While looking for a book on the shelves in my office a couple of days ago, I came upon a book my son, Sean, prepared for me as gift at Christmas a couple of years ago. In it, he recalled events and moments from his childhood. Being the sentimental sap I am, tears stung my eyes as I read through it again. You know what stood out to me? The fact that he remembered little stuff- breakfast together on Saturday, getting to wear one of my crosses to church, getting bad hot chocolate at Pinky’s Café. (There’s a story there, but no time here to tell it!) I didn’t get to be a good Dad in his eyes by being Super-Dad one or two weeks each year. He didn’t put the trip to Disney in his book. He didn’t write about big, expensive gifts. What he remembered and celebrated was that I was there for him, consistently, fairly, all the time!
Because it will be Father’s Day this coming Sunday, I want to take this opportunity to encourage all those Dads who read “Coffeebreak” to embrace the challenge and high calling of fathering, and to do it in a way that honors God and blesses your kids. Being a good Dad will require constantly adjusting your schedule, re-setting priorities, and living with integrity! Nothing disillusions a child more than the dawning realization that Dad does not keep his word, that he talks a much better Christian game than he lives! More than a few times I’ve counseled a teenager through a rough time when they are ready to throw away their faith because they see the yawning gap that exists between the faith their father professes and the life he lives!
Dad, does that mean you have to be perfect? Not at all. It does mean that you have to work at growing in Christ. It also demands that when you get it wrong, you admit it – to the Lord first and then to your family. Real confession of our sins and failure, offered without excuse, demonstrates honesty and because it is so painful, helps to keep us from doing it again!
The Bible says, "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4, NIV) The Message says, "Fathers, don’t exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master."
I will always be Dad, discipling my children even though the youngest is now 27 years of age and a continent away. I am no longer responsible for their discipline, but I am there for them, still offering advice, still blazing a trail for them to follow. My Dad blazed a trail for me and since his death I feel a keen loss. Another friend, who is my age, lost his Dad, too. As we were talking about Dad’s, Mark remarked, “You miss be able to call up the Captain and ask, ‘So, Dad, what do you think?” I miss that, too!
Now my aim is that as long as God gives me life, to be the kind of man, the kind of Christian, that causes my children to seek my friendship and wisdom. This will not happen in my life by sheer determination alone. I must be ‘fathered’ by the Great Father, led by God, inhabited by His Spirit. How I thank God for the promise that He will lead me, teach me, and empower me. Do you want to lead your children to Him?
Be a follower, first. Then you can say, "Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1, NLT)
___________
Surrounded by so great
A cloud of witnesses,
Let us run the race
Not only for the prize,
But as those who've gone before us.
Let us leave to those behind us,
The heritage of faithfulness
Passed on thru godly lives.
After all our hopes and dreams
Have come and gone,
And our children sift thru all
We've left behind,
May the clues that they discover,
And the mem'ries they uncover,
Become the light that leads them,
To the road we each must find.
O may all who come behind us
Find us faithful,
May the fire of our devotion
Light their way.
May the footprints that we leave,
Lead them to believe,
And the lives we live
Inspire them to obey.
O may all who come behind us
Find us faithful.
Find Us Faithful
Mohr, Jon
© 1987 Jonathan Mark Music ARR UBP of Gaither Copyright Management / Birdwing Music (a div. of EMI Christian Music Publishing) CCLI License No. 810055
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Serenity can be yours!
Anxiety is the epidemic of our age, isn’t it? We are stressed by time pressure, unmet expectations, a faltering economy, gloomy predictions for the future … and too many personal things to even begin to mention. For me, the current stressor is the budget for the church and her ministries. We are closing our fiscal year in a couple of weeks and planning for the coming year in this economic climate is not fun! But, I would be in sin if I failed acknowledge the way that the Lord and His people have provided so that the church’s work continued with enough resources through this present year. He has been Yahweh Yireh (The Lord, Our Provider; Genesis 22:14), and I am deeply grateful.
In the second half of John’s Gospel, we read an extended conversation between Jesus and His disciples over the final Passover meal as He prepared them for His imminent arrest and death. It’s a sober, yet at times almost comedic, exchange in which they just don’t get it. They are confused by His words, unable to grasp His promise of a new Comforter that will come to live in them, the Holy Spirit. Jesus does not sugarcoat the future. He warns them that they will be persecuted by the world who will not like them any more than they liked Him. He tells them that when they do good, they will be hated. He says that troubles will come their way. We need to hear those words!
A silly brand of Christianity is ballyhooed by thousands of preachers that implies that becoming a follower of Christ Jesus will bring bright skies, endless horizons, and days of bliss! Those who hear those false promises often conclude that they must be ‘bad’ or have ‘no faith,’ because trouble and trials continue to be part of life. Certainly, we do bring some trouble on our own heads by walking willfully, out of step with the Spirit. However, if we are deeply committed we will be up to our necks in difficulties! Why? Because we are called to serve in hard places, commissioned to live against the current, resisting the Devil and his evil works – even to the point of death!
But…. (don’t you love that conjunctive word?) peace is possible. Yes, serenity is God’s gift to us. Here’s what Jesus said at that supper to men who were confused and stressed by what He had told them about their future:
“Fix this firmly in your minds: You’re going to be in deep mourning while the godless world throws a party. You’ll be sad, very sad, but your sadness will develop into gladness. “When a woman gives birth, she has a hard time, there’s no getting around it. But when the baby is born, there is joy in the birth. This new life in the world wipes out memory of the pain. The sadness you have right now is similar to that pain, but the coming joy is also similar. When I see you again, you’ll be full of joy, and it will be a joy no one can rob from you. … I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” (John 16:20-22, 33 The Message)
Those men were going to enter into a greater darkness than they had ever known, but in three days the Resurrection would let them put the puzzle together, give them the assurance they needed, and prepare them for the future.
Disciple, we must grasp the promise and the assurance that leads to serenity; to peace in the middle of the storms. “Take heart! I have overcome the world!” is still a promise for you and me. Jesus knows about the budgetary needs of my church, so I need to be as wise as possible, obedient to His leading, and trusting that come what may He still leads. Death, divorce, disappointment, temptation, unemployment, failure, missed expectations, overcoming addictions – there is serenity for those who give their lives into His care.
_______________
God, give us grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish
the one from the other.
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did,
This sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen.
Original Serenity Prayer
by Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)
In the second half of John’s Gospel, we read an extended conversation between Jesus and His disciples over the final Passover meal as He prepared them for His imminent arrest and death. It’s a sober, yet at times almost comedic, exchange in which they just don’t get it. They are confused by His words, unable to grasp His promise of a new Comforter that will come to live in them, the Holy Spirit. Jesus does not sugarcoat the future. He warns them that they will be persecuted by the world who will not like them any more than they liked Him. He tells them that when they do good, they will be hated. He says that troubles will come their way. We need to hear those words!
A silly brand of Christianity is ballyhooed by thousands of preachers that implies that becoming a follower of Christ Jesus will bring bright skies, endless horizons, and days of bliss! Those who hear those false promises often conclude that they must be ‘bad’ or have ‘no faith,’ because trouble and trials continue to be part of life. Certainly, we do bring some trouble on our own heads by walking willfully, out of step with the Spirit. However, if we are deeply committed we will be up to our necks in difficulties! Why? Because we are called to serve in hard places, commissioned to live against the current, resisting the Devil and his evil works – even to the point of death!
But…. (don’t you love that conjunctive word?) peace is possible. Yes, serenity is God’s gift to us. Here’s what Jesus said at that supper to men who were confused and stressed by what He had told them about their future:
“Fix this firmly in your minds: You’re going to be in deep mourning while the godless world throws a party. You’ll be sad, very sad, but your sadness will develop into gladness. “When a woman gives birth, she has a hard time, there’s no getting around it. But when the baby is born, there is joy in the birth. This new life in the world wipes out memory of the pain. The sadness you have right now is similar to that pain, but the coming joy is also similar. When I see you again, you’ll be full of joy, and it will be a joy no one can rob from you. … I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” (John 16:20-22, 33 The Message)
Those men were going to enter into a greater darkness than they had ever known, but in three days the Resurrection would let them put the puzzle together, give them the assurance they needed, and prepare them for the future.
Disciple, we must grasp the promise and the assurance that leads to serenity; to peace in the middle of the storms. “Take heart! I have overcome the world!” is still a promise for you and me. Jesus knows about the budgetary needs of my church, so I need to be as wise as possible, obedient to His leading, and trusting that come what may He still leads. Death, divorce, disappointment, temptation, unemployment, failure, missed expectations, overcoming addictions – there is serenity for those who give their lives into His care.
_______________
God, give us grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish
the one from the other.
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did,
This sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen.
Original Serenity Prayer
by Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
All In The Family
Good Shepherd Christian Academy, a ministry of the church I pastor, had graduation exercises for 8th grade last night. One theme glued the evening together- the sense of being a family! The attachments run deep, as evidenced by their tears, real tears that flowed copiously through the whole 90 minute program. Sure, they fight. What brothers and sisters don't? Some of them have been GSCA students for their entire elementary education, others just for a year or two. Even at age 13 or 14, they know the value of 'belonging.'
Oh, that each ministry and participant in our church would find and hold onto that kind of connection! Ours is a fragmented, broken society, with many lonely, isolated people. Large extended families in America are almost extinct, torn apart by our mobility and quest for prosperity; and yet, we need to belong! Few things are more critical to emotional and spiritual health than being part of a network of relationships that provides opportunities for service and support. But, it isn't easy to build or maintain that kind of web, is it? Tragically, too often conflict is allowed to tear up families and churches! (I'm not throwing any stones on that point for I've been there, done that!) Somebody's sin intrudes and because we don't know how to deal with sin and dysfunction with bold, firm, loving discipline; everything blows up! Then, too, many of us hang onto an exaggerated sense of privacy and/or individualism that allows us a high level of autonomy but robs us of the joy of really loving and being loved.
A church that opens her doors and hearts to others will look very messy! Some expect their church to be like an army on parade, in neat uniforms, marching in lockstep. I have to disagree. A real church will resemble a family reunion, chaotic, relational, glued together not by rigid discipline but by profound love! A church family will have the full complement of characters - just like any other family. There will be the leaders and the followers, the stars and the silent workers, the cranks and the jokesters, the sages and the fools, the highly productive and the VNP's (Very Needy People), the good and the bad, the whole and the broken, the joyful and the sad.
Let me ask you a couple of questions today.
Are you part of a church?Are you helping her be a real family?Are you investing yourself in forming and maintaining close relationships that will return rich dividends to you and for the cause of Christ?
Ponder this passage from the Scripture that describes the Church in terms of the body. It's a familiar passage, so I've used The Message to help you read it anew. As you read, invite the Holy Spirit to renew the family of God, to glue us together, to help us to love each other.
"What we have is one body with many parts, each its proper size and in its proper place. No part is important on its own. Can you imagine Eye telling Hand, "Get lost; I don't need you"? Or, Head telling Foot, "You're fired; your job has been phased out"? As a matter of fact, in practice it works the other way-the "lower" the part, the more basic, and therefore necessary. You can live without an eye, for instance, but not without a stomach. When it's a part of your own body you are concerned with, it makes no difference whether the part is visible or clothed, higher or lower. You give it dignity and honor just as it is, without comparisons. If anything, you have more concern for the lower parts than the higher. If you had to choose, wouldn't you prefer good digestion to full-bodied hair?
The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don't, the parts we see and the parts we don't. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance. You are Christ's body-that's who you are! You must never forget this.
Only as you accept your part of that body does your "part" mean anything. You're familiar with some of the parts that God has formed in his church, which is his "body": apostles prophets teachers miracle workers healers helpers organizers those who pray in tongues. But it's obvious by now, isn't it, that Christ's church is a complete Body and not a gigantic, unidimensional Part?
It's not all Apostle, not all Prophet, not all Miracle Worker, not all Healer, not all Prayer in Tongues, not all Interpreter of Tongues."
(1 Corinthians 12:20-30, The Message)
___________
Welcome to the family,
We're glad that you have come
To share your life with us,
As we grow in love
And may we always be to you,
What God would have us be,
A fam'ly always there,
To be strong and to lean on.
May we learn to love each other
More with each new day,
May words of love be on our lips
In ev'rything we say.
May the Spirit melt our hearts,
And teach us how to pray,
That we might be a true family.
Welcome To The Family
Rettino, Debby Kerner
© 1982 Rettino - Kerner Publishing (Admin. by Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
Oh, that each ministry and participant in our church would find and hold onto that kind of connection! Ours is a fragmented, broken society, with many lonely, isolated people. Large extended families in America are almost extinct, torn apart by our mobility and quest for prosperity; and yet, we need to belong! Few things are more critical to emotional and spiritual health than being part of a network of relationships that provides opportunities for service and support. But, it isn't easy to build or maintain that kind of web, is it? Tragically, too often conflict is allowed to tear up families and churches! (I'm not throwing any stones on that point for I've been there, done that!) Somebody's sin intrudes and because we don't know how to deal with sin and dysfunction with bold, firm, loving discipline; everything blows up! Then, too, many of us hang onto an exaggerated sense of privacy and/or individualism that allows us a high level of autonomy but robs us of the joy of really loving and being loved.
A church that opens her doors and hearts to others will look very messy! Some expect their church to be like an army on parade, in neat uniforms, marching in lockstep. I have to disagree. A real church will resemble a family reunion, chaotic, relational, glued together not by rigid discipline but by profound love! A church family will have the full complement of characters - just like any other family. There will be the leaders and the followers, the stars and the silent workers, the cranks and the jokesters, the sages and the fools, the highly productive and the VNP's (Very Needy People), the good and the bad, the whole and the broken, the joyful and the sad.
Let me ask you a couple of questions today.
Are you part of a church?Are you helping her be a real family?Are you investing yourself in forming and maintaining close relationships that will return rich dividends to you and for the cause of Christ?
Ponder this passage from the Scripture that describes the Church in terms of the body. It's a familiar passage, so I've used The Message to help you read it anew. As you read, invite the Holy Spirit to renew the family of God, to glue us together, to help us to love each other.
"What we have is one body with many parts, each its proper size and in its proper place. No part is important on its own. Can you imagine Eye telling Hand, "Get lost; I don't need you"? Or, Head telling Foot, "You're fired; your job has been phased out"? As a matter of fact, in practice it works the other way-the "lower" the part, the more basic, and therefore necessary. You can live without an eye, for instance, but not without a stomach. When it's a part of your own body you are concerned with, it makes no difference whether the part is visible or clothed, higher or lower. You give it dignity and honor just as it is, without comparisons. If anything, you have more concern for the lower parts than the higher. If you had to choose, wouldn't you prefer good digestion to full-bodied hair?
The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don't, the parts we see and the parts we don't. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance. You are Christ's body-that's who you are! You must never forget this.
Only as you accept your part of that body does your "part" mean anything. You're familiar with some of the parts that God has formed in his church, which is his "body": apostles prophets teachers miracle workers healers helpers organizers those who pray in tongues. But it's obvious by now, isn't it, that Christ's church is a complete Body and not a gigantic, unidimensional Part?
It's not all Apostle, not all Prophet, not all Miracle Worker, not all Healer, not all Prayer in Tongues, not all Interpreter of Tongues."
(1 Corinthians 12:20-30, The Message)
___________
Welcome to the family,
We're glad that you have come
To share your life with us,
As we grow in love
And may we always be to you,
What God would have us be,
A fam'ly always there,
To be strong and to lean on.
May we learn to love each other
More with each new day,
May words of love be on our lips
In ev'rything we say.
May the Spirit melt our hearts,
And teach us how to pray,
That we might be a true family.
Welcome To The Family
Rettino, Debby Kerner
© 1982 Rettino - Kerner Publishing (Admin. by Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Ambition in check
The voicemail message was a strange one, “Pastor, would you please pray that God gives me favor so that my worship ‘ministry’ goes world-wide?” I don’t know the person making that request. However, I know this: If his real desire is ministry, it won’t matter whether he is serving 10 or 10,000! It seems clear to me that the guy making that request has his priorities a little mixed up! His ambition is out of focus. I did not pray what he asked! I did ask pray; that his ministry would be God-honoring, marked by faithfulness, and that when he led worship he would become invisible as he led people into the Spirit’s presence.
Ambition gets out of focus easily enough. Last week a person sent me a note that praised my writing skills. I appreciate encouragement. We all do. However, I took that praise and got all puffed up. I imagined myself writing a book and speaking at conferences. It makes me laugh at myself when I think how quickly my sinful human nature can take a little affirmation and go on an extended ego trip! Managing ambition demands constant submission to the Spirit.
The Bible speaks of ambition and not always with condemnation! The Word is replete with examples of people who dreamed of accomplishing much for God, who desired to do amazing in His service. In far too many of their stories, their very success became their undoing. Remember Saul, the first king of Israel? Samuel found him full of pride and rebellious. He asked him to remember when he was nobody and God made him somebody! “Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel." (1 Samuel 15:17, NIV) In contrast there is the story of Joseph. A farm boy from nowhere, God gave him a dream! Through years of hard times he held onto that dream, serving God and men faithfully in small ways until God raised him to great prominence as the Prime Minister of Egypt. Joseph never forgot Who he served or why he was promoted.
What God corrects is selfish ambition.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3, NIV)
"For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." (James 3:16, NIV)
Nothing corrupts ministry more quickly than the need to be recognized, the desire to be first; ambition that is no longer submitted to the Spirit of the Lord.
When our ministry to God and His people, whatever it is that He has called and equipped us to do, becomes about numbers or reputation, it will no longer be ‘ministry.’
Here’s a word from the Word. May the Spirit use it to keep our selfish ambition in check and to encourage service that is focused on the One worthy.
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11, NIV)
Ambition gets out of focus easily enough. Last week a person sent me a note that praised my writing skills. I appreciate encouragement. We all do. However, I took that praise and got all puffed up. I imagined myself writing a book and speaking at conferences. It makes me laugh at myself when I think how quickly my sinful human nature can take a little affirmation and go on an extended ego trip! Managing ambition demands constant submission to the Spirit.
The Bible speaks of ambition and not always with condemnation! The Word is replete with examples of people who dreamed of accomplishing much for God, who desired to do amazing in His service. In far too many of their stories, their very success became their undoing. Remember Saul, the first king of Israel? Samuel found him full of pride and rebellious. He asked him to remember when he was nobody and God made him somebody! “Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel." (1 Samuel 15:17, NIV) In contrast there is the story of Joseph. A farm boy from nowhere, God gave him a dream! Through years of hard times he held onto that dream, serving God and men faithfully in small ways until God raised him to great prominence as the Prime Minister of Egypt. Joseph never forgot Who he served or why he was promoted.
What God corrects is selfish ambition.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3, NIV)
"For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." (James 3:16, NIV)
Nothing corrupts ministry more quickly than the need to be recognized, the desire to be first; ambition that is no longer submitted to the Spirit of the Lord.
When our ministry to God and His people, whatever it is that He has called and equipped us to do, becomes about numbers or reputation, it will no longer be ‘ministry.’
Here’s a word from the Word. May the Spirit use it to keep our selfish ambition in check and to encourage service that is focused on the One worthy.
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11, NIV)
Monday, June 15, 2009
Not ‘back’ to anything!
After I spoke on the fullness of the Spirit yesterday, somebody remarked, “Sounds like you think we need to get back to an old-fashioned Pentecost.” I didn’t respond but the comment lingers. I asked myself, “Am I, due to my age, longing for the past? Am I remembering days gone by with the soft rosy tint so often imparted by nostalgia?” No! I am eager to experience all that the Lord has for His Church and for me right now. I do not want to re-live any previous ‘glory days!’ I am convinced that there are new and wonderful things prepared in His purposes, that He is not just the God of my fathers, but the God of my grandsons!
After crying out in alarm over the terrible spiritual conditions in Israel, the prophet Joel used a plague of locusts that was devastating the land to illustrate a coming military invasion that would bring terrible destruction. "Sound the alarm in Jerusalem! Raise the battle cry on my holy mountain! Let everyone tremble in fear because the day of the Lord is upon us." (Joel 2:1, NLT) But, Joel’s vision did not stop there! "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days." (Joel 2:28-31, NIV) Disciple, walking away from the Lord will invite His correction, but – praise Him – He does not abandon us forever. “His mercies are new every morning!”
I believe that He is holding out the offer of a new Renaissance to us if only we will invite the Spirit to give us new dreams, bigger than ourselves, greater than our personal prosperity. The Renaissance period in Europe, beginning in the 1400’s, which brought about the rebirth of culture and learning after the Dark Ages, brought a whole new way of thinking to the Western World. Many thought that Christianity was done, finished by the dawn of the Enlightenment! But, God’s voice spoke through all that tumult of that time to the heart of a German monk named Martin Luther. Through him, the Spirit gave us the Reformation, which not only changed the Church, but laid the foundation for Western democracy, and our entire way of life. Luther did not have a vision about going back to anything. God showed him a new way to worship, a new vision of the Cross of Christ, a new vision of grace.
His famed five ‘sola’s’ shaped the core principles of the rebirth of vital Christianity:
‘Sola Scriptura,’ only the Scripture;
‘Solus Christus’ – only Christ;
‘Sola Gratia’ – only grace;
‘Sola Fide’ – only faith –
‘Soli Deo Gloria’ – only for God’s glory.
These ideas may seem common, even familiar to us, but the Spirit birthed these visions of the core Truths of the Gospel when God revealed these things to Luther 500 years ago! They came to him in a time of terrible darkness and in great struggle.
Let’s believe God, the Spirit, for a new proclamation of the Gospel that engages our world. The Scripture remains! Christ is the same! Grace is the hope. Faith is the only means of receiving that grace. No matter the age, the purpose of our lives is found only in God’s glory. A backward look was the sin of Lot’s wife that led to her demise. So, if we spend our days longing for another era, gazing fondly backward, we will never experience the renaissance that God, the Holy Spirit, has prepared for us. Lift your eyes to Him.
Here’s a word from the Word. Jesus, speaking to His disciples and to us, urges us to receive the vision.
"Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together." (John 4:35-36, NIV)
_______________
Spirit of God, descend upon my heart.
Wean it from earth, through all its pulses move.
Stoop to my weakness, Mighty as Thou art.
And make me love Thee, as I ought to love!
Hast Thou not bid us love Thee, God and King?
All, all Thine own, heart, soul, and strength, and mind!
I see Thy Cross, there teach my heart to cling,
O let me seek Thee and oh, let me find!
George Croly – public domain
Friday, June 12, 2009
The True Focus of Our Prayers
Do you pray? The question is not whether you say a few perfunctory words over your meals or repeat a ritual at bedtime. Nor is my inquiry about those moments of desperation when even agnostics beg God for favor. Winston Churchill, England’s Prime Minister who led that nation through the 2nd World war, was a man without a living faith, by his own profession. Once in a conversation with President Roosevelt he said, “I ask God to protect us on the field of battle.” When I ask about prayer, I am urging an unending conversation with God, which is the heart of real prayer!
“Oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear; all because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer.” That line from the hymn is the truth. Prayer is the primary work of the disciple. A disciple who does not pray is bereft of strength, cut off from his Father. One who prays will overcome temptation, will see God’s purposes fulfilled, and will live with greater peace. If those things are true, then why do so many disciples pray so poorly, so little?
In the book, Longing for God, Fosters explores the writings of many Christians for pathways of devotion. In a chapter that explores some of the writing of Thomas Aquinas, a Christian of the 13th century, he includes these insights from Aquinas’ Summa Theologica about some mistakes that keep us from praying effectively.
First is the erroneous belief ‘that the world operates independently of God.’ The deists of the 18th century firmly believed in the existence of God, but they also thought that He left the world on its own. The common illustration among them was that God was like a Clockmaker who built and wound the device, then stepped away to let it run. So, they believed the Creation was self-sustaining and without God’s intervention. Are you a functional deist, disciple? In your heart, do you think that God has left us to our own wits and wisdom, to work it the best we can on our own? If this is your mindset, you will not pray well!
Second, is the ‘error to believe that everything is fixed.’ If everything is pre-determined, if the course of our lives are set, then to pray for change is absurd, an exercise in futility.
Third, there is the error of believing that ‘God changes His mind.’ Certain passages of the Scripture, if read superficially, could bring us to this conclusion. Then, too, many are gripped by a selfish desire to beg God to ‘soften the consequences brought into life by our own actions. Aquinas teaches that we must accept that God’s will has ultimate purpose. Once we settle this matter, we recognize that prayer is a secondary cause in which God invites us to join with Him in accomplishing His purposes. Through prayer we work to sort out what role we will play as secondary agents in God’s primary purposes.’ This is what Jesus teaches us in His words in John 15. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ... If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." (NIV)
To think of prayer only as a time to present our ‘wish list’ to God, a begging session to try to get Him to do what we want Him to do, is to make this high and holy occupation much less than it is. Yes, our Father tells us to bring our petitions to Him boldly. But, Jesus also reminds us that if He provides for sparrows, we of much greater value than a bird, can rest assured in His care as well. Then he tells us the true focus of prayer is to "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness." (Matthew 6:33, NIV) The Message is rich in amplifying this text: "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." (Go back and re-read that line a few times! Then ask yourself: do my prayers reveal a heart and mind that is totally oriented around God, loving Him, knowing Him, serving Him?
Prayer is work, first in importance for the true disciple. That is why the Word urges us to ‘pray without ceasing.’ There will be formal petitions, quiet contemplation, tears of desperation, and words of adoration. There will be lengthy times alone with God, urgent words spoken in the middle of life’s messes, and patient waiting through times when He appears silent. All this, and more, is prayer.
The one constant is that prayer is not about me or you, but about Him; about knowing Him, about learning to live in the center of His will. Prayer, rightly focused, enables us to ‘understand what God is doing and how we can join with Him. Thus, we become co-participants with God. His will sets everything in motion. Our will, directed by prayer, allows us to participate in His purposes.” (Longing For God, Foster, IVP, 2008)
_____________
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry,
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear.
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge!
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do Thy friends despise forsake Thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In His arms He'll take and shield Thee;
Thou wilt find a solace there.
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Scriven, Joseph M. / Converse, Charles C.
© Public Domain
“Oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear; all because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer.” That line from the hymn is the truth. Prayer is the primary work of the disciple. A disciple who does not pray is bereft of strength, cut off from his Father. One who prays will overcome temptation, will see God’s purposes fulfilled, and will live with greater peace. If those things are true, then why do so many disciples pray so poorly, so little?
In the book, Longing for God, Fosters explores the writings of many Christians for pathways of devotion. In a chapter that explores some of the writing of Thomas Aquinas, a Christian of the 13th century, he includes these insights from Aquinas’ Summa Theologica about some mistakes that keep us from praying effectively.
First is the erroneous belief ‘that the world operates independently of God.’ The deists of the 18th century firmly believed in the existence of God, but they also thought that He left the world on its own. The common illustration among them was that God was like a Clockmaker who built and wound the device, then stepped away to let it run. So, they believed the Creation was self-sustaining and without God’s intervention. Are you a functional deist, disciple? In your heart, do you think that God has left us to our own wits and wisdom, to work it the best we can on our own? If this is your mindset, you will not pray well!
Second, is the ‘error to believe that everything is fixed.’ If everything is pre-determined, if the course of our lives are set, then to pray for change is absurd, an exercise in futility.
Third, there is the error of believing that ‘God changes His mind.’ Certain passages of the Scripture, if read superficially, could bring us to this conclusion. Then, too, many are gripped by a selfish desire to beg God to ‘soften the consequences brought into life by our own actions. Aquinas teaches that we must accept that God’s will has ultimate purpose. Once we settle this matter, we recognize that prayer is a secondary cause in which God invites us to join with Him in accomplishing His purposes. Through prayer we work to sort out what role we will play as secondary agents in God’s primary purposes.’ This is what Jesus teaches us in His words in John 15. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ... If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." (NIV)
To think of prayer only as a time to present our ‘wish list’ to God, a begging session to try to get Him to do what we want Him to do, is to make this high and holy occupation much less than it is. Yes, our Father tells us to bring our petitions to Him boldly. But, Jesus also reminds us that if He provides for sparrows, we of much greater value than a bird, can rest assured in His care as well. Then he tells us the true focus of prayer is to "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness." (Matthew 6:33, NIV) The Message is rich in amplifying this text: "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." (Go back and re-read that line a few times! Then ask yourself: do my prayers reveal a heart and mind that is totally oriented around God, loving Him, knowing Him, serving Him?
Prayer is work, first in importance for the true disciple. That is why the Word urges us to ‘pray without ceasing.’ There will be formal petitions, quiet contemplation, tears of desperation, and words of adoration. There will be lengthy times alone with God, urgent words spoken in the middle of life’s messes, and patient waiting through times when He appears silent. All this, and more, is prayer.
The one constant is that prayer is not about me or you, but about Him; about knowing Him, about learning to live in the center of His will. Prayer, rightly focused, enables us to ‘understand what God is doing and how we can join with Him. Thus, we become co-participants with God. His will sets everything in motion. Our will, directed by prayer, allows us to participate in His purposes.” (Longing For God, Foster, IVP, 2008)
_____________
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry,
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear.
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge!
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do Thy friends despise forsake Thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In His arms He'll take and shield Thee;
Thou wilt find a solace there.
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Scriven, Joseph M. / Converse, Charles C.
© Public Domain
Thursday, June 11, 2009
A Spirited Defense
Life, when we are alone, becomes overwhelming! The Teacher wrote that "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NLT) Sometimes the best of friends fail us, however. There are situations where it really does seem that no one understands, no one is available to take our side.
Disciples are never alone! On the night before He went to the Cross, Jesus had a heart to heart talk with His disciples. He told me He was leaving them. He warned them that the world would turn on them, hating them even when they were good because they wouldn’t fit in. Then He promised, "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 Holy Spirit is always with us, advocating for us, and working through us. He’s on our side! Despite being hated by the world, we need not feel abandoned or afraid. He is not a passive Friend, quietly standing in the shadows, either. Here’s what the Lord says about the Spirit’s work. "When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment." (John 16:8, NIV)
What we cannot do by our own strength, He will do. Ever tried to ‘guilt’ an unbeliever? They can justify themselves, comparing their lives to somebody worse off than they are- and there is always somebody worse! The Holy Spirit, however, can bring real conviction of sin that is inescapable and inexcusable. Ever tried to tell an unbeliever that righteousness is a desirable choice? “Yeah,” they say, “and diets are fun, too!” Sin is pleasurable, ‘for a season.’ But the Spirit can reveal the joy of serving God, the deep sense of purpose that is found in loving Him. Ever tried to make somebody see coming judgment? Like Annie they’ll sing, “Tomorrow, tomorrow; I love you tomorrow, you’re only a day away.” Judgment will never come, or so they think. But the Holy Spirit can peel away the deception and let them sense the reality of God’s pending judgment.
I am so thankful for the Comfort of the Spirit, but I am equally thankful that He is a powerful Agent of Change in the world. I want to be on His side, trusting Him, praying for His power to be brought to bear on those around me who need a Savior, a transforming experience, a new life! Disciple, don’t try to ‘go it alone.’ The work of God can never be done with intellectual ability, with great financial resources, through intricate organization alone! All of those things are good and, if put into God’s service, useful but the real power belongs to the Spirit.
Jesus went on to explain to His disciples that the Spirit would also remain powerfully at work in them, too. Two words stand out- Truth and Glory! "When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you." (John 16:13-15, NIV)
Are you feeling incapable, alone, ineffective, like a reject?
Stop! Meditate on this prayer and make it yours.
Let God be God; around you and in you!
"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come." (Ephesians 1:17-21, NIV)
____________
Come Holy Spirit, fall afresh on me.
Fill me with Your power,
Satisfy my needs.
Only You can make me whole,
Give me strength to make me grow.
Come Holy Spirit, fall afresh on me.
Fall afresh on me.
Come, Holy Spirit
Malcolm Fletcher © 1986, 1994 Maranatha! Music (Admin. by The Copyright Company)
CCLI License No. 810055
Disciples are never alone! On the night before He went to the Cross, Jesus had a heart to heart talk with His disciples. He told me He was leaving them. He warned them that the world would turn on them, hating them even when they were good because they wouldn’t fit in. Then He promised, "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 Holy Spirit is always with us, advocating for us, and working through us. He’s on our side! Despite being hated by the world, we need not feel abandoned or afraid. He is not a passive Friend, quietly standing in the shadows, either. Here’s what the Lord says about the Spirit’s work. "When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment." (John 16:8, NIV)
What we cannot do by our own strength, He will do. Ever tried to ‘guilt’ an unbeliever? They can justify themselves, comparing their lives to somebody worse off than they are- and there is always somebody worse! The Holy Spirit, however, can bring real conviction of sin that is inescapable and inexcusable. Ever tried to tell an unbeliever that righteousness is a desirable choice? “Yeah,” they say, “and diets are fun, too!” Sin is pleasurable, ‘for a season.’ But the Spirit can reveal the joy of serving God, the deep sense of purpose that is found in loving Him. Ever tried to make somebody see coming judgment? Like Annie they’ll sing, “Tomorrow, tomorrow; I love you tomorrow, you’re only a day away.” Judgment will never come, or so they think. But the Holy Spirit can peel away the deception and let them sense the reality of God’s pending judgment.
I am so thankful for the Comfort of the Spirit, but I am equally thankful that He is a powerful Agent of Change in the world. I want to be on His side, trusting Him, praying for His power to be brought to bear on those around me who need a Savior, a transforming experience, a new life! Disciple, don’t try to ‘go it alone.’ The work of God can never be done with intellectual ability, with great financial resources, through intricate organization alone! All of those things are good and, if put into God’s service, useful but the real power belongs to the Spirit.
Jesus went on to explain to His disciples that the Spirit would also remain powerfully at work in them, too. Two words stand out- Truth and Glory! "When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you." (John 16:13-15, NIV)
Are you feeling incapable, alone, ineffective, like a reject?
Stop! Meditate on this prayer and make it yours.
Let God be God; around you and in you!
"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come." (Ephesians 1:17-21, NIV)
____________
Come Holy Spirit, fall afresh on me.
Fill me with Your power,
Satisfy my needs.
Only You can make me whole,
Give me strength to make me grow.
Come Holy Spirit, fall afresh on me.
Fall afresh on me.
Come, Holy Spirit
Malcolm Fletcher © 1986, 1994 Maranatha! Music (Admin. by The Copyright Company)
CCLI License No. 810055
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
"Oh, come on! It's not a big sin!"
"Pastor, we sold our property. We are giving the total amount to the church." What a great gift, except there was a problem. The gift was not all of the money. Part of it was still in the bank. Do you recognize the story of Ananias and Sapphira? We read it in Acts 5. This couple, early converts to the Christ way, gave the money from the sale to the Church claiming that they were giving the whole amount. Secretly agreeing between themselves, they decided to hold back a percentage for themselves. When Peter questioned them about their contribution, they lied. And, then they dropped dead, right in church!
Pastor Peter's words reveal their sin was not in the gift, but in the lie! "Before you sold it, it was all yours, and after you sold it, the money was yours to do with as you wished. So what got into you to pull a trick like this? You didn't lie to men but to God." Ananias, when he heard those words, fell down dead. That put the fear of God into everyone who heard of it." (Acts 5:4-5, The Message) If God handed down that same quick and severe judgment on every pretender and hypocrite in the Church today it would be a very small gathering at church this Sunday, wouldn't it?
Here's what we do need to remember: sin always exacts a cost, perhaps not today, but sin collects, with major interest! You think that is just an Old Testament Law concept? Then how do you explain Paul's warning about receiving Communion while hanging onto willful sin? He says, "For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God's judgment upon yourself. That is why many of you are weak and sick and some have even died. But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way." (1 Corinthians 11:29-31, NLT)
In our quest for a 'safe' God; a therapeutic and comforting religion, we have conveniently chosen to ignore those texts that remind us that He is a holy, just, and righteous God. We must ever so grateful for the Cross. There the sacrifice of of Christ took away the eternal punishment of our sin, but we must also keep in mind that no sin is without some consequence.Many think only of Heaven and Hell when it comes to wrong-doing.
All the time I am asked, "If a person does __________________, will he go to Heaven?" But that question misses a big point about life right here, right now! It ignores the principle of planting and harvest. What we plant, will produce a harvest - at some point. Take this illustration: A Christ-follower is unfaithful to his wife. He realizes his sin and repents. Yes, God can and will forgive all sin. But, the harvest of the seeds sown by his infidelity will come! There will be great grief and pain to his wife. His children will go through confusion and fear, perhaps even turning against God, mistakenly blaming Him for the sins of their father.
Believer, we must not test God's grace! King Saul chose to disobey God's clear directions and kept some of the plunder from a military campaign. In his mind it was 'no big deal.' When he was called to account, he thought he could 'buy' God's favor with a sacrifice. The prophet Samuel harshly reminded the king he had seriously misunderstood the heart of God. "What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obedience is far better than sacrifice. Listening to him is much better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as bad as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as bad as worshiping idols." 1 Samuel 15:22-23 NLT
Are you considering 'testing' God, thinking that if you're caught you can play "Let's Make A Deal" with the Almighty? You're wrong. You may find a place of forgiveness, but there will be scars and the name of Christ will be stained.
The better choice is to 'die to self' first, surrendering that desire to God. Put Him first regardless. Trust His way as the BEST WAY. The same planting and harvest principle works for good, too. Plant good seed and expect a harvest of righteousness! Here's a word from the Word. Let it fill your thoughts today.
"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. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith." (Galatians 6:7-10, The Message)
Pastor Peter's words reveal their sin was not in the gift, but in the lie! "Before you sold it, it was all yours, and after you sold it, the money was yours to do with as you wished. So what got into you to pull a trick like this? You didn't lie to men but to God." Ananias, when he heard those words, fell down dead. That put the fear of God into everyone who heard of it." (Acts 5:4-5, The Message) If God handed down that same quick and severe judgment on every pretender and hypocrite in the Church today it would be a very small gathering at church this Sunday, wouldn't it?
Here's what we do need to remember: sin always exacts a cost, perhaps not today, but sin collects, with major interest! You think that is just an Old Testament Law concept? Then how do you explain Paul's warning about receiving Communion while hanging onto willful sin? He says, "For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God's judgment upon yourself. That is why many of you are weak and sick and some have even died. But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way." (1 Corinthians 11:29-31, NLT)
In our quest for a 'safe' God; a therapeutic and comforting religion, we have conveniently chosen to ignore those texts that remind us that He is a holy, just, and righteous God. We must ever so grateful for the Cross. There the sacrifice of of Christ took away the eternal punishment of our sin, but we must also keep in mind that no sin is without some consequence.Many think only of Heaven and Hell when it comes to wrong-doing.
All the time I am asked, "If a person does __________________, will he go to Heaven?" But that question misses a big point about life right here, right now! It ignores the principle of planting and harvest. What we plant, will produce a harvest - at some point. Take this illustration: A Christ-follower is unfaithful to his wife. He realizes his sin and repents. Yes, God can and will forgive all sin. But, the harvest of the seeds sown by his infidelity will come! There will be great grief and pain to his wife. His children will go through confusion and fear, perhaps even turning against God, mistakenly blaming Him for the sins of their father.
Believer, we must not test God's grace! King Saul chose to disobey God's clear directions and kept some of the plunder from a military campaign. In his mind it was 'no big deal.' When he was called to account, he thought he could 'buy' God's favor with a sacrifice. The prophet Samuel harshly reminded the king he had seriously misunderstood the heart of God. "What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obedience is far better than sacrifice. Listening to him is much better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as bad as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as bad as worshiping idols." 1 Samuel 15:22-23 NLT
Are you considering 'testing' God, thinking that if you're caught you can play "Let's Make A Deal" with the Almighty? You're wrong. You may find a place of forgiveness, but there will be scars and the name of Christ will be stained.
The better choice is to 'die to self' first, surrendering that desire to God. Put Him first regardless. Trust His way as the BEST WAY. The same planting and harvest principle works for good, too. Plant good seed and expect a harvest of righteousness! Here's a word from the Word. Let it fill your thoughts today.
"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. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith." (Galatians 6:7-10, The Message)
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Holy; Wholly, Holey?
Disciple are you wholly holy or is your commitment to the Lord tattered and holey? It’s a fair question! An honest Christian has to acknowledge that he is a work in progress. Who among us has not found himself stunned by the intensity of some temptation or even surprised by failure in himself or another? I can still recall the sick feeling that I felt in the pit of my stomach when, all the way back in 1988, the sexual addiction and sins of Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart became public knowledge. At that time, he was a well-known preacher whose broadcasts could be seen around the world. Then, we found out that his holiness was full of holes!
I am currently reading Longing for God, an exploration of the pathways of Christian devotion, written by Richard Foster and Gayle Beebe. The authors explore the writings of Christians of the past to see how they pursued holiness. In a chapter about John Bunyan who penned the classic, The Pilgrim’s Progress, the authors point out Bunyan’s understanding of the Christian life as journey. Bunyan’s allegory places emphasis on “struggle in the spiritual journey. He made much of the grace of God throughout his life, but he never saw grace as opposed to struggle, only as opposed to earning. Christian (Bunyan’s main character) struggles through the Slough of Despond and struggles to enter the Straight Gate and struggles up the Hill of Difficulty and struggles to overcome Apollyon (the Devil). At times he stumbles and falls and he must overcome these setbacks.”
Fighting the good fight of faith does not indicate hypocrisy or lack of holiness. It is the common experience of those who would walk with God in this world. The tragedy of the failure of people like Swaggart is born out of denying that temptation is real and powerful and present! Disciple, you should not conclude that you are unholy because you find the Devil roaring in your face, or the appetites of your body clamoring to be fed, or the bright lights of the world attractive! Nor should any sincere Believer decide that since temptation is so common and God’s grace so great that he should just wallow in the muck of self-indulgence!
The Word makes the declaration that comforts us and challenges us at the same time. "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. Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?"(Romans 5:20-6:2, NLT)
The only way to become wholly holy is to be set right with God through the gift of grace found in Christ Jesus. By faith we accept the gift we could never earn by any amount of our own goodness. Christ Jesus sealed the covenant (the promise of God to receive us as His children) by His death. His Resurrection is the shout of triumph over sin and death! But we must not forget the journey, the struggle. Right alongside of that majestic message of grace is the call to endure, to ‘work out’ that salvation in our daily lives where we meet temptation.
Here’s a word from the Word.
"…the power of God, … has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. … I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day." (2 Timothy 1:8-12, NIV)
____________
Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning
My song shall rise to Thee.
Holy, holy, holy!
Merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons,
Blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy!
Though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man
Thy glory may not see.
Only Thou art holy;
There is none beside Thee
Perfect in power,
In love, in purity.
Holy Holy Holy
Dykes, John B. / Heber, Reginald
© Public Domain
I am currently reading Longing for God, an exploration of the pathways of Christian devotion, written by Richard Foster and Gayle Beebe. The authors explore the writings of Christians of the past to see how they pursued holiness. In a chapter about John Bunyan who penned the classic, The Pilgrim’s Progress, the authors point out Bunyan’s understanding of the Christian life as journey. Bunyan’s allegory places emphasis on “struggle in the spiritual journey. He made much of the grace of God throughout his life, but he never saw grace as opposed to struggle, only as opposed to earning. Christian (Bunyan’s main character) struggles through the Slough of Despond and struggles to enter the Straight Gate and struggles up the Hill of Difficulty and struggles to overcome Apollyon (the Devil). At times he stumbles and falls and he must overcome these setbacks.”
Fighting the good fight of faith does not indicate hypocrisy or lack of holiness. It is the common experience of those who would walk with God in this world. The tragedy of the failure of people like Swaggart is born out of denying that temptation is real and powerful and present! Disciple, you should not conclude that you are unholy because you find the Devil roaring in your face, or the appetites of your body clamoring to be fed, or the bright lights of the world attractive! Nor should any sincere Believer decide that since temptation is so common and God’s grace so great that he should just wallow in the muck of self-indulgence!
The Word makes the declaration that comforts us and challenges us at the same time. "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. Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?"(Romans 5:20-6:2, NLT)
The only way to become wholly holy is to be set right with God through the gift of grace found in Christ Jesus. By faith we accept the gift we could never earn by any amount of our own goodness. Christ Jesus sealed the covenant (the promise of God to receive us as His children) by His death. His Resurrection is the shout of triumph over sin and death! But we must not forget the journey, the struggle. Right alongside of that majestic message of grace is the call to endure, to ‘work out’ that salvation in our daily lives where we meet temptation.
Here’s a word from the Word.
"…the power of God, … has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. … I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day." (2 Timothy 1:8-12, NIV)
____________
Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning
My song shall rise to Thee.
Holy, holy, holy!
Merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons,
Blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy!
Though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man
Thy glory may not see.
Only Thou art holy;
There is none beside Thee
Perfect in power,
In love, in purity.
Holy Holy Holy
Dykes, John B. / Heber, Reginald
© Public Domain
Monday, June 08, 2009
Four months later…
Bev and I visited Dad’s grave yesterday. He’s been gone for 4 months. The cemetery has put topsoil in place and the grass is starting to cover that little scar on the earth’s surface. There’s something symbolic in that, similar to what is happening in my heart. The grief is different these days; less stabbing, more like an ache that comes and goes in intensity. The emotions are different, too. Instead of just remembering Dad in those last hard months when he was so weak and sick, I’m recalling episodes from our life together and feeling emotions that range from sorrow, regret, loss, and even to anger over missed opportunities.
Dad’s death has made me older, not chronologically, but emotionally and spiritually. There is no denying mortality anymore. While Bev and I stood for a few moments at his grave, we both spoke of our own inevitable demise, now much more real given that we are likely entering the last quarter of our race. That might seem morbid, even depressing. For me, it is liberating and creates an impetus for focus. I am much less inclined to do things simply because they ‘ought to be done,’ or because somebody else wants me to do them. I do what I want to do more readily and, of course, I do what I believe God desires me to do. Paradoxically, feeling Heaven closer, makes fully experiencing today more urgent!
I am told that it was a common practice in ages past to keep reminders of mortality close at hand. Many kept skulls sitting in plain view so as not to forget that they would die. Grim? Perhaps, but certainly preferable over our current practice of worshipping perpetual youth and all the foolishness that accompanies that pretense. The teacher reminds us to keep it all in balance. "Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.”" (Ecclesiastes 12:1, NLT)
The treks to Dad’s grave are times of renewal! Standing there I thank God for eternal life and I am drawn to "lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." (1 Timothy 6:19, NIV) Legacy, too, takes shape. Dying is not just about gaining heaven, as glorious as that promise may be. It is about who and what I leave behind. I am determined- by the grace of God and the power of the Spirit- to leave no debt outstanding, to faithfully point beyond myself to the Savior.
Here’s a suggestion for you. One of these beautiful days, go visit a cemetery with your friend, your spouse, or maybe alone. Walk among the stones, pausing to read the names and dates. OK, I heard a lot of you just ask, “Jerry, have you lost your mind?” Not at all. Make it a prayer walk, a time to reflect on the priorities of your life. Ask the hard questions of yourself about how you’re living right now. Someday, the book of your life will be closed. God gives us the privilege of writing the text that make the story! Remembering that life here is not forever, will help you to write a better story – of that I am positive.
"Life, lovely while it lasts, is soon over. Life as we know it, precious and beautiful, ends. The body is put back in the same ground it came from. The spirit returns to God, who first breathed it. … The last and final word is this: Fear God. Do what he tells you. And that’s it. Eventually God will bring everything that we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it’s good or evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:6-14, The Message)
_____________
Some day the silver cord will break,
And I no more as now shall sing;
But oh, the joy when I shall wake
Within the palace of the King!
Some day my earthly house will fall.
I cannot tell how soon ’twill be;
But this I know—my All in All
Has now a place in Heav’n for me.
And I shall see Him face to face,
And tell the story—Saved by grace;
And I shall see Him face to face,
And tell the story—Saved by grace.
Saved By Grace
Fanny Crosby, public domain
Dad’s death has made me older, not chronologically, but emotionally and spiritually. There is no denying mortality anymore. While Bev and I stood for a few moments at his grave, we both spoke of our own inevitable demise, now much more real given that we are likely entering the last quarter of our race. That might seem morbid, even depressing. For me, it is liberating and creates an impetus for focus. I am much less inclined to do things simply because they ‘ought to be done,’ or because somebody else wants me to do them. I do what I want to do more readily and, of course, I do what I believe God desires me to do. Paradoxically, feeling Heaven closer, makes fully experiencing today more urgent!
I am told that it was a common practice in ages past to keep reminders of mortality close at hand. Many kept skulls sitting in plain view so as not to forget that they would die. Grim? Perhaps, but certainly preferable over our current practice of worshipping perpetual youth and all the foolishness that accompanies that pretense. The teacher reminds us to keep it all in balance. "Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.”" (Ecclesiastes 12:1, NLT)
The treks to Dad’s grave are times of renewal! Standing there I thank God for eternal life and I am drawn to "lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." (1 Timothy 6:19, NIV) Legacy, too, takes shape. Dying is not just about gaining heaven, as glorious as that promise may be. It is about who and what I leave behind. I am determined- by the grace of God and the power of the Spirit- to leave no debt outstanding, to faithfully point beyond myself to the Savior.
Here’s a suggestion for you. One of these beautiful days, go visit a cemetery with your friend, your spouse, or maybe alone. Walk among the stones, pausing to read the names and dates. OK, I heard a lot of you just ask, “Jerry, have you lost your mind?” Not at all. Make it a prayer walk, a time to reflect on the priorities of your life. Ask the hard questions of yourself about how you’re living right now. Someday, the book of your life will be closed. God gives us the privilege of writing the text that make the story! Remembering that life here is not forever, will help you to write a better story – of that I am positive.
"Life, lovely while it lasts, is soon over. Life as we know it, precious and beautiful, ends. The body is put back in the same ground it came from. The spirit returns to God, who first breathed it. … The last and final word is this: Fear God. Do what he tells you. And that’s it. Eventually God will bring everything that we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it’s good or evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:6-14, The Message)
_____________
Some day the silver cord will break,
And I no more as now shall sing;
But oh, the joy when I shall wake
Within the palace of the King!
Some day my earthly house will fall.
I cannot tell how soon ’twill be;
But this I know—my All in All
Has now a place in Heav’n for me.
And I shall see Him face to face,
And tell the story—Saved by grace;
And I shall see Him face to face,
And tell the story—Saved by grace.
Saved By Grace
Fanny Crosby, public domain
Friday, June 05, 2009
Why do they hate me?
True disciples are misfits, oddballs, ‘peculiar people!’ Why? Because they are intentionally weird? No! Because they are beloved of their Father and called to His higher purposes, no longer loving the things that ‘the world’ loves. The “world” is Jesus’ short-hand for the systems around us that are built around getting wealth, gaining power, enjoying pleasure, serving Self. When the Spirit reconciles us to our Abba, we love Him more than ourselves, more than this life. That changes us, makes us noble, altruistic, loving; and markedly different - which sets us up to be hated.
Joseph’s brothers hated him, not because he was cruel, not because he was judgmental, but because he was blessed with his father’s favor! (Genesis 37:4) Likewise, Jesus told His disciples that they would be hated by the world because of their Father’s favor. “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” (John 15:18-19, NLT) That is not one of my favorite verses. I enjoy having people say nice things about me. I like to fit in and be accepted. Don’t you?
I know some ‘Christians’ who take pride in the fact that their family has rejected them or that they are reviled by coworkers, but when I look at their lives even as a fellow disciple of Christ, I don’t like them! Their experience of rejection has nothing to do with being a disciple. Rather, they invite ridicule and rejection by being rude, or cruel, or hypocritical, or because they are a terrible worker! Peter’s first letter is written around the theme of suffering for the sake of Christ. In it he tells us to make sure the insults are not invited by our sinfulness or stupidity! "So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!" (1 Peter 4:14-16, NLT)
As America becomes less and less ‘culturally Christian,’ true disciples will find themselves living as ‘outsiders’ more often. The natural desire for acceptance will cause us to want to accommodate ourselves to the world around us. But we must not love the world’s affirmation more than our Father’s approval. The Word urges us to keep our distinctive love for Him intact, no matter the pressure we feel. "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2, NIV)
What is your highest value, disciple?
Do you spend much time and money trying to fit in, being fashionable, following fads?
If so, it’s time to re-discover the One who is our True Center! "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter (completer) of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2, NIV)
Here’s a word from the Word that will deeply challenge you as you grasp the truth in it. May the Spirit give us ears to hear His words. It was originally penned by Peter to slaves who had become disciples! They were not told to ‘assert their rights!’ Their calling, as is ours, was to live in God’s love, awaiting His redemption. What a challenge. Will you embrace it?
"Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you.
He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly." (1 Peter 2:20-23, NLT)
Joseph’s brothers hated him, not because he was cruel, not because he was judgmental, but because he was blessed with his father’s favor! (Genesis 37:4) Likewise, Jesus told His disciples that they would be hated by the world because of their Father’s favor. “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” (John 15:18-19, NLT) That is not one of my favorite verses. I enjoy having people say nice things about me. I like to fit in and be accepted. Don’t you?
I know some ‘Christians’ who take pride in the fact that their family has rejected them or that they are reviled by coworkers, but when I look at their lives even as a fellow disciple of Christ, I don’t like them! Their experience of rejection has nothing to do with being a disciple. Rather, they invite ridicule and rejection by being rude, or cruel, or hypocritical, or because they are a terrible worker! Peter’s first letter is written around the theme of suffering for the sake of Christ. In it he tells us to make sure the insults are not invited by our sinfulness or stupidity! "So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!" (1 Peter 4:14-16, NLT)
As America becomes less and less ‘culturally Christian,’ true disciples will find themselves living as ‘outsiders’ more often. The natural desire for acceptance will cause us to want to accommodate ourselves to the world around us. But we must not love the world’s affirmation more than our Father’s approval. The Word urges us to keep our distinctive love for Him intact, no matter the pressure we feel. "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2, NIV)
What is your highest value, disciple?
Do you spend much time and money trying to fit in, being fashionable, following fads?
If so, it’s time to re-discover the One who is our True Center! "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter (completer) of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2, NIV)
Here’s a word from the Word that will deeply challenge you as you grasp the truth in it. May the Spirit give us ears to hear His words. It was originally penned by Peter to slaves who had become disciples! They were not told to ‘assert their rights!’ Their calling, as is ours, was to live in God’s love, awaiting His redemption. What a challenge. Will you embrace it?
"Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you.
He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly." (1 Peter 2:20-23, NLT)
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Rahm Emanuel’s Challenge
NBC profiled the Obama White House in a special program that aired this week. In an interview with Rahm Emanuel, the chief of staff, Brian Williams took note of the high personal cost that the 49 year old man is paying to be a part of Obama’s administration. Politics aside, one has to be challenged by the dedication to 7 day work weeks and 18 hour days. Emanuel, a four term Congressman whose dream was to become the first Jewish Speaker of the House, gave it up to serve this President. He lives apart from his wife and three children, seeing them only a few times each month. The story of sacrifice was repeated by numerous staffers. These men and women do it for a political cause, for ambition; perhaps for a man.
Disciple, we are called into the service of the Lord of Glory, whose ‘administration’ will never end. When we advance His Kingdom, we not only change the way people live for a few years; we are privileged to change hearts and reconcile people to their Father, bringing them to life eternal! It is a noble cause and it will require sacrifice. "Then Jesus said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?" (Luke 9:23-25, NLT)
Have you put parts of your life off limits before the Lord? Does He own all of you? Those are tough questions that we must answer daily. We receive the life of the Spirit once when we are converted, born anew as children of God. Remaining in His service is an ongoing process, requiring choices along the way. Jesus speaks to this when He says, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62, KJV) In case that metaphor is hard for you, here’s the line in The Message: “No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.”
Is He able to ask you to forgive when you prefer to hate?
Will you let Him call your kids into His fulltime service knowing that it will mean less comfort, less ‘success?’
Will you put aside personal desires to say ‘Yes,’ to holiness of heart and mind?
Are your weekends His or yours?
Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is not for wimps! Church-ianity, the preferred religion of many, allows a person to choose the hours of his ‘service,’ to give only as much of himself as he chooses to give, to volunteer and feel good about it. Christianity is an all or nothing Call to the service of a King.
Watching Rahm Emanuel explain his dedication to making the vision of President Obama a reality, I was challenged anew to give myself to my Lord and King. Here’s a word from the Word. Though familiar, I urge you to read it carefully and then take a few moments to re-dedicate ALL to Him.
"Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.
Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained.
So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen." (2 Timothy 2:3-10, NLT)
__________________
You are my life,
O precious Christ.
You are to me
The pearl of greatest price.
My love for You will never die.
Jesus, You are my life.
O Holy Fire,
Love's Purest Light.
Burn all desires 'til
You are my one delight.
My love for You will never die
Jesus, You are my life.
O conquering King,
Conquer my heart
And make of me a pleasing gift to God
My love for You will never die
Jesus, You are my life.
I come to You.
I run to You.
There's no greater joy
Than knowing You.
Jesus You Are My Life
Fry, Steve© 1994 Maranatha Praise, Inc. / Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
Disciple, we are called into the service of the Lord of Glory, whose ‘administration’ will never end. When we advance His Kingdom, we not only change the way people live for a few years; we are privileged to change hearts and reconcile people to their Father, bringing them to life eternal! It is a noble cause and it will require sacrifice. "Then Jesus said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?" (Luke 9:23-25, NLT)
Have you put parts of your life off limits before the Lord? Does He own all of you? Those are tough questions that we must answer daily. We receive the life of the Spirit once when we are converted, born anew as children of God. Remaining in His service is an ongoing process, requiring choices along the way. Jesus speaks to this when He says, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62, KJV) In case that metaphor is hard for you, here’s the line in The Message: “No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.”
Is He able to ask you to forgive when you prefer to hate?
Will you let Him call your kids into His fulltime service knowing that it will mean less comfort, less ‘success?’
Will you put aside personal desires to say ‘Yes,’ to holiness of heart and mind?
Are your weekends His or yours?
Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is not for wimps! Church-ianity, the preferred religion of many, allows a person to choose the hours of his ‘service,’ to give only as much of himself as he chooses to give, to volunteer and feel good about it. Christianity is an all or nothing Call to the service of a King.
Watching Rahm Emanuel explain his dedication to making the vision of President Obama a reality, I was challenged anew to give myself to my Lord and King. Here’s a word from the Word. Though familiar, I urge you to read it carefully and then take a few moments to re-dedicate ALL to Him.
"Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.
Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained.
So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen." (2 Timothy 2:3-10, NLT)
__________________
You are my life,
O precious Christ.
You are to me
The pearl of greatest price.
My love for You will never die.
Jesus, You are my life.
O Holy Fire,
Love's Purest Light.
Burn all desires 'til
You are my one delight.
My love for You will never die
Jesus, You are my life.
O conquering King,
Conquer my heart
And make of me a pleasing gift to God
My love for You will never die
Jesus, You are my life.
I come to You.
I run to You.
There's no greater joy
Than knowing You.
Jesus You Are My Life
Fry, Steve© 1994 Maranatha Praise, Inc. / Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
“God, I’m scared to death!”
During the first year of the Civil War, General McClellan, the head of the Union Army, waited and waited to commit his troops to battle. Finally President Lincoln sent a sarcastic note to the General that had this memorable line: "If you're not planning to use your army, may I borrow it?"
"Ready, aim... aim, aim, aim." Some people aim to do read their Bible, aim to get to church, aim to pray today, aim to get a grip on a sinful habit, aim to restore a broken relationship .... but they never do. Procrastination to another day only increases the feelings of discouragement over a task that grows more daunting as they dither. So, what is on your to-do list? What goals for this Summer, for the remaining part of 2009 (it’s nearly half gone, you know!), for today are in your mind? If you have not yet taken that first step of identifying reasonable goals, do it NOW! Take a small pad of paper and find a quiet spot for 15 minutes. Pray, committing yourself to the Spirit's guidance, then take pen in hand and write... at least 3 tasks you must accomplish- with deadlines. Then, go back and prioritize those tasks. Make another list of the resources (material and people) that you know to gather to get it done? It is not hard to be productive. It just requires a little thought and courage.
OK, I know some of you are objecting right now: "Jerry, I just live from day to day and let God lead me." Sounds good enough, but for most people that is just an excuse for inaction. Somebody said: "One of these days is none of these days." God has a hard time guiding us when our bottoms are planted deeply in the living room recliner! The best and most honest prayers are not prayed from comfortable chairs. They are prayed in urgent, desperate moments when our illusions of control are shattered, when our souls are distressed, when hope is slipping away. Take a lesson from that. Get up, get out, and get on with it. Put yourself on the edge where you feel some desperation and your prayer life will take new life -- guaranteed!
Others of you are saying: "Jerry, I've failed so many times. I am so afraid..." People fail. It’s a fact of life. If you’re unwilling to fail, you’re unable to succeed! I failed in many attempts and I am afraid, too! Every time I take the pulpit I feel fear – not of public speaking – but that I'll get it wrong and misdirect God's people. When people ask me to help them with some of life’s thorniest issues, I feel fear – that I’ll offer the wrong advice and increase their difficulties! FEAR CAUSES ME TO PRAY DESPERATELY. Fear is no reason to quit. Fear drives us to our knees and causes us to declare our dependence on God every day, for every task. If you’re only attempting what you know you can safely accomplish, you’re not doing much!
Inspired by the Spirit, Paul wrote to a younger, often waffling Timothy, urging him to get on with the work of leading the church in Ephesus. The young pastor had a church full of problems that outstripped his experience and capabilities, but Paul reminds him of his true Source of strength: "I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:6-7 NLT Those last three words are an amazing combination of empowering gifts!
Power! That is controlled strength, the ability to get the job done.
Love! Nothing motivates us like love. Nothing ultimately influences people more effectively than love.
Self-discipline! That is incredibly important for "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." (Proverbs 25:28, KJV)
The time of excuses is OVER. "Ready, aim... FIRE!"
"Father, thank you for opportunities. Forgive us for leaving so many of them unclaimed. We worship You and acknowledge that You know all our tomorrows. Renew our vision and our faith. Help us to see the tasks to which You are calling us. Give us courage to embrace them. Forgive us for our reluctance to move out of our comfort zone, to become radicals in our pursuit of Your will. Stir us, move us, fill us -- this is our prayer, Spirit of God. We are Yours. Make us fit for Your use, worthy of the high calling You have given us in Christ Jesus, our Lord. We pray in His holy Name. Amen."
"Ready, aim... aim, aim, aim." Some people aim to do read their Bible, aim to get to church, aim to pray today, aim to get a grip on a sinful habit, aim to restore a broken relationship .... but they never do. Procrastination to another day only increases the feelings of discouragement over a task that grows more daunting as they dither. So, what is on your to-do list? What goals for this Summer, for the remaining part of 2009 (it’s nearly half gone, you know!), for today are in your mind? If you have not yet taken that first step of identifying reasonable goals, do it NOW! Take a small pad of paper and find a quiet spot for 15 minutes. Pray, committing yourself to the Spirit's guidance, then take pen in hand and write... at least 3 tasks you must accomplish- with deadlines. Then, go back and prioritize those tasks. Make another list of the resources (material and people) that you know to gather to get it done? It is not hard to be productive. It just requires a little thought and courage.
OK, I know some of you are objecting right now: "Jerry, I just live from day to day and let God lead me." Sounds good enough, but for most people that is just an excuse for inaction. Somebody said: "One of these days is none of these days." God has a hard time guiding us when our bottoms are planted deeply in the living room recliner! The best and most honest prayers are not prayed from comfortable chairs. They are prayed in urgent, desperate moments when our illusions of control are shattered, when our souls are distressed, when hope is slipping away. Take a lesson from that. Get up, get out, and get on with it. Put yourself on the edge where you feel some desperation and your prayer life will take new life -- guaranteed!
Others of you are saying: "Jerry, I've failed so many times. I am so afraid..." People fail. It’s a fact of life. If you’re unwilling to fail, you’re unable to succeed! I failed in many attempts and I am afraid, too! Every time I take the pulpit I feel fear – not of public speaking – but that I'll get it wrong and misdirect God's people. When people ask me to help them with some of life’s thorniest issues, I feel fear – that I’ll offer the wrong advice and increase their difficulties! FEAR CAUSES ME TO PRAY DESPERATELY. Fear is no reason to quit. Fear drives us to our knees and causes us to declare our dependence on God every day, for every task. If you’re only attempting what you know you can safely accomplish, you’re not doing much!
Inspired by the Spirit, Paul wrote to a younger, often waffling Timothy, urging him to get on with the work of leading the church in Ephesus. The young pastor had a church full of problems that outstripped his experience and capabilities, but Paul reminds him of his true Source of strength: "I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:6-7 NLT Those last three words are an amazing combination of empowering gifts!
Power! That is controlled strength, the ability to get the job done.
Love! Nothing motivates us like love. Nothing ultimately influences people more effectively than love.
Self-discipline! That is incredibly important for "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." (Proverbs 25:28, KJV)
The time of excuses is OVER. "Ready, aim... FIRE!"
"Father, thank you for opportunities. Forgive us for leaving so many of them unclaimed. We worship You and acknowledge that You know all our tomorrows. Renew our vision and our faith. Help us to see the tasks to which You are calling us. Give us courage to embrace them. Forgive us for our reluctance to move out of our comfort zone, to become radicals in our pursuit of Your will. Stir us, move us, fill us -- this is our prayer, Spirit of God. We are Yours. Make us fit for Your use, worthy of the high calling You have given us in Christ Jesus, our Lord. We pray in His holy Name. Amen."
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
The Belly god
Cindy Jackson has spent a small fortune and endured 47 surgical procedures in an attempt to turn herself into the likeness of a Barbie Doll! It isn't that she lacks intellectual capacity. She is a member of Mensa, a world wide group of very smart people. Ms. Jackson is simply in love with her body. Many of us are! We spend countless days obsessing with the size of our waist, the taste and temperature of our soup, the aroma of our coffee, the cut of our suit, or the quality of our sexual experience.
The Scripture colorfully calls this kind of person as one "whose God is their belly!" Richard Foster writes, "Any life lived on the order of the body alone will end in emptiness. We simply cannot sustain meaning when the only measure of life is endless experience." (Longing For God, IVP, 2009)
A great dinner is to be enjoyed. Caring for our appearance is not a bad thing. God created us with the capacity to experience pleasure. My intent today is not to urge a life of deprivation or pain on anyone. In a twisted way, there are those who profess to be followers of Christ Jesus, who worship the belly god by turning the good news of salvation into a long list of rules designed to curb the appetites of the body. The Word repeats their mantra: "Don't handle! Don't taste! Don't touch!" (Colossians 2:21) and then reminds us of the folly of a religion with this focus: "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 2:23, NLT)
Disciple, our focus is higher than this body! We are to love God - with all our mind, heart, and strength. In this, we find life to the full which He promised. We understand that the body is perishing and we do not despair because of that fact. We feed, clothe, and care for our body as the 'temple of the Spirit,' which it is, but we refuse to make it our god.
Consider the wisdom in this passage. "For many walk, (live their daily lives) of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame- who set their mind on earthly things.
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." (Philippians 3:18-21, NKJV)
Are you worshipping your stomach?
Do you define 'the good life' by food, comfort, or appearance?
If so, break that idol! "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:2-3, NKJV) Practice the discipline of fasting (not just food!) to allow the love of God to flourish. Cultivate the inner beauty of a clean and righteous heart that cannot be taken away by the passing of time.
Those who serve the belly god become enslaved by the search for more and more exotic experiences to sate the senses. Lust and gluttony corrupt every part of their lives, shape every interaction, and ultimately their god is wrenched from their grasp by age and death. Those who serve the Savior are led to life, know joy, and relinguish their body and appetites even as they take hold of eternal life, right here, right now!
_______
Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes let me see
Beauty that made
This heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You
So here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that
You're my God
And You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me
Here I Am To Worship
Tim Hughes, 2000 ThankYou Music
CCLI License 810005
The Scripture colorfully calls this kind of person as one "whose God is their belly!" Richard Foster writes, "Any life lived on the order of the body alone will end in emptiness. We simply cannot sustain meaning when the only measure of life is endless experience." (Longing For God, IVP, 2009)
A great dinner is to be enjoyed. Caring for our appearance is not a bad thing. God created us with the capacity to experience pleasure. My intent today is not to urge a life of deprivation or pain on anyone. In a twisted way, there are those who profess to be followers of Christ Jesus, who worship the belly god by turning the good news of salvation into a long list of rules designed to curb the appetites of the body. The Word repeats their mantra: "Don't handle! Don't taste! Don't touch!" (Colossians 2:21) and then reminds us of the folly of a religion with this focus: "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 2:23, NLT)
Disciple, our focus is higher than this body! We are to love God - with all our mind, heart, and strength. In this, we find life to the full which He promised. We understand that the body is perishing and we do not despair because of that fact. We feed, clothe, and care for our body as the 'temple of the Spirit,' which it is, but we refuse to make it our god.
Consider the wisdom in this passage. "For many walk, (live their daily lives) of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame- who set their mind on earthly things.
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." (Philippians 3:18-21, NKJV)
Are you worshipping your stomach?
Do you define 'the good life' by food, comfort, or appearance?
If so, break that idol! "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:2-3, NKJV) Practice the discipline of fasting (not just food!) to allow the love of God to flourish. Cultivate the inner beauty of a clean and righteous heart that cannot be taken away by the passing of time.
Those who serve the belly god become enslaved by the search for more and more exotic experiences to sate the senses. Lust and gluttony corrupt every part of their lives, shape every interaction, and ultimately their god is wrenched from their grasp by age and death. Those who serve the Savior are led to life, know joy, and relinguish their body and appetites even as they take hold of eternal life, right here, right now!
_______
Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes let me see
Beauty that made
This heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You
So here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that
You're my God
And You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me
Here I Am To Worship
Tim Hughes, 2000 ThankYou Music
CCLI License 810005
Monday, June 01, 2009
The murder of Tiller
Yesterday morning, Dr. George Tiller was shot dead in the foyer of the church he attended as he was serving as an usher. Tiller, for those who do not know, was one of a very small group of physicians who performed late term abortions, even in the third trimester of pregnancy. He justified his action by saying that nearly all of those abortions involved a fetus with severe abnormalities. Even if that is true, Dr. Tiller was taking human lives. Reports say that a 51 year old man who has a history of rebellion against the government, calling himself a ‘sovereign citizen,’ shot the doctor. Other reports label the man as being part of the ‘pro-life’ movement. I say he is a deluded fool. Delusion is a huge risk to everyone who rejects accountability to God, government, and Church. A man who becomes a law to himself is loose cannon. I would like to ask him what logic made him believe that one kind of murder justifies another? Tiller’s killer is not pro-life!
The whole news story is a tragic one, with no bright spot, nothing I can find as redeeming. Our ‘me-first’ culture has sanctioned an awful curse called abortion. It is an issue of deep concern to me now and it has been for years. Back in the mid-1980’s I was a co-founder of a ministry that offered help and hope to pregnant women. Our philosophy was that we would not use fear or graphic pictures to inflame emotion! We determined would always be truthful and demonstrate real compassion, to help women make the right choice in a desperate situation. The ministry survives today, though I am no longer involved with it, and I still believe that love the response the Lord asks His people to adopt when dealing with sin!
That said, I am not deceived about the hideous nature of abortion. It is a sin against humanity and God, one of the ongoing acts in our country that invites His judgment. Any nation that sanctions the destruction of the life of the least and the helpless is a nation in danger of God’s correction. Despite the propaganda of the industry, almost all abortions are done for the convenience of those who had sexual intercourse without thinking of the consequence of conception. The flags of incest and rape are waved constantly as a justification for abortion, but even a generous accounting allows that less than 2 or 3 out of 100 abortions involve those circumstances. It is a national tragedy of unbelievable proportion, when one considers that just over 1 million lives end each year in doctor’s offices and clinics in America. That has continued since abortion was legalized in the United States in 1973 by the infamous Supreme Court decision known as Roe vs. Wade.
The Word stirs God’s people to action on behalf of those who are powerless saying, "Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." (Psalm 82:3-4, NIV) The ethics of life and justice, however, do not allow any one person to become judge and jury, exacting a mistaken justice with a handgun in a church lobby! Nor should our concern for the life of the pre-born cause us to forget compassion for the woman bearing the child.
Serving God in a sinful world is not an isolated act of righteousness here and there. It is a way of life encompassing all of our choices. We cannot fulfill our high and holy calling without cost. We must be wise, patient, and loving; never allowing our choices – individually or corporately to be fueled solely by emotional fervor. We must remain in submission to God and keep strong ties with all of His people to avoid the deceptions that will twist our best service into a caricature of godliness and holy living.
"How can I stand up before God and show proper respect to the high God? Should I bring an armload of offerings topped off with yearling calves? Would God be impressed with thousands of rams, with buckets and barrels of olive oil? Would he be moved if I sacrificed my firstborn child, my precious baby, to cancel my sin?
But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take yourself too seriously— take God seriously." (Micah 6:6-8, The Message)
The whole news story is a tragic one, with no bright spot, nothing I can find as redeeming. Our ‘me-first’ culture has sanctioned an awful curse called abortion. It is an issue of deep concern to me now and it has been for years. Back in the mid-1980’s I was a co-founder of a ministry that offered help and hope to pregnant women. Our philosophy was that we would not use fear or graphic pictures to inflame emotion! We determined would always be truthful and demonstrate real compassion, to help women make the right choice in a desperate situation. The ministry survives today, though I am no longer involved with it, and I still believe that love the response the Lord asks His people to adopt when dealing with sin!
That said, I am not deceived about the hideous nature of abortion. It is a sin against humanity and God, one of the ongoing acts in our country that invites His judgment. Any nation that sanctions the destruction of the life of the least and the helpless is a nation in danger of God’s correction. Despite the propaganda of the industry, almost all abortions are done for the convenience of those who had sexual intercourse without thinking of the consequence of conception. The flags of incest and rape are waved constantly as a justification for abortion, but even a generous accounting allows that less than 2 or 3 out of 100 abortions involve those circumstances. It is a national tragedy of unbelievable proportion, when one considers that just over 1 million lives end each year in doctor’s offices and clinics in America. That has continued since abortion was legalized in the United States in 1973 by the infamous Supreme Court decision known as Roe vs. Wade.
The Word stirs God’s people to action on behalf of those who are powerless saying, "Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." (Psalm 82:3-4, NIV) The ethics of life and justice, however, do not allow any one person to become judge and jury, exacting a mistaken justice with a handgun in a church lobby! Nor should our concern for the life of the pre-born cause us to forget compassion for the woman bearing the child.
Serving God in a sinful world is not an isolated act of righteousness here and there. It is a way of life encompassing all of our choices. We cannot fulfill our high and holy calling without cost. We must be wise, patient, and loving; never allowing our choices – individually or corporately to be fueled solely by emotional fervor. We must remain in submission to God and keep strong ties with all of His people to avoid the deceptions that will twist our best service into a caricature of godliness and holy living.
"How can I stand up before God and show proper respect to the high God? Should I bring an armload of offerings topped off with yearling calves? Would God be impressed with thousands of rams, with buckets and barrels of olive oil? Would he be moved if I sacrificed my firstborn child, my precious baby, to cancel my sin?
But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take yourself too seriously— take God seriously." (Micah 6:6-8, The Message)
Friday, May 29, 2009
Leadership or Follower-ship?
“This moment will look much different two years from now,” I told the person who was torn by emotion, confronted with a difficult decision. I spoke from experience, knowing that with time’s passing, our choices and God’s leading find a context within the big picture of life.
As I approach my 54th birthday and look back over 3 decades of adulthood, I see moments where He changed my course and moments where I was headstrong and took detours from His will. Most amazing to me is His grace that has made me who I am today. In my reading in the Word this morning, I perused the story of Abraham’s dispatch of his servant to get a wife for Isaac. As the servant comes to a well, he meets a beautiful young woman. When circumstances bring him to the conclusion that he has found the woman for Isaac, the Bible says "the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, saying, ‘Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey.’” (Genesis 24:26-27, NIV) With that servant, I too, say – The Lord has led me on the journey!
When I ‘take charge’ and begin to lead, mistakes get made, people get hurt, and I live to regret it! Been there too often. When my heart is humble and my mind submitted to Him, I am led by the Spirit. What a difference when I am led and not leading. Most of the moments when I’ve seized control, it has been because a sense of urgency makes me feel that must not wait, that there is no time to pray and see what God will do or what He wants done. I always regret the results that emerge from those ill-considered choices. But, when I let Him lead and bring His plan to maturity in His time: Oh, what a difference!
I am not making a case for passivity or indecisiveness, disciple. We must choose, make decisions, move on with life – but, we do so as those who are led. Much is made of leadership today, but I am learning ‘follower-ship.’ When a situation requires me to lead, I have learned first to be led. Until I have wrestled with the choice in the Presence of God, sought His counsel, and applied the principles of His Word, I am not ready to choose wisely. And, I have learned the value of making decisions within the context of the counsel of trusted confidants.
The Scripture urges us to realize the privilege of being led by God. "God’s Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go! This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?”" (Romans 8:14-15, The Message) God does not lead us like slaves, beating us, driving us, robbing life from us. Rather He leads us like sons are guided by a wise father; sometimes sternly, sometimes with rebuke, sometimes with encouragement – and always to what is best.
Meditate on this promise. Don’t rush ahead or lag behind. Let God lead you as you listen for the Spirit’s voice.
"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." (John 15:15, NIV)
"When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." (John 16:13, NIV)
__________________
Some day life's journey will be o'er,
And I shall reach that distant shore,
I'll sing while ent'ring heaven's door,
"Jesus led me all the way."
If God should let me there review,
The winding paths of earth I knew,
It would be proven clear and true,
"Jesus led me all the way."
Jesus led me all the way,
Led me step by step each day;
I will tell the saints and angels,
As I lay my burdens down,
"Jesus led me all the way."
Jesus Led Me All The Way
Peterson, John W.
© 1954. Renewed 1982 John W. Peterson Music Company
CCLI License No. 810055
As I approach my 54th birthday and look back over 3 decades of adulthood, I see moments where He changed my course and moments where I was headstrong and took detours from His will. Most amazing to me is His grace that has made me who I am today. In my reading in the Word this morning, I perused the story of Abraham’s dispatch of his servant to get a wife for Isaac. As the servant comes to a well, he meets a beautiful young woman. When circumstances bring him to the conclusion that he has found the woman for Isaac, the Bible says "the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, saying, ‘Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey.’” (Genesis 24:26-27, NIV) With that servant, I too, say – The Lord has led me on the journey!
