Roll Down Like A River

Sixty years ago today, Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered the “I have a dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, a voice for civil rights, a cry for justice.  He famously quoted the prophet Amos - "Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" (Amos 5:23-24, NIV)

While there has been much to celebrate in the intervening decades, there are miles to go to find “justice for all” in this great republic. Whatever your politics, whatever your views on economics, as Christians we should all be able to agree on the importance of justice in our society, justice in our legal system. But, it remains but a dream. Legal teams that examine cases find that about 1 in 20 cases result in wrongful conviction!  If you are a person of color or poor, the rate of wrongful conviction goes even higher in our system.

Justice starts with you and me!  Deeply rooted in the whole of the Bible as the will of God for us, a high calling as His own, we need to be concerned with justice, not only in our legal system, but in our day to day living. Justice, in the most basic sense, means to ‘make right,’ to bring about that which is good.

The Mosaic Law, which made the people of Israel distinctly different from the surrounding cultures, included repeated injunctions for the pursuit of just lives.  God’s people were commanded to do this - “Don’t pervert justice. Don’t show favoritism to either the poor or the great. Judge on the basis of what is right." (Leviticus 19:15, The Message)  "Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous." (Deuteronomy 16:19, NIV)

Our concept of ‘loving justice’ is often about the other guy. “But, Jerry, I love justice! I want the score settled, bad guys put in their place.”  Such justice is not really justice at all because it often colored by self-interest and/or fails to account for the context of the actions of another. It is retribution, or even vengeful, more about protecting our status than actually seeing justice done.

Jesus developed the idea that justice is shown by a refusal of pre-judgment. He did not see others for their race, sex, or religion. He saw people first.

The late Timothy Keller, pastor, wrote:  “Jesus shocked the social sensibilities of the day by receiving and treating all classes of people with equal love and respect. Samaritans were seen by the Jews as racial inferiors, yet twice Jesus places Samaritans on the same spiritual level as the Jews. (Luke 9:54; 17:16) Jesus touched off a riot when he declared that God loved Gentiles, such as the widow of Zarephath and Naaman the Syrian, (Luke 4:25-27) as much as Jews. Jesus reached out to lepers who were social outcasts, touching them and defying the contemporary social prohibitions (Luke 5:12-16; 17:11-19). He exhorted his disciples to not only be generous to the poor (Luke 11:41; 12:33; 19:8) but to welcome them into their homes and families. (Luke 14:13)”

James, the pastor of the church in Jerusalem, addressed the common (then and now!) practice of Christians, favoring those with greater resources or social influence. Christians in 2023, including this writer, need to humbly receive the inspired Word and pray for a life that is conformed to the will of God. "My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people more than others? For instance, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in shabby clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that you are guided by wrong motives?" (James 2:1-4, NLT) "And yet, you insult the poor man! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?" (James 2:6, NLT)  Few things will make our testimony more counter-cultural than seeking to be people who treat all with the same respect, kindness, and acceptance.  This does not blind us to sin or wrong, nor does it rob our ability to call for change.

However, if we are just, we will not let stereotypical labels cause us to dismiss entire groups of people with whom we disagree or whose actions are reprehensible in the eyes of God. We will be like Jesus who challenged sin but with the desire to see persons changed by the love of His Father.  In our justice, love comes first. It is nearly impossible to seek another’s reconciliation with God if we hold them in contempt! Interestingly, the only people that were treated with contempt by the Lord Jesus were those who hid themselves in self-righteousness and claimed to have ‘insider status’ with God Himself. Their pride made them deaf to the Spirit, incapable of hearing His invitation to truly know God. I wonder if He might say the same of so many ‘Christians’ in our nation who are churched and outwardly socially acceptable, but who lack charity towards those who are different, who are without God or His love?

Keller writes these provocative thoughts. “The sinful human heart rejects God as Lord and Savior and seeks to justify itself (Romans 1:21-25; 9:32), and one of the ways we justify ourselves is by “looking down” on those who are different (Luke 18:9-14). One of the main ways humans do this is through differences of race and culture. We take mere cultural differences and preferences that–biblically speaking, are neither good or bad–and we view them as virtues.  We see cultures who lack those things as inferior. This is how we bolster our sense of self-worth.” (https://quarterly.gospelinlife.com/justice-in-the-bible/)  Read that again!  

It is not a wonder to me that a large percentage of Americans have abandoned the church and turned a deaf ear to preachers who proclaim their cultural preferences and values as the ‘Gospel of Christ.’  Jesus is not uniquely American!  If Jesus is wrapped up in our political rhetoric, our prosperity teaching, or our prejudice, He will become invisible to those who need to know Him as we do. He is the Savior of the World.  Oh that we would pray for a larger vision, for eyes that are like His eyes, as we look at others.

When we see them as persons, not problems; as equals not as inferiors; as those that God desires to reconcile to Himself – we will change.

Are you a person deeply committed to justice, praying that your attitudes, your words, and your actions will be generous, fair?

Here is a word from the Word. May the Spirit make it living Word for us today. "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8, NIV)

(Video of this blog at this link)

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We Will Stand

Sometimes it's hard for me to understand

Why we pull away from each other so easily

Even though we're all walking the same road

Yet we build dividing walls

Between our brothers and ourselves

 

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

If you believe in Jesus you belong with me

The bond we share is all I care to see

And we'll change the world forever

If you will join with me

Join and sing sing

 

You're my brother you're my sister

So take me by the hand

Together we will work until He comes

There's no foe that can defeat us

When we're walking side by side

As long as there is love

We will stand

 

The day will come when we will be as one

And with a mighty voice

Together we will proclaim that Jesus

Jesus is King

It will echo through the earth

It will shake the nations

And the world will see see that

 

Take me by the hand

Join with me

Join and see yeah

James Hollihan | Russ Taff | Tori Taff

© 1983 Curb Word Music

CCLI License # 810055

Investing!

Since retiring, leaving behind a regular income, I have paid more attention to my investment accounts. An uptick in the interest rate of even .5% is cause for happiness.  I celebrate a good day on Wall Street knowing that the bottom line of balance sheet will grow a little bit. I am thankful for those resources that allow me to enjoy this season of life. But, those things are not my true wealth!

Even more valuable to me are the promises of God’s love and the relationships with which I am blessed in this life.  While I was serving at our food pantry yesterday I saw a little girl who was afraid because she couldn’t find her Mom’s car in the parking area.  I called out to her as her lip trembled, “It’s going to be OK, we’ll find your Mom.” She came running and jumped into my arms, her fear quickly subsiding as I pointed her in the right direction. Yes, this grandpa found that brief encounter one of the richest moments of my day.  Earlier that same day I sat for a half hour in the church’s sanctuary and thanked the Lord for His Presence that provides hope, meaning, and purpose for me. My richest resource is His love!

Are you invested in the best things, the true wealth of life?  Jesus challenged the materialism that commands so much of our attention with this story. "Real life is not measured by how much we own.” And he gave an illustration: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. In fact, his barns were full to overflowing. So he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store everything. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get it all?’ “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” (Luke 12:15-21, NLT)

Are you 'rich toward God?' (Luke 12:21)
Are you pursuing Him, seeking to live in the center of His goodness, enjoying the wealth of His favor? You can!
I do not belong to an exclusive club that is open only to those of some special bloodline or heritage. I received the grace of God, and you can receive Him, too.

There is a persistent temptation to “fill our barn with Self and not with God.”  We defeat that lie, that false measure of riches, by remembering who we are in Christ, by making times of worship, contemplative prayer, and service a regular part of life. When we trust Christ fully for life eternal, we find peace and love which then flows over from us to those among whom we live. Being ‘rich toward God’ is not a matter of being religious enough; it is about loving Him – heart, soul, mind, and strength- because He has loved us first. 

Let this own your mind -  "For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 5:21-6:2, NLT)

Choose now to receive the gift of God's Spirit: an undeserved favor and reconciliation with your Father in Heaven. Pray that your life will be enveloped by His Spirit, your life hidden in Christ. I cannot promise you that all your troubles will go away. Neither the Scripture nor my experience of the Christian life would support such a claim. But I can promise you that you will find a whole new way to calculate your wealth and in becoming ‘rich towards God’ you will know that life to the full which Jesus promised to us.

The word from the Word is the best investment advice ever given, from the Lord Himself. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21, NIV)

(Video of this blog at this link)

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How Rich Am I

How rich I am since Jesus came my way

Redeemed my soul and turned my night to day

How very rich how very rich I am

 

Such peace and joy I never knew before

And countless blessings from His boundless Store

How very rich how very rich I am

 

There's a greater glory in a sunset

A brighter twinkle in a star

There's much more promise in a rainbow

More music in a singing bird by far

All things have changed my eyes once blind can see

The whole wide world is now a symphony

And with all this Heav'n is my destiny

How rich I am

 

 

John W. Peterson

1956. Renewed 1984 John W. Peterson Music Company

CCLI License # 810055

Your Resource?

Today, as you do whatever it is you do, from what or whom will you seek security? What is your richest resource?  For some, the balance in their bank account is important. And let’s acknowledge the obvious- having enough money to secure our home, our transportation, our food is comforting. For others security is found in their relationship with another.  When I was a child, nothing made me feel more secure than standing next to my Dad!  Perhaps for you it is a spouse or a close friend that gives you a sense of well-being. Some trust their skills, others find safety in their home, still others build a reputation that provides their foundation.

There is a resource for the child of God that is inexhaustible, eternal, and available to everyone: God Himself!

In a complex story in Genesis, God asks Abraham to take a trip to Mt. Moriah to do a sacrifice. Isaac, his son, accompanies him on the journey and wonders aloud where the sacrificial lamb is. “Dad, we have fire, we have wood, but where is the lamb?” What the boy does not know is that he is to be offered on that altar. Yes, the story is hard for me to fully understand, but the ending is where I want us to focus today. “Lay down the knife,” the angel said. “Do not hurt the boy in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld even your beloved son from me.” Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a bush. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering on the altar in place of his son. Abraham named the place “The Lord Will Provide.” (YHWH Yireh)" (Genesis 22:12-14, NLT)

At a moment of 'impossibility' the father of the faithful found the true resource – and named Him, “The LORD, my Provider.”   If you know more of Abraham’s story you will remember that when he made God his resource, he lived in blessings.  When he tried to take care of his own needs in his own way results were awful.

God desires to be our Resource for every need. In the story of Creation, we find that He made this world to be a place of abundance where every need of every person should be met. Human sin- greed, selfishness, exploitation – destroys the balance and creates poverty of spirit and body.  But, when we align ourselves with His way and will, we discover that He is for us, like Abraham, our Provider!

When Paul traveled the empire of Rome to share the message of Jesus – he lived in faith. His testimony is this - "this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, NLT)

Let’s not make the mistake of thinking of ‘resources’ only in terms of wealth. That is a major temptation of our material culture that loves money above most all else. God’s provision is for the whole person. He provides salvation for the sinful, peace for the anxious, love to the unloved, an identity for those who are without ‘place.’  And yes, He can be trusted to provide what we need.  Knowing the difference between what I need and what I think I need can be a real challenge. 

How easily I confuse ‘I want that’ with ‘I need that.’ 
Does that happen to you, too?

The word from the Word today is Jesus’ reminder of our Resources found in the Father.  These words are taken from His sermon on the mount and I have used a contemporary paraphrase called The Message to help us to think them through. May the Spirit give us faith and understanding so that we will live richly in our Father’s love. Jesus, speaking of God’s care for birds and flowers goes on to say -  

 "What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax,
to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving.
People who don’t know God and the way he works
fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works.
 

Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions.
Don’t worry about missing out.
You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. " 

(Matthew 6:31-33, The Message)   Lord, increase our faith.

 (Video of this blog at this link)

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Goodness Of God (CeCe Winans does this anthem so well. Be blessed!)

