Some of you had a little fun with me yesterday, most probably missed the gaff. A marathon run is not 23 miles as I wrote. Since 1924, the length of the run has been fixed at 42195 meters, or 26.22 miles! OK? I told you I wasn't an athlete! A little nagging voice in my head said, "do a fact check before you sent out that TFTD." I didn't. Chalk it up to too much confidence in recall, or whatever. I was mistaken. As each email arrived to tell me of my error, I laughed a little more, wondering how many others caught me but didn't write. What's that line, "to err is human, to forgive is divine?"
Mistakes, failure, and sin creeps into our lives through many doors.
Perhaps we're just over-confident. "It could never happen to me! I'm better than that." are thoughts that are the prelude to disaster. God's wisdom reminds each one of us of the importance of humility: "You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence." 1 Corinthians 10:12 (The Message) Maturity does not show itself in brags and boasts. It is revealed in the realization that each of us is just one slip from disaster. So we pray, with ever greater sincerity, "deliver us from the evil one." Matthew 6:13 (NIV)
Perhaps we're compromising our once high standards. When things go well for a spell, we tend to relax our guard, don't we? There is nothing like success to create complacency in us. Like Samson of old, as we experience victory upon victory, we are tempted to stop doing the things that brought us to those successes in the first place. He defeated the enemies of Israel and then started to flirt with one of the beautiful women from the Philistine nation. Delilah's fingers ran through his hair and she made the mighty man forget himself. When she had led him to compromise his promises to God, she called in her compatriots. When Samson sensed the danger, he sprang to his feet thinking he would fight them off. What follows is one of the tragic lines in the Bible - "I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him." Judges 16:20 (KJV) He compromised, broke his intimate ties to the Spirit of God from whom he got his amazing abilities, and became the slave of those he had once vanquished in battle.
Perhaps we're under attack. Ah, I like that one because it relieves me of responsibility! I know now why I got the marathon length wrong. The Devil made me do it. Seriously, we need to take note of the fact that there is a real conspiracy against God and good, coordinated by the mastermind of evil. I believe in a real Devil who organizes the spiritual forces of darkness against God's work, God's people, and this creation which is the handwork of God. The Bible tells us that he is real, militant, and seeking our destruction. He adopts whatever tactics necessary. In one Bible passage he is said to go about as a 'roaring lion seeking who he may devour.' In another he is said to masquerade as an 'angel of light.' He doesn't fight fair, does not care for whatever pain and suffering he creates. His goal - to discredit, to devalue, to destroy! But, if you and I stand close to God, we are strong to resist him. Thus James teaches us - "let God work his will in you. Yell a loud 'No' to the Devil and watch him scamper." James 4:7 (The Message)
Have you failed recently? Was it something much more significant than getting the length of race wrong?
Make failure your friend! John Maxwell, former pastor, author, and teacher wrote a book he titled, Failing Forward. (Nelson, 2000) Neat line, isn't it?
In it he contrasts allowing failure to ruin us - failing backward;- and using failure to learn - failing forward.
Some, he writes, blame others, repeat the same mistakes, expect that they will never fail again, accept tradition blindly, allow themselves to be defined by their mistakes, and/or quit. They fail backward.
Others take responsibility, learn, understand that failing is part of the process and inevitable in progress, challenge old assumptions, and persevere. That's failing forward!
Here's a word from the Word to think on today -
Stalwart walks in step with God;
his path blazed by God, he’s happy.
If he stumbles, he’s not down for long;
God has a grip on his hand. -- Psalm 37:23-24 (The Message)
Friday, May 05, 2006
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Practice makes perfect
I am not an athlete, never been, not likely that I ever will be. I could be but I lack the motivation to train, thus I condemn myself to only being a spectator. Recently I read the story of a middle-aged man, much like myself, who decided that he would run a marathon after seeing his daughter finish one. He was out of shape, had never even jogged, much less done something as rigorous as running a 23 mile race. But he was inspired by his daughter's achievement and wanted to match it. He began with a mile run. He felt like his chest was going to explode, like he was going to die halfway through that first run. Six months later, he finished a marathon! How did he do it? Daily training- running, conditioning, eating healthy foods, getting rest. Practice made perfect! We usually think of the word 'perfect' as meaning flawless, but in that context it means 'complete.' He was able to do what he intended to do because he trained his body in daily disciplined exercise.
The Christian life is a process that is a lot like preparing for a long distance run! We 'ooh' and 'aah' over the stories about great Believers whose lives are well-lived, examples of faith, and productive in terms of making a Kingdom difference in the world. In the same breath, many of us say, "I wish I could do that" but we really don't mean it. Here's how I know that many believers do not really intend to become great Christians. They don't do the daily disciplines, practice the habits that create the maturity of spirit and character, that lead to greatness. Said practically, if a person will not make the choices to get to worship faithfully, to contribute a portion of his income to God, to participate in some kind of unselfish service regularly, to meditate and pray each day - he's as incapable of doing great things for God as I am to run a marathon today! Some small part of me would like to run a marathon, too, but it's not going to happen unless I get off of my behind, pull on those running shoes, and get on the road! God has given us daily disciplines to build endurance and maturity in us. Those disciplines pattern us and enable us to live mature and complete lives, full of the Spirit, that defeat the Evil One, that create loving spaces in a hate filled world, and that cause others to say, "God be praised!"
Some people miss the point entirely of spiritual disciplines. They begin to worship the disciplines, rather than the Lord. Instead of understanding that the disciplines are just the means of opening up clear channels through which the Holy Spirit works to create maturity and power, they think that the disciplines themselves are the power! These misguided ones become like the guy who keeps training, but never enters the competition. Why train if you're not going to compete?
Ask God to give you a goal that's bigger than your present abilities, an 'impossible' vision. Then pray for the wisdom and courage to start small, to practice until you're matured, completed, enabled to do what that thing that you could only dream about before your training began. At the end of that race, there is a reward that is eternal, that does not tarnish, that no one can eclipse, or take away.
How are you living your life - for today, or for eternity?
Have you set your sights on God's home, on finishing well;
or are you seeking to be comfortable today, to satisfy the demands and desires that arise in you right now?
Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion.
Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please!
Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so,
making you fit both today and forever.
You can count on this. Take it to heart. 1 Timothy 4:7-9 (The Message)
The Christian life is a process that is a lot like preparing for a long distance run! We 'ooh' and 'aah' over the stories about great Believers whose lives are well-lived, examples of faith, and productive in terms of making a Kingdom difference in the world. In the same breath, many of us say, "I wish I could do that" but we really don't mean it. Here's how I know that many believers do not really intend to become great Christians. They don't do the daily disciplines, practice the habits that create the maturity of spirit and character, that lead to greatness. Said practically, if a person will not make the choices to get to worship faithfully, to contribute a portion of his income to God, to participate in some kind of unselfish service regularly, to meditate and pray each day - he's as incapable of doing great things for God as I am to run a marathon today! Some small part of me would like to run a marathon, too, but it's not going to happen unless I get off of my behind, pull on those running shoes, and get on the road! God has given us daily disciplines to build endurance and maturity in us. Those disciplines pattern us and enable us to live mature and complete lives, full of the Spirit, that defeat the Evil One, that create loving spaces in a hate filled world, and that cause others to say, "God be praised!"
Some people miss the point entirely of spiritual disciplines. They begin to worship the disciplines, rather than the Lord. Instead of understanding that the disciplines are just the means of opening up clear channels through which the Holy Spirit works to create maturity and power, they think that the disciplines themselves are the power! These misguided ones become like the guy who keeps training, but never enters the competition. Why train if you're not going to compete?
Ask God to give you a goal that's bigger than your present abilities, an 'impossible' vision. Then pray for the wisdom and courage to start small, to practice until you're matured, completed, enabled to do what that thing that you could only dream about before your training began. At the end of that race, there is a reward that is eternal, that does not tarnish, that no one can eclipse, or take away.
How are you living your life - for today, or for eternity?
Have you set your sights on God's home, on finishing well;
or are you seeking to be comfortable today, to satisfy the demands and desires that arise in you right now?
Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion.
Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please!
Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so,
making you fit both today and forever.
You can count on this. Take it to heart. 1 Timothy 4:7-9 (The Message)
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Pressure produces diamonds!
Anyone can smile, be loving, and appear stable when life's ship is sailing on smooth seas, under sunny skies! Heroes are made in times of crisis, when, from the crowded ranks of the ordinary, she takes the lead, points the way, and rallies others to success. The theory is that ordinary carbon atoms - one of the most common elements on earth - are transformed by extreme heat and pressure into the crystalline gems, diamonds, that are both industrially useful and beautifully decorative. Of course, there are carbon atoms compressed into beds of coal, too!
Paul, a man whose life was fairly safe and routine within the mainstream of his community, heard God's call and responded with obedience. If you've read the book of the Acts of the Apostles, you know that from that day on the road to Damascus where he first made a commitment to the Lord, his life was filled with difficulty as he took up the challenge to take the message about Jesus Christ, the Risen Lord, to the Empire. At one point, it got so tough, Paul thought it was 'game over.' He reflected on that experience in his 2nd letter to the Corinthians: "We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead." - 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NLT)
He is describing the stress and pressure of his calling. And what was that? In addition to being repeatedly arrested, tossed out of cities, even beaten; he was often criticized by people in the very churches he formed, under attack spiritually, and simply exhausted by the rigors of travel. He says, "we were under great pressure," and in from that pressure- a diamond, useful and beautiful, emerged from the life of the former Pharisee. I just love his wry commentary - "we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he’s the God who raises the dead!" (The Message)
When we are subjected to pressure, how we respond results from a combination of factors; personality, training, past experience, and spiritual depth. Of those, only one is beyond our control- personality. We can prepare to emerge from life's pressures as a gem for Christ; if we will allow ourselves to be schooled and patterned by the disciplines of the Spirit, if we will use the experiences of life to grow, and if we will let God develop real spiritual character and depth in us. In reality, most of us live carefully and safely, avoiding situations that might subject us to pressure whenever possible. Some don't respond affirmatively to God's call and offer of spiritual gifts because they know that they will be held to account, that He demands the best and highest, and that they will have to say, 'no,' to Self interests. Some avoid conflict instead of confronting wrong and/or evil. For some, should life become difficult, their response is to complain, whine, and wait for someone to ride to rescue. But others rise to the occasion, seeking God's powerful Presence, and they emerge as heroes of the Kingdom!
Are you courageously embracing God's callings? Is the result that you find yourself under pressure, criticized, stressed by multiple responsibilities, pushed past what you thought were your limits of endurance? Trust God!
Do what people who become heroes do.
Prepare for challenge with discipline. Don't whine!
Build a team that gives support. God doesn't build His work on Lone Rangers.
Know when to take a strategic retreat for restoration. Even Jesus allowed for 'down time.'
Focus on the goal.
And, most importantly, let God be God and trust Him who 'raises the dead!'
Paul, a man whose life was fairly safe and routine within the mainstream of his community, heard God's call and responded with obedience. If you've read the book of the Acts of the Apostles, you know that from that day on the road to Damascus where he first made a commitment to the Lord, his life was filled with difficulty as he took up the challenge to take the message about Jesus Christ, the Risen Lord, to the Empire. At one point, it got so tough, Paul thought it was 'game over.' He reflected on that experience in his 2nd letter to the Corinthians: "We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead." - 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NLT)
He is describing the stress and pressure of his calling. And what was that? In addition to being repeatedly arrested, tossed out of cities, even beaten; he was often criticized by people in the very churches he formed, under attack spiritually, and simply exhausted by the rigors of travel. He says, "we were under great pressure," and in from that pressure- a diamond, useful and beautiful, emerged from the life of the former Pharisee. I just love his wry commentary - "we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he’s the God who raises the dead!" (The Message)
When we are subjected to pressure, how we respond results from a combination of factors; personality, training, past experience, and spiritual depth. Of those, only one is beyond our control- personality. We can prepare to emerge from life's pressures as a gem for Christ; if we will allow ourselves to be schooled and patterned by the disciplines of the Spirit, if we will use the experiences of life to grow, and if we will let God develop real spiritual character and depth in us. In reality, most of us live carefully and safely, avoiding situations that might subject us to pressure whenever possible. Some don't respond affirmatively to God's call and offer of spiritual gifts because they know that they will be held to account, that He demands the best and highest, and that they will have to say, 'no,' to Self interests. Some avoid conflict instead of confronting wrong and/or evil. For some, should life become difficult, their response is to complain, whine, and wait for someone to ride to rescue. But others rise to the occasion, seeking God's powerful Presence, and they emerge as heroes of the Kingdom!
Are you courageously embracing God's callings? Is the result that you find yourself under pressure, criticized, stressed by multiple responsibilities, pushed past what you thought were your limits of endurance? Trust God!
Do what people who become heroes do.
Prepare for challenge with discipline. Don't whine!
Build a team that gives support. God doesn't build His work on Lone Rangers.
Know when to take a strategic retreat for restoration. Even Jesus allowed for 'down time.'
Focus on the goal.
And, most importantly, let God be God and trust Him who 'raises the dead!'
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Patiently?
Yesterday, I tore into the pile of mulch in my driveway at warp speed, delivering it to the flowerbeds around the house as fast as my friends could spread it. Why the need for speed? I don't know! I just wanted to 'get it done!' Then, I tried to start the leaf blower to clean up the dust left on the drive. It wouldn't fire... even after a couple of dozens of pulls. I could feel my level of irritation rising. I was tempted to toss the blower across the yard. Of course, that would have been doubly dumb, wouldn't it? I've lived long enough to know that I have to work at giving things time to work out. This is one of those months when, in my life, there is a whole lot of unfinished business. As a result, I have to commit and re-commit my way to the Lord, asking Him to work on me, and in me, so that I will not rush ahead into folly!
Truthfully, I do not know many people who enjoy waiting - especially the kind of waiting that involves big challenges, lots of pain, or apparently intractable problems. Be it war, cancer, or raising teenagers- waiting for an answer, some resolution, or an end; is not easy. God operates on a different schedule than you and me, doesn't He? I must admit that there are times when I want Him to act NOW. I tire of waiting and waiting for His will and work to be done. The Psalmist shared that impatience.
O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever?
How long will you look the other way?
How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,with sorrow in my heart every day?
How long will my enemy have the upper hand?
Turn and answer me, O Lord my God!
Restore the light to my eyes, or I will die.
Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying,
“We have defeated him!”Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.- Psalm 13:1-4 (NLT)
Desperation fills that song, doesn't it? Is it anguish or impatience that fuels that refrain, "how long, how long, how long?" No matter. Read on for the Psalmist's conclusion.
But I trust in your unfailing love.
I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
I will sing to the Lord because he has been so good to me. -Psalm 13:5-6 (NLT)
God's unfailing love is the hope of the harried, the rest for the weary, the source of serenity for those strained by life!Take charge of your restless mind, your turbulent soul, and wait for the Lord.This morning, precisely because I know the pressures to which I will be subjected today, I carved out a time alone with God. I sat quietly in His Presence and waited!I prayed for eyes to see the long view, the willingness to wait for Him without complaint. I know that in time not very distant my song will change. He will act, just as He has done in the past.
My new song will be:
I waited patiently for the LORD;
He turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.
Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust!- Psalm 40:1-4 (NIV)
Wait on Him. He has not forsaken you. He knows your need and He will meet it - in His time, in His way.
Truthfully, I do not know many people who enjoy waiting - especially the kind of waiting that involves big challenges, lots of pain, or apparently intractable problems. Be it war, cancer, or raising teenagers- waiting for an answer, some resolution, or an end; is not easy. God operates on a different schedule than you and me, doesn't He? I must admit that there are times when I want Him to act NOW. I tire of waiting and waiting for His will and work to be done. The Psalmist shared that impatience.
O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever?
How long will you look the other way?
How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,with sorrow in my heart every day?
How long will my enemy have the upper hand?
Turn and answer me, O Lord my God!
Restore the light to my eyes, or I will die.
Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying,
“We have defeated him!”Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.- Psalm 13:1-4 (NLT)
Desperation fills that song, doesn't it? Is it anguish or impatience that fuels that refrain, "how long, how long, how long?" No matter. Read on for the Psalmist's conclusion.
But I trust in your unfailing love.
I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
I will sing to the Lord because he has been so good to me. -Psalm 13:5-6 (NLT)
God's unfailing love is the hope of the harried, the rest for the weary, the source of serenity for those strained by life!Take charge of your restless mind, your turbulent soul, and wait for the Lord.This morning, precisely because I know the pressures to which I will be subjected today, I carved out a time alone with God. I sat quietly in His Presence and waited!I prayed for eyes to see the long view, the willingness to wait for Him without complaint. I know that in time not very distant my song will change. He will act, just as He has done in the past.
My new song will be:
I waited patiently for the LORD;
He turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.
Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust!- Psalm 40:1-4 (NIV)
Wait on Him. He has not forsaken you. He knows your need and He will meet it - in His time, in His way.
Monday, May 01, 2006
"Well, at least I believe in God."
A parent of a young adult whose life lacked any real evidence of loving God despite being raised in a Believer's home told me that her daughter's retort to encouragement to return to God was generally, "Well, at least I believe in God!" There are many people, it seems, who take refuge from a guilty conscience and from a gnawing sense of the judgment of Heaven by making that declaration. They apparently think that how they conduct their lives is unimportant so long as they mentally acknowledge the existence of a living God and profess their belief in Him.
Are you one of those whose professed beliefs are disconnected from life's choices? Christianity is not simply a matter of 'knowing;' it is faithfilled living in submission to Jesus Christ.
