Americans have developed a near zero tolerance for risk. “Safety first,” is our demand! When something in our complex world fails, when an accident happens, we suddenly remember that everything we do has some risk involved. Yesterday, I strapped myself inside of a metal cage and hurled myself at high speeds along a corridor with other machines. It was a choice that exposed me to death or horrific injury. Yes, I was driving my car! Every time I go down the road, I choose to accept some level of risk.
Just about everything I do; driving, using an appliance, taking some medication, involves some risk of injury or illness. Those risks are usually very small, but they exist none the less. Most of the time we do not consciously think of the dangers of life because to do so would paralyze us with fear. We try to balance benefit and risk, minimizing our exposure to injury or loss with good safety practices.
Only God guarantees us a risk-free relationship and benefit. James reminds us that "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17, NIV) We can trust Him without calculation, without reservation, without insurance – because what He says, He will do. We accept that by faith, though there are times in our lives when it difficult to hang onto that promise. When sickness comes, friends fail us, our best laid plans do not work out; we are tempted to wonder where He is, why He is allowing us to go through the darkness. When we find ourselves in the middle of temptation, drawn away from Him by the work of the sinful nature, the world’s influence, or the Devil’s seduction, our security wavers, too.
In those times, we have a choice – to remain faithful and steadfast in our commitment, or to turn away and follow our own way. The amazing truth of the Word is this: even "if we are faithless, he will remain faithful!" (2 Timothy 2:13, NIV) God enters into a covenant with us that is secured by His unchanging love and the Cross, not by our perfection. Oh, what a glorious thought. That is amazing grace! If we anchor our hope of a right relationship with Him, of answered prayer, even of finding our home in Heaven in our own goodness, our spiritual experience will be one of fear and uncertainty. We know, all too well, (or at least we should!) how prone to failure we are. But, if we put our faith in God and His promise, we find a Rock that anchors us through it all!
Some would argue that such security would make us careless about our obedience. That’s not my experience. In my life, when I focus on His faithfulness and promise, I discover greater strength available through the Spirit to live a holy life! The perfection of His promise of salvation gives me reason to press onward with even greater determination. "Since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. ... we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." (Romans 5:1-5, NLT)
Disciple, are you feeling insecure today?
Have circumstances arisen for which you have no explanation?
Are you afraid, sensing greater risk than you can manage?
Let me encourage you to turn to the One who cannot fail. Make Him your hope. Anchor your life in His immutable promises. It is the one risk-free choice we can make in a world full of uncertainty!
Here’s a word from the Word. Believe it! Live it! "God can’t break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us." (Hebrews 6:18-20, The Message)
_____________
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift, or firm remain?
We have an anchor that keeps the soul,
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll!
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move!
Grounded, firm and deep, in the Savior's love.
Will Your Anchor Hold?
William James Kirkpatrick
Public Domain
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
On the Palm of His Hand
Do you awaken in the night, only to stare into the darkness as your mind tumbles in kaleidoscopic action, one thought layered on another in random patterns? When I awaken at 2 AM thinking about that counseling session of the previous day, some pending project at the church, someone’s broken heart, the Sunday sermon that isn’t coming together, a phone call I forgot to make, a conversation that never seemed to connect with the real issue… or something else: the clock advances and I see numbers my bedside clock projects onto the ceiling turn to 3, then 3:30, then 4! But, not so often as they once did.
In those moments, I've learned to pray. They are quiet prayers that are not eloquent but that express my deep longing for His Presence, for His wisdom, for His Kingdom to come; first in my heart and then in my world! Not many years ago, the cares of my life would cause me to leave my bedroom and often cost me the rest of the night’s rest. No more! It’s such a privilege to just commune for a while with the Lord, sometimes even wordlessly turning each concern to Him, sometimes matching need to Scripture promise, sometimes just breathing a quiet, “Jesus, be Lord!”
The Word reminds me of the folly of stress, of taking too much on myself, of trying to be God!
The Psalmist wrote, {127:1-2}
Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is useless.
Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.
It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.
It's a wonderful Word, but it raises a question for me. Does God intend this promise to release me from all responsibility? In the context of the whole counsel of the Word, we know that God expects us to be diligent, to apply ourselves to gaining wisdom, to work hard to make a difference. The instruction in the Psalm is about taking on ourselves too much because of our vanity! If we make our work in life a means of proving our personal worth, of trying to secure ourselves against all threats, stress will overtake. The uncontrollable variables of weather, health, national economies, and other people’s choices will cause us terrible fear as we realize how completely impotent we are in the face of it all!
We may build a house, but only God controls the wind, the flood, the earthquake that can level it!
We may post our guard to drive away thieves and robbers but only God can secure us against the wily, evil that comes from the Devil and those who do his work.
We may diligently apply ourselves to getting the seed into the soil, but only God can make it grow! We can be thrifty and build our retirement account, but only God can guarantee our home in Heaven. Thus, Solomon, the writer of this Psalm, urges us to set aside anxiety and to trust our Sovereign Lord.
Jesus stated this same truth in these words found in Matthew 6:32-33: “Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.”
As I prayed last night, the Spirit formed a picture in my mind, based on the Scripture that follows. I ‘saw’ the Hand of God, with my name written there, as His reminder of me! What comfort. He never forgets us, always watches over us. Take this word from the Word and I hope it forms an image of comfort and peace for you today.
"This is what the Lord says: “At just the right time, I will respond to you. On the day of salvation I will help you. I will protect you and give you to the people as my covenant with them." (Isaiah 49:8, NLT) "See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands. Always in my mind is a picture of (your need)." (Isaiah 49:16, NLT)
________________
My Life Is In Your Hands
Life can be so good
Life can be so hard
Never knowing what each day
Will bring to where You are
Sometimes I forget
And sometimes I can't see
That whatever comes my way
You'll be with me
Nothing is for sure
Nothing is for keeps
All I know is that Your love
Will live eternally
So I will find my rest
And I will find my peace
Knowing that You'll meet
My ev'ry need
My life is in Your hands
My heart is in Your keeping
I'm never without hope
Not when my future is with You
My life is in Your hands
And though I may not see clearly
I will lift my voice and sing
'Cause Your love
Does amazing things
Lord I know my life
Is in Your hands
When I'm at my weakest
Oh, You carry me
Then I become my strongest
Lord in Your hands
© 1993, 1994 Careers-BMG Music Publishing, Inc.
Floating Note Music, Inc. (Admin. by BMG Music Publishing)
Bill Montvilo
Kathy Troccoli
CCLI License No. 810055
In those moments, I've learned to pray. They are quiet prayers that are not eloquent but that express my deep longing for His Presence, for His wisdom, for His Kingdom to come; first in my heart and then in my world! Not many years ago, the cares of my life would cause me to leave my bedroom and often cost me the rest of the night’s rest. No more! It’s such a privilege to just commune for a while with the Lord, sometimes even wordlessly turning each concern to Him, sometimes matching need to Scripture promise, sometimes just breathing a quiet, “Jesus, be Lord!”
The Word reminds me of the folly of stress, of taking too much on myself, of trying to be God!
The Psalmist wrote, {127:1-2}
Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is useless.
Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.
It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.
It's a wonderful Word, but it raises a question for me. Does God intend this promise to release me from all responsibility? In the context of the whole counsel of the Word, we know that God expects us to be diligent, to apply ourselves to gaining wisdom, to work hard to make a difference. The instruction in the Psalm is about taking on ourselves too much because of our vanity! If we make our work in life a means of proving our personal worth, of trying to secure ourselves against all threats, stress will overtake. The uncontrollable variables of weather, health, national economies, and other people’s choices will cause us terrible fear as we realize how completely impotent we are in the face of it all!
We may build a house, but only God controls the wind, the flood, the earthquake that can level it!
We may post our guard to drive away thieves and robbers but only God can secure us against the wily, evil that comes from the Devil and those who do his work.
We may diligently apply ourselves to getting the seed into the soil, but only God can make it grow! We can be thrifty and build our retirement account, but only God can guarantee our home in Heaven. Thus, Solomon, the writer of this Psalm, urges us to set aside anxiety and to trust our Sovereign Lord.
Jesus stated this same truth in these words found in Matthew 6:32-33: “Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.”
As I prayed last night, the Spirit formed a picture in my mind, based on the Scripture that follows. I ‘saw’ the Hand of God, with my name written there, as His reminder of me! What comfort. He never forgets us, always watches over us. Take this word from the Word and I hope it forms an image of comfort and peace for you today.
"This is what the Lord says: “At just the right time, I will respond to you. On the day of salvation I will help you. I will protect you and give you to the people as my covenant with them." (Isaiah 49:8, NLT) "See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands. Always in my mind is a picture of (your need)." (Isaiah 49:16, NLT)
________________
My Life Is In Your Hands
Life can be so good
Life can be so hard
Never knowing what each day
Will bring to where You are
Sometimes I forget
And sometimes I can't see
That whatever comes my way
You'll be with me
Nothing is for sure
Nothing is for keeps
All I know is that Your love
Will live eternally
So I will find my rest
And I will find my peace
Knowing that You'll meet
My ev'ry need
My life is in Your hands
My heart is in Your keeping
I'm never without hope
Not when my future is with You
My life is in Your hands
And though I may not see clearly
I will lift my voice and sing
'Cause Your love
Does amazing things
Lord I know my life
Is in Your hands
When I'm at my weakest
Oh, You carry me
Then I become my strongest
Lord in Your hands
© 1993, 1994 Careers-BMG Music Publishing, Inc.
Floating Note Music, Inc. (Admin. by BMG Music Publishing)
Bill Montvilo
Kathy Troccoli
CCLI License No. 810055
Friday, May 21, 2010
Turn up the fire in Hell?
During a conversation about a teenager who was wandering from the Way, getting involved in things that were both damaging to her life and sinful in the eyes of God, her Dad suggested that the answer was to preach more hellfire and damnation! I disagree. Can we really be ‘scared straight?’ 20 years ago, the state of NJ started a program by that name that lets juvenile delinquents experience real prison life up close, with the intent that it will let them catch a glimpse of what’s waiting for them if they refuse to stay out of trouble. Some churches, usually around Halloween, do something that is similar, called “Hell House.” In dramatic sketches, teens are told that Hell awaits if they persist in their sinfulness.
I do believe that the Bible is clear about the reality of an eternal place of separation from God, too horrible to contemplate. Jesus used the garbage dump of Jerusalem as a metaphor for that place. It is the refuse heap of eternity, a place where the presence of God and good is not known, where hope is lost. While it is not our right to determine who goes there, we must not deny what the Scripture plainly teaches. However, I am convinced that preaching the grace and love of the Father, shown to us through Christ Jesus, is a much more powerful message for life-change than a fear-based message about Hell!
In the opening chapters of Romans, Paul presents the truth about God’s efforts to restore humanity to a right relationship with Himself. In that beautiful argument, we find this: "God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:20-21, NLT) That promise, not the threat of Hell, is the central message, the genuine Gospel!
If our message is one based on Fear, the best we can hope for is greater human effort to ‘be good.’ Dallas Willard has coined an unforgettable phrase that describes the efforts of many churches and pastors who fear Hell more than they love God. Dr. Willard says that they substitute the ‘gospel of sin management,’ for the glorious Gospel of Christ Jesus. Instead of creating disciples of Christ whose hearts and minds are increasingly made to be like the Lord by the powerful Presence of the Spirit, their efforts are designed around making incremental change in behavior, creating nicer people who learn how to ‘manage’ their sin, rather than defeat evil.
Here’s the truth about us. Fear has a very short shelf life. We can learn to live with any threat, becoming numb to it after a time. Even the threat of Hell cannot sufficiently frighten us into devotion to God! We can write all the rules we want, but those rules, no matter how dire the consequences we attach to them, cannot change the intent of a heart that has not experienced the life touch of the Spirit of God. The Word says, "You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires." (Colossians 2:20-23, NLT)
So, I invite you to join Paul (and me!) in this declaration:
"We preach Christ crucified … who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:30-31, NIV)
__________________
Sweet Jesus Christ, my sanity.
Sweet Jesus Christ, my clarity.
Bread of heaven, broken for me,
Cup of salvation held up to drink.
Jesus - Mystery.
Christ has died, and
Christ is risen,
and Christ will come again!
Celebrate his death and rising!
Lift your eyes! Proclaim his coming!
Jesus - Mystery!
Mystery - Charlie Hall
SixSteps Music, Worship Together
CCLI License No. 810055
I do believe that the Bible is clear about the reality of an eternal place of separation from God, too horrible to contemplate. Jesus used the garbage dump of Jerusalem as a metaphor for that place. It is the refuse heap of eternity, a place where the presence of God and good is not known, where hope is lost. While it is not our right to determine who goes there, we must not deny what the Scripture plainly teaches. However, I am convinced that preaching the grace and love of the Father, shown to us through Christ Jesus, is a much more powerful message for life-change than a fear-based message about Hell!
In the opening chapters of Romans, Paul presents the truth about God’s efforts to restore humanity to a right relationship with Himself. In that beautiful argument, we find this: "God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:20-21, NLT) That promise, not the threat of Hell, is the central message, the genuine Gospel!
If our message is one based on Fear, the best we can hope for is greater human effort to ‘be good.’ Dallas Willard has coined an unforgettable phrase that describes the efforts of many churches and pastors who fear Hell more than they love God. Dr. Willard says that they substitute the ‘gospel of sin management,’ for the glorious Gospel of Christ Jesus. Instead of creating disciples of Christ whose hearts and minds are increasingly made to be like the Lord by the powerful Presence of the Spirit, their efforts are designed around making incremental change in behavior, creating nicer people who learn how to ‘manage’ their sin, rather than defeat evil.
Here’s the truth about us. Fear has a very short shelf life. We can learn to live with any threat, becoming numb to it after a time. Even the threat of Hell cannot sufficiently frighten us into devotion to God! We can write all the rules we want, but those rules, no matter how dire the consequences we attach to them, cannot change the intent of a heart that has not experienced the life touch of the Spirit of God. The Word says, "You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires." (Colossians 2:20-23, NLT)
So, I invite you to join Paul (and me!) in this declaration:
"We preach Christ crucified … who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:30-31, NIV)
__________________
Sweet Jesus Christ, my sanity.
Sweet Jesus Christ, my clarity.
Bread of heaven, broken for me,
Cup of salvation held up to drink.
Jesus - Mystery.
Christ has died, and
Christ is risen,
and Christ will come again!
Celebrate his death and rising!
Lift your eyes! Proclaim his coming!
Jesus - Mystery!
Mystery - Charlie Hall
SixSteps Music, Worship Together
CCLI License No. 810055
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Building bridges or walls?
Do you bring people together? Are you skilled at creating teams, helping communication by being a good translator? Do you step in where possible to buffer conflict and seek reconciliation? Or, do you polarize people? I am convinced that there are people who just love to keep things stirred up, who enjoy the tensions they create in their family, at work, or in their church. Why? That’s the question in my mind when I see someone unwilling to reach out, seemingly incapable of forgiving the offenses that inevitably come to each of us in the course of life.
Ever read the story of Abigail in 1st Samuel? It’s quite the drama! David, who had been driven to fugitive status by King Saul, gave protection to the wealthy farmers in outlying areas, keeping away marauding bands of thieves. In return, he asked for support for himself and his men. Nabal, Abigail’s husband, was a beneficiary of David’s efforts, but when his men when to get some supplies, Nabal rudely insulted them and their leader, refusing to give them a thing! David took offense! “Strap on your swords!” They all strapped on their swords, David and his men, and set out, four hundred of them." (1 Samuel 25:13, The Message) In his anger, he decided to kill Nabal and every man in his household.
Meanwhile, when Abigail heard from her servants about her husband’s surly behavior, she quickly put together supplies and set out to take them to David because she must have known the probability of retaliation. She met David as he was coming and the speech she made to him is an amazing passage full of wisdom. It’s lengthy, but I hope you will read it with understanding.
“Now since the Lord has kept you, my master, from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hands, as surely as the Lord lives and as you live, may your enemies and all who intend to harm my master be like Nabal. And let this gift, which your servant has brought to my master, be given to the men who follow you. Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the Lord will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my master, because he fights the Lord’s battles. Let no wrongdoing be found in you as long as you live.
Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my master will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the Lord your God. But the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling. When the Lord has done for my master every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him leader over Israel, my master will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the Lord has brought my master success, remember your servant.”
David said to Abigail, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands." (1 Samuel 25:26-33, NIV)
What a model for us in her act of reconciliation!
A. She saw the situation for what it was, not what she wanted it to be.
B. She moved immediately to create a solution, and was proactive.
C. She got involved personally, at great risk to herself, from both David and her husband.
D. She accepted blame and responsibility as she interceded for her household!
E. She encouraged David forgive the past offense by helping him to gain a vision of God’s future promise!
Team builders, people who create peace, enjoy a special status. Jesus said, "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God." (Matthew 5:9, NLT) There are multiple opportunities for you to practice peace-making in our world, beginning right where you are.
When disagreements arise, instead of fanning the flames, seek to defuse the bomb by promoting communication, encouraging cooperation.
When someone comes to you who is angry, instead of joining that emotion, wisely attempt to turn them towards peace and forgiveness.
If you’re hurt and ready to fall in love with your offended, wounded spirit, think again! Nothing good ever comes from nurturing an offense. The Bible says, "Don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life." (Ephesians 4:26-27, The Message)
Disciple, remember this – it’s much more difficult to build bridges than walls, but bridge builders are blessed people, true children of God!
____________________
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi
Ever read the story of Abigail in 1st Samuel? It’s quite the drama! David, who had been driven to fugitive status by King Saul, gave protection to the wealthy farmers in outlying areas, keeping away marauding bands of thieves. In return, he asked for support for himself and his men. Nabal, Abigail’s husband, was a beneficiary of David’s efforts, but when his men when to get some supplies, Nabal rudely insulted them and their leader, refusing to give them a thing! David took offense! “Strap on your swords!” They all strapped on their swords, David and his men, and set out, four hundred of them." (1 Samuel 25:13, The Message) In his anger, he decided to kill Nabal and every man in his household.
Meanwhile, when Abigail heard from her servants about her husband’s surly behavior, she quickly put together supplies and set out to take them to David because she must have known the probability of retaliation. She met David as he was coming and the speech she made to him is an amazing passage full of wisdom. It’s lengthy, but I hope you will read it with understanding.
“Now since the Lord has kept you, my master, from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hands, as surely as the Lord lives and as you live, may your enemies and all who intend to harm my master be like Nabal. And let this gift, which your servant has brought to my master, be given to the men who follow you. Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the Lord will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my master, because he fights the Lord’s battles. Let no wrongdoing be found in you as long as you live.
Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my master will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the Lord your God. But the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling. When the Lord has done for my master every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him leader over Israel, my master will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the Lord has brought my master success, remember your servant.”
David said to Abigail, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands." (1 Samuel 25:26-33, NIV)
What a model for us in her act of reconciliation!
A. She saw the situation for what it was, not what she wanted it to be.
B. She moved immediately to create a solution, and was proactive.
C. She got involved personally, at great risk to herself, from both David and her husband.
D. She accepted blame and responsibility as she interceded for her household!
E. She encouraged David forgive the past offense by helping him to gain a vision of God’s future promise!
Team builders, people who create peace, enjoy a special status. Jesus said, "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God." (Matthew 5:9, NLT) There are multiple opportunities for you to practice peace-making in our world, beginning right where you are.
When disagreements arise, instead of fanning the flames, seek to defuse the bomb by promoting communication, encouraging cooperation.
When someone comes to you who is angry, instead of joining that emotion, wisely attempt to turn them towards peace and forgiveness.
If you’re hurt and ready to fall in love with your offended, wounded spirit, think again! Nothing good ever comes from nurturing an offense. The Bible says, "Don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life." (Ephesians 4:26-27, The Message)
Disciple, remember this – it’s much more difficult to build bridges than walls, but bridge builders are blessed people, true children of God!
____________________
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Cryin’ in the darkness or singing in the night?
The old saying reminds us that “No good deed goes unpunished.” Most of us prefer to hang onto the more positive view that virtue is always recognized and rewarded. But, life soon shows us that there is some ambiguity involved; that forces are at work that attempt to foil the best attempts at goodness. In Galatians 6:9-10 we are told that we must hang onto hope, even through disappointment. Paul says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
He knew what he was talking about! I can imagine that as he penned that encouragement, he might have been thinking about his ministry in the town of Philippi. There Silas and Paul encountered a young woman possessed by a evil spirit. She was miserable! So, they ministered the love of Christ to her and she was liberated from her torment. Did the people applaud this kind act? Did they celebrate that this woman was now in her right mind and able to function normally. Not quite! Read on: “The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.” (Acts 16:22-24)
Beaten, locked up, and forgotten! Their experience makes the small troubles of my life nothing in comparison! But, let’s be honest with each other. When we work hard, we like to be appreciated, don't we? Come on, don’t give me that Sunday School line- "Oh, no. I just love to serve, forgotten, ignored, and un-thanked!" That sounds very spiritual, but it ignores the fact that we need affirmation and appreciation. That's not a bad thing, by the way! Thankfulness, to God and others, is encouraged throughout the Word.
However… sometimes people don't say thanks. Sometimes they turn on us for doing the right thing. When we try to talk to a friend about the error of his ways, he often turns on us viciously! Even if we “speak the truth in love,” few thank us. We may lay down our life and still be misunderstood, falsely accused, or rejected. Disciple, what then? Will you say, "Well, that's the last time I'll ever stick my neck out like that!" "Don't expect me to do that again!" Or worse, will your actions say, “Fine, then rot in Hell and see if I care!”?
A natural reaction for Paul and Silas in Philippi would have been bitterness, cryin’ in the dark! “God, this is how you let your servants be treated?” They made another choice. The storyline continues: “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” (Acts 16:25) From their faith came a great result. An earthquake shook the jail freeing the men from their chains. The jailer rushed in fearing his prisoners had escaped and found a revival service in progress. He took the evangelists home and got saved and baptized. A new church was born! We never learn if the town apologized, or if they were thanked for their ministry. But, that was unimportant to these faithful servants.
When we read these stories in a few minutes time from our perch overlooking history we can miss the suffering, the tears, the self-denial. It seems almost like a modern fairy tale with the “happily ever after” ending. The truth is that the men who lived through those days bled, suffered, wondered and waited as the minutes ticked by at an agonizing pace. They were not sure if they would live or die. Yet, they chose to look up and offer praise, in faith. In their willingness to ‘let God, be God,’ to relinquish control of themselves and their circumstances to Him, He was able to accomplish His will in them and through them.
Disciple, are you weary today? Have you been swimming against the current for so long that you feel like quitting?
Are you trying to do good and getting kicked in the teeth by the world around you?
Are you attempting to love, only to be met at every turn with scorn?
Are you working in a place where evil seems to be rewarded, where those who take shortcuts, who do unethical things get the prize?
Do you feel like giving up?
Let’s emulate those who have gone before. Let your tears turn into a prayer, your broken heart become the place where God plants the seed that grows into something brand new. Sing a song in your night and wait patiently. Let your joy in the Lord sustain you and keep you from becoming weary of doing good. True courage is born of hope, hope that gives us a vision of what can be IF we stay the course through rough times. Don't give up. Harvest is inevitable.
Here’s the word from the Word.
"Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!— harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life. So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit." (Galatians 6:7-9, The Message)
___________________
He knew what he was talking about! I can imagine that as he penned that encouragement, he might have been thinking about his ministry in the town of Philippi. There Silas and Paul encountered a young woman possessed by a evil spirit. She was miserable! So, they ministered the love of Christ to her and she was liberated from her torment. Did the people applaud this kind act? Did they celebrate that this woman was now in her right mind and able to function normally. Not quite! Read on: “The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.” (Acts 16:22-24)
Beaten, locked up, and forgotten! Their experience makes the small troubles of my life nothing in comparison! But, let’s be honest with each other. When we work hard, we like to be appreciated, don't we? Come on, don’t give me that Sunday School line- "Oh, no. I just love to serve, forgotten, ignored, and un-thanked!" That sounds very spiritual, but it ignores the fact that we need affirmation and appreciation. That's not a bad thing, by the way! Thankfulness, to God and others, is encouraged throughout the Word.
However… sometimes people don't say thanks. Sometimes they turn on us for doing the right thing. When we try to talk to a friend about the error of his ways, he often turns on us viciously! Even if we “speak the truth in love,” few thank us. We may lay down our life and still be misunderstood, falsely accused, or rejected. Disciple, what then? Will you say, "Well, that's the last time I'll ever stick my neck out like that!" "Don't expect me to do that again!" Or worse, will your actions say, “Fine, then rot in Hell and see if I care!”?
A natural reaction for Paul and Silas in Philippi would have been bitterness, cryin’ in the dark! “God, this is how you let your servants be treated?” They made another choice. The storyline continues: “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” (Acts 16:25) From their faith came a great result. An earthquake shook the jail freeing the men from their chains. The jailer rushed in fearing his prisoners had escaped and found a revival service in progress. He took the evangelists home and got saved and baptized. A new church was born! We never learn if the town apologized, or if they were thanked for their ministry. But, that was unimportant to these faithful servants.
When we read these stories in a few minutes time from our perch overlooking history we can miss the suffering, the tears, the self-denial. It seems almost like a modern fairy tale with the “happily ever after” ending. The truth is that the men who lived through those days bled, suffered, wondered and waited as the minutes ticked by at an agonizing pace. They were not sure if they would live or die. Yet, they chose to look up and offer praise, in faith. In their willingness to ‘let God, be God,’ to relinquish control of themselves and their circumstances to Him, He was able to accomplish His will in them and through them.
Disciple, are you weary today? Have you been swimming against the current for so long that you feel like quitting?
Are you trying to do good and getting kicked in the teeth by the world around you?
Are you attempting to love, only to be met at every turn with scorn?
Are you working in a place where evil seems to be rewarded, where those who take shortcuts, who do unethical things get the prize?
Do you feel like giving up?
Let’s emulate those who have gone before. Let your tears turn into a prayer, your broken heart become the place where God plants the seed that grows into something brand new. Sing a song in your night and wait patiently. Let your joy in the Lord sustain you and keep you from becoming weary of doing good. True courage is born of hope, hope that gives us a vision of what can be IF we stay the course through rough times. Don't give up. Harvest is inevitable.
Here’s the word from the Word.
"Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!— harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life. So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit." (Galatians 6:7-9, The Message)
___________________
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The only good fear
Whenever I let fear become the dominant emotion in my life, I say and do things I regret. Fear makes me defensive, turning my focus inward. When I grow fearful, I am not loving, unwilling to risk the rejection that is always a possibility when I open my heart to another. Fear steals hope and makes me possessive, wanting more ‘things’ that quiet the tumult for a while. It causes me to become petty, driven by insecurity to look for my worth in things like the number of people in church, how many nice comments come my way after a sermon, or who speaks to me (or fails to do). From a purely natural point of view, there is much to fear! The world in which we live is tumultuous. Maturity (that’s just a way of saying, ‘growing old’) has increased my appreciation of the riskiness that is part of daily living.
Cultivating faith is the only answer! Ironically, deep faith is born of profound fear; the fear of the Lord. When we tame God, reducing Him to fit our preconceived ideas about Who He is, we grow fearful in this world. When we ponder His majesty, remember His works, and contemplate the Word, we catch a glimpse of His true nature. No one can see even a small part of Who He is and not tremble. Just a few descriptors of Him include: “Beginning and End, Judge of all the Earth, Maker of Heaven and Earth, the One who sets up kings and takes them down, and Discerner of even the thoughts and intents of every heart.”
When I let God be truly God instead of some caricature of Him created in my own mind, He releases me from my fears and faith grows. Here’s what the Psalmist says. "Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands." (Psalm 112:1, NIV) Awe creates a desire to do good, to subjugate my will to His. The same Psalm continues with this promise: "Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes." (Psalm 112:6-8, NIV) Go back and read those lines again. Isn’t that how you want to live – securely, fearlessly, with hope for the future?
My response to fear need not be the things I wrote about in the opening of this thought. What if I choose to worship Him instead? Instead of trying to stand on my own trembling legs, what if I bow my knees before Him? "I will bow down … and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted." (Psalm 138:2-3, NIV)
Are you fearful today? There is only one good fear – the fear of the Lord. Go before Him, reverently, yet in full confidence of His love. Tell Him of the things that make you afraid. That is not lack of faith. But remember to take the next step to worship. Praise Him for His greatness. Praise Him that He is eternal, that His purposes prevail. You will find your fear of this present world eclipsed by the fear of the Lord from whom comes peace.
__________________
I have made You too small in my eyes
O Lord, forgive me;
And I have believed in a lie
That You were unable to help me.
But now, O Lord, I see my wrong,
Heal my heart and show Yourself strong;
And in my eyes and with my song,
O Lord, be magnified,
O Lord, be magnified.
I have leaned on the wisdom of men,
O Lord, forgive me;
And I have responded to them
Instead of Your light and Your mercy.
But now, O Lord, I see my wrong,
Heal my heart and show Yourself strong;
And in my eyes and with my song,
O Lord, be magnified,
O Lord, be magnified.
Be magnified, O Lord,
You are highly exalted;
And there is nothing You can't do,
O Lord, my eyes are on You.
Be magnified, O Lord,
Be magnified.
Be Magnified
DeShazo, Lynn
© 1991 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (c/o Integrity Music, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
Cultivating faith is the only answer! Ironically, deep faith is born of profound fear; the fear of the Lord. When we tame God, reducing Him to fit our preconceived ideas about Who He is, we grow fearful in this world. When we ponder His majesty, remember His works, and contemplate the Word, we catch a glimpse of His true nature. No one can see even a small part of Who He is and not tremble. Just a few descriptors of Him include: “Beginning and End, Judge of all the Earth, Maker of Heaven and Earth, the One who sets up kings and takes them down, and Discerner of even the thoughts and intents of every heart.”
When I let God be truly God instead of some caricature of Him created in my own mind, He releases me from my fears and faith grows. Here’s what the Psalmist says. "Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands." (Psalm 112:1, NIV) Awe creates a desire to do good, to subjugate my will to His. The same Psalm continues with this promise: "Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes." (Psalm 112:6-8, NIV) Go back and read those lines again. Isn’t that how you want to live – securely, fearlessly, with hope for the future?
My response to fear need not be the things I wrote about in the opening of this thought. What if I choose to worship Him instead? Instead of trying to stand on my own trembling legs, what if I bow my knees before Him? "I will bow down … and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted." (Psalm 138:2-3, NIV)
Are you fearful today? There is only one good fear – the fear of the Lord. Go before Him, reverently, yet in full confidence of His love. Tell Him of the things that make you afraid. That is not lack of faith. But remember to take the next step to worship. Praise Him for His greatness. Praise Him that He is eternal, that His purposes prevail. You will find your fear of this present world eclipsed by the fear of the Lord from whom comes peace.
__________________
I have made You too small in my eyes
O Lord, forgive me;
And I have believed in a lie
That You were unable to help me.
But now, O Lord, I see my wrong,
Heal my heart and show Yourself strong;
And in my eyes and with my song,
O Lord, be magnified,
O Lord, be magnified.
I have leaned on the wisdom of men,
O Lord, forgive me;
And I have responded to them
Instead of Your light and Your mercy.
But now, O Lord, I see my wrong,
Heal my heart and show Yourself strong;
And in my eyes and with my song,
O Lord, be magnified,
O Lord, be magnified.
Be magnified, O Lord,
You are highly exalted;
And there is nothing You can't do,
O Lord, my eyes are on You.
Be magnified, O Lord,
Be magnified.
Be Magnified
DeShazo, Lynn
© 1991 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (c/o Integrity Music, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
Monday, May 17, 2010
Anticipate the harvest!
My friend, Jake, is adding more square footage to his garden plot. He got the tiller and started to turn the soil. Just below the surface, in addition to the rocks one expects to find here in New Jersey, he found all kinds of debris in the fill that the contractors used to level his lot including plastic pails, broken glass, and other junk! His work to prepare the earth required a lot of effort, including moving one large rock weighing over 500 lbs, which is a story in itself!
Why is he doing this? Because he looks forward to his enjoyment of the peppers, tomatoes, and other vegetables that he will start to harvest from that little square of tilled earth in a few weeks. Harvest is so sweet, isn’t it? Who does not love the freshest of produce straight from the garden? But, there a whole lot of work involved from the first turn of the sod to the picking of the fruit!
Jesus told a story about gardening. He said, “A farmer went out to plant his seed. As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a footpath, where it was stepped on, and the birds ate it. Other seed fell among rocks. It began to grow, but the plant soon wilted and died for lack of moisture. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up with it and choked out the tender plants. Still other seed fell on fertile soil. This seed grew and produced a crop that was a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
His disciples wondered what it meant, why he was telling a story about such an ordinary thing as planting a garden. Jesus explained that the seed is the Word of God. Some hear, He said, and the Devil comes along and plucks the seed away before it ever takes root. Some hear but because their hearts are unprepared, the seed germinates and dies while still in seedling stage. Some hear and the seed starts to grow but they fail to maintain their heart garden and life’s pleasures and worries grow up, too; like weeds, choking out the growth of the good plants. And I am encouraged by this: “But the seed in the good earth—these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest." (Luke 8:15, The Message) Anticipate the harvest!
When we submit ourselves to God, obeying the Word and the whisper of the Spirit, seed is planted in us. Is it pleasant when God turns the soil of our heart, when He digs out habits, character flaws, ands sins to prepare us for His seed? Not at all. There’s work involved that is sometimes arduous, often disturbing, and in the moment, often incomprehensible! But, we continue in faith and this is the promise, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:11, NIV)
Do you want to be overflowing with love, enjoying a rich peace with God, settled in contented joy in the middle of the turbulence of life? Turn the soil of your heart. Dig out, with God’s help, the junk of sins past that are buried there and the weeds of self-will that grow so quickly! Let God’s word and wisdom be the seed that is sown into your life. Then, anticipate the harvest with patient waiting!
Here’s a word from the Word. Meditate on it today and say, “Yes, Lord!”
"Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you." (Hosea 10:12, NIV)
_____________________
Why is he doing this? Because he looks forward to his enjoyment of the peppers, tomatoes, and other vegetables that he will start to harvest from that little square of tilled earth in a few weeks. Harvest is so sweet, isn’t it? Who does not love the freshest of produce straight from the garden? But, there a whole lot of work involved from the first turn of the sod to the picking of the fruit!
Jesus told a story about gardening. He said, “A farmer went out to plant his seed. As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a footpath, where it was stepped on, and the birds ate it. Other seed fell among rocks. It began to grow, but the plant soon wilted and died for lack of moisture. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up with it and choked out the tender plants. Still other seed fell on fertile soil. This seed grew and produced a crop that was a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
His disciples wondered what it meant, why he was telling a story about such an ordinary thing as planting a garden. Jesus explained that the seed is the Word of God. Some hear, He said, and the Devil comes along and plucks the seed away before it ever takes root. Some hear but because their hearts are unprepared, the seed germinates and dies while still in seedling stage. Some hear and the seed starts to grow but they fail to maintain their heart garden and life’s pleasures and worries grow up, too; like weeds, choking out the growth of the good plants. And I am encouraged by this: “But the seed in the good earth—these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest." (Luke 8:15, The Message) Anticipate the harvest!
When we submit ourselves to God, obeying the Word and the whisper of the Spirit, seed is planted in us. Is it pleasant when God turns the soil of our heart, when He digs out habits, character flaws, ands sins to prepare us for His seed? Not at all. There’s work involved that is sometimes arduous, often disturbing, and in the moment, often incomprehensible! But, we continue in faith and this is the promise, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:11, NIV)
Do you want to be overflowing with love, enjoying a rich peace with God, settled in contented joy in the middle of the turbulence of life? Turn the soil of your heart. Dig out, with God’s help, the junk of sins past that are buried there and the weeds of self-will that grow so quickly! Let God’s word and wisdom be the seed that is sown into your life. Then, anticipate the harvest with patient waiting!
Here’s a word from the Word. Meditate on it today and say, “Yes, Lord!”
"Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you." (Hosea 10:12, NIV)
_____________________
Friday, May 14, 2010
A River whose streams make glad!
"It's a holy moment!" There’s nothing like those moments when I feel the Presence of the Spirit fill my heart. It happens in the strangest places to me; while I’m driving and praying, when I hear a child pray with such an enviably simply faith, etc. Usually, when the Lord comes near, I cannot stop the tears that well up and spill from my eyes as though to wash the dust of doubt from my vision! I love those 'holy moments.' Each time I experience one, I long for Him more.
When the sorrows of our broken lives leave us dry and thirsty for Him, when we see the barrenness of this world’s promise and we realize that the things we thought would bring us such satisfaction are nothing more than a mirage, the Spirit asks us to look to Him. When we fall down in broken humility asking only for His comfort, we open the door of our lives to an inflow. "Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone." (Psalm 33:22, NLT)
Life surely has its quota (and maybe more) of problems and challenges. When we feel that we are about to be overwhelmed by fatigue or fear, we must look up. He will be there; and in His Presence, there will be a fresh flow of life to renew us in mind, body, and spirit.
A beautiful Psalm calls us to Him.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. (46:1-4)
Do you see the contrasts in that passage?
The endless ebb and surge of the ocean’s waves are a symbol of the discontent and lack of rest that are so common in life. The sea's fearsome power cannot be contained when high tides and storms bring the waves crashing over the beaches. Humanity's sin creates chaos and destruction. There is great tumult in the crashing waves of war, economic dislocation, and personal sin that are stirred by the devil. But there is also a River. Rivers are sources of renewal. Where they flow there are ribbons of life, a fact that was especially noticeable in the acrid climate of Israel. God's mercy and His Spirit, flow into our lives and bring life. If He is invited to make His home in us, the river of His grace will create gladness.
Disciple, do you need ‘a holy moment’ just now? Is your life as chaotic as a tempest-tossed ocean? Turn off the radio. Set aside the computer. Shut off the TV. And, ask the Spirit to come, like a river, bringing the renewal of His Presence, the hope of life everlasting.
Here is a word from the Word. Let’s be among those who ‘delight in the Lord!’
"Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or
stand in the way of sinners or
sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers." (Psalm 1:1-3, NIV)
_______________________________
There is a river that flows from deep within.
There is a fountain, that frees the soul from sin.
Come to the water,
There is a vast supply.
There is a river that never shall run dry.
There came a sound from heaven
As a rushing mighty wind.
It filled their hearts with singing,
And gave them peace within.
The prophet gave this promise,
The Spirit will descend.
And from your inner being a river with no end.
There Is A River
Sapp, David / Sapp, Max
© 1969 David Sapp Ministries CCLI License No. 810055
When the sorrows of our broken lives leave us dry and thirsty for Him, when we see the barrenness of this world’s promise and we realize that the things we thought would bring us such satisfaction are nothing more than a mirage, the Spirit asks us to look to Him. When we fall down in broken humility asking only for His comfort, we open the door of our lives to an inflow. "Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone." (Psalm 33:22, NLT)
Life surely has its quota (and maybe more) of problems and challenges. When we feel that we are about to be overwhelmed by fatigue or fear, we must look up. He will be there; and in His Presence, there will be a fresh flow of life to renew us in mind, body, and spirit.
A beautiful Psalm calls us to Him.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. (46:1-4)
Do you see the contrasts in that passage?
The endless ebb and surge of the ocean’s waves are a symbol of the discontent and lack of rest that are so common in life. The sea's fearsome power cannot be contained when high tides and storms bring the waves crashing over the beaches. Humanity's sin creates chaos and destruction. There is great tumult in the crashing waves of war, economic dislocation, and personal sin that are stirred by the devil. But there is also a River. Rivers are sources of renewal. Where they flow there are ribbons of life, a fact that was especially noticeable in the acrid climate of Israel. God's mercy and His Spirit, flow into our lives and bring life. If He is invited to make His home in us, the river of His grace will create gladness.
Disciple, do you need ‘a holy moment’ just now? Is your life as chaotic as a tempest-tossed ocean? Turn off the radio. Set aside the computer. Shut off the TV. And, ask the Spirit to come, like a river, bringing the renewal of His Presence, the hope of life everlasting.
Here is a word from the Word. Let’s be among those who ‘delight in the Lord!’
"Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or
stand in the way of sinners or
sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers." (Psalm 1:1-3, NIV)
_______________________________
There is a river that flows from deep within.
There is a fountain, that frees the soul from sin.
Come to the water,
There is a vast supply.
There is a river that never shall run dry.
There came a sound from heaven
As a rushing mighty wind.
It filled their hearts with singing,
And gave them peace within.
The prophet gave this promise,
The Spirit will descend.
And from your inner being a river with no end.
There Is A River
Sapp, David / Sapp, Max
© 1969 David Sapp Ministries CCLI License No. 810055
Thursday, May 13, 2010
The sin of passivity
“I’m so weary of it all, I just don’t care,” she sighed. The woman was really tired. Kids, job, home had each brought demands to her life. Now, the struggle with temptation was piling on, too, and she was ready to cave in, give up, go with the flow. Could I fault her decision? Naturally, no; spiritually, yes! Passivity is a kind of sin. If we just ‘give up,’ the results are never good. The Bible warns about deadly ‘drift’ that carries us from the Way.
Paul wrote to his ‘son’ in the Lord, Timothy, to urge him not to settle for a passive, tepid faith. Reading his letters, we can discern that Timothy was by nature a timid man and weakened by physical problems. He was a prime candidate for passivity, just letting life happen. So, his ‘father’ writes "But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:11-12, NIV)
Let me offer an interpretation of that passage: “Man up, Tim! Turn and run TO the things of God! Run hard for the finish line! Tighten your grip on things that really matter.”
Disciple, I urge that same choice for you today. Make choices! There are situations from which we need to flee, temptations that need to be left behind, cut off without recourse. Even more importantly, we need to renew our pursuit of God. Nobody drifts effortlessly into a holy life. Christ’s rule in this world, the defeat of those who are evil-doers, never happens just because we hope for it, dream about it, or talk about it in committee. Significantly, when Paul urges Timothy to ‘fight the good fight,’ he is not speaking in a military metaphor. Rather, he is using a term for an athletic contest! “Get in the race and run hard!” is more the intent of his encouragement.
I know what weary means. Even as write this to encourage you, I am soul weary. I am tempted to ask for an easier place, to shrug off responsibilities to the shoulders of another, to refuse to see places of service. The devil whispers in my ear of the futility of life urging me to just let it go. Is he whispering to you, too? Entire days can be lost if we allow ourselves to sleepwalk through life, with eyes open but unseeing! The world offers a thousand diversions that, like a narcotic, numb us to the reality that demands our engagement. We can forget life as we live vicariously through the TV stories. We can feel a kind of temporary satisfaction when we seek yet another novel food or experience that stills the cry of soul, our true need for God.
If we belong to Christ, our identity is “Man of God!” Knowing who we are, we then turn our back on the world’s offers and “flee all this!” as the Spirit calls to us. We do not just run off in aimless chasing! We run to a life dedicated to right living, full of faith, loving, and patiently enduring difficulty.
Here’s a word from the Word. May He speak it often to us today. "I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7, NIV)
_________________
A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify,
A never dying soul to save,
And fit it for the sky.
To serve the present age,
My calling to fulfill;
O may it all my powr's engage
To do my Master's will!
A Charge To Keep I Have
Wesley, Charles / Mason, Lowell
© Public Domain
Paul wrote to his ‘son’ in the Lord, Timothy, to urge him not to settle for a passive, tepid faith. Reading his letters, we can discern that Timothy was by nature a timid man and weakened by physical problems. He was a prime candidate for passivity, just letting life happen. So, his ‘father’ writes "But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:11-12, NIV)
Let me offer an interpretation of that passage: “Man up, Tim! Turn and run TO the things of God! Run hard for the finish line! Tighten your grip on things that really matter.”
