I tend to cry much more often these days. It usually has nothing to do with being sad! I am just so humbled by what God does around me, with me, and for me. I received a cell phone call yesterday while shopping in Wal-Mart and felt foolish when my eyes glistened with tears as I heard a young man telling me about how the Lord answered his prayer- in a way that was immediate and amazing. While I listened to his wonder, hearing him describe his search to know God, I sensed the Spirit right there with me.... yes, even in Wal-Mart! In part my emotional overflow was a reflection of my own amazement at His great grace. I often sing the words to this song - "Why me, Lord? What have I ever done to deserve even one of the pleasures I've known?" (Kris Kristofferson) I ask Him that question so many times even though I know so well that He loves me because of His grace, not because I am smart enough, 'Christian' enough, or perfect enough to deserve His favor.
The Adversary wants you and me to get so focused on being 'good enough' for God, to start to believe that our goodness is producing the blessing of God (or conversely, that our hard times are the result of His punishment) so we lose the joy of being close to our Father. The fact is that He blesses because He is good. True, we suffer when we sin, but not because God curses us, but because of the ancient law of seed and harvest. We harvest the crop we plant. If we plant rebellion, resistance to God's will, and selfishness, then we will find our lives full of misery. If we invite God to teach us to be gardeners in life that plant seeds to produce spiritual fruit, we will know a peace that supersedes the day to day circumstances of life. The Word says, "The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." (Galatians 6:8, NIV)
The key to doing spiritual work effectively isn't our own strength, cleverness, or skills. It is humble obedience and reliance on the Lord. Every day we simply present ourselves to the Lord, thanking Him for His love, and asking the Spirit to guide us, to help us say a ready 'yes, Lord!' when He speaks to us. And, He will! The Bible says, "For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge— because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed." (1 Corinthians 1:5-7, NIV) Yes, we must recognize that the 'you' that is the subject of this verse is a collective describing the Church. But, you and I am 'in the Church' and we can claim the promise of being empowered for a life of wholeness and holiness personally! Do you?
When I am on the edge of being overwhelmed by my fears and think that because I am so human that failure is just a step away, there is but one thing that can restore serenity to my soul. It is the assurance of the Scripture that "It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty." (Zechariah 4:6, NLT)
What strengths did God see in you and me? Nothing, nada, zip! But He called us and said, "I will enrich you in every way!" That is why we must confess our weakness and claim His strength.
Here's a Word to take with you today... God "chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"? That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That's why we have the saying, "If you're going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God." (1 Corinthians 1:28-31, The Message)
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
The war of two natures
There are two distinct Jerry's - in me! Now some of you are concerned. Relax, good friend. I am not suffering from a schizophrenic illness or a dissociative personality disorder. I am a normal human being with a spiritual nature, made alive to God by the Holy Spirit, and a natural man, with an active sinful nature. The spiritual nature in me loves God, is empowered by faith, loves others, lives to serve eternal purposes, is gentle and kind. The sinful nature, with which I was born, loves the things of this present world, is prone to fear, and is resistant to the will of God.
Without receiving the life of Jesus Christ, by faith, we are incapable of overcoming our innate sinfulness. We are cut off from the power of God, a state that the Bible describes starkly as being 'