, even Believers, do not grasp the Father-heart of God. They do not understand that He is their Dad. Yet, it is right and proper to use that familiar term with Him and for Him. Paul does! In that passage where the translators say, "Father, dear Father," in other translations we read, "Abba." The term is one that reflects the deep intimacy which God offers to us as His children. It is only sin that causes us to run away from His Presence. It is only the terror of judgment that causes us to hide from Him. But, where sin is taken away by the gracious gift of grace in Jesus Christ, fear is replaced with deep love. To the forgiven God says, "Come boldly to my Throne and find the help you need!" (Hebrews 4.16)
What's your need today?
What is of concern to you? Take it to Dad! Literally, as you respectfully enter into prayer, address Him as "Dad in Heaven." I'm not being silly, though you might feel that way when you say it. It is good practice to let God love you in that way, based on sound theology! Yes, He desires the best for you. He won't always give you what you want, but He'll provide everything you need.
The number one healing truth in the universe is the 'love of God!' Nothing else comes close. I am convinced that is why the world, the sinful nature, and the Devil combine their efforts to keep us at a distance from our Father. If we fail to have a growing understanding of His compassion, His grace, His love - our Christianity will always be skewed. We will live at a distance, robbing ourselves of the rich fellowship He offers. I seldom can talk about the Father's love without becoming emotionally moved, often to the point of tears. That is how precious His love has become to me. I lived as a dutiful son for far too long. For too many years I was like the elder brother in the story of the Waiting Father. (Read it in Luke 15:11-32. It's the best story Jesus ever told!) I reminded God of my rigid self-disciplines, my 'goodness,' and of my sense that He owed me. What a joke; no worse, an obscenity! I was a sinful wretch and, actually, in all my self-righteousness, treated His love with contempt. Then, His love broke through my pretensions of self-sufficiency and prideful religiosity. Oh, how I thank Him for patiently letting me live long enough to come to the end of myself, so I would experience the amazing grace and love He offers freely to me at His own expense.
"With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are.
Set the world right; Do what’s best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes."
(Matthew 6:9-13, The Message)
Amen.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Keep your edge!
Life is moving quickly, too fast sometimes, around me. I never thought I'd admit that, but somehow living in the 5th decade of life changes things. I thrive on challenges and activity. Today I was wide awake at 4:30 AM, looking forward to getting into the work of the day. But, I wonder if I'm staying sharp, keeping the edge that is necessary for effectiveness? The Bible reminds us - "Since a dull ax requires great strength, sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed." (Ecclesiastes 10:10, NLT) Am I working hard and wisely, or am I just working hard?
More than a few times, I've observed people who create quite a cloud of dust around themselves. They charge at this and that, taking on a new project, starting another ministry, trying a new experience. Their lives are a blur, but when you blow away the dust, clearing the air, you don't find much of substance. They're hard working, but not wise. By contrast, I see others who seem to be moving effortlessly through life, while leaving finished projects and improved lives in their wake. Something is happening that is out of sight, under the surface, that makes them truly effective. They are sharp, with a edge of effectiveness.
So, how can we keep that edge?
Stephen Covey, who teaches leadership and life skills, observes that we need to practice renewal in four dimensions: the physical, the spiritual, the mental, and the social.
We need to take care of these physical bodies that serve as our earthly houses. The decline of strength with age is inevitable, but too often we hasten the process by foolishly ignoring the simplest tasks of maintenance. (Yes, I know I need to work at this! I probably take better care of my car than my body! Shame on me.) Because God has made our bodies so wonderfully, with amazing recuperative powers, we can go a long, long time eating junk and without regular exercise before we experience a breakdown. However, it is a proven fact that a person who eats a healthy diet and gets regular exercise can expect better health for a longer period of time. We don't have become neurotic about food or exercise to just have good health practices that help us keep the edge.
The spiritual part of us is the core of our being! Yet, so many of us drop 'soul maintenance' low on the list. There are the obvious choices that we make in staying sharp spiritually, things like regularly worshipping with others, practicing spiritual disciplines of prayer and Scripture intake, serving God and others regularly. But there are the less obvious choices that are critically important, too. Living with a forgiving attitude that refuses to drag around resentment and/or bitterness is one of them. Almost nothing saps spiritual vitality from a person like simmering resentment of another person. Jesus urges us to forgive quickly, because He knows it is our choice to do so and that we need to do it. Living with in a generous and loving way is another one of those daily choices that helps to keep the edge. If we remind ourselves of God's love, accept it for ourselves, we will love others. "First we were loved, now we love. God loved us first." (1 John 4:19, The Message) When we tend our spiritual dimension, we keep our spiritual hearing acute, our vision sharp. Don't neglect this dimension of your life.
