The woman on the phone was beyond heartbreak. The pain in her marriage was 'unbearable,' as her husband visited his anger on her repeatedly and subjected her to his sexual perversions. The family with the child with severe disabilities learned that any help they might receive with her care is years away and the prospect nearly crushed them. There was the interaction with the man who just didn't care about his soul, not at all. He brushed off all suggestions that he needed to know that Jesus was the Way. Then, there were the men at the table in the Bible Class at the jail who told about addictions and alcoholism that led them to being in jail, their families struggling, and their hopelessness growing. They told me about the struggle they knew they faced when they were released. The people with chronic illness called for prayer. It all got to me! What then? The spiritual, emotional, and physical needs drew me to talk with my Friend Who renews me, Who is the One that can make a difference for those who are lost in their own sin, who are hurting, who are hopelessness, who are spiritually apathetic. I sang my prayer, "Oh, Rock of Ages, hide Thou me. No other refuge have I but Thee! When life dark roads I wander, far, far from Thee, then I cry, Oh, Rock of Ages, hide Thou me!"
Believer, we must be willing to let the needs of the people around us get to us. We dare not shut ourselves off from the world, close our eyes to those who live next door, or play so hard that we are able to ignore the opportunities for ministry that are everywhere. Sometimes we are tempted to stop caring, aren't we? It is costly to care. It makes us cry, drives us to give time and money; yes, even our lives. But when we care, when we let the needs of others get to us, we are being like Jesus.
John's gospel tells about a time when Jesus took a trip with His disciples into Samaria, a region that most devout Jews avoided at all costs. He sat down by a well to rest, while they went into the village. A woman showed up at the well. Her life was a mess. Today we would say she was dysfunctional. Jesus listened to her, shared God's grace with her, and she was changed. Later, he told His disciples - "You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest." (John 4:35, NLT) He wasn't talking about grain! He was telling them to see the need of the people! Jesus let it get to Him! One more than one occasion, He is said to have been 'moved with compassion.' "Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. "What a huge harvest!" he said to his disciples. "How few workers!" (Matthew 9:35-37, The Message)
We were not called by Christ into a 'bless me club.' God's grace was not given to us so that we could hoard it. He called us to Himself, gave us life and hope, and sends us out to let our hearts be broken - by the sinfulness of those who reject the living God, by the suffering that evil brings. If you will let your eyes see, let your ears hear, and open your hearts, the most amazing thing will happen. God will give you a passion for serving, and your tears (there will be tears!) will water the dry ground of the world around you. In serving others in His Name, you will experience a new grace, a deepening sense of purpose, and you will live with the approval of the Father.
Here's the commission of Jesus. Ponder it. Apply it. Live it.
"Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously." (Matthew 10:8, The Message)
_________________________________
Father of creation,
Unfold Your sov'reign plan.
Raise up a chosen generation
That will march through the land.
All of creation is longing
For Your unveiling of pow'r.
Would You release
Your anointing?
Oh God, let this be the hour.
Ruler of the nations,
The world has yet to see
The full release of
Your promise,
The church in victory.
Turn to us, Lord, and touch us;
Make us strong in Your might.
Overcome our weakness,
That we could stand up
and fight.
Let Your glory fall
In this room.
Let it go forth from here
To the nations.
Let Your fragrance rest
In this place,
As we gather to seek Your face.
Let Your kingdom come,
Let Your will be done.
Let us see on earth,
The glory of Your Son.
Let Your Glory Fall © 1993 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music Services)
CCLI License No. 810055
Friday, May 11, 2007
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Give it up!
The controversial billboard that went up recently in Chicago displayed provocative body shots and this text line - "Life is short. Get a divorce." It was to draw business to a legal firm, and it worked! The appeal of the ad was to self-centeredness, to the idea that a person's happiness trumps all other concerns and commitments in life. Should we be shocked? I don't think so. Self-love is everywhere today, a basic part of this society. I see it even among Christians who should know better. Despite being loved by Christ and forgiven a huge debt of sin, I see this attitude on display often - "I did not get my way, so I am going to stir up trouble."
Yes, I admit that I struggle with egotism, and most likely, so do you. Take a moment to evaluate.
What is your response to an individual who cuts in line at the supermarket? Are you quickly irritated?
How do you respond to that driver who goes too slow, or who makes you brake abruptly? Do you yell in anger?
These are the small things, but a lack of grace in them, reveals the state of our heart.
When you do not get the credit you think you deserve in your ministry in the church or,
when your spouse fails to remember some significant moment in your life, how do you respond? Do you sulk or intimidate with anger?
When a change is made in your church that invades your comfort zone are you gracious or do you start to line up allies to force the perceived offender to 'do it my way?'
In his letter to the Corinthian Christians, Paul appeals to them to be unified, to give up their self-centeredness, to surrender their rights. His address to them is direct. They thought they were mature. They though that because gifts of the Spirit were abundant in their gatherings, they were all grown up. The apostle says otherwise. " Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life. I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready, for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world? When one of you says, "I am a follower of Paul," and another says, "I follow Apollos," aren’t you acting just like people of the world?" (1 Corinthians 3:1-4, NLT) The sign of spiritual maturity is not speaking in tongues or exercising some other esoteric spiritual gift; it is living with loving concern for others and genuine unity!
In a subsequent chapter, Paul observes that the Corinthian Believers were so selfish, they were even suing each other in court. He tells them they are making a big mistake, then he hands us a challenge that only the mature can accept. "If you have legal disputes about such matters, why go to outside judges who are not respected by the church? I am saying this to shame you. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues? . . . Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated?" (1 Corinthians 6:4-5, 7, NLT)
Jesus reminds us that the way up is down, that the greatest among us is the one who is servant of all! Is that a popular message? Not at all. We are an upwardly mobile people. Many of us aspire to climbing to the top of the heap, thinking that when we have come to a place where people serve our needs, follow our agenda, march to our cadence - we have arrived! That is not the wisdom of God.
Prayerfully ponder this passage for a few moments. Let the truth penetrate.Then pray for grace to serve - with joy, as you give up your rights, without a moment's thought for your own comfort.
"Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself.
He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all.
When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges.
Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11, The Message)
A life so lived will find this amazing commendation in Glory - "Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter your Father's rest."
Yes, I admit that I struggle with egotism, and most likely, so do you. Take a moment to evaluate.
What is your response to an individual who cuts in line at the supermarket? Are you quickly irritated?
How do you respond to that driver who goes too slow, or who makes you brake abruptly? Do you yell in anger?
These are the small things, but a lack of grace in them, reveals the state of our heart.
When you do not get the credit you think you deserve in your ministry in the church or,
when your spouse fails to remember some significant moment in your life, how do you respond? Do you sulk or intimidate with anger?
When a change is made in your church that invades your comfort zone are you gracious or do you start to line up allies to force the perceived offender to 'do it my way?'
In his letter to the Corinthian Christians, Paul appeals to them to be unified, to give up their self-centeredness, to surrender their rights. His address to them is direct. They thought they were mature. They though that because gifts of the Spirit were abundant in their gatherings, they were all grown up. The apostle says otherwise. " Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life. I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready, for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world? When one of you says, "I am a follower of Paul," and another says, "I follow Apollos," aren’t you acting just like people of the world?" (1 Corinthians 3:1-4, NLT) The sign of spiritual maturity is not speaking in tongues or exercising some other esoteric spiritual gift; it is living with loving concern for others and genuine unity!