I love You Lord

Oh Your mercy never fails me

All my days

I've been held in Your hands

From the moment that I wake up

Until I lay my head

I will sing of the goodness of God

 

All my life You have been faithful

All my life You have been so so good

With every breath that I am able

I will sing of the goodness of God

 

I love Your voice

You have led me through the fire

In darkest night

You are close like no other

I've known You as a father

I've known You as a friend

I have lived in the goodness of God

 

Your goodness is running after

It’s running after me

Your goodness is running after

It’s running after me

With my life laid down

I’m surrendered now

I give You everything

Your goodness is running after

It's running after me

 

Ben Fielding | Brian Johnson | Ed Cash | Jason Ingram | Jenn Johnson

© 2018 Capitol CMG Paragon; SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia; Fellow Ships Music; So Essential Tunes; Bethel Music Publishing

CCLI License # 810055

 

Where do you find strength?

10 years ago I could not have imagined just how difficult and sad the next two years would be! Bev and I were enjoying life together and then came the cancer diagnosis, her long struggle with treatment, and her death. It was every bit as traumatic and dramatic as it sounds. Do I believe that I am unique in this world?  Of course not.  Life can be going along just wonderfully and bam! we hit a wall: sickness, death, divorce, business failure, a child who becomes troubled …   This proverb is surely true. "People are born for trouble as predictably as sparks fly upward from a fire." (Job 5:7, NLT) 

What choices will we make in those times? Will we fall apart, become bitter, retreat into self-pity or simmering anger at God and the world? OR, will we make the better choice?

David was anointed by Samuel to be the next king in Israel. While he waited to take the throne, he served King Saul as a brilliant military strategist, played his harp in court, and generally brought good to the nation. The people loved him and his growing popularity ate at Saul until his jealousy drove him into an insane (literally!) obsession with David’s murder.  David eventually became a fugitive and found himself living among Israel’s enemies, the Philistines.

A low point in his life came when David and his army returned from a campaign to find this had happened in their absence. "Three days later, when David and his men arrived home at their town of Ziklag, they found that the Amalekites had made a raid into the Negev and had burned Ziklag to the ground. They had carried off the women and children and everyone else but without killing anyone. When David and his men saw the ruins and realized what had happened to their families, they wept until they could weep no more. David’s two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel, were among those captured. David was now in serious trouble because his men were very bitter about losing their wives and children, and they began to talk of stoning him.”  Take note of the fact that David was not above grief and sorrow.  He joined his men in ‘weeping until they could weep no more.’ He was no Stoic, unwilling to allow himself to feel or express his emotions. BUT, he becomes an example for us in what he did next.

“But David found strength in the Lord his God." (1 Samuel 30:1-6, NLT)  He knew his great resource was in the Lord YWHW, the “Great I AM” and so he turned to prayer. The details are spare but given what we know of David’s love for the Lord it is not hard to imagine that he went to be alone, taking his harp and singing the songs he had written over the years, songs we know as the Psalms.  Perhaps he wept as he sang.  Perhaps he choked on the words of faith as he gave voice to truths that seemed to be lies in the moment. Might he have sung this?

"Of David. A psalm. I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD." (Psalm 40:1-3, NIV)  

What we do know is that he found encouragement, comfort, and wisdom to move forward in leadership.  He rallied his men and with God’s help recovered all that was lost in a hard fought battle.

Do you know how to find your strength in the Lord?

Do you know the power of worship,
the value of quiet retreat to prayer?

Will you still your emotions and turn your mind and heart
to the Presence of the Holy?

For so many years of pastoral ministry, when I found myself wrestling with challenges or nearly overwhelmed by the human needs that came my way, I found such peace in the sanctuary.  I would go into the church, find a corner, and lay on my face in prayer, often just quiet, sometimes softly singing, occasionally weeping. What renewal I found in those moments, when I was like a child before his Father, acknowledging my need and His promises!

Jesus shows us the pattern of being ‘encouraged in the Lord’ in His Gethsemane experience. After the Last Supper, as he knew the Cross was just ahead, he did this. "Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing." (Matthew 26:36-44, NIV)  He prayed and prayed and prayed until His soul found peace in the will of God and then He went to give Himself on the Cross where He reconciled the world to the Creator!  Oh, Lord, show us how to find Your strength that we would fulfill Your will in our lives!