Disciple, I urge that same choice for you today. Make choices! There are situations from which we need to flee, temptations that need to be left behind, cut off without recourse. Even more importantly, we need to renew our pursuit of God. Nobody drifts effortlessly into a holy life. Christ’s rule in this world, the defeat of those who are evil-doers, never happens just because we hope for it, dream about it, or talk about it in committee. Significantly, when Paul urges Timothy to ‘fight the good fight,’ he is not speaking in a military metaphor. Rather, he is using a term for an athletic contest! “Get in the race and run hard!” is more the intent of his encouragement.
I know what weary means. Even as write this to encourage you, I am soul weary. I am tempted to ask for an easier place, to shrug off responsibilities to the shoulders of another, to refuse to see places of service. The devil whispers in my ear of the futility of life urging me to just let it go. Is he whispering to you, too? Entire days can be lost if we allow ourselves to sleepwalk through life, with eyes open but unseeing! The world offers a thousand diversions that, like a narcotic, numb us to the reality that demands our engagement. We can forget life as we live vicariously through the TV stories. We can feel a kind of temporary satisfaction when we seek yet another novel food or experience that stills the cry of soul, our true need for God.
If we belong to Christ, our identity is “Man of God!” Knowing who we are, we then turn our back on the world’s offers and “flee all this!” as the Spirit calls to us. We do not just run off in aimless chasing! We run to a life dedicated to right living, full of faith, loving, and patiently enduring difficulty.
Here’s a word from the Word. May He speak it often to us today. "I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7, NIV)
_________________
A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify,
A never dying soul to save,
And fit it for the sky.
To serve the present age,
My calling to fulfill;
O may it all my powr's engage
To do my Master's will!
A Charge To Keep I Have
Wesley, Charles / Mason, Lowell
© Public Domain
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The blame belongs to whom?
The world I see is dark with injustice, greed, sexual filth, racial hatred, corrupt leaders, and misery! I am full of uncertainty about the future, apart from my hope in God. Life, in general, is not getting better and better in every way! The Scripture says that with the passing of time, "People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—" (2 Timothy 3:2-4, NIV) True, isn’t it? So, do we say to society, by our actions, if not our words, “Just go to Hell, I cannot be bothered with you as I make my way to Heaven.” Can we, in good conscience, abandon the sinful society to ever greater decadence?
If that is our choice, we fail in our primary God-given mission and we are fools to blame the world for state it is in! Should we curse the darkness when we stumble over the furniture in the house at night, or should we blame ourselves for failing to turn on the light? If we leave food on the table, should we be angry that it spoils, or accept responsibility for not taking steps to preserve it? In the same way, we (the Church) must accept some responsibility for not functioning as ‘salt and light’ in the world. Jesus Christ charges His disciples to bring light to dark places and to preserve our world from the decay of decadence. “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (Matthew 5:13-16, NLT)
Our tendency as disciples is to gather together in the comforting warmth of the holy huddle of our churches and schools. It’s safe and sweet to stay around those who revere the Lord and love His truth in the same way that we do. But, that is not the will of our Lord. He makes us all ministers and sends us all out to live ‘in the world’ even as we maintain a distinct quality of life that spreads the influence of the Kingdom! The all too frequent tragedy is that the society in which we live swallows us up as we compromise our faith in a vain effort to get along or as we allow ourselves to fall in love with the world, making it our home.
The Spirit-filled Christian lives with a constant tension of permeating his world and remaining distinct from it! Peter’s challenge captures that tension perfectly. "I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans (those who do not know God) that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." (1 Peter 2:11-12, NIV)
Disciple, we have the amazing privilege of sharing the Light and being preservative Salt until our Savior returns as King to fully restore all of Creation to the Creator’s intentions. Prayer, witness to the Truth, love, compassionate concern that compels us to get involved, and willingness to endure persecution are all part of our calling as we ‘go into all the world.’ We must never forget how our Lord finished that commission, ‘and I will be with you always!’
Here’s a word from the Word. I pray it stirs a new desire in us, not to curse the world around us for what it has become, but to stir ourselves to the work of being salt and light.
"Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” (2 Corinthians 5:17-20, NLT)
___________________
I invite you to pray with me....
Father in Heaven, sin is rampant.
Self and Satan are having a party, destroying lives
That are lived in a headlong pursuit of hedonistic pleasure.
Lord, sometimes what I see makes me angry.
Sometimes I grow afraid for I feel a strong pull of attraction,
a desire to join the party, forgetting You.
Hold me close to Your heart.
Help me to love You more, and break my heart
for those who have yet to come to know
peace with You, through Christ Jesus.
Make me wise with the discernment of the Spirit.
Fill me with the Love of Jesus Christ.
Set Heaven in my heart.
Then, I will live as a fearless ambassador,
who takes a message of reconciliation and redemption
into my world.
All this I ask in the holy name of Jesus. Amen.
If that is our choice, we fail in our primary God-given mission and we are fools to blame the world for state it is in! Should we curse the darkness when we stumble over the furniture in the house at night, or should we blame ourselves for failing to turn on the light? If we leave food on the table, should we be angry that it spoils, or accept responsibility for not taking steps to preserve it? In the same way, we (the Church) must accept some responsibility for not functioning as ‘salt and light’ in the world. Jesus Christ charges His disciples to bring light to dark places and to preserve our world from the decay of decadence. “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (Matthew 5:13-16, NLT)
Our tendency as disciples is to gather together in the comforting warmth of the holy huddle of our churches and schools. It’s safe and sweet to stay around those who revere the Lord and love His truth in the same way that we do. But, that is not the will of our Lord. He makes us all ministers and sends us all out to live ‘in the world’ even as we maintain a distinct quality of life that spreads the influence of the Kingdom! The all too frequent tragedy is that the society in which we live swallows us up as we compromise our faith in a vain effort to get along or as we allow ourselves to fall in love with the world, making it our home.
The Spirit-filled Christian lives with a constant tension of permeating his world and remaining distinct from it! Peter’s challenge captures that tension perfectly. "I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans (those who do not know God) that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." (1 Peter 2:11-12, NIV)
Disciple, we have the amazing privilege of sharing the Light and being preservative Salt until our Savior returns as King to fully restore all of Creation to the Creator’s intentions. Prayer, witness to the Truth, love, compassionate concern that compels us to get involved, and willingness to endure persecution are all part of our calling as we ‘go into all the world.’ We must never forget how our Lord finished that commission, ‘and I will be with you always!’
Here’s a word from the Word. I pray it stirs a new desire in us, not to curse the world around us for what it has become, but to stir ourselves to the work of being salt and light.
"Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” (2 Corinthians 5:17-20, NLT)
___________________
I invite you to pray with me....
Father in Heaven, sin is rampant.
Self and Satan are having a party, destroying lives
That are lived in a headlong pursuit of hedonistic pleasure.
Lord, sometimes what I see makes me angry.
Sometimes I grow afraid for I feel a strong pull of attraction,
a desire to join the party, forgetting You.
Hold me close to Your heart.
Help me to love You more, and break my heart
for those who have yet to come to know
peace with You, through Christ Jesus.
Make me wise with the discernment of the Spirit.
Fill me with the Love of Jesus Christ.
Set Heaven in my heart.
Then, I will live as a fearless ambassador,
who takes a message of reconciliation and redemption
into my world.
All this I ask in the holy name of Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The grace of generosity
Giving is fun! Really, it is! When I write a tithe check to my church, send a donation to various causes, or give to kids who are going on a missions trip; it is one of the most joyous things for me. Getting little gifts for my wife is fun, too. It’s hard for me to resist a bunch of flowers when I’m at the supermarket. Giving time away is one of the more rewarding parts of my life, too. After a long morning at my desk, doing the administrative work of the church or studying to teach, few things are more refreshing to my heart than calling somebody who is lonely, or visiting someone confined by illness, or giving counsel to someone who is struggling through life.
There’s a man in our church who has discovered the joy of generosity. He’s given thousands of dollars to projects and people during the years that I have known him. He does so without fanfare or recognition, often slipping the money to me in a plain envelope with instructions about delivering it. Another woman, not a wealthy one either, sends several hundreds of dollars to the church every month to give to a family in need. Recently she wrote to me to say how much it meant to her to be able to bless others in that way despite the fact that her giving is done in secret and without acknowledgment.
I know others who are generous in spirit refusing offense, seldom speaking critically, offering encouragement. Even when they are misunderstood or maligned, their magnanimous heart absorbs the blow and returns a blessing!
Take a look at this passage from the Bible, as translated in The Message: “God loves it when the giver delights in the giving. God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it, He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out. This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:7-11)
\
Have you discovered the joy of generosity? It’s a way of life that flows out of an abundance mentality. Stephen Covey, author of 7 Habits of Highly Successful People, borrowed a Biblical concept and coined that phrase, “abundance mentality.” He says that it is a way of thinking that believes there are enough resources to share with others that leads to a life of generosity. He insists that generosity multiplies our resources rather than diminishing them. Jesus Christ said it first - "Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” (Luke 6:38, The Message)
Here’s a word from the Word. As you read it, do not read it only as being about money. Let it speak to every part of your life. "Just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. … For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." (2 Corinthians 8:7,9, NIV) That word, ‘grace,’ comes from the NT Greek word, ‘charis,’ which describes any act or quality that brings pleasure, joy, benefit, or delight. Our generosity is a grace, a gift designed to bring joy, that is modeled on the generosity of Jesus Christ, whose grace brought life to us!
I hope you find many ways to grace your world today, leaving a trail of people touched by joy, blessed by your generous spirit, to the glory of the One who first loved us! Amen.
________________
Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad.
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
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, 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.
Make Me A Blessing
Wilson, Ira B. / Schuler, George S.
Word Music Group, Inc.
© 1924. Renewed 1952 Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
There’s a man in our church who has discovered the joy of generosity. He’s given thousands of dollars to projects and people during the years that I have known him. He does so without fanfare or recognition, often slipping the money to me in a plain envelope with instructions about delivering it. Another woman, not a wealthy one either, sends several hundreds of dollars to the church every month to give to a family in need. Recently she wrote to me to say how much it meant to her to be able to bless others in that way despite the fact that her giving is done in secret and without acknowledgment.
I know others who are generous in spirit refusing offense, seldom speaking critically, offering encouragement. Even when they are misunderstood or maligned, their magnanimous heart absorbs the blow and returns a blessing!
Take a look at this passage from the Bible, as translated in The Message: “God loves it when the giver delights in the giving. God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it, He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out. This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:7-11)
\
Have you discovered the joy of generosity? It’s a way of life that flows out of an abundance mentality. Stephen Covey, author of 7 Habits of Highly Successful People, borrowed a Biblical concept and coined that phrase, “abundance mentality.” He says that it is a way of thinking that believes there are enough resources to share with others that leads to a life of generosity. He insists that generosity multiplies our resources rather than diminishing them. Jesus Christ said it first - "Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” (Luke 6:38, The Message)
Here’s a word from the Word. As you read it, do not read it only as being about money. Let it speak to every part of your life. "Just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. … For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." (2 Corinthians 8:7,9, NIV) That word, ‘grace,’ comes from the NT Greek word, ‘charis,’ which describes any act or quality that brings pleasure, joy, benefit, or delight. Our generosity is a grace, a gift designed to bring joy, that is modeled on the generosity of Jesus Christ, whose grace brought life to us!
I hope you find many ways to grace your world today, leaving a trail of people touched by joy, blessed by your generous spirit, to the glory of the One who first loved us! Amen.
________________
Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad.
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
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, 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.
Make Me A Blessing
Wilson, Ira B. / Schuler, George S.
Word Music Group, Inc.
© 1924. Renewed 1952 Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
Monday, May 10, 2010
Are you in the company of the committed?
“Strategic default” is the name of the game according to “60 Minutes.” Millions of American families whose homes are now worth less than the mortgages they took out at the height of the property boom 3 years, sometimes by 30 to 40%. And, millions are walking away, handing the keys to the house to the bank and abandoning their mortgage, even though they can afford the payments. They do the math and decide to let the bank take the loss. Is it the right choice? That was the question that Morley Safer asked of several homeowners in the program. Most justified their decision to renege on their mortgage contract with an argument of expedience; “Everybody’s doing it.”
Americans have less and less of a sense of commitment to most things other than their self-interest these days.
A college professor told me recently than up to 25% of his students don’t show up for classes, some even so bold as to email him in advance to ask if he will be teaching ‘anything important’ that day!
More than half of couples married this year will abandon their marriage vows when the going gets tough.
The corporate culture in the US is broken by self-interest, too. Neither company nor employee feel bound by any higher allegiance than to the almighty dollar. The ideas that a person should invest his life in building the company or that he can expect the company to keep him employed through lean times are quaint relics of another time.
Lack of commitment has found its way into the church, too. One of the more frustrating things about being a pastor of a local church is the ‘take or leave it’ attitude about church attendance which makes building a strong, serving Body a herculean task. On any given Sunday only about one half of those who call our church home, actually show up for worship. The ‘ties that bind’ are weak and growing weaker through this neglect of the Body.
Everyone of us is confronted with choices, big and small, everyday about commitment. Will we do the right thing, even when it is inconvenient or costly; or will we do what we believe is ‘in our best interest’ in the moment? A person of integrity keeps his word, even when it hurts. Proverbs asks the question: "Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man? The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him." (Proverbs 20:6-7, NKJV)
Disciple, are you part of the company of the committed?
Are you daily decisions guided by principles larger than self-interest, that cause you to do the right thing even when it seems that ‘everybody’ is doing their own thing?
The faithful trust God wholeheartedly, looking forward to the Day when He will set right all things.
Here’s a word from the Word. May it challenge us to be faithful, trust-worthy people, who are committed to doing the right thing.
"Jesus went on to make these comments:
If you’re honest in small things, you’ll be honest in big things;
If you’re a crook in small things, you’ll be a crook in big things.
If you’re not honest in small jobs, who will put you in charge of the store? "
(Luke 16:10-12, The Message)
_________________
Lord, You have shown Yourself to be
Never changing, always faithful.
Lord, You have shown Your heart for me
The loving touch of a caring Father.
In ev'ry day that passes
And all the world's distractions,
Through seasons and life's changes,
You always remain faithful
To me with Your…
Perfect love, perfect love
Casts out all fear and shows me
That ev'ry word and promise to me
Will be fulfilled, will be fulfilled!
Faithful, You are faithful!
Faithful, faithful, faithful!
Faithful, You are faithful!
Faithful © 2000 Song Solutions Daybreak (Admin. in the US & Canada by Integrity Music, Inc.)
Eoghan Heaslip
CCLI License No. 810055
Americans have less and less of a sense of commitment to most things other than their self-interest these days.
A college professor told me recently than up to 25% of his students don’t show up for classes, some even so bold as to email him in advance to ask if he will be teaching ‘anything important’ that day!
More than half of couples married this year will abandon their marriage vows when the going gets tough.