In a subsequent chapter, Paul observes that the Corinthian Believers were so selfish, they were even suing each other in court. He tells them they are making a big mistake, then he hands us a challenge that only the mature can accept. "If you have legal disputes about such matters, why go to outside judges who are not respected by the church? I am saying this to shame you. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues? . . . Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated?" (1 Corinthians 6:4-5, 7, NLT)
Jesus reminds us that the way up is down, that the greatest among us is the one who is servant of all! Is that a popular message? Not at all. We are an upwardly mobile people. Many of us aspire to climbing to the top of the heap, thinking that when we have come to a place where people serve our needs, follow our agenda, march to our cadence - we have arrived! That is not the wisdom of God.
Prayerfully ponder this passage for a few moments. Let the truth penetrate.Then pray for grace to serve - with joy, as you give up your rights, without a moment's thought for your own comfort.
"Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself.
He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all.
When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges.
Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11, The Message)
A life so lived will find this amazing commendation in Glory - "Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter your Father's rest."
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Christ as Lord?
Christian Century magazine (1/9/2007) reports that Americans 'have difficulty putting their remotes where their mouths are.' A poll commissioned by the American Bible Society and conducted by the reputable Zogby firm found that 85% of people say that they want less sex and violence on TV. They also said that they would like to see more religious values reflected in entertainment. Yet, at the same time, the Nielsen rating system showed that the top 10 TV programs in terms of audience share were those laden with sex and violence: Desperate Housewives, Criminal Minds, Grey's Anatomy among them. So are we (Americans in general) just hypocrites or have we created some kind of imaginary wall between what we profess to believe and how we act? Both are true.
All of us tend to talk a better line than we walk, don't we? By way of illustration consider this. Believers universally profess that prayer is an important part of the Christian life, and yet a majority of evangelical Christian pastors report that they spend less than 15 minutes a day in focused times of prayer! What does that sorry fact imply about the prayer lives of those people on the other side of the pulpit? Many intend to have better prayer practices than they do in reality. They are not trying to appear more spiritual than they are, which is truly hypocritical; they just neglect the important in favor of responding to the urgent! So some of the gap between faith and practice results from setting high goals, but falling short unintentionally.
I am much more concerned that some Believers have learned to bend their brains like pretzels claiming to be disciples of Jesus Christ and meaning it; yet at the same time, persist in actions that are hateful, selfish, greedy, and/or immoral! They 'believe' that they can simultaneously claim Jesus is Lord and serve their own agenda without being even vaguely aware of their lack of integrity! This is not about those momentary lapses into ungodly behavior in the heat of an emotional moment. This is about those ongoing choices that are clearly wrong, for which there is ample Scriptural guidance, that Believers continue to do despite knowing better at some level! Jesus pointedly asks - "why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46, NKJV) Separating faith from practice is an old, old sin. Isaiah wrote of God's lament over Judah 2600 years ago! "These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." (Isaiah 29:13, NLT)
The results of this kind of hypocrisy are many. There is the lack of true joy in the things of God. A Believer whose daily life is filthy with sin cannot enjoy the Presence of a Holy God. When he comes to worship, he will feel only conviction and want to hide himself from the Spirit of God. There is lack of genuine spiritual power. The compromised Believer has no ability to be 'salt and light' influencing and preserving his world because the Spirit cannot operate through him. The hypocritical Believer disgraces His Lord! Though he may be unaware of the gap between his belief and his actions, others are - particularly those who are looking for a reason to refuse the Lordship of Jesus. So, when the talk is unmatched by the walk, they are able to point and say, "See, Christianity does not work."
How do we integrate our profession of faith with our daily lives?
First, we consecrate Christ as Lord daily! When I awaken in the morning, one of the prayers that I breathe is quoted from the Psalms. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14, NKJV) Am I perfect? No! But I state to Him and to myself that He is Lord.
Second, we learn to think Biblically! Romans 12 calls on us to "Let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him." (Romans 12:2, CEV) Our minds need to be full of Scripture. We need to read the Word, hear the Word, pray the Word so that the values and principles of God's Truth become the foundation for our lives - in thought, and then in action.