A mind is an amazing thing. From the mysteries of our brains flow creativity, artistry, problem-solving, - all the creative gifts of God. A mind terrible thing to waste, but it happens so easily. In the evening, the TV beckons us to become passive. I've watched two hours of TV more than once and the next morning couldn't even remember what I saw. My brain simply switched off and let the flickering images and sounds pass through, decreasing my mental acuity in the process. Read books! Listen to good music. Spend some time in conversation about something other than the weather. Learn something new, just for the joy of knowledge. If you do watch TV, be aware of what you're watching and how much. Just like the physical diet, there's a time to enjoy some dessert, but not too much, and not all the time!
Social skills are not automatically gained, are they? Some are more blessed than others with natural abilities to 'connect' with people around themselves. But all of us can learn to build relationships, if we realize the importance of them. In a strange paradox, we are the most 'connected' society on earth in all of recorded history! We are wired with email, carry cell phones everywhere, and enjoy unbelievable communication technology, yet most of us don't know even our next door neighbors. We live in little cocoons, inside our homes, with media as our company. But, if we not constantly tending to the connections to people around us, especially those key people whose gifts complement ours, we quickly diminish our effectiveness for God.
All this isn't a new revelation or rocket science, is it? It's really common sense.
So as you read this in the middle of this Summer when it's more easy to lose the edge, my prayer is that God will stir you up.
Spend a few moments setting some goals. Commit them to paper. Make them specific. Share them with somebody, maybe even posting your list on the frig for your family, so they can help you stay on task.
Pray that God, the Holy Spirit, will give you insight, too. Ask Him to restore the edge so you won't just be working hard, but also working effectively.
"Live wisely . . ., and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective ..." (Colossians 4:5-6, NLT)
Jerry D. Scott, Pastor
Washington Assembly of God
http://www.WashingtonAG.com
More than a few times, I've observed people who create quite a cloud of dust around themselves. They charge at this and that, taking on a new project, starting another ministry, trying a new experience. Their lives are a blur, but when you blow away the dust, clearing the air, you don't find much of substance. They're hard working, but not wise. By contrast, I see others who seem to be moving effortlessly through life, while leaving finished projects and improved lives in their wake. Something is happening that is out of sight, under the surface, that makes them truly effective. They are sharp, with a edge of effectiveness.
So, how can we keep that edge?
Stephen Covey, who teaches leadership and life skills, observes that we need to practice renewal in four dimensions: the physical, the spiritual, the mental, and the social.
We need to take care of these physical bodies that serve as our earthly houses. The decline of strength with age is inevitable, but too often we hasten the process by foolishly ignoring the simplest tasks of maintenance. (Yes, I know I need to work at this! I probably take better care of my car than my body! Shame on me.) Because God has made our bodies so wonderfully, with amazing recuperative powers, we can go a long, long time eating junk and without regular exercise before we experience a breakdown. However, it is a proven fact that a person who eats a healthy diet and gets regular exercise can expect better health for a longer period of time. We don't have become neurotic about food or exercise to just have good health practices that help us keep the edge.
The spiritual part of us is the core of our being! Yet, so many of us drop 'soul maintenance' low on the list. There are the obvious choices that we make in staying sharp spiritually, things like regularly worshipping with others, practicing spiritual disciplines of prayer and Scripture intake, serving God and others regularly. But there are the less obvious choices that are critically important, too. Living with a forgiving attitude that refuses to drag around resentment and/or bitterness is one of them. Almost nothing saps spiritual vitality from a person like simmering resentment of another person. Jesus urges us to forgive quickly, because He knows it is our choice to do so and that we need to do it. Living with in a generous and loving way is another one of those daily choices that helps to keep the edge. If we remind ourselves of God's love, accept it for ourselves, we will love others. "First we were loved, now we love. God loved us first." (1 John 4:19, The Message) When we tend our spiritual dimension, we keep our spiritual hearing acute, our vision sharp. Don't neglect this dimension of your life.
A mind is an amazing thing. From the mysteries of our brains flow creativity, artistry, problem-solving, - all the creative gifts of God. A mind terrible thing to waste, but it happens so easily. In the evening, the TV beckons us to become passive. I've watched two hours of TV more than once and the next morning couldn't even remember what I saw. My brain simply switched off and let the flickering images and sounds pass through, decreasing my mental acuity in the process. Read books! Listen to good music. Spend some time in conversation about something other than the weather. Learn something new, just for the joy of knowledge. If you do watch TV, be aware of what you're watching and how much. Just like the physical diet, there's a time to enjoy some dessert, but not too much, and not all the time!
Social skills are not automatically gained, are they? Some are more blessed than others with natural abilities to 'connect' with people around themselves. But all of us can learn to build relationships, if we realize the importance of them. In a strange paradox, we are the most 'connected' society on earth in all of recorded history! We are wired with email, carry cell phones everywhere, and enjoy unbelievable communication technology, yet most of us don't know even our next door neighbors. We live in little cocoons, inside our homes, with media as our company. But, if we not constantly tending to the connections to people around us, especially those key people whose gifts complement ours, we quickly diminish our effectiveness for God.
All this isn't a new revelation or rocket science, is it? It's really common sense.
So as you read this in the middle of this Summer when it's more easy to lose the edge, my prayer is that God will stir you up.