The corporate culture in the US is broken by self-interest, too. Neither company nor employee feel bound by any higher allegiance than to the almighty dollar. The ideas that a person should invest his life in building the company or that he can expect the company to keep him employed through lean times are quaint relics of another time.
Lack of commitment has found its way into the church, too. One of the more frustrating things about being a pastor of a local church is the ‘take or leave it’ attitude about church attendance which makes building a strong, serving Body a herculean task. On any given Sunday only about one half of those who call our church home, actually show up for worship. The ‘ties that bind’ are weak and growing weaker through this neglect of the Body.
Everyone of us is confronted with choices, big and small, everyday about commitment. Will we do the right thing, even when it is inconvenient or costly; or will we do what we believe is ‘in our best interest’ in the moment? A person of integrity keeps his word, even when it hurts. Proverbs asks the question: "Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man? The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him." (Proverbs 20:6-7, NKJV)
Disciple, are you part of the company of the committed?
Are you daily decisions guided by principles larger than self-interest, that cause you to do the right thing even when it seems that ‘everybody’ is doing their own thing?
The faithful trust God wholeheartedly, looking forward to the Day when He will set right all things.
Here’s a word from the Word. May it challenge us to be faithful, trust-worthy people, who are committed to doing the right thing.
"Jesus went on to make these comments:
If you’re honest in small things, you’ll be honest in big things;
If you’re a crook in small things, you’ll be a crook in big things.
If you’re not honest in small jobs, who will put you in charge of the store? "
(Luke 16:10-12, The Message)
_________________
Lord, You have shown Yourself to be
Never changing, always faithful.
Lord, You have shown Your heart for me
The loving touch of a caring Father.
In ev'ry day that passes
And all the world's distractions,
Through seasons and life's changes,
You always remain faithful
To me with Your…
Perfect love, perfect love
Casts out all fear and shows me
That ev'ry word and promise to me
Will be fulfilled, will be fulfilled!
Faithful, You are faithful!
Faithful, faithful, faithful!
Faithful, You are faithful!
Faithful © 2000 Song Solutions Daybreak (Admin. in the US & Canada by Integrity Music, Inc.)
Eoghan Heaslip
CCLI License No. 810055
Friday, May 07, 2010
The End is Near?
“End Times” speculation is not a favorite subject with me. I am not much into apocalyptic literature. But recent events have made me think anew about the promise of the return of the Lord! The world’s economic system is so fragile, yet interconnected, that an economic hiccup in Greece triggered a 1000 point drop on the DOW yesterday. A collapse of the system could trigger terrible and bloody social unrest across Europe and perhaps even here in the US. The ancient enmities of the Middle East show no sign of abating despite the efforts of every American President in my adult lifetime! Oil is spilling into the Gulf, with a solution perplexing the best engineers. Earthquakes have shook the globe repeatedly.
Are any of these things completely new or unique? Not at all. But they should be a reminder to all that we are not gods and they do remind me of the Lord’s promise that all of human history is subject to His reign, that He will someday close the book, declare that this era is over, and bring all things into judgment! The ancient prophets called it ‘the day of the LORD.’
"See, the day of the Lord is coming —a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger— to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it. … I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless." (Isaiah 13:11, NIV)
Does all this make you fearful? It need not do so, disciple; if your hope is secured by, as it should be, the precious promises of our Lord Jesus Christ! He reminds us that a world in turmoil is reason for us to look up with anticipation! “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” (Luke 21:25-28, NLT) I do not even pretend to understand all that He meant! I’m no prophet, nor do I even think that we should try to apply each and every word to the headlines in the newspaper. But, I understand clearly the overarching story of human history that He sums up.
God reminds us that when we humans get too arrogant, He is still LORD. When we start to think that life will go on forever, He says that we are mortal and that history has boundaries He has defined. The declaration of judgment for all is not a terror to me. It gives me even more reason to serve Him, not from fear, but because I know my efforts for His Kingdom will be vindicated in that Day. Perhaps all the current shaking and rattling in the world will settle and a decade from now, peace and prosperity will have found us again. Or it may be that God is writing the epilogue of the Earth, soon to be published. That I cannot say. But, I can say, that “I know Who holds tomorrow and I know He holds my hand!”
I leave Jesus’ words with you. Own them for yourself and find peace.
“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:12-14, NIV)
"The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." (Revelation 22:17, NIV)
___________________
A parade began at Calvary,
And the saints of all the ages fill its ranks.
O'er the sands of time they're marching
To their King's great coronation.
And this could be the dawning of that day.
Nothing here holds their allegiance,
They're not bound by shackles forged of earthly gold.
Since that day they knelt at Calvary,
They've been pilgrims ever wandering
Just looking for a place to rest their souls.
O this could be the dawning
Of that grand and glorious day,
When the face of Jesus we behold.
Dreams and hopes of all the ages,
Are awaiting His returning.
And this could be the dawning of that day.
This Could Be The Dawning
Gaither, William J. / Gaither, Gloria
© 1971 William J. Gaither, Inc. ARR UBP of Gaither Copyright Management
CCLI License No. 810055
Are any of these things completely new or unique? Not at all. But they should be a reminder to all that we are not gods and they do remind me of the Lord’s promise that all of human history is subject to His reign, that He will someday close the book, declare that this era is over, and bring all things into judgment! The ancient prophets called it ‘the day of the LORD.’
"See, the day of the Lord is coming —a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger— to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it. … I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless." (Isaiah 13:11, NIV)
Does all this make you fearful? It need not do so, disciple; if your hope is secured by, as it should be, the precious promises of our Lord Jesus Christ! He reminds us that a world in turmoil is reason for us to look up with anticipation! “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” (Luke 21:25-28, NLT) I do not even pretend to understand all that He meant! I’m no prophet, nor do I even think that we should try to apply each and every word to the headlines in the newspaper. But, I understand clearly the overarching story of human history that He sums up.
God reminds us that when we humans get too arrogant, He is still LORD. When we start to think that life will go on forever, He says that we are mortal and that history has boundaries He has defined. The declaration of judgment for all is not a terror to me. It gives me even more reason to serve Him, not from fear, but because I know my efforts for His Kingdom will be vindicated in that Day. Perhaps all the current shaking and rattling in the world will settle and a decade from now, peace and prosperity will have found us again. Or it may be that God is writing the epilogue of the Earth, soon to be published. That I cannot say. But, I can say, that “I know Who holds tomorrow and I know He holds my hand!”
I leave Jesus’ words with you. Own them for yourself and find peace.
“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:12-14, NIV)
"The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." (Revelation 22:17, NIV)
___________________
A parade began at Calvary,
And the saints of all the ages fill its ranks.
O'er the sands of time they're marching
To their King's great coronation.
And this could be the dawning of that day.
Nothing here holds their allegiance,
They're not bound by shackles forged of earthly gold.
Since that day they knelt at Calvary,
They've been pilgrims ever wandering
Just looking for a place to rest their souls.
O this could be the dawning
Of that grand and glorious day,
When the face of Jesus we behold.
Dreams and hopes of all the ages,
Are awaiting His returning.
And this could be the dawning of that day.
This Could Be The Dawning
Gaither, William J. / Gaither, Gloria
© 1971 William J. Gaither, Inc. ARR UBP of Gaither Copyright Management
CCLI License No. 810055
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Who told you it was easy?
Few things cause me more grief (real sorrow!) than the legions of people who start strong with Jesus and fade from faith and practice a year or two later. As a shepherd of the Church, I feel some responsibility and yes, I take it personally. I should! After all, the Scripture says that I am "to watch over your souls, and (I am) accountable to God." (Hebrews 13:17, NLT) So, let me coach you with some strong words of advice about finishing this race well. I read the story of a middle- aged man who decided that he would run a marathon after seeing his daughter finish one. He was out of shape, had never run at all, much less done anything as rigorous as running a 26.2 mile race. But, inspired by his daughter's achievement, he wanted to match it. He began with a mile run. He felt like his chest was going to explode. Six months later, he finished a marathon! How did he do it?
Daily training- focus, conditioning, eating healthy foods, and getting rest. He was able to do what he intended to do because he trained his body in daily disciplined exercise.
The Christian life is a lived well only if a person is willing to make a sustained series of daily choices! No one will please God or become a mature saint with a hobby faith or a Sunday experience. We admire the great Believers whose lives are examples of faith, productive in terms of making a Kingdom difference in the world. Many of us say, "I wish I could do that" but our choice of priorities reveals a different desire. We don't do the daily disciplines, practice the habits that create the maturity of spirit and character, that lead to greatness. Said practically, if a person will not get to worship faithfully, contribute a portion of his income to God, practice forgiveness, participate in some kind of service that demands sacrifice and love, meditate and pray each day; is as incapable of doing great things for God as I am to run a marathon today!
I am not sure where the myth of the ‘easy Christian life’ developed, but it is just that – a myth! Real Christianity is a robust, demanding way of living that is not for wimps. That said, we need not be frightened of the rigors. God has given us daily disciplines to build endurance and maturity in us. They enable us to live mature and complete lives, full of the Spirit, that defeat the Evil One, that create loving spaces in a hate filled world, and that cause others to say, "God be praised!" Some people entirely miss the point of spiritual disciplines and worship them rather than the Lord. Daily prayer, regular service, continual Scripture intake are all means of opening up channels through which the Holy Spirit flows into our lives and begins His work of building real character. They are not, in themselves proof of spirituality or sainthood. Those who focus on the discipline instead of the Spirit they lead us to, are like those misguided ones who keep training, but never compete. Why train if you're not going to compete?
Ask God to give you a goal that's bigger than your present abilities, an 'impossible' vision. Then pray for the wisdom and courage to start small, to practice until you're matured, completed, enabled to do what that thing that you could only dream about before your training began. At the end of that race, there is a reward that is eternal, that does not tarnish, that no one can eclipse, or take away.
Have you focused your life around doing the will of God, on finishing well; or are you seeking to be comfortable today, to satisfy the demands and desires that arise in you right now?
God urges us to "leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God." (Hebrews 6:1, NIV) In short, “Grow up and get on with it!”
Here’s the wisdom of the Word about training. I pray it becomes your daily challenge.
"Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it." (1 Timothy 4:7-9, NLT)
_________________________
A suggested text for the how’s and why’s of spiritual disciplines
The Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster (link will take you to Amazon)
Daily training- focus, conditioning, eating healthy foods, and getting rest. He was able to do what he intended to do because he trained his body in daily disciplined exercise.
The Christian life is a lived well only if a person is willing to make a sustained series of daily choices! No one will please God or become a mature saint with a hobby faith or a Sunday experience. We admire the great Believers whose lives are examples of faith, productive in terms of making a Kingdom difference in the world. Many of us say, "I wish I could do that" but our choice of priorities reveals a different desire. We don't do the daily disciplines, practice the habits that create the maturity of spirit and character, that lead to greatness. Said practically, if a person will not get to worship faithfully, contribute a portion of his income to God, practice forgiveness, participate in some kind of service that demands sacrifice and love, meditate and pray each day; is as incapable of doing great things for God as I am to run a marathon today!
I am not sure where the myth of the ‘easy Christian life’ developed, but it is just that – a myth! Real Christianity is a robust, demanding way of living that is not for wimps. That said, we need not be frightened of the rigors. God has given us daily disciplines to build endurance and maturity in us. They enable us to live mature and complete lives, full of the Spirit, that defeat the Evil One, that create loving spaces in a hate filled world, and that cause others to say, "God be praised!" Some people entirely miss the point of spiritual disciplines and worship them rather than the Lord. Daily prayer, regular service, continual Scripture intake are all means of opening up channels through which the Holy Spirit flows into our lives and begins His work of building real character. They are not, in themselves proof of spirituality or sainthood. Those who focus on the discipline instead of the Spirit they lead us to, are like those misguided ones who keep training, but never compete. Why train if you're not going to compete?
Ask God to give you a goal that's bigger than your present abilities, an 'impossible' vision. Then pray for the wisdom and courage to start small, to practice until you're matured, completed, enabled to do what that thing that you could only dream about before your training began. At the end of that race, there is a reward that is eternal, that does not tarnish, that no one can eclipse, or take away.
Have you focused your life around doing the will of God, on finishing well; or are you seeking to be comfortable today, to satisfy the demands and desires that arise in you right now?
God urges us to "leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God." (Hebrews 6:1, NIV) In short, “Grow up and get on with it!”
Here’s the wisdom of the Word about training. I pray it becomes your daily challenge.
"Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it." (1 Timothy 4:7-9, NLT)
_________________________
A suggested text for the how’s and why’s of spiritual disciplines
The Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster (link will take you to Amazon)
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
God's big handkerchief
When I pulled up my chair next to her hospital bed, I saw the track of tears down the sides of her face. Complications of cancer caused her to be confined to an extended care facility. "It’s a nice place, but it’s not home," she told me when I asked her how it was. When she tried to sit up, a grimace of pain creased her face, so she fell back onto her pillow. As we talked about her suffering, she told me about other hardships and the tears renewed their march down the side of her face. She told of a husband who walked out of her life when she had two preschoolers and a baby, saying, “Tell the kids I died.” With a forced smile, she tried to be brave, “But, it’s not all bad, is it?” As I reached out for her hand, tears were wetting my face, too!
Sin and Satan visit terrible suffering and continual pain on this planet that Adam sub-let to them with his disobedience. Yes, too, our choices bring unforeseen and/or unintended consequences that increase that pain. To be sure, it’s not all darkness. There is joy in knowing love, sweetness found in worship, the reward of creating something out of the chaos. And there is a wonderful, wonderful promise that waits for all those who know the Savior. When the struggle’s over, God will draw us close, pull out his big handkerchief, and dry our tears!
Well, maybe not exactly like that, but that is the mental picture that forms in my mind when I read this passage: "I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:3-5, NIV)
There are days, disciple, when it simply hurts to be alive too deeply for words. At those times, we need to pray for protection from cynicism that turns us into ugly, mean people. We must trust in Somebody bigger than you or I to keep our faith intact. We can hope for that time when all the tears are wiped away. Gordon Jensen wrote a song with this memorable line, “God weeps along with man and takes him by the hand, tears are a language God understands.” Are the tears ready to fall today? Has the disappointment, the pain, the unrelenting struggle with the curse of sin nearly broken you in two?
Go ahead and cry. Find a place alone with Him and let the tears that fall become a wordless prayer for renewal of hope, for healing, for forgiveness. Then, give thanks for the grace to stand and the hope that He will, like the wonderful and loving Father He is, someday wipe every tear, and even the memory of those things which make you cry, from your eyes forever.
_______________
There is coming a day
When no heartaches shall come,
No more clouds in the sky,
No more tears to dim the eye.
All is peace forevermore
On that happy, golden shore.
What a day, glorious day that will be.
What a day that will be
When my Jesus I shall see,
When I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace.
When He takes me by the hand,
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.