The word from the Word is both a challenge and a promise. Make your resolve today and always. "Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. “For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And a righteous person will live by faith. But I will have no pleasure in anyone who turns away.” But we are not like those who turn their backs on God and seal their fate. We have faith that assures our salvation." (Hebrews 10:35-39, NLT)

(Video of this blog at this link)

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A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God
A bulwark never failing
Our helper He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe
His craft and pow'r are great
And armed with cruel hate
On earth is not his equal

Did we in our own strength confide
Our striving would be losing
Were not the right Man on our side
The Man of God's own choosing
Dost ask who that may be
Christ Jesus it is He
Lord Sabaoth His name
From age to age the same
And He must win the battle

And tho' this world with devils filled
Should threaten to undo us
We will not fear for God hath willed
His truth to triumph thru us
The prince of darkness grim
We tremble not for him
His rage we can endure
For lo his doom is sure
One little word shall fell him

Martin Luther, Public Domain

Make it beautiful

I like creating order out of chaos, even in such a simple thing as keeping my lawn mowed.  I’m a fan of a clean house and a washed car. There’s just something rewarding to me that flows out of making a little spot of order and beauty in the world that knows so much chaos. No amount of wishing, hoping, or talking can make any of those happen.  I have to get up and get at it, willing to expend some energy. The curse of sin brings weeds and decay our way, but with God’s help, we can make a difference, but will we?

A beautiful life of a Christian, a character marked by the Spirit’s fruit –  “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” - (Galatians 5:22)  requires the application of ourselves in spiritual disciplines. Christlikeness demands our daily attention and the work of the Spirit in us. Faith that survives the chaos is built by doing the small things that honor Him.

Here is a tough question - Is your life filled with chaos, unfinished business, unresolved conflict – all growing like weeds? 

Jesus in us, experienced in the life of the Holy Spirit, gives us the ability to make a new choice, to begin to live “on purpose.”  The chaos can be turned into beauty  - one choice, one day, at a time. Of course, we cannot control everything!  Storms and sickness visit us uninvited despite our best preparations and preventatives! However, those who have learned to walk with God are much better equipped to deal with those surprises, even to learn from them!

Theirs is a faith that is anchored in God’s unwavering providence. He says  "And do not forget the things I have done throughout history. For I am God—I alone! I am God, and there is no one else like me. Only I can tell you what is going to happen even before it happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish." (Isaiah 46:9-10, NLT)  And, from His promise, we gain inspiration to make a choice for beauty – of heart, character, mind- all of life!

Beware of two extremes that can deceive us in the pursuit of beauty. Some assume all the responsibility for living a life that is pleasing to God, creating crushing burdens of perfectionism. They are obsessed with religious rules, a slave to the Law, living joylessly. Tragically, those who pursue the beauty of the Lord in their own strength tend to become pretenders, unable or unwilling to admit their failures.

At the other end – there are those who refuse their responsibility – mistakenly thinking that God, the Spirit, will just make a beautiful life appear magically. Lacking sustained discipline that creates pathways for the Spirit, that lead to growth and greatness, their life gets cluttered with sin and is marked by an infantile faith.

The interdependence of our daily choice and God’s Spirit are nowhere any more clear than in Romans 8 where we read - "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. … Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. …  Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. … Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live." (Romans 8:1-2, 5, 12-13, NIV)

Let’s pray for the Spirit to be at work in us, even as we give ourselves to the work of creating beauty. Let’s choose to meet hate with love, division with peace-making, aimlessness with purpose, despair with hope, destruction with restoration – for the glory of our God, ‘Who makes beautiful things!’

Here's a practical word from the Word. Prayerfully read it, understanding that it is not a suggestion, but a Divine Imperative.

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.
Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.
Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:8-9, NLT)

(Video of this blog at this link)

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Beautiful Things

All this pain,

I wonder if I'll ever find my way?