Third, we become part of a holy huddle! When the football team steps away from the line and those men put their heads together for several seconds, they are getting the play from the quarterback, regrouping and getting ready to move the ball in a team effort. Living as a Believer of deep faith requires a team, too! "My friends, watch out! Don’t let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn from the living God. You must encourage one another each day. And you must keep on while there is still a time that can be called "today." If you don’t, then sin may fool some of you." (Hebrews 3:12-13, CEV) Call out the best effort in each other. Get on the same page. Challenge one another to a high level of service.
Fourth, we kneel at the Cross! I cannot be holy by my best intentions, nor can you. We are 'made holy,' by Christ. So, day by day, we kneel at the Cross to be washed, to be renewed in our acceptance of a holiness that is not of our own making. The remarkable declaration of the Word is this - "For He (God) made Him (Jesus Christ) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21, NKJV)
Believer - let us live in the beauty of holiness, for God's sake. Amen.
All of us tend to talk a better line than we walk, don't we? By way of illustration consider this. Believers universally profess that prayer is an important part of the Christian life, and yet a majority of evangelical Christian pastors report that they spend less than 15 minutes a day in focused times of prayer! What does that sorry fact imply about the prayer lives of those people on the other side of the pulpit? Many intend to have better prayer practices than they do in reality. They are not trying to appear more spiritual than they are, which is truly hypocritical; they just neglect the important in favor of responding to the urgent! So some of the gap between faith and practice results from setting high goals, but falling short unintentionally.
I am much more concerned that some Believers have learned to bend their brains like pretzels claiming to be disciples of Jesus Christ and meaning it; yet at the same time, persist in actions that are hateful, selfish, greedy, and/or immoral! They 'believe' that they can simultaneously claim Jesus is Lord and serve their own agenda without being even vaguely aware of their lack of integrity! This is not about those momentary lapses into ungodly behavior in the heat of an emotional moment. This is about those ongoing choices that are clearly wrong, for which there is ample Scriptural guidance, that Believers continue to do despite knowing better at some level! Jesus pointedly asks - "why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46, NKJV) Separating faith from practice is an old, old sin. Isaiah wrote of God's lament over Judah 2600 years ago! "These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." (Isaiah 29:13, NLT)
The results of this kind of hypocrisy are many. There is the lack of true joy in the things of God. A Believer whose daily life is filthy with sin cannot enjoy the Presence of a Holy God. When he comes to worship, he will feel only conviction and want to hide himself from the Spirit of God. There is lack of genuine spiritual power. The compromised Believer has no ability to be 'salt and light' influencing and preserving his world because the Spirit cannot operate through him. The hypocritical Believer disgraces His Lord! Though he may be unaware of the gap between his belief and his actions, others are - particularly those who are looking for a reason to refuse the Lordship of Jesus. So, when the talk is unmatched by the walk, they are able to point and say, "See, Christianity does not work."
How do we integrate our profession of faith with our daily lives?
First, we consecrate Christ as Lord daily! When I awaken in the morning, one of the prayers that I breathe is quoted from the Psalms. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14, NKJV) Am I perfect? No! But I state to Him and to myself that He is Lord.
Second, we learn to think Biblically! Romans 12 calls on us to "Let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him." (Romans 12:2, CEV) Our minds need to be full of Scripture. We need to read the Word, hear the Word, pray the Word so that the values and principles of God's Truth become the foundation for our lives - in thought, and then in action.
Third, we become part of a holy huddle! When the football team steps away from the line and those men put their heads together for several seconds, they are getting the play from the quarterback, regrouping and getting ready to move the ball in a team effort. Living as a Believer of deep faith requires a team, too! "My friends, watch out! Don’t let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn from the living God. You must encourage one another each day. And you must keep on while there is still a time that can be called "today." If you don’t, then sin may fool some of you." (Hebrews 3:12-13, CEV) Call out the best effort in each other. Get on the same page. Challenge one another to a high level of service.