IF we really believe that God exists and that He had made His will known through the Word and by the Spirit, our daily behaviors will be altered. How can we really know that He is the Lord, the One who sees our hearts, the Judge to who we will give an account for our thoughts, words, and actions - and not conform our lives to His will?
"Jerry, are you saying that we can make ourselves holy, that we can please God through our own efforts alone?" No, friend, no! However, if we really believe in the God of the Word, the Awesome and Holy Lord of Life, we will not simply 'sin and grin,' excusing our self-indulgence as being merely 'human.' The Proverbs teaches us that the "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding." (Proverbs 9:10, NLT) A vision of the living God, high and exalted, drives us to humility before Him. In that humility, we receive the life of the Spirit, and we are changed - inside out!
I believe the 'sloppy Agape' that characterizes too many 'Christian' lives is the result of a low view of God. When He is tamed, when we steal His majesty - our commitment wanes and we become careless about holy living. Jesus talks about the importance of choosing to base our lives on His words. Take a look at this-
“You don’t get wormy apples off a healthy tree, nor good apples off a diseased tree. The health of the apple tells the health of the tree. You must begin with your own life-giving lives. It’s who you are, not what you say and do, that counts. Your true being brims over into true words and deeds. “Why are you so polite with me, always saying ‘Yes, sir,’ and ‘That’s right, sir,’ but never doing a thing I tell you?"
"These words I speak to you are not mere additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundation words, words to build a life on." (Luke 6:43-47, The Message)
Are you torn between loving God and doing your own thing?
Do you find it a grind to obey Him, to serve Him with anything approaching real joy?
Here's a thought from Tony Campolo. Take it with you today, as you ask God to change BELIEF into GENUINE FAITH that inspires a life of devotion.
“Joy in Christ requires a commitment to working at the Christian lifestyle. Salvation comes as a gift, but the joy of salvation demands disciplined action. Most Christians I know have just enough of the Gospel to make them miserable, but not enough to make them joyful. They know enough about the biblical message to keep them form doing the things which the world tempts them to do; but they do not have enough of a commitment to God to do those things through which they might experience the fullness of his joy.” (Seven Deadly Sins)
Are you one of those whose professed beliefs are disconnected from life's choices? Christianity is not simply a matter of 'knowing;' it is faithfilled living in submission to Jesus Christ.
IF we really believe that God exists and that He had made His will known through the Word and by the Spirit, our daily behaviors will be altered. How can we really know that He is the Lord, the One who sees our hearts, the Judge to who we will give an account for our thoughts, words, and actions - and not conform our lives to His will?
"Jerry, are you saying that we can make ourselves holy, that we can please God through our own efforts alone?" No, friend, no! However, if we really believe in the God of the Word, the Awesome and Holy Lord of Life, we will not simply 'sin and grin,' excusing our self-indulgence as being merely 'human.' The Proverbs teaches us that the "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding." (Proverbs 9:10, NLT) A vision of the living God, high and exalted, drives us to humility before Him. In that humility, we receive the life of the Spirit, and we are changed - inside out!
I believe the 'sloppy Agape' that characterizes too many 'Christian' lives is the result of a low view of God. When He is tamed, when we steal His majesty - our commitment wanes and we become careless about holy living. Jesus talks about the importance of choosing to base our lives on His words. Take a look at this-
“You don’t get wormy apples off a healthy tree, nor good apples off a diseased tree. The health of the apple tells the health of the tree. You must begin with your own life-giving lives. It’s who you are, not what you say and do, that counts. Your true being brims over into true words and deeds. “Why are you so polite with me, always saying ‘Yes, sir,’ and ‘That’s right, sir,’ but never doing a thing I tell you?"
"These words I speak to you are not mere additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundation words, words to build a life on." (Luke 6:43-47, The Message)
Are you torn between loving God and doing your own thing?
Do you find it a grind to obey Him, to serve Him with anything approaching real joy?
Here's a thought from Tony Campolo. Take it with you today, as you ask God to change BELIEF into GENUINE FAITH that inspires a life of devotion.
“Joy in Christ requires a commitment to working at the Christian lifestyle. Salvation comes as a gift, but the joy of salvation demands disciplined action. Most Christians I know have just enough of the Gospel to make them miserable, but not enough to make them joyful. They know enough about the biblical message to keep them form doing the things which the world tempts them to do; but they do not have enough of a commitment to God to do those things through which they might experience the fullness of his joy.” (Seven Deadly Sins)
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