There'll be no sorrow there,
No more burdens to bear,
No more sickness, no pain,
No more parting over there.
And forever I will be
With the One who died for me.
What a day, glorious day that will be.
What A Day That Will Be
Hill, Jim
© 1955. Renewed 1983 Ben Speer Music (Admin. by Integrated Copyright Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
Sin and Satan visit terrible suffering and continual pain on this planet that Adam sub-let to them with his disobedience. Yes, too, our choices bring unforeseen and/or unintended consequences that increase that pain. To be sure, it’s not all darkness. There is joy in knowing love, sweetness found in worship, the reward of creating something out of the chaos. And there is a wonderful, wonderful promise that waits for all those who know the Savior. When the struggle’s over, God will draw us close, pull out his big handkerchief, and dry our tears!
Well, maybe not exactly like that, but that is the mental picture that forms in my mind when I read this passage: "I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:3-5, NIV)
There are days, disciple, when it simply hurts to be alive too deeply for words. At those times, we need to pray for protection from cynicism that turns us into ugly, mean people. We must trust in Somebody bigger than you or I to keep our faith intact. We can hope for that time when all the tears are wiped away. Gordon Jensen wrote a song with this memorable line, “God weeps along with man and takes him by the hand, tears are a language God understands.” Are the tears ready to fall today? Has the disappointment, the pain, the unrelenting struggle with the curse of sin nearly broken you in two?
Go ahead and cry. Find a place alone with Him and let the tears that fall become a wordless prayer for renewal of hope, for healing, for forgiveness. Then, give thanks for the grace to stand and the hope that He will, like the wonderful and loving Father He is, someday wipe every tear, and even the memory of those things which make you cry, from your eyes forever.
_______________
There is coming a day
When no heartaches shall come,
No more clouds in the sky,
No more tears to dim the eye.
All is peace forevermore
On that happy, golden shore.
What a day, glorious day that will be.
What a day that will be
When my Jesus I shall see,
When I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace.
When He takes me by the hand,
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.
There'll be no sorrow there,
No more burdens to bear,
No more sickness, no pain,
No more parting over there.
And forever I will be
With the One who died for me.
What a day, glorious day that will be.
What A Day That Will Be
Hill, Jim
© 1955. Renewed 1983 Ben Speer Music (Admin. by Integrated Copyright Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
So, help me, God!
There is nothing we do as Christians that is more important than prayer; yet few of us pray well. We ALL pray, but often only in times of sheer desperation or out of a feeling of duty. Craig Groeschel, in a book with a title that grabs attention, The Christian Atheist, (Zondervan, 2010) writes that “sometimes prayer simply bores us. Our minds wander. In the middle of a conversation with the creator of the universe, I sometimes remember that I haven’t shaved the back of my neck in over a week or that we’re running low on toilet paper. Once I’m bored and distracted, I feel so guilty I don’t want to keep praying. Admittedly, when prayer becomes an empty, meaningless ritual, it is boring.” Most of us, if we are completely transparent, would probably have to say that we can identify!
We say, “Prayer changes things,” because it sounds right and feels good, but we wonder why many of our prayers are so ineffectual. Here’s the answer! We pray poorly because we do not pray ‘in the Spirit.’ The deepest, truest form of prayer is actually a work of the Holy Spirit working IN US. The Word teaches that we must " pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18, NIV) If you think that instruction only applies to charismatic or Pentecostal Christians, you have misinterpreted the instruction. It is not about ‘speaking in tongues’ or using a prayer language that bypasses our intellect.
Prayer in the Spirit is about entering into a place where God, the Holy Spirit, engages us and leads us to agree with Him and speak His will into this world.
Do your prayers rise primarily out of your mind, much like a conversation with your spouse, your child, or another person? When you pray, are you searching for words, like you would when making an argument? That’s how we most often pray. And it is one reason prayer is frustrating, for we - as Paul says - often ‘don’t know what we ought to pray for!’ He follows up on that by reminding us that when we pray in the Spirit, "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." (Romans 8:26-27, NLT)
Prayer in the Spirit is an agreement with the wisdom of God! Prayer in the Spirit is ‘seconding the motion’ that the Lord God has made!
When we go to prayer, we need to keep this truth present: The Spirit delights in helping us to pray! Jesus taught that the Spirit is our Helper, our Counselor (John 14, 16) Who is with us, in prayer, to give us assistance.
Our prayers are sometimes hindered by sin hidden away in our lives. He reveals it!
Our prayers are sometimes hindered by ignorance of the full situation. He knows it!
Our prayers are sometimes hindered by our physical body - sick or tired. He strengthens us!
Praying in the Spirit keeps us from focusing on the wrong things in prayer, too, for we are guided by the Mind of God. If we simply pray from our intellect, our prayers will have what I call ‘the aspirin effect.’ Aspirin is not healing. It deals only with symptoms, not with the issue causing us pain. If we only pray for what we can see with our eyes, hear with our ears, and discern with our own mind - we will be praying about symptoms in this world. If we ‘pray in the Spirit’ we will bring the power of God and His omniscience to bear on this temporal world.
I hope it is becoming clear as you think about this that such praying cannot be done ‘on the fly’ as we are doing a hundred other things, that it cannot be accomplished in 2 minutes as we are already getting our minds in gear for the day, that it cannot be achieved in the sleepy moments just before bedtime. It is both good and right to pray all the time! But, the deep, intimate, life-changing, world effecting prayer that is ‘in the Spirit’ will demand that we learn to wait in silence, that we work (yes, that is the word) with God to focus and discipline ourselves, and that we make seeking after Him a first priority of life.
Here’s His promise - "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV) So, help me God and let us pray!
_________________
Be still, my soul;
The Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross
Of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God
To order and provide.
In ev'ry change
He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul;
Thy best, Thy heavenly Friend
Thro' thorny ways
Leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul;
Thy God doth undertake
To guide the future
As He has the past.
Thy hope, Thy confidence
Let nothing shake;
All now mysterious
Shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul;
The waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them
While He dwelt below.
Be Still My Soul
Von Schlegal, Katharina / Borthwick, Jane L. / Sibelius, Jean
© Public Domain
We say, “Prayer changes things,” because it sounds right and feels good, but we wonder why many of our prayers are so ineffectual. Here’s the answer! We pray poorly because we do not pray ‘in the Spirit.’ The deepest, truest form of prayer is actually a work of the Holy Spirit working IN US. The Word teaches that we must " pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18, NIV) If you think that instruction only applies to charismatic or Pentecostal Christians, you have misinterpreted the instruction. It is not about ‘speaking in tongues’ or using a prayer language that bypasses our intellect.
Prayer in the Spirit is about entering into a place where God, the Holy Spirit, engages us and leads us to agree with Him and speak His will into this world.
Do your prayers rise primarily out of your mind, much like a conversation with your spouse, your child, or another person? When you pray, are you searching for words, like you would when making an argument? That’s how we most often pray. And it is one reason prayer is frustrating, for we - as Paul says - often ‘don’t know what we ought to pray for!’ He follows up on that by reminding us that when we pray in the Spirit, "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." (Romans 8:26-27, NLT)
Prayer in the Spirit is an agreement with the wisdom of God! Prayer in the Spirit is ‘seconding the motion’ that the Lord God has made!
When we go to prayer, we need to keep this truth present: The Spirit delights in helping us to pray! Jesus taught that the Spirit is our Helper, our Counselor (John 14, 16) Who is with us, in prayer, to give us assistance.
Our prayers are sometimes hindered by sin hidden away in our lives. He reveals it!
Our prayers are sometimes hindered by ignorance of the full situation. He knows it!
Our prayers are sometimes hindered by our physical body - sick or tired. He strengthens us!
Praying in the Spirit keeps us from focusing on the wrong things in prayer, too, for we are guided by the Mind of God. If we simply pray from our intellect, our prayers will have what I call ‘the aspirin effect.’ Aspirin is not healing. It deals only with symptoms, not with the issue causing us pain. If we only pray for what we can see with our eyes, hear with our ears, and discern with our own mind - we will be praying about symptoms in this world. If we ‘pray in the Spirit’ we will bring the power of God and His omniscience to bear on this temporal world.
I hope it is becoming clear as you think about this that such praying cannot be done ‘on the fly’ as we are doing a hundred other things, that it cannot be accomplished in 2 minutes as we are already getting our minds in gear for the day, that it cannot be achieved in the sleepy moments just before bedtime. It is both good and right to pray all the time! But, the deep, intimate, life-changing, world effecting prayer that is ‘in the Spirit’ will demand that we learn to wait in silence, that we work (yes, that is the word) with God to focus and discipline ourselves, and that we make seeking after Him a first priority of life.
Here’s His promise - "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV) So, help me God and let us pray!
_________________
Be still, my soul;
The Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross
Of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God
To order and provide.
In ev'ry change
He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul;
Thy best, Thy heavenly Friend
Thro' thorny ways
Leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul;
Thy God doth undertake
To guide the future
As He has the past.
Thy hope, Thy confidence
Let nothing shake;
All now mysterious
Shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul;
The waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them
While He dwelt below.
Be Still My Soul
Von Schlegal, Katharina / Borthwick, Jane L. / Sibelius, Jean
© Public Domain
Monday, May 03, 2010
Wanna-be
A long time ago, just for fun, I bought a gaudy gold ring that was inset with diamonds. I paid just $19 for it. No, it wasn't 'hot.' (stolen) It wasn't real gold! The ‘diamonds’ chips of glass! But hey -- from 6 or 8 feet away, who could tell? It looks like the real thing, from a distance. Up close, the fact that it is a fake is obvious even to the untrained eye. There are plenty of imitations in our world. You can buy a pint of imitation vanillin flavor for the same price as a couple of ounces of real vanilla extract- but there is no comparing the flavor difference. You can buy an imitation Rolex watch on the streets of New York City for a few dollars, but a real one will cost several thousands.
I love real people. OK, perhaps you're scratching your head wondering, "What other kind are there? Fake people?" Yes, the world is filled with people who are just shells, images without substance, pretenders who work at hiding their true selves behind titles and tales; suits and surgeries. My heart breaks for these sad souls who have to work so hard to be somebody they are not, in vain attempts to gain the approval of people they don't even like.
Real people have integrity. They have worked at accepting themselves for who they are and are 'at home' in their own skin. They don't need to prove anything, play a role, or have rhinoplasty. (Look it up!) Real people know that they are not defined by the kind of car they drive or their job title. Real people can be difficult because they are so resistant to the games that people play. You can't manipulate a real person because she is not responsive to peer pressure. Then, too, real people live and tell the truth which makes some of us very uncomfortable. They won't pretend to see the Emperor's new clothes, they just acknowledge that he's naked!
(If you don't know that story you can read it at http://hca.gilead.org.il/emperor.html)
Being authentic is important for Christ’s followers! To be inauthentic is to be a hypocrite. That sin was the one which Jesus condemned more harshly than any other! When He interacted with the Pharisees, were experts in looking good while doing bad, He did not spare their feelings. Take a look at Jesus' outrage at these pious frauds.
“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things." (Matthew 23:23-4, NLT)
"You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too. “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity." (Matthew 23:26-27, NLT)
Can you feel the indignation? We need to make that personal, asking ourselves if we have allowed ourselves to be ‘wanna-be’ Christians, better at pretending than being! Just reading those words makes me shudder!
Maybe you’re thinking- 'but if people really know me, they won't like me.' Mostly that is true if we do not like ourselves! If we believe that we are too fat, too thin, too dumb, too ugly, too shy, too tall, too short, too poor, too damaged – we will react to even imagined criticism with a defense, pushing people away, or demanding our own way too loudly! It’s great to be around a person at home in his own skin.
Perhaps you believe that you have be ‘just like _____________’ (you fill the name of some admired Christian) in order to be valuable to God, so you’re trying hard to become that person. The Bible is clear that you are a person God made to fill a specific place in this world. Nobody can be you and you cannot successfully become somebody else! Yes, extracting the pure gold from the ore can be a task. It requires supernatural work of the Spirit of God to be rid of the junk that obscures the ‘real me.’ However, if we refuse to let Him work on us, and choose inside to pretend, to fake it; we sin against Him. When we deal with the hurt, pain, failure, and disobedience not by covering it up, but rather by owning it and taking it to the Cross, the Christ who forgives also restores hope, and gives healing. There is no greater source of security than knowing we are God’s beloved, with a divine purpose to fulfill right where we are!
Are you a fake?
Let God love you to reality. He knows the ‘real’ you so why not admit who you are to Him, and then to yourself?
Real is a beautiful thing – truly!
________________
Heavenly Father, I need You to help me
to be content with my place, my work, my personality.
I feel pressure to be someone else, to look better than I actually am.
That pressure comes from those around me and
the little voice of insecurity inside of me.
Speak Your affirming love to me.
Help not to settle into my dysfunction, nor to love my sin.
Lead me to be a real disciple,
at peace with You through Christ Jesus,
honest to God, honest to Man!
Make me all that You have designed me to be,
in the garden where You have planted me.
For Your honor and glory, I pray,
In Jesus’ holy Name. Amen.
I love real people. OK, perhaps you're scratching your head wondering, "What other kind are there? Fake people?" Yes, the world is filled with people who are just shells, images without substance, pretenders who work at hiding their true selves behind titles and tales; suits and surgeries. My heart breaks for these sad souls who have to work so hard to be somebody they are not, in vain attempts to gain the approval of people they don't even like.
Real people have integrity. They have worked at accepting themselves for who they are and are 'at home' in their own skin. They don't need to prove anything, play a role, or have rhinoplasty. (Look it up!) Real people know that they are not defined by the kind of car they drive or their job title. Real people can be difficult because they are so resistant to the games that people play. You can't manipulate a real person because she is not responsive to peer pressure. Then, too, real people live and tell the truth which makes some of us very uncomfortable. They won't pretend to see the Emperor's new clothes, they just acknowledge that he's naked!
(If you don't know that story you can read it at http://hca.gilead.org.il/emperor.html)
Being authentic is important for Christ’s followers! To be inauthentic is to be a hypocrite. That sin was the one which Jesus condemned more harshly than any other! When He interacted with the Pharisees, were experts in looking good while doing bad, He did not spare their feelings. Take a look at Jesus' outrage at these pious frauds.
“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things." (Matthew 23:23-4, NLT)
"You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too. “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity." (Matthew 23:26-27, NLT)
Can you feel the indignation? We need to make that personal, asking ourselves if we have allowed ourselves to be ‘wanna-be’ Christians, better at pretending than being! Just reading those words makes me shudder!
Maybe you’re thinking- 'but if people really know me, they won't like me.' Mostly that is true if we do not like ourselves! If we believe that we are too fat, too thin, too dumb, too ugly, too shy, too tall, too short, too poor, too damaged – we will react to even imagined criticism with a defense, pushing people away, or demanding our own way too loudly! It’s great to be around a person at home in his own skin.