Spend a few moments setting some goals. Commit them to paper. Make them specific. Share them with somebody, maybe even posting your list on the frig for your family, so they can help you stay on task.
Pray that God, the Holy Spirit, will give you insight, too. Ask Him to restore the edge so you won't just be working hard, but also working effectively.
"Live wisely . . ., and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective ..." (Colossians 4:5-6, NLT)
Jerry D. Scott, Pastor
Washington Assembly of God
http://www.WashingtonAG.com
Monday, July 17, 2006
The stuff we do
The world watched, first as Hezbollah fighters kidnapped three Israeli soldiers, and then at the inevitable response of Israel's military. Now, just days later, more than 300 people are dead and $millions of property has been destroyed. Those of us sitting here in America wonder why these people do the things they do. Why would terrorists not realize that taking Israeli soldiers would provoke an attack? Why does Israel use such force in retaliation? It all seems so futile, an escalating cycle of violence that, in the end, accomplishes little or nothing except to deepen the bitterness and stoke the flames of hatred. But that is my American mind talking without all the history and emotion of the people who live there. Hezbollah, (the name means 'the party of God') does things that to most of us seem stupid, rather like sticking one's hand into a grinder! But to some militant Muslims they are heroes, resisting the hated Zionists, even in the face of overwhelming odds. War is not logical. It is a human response that, ultimately, comes from the depravity of human nature.
My point today is not to argue Middle East politics. I want us to think about the things we do. Why do we do act in ways that prove destructive to ourselves and those around us, repeating the same mistakes, again and again? The Bible explains to us that - apart from Christ- we are sinners: that we are deceived by the world systems, by the sinful nature, and by the Devil himself. In Ephesians, we read- ". . . you must no longer live as the Gentiles (godless) do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts." (Ephesians 4:17-18, NIV) It isn't just that people just go ahead and decide to sin despite the consequences. Those without the life of the Spirit do not even realize that they are doing wrong. Wrong often seems so right.
Believer, even in our minds, there can be a genuine disconnect between our actions and the consequences of those choices. If we are not actively seeking God, humbly acknowledging our need of His grace, and renewing our minds with the Holy Word - we will become deceived! We will gradually slip back into darkness. If we would live wholly and holy, we need to faithfully walk with the Spirit, enlightened to the reality by His work in us. As we respond to His leading, pray for His wisdom, we are empowered to make different choices that lead us to a godly and good life. The Bible says, "... in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.... You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully..." (Ephesians 4:22-25, NIV)
Believer, are you living 'in the truth?'
Are you inviting the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and insight so that you are continually transformed, first in your thoughts, and then in your actions?
Don't rely solely on your intuition, your gut, or your conscience in making the moral choices. Proverbs warns, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." (16:25, NIV)
Pray, too, for God, the Spirit, to open the eyes of those around you who continue to sabotage their lives with stupid and/or sinful choices. Don't just judge them, write them off, or turn away from them. Ask the Lord to open their eyes, to give them grace. Realize that those without God stumble around the darkness and then pray that you can become a person who carries the Light of Christ into their darkness.
Here's a word from the Word. Meditate on it today.
"Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.
Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out.
Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it.
Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity,
God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." (Romans 12:2, The Message)
My point today is not to argue Middle East politics. I want us to think about the things we do. Why do we do act in ways that prove destructive to ourselves and those around us, repeating the same mistakes, again and again? The Bible explains to us that - apart from Christ- we are sinners: that we are deceived by the world systems, by the sinful nature, and by the Devil himself. In Ephesians, we read- ". . . you must no longer live as the Gentiles (godless) do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts." (Ephesians 4:17-18, NIV) It isn't just that people just go ahead and decide to sin despite the consequences. Those without the life of the Spirit do not even realize that they are doing wrong. Wrong often seems so right.
Believer, even in our minds, there can be a genuine disconnect between our actions and the consequences of those choices. If we are not actively seeking God, humbly acknowledging our need of His grace, and renewing our minds with the Holy Word - we will become deceived! We will gradually slip back into darkness. If we would live wholly and holy, we need to faithfully walk with the Spirit, enlightened to the reality by His work in us. As we respond to His leading, pray for His wisdom, we are empowered to make different choices that lead us to a godly and good life. The Bible says, "... in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.... You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully..." (Ephesians 4:22-25, NIV)
Believer, are you living 'in the truth?'
Are you inviting the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and insight so that you are continually transformed, first in your thoughts, and then in your actions?
Don't rely solely on your intuition, your gut, or your conscience in making the moral choices. Proverbs warns, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." (16:25, NIV)
Pray, too, for God, the Spirit, to open the eyes of those around you who continue to sabotage their lives with stupid and/or sinful choices. Don't just judge them, write them off, or turn away from them. Ask the Lord to open their eyes, to give them grace. Realize that those without God stumble around the darkness and then pray that you can become a person who carries the Light of Christ into their darkness.
Here's a word from the Word. Meditate on it today.
"Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.
Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out.
Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it.
Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity,
God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." (Romans 12:2, The Message)
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