When I ‘take charge’ and begin to lead, mistakes get made, people get hurt, and I live to regret it! Been there too often. When my heart is humble and my mind submitted to Him, I am led by the Spirit. What a difference when I am led and not leading. Most of the moments when I’ve seized control, it has been because a sense of urgency makes me feel that must not wait, that there is no time to pray and see what God will do or what He wants done. I always regret the results that emerge from those ill-considered choices. But, when I let Him lead and bring His plan to maturity in His time: Oh, what a difference!
I am not making a case for passivity or indecisiveness, disciple. We must choose, make decisions, move on with life – but, we do so as those who are led. Much is made of leadership today, but I am learning ‘follower-ship.’ When a situation requires me to lead, I have learned first to be led. Until I have wrestled with the choice in the Presence of God, sought His counsel, and applied the principles of His Word, I am not ready to choose wisely. And, I have learned the value of making decisions within the context of the counsel of trusted confidants.
The Scripture urges us to realize the privilege of being led by God. "God’s Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go! This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?”" (Romans 8:14-15, The Message) God does not lead us like slaves, beating us, driving us, robbing life from us. Rather He leads us like sons are guided by a wise father; sometimes sternly, sometimes with rebuke, sometimes with encouragement – and always to what is best.
Meditate on this promise. Don’t rush ahead or lag behind. Let God lead you as you listen for the Spirit’s voice.
"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." (John 15:15, NIV)
"When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." (John 16:13, NIV)
__________________
Some day life's journey will be o'er,
And I shall reach that distant shore,
I'll sing while ent'ring heaven's door,
"Jesus led me all the way."
If God should let me there review,
The winding paths of earth I knew,
It would be proven clear and true,
"Jesus led me all the way."
Jesus led me all the way,
Led me step by step each day;
I will tell the saints and angels,
As I lay my burdens down,
"Jesus led me all the way."
Jesus Led Me All The Way
Peterson, John W.
© 1954. Renewed 1982 John W. Peterson Music Company
CCLI License No. 810055
Thursday, May 28, 2009
A Hut or a Mansion – You Choose, I’ll be happy!
When I was a kid, when there was a missionary speaker at our church, we often sang a song with these words - "I go where you want me to go, dear Lord; I'll say what you want me to say, I be what you want me to be..." For me it wasn’t a good song! It created visions of going to live in a hut in a jungle, far from people I loved, living miserably on a terrible diet. Even as I sang, I was doing deals with God in my mind... "Sure, Lord, I want to be an obedient son - but- pulllleeeeeze- don't ask me to go there!" That childish response makes me chuckle now, even as I recall the very real emotions of that time.
In my immaturity, I did not understand the will of God was the gateway to fulfillment, that the purpose of God is the way of joy. My relationship with God (if one could call it that) was shaped by fear, not by love. I was ONLY willing to consider God's will because I was certain something terrible would happen to me if I didn't. Curiously, somehow I thought that ‘doing God’s will’ always meant misery, but a person did it so they would avoid greater miseries of perpetual poverty, cancer, or zits! As I matured in faith, I found out that the will of God is not some miserable duty that the Potentate of Heaven presents to us just to see if we're humble enough to take it! He is not toying with us just to exercise His authority. He desires to work out His will in us and through us in the world.
The Will of God is the path of life. His will envelopes our experiences, our spiritual gifts, our opportunities, and our personality. He knows EXACTLY how to maximize our potential, even if His plan is not what we might initially desire for our life. He asks us to trust His wisdom. While He is not interested, in the least, in granting our every fantasy, He does love us deeply. Even in circumstances that appear miserable to someone looking in from the outside, He can keep us joyful and at rest. The Lord’s idea of success is far different because He factors in eternity! He will make us into a Heavenly success story, which does not mean we will live a life of ease, enjoy access to great wealth, or gain the respect of millions! But, in the center of His will we find intimacy with God, a blessing that knows no equal!
Jesus tells us "If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love. “I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature." (John 15:10-11, The Message)
Some are called to serve Him in obscurity, some in fame. Some are sent to the far side of the globe, others to their hometown. Some are given great responsibility, others serve but a few. There is no need to compare, for our service is by His sovereign will! Paul illustrates this for a young pastor named Timothy. Take a look.
"In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for his purpose. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work." 2 Timothy 2:20-21 In God's household, we are all valuable -- prepared for a purpose. We serve nobly whether we are a fine crystal goblet or an ordinary water glass, whether we are a golden tray on display or a wooden cutting board on a corner of the kitchen counter! IF we allow envy to take up residence, the joy and the effectiveness that might have been ours will be lost to endless days of complaining and/or comparisons.
So, disciple, are you still trying to ‘serve God’ while holding onto your own plans?
Are you trying to play a sophisticated game of “Let’s Make A Deal” with Him, setting limits on where, what, or with whom you will serve?
Here’s an invitation from Him. Prayerfully ask the Spirit of God to make these words live for you as He draws you into His will and shows you His plan for this day.
"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. … You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." (John 15:4-5, 16 NIV)
____________________________
It may not be on the mountain's height
Or over the stormy sea,
It may not be at the battle's front
My Lord will have need of me;
But if by a still, small voice He calls
To paths I do not know,
I'll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Thine,
I'll go where You want me to go.
I'll go where You want me to go, dear Lord.
Over mountain or plain or sea.
I'll say what You want me to say, dear Lord,
I'll be what You want me to be.
There's surely somewhere a lowly place
In earth's harvest fields so wide,
Where I may labor through life's short day
for Jesus the crucified;
So, trusting my all unto Thy care,
I know Thou lovest me;
I'll do Thy will with a heart sincere,
I'll be what You want me to be.
I'll go where You want me to go, dear Lord.
Over mountain or plain or sea.
I'll say what You want me to say, dear Lord,
I'll be what You want me to be.
I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go –
Mary Brown /Charles E. Prior /Carrie E. Rounsefell
© Public Domain
In my immaturity, I did not understand the will of God was the gateway to fulfillment, that the purpose of God is the way of joy. My relationship with God (if one could call it that) was shaped by fear, not by love. I was ONLY willing to consider God's will because I was certain something terrible would happen to me if I didn't. Curiously, somehow I thought that ‘doing God’s will’ always meant misery, but a person did it so they would avoid greater miseries of perpetual poverty, cancer, or zits! As I matured in faith, I found out that the will of God is not some miserable duty that the Potentate of Heaven presents to us just to see if we're humble enough to take it! He is not toying with us just to exercise His authority. He desires to work out His will in us and through us in the world.
The Will of God is the path of life. His will envelopes our experiences, our spiritual gifts, our opportunities, and our personality. He knows EXACTLY how to maximize our potential, even if His plan is not what we might initially desire for our life. He asks us to trust His wisdom. While He is not interested, in the least, in granting our every fantasy, He does love us deeply. Even in circumstances that appear miserable to someone looking in from the outside, He can keep us joyful and at rest. The Lord’s idea of success is far different because He factors in eternity! He will make us into a Heavenly success story, which does not mean we will live a life of ease, enjoy access to great wealth, or gain the respect of millions! But, in the center of His will we find intimacy with God, a blessing that knows no equal!
Jesus tells us "If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love. “I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature." (John 15:10-11, The Message)
Some are called to serve Him in obscurity, some in fame. Some are sent to the far side of the globe, others to their hometown. Some are given great responsibility, others serve but a few. There is no need to compare, for our service is by His sovereign will! Paul illustrates this for a young pastor named Timothy. Take a look.
"In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for his purpose. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work." 2 Timothy 2:20-21 In God's household, we are all valuable -- prepared for a purpose. We serve nobly whether we are a fine crystal goblet or an ordinary water glass, whether we are a golden tray on display or a wooden cutting board on a corner of the kitchen counter! IF we allow envy to take up residence, the joy and the effectiveness that might have been ours will be lost to endless days of complaining and/or comparisons.
So, disciple, are you still trying to ‘serve God’ while holding onto your own plans?
Are you trying to play a sophisticated game of “Let’s Make A Deal” with Him, setting limits on where, what, or with whom you will serve?
Here’s an invitation from Him. Prayerfully ask the Spirit of God to make these words live for you as He draws you into His will and shows you His plan for this day.
"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. … You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." (John 15:4-5, 16 NIV)
____________________________
It may not be on the mountain's height
Or over the stormy sea,
It may not be at the battle's front
My Lord will have need of me;
But if by a still, small voice He calls
To paths I do not know,
I'll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Thine,
I'll go where You want me to go.
I'll go where You want me to go, dear Lord.
Over mountain or plain or sea.
I'll say what You want me to say, dear Lord,
I'll be what You want me to be.
There's surely somewhere a lowly place
In earth's harvest fields so wide,
Where I may labor through life's short day
for Jesus the crucified;
So, trusting my all unto Thy care,
I know Thou lovest me;
I'll do Thy will with a heart sincere,
I'll be what You want me to be.
I'll go where You want me to go, dear Lord.
Over mountain or plain or sea.
I'll say what You want me to say, dear Lord,
I'll be what You want me to be.
I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go –
Mary Brown /Charles E. Prior /Carrie E. Rounsefell
© Public Domain
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Blessed with a dog
"It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening." (Psalm 92:1-2, NLT) Today, I give thanks for Sam, the Irish Setter, who came to our home in early April. She has brought me much joy! My brother gave Sam to our Dad for Christmas, bringing great delight to him during his illness. When Dad died in February, Mom came to realize that an energetic setter was too much dog for her to handle. I asked if I could adopt her. I’ve wanted to own a ‘real dog’ for a long time. Now, thanks to the generosity of my Mom and my brother, I do! But, I also believe God blessed me with a dog!
I am convinced that the Lord cares about the longings of our heart, that He is the giver of good gifts. To think that He is only the stern Judge, or the disciplinary Father, is to miss much of Who He is. If we only praise Him for the wonderful Cross, for beautiful sunrises, and for majestic mountains, we will soon lose sight that He is our ‘Abba,’ our Heavenly Daddy who delights in us, who knows us by name. Sam makes me laugh, gets me off of my computer and outside for walks, awakens me at 5 am, and goes with me to my office every day. In terms of world need, those things are trivial. In terms of my needs, God gave me a gift that is making a difference in my quality of life!
As much as I love the Truth of the Gospel, I have a deep need to personally and immediately experience the love of Jesus Christ, to sense the Presence of the God who knows me. One way that happens is when He blesses me in ways that are personal, that fulfill my desires. When He does, it is imperative that I give thanks, that I return to bless Him with my gratitude and praise. One of my earthly Dad’s favorite lines from the Psalms was -"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (Psalm 37:4, KJV) I heard him quote a thousand times, as he pointed out blessings – great and small – for which he thanked God.
Do you ask God for only great things?
Are you reluctant to present all of your requests to Him, to share your heart’s desires with Him?
Tim Keller, in The Prodigal God, reminds us that Jesus’ first recorded miracle was turning several jars of water into wine for a wedding! He was enabling a family to celebrate life, giving a gift of love, and making festive joy possible. He goes on to write that “Jesus’ salvation is a feast, and therefore when we believe in and rest in His work for us, through the Holy Spirit, He becomes real to our hearts. His love is like honey, or like wine. Rather than only believing that He is loving, we can come to sense the reality, the beauty, the power of His love. His love can become more real to you than the love of anyone else. It can delight, galvanize, and console you. That will lift you up and free you from fear like nothing else.” (pg.108)
You may disagree, but I believe that if He would make wine for a wedding, He could give a preacher a dog! So, I am giving thanks for being blessed with a dog.
Here’s a word from the Word. Take it to heart and present all your requests to Abba, and receive His good gifts with gratitude.
"Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun."
(Psalm 37:1-6, NIV)
_____________________
Come, we that love the Lord,
And let our joys be known;
Join in a song with sweet accord,
And thus surround the throne.
Let those refuse to sing,
Who never knew our God;
But children of the heavenly King,
May speak their joys abroad.
The hill of Zion yields
A thousand sacred sweets,
Before we reach the heavenly fields,
Or walk the golden streets.
Then let our songs abound,
And every tear be dry;
We're marching thru Emmanuel's ground,
To fairer worlds on high.
Come We That Love The Lord
Watts, Isaac / Williams, Aaron© Public Domain
I am convinced that the Lord cares about the longings of our heart, that He is the giver of good gifts. To think that He is only the stern Judge, or the disciplinary Father, is to miss much of Who He is. If we only praise Him for the wonderful Cross, for beautiful sunrises, and for majestic mountains, we will soon lose sight that He is our ‘Abba,’ our Heavenly Daddy who delights in us, who knows us by name. Sam makes me laugh, gets me off of my computer and outside for walks, awakens me at 5 am, and goes with me to my office every day. In terms of world need, those things are trivial. In terms of my needs, God gave me a gift that is making a difference in my quality of life!
As much as I love the Truth of the Gospel, I have a deep need to personally and immediately experience the love of Jesus Christ, to sense the Presence of the God who knows me. One way that happens is when He blesses me in ways that are personal, that fulfill my desires. When He does, it is imperative that I give thanks, that I return to bless Him with my gratitude and praise. One of my earthly Dad’s favorite lines from the Psalms was -"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (Psalm 37:4, KJV) I heard him quote a thousand times, as he pointed out blessings – great and small – for which he thanked God.
Do you ask God for only great things?
Are you reluctant to present all of your requests to Him, to share your heart’s desires with Him?