Perhaps you believe that you have be ‘just like _____________’ (you fill the name of some admired Christian) in order to be valuable to God, so you’re trying hard to become that person. The Bible is clear that you are a person God made to fill a specific place in this world. Nobody can be you and you cannot successfully become somebody else! Yes, extracting the pure gold from the ore can be a task. It requires supernatural work of the Spirit of God to be rid of the junk that obscures the ‘real me.’ However, if we refuse to let Him work on us, and choose inside to pretend, to fake it; we sin against Him. When we deal with the hurt, pain, failure, and disobedience not by covering it up, but rather by owning it and taking it to the Cross, the Christ who forgives also restores hope, and gives healing. There is no greater source of security than knowing we are God’s beloved, with a divine purpose to fulfill right where we are!
Are you a fake?
Let God love you to reality. He knows the ‘real’ you so why not admit who you are to Him, and then to yourself?
Real is a beautiful thing – truly!
________________
Heavenly Father, I need You to help me
to be content with my place, my work, my personality.
I feel pressure to be someone else, to look better than I actually am.
That pressure comes from those around me and
the little voice of insecurity inside of me.
Speak Your affirming love to me.
Help not to settle into my dysfunction, nor to love my sin.
Lead me to be a real disciple,
at peace with You through Christ Jesus,
honest to God, honest to Man!
Make me all that You have designed me to be,
in the garden where You have planted me.
For Your honor and glory, I pray,
In Jesus’ holy Name. Amen.
Friday, April 30, 2010
We Must be Better Lovers
In the chapel service yesterday at our Christian school, I talked about love. Ever try to talk about love to 120 children without giggles and nudges? Yet, in spite of all the self-consciousness that the word creates, even a little child understands real love and hungers for the affirmation that is found in receiving affection. Sincere love says, "You matter to me!" Though we hunger deeply for it, enjoy giving and receiving it, genuine Love is actually quite rare. Because love is so wonderful, the enemy of God and good works hard to obscure the real thing, to divert us from knowing love and being loving by offering ‘false loves’ to take the place of the love that is "of God."
At the top of the list of love substitutes would be sex. Our present American culture has so entangled sex and love that the terms are almost indistinguishable. Erotic attraction is a gift of God even though it is much abused and the source of many destructive temptations, but this love is not the highest or the most lasting kind of love.
Amazingly, religious zeal about the very Source of Love is quite effective in destroying love. How quickly we fall into loving our creed and/or ritual more than God Himself! Somehow we begin to believe that pursuing the love of God is about knowing ‘right’ things about Him. And tragically, love dies when Christians confuse being 'right' with knowing the life of the Spirit. Love perishes on the altar of orthodoxy so often, orthodox being defined as whatever 'we' believe to be true and right - Baptist, Pentecostal, Calvinist, Catholic, Sacramental, Charismatic. Paul wrote to his spiritual son, Timothy, encouraging him not to get side-tracked into being 'right' at the expense of being loving. "Don't let people waste time in endless speculation over myths and spiritual pedigrees. For these things only cause arguments; they don't help people live a life of faith in God. The purpose of my instruction is that all the Christians there would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith. But some teachers have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time arguing and talking foolishness. They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don't know what they are talking about, even though they seem so confident." (1 Timothy 1:4- 7, NLT)
Ego can step in to frustrate the expression of love. There is an innate love of self that is healthy. Even Jesus tells us to “love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ If we come to despise ourselves, we become broken people, unhealthy emotionally and spiritually. But, self-love can never replace the love that is of God.
Believer, we can become better LOVERS and we must. God, in Christ Jesus, has loved us and from that 'first cause' has sparked in us the ability to love Him and others with abandon. Our high and holy calling, which also becomes a source of great purpose and peace is found in this word from the Word. Read it thoughtfully even though it may be familiar to you.
"My dear friends, we must love each other.
Love comes from God, and when we love each other, it shows that we have been given new life.
We are now God's children, and we know him. God is love, and anyone who doesn't love others has never known him.
God showed his love for us when he sent his only Son into the world to give us life.
Real love isn't our love for God, but his love for us.
God sent his Son to be the sacrifice by which our sins are forgiven.
Dear friends, since God loved us this much, we must love each other."
(1 John 4:7-11, CEV)
Are you struggling with feelings of worthlessness today?
Are you tempted to try to find love’s affirmation in sex, expressions of ego, or fanatical religious practice?
Those things cannot heal your heart and secure your soul. Let God love you deeply today. By faith, receive the declaration that He loves you, not for your performance or pedigree, but because you are. Ask Him to help you to love someone else in that same way; not for their attractiveness or their usefulness or there intellect - but just because they are. Pay attention to a little child for a few moments. That will make your heart glad! Listen intently to a lonely elderly person in the supermarket aisle. Take on a volunteer task that makes someone's world a little brighter. In these ways, and hundreds more, we become lovers like God.
"There are three things that will endure-faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13, NLT)
_________________
O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean
In its fullness over me!
Underneath me, all around me,
Is the current of Thy love,
Leading onward, leading homeward,
To my glorious rest above!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
Spread His praise from shore to shore!
How He loveth, ever loveth,
Changeth never, nevermore!
How He watches o'er His loved ones,
Died to call them all His own;
How for them He intercedeth,
Watcheth o'er them from the throne!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
Love of ev'ry love the best!
'Tis an ocean full of blessing,
'Tis a haven giving rest!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
'Tis a heav'n of heav'ns to me;
And it lifts me up to glory,
For it lifts me up to Thee!
Amen.
O The Deep Deep Love Of Jesus
Francis, Samuel Trevor / Williams, Thomas J.
© Public Domain
At the top of the list of love substitutes would be sex. Our present American culture has so entangled sex and love that the terms are almost indistinguishable. Erotic attraction is a gift of God even though it is much abused and the source of many destructive temptations, but this love is not the highest or the most lasting kind of love.
Amazingly, religious zeal about the very Source of Love is quite effective in destroying love. How quickly we fall into loving our creed and/or ritual more than God Himself! Somehow we begin to believe that pursuing the love of God is about knowing ‘right’ things about Him. And tragically, love dies when Christians confuse being 'right' with knowing the life of the Spirit. Love perishes on the altar of orthodoxy so often, orthodox being defined as whatever 'we' believe to be true and right - Baptist, Pentecostal, Calvinist, Catholic, Sacramental, Charismatic. Paul wrote to his spiritual son, Timothy, encouraging him not to get side-tracked into being 'right' at the expense of being loving. "Don't let people waste time in endless speculation over myths and spiritual pedigrees. For these things only cause arguments; they don't help people live a life of faith in God. The purpose of my instruction is that all the Christians there would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith. But some teachers have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time arguing and talking foolishness. They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don't know what they are talking about, even though they seem so confident." (1 Timothy 1:4- 7, NLT)
Ego can step in to frustrate the expression of love. There is an innate love of self that is healthy. Even Jesus tells us to “love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ If we come to despise ourselves, we become broken people, unhealthy emotionally and spiritually. But, self-love can never replace the love that is of God.
Believer, we can become better LOVERS and we must. God, in Christ Jesus, has loved us and from that 'first cause' has sparked in us the ability to love Him and others with abandon. Our high and holy calling, which also becomes a source of great purpose and peace is found in this word from the Word. Read it thoughtfully even though it may be familiar to you.
"My dear friends, we must love each other.
Love comes from God, and when we love each other, it shows that we have been given new life.
We are now God's children, and we know him. God is love, and anyone who doesn't love others has never known him.
God showed his love for us when he sent his only Son into the world to give us life.
Real love isn't our love for God, but his love for us.
God sent his Son to be the sacrifice by which our sins are forgiven.
Dear friends, since God loved us this much, we must love each other."
(1 John 4:7-11, CEV)
Are you struggling with feelings of worthlessness today?
Are you tempted to try to find love’s affirmation in sex, expressions of ego, or fanatical religious practice?
Those things cannot heal your heart and secure your soul. Let God love you deeply today. By faith, receive the declaration that He loves you, not for your performance or pedigree, but because you are. Ask Him to help you to love someone else in that same way; not for their attractiveness or their usefulness or there intellect - but just because they are. Pay attention to a little child for a few moments. That will make your heart glad! Listen intently to a lonely elderly person in the supermarket aisle. Take on a volunteer task that makes someone's world a little brighter. In these ways, and hundreds more, we become lovers like God.
"There are three things that will endure-faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13, NLT)
_________________
O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean
In its fullness over me!
Underneath me, all around me,
Is the current of Thy love,
Leading onward, leading homeward,
To my glorious rest above!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
Spread His praise from shore to shore!
How He loveth, ever loveth,
Changeth never, nevermore!
How He watches o'er His loved ones,
Died to call them all His own;
How for them He intercedeth,
Watcheth o'er them from the throne!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
Love of ev'ry love the best!
'Tis an ocean full of blessing,
'Tis a haven giving rest!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
'Tis a heav'n of heav'ns to me;
And it lifts me up to glory,
For it lifts me up to Thee!
Amen.
O The Deep Deep Love Of Jesus
Francis, Samuel Trevor / Williams, Thomas J.
© Public Domain
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Make me like Jonathan!
Friend. On my Facebook account there are 474 friends listed. Many of those are more like acquaintances, people I know professionally or from a distance. Some are more than acquaintances, but not actually what I would call a real friend. Some are close to my heart, people that I know well, with whom I share a mutual love and concern. The designer of Facebook was clever when he (or was it a team?) decided to call the connections made on the site ‘friending.’ When someone requests ‘friend’ status, it is a good feeling. Why? Because having friends is a good thing.
The story of David includes a sub-plot built around a prince named Jonathan, who was the son of King Saul, the expected crown prince of Israel. God decided to replace Saul’s family with a new dynasty beginning with David, but that did not bother Jonathan. The Bible tells us that from the first David and Jonathan an ‘immediate bond’ existed. (1 Samuel 18:1) Through the years, David greatly benefited from the kindness and protection of his friend.
When the king sought David’s death, Jonathan made an impassioned defense of his friend. “Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly. He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The Lord won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?” (1 Samuel 19:4-5, NIV) David reciprocated Jonathan’s love by promising to care for his family when he took the throne, this in a time when the custom was to kill any surviving members of a previous ruling family to protect yourself from rebels!
What kind of friend are you?
Are you altruistic, caring even when it costs?
Are you an opportunistic friend, only befriending those who can bring some benefit to you in the moment?
Are you a loyal friend who speaks up in defense of another when gossip arises?
Are you a friend for all times, equally faithful when your friend is up or down?
Solomon cynically announces what we all know, "Wealth brings many friends, but a poor man’s friend deserts him." (Proverbs 19:4, NIV) What a contrast to the true friendship we are blessed to give and to find. A true friend "loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." (Proverbs 17:17, NIV)
Has a friend failed you?
Have a group of friends missed your expectations, not come through for you in the way you had hoped? Don’t give up on people! Don’t turn inward. It will sour your soul, make you miserable, and ultimately reduce the quality of your life. Instead, keep loving!
There’s a Jonathan for you! Finding that friend requires risk, openness, and giving friendship. And never forget the most loyal, true Friend – Jesus Christ! He knows you best and loves you most. Anchor your heart in that love. Be secure in Him and it will make you a better friend to others.
_________________
Who am I that You are mindful of me,
That You hear me,
When I call?
Is it true that You are thinking of me?
How You love me,
It's amazing!
I am a friend of God!
I am a friend of God!
I am a friend of God!
He calls me friend.
God Almighty,
Lord of glory,
You have called me friend!
Friend Of God
© 2003 Integrity's Praise! Music
Vertical Worship Songs
(Admin. by Integrity Music, Inc.)
Israel Houghton
Michael Gungor
The story of David includes a sub-plot built around a prince named Jonathan, who was the son of King Saul, the expected crown prince of Israel. God decided to replace Saul’s family with a new dynasty beginning with David, but that did not bother Jonathan. The Bible tells us that from the first David and Jonathan an ‘immediate bond’ existed. (1 Samuel 18:1) Through the years, David greatly benefited from the kindness and protection of his friend.
When the king sought David’s death, Jonathan made an impassioned defense of his friend. “Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly. He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The Lord won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?” (1 Samuel 19:4-5, NIV) David reciprocated Jonathan’s love by promising to care for his family when he took the throne, this in a time when the custom was to kill any surviving members of a previous ruling family to protect yourself from rebels!
What kind of friend are you?
Are you altruistic, caring even when it costs?
Are you an opportunistic friend, only befriending those who can bring some benefit to you in the moment?
Are you a loyal friend who speaks up in defense of another when gossip arises?
Are you a friend for all times, equally faithful when your friend is up or down?
Solomon cynically announces what we all know, "Wealth brings many friends, but a poor man’s friend deserts him." (Proverbs 19:4, NIV) What a contrast to the true friendship we are blessed to give and to find. A true friend "loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." (Proverbs 17:17, NIV)
Has a friend failed you?
Have a group of friends missed your expectations, not come through for you in the way you had hoped? Don’t give up on people! Don’t turn inward. It will sour your soul, make you miserable, and ultimately reduce the quality of your life. Instead, keep loving!
There’s a Jonathan for you! Finding that friend requires risk, openness, and giving friendship. And never forget the most loyal, true Friend – Jesus Christ! He knows you best and loves you most. Anchor your heart in that love. Be secure in Him and it will make you a better friend to others.
_________________
Who am I that You are mindful of me,
That You hear me,
When I call?
Is it true that You are thinking of me?
How You love me,
It's amazing!
I am a friend of God!
I am a friend of God!
I am a friend of God!
He calls me friend.
God Almighty,
Lord of glory,
You have called me friend!
Friend Of God
© 2003 Integrity's Praise! Music
Vertical Worship Songs
(Admin. by Integrity Music, Inc.)
Israel Houghton
Michael Gungor
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
The Great Revelation
We live in what is often called "the Information Age." An torrent of words flow our way everyday from multiple sources. You are reading “CoffeeBreak” which indicates you are 'wired,' a part of the most amazing information development in human history - the Internet. It allows me to influence the thoughts of people far beyond the physical location of the pulpit from which I speak on Sunday. CoffeeBreak has subscribers in Italy, the Far East, Australia, and most of the USA. I don't write that to boast, but to illustrate a point. Many of those readers have no way to know what kind of person I am. They cannot evaluate the authenticity of my life to know if I really live the words I write.