Fourth, we kneel at the Cross! I cannot be holy by my best intentions, nor can you. We are 'made holy,' by Christ. So, day by day, we kneel at the Cross to be washed, to be renewed in our acceptance of a holiness that is not of our own making. The remarkable declaration of the Word is this - "For He (God) made Him (Jesus Christ) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21, NKJV)
Believer - let us live in the beauty of holiness, for God's sake. Amen.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Learning to Lean
A Gospel song says, "I'm learning to lean on Jesus! Finding more power than I'd ever dreamed; I'm learning to lean on Jesus." (Brentwood Music, 1976, John Stallings) That is not a position most people would aspire to, is it? We work to be self-sufficient, to feel 'in control' of our circumstances, don't we? But, I have learned (sort of!) that bluff and bluster, trying to appear more in control than I am, only makes me look foolish and, worse even, cuts me off from the very resources that I need. When I go to trusted friends and ask for counsel, my levels of stress go down, and I am better able to deal with life. When I bow my head before the Lord and admit my failures and weakness, He comforts me and often - in that very moment - reveals the next step.
Learning to lean on Jesus begins with the realization that we cannot save ourselves. Oh, how we try! Most of us, especially in the confidence of youth, believe that we can overcome our world by getting an education, with hard work, with commitment to moral principle, or in the accumulation of wealth and/or influence. Some succeed partially, for a time, if they are fortunate enough to have brains, brawn, or heritage that gives them a running head start. But, sooner or later, every person begins to grasp that his best efforts are futile. New problems arise for which he has no answers. The flaws in his character become too obvious to ignore any longer. The flood of human depravity that washes over the world reaches his own door in one way or another. Or, he is trampled by the stampede of time, which no one can stop. What then? Many come to despair in those moments. Others bravely stand on the deck of the sinking ship trying to ignore the obvious. Some escape into distractions of pleasure. Or, he looks up in response to the whisper of the Spirit which calls him to consider the ways of God!
Elijah, the mighty prophet of ancient Israel, after the day of his greatest victory when fire fell from heaven and the false prophets were defeated soundly, realized that he was no match for the sins of the nations. He ran to escape, but there was no relief, no peace, until God, the Spirit, found him. "When Elijah heard the quiet voice, he muffled his face with his great cloak, went to the mouth of the cave, and stood there. A quiet voice asked, "So Elijah, now tell me, what are you doing here?" (1 Kings 19:12-13, The Message) In the Presence of God, Elijah found strength. The great man grew even greater that day as he learned to lean more on the Lord!
There is a message that overcomes the world! What is that message? In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul says that the message is that Christ was crucified, buried, and raised to life - so that we can live in a dying world! "The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. . . . Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18-24, NLT)
So what is your challenge today? There are many - broken hearts, cancer, aging, people that fail us, sin in us that mocks our best attempts to reform ourselves, suffering, war, hatred, meaninglessness of life - need I go on? Perhaps you're at the peak of success experiencing none of those things. I rejoice with you - and I know - that, in time, the season will turn! Your challenge is dealing with the ego that trusts in its own strength! For all of humanity, the paradox is that the true strength to overcome is found in weakness. The Cross - a symbol of shame and death - becomes point where God's eternal power intersects with our weakness, where we find, by faith, His life that overcomes our death! So we embrace the Cross, listen to the Spirit, trust Him. And, we come to know that the pressure of life which seems to be crushing us to death, will lead us to know the life is is lasting and eternal, the gift of grace.
Here's a word to prayerfully ponder today. "He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:28-31, NIV) Learn to lean on Jesus, knowing that 'when you are weak, He is strong!'
"Finding more power than I'd ever dreamed; I'm learning to lean on Jesus."