I wonder if my life could really change,

At all?

All this earth,

Could all that is lost ever be found?

Could a garden come up from this ground,

At all?

You make beautiful things,

You make beautiful things out of the dust.

You make beautiful things,

You make beautiful things out of us.

Hope is springing up from this old ground,

Out of chaos life is being found,

In You.

You make me new, You are making me new!

You make me new, You are making me new!

 

Lisa Gungor | Michael Gungor

© 2009 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

CCLI License # 810055

 

God’s waiting room

It’s been a month of hospitals, doctors, needles, and exams. Waiting rooms are not where I like to be. How about you? I am truly grateful for the care but I’m ready to just get on with life!  Yes, I am growing in compassion for those who live with chronic illness even while I am impatient with my body. Yes, I pray asking my Father to live with grace, to experience peace and patience. It would be nice to report that I always hear His voice and feel His Presence. The truth is on many days there is only silence. I am in “God’s waiting room.”   Yes, my mind knows that "God has a plan," but my heart feels that it is slow in the development. My faith in God is not in jeopardy. I know Him well.  He is working on a different timeline than I would prefer.

Have you lived in an ‘in between’ time, when you waited for answers, wrestled with pain, and prayed to get on with life?   It is not unusual. St. John of the Cross called those moments the "dark night of the soul." I have heard others refer to the "dry desert journeying" when the soul is thirsty for God's love. The tempter attempts to turn our focus to ourselves, to make us feel as though we have caused God's silence, and when he succeeds a sense of false guilt is added to our sorrow! In fact, we cannot always know why God is silent and we have only to hold onto His promises while we wait. David’s declaration invites me to faith. "Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." (Psalm 27:14, NLT)

I know that there are practical things that I can do while I wait.

I must not forget what He has said to me in the past and in His Word.  Ongoing trials must not cause me to forget to love Him or to love others, the two commands that are the foundation of all the will of God.

I must keep an eternal perspective.  Paul referred to his difficulties as “light and momentary.”  We are eternal beings and if we allow ourselves to forget that fact, we may bring even greater troubles to our lives by seeking some temporary comfort for ourselves in things that are destructive.

I must remember to go - "Steady on, to endure!" This is the directive of the Word for such times. "Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong." (Hebrews 12:13, NLT)

I must let myself know sadness, realizing that it not a lack of faith to know disappointment, even as I guard my heart from bitterness or anger. To question God's seeming absence is no sin. To wonder why we are not able to hear His voice or sense the comfort of the Spirit is quite acceptable. To rail on Him, to accuse Him of being uncaring, unloving, or unjust only creates a place for doubt to flourish and bitterness to take root. The Word warns that from that root of bitterness comes great and troubling discontent!

Are you in a hard time, seemingly stranded in God’s waiting room?  Then, I invite you to pray, with me, for faithfulness! This was what I asked of Him today that He would see my weakness and make it an opportunity to display His power, that He would defend me against the Destroyer and keep me faithful. Ask Him the same. He will do it, for His glory and His own Name's sake. Amen.

Meditate on this song from the Psalm today, our word from the Word. May God give us peace.

"Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name.
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken."
O LORD, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm;
but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.

To you, O LORD, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy:
"What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it proclaim your faithfulness?
Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help."

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and
clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever."  (Psalm 30:4-12, NIV)

(Video of this blog at this link)

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Lord I Need You

 

Lord I come I confess

Bowing here I find my rest

And without You I fall apart

You're the one that guides my heart

 

Lord I need You oh I need You

Ev'ry hour I need You

My one defense my righteousness

Oh God how I need You

 

Where sin runs deep Your grace is more

Where grace is found is where You are

And where You are Lord I am free

Holiness is Christ in me

Where You are Lord I am free

Holiness is Christ in me

 

So teach my song to rise to You

When temptation comes my way

And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You

Jesus You're my hope and stay

And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You

Jesus You're my hope and stay

 

Lord I need You oh I need You

Ev'ry hour I need You

My one defense my righteousness

Oh God how I need You

My one defense my righteousness

Oh God how I need You

 