Tim Keller, in The Prodigal God, reminds us that Jesus’ first recorded miracle was turning several jars of water into wine for a wedding! He was enabling a family to celebrate life, giving a gift of love, and making festive joy possible. He goes on to write that “Jesus’ salvation is a feast, and therefore when we believe in and rest in His work for us, through the Holy Spirit, He becomes real to our hearts. His love is like honey, or like wine. Rather than only believing that He is loving, we can come to sense the reality, the beauty, the power of His love. His love can become more real to you than the love of anyone else. It can delight, galvanize, and console you. That will lift you up and free you from fear like nothing else.” (pg.108)
You may disagree, but I believe that if He would make wine for a wedding, He could give a preacher a dog! So, I am giving thanks for being blessed with a dog.
Here’s a word from the Word. Take it to heart and present all your requests to Abba, and receive His good gifts with gratitude.
"Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun."
(Psalm 37:1-6, NIV)
_____________________
Come, we that love the Lord,
And let our joys be known;
Join in a song with sweet accord,
And thus surround the throne.
Let those refuse to sing,
Who never knew our God;
But children of the heavenly King,
May speak their joys abroad.
The hill of Zion yields
A thousand sacred sweets,
Before we reach the heavenly fields,
Or walk the golden streets.
Then let our songs abound,
And every tear be dry;
We're marching thru Emmanuel's ground,
To fairer worlds on high.
Come We That Love The Lord
Watts, Isaac / Williams, Aaron© Public Domain
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Brain food!
Rick (not his real name) and I enjoyed a picnic with our families yesterday. Conversation drifted into politics. As he expounded on his disdain for the current administration and the policies now shaping the nation, it was obvious he believed America was headed in the wrong direction. His daughter interrupted him to explain, “He watches Fox News all day!” He later added that he thinks Rush Limbaugh is, despite his bombast, (his word, not mine!) a man who speaks truth. He loves Sean Hannity. Rick’s views are totally consistent with his source of information. My point here is not to argue with Rick’s politics (nor yours, thanks!) but rather to observe that what he is choosing as brain food has an obvious effect on his view of the world!
Most of us are aware that diet is a big part of the general health of our body. Constant consumption of foods that are loaded with saturated fats will not only increase our likelihood of becoming overweight, it also increases, exponentially, our risk of heart disease. We know that. We also have been taught that good health requires a balanced diet including carbs, proteins, fruits, and vegetables – and some of us have reached the age where we realize the value of fiber, too.
But, I fear we are much less aware of the quality of food that we feed to our mind and spirit! We are foolish if we believe we can consume a steady diet of ‘junk’ and remain spiritually healthy. Disciple, if you’re spending 3 or 4 a day watching the usual television programming that glorifies casual sex, materialism, and violence – it will affect your life! No question about it. What plays as the background music in your home or office, will most certainly enter your brain and change your thoughts. How many times have you found yourself singing a line from a song almost unconsciously, only to realize it just played on the radio or from your PC?
A basic life principle is this: Right thinking always precedes right living. Jesus alludes to that fact when He observes that “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6: 43, 45-46, NIV) We will think clearly, with a view of life that is godly and true only if we choose the right brain food. And, if we are deceived in our thinking, we will not live in a way that leads to an abundant, Spiritually fruitful life.
Change takes time. If potato chips, hotdogs, fries, and cheeseburgers are a person’s steady diet for 25 years, there will be a discernible effect on their physical health. Turning things around will require re-training their taste to appreciate healthier fare, so they will continue to consume a diet that is balanced and full of healthful foods. A week on a good diet won’t change a thing! Only a real, sustained commitment produces weight loss, lower cholesterol levels, and better energy. Likewise, in our spiritual lives, a burst of concern lasting only a few days or weeks, will not produce the desired effect! A holy life, filled with the fruit of the Spirit, will only emerge as we continue to strengthen our heart and mind with the Truth over time.
Here’s a word from the Word that points the way to peace (that is, soundness and wholeness) with God. "Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies."
(Philippians 4:8-9, The Message)
_____________
Fill all my vision, Savior divine.
'Til with Thy glory, my Spirit shall shine.
Fill all my vision that all may see,
Thy holy image reflected in me.
Fill all my vision, Savior I pray.
Let me see only Jesus today,
Though thro' the valley Thou leadest me,
Give me Thy glory and beauty to see.
Fill all my vision,
Every desire keep for Thy glory.
My soul inspire with Thy perfection,
Thy holy love flooding my pathway
With light from above.
Fill all my vision, let naught of sin.
Shadow the brightness, shining within.
Let me see only Thy blessed face,
Feasting my soul on Thy infinite grace.
Fill All My Vision
Christiansen, Avis B. / Hammontree, Homer
© 1940 John T. Benson Publishing Company (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc., 741 Coolsprings Blvd., Franklin TN 37067)
CCLI License No. 810055
Most of us are aware that diet is a big part of the general health of our body. Constant consumption of foods that are loaded with saturated fats will not only increase our likelihood of becoming overweight, it also increases, exponentially, our risk of heart disease. We know that. We also have been taught that good health requires a balanced diet including carbs, proteins, fruits, and vegetables – and some of us have reached the age where we realize the value of fiber, too.
But, I fear we are much less aware of the quality of food that we feed to our mind and spirit! We are foolish if we believe we can consume a steady diet of ‘junk’ and remain spiritually healthy. Disciple, if you’re spending 3 or 4 a day watching the usual television programming that glorifies casual sex, materialism, and violence – it will affect your life! No question about it. What plays as the background music in your home or office, will most certainly enter your brain and change your thoughts. How many times have you found yourself singing a line from a song almost unconsciously, only to realize it just played on the radio or from your PC?
A basic life principle is this: Right thinking always precedes right living. Jesus alludes to that fact when He observes that “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6: 43, 45-46, NIV) We will think clearly, with a view of life that is godly and true only if we choose the right brain food. And, if we are deceived in our thinking, we will not live in a way that leads to an abundant, Spiritually fruitful life.
Change takes time. If potato chips, hotdogs, fries, and cheeseburgers are a person’s steady diet for 25 years, there will be a discernible effect on their physical health. Turning things around will require re-training their taste to appreciate healthier fare, so they will continue to consume a diet that is balanced and full of healthful foods. A week on a good diet won’t change a thing! Only a real, sustained commitment produces weight loss, lower cholesterol levels, and better energy. Likewise, in our spiritual lives, a burst of concern lasting only a few days or weeks, will not produce the desired effect! A holy life, filled with the fruit of the Spirit, will only emerge as we continue to strengthen our heart and mind with the Truth over time.
Here’s a word from the Word that points the way to peace (that is, soundness and wholeness) with God. "Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies."
(Philippians 4:8-9, The Message)
_____________
Fill all my vision, Savior divine.
'Til with Thy glory, my Spirit shall shine.
Fill all my vision that all may see,
Thy holy image reflected in me.
Fill all my vision, Savior I pray.
Let me see only Jesus today,
Though thro' the valley Thou leadest me,
Give me Thy glory and beauty to see.
Fill all my vision,
Every desire keep for Thy glory.
My soul inspire with Thy perfection,
Thy holy love flooding my pathway
With light from above.
Fill all my vision, let naught of sin.
Shadow the brightness, shining within.
Let me see only Thy blessed face,
Feasting my soul on Thy infinite grace.
Fill All My Vision
Christiansen, Avis B. / Hammontree, Homer
© 1940 John T. Benson Publishing Company (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc., 741 Coolsprings Blvd., Franklin TN 37067)
CCLI License No. 810055
Friday, May 22, 2009
Ducks, Rabbits, Eagles, and me!
There is a fable that goes like this. I first heard it told by Chuck Swindoll.
Once upon a time, the animals decided they should do something meaningful to meet the problems of the new world. So they organized a school. They adopted an activity curriculum of running, climbing, swimming, and flying. To make it easier to administer the curriculum, all the animals took all of the subjects.
Now, the duck, she was excellent in swimming. In fact, she was better than her instructor. But she made only passing grades in flying and she flunked running altogether. She was so bad at running, her instructors made her drop swimming and stay after school to practice running. This caused her web feet to be badly worn, so that she became only average in swimming. But average was quite acceptable, so nobody worried about that - except, of course, the duck.
The rabbit started at the top of his running class, but he developed a nervous twitch in his leg muscles because of so much make-up work in swimming. The squirrel was excellent in climbing, but she encountered constant frustration in flying class because her teacher made her start from the ground up instead of from the treetop down. She developed charley horses from overexertion, and so she only got a C in climbing and a D in running. Now the eagle was a real problem child. He was constantly being disciplined for being a nonconformist. In climbing class, he beat all the others to the top of the tree, but he insisted on using his own way to get there.
Are you living outside of the purpose for your life that God intends? Are you trying to find fulfillment or even attempting to live for God in ways that only serve to deepen your frustration and sense of meaningless?
Many of us are doing what we do not so much ‘on purpose,’ but because our parents pressured us into a career, or necessity demanded we take a job we hate, or even because we somehow came to the conclusion that God wanted us there! All kinds of things - peer pressure, expectations, fear, and even pride - keep us from living as God intends. One of Satan's effective conspiracies to keep us from joy is to keep us from living on purpose!
Once upon a time, the animals decided they should do something meaningful to meet the problems of the new world. So they organized a school. They adopted an activity curriculum of running, climbing, swimming, and flying. To make it easier to administer the curriculum, all the animals took all of the subjects.
Now, the duck, she was excellent in swimming. In fact, she was better than her instructor. But she made only passing grades in flying and she flunked running altogether. She was so bad at running, her instructors made her drop swimming and stay after school to practice running. This caused her web feet to be badly worn, so that she became only average in swimming. But average was quite acceptable, so nobody worried about that - except, of course, the duck.
The rabbit started at the top of his running class, but he developed a nervous twitch in his leg muscles because of so much make-up work in swimming. The squirrel was excellent in climbing, but she encountered constant frustration in flying class because her teacher made her start from the ground up instead of from the treetop down. She developed charley horses from overexertion, and so she only got a C in climbing and a D in running. Now the eagle was a real problem child. He was constantly being disciplined for being a nonconformist. In climbing class, he beat all the others to the top of the tree, but he insisted on using his own way to get there.
Are you living outside of the purpose for your life that God intends? Are you trying to find fulfillment or even attempting to live for God in ways that only serve to deepen your frustration and sense of meaningless?
Many of us are doing what we do not so much ‘on purpose,’ but because our parents pressured us into a career, or necessity demanded we take a job we hate, or even because we somehow came to the conclusion that God wanted us there! All kinds of things - peer pressure, expectations, fear, and even pride - keep us from living as God intends. One of Satan's effective conspiracies to keep us from joy is to keep us from living on purpose!
- Has God called you to a quiet life of prayer? Then you will be miserable and ineffective if you attempt to become a director of a large ministry.
- Has God gifted you with compassion, causing you to desire to serve those who are needy and the oppressed? Then why are you trying to lead a Bible class?
- Has the Spirit given you insight into the Word so that you can help others understand His will? Then why are you focusing your time and energy on a ministry focused on raising funds for a missions outreach?
ALL of the ways of serving God just mentioned are good and worthy. But we are not all called to serve in each one of those good and worthy ministries! God has shaped you and me for a service where we will 'fit' and where we can find deep satisfaction in serving Him obediently. One of the reasons there are so many unhappy, unfulfilled, critical, and ineffective disciples is that they are serving in places to which they are not called, for which they are not equipped, while wearing a yoke that chafes and binds them. It takes a lot of courage to admit that to ourselves and others. If we begin to extricate ourselves from some service because we have come to realize that God has not called us to it, we will be judged!
Let me be clear about one thing! Even if we are in the center of God’s will, doing exactly what God has called us to be; we will work, sweat, feel fatigue, and get discouraged. Ministry is demanding. Just consider Paul’s life! Despite being at the center of the will of God, he went through hard times! He says, "I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches." (2 Corinthians 11:23-28, NLT)
So much for confusing ‘easy,’ with ‘called.’ There is a reason that Jesus invites us to put on the yoke! There is work to be done and a devil who does his best to frustrate God’s purposes being worked out in my life and yours. However, we can be sure of this: We will be renewed when we do what He is calling us and gifting us to do. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would be right there alongside of us. He promised us that He would resource us, answer our prayers, and never leave us orphaned in this world.
Are you a duck trying to climb trees, or a rabbit trying to swim?
OR, are you right where God wants you to be, but attempting to live without relying on Him and the empowering Spirit?
Living 'on purpose' requires that we know the calling of God and that we remain reliant on Him.
Take this word from Jesus with you today and meditate on it:
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion?
Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life.
I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it.
Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill- fitting on you.
Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Matthew 11:28-30 The Message
____________________
Jesus shall reign wherever the sun
Does its successive journeys run;
His kingdom spread from shore to shore,
'Til moons shall wax and wane no more.
Blessings abound wherever He reigns,
The prisoner leaps to loose His chains;
The weary come home and find their rest,
And all the sons of want are blessed.
People and realms from every tongue
Dwell on His love with sweetest song;
Voices of children shall proclaim
Their early blessings on His name.
Let every creature rise and bring
Honor and praises to our King;
Angels descend with songs again,
And earth repeats a loud "Amen."
Jesus Shall Reign
Isaac Watts – public domain
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