Learning to lean on Jesus begins with the realization that we cannot save ourselves. Oh, how we try! Most of us, especially in the confidence of youth, believe that we can overcome our world by getting an education, with hard work, with commitment to moral principle, or in the accumulation of wealth and/or influence. Some succeed partially, for a time, if they are fortunate enough to have brains, brawn, or heritage that gives them a running head start. But, sooner or later, every person begins to grasp that his best efforts are futile. New problems arise for which he has no answers. The flaws in his character become too obvious to ignore any longer. The flood of human depravity that washes over the world reaches his own door in one way or another. Or, he is trampled by the stampede of time, which no one can stop. What then? Many come to despair in those moments. Others bravely stand on the deck of the sinking ship trying to ignore the obvious. Some escape into distractions of pleasure. Or, he looks up in response to the whisper of the Spirit which calls him to consider the ways of God!
Elijah, the mighty prophet of ancient Israel, after the day of his greatest victory when fire fell from heaven and the false prophets were defeated soundly, realized that he was no match for the sins of the nations. He ran to escape, but there was no relief, no peace, until God, the Spirit, found him. "When Elijah heard the quiet voice, he muffled his face with his great cloak, went to the mouth of the cave, and stood there. A quiet voice asked, "So Elijah, now tell me, what are you doing here?" (1 Kings 19:12-13, The Message) In the Presence of God, Elijah found strength. The great man grew even greater that day as he learned to lean more on the Lord!
There is a message that overcomes the world! What is that message? In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul says that the message is that Christ was crucified, buried, and raised to life - so that we can live in a dying world! "The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. . . . Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18-24, NLT)
So what is your challenge today? There are many - broken hearts, cancer, aging, people that fail us, sin in us that mocks our best attempts to reform ourselves, suffering, war, hatred, meaninglessness of life - need I go on? Perhaps you're at the peak of success experiencing none of those things. I rejoice with you - and I know - that, in time, the season will turn! Your challenge is dealing with the ego that trusts in its own strength! For all of humanity, the paradox is that the true strength to overcome is found in weakness. The Cross - a symbol of shame and death - becomes point where God's eternal power intersects with our weakness, where we find, by faith, His life that overcomes our death! So we embrace the Cross, listen to the Spirit, trust Him. And, we come to know that the pressure of life which seems to be crushing us to death, will lead us to know the life is is lasting and eternal, the gift of grace.
Here's a word to prayerfully ponder today. "He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:28-31, NIV) Learn to lean on Jesus, knowing that 'when you are weak, He is strong!'
"Finding more power than I'd ever dreamed; I'm learning to lean on Jesus."
Monday, May 07, 2007
Insurance or Investment?
An astute person buys insurance and makes investments. We purchase insurance coverage to assure our fiscal situation in the event of unforeseen situations - accidents, fires, or floods. We want to buy enough insurance, but we are foolish to buy too much. There is no need for me to pay for a $million policy on my home which is worth a quarter of that amount! I look for the policy that can be provided to me at the least expense by a reputable company. When I write a check to Travelers, I hope I never have to collect a return. It is a 'just in case' expense. An investment is much different. An investor puts a percentage of his income into financial vehicles that provide maximum return and minimum risk. He anticipates receiving his money back, plus some accrued interest, at a point in the future. When I send off a check to the company that manages my investments, I trust that they will manage the fund properly in a growing economy for my benefit. I retain an interest in those dollars, checking rates of return periodically, shifting ratios of investment to take advantage of opportunities which are presented.
Among church-goers I observe that some treat religion like insurance, making the minimum payment to assure security! They attend church, not with joyful anticipation of meeting with God, but with a sense of making sure they 'keep in touch.' They give offerings, perhaps even tithe (10%) not to joyfully participate in God's Kingdom work in the world, but because they believe that they are creating a store of Divine good will that forestalls tragic events in their lives, or at least, makes certain that they can ask for God's help when they need Him in a crisis. They are sadly mistaken, misled by human religiosity rather than spiritual truth! They find neither joy, nor the security they thought they were 'buying' with minimal outlays of their resources.
Then there those Believers who invest themselves in God informed by deep faith! The prospectus found in the Scripture assures a rich return on investment. They pour their resources into His work - worshipping, serving, giving - with joy, fully expecting that what they are investing will provide true wealth for their lives - present and future. And, they are right! Jesus gives this investment advice- "Don’t store up treasures on earth! Moths and rust can destroy them, and thieves can break in and steal them. Instead, store up your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy them, and thieves cannot break in and steal them." (Matthew 6:19-20, CEV) In the middle of a talk about generosity of heart that reaches beyond money, Jesus promised this - "Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back." (Luke 6:38, NLT)
Those who are invested in Eternity, live differently and at peace, for their mind is secure and their heart is connected to the One who is now managing their life treasure. Their wealth, their health, their happiness, their children, their sense of purpose are all secured - not by Merrill Lynch or Morgan Stanley, but by Jesus Christ! If you think I am mistaken, read the words of Paul which he penned to Timothy, near the end of his life, from death row in Rome. He is not in despair, nor does he express regret for putting his entire life under the management of Christ. "I am not ashamed, (embarrassed by my present circumstances) 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. (the Day of Judgment)" (2 Timothy 1:12, NIV) "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:8, NIV)
Here's the question -
How do you think of your Christianity, as insurance - minimal outlay to secure present wealth the in event of catastrophe;
or as an investment - maximum participation with assured return in Eternity?
The way you live will be radically different, depending on your point of view!
______________________
Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord to Thee.
Take my hands and let them move,
At the impulse of Thy love,
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my love, my God, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.
Take My Life And Let It Be
© Public Domain CCLI License No. 810055
Among church-goers I observe that some treat religion like insurance, making the minimum payment to assure security! They attend church, not with joyful anticipation of meeting with God, but with a sense of making sure they 'keep in touch.' They give offerings, perhaps even tithe (10%) not to joyfully participate in God's Kingdom work in the world, but because they believe that they are creating a store of Divine good will that forestalls tragic events in their lives, or at least, makes certain that they can ask for God's help when they need Him in a crisis. They are sadly mistaken, misled by human religiosity rather than spiritual truth! They find neither joy, nor the security they thought they were 'buying' with minimal outlays of their resources.
Then there those Believers who invest themselves in God informed by deep faith! The prospectus found in the Scripture assures a rich return on investment. They pour their resources into His work - worshipping, serving, giving - with joy, fully expecting that what they are investing will provide true wealth for their lives - present and future. And, they are right! Jesus gives this investment advice- "Don’t store up treasures on earth! Moths and rust can destroy them, and thieves can break in and steal them. Instead, store up your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy them, and thieves cannot break in and steal them." (Matthew 6:19-20, CEV) In the middle of a talk about generosity of heart that reaches beyond money, Jesus promised this - "Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back." (Luke 6:38, NLT)
Those who are invested in Eternity, live differently and at peace, for their mind is secure and their heart is connected to the One who is now managing their life treasure. Their wealth, their health, their happiness, their children, their sense of purpose are all secured - not by Merrill Lynch or Morgan Stanley, but by Jesus Christ! If you think I am mistaken, read the words of Paul which he penned to Timothy, near the end of his life, from death row in Rome. He is not in despair, nor does he express regret for putting his entire life under the management of Christ. "I am not ashamed, (embarrassed by my present circumstances) 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. (the Day of Judgment)" (2 Timothy 1:12, NIV) "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:8, NIV)
Here's the question -
How do you think of your Christianity, as insurance - minimal outlay to secure present wealth the in event of catastrophe;
or as an investment - maximum participation with assured return in Eternity?
The way you live will be radically different, depending on your point of view!
______________________
Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord to Thee.
Take my hands and let them move,
At the impulse of Thy love,
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my love, my God, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.
Take My Life And Let It Be
© Public Domain CCLI License No. 810055
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