The unregulated and largely unfiltered flow of words requires real wisdom and a measuring stick of truth. Disciple, our standard of Truth is the Holy Scripture. Are you a good student of the Bible, a person who genuinely loves the Word of God and reads it for all it's worth. Paul encouraged Timothy to remember the value of the Scriptures and he wrote: "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. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." (2 Timothy 3:15-17, The Message)
"God-breathed" is a curious construction, isn't it? In many translations the word is "inspired." The Bible didn't fall down from the sky on parchment written by angelic scribes! Peter tells us that the human authors were "moved by the Spirit." They breathed the Breath of God and, in their stories and words, recorded His wisdom for us. To recognize the human means of receiving the Word does not, in any way, diminish its power in my life, but it does make it study a bit more complex. For example, to fully understand Paul's teaching letters we need to know something about the disciples to whom he first wrote his letters. Galatians, that wonderful letter about Christian freedom from religious regulations, was written to a church he had founded that had fallen under the spell of false teachers who were stealing the richness of Christ's grace from them. We can feel Paul's passion still after 2000 years as he asks, "You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified." (Galatians 3:1, NIV)
The way that we commonly hear the Bible used may actually diminish our ability to understand it. We hear a snippet here and a proof text there, little lines taken from their rich context and turned into a kind of pithy proverb to make a point. Yes, it is the common way the Bible is read and preached and used - even here in CoffeeBreak. It is true that we can excerpt passages and study them, we may even quote a phrase to underscore a point, but the best way to let the Scripture become the Gift of Truth to us which God intends - is to read it with understanding of context, with grasp of the story line, and with deep love for the One whose Breath makes the Words alive!
Let me encourage you to read the Bible as ‘God’s-story’! Don't read it to 'get something' out of it. Don't go looking for a proof-text to vindicate your pre-conceived idea. Don’t just grab for a passage to support your latest idea about doctrine. Read the Word with an open heart and discerning mind, with an invitation to the Holy Spirit to make it the ‘living Word.’ Be cautious about reducing it to mere nouns and verbs to be parsed. Keep a real heart of wonder at the revelations in it and a deep humility to accept them as instructive for life here and now. God will use those ancient texts to create wisdom in you, to shape your life in a way that pleases Him, as you come to love Him for the amazing, complex, Being He reveals.
Read your Bible again- for the first time!
_______________________
The unregulated and largely unfiltered flow of words requires real wisdom and a measuring stick of truth. Disciple, our standard of Truth is the Holy Scripture. Are you a good student of the Bible, a person who genuinely loves the Word of God and reads it for all it's worth. Paul encouraged Timothy to remember the value of the Scriptures and he wrote: "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. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." (2 Timothy 3:15-17, The Message)
"God-breathed" is a curious construction, isn't it? In many translations the word is "inspired." The Bible didn't fall down from the sky on parchment written by angelic scribes! Peter tells us that the human authors were "moved by the Spirit." They breathed the Breath of God and, in their stories and words, recorded His wisdom for us. To recognize the human means of receiving the Word does not, in any way, diminish its power in my life, but it does make it study a bit more complex. For example, to fully understand Paul's teaching letters we need to know something about the disciples to whom he first wrote his letters. Galatians, that wonderful letter about Christian freedom from religious regulations, was written to a church he had founded that had fallen under the spell of false teachers who were stealing the richness of Christ's grace from them. We can feel Paul's passion still after 2000 years as he asks, "You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified." (Galatians 3:1, NIV)
The way that we commonly hear the Bible used may actually diminish our ability to understand it. We hear a snippet here and a proof text there, little lines taken from their rich context and turned into a kind of pithy proverb to make a point. Yes, it is the common way the Bible is read and preached and used - even here in CoffeeBreak. It is true that we can excerpt passages and study them, we may even quote a phrase to underscore a point, but the best way to let the Scripture become the Gift of Truth to us which God intends - is to read it with understanding of context, with grasp of the story line, and with deep love for the One whose Breath makes the Words alive!
Let me encourage you to read the Bible as ‘God’s-story’! Don't read it to 'get something' out of it. Don't go looking for a proof-text to vindicate your pre-conceived idea. Don’t just grab for a passage to support your latest idea about doctrine. Read the Word with an open heart and discerning mind, with an invitation to the Holy Spirit to make it the ‘living Word.’ Be cautious about reducing it to mere nouns and verbs to be parsed. Keep a real heart of wonder at the revelations in it and a deep humility to accept them as instructive for life here and now. God will use those ancient texts to create wisdom in you, to shape your life in a way that pleases Him, as you come to love Him for the amazing, complex, Being He reveals.
Read your Bible again- for the first time!
_______________________
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Are you hungry?
There are few things that stir up more happy memories for me than suppertime! In our house that is 5 PM, has been for years, and probably always will be. The smell of dinner cooking invites those at home to get ready to pull up a chair and enjoy a meal. If I have not eaten much throughout the day I look forward to supper even more with a real appetite.
Suppertime is associated in my mind with reconnecting with the family and swapping stories about the day. It was and is a bright spot in the day. There are, however, moments when suppertime is not inviting. If I’m having a disagreement with my wife, sitting down across from her is not what I want to do. If I had a large meal at lunch with a colleague, I have no appetite even for my favorite foods.
Jesus invites us to supper. Are you hungry? "I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you." (Revelation 3:20, The Message) Getting together with the Lord to be fed by the Word and nourished by worship, both with the church and individually, can be one of the best parts of our day or week. When we share the things that weigh us down with Him in prayer, it eases the burden, and changes us so we can meet the challenges. When we offer up worshipful adoration, it renews our hope and helps us to remember why we exist. When we meditate on the Scripture, we are made wise and filled up with soul food that keeps us strong for the journey.
But, some of us have no appetite for supper with Christ Jesus because we have filled our souls with other things or we have become a stranger to Him and thus unable to enter into a conversation. The Bible warns against allowing "your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life. " (Luke 21:34, KJV) Maybe it will make more sense from The Message: "Don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping." (Luke 21:34, The Message) Soul hunger is universal! Just as our bodies require constant nourishment and develop an appetite daily, our spirits hunger, too. In the same way that we can temporarily satisfy our hunger with empty calories, and some do to such an extent that they lose their taste for meat and vegetables, we can fill up our spirits with endless pursuit of pleasure, games, and even more sensual satisfaction until our spiritual appetite for the true Food of Heaven is gone.
No one satisfies our soul hunger like Jesus Christ! The Word says, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6, NIV) “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat." (Matthew 5:6, The Message) If you lost your appetite for worship and the Word, if you longer love the Presence of Jesus, a fast is in order. Nothing sharpens the appetite like a simple water and fruit diet for a few days! When we have tasted the goodness of the Lord once, we can renew our hunger for Him by laying off the ‘junk food’ that has stolen our appetite.
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters;
and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
Give ear and come to me; hear me,
that your soul may live." (Isaiah 55:1-3, NIV)
________________
Jesus has a table spread
Where the saints of God are fed,
He invites His chosen people,
“Come and dine”;
With His manna He doth feed
And supplies our every need:
Oh, ’tis sweet to sup with
Jesus all the time!
“Come and dine,” the Master calleth,
“Come and dine”;
You may feast at Jesus’ table
all the time;
He Who fed the multitude,
turned the water into wine,
To the hungry calleth now,
“Come and dine.”
The disciples came to land,
Thus obeying Christ’s command,
For the Master called unto them,
“Come and dine”;
There they found their heart’s desire,
Bread and fish upon the fire;
Thus He satisfies the hungry every time.
Soon the Lamb will take His bride
To be ever at His side,
All the host of heaven will assembled be;
Oh, ’twill be a glorious sight,
All the saints in spotless white;
And with Jesus they will feast eternally.
- Charles Widmeyer, Public Domain
Suppertime is associated in my mind with reconnecting with the family and swapping stories about the day. It was and is a bright spot in the day. There are, however, moments when suppertime is not inviting. If I’m having a disagreement with my wife, sitting down across from her is not what I want to do. If I had a large meal at lunch with a colleague, I have no appetite even for my favorite foods.
Jesus invites us to supper. Are you hungry? "I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you." (Revelation 3:20, The Message) Getting together with the Lord to be fed by the Word and nourished by worship, both with the church and individually, can be one of the best parts of our day or week. When we share the things that weigh us down with Him in prayer, it eases the burden, and changes us so we can meet the challenges. When we offer up worshipful adoration, it renews our hope and helps us to remember why we exist. When we meditate on the Scripture, we are made wise and filled up with soul food that keeps us strong for the journey.
But, some of us have no appetite for supper with Christ Jesus because we have filled our souls with other things or we have become a stranger to Him and thus unable to enter into a conversation. The Bible warns against allowing "your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life. " (Luke 21:34, KJV) Maybe it will make more sense from The Message: "Don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping." (Luke 21:34, The Message) Soul hunger is universal! Just as our bodies require constant nourishment and develop an appetite daily, our spirits hunger, too. In the same way that we can temporarily satisfy our hunger with empty calories, and some do to such an extent that they lose their taste for meat and vegetables, we can fill up our spirits with endless pursuit of pleasure, games, and even more sensual satisfaction until our spiritual appetite for the true Food of Heaven is gone.
No one satisfies our soul hunger like Jesus Christ! The Word says, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6, NIV) “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat." (Matthew 5:6, The Message) If you lost your appetite for worship and the Word, if you longer love the Presence of Jesus, a fast is in order. Nothing sharpens the appetite like a simple water and fruit diet for a few days! When we have tasted the goodness of the Lord once, we can renew our hunger for Him by laying off the ‘junk food’ that has stolen our appetite.
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters;
and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
Give ear and come to me; hear me,
that your soul may live." (Isaiah 55:1-3, NIV)
________________
Jesus has a table spread
Where the saints of God are fed,
He invites His chosen people,
“Come and dine”;
With His manna He doth feed
And supplies our every need:
Oh, ’tis sweet to sup with
Jesus all the time!
“Come and dine,” the Master calleth,
“Come and dine”;
You may feast at Jesus’ table
all the time;
He Who fed the multitude,
turned the water into wine,
To the hungry calleth now,
“Come and dine.”
The disciples came to land,
Thus obeying Christ’s command,
For the Master called unto them,
“Come and dine”;
There they found their heart’s desire,
Bread and fish upon the fire;
Thus He satisfies the hungry every time.
Soon the Lamb will take His bride
To be ever at His side,
All the host of heaven will assembled be;
Oh, ’twill be a glorious sight,
All the saints in spotless white;
And with Jesus they will feast eternally.
- Charles Widmeyer, Public Domain
Monday, April 26, 2010
Simmering with resentment?
Just a few moments into the conversation, it was clear that she had been hurt and was now simmering with resentment. Her tense face and quick responses revealed the anger she was trying keep under control, but you did not need a psychology degree to read her agitated state of mind. Her simmering emotions were moving toward a full boil!
My dictionary defines resentment as “feeling displeasure or indignation at (a person, act, remark, etc.) from a sense of injury or insult.” It’s not a pleasant emotional state nor does it generally lead to a good end. A resentful person often becomes hypersensitive and perceives harmless remarks as offensive, innocent people as adversaries. Resentment eats at our heart and unless we deal with it will have a detrimental effect on all of our relationships, by turning us into an angry, lonely person.
I have seen resentment build up and destroy a marriage turning a once loving couple into rivals competing for respect and power in their relationship. “He will never treat like that again,” she declares in her wounded state. He angrily declares, “I won’t be ignored for one more day!” I have spoken with employees who are sabotaging their relationship with their boss because they were passed over for recognition or promotion. Their resentment blinds them to the destruction they are bringing on themselves by continuing their grudge match with their supervisor. I have seen Pastors ruin their ministry at a local church because after working hard on a project that goes unappreciated they allow an offended heart to become full of resentment.
Disciple, are you dealing with an offense?
Has someone failed to show you the respect you think you deserve?
Has someone you care deeply about not reciprocated your love creating a simmering resentment?
Have you been discriminated against, held back, or passed over because of age, sex, or race?
The wisdom of the Word runs counter to most conventional advice on such matters. In His model prayer, Jesus taught us the importance of letting go of our offense: "Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us." (Matthew 6:12, NLT)
This directive comes to all of us, "Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32, NLT)
In one of His most challenging words to us, Jesus says that we must "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back." (Luke 6:27-30, NIV) He makes no excuses or rationalization for resentment in our hearts, does He?
Let God become your defender. Give yourself to Him for vindication and recognition. He sees it all, knows it all, and promises justice; in His own time. We can take our disappointment, our broken heart, our indignation to Him; and we should! And, we leave it all there, with Him, asking Him to create a tender, gentle, loving heart in us. This is the paradox created by that choice of faith; with surrender of our desire to be right, we find greater peace. Is that difficult? Yes, it requires death to Self, silencing the screaming insistence of our mind that says, “I want my respect!”
Don’t let simmering resentment boil into full rage. Here’s a word from the Word. Meditate on it and let the beauty of His wisdom own your heart today.
"Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves." (James 1:20-22, NLT)
My dictionary defines resentment as “feeling displeasure or indignation at (a person, act, remark, etc.) from a sense of injury or insult.” It’s not a pleasant emotional state nor does it generally lead to a good end. A resentful person often becomes hypersensitive and perceives harmless remarks as offensive, innocent people as adversaries. Resentment eats at our heart and unless we deal with it will have a detrimental effect on all of our relationships, by turning us into an angry, lonely person.
I have seen resentment build up and destroy a marriage turning a once loving couple into rivals competing for respect and power in their relationship. “He will never treat like that again,” she declares in her wounded state. He angrily declares, “I won’t be ignored for one more day!” I have spoken with employees who are sabotaging their relationship with their boss because they were passed over for recognition or promotion. Their resentment blinds them to the destruction they are bringing on themselves by continuing their grudge match with their supervisor. I have seen Pastors ruin their ministry at a local church because after working hard on a project that goes unappreciated they allow an offended heart to become full of resentment.
Disciple, are you dealing with an offense?
Has someone failed to show you the respect you think you deserve?
Has someone you care deeply about not reciprocated your love creating a simmering resentment?
Have you been discriminated against, held back, or passed over because of age, sex, or race?
The wisdom of the Word runs counter to most conventional advice on such matters. In His model prayer, Jesus taught us the importance of letting go of our offense: "Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us." (Matthew 6:12, NLT)
This directive comes to all of us, "Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32, NLT)
In one of His most challenging words to us, Jesus says that we must "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back." (Luke 6:27-30, NIV) He makes no excuses or rationalization for resentment in our hearts, does He?
Let God become your defender. Give yourself to Him for vindication and recognition. He sees it all, knows it all, and promises justice; in His own time. We can take our disappointment, our broken heart, our indignation to Him; and we should! And, we leave it all there, with Him, asking Him to create a tender, gentle, loving heart in us. This is the paradox created by that choice of faith; with surrender of our desire to be right, we find greater peace. Is that difficult? Yes, it requires death to Self, silencing the screaming insistence of our mind that says, “I want my respect!”
Don’t let simmering resentment boil into full rage. Here’s a word from the Word. Meditate on it and let the beauty of His wisdom own your heart today.
"Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves." (James 1:20-22, NLT)
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