Christy Nockels | Daniel Carson | Jesse Reeves | Kristian Stanfill | Matt Maher

© 2011 sixsteps Music; Sweater Weather Music; Thankyou Music; Valley Of Songs Music; worshiptogether.com songs

CCLI License # 810055

Always With You

A couple of months ago, I wanted to replace the top on my Miata. I knew that the job was close to impossible for me alone but I have a friend who is a genius at that kind of thing. Jacob consented to be the lead guy on the job which we tackled one day in his garage.  After about 6 hours of work, real work, my car had a new convertible top that looks great!  Most tasks are like that, aren’t they? They just go better when the work is shared, when there is someone present who knows how to accomplish the task.

Are you attempting to live the Christian life with determination, attempting to do the impossible on your own?  Let me remind you that the Way is impossible by yourself BUT there is a Promised One who lives in us, making us what we can never be on our own.  The night before He went to the Cross, Jesus sat with His friend for a long conversation that is recorded by John. Jesus told them He was going to leave them but that they would not be ‘orphaned.’ 

"It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." (John 16:7, NIV) The Spirit is our “Comforter, Friend, Counselor, Advocate, and Helper." The word Jesus used to name the Spirit – Parakletos - was one used to describe a person who supplied the kind of support that I had in Jacob when we put on that new car top. A “paraclete” was a friend, coach, and advocate!

The secret of the joyful Christian life is the Spirit Life in us. When we make the Gospel into commandments, or a system of ethics, or a moral law, or liturgical worship, we become frustrated by our inabilities. Yes, Christians will worship, be ethical, live with a high set of morals but as a result of the inner life of the Spirit not as the result of their own rigid will.  

The late Eugene Peterson writes that ‘there is not a whole lot we can do here, any more than we can pitch in and work on the Cosmos or assist Jesus in salvation. But, there is a great deal that the Spirit will do; the Resurrection Community is the Spirit’s work. What we can do and need to do is this – be there to accept what is sent by the Father in Jesus’ Name. Be there, receptive and obedient. Be there, praying’ making yourself available to Him.  Memorize this promise that Jesus made - "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17, NIV)

When you sense yourself failing, or when you face the calling to some place of service or growth that appears to be impossible – breath in the life of the Spirit. Look away from yourself and thank God for the One who is not just with us, but who lives IN US.  Who is so broken that you have no words?  Who is mired deeply in sin and/or dysfunction so that you could conclude they are beyond redemption? 

Remember, God, the Spirit, is our Source, our Wisdom, our Power.  He is 'on call' 24/7!  If we are solely focused on our abilities and resources -  if we think we can do spiritual work with natural talents or abilities – we are destined to be ineffective, frustrated, and failing. 

Today, invite God to take the lead, to show you just how He can take your unique experiences, your personality, your situation and make you an effective ambassador of His kingdom:  in your home, your school, your place of work, your extended family, and in your church.  Invite the Holy Spirit to fill you, to renew you. You are a Gifted Child of God.  When you live in Him, you will find joy for the journey.

The word from the Word is rich in promise. "But when the Father sends the Counselor as my representative—and by the Counselor I mean the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I myself have told you. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid." (John 14:26-27, NLT)   Ah, Spirit of God, find me open to Your Presence, receptive to Your guidance, and ready to be Your home.  Amen.

(Video of this blog at this link)

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Holy Spirit Faithful Guide

 

Holy Spirit faithful guide

Ever near the Christian's side

Gently lead us by the hand

Pilgrims in a desert land

Weary souls fore'er rejoice

While they hear that sweetest voice

Whisp'ring softly wand'rer come

Follow Me I'll guide Thee home

 

Ever present truest Friend

Ever near Thine aid to lend

Leave us not to doubt and fear

Groping on in darkness drear

When the storms are ragging sore

Hearts grow faint and hopes give o'er

Whisper softly wande'rer come

Follow Me I'll guide thee home

 

When our days of toil shall cease

Waiting still for sweet release

Nothing left but heav'n and prayer

Wond'ring if our names were there

Wading deep the dismal flood

Pleading naught but Jesus' blood

Whisper softly wand'rer come

Follow Me I'll guide Thee home

Marcus Morris Wells

Public Domain

Pushing Fear out of the Picture

When Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to the Presidency of the United States in 1932, his first inaugural address included these well-known words -  “Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”  It was great rhetoric becoming part of our history, but was it true?  Not really! 

There were very real reasons for people to feel fearful – a broken economy, the growing threat of Nazism in Europe, the conflicts in Asia between Japan and China – for starters.  In reading the text of his speech, we hear him acknowledge the real troubles of the nation and the world, however  …  the President knew that he needed to inspire hope, to stir people from their helplessness, to turn the country around - and he did. Whatever you may think of his policies and programs, Roosevelt’s ability to lead and inspire is unquestionably legendary. 

Are you fearful?  Fear is rampant in these United States in 2023. We are afraid of each other, of violence, most mistrust our government. Church leaders do not fare much better with nearly a third of Americans, especially those under the age of 30, convinced of corruption and/or hypocrisy.  The constant drone of the news channels makes us feel powerless, turning every challenge into a potential apocalypse. With the rapid social change that is reshaping our society, many of us have allowed ourselves to be disconnected from larger social groups – church, extended family, community organizations -  that could offer stability. This makes us even more vulnerable to anxiety and the resulting reactionary choices that are so destructive in the long-term.

It does little good to tell a person “Don’t be afraid!”  Ah, right.
Fear is not simply erased. It is replaced, pushed out of our thoughts by truth, by faith, by reason, and by hope.

David, the writer of the Psalm, declares: "The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger— so why should I tremble? … Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." (Psalm 27:1,14, NLT)  See the refocus, the change of perspective in his song? 

Jesus asks us to think with faith so we can defeat fear. “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill you. They can only kill the body; they cannot do any more to you. But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill people and then throw them into hell. “What is the price of five sparrows? A couple of pennies? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows." (Luke 12:4-7, NLT)  His words are stark, arresting my attention – Fear God!  Yet … and then He reminds us of the heart of our Father – Who knows the plight of the sparrow and counts the hairs of our head.

The way to push fear away is to build faith, to ask the Spirit of God for eyes to see the hand of the Father that holds us securely.  We must not try to minimize the reality in which we live nor should ourselves to slip into the false peace of denial of the truth. There are very real issues to deal with - in your life and mine.  I am still wrestling with some physical things that are as yet unknown in their impact, but I choose to renew my hope in the fact that God has my life in His hands – now and for eternity – so I can know peace. What are you struggling with? What robs you of sleep in the small hours of the morning when you awaken in the darkness?  Take it to the Lord in prayer! Pray for faith to replace fear.

The word from the Word this day is a great Psalm, one I suggest you commit to memory. 
"Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence as clear as the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes." (Psalm 37:3-7, NLT)

That, dear friend, is God’s prescription for peace. Let’s live it!

(Video of this blog at this link)

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I Speak Jesus

I just want to speak the Name of Jesus

Over ev'ry heart and ev'ry mind

'Cause I know there is peace within Your presence

I speak Jesus

 

I just want to speak the Name of Jesus

'Til ev'ry dark addiction starts to break

Declaring there is hope and there is freedom

I speak Jesus

 

('Cause) Your Name is power

Your Name is healing

Your Name is life

Break ev'ry stronghold

Shine through the shadows

Burn like a fire

I just want to speak the Name of Jesus

Over fear and all anxiety

To ev'ry soul held captive by depression

I speak Jesus

 

Shout Jesus from the mountains

Jesus in the streets

Jesus in the darkness over ev'ry enemy

Jesus for my fam'ly

I speak the holy Name Jesus

 

Abby Benton | Carlene Prince | Dustin Smith | Jesse Reeves | Kristen Dutton | Raina Pratt

© 2019 Here Be Lions Publishing; Integrity's Praise! Music; BEC Worship; Raina Pratt publishing designee; Worship Coalition Songs; WriterWrong Music

CCLI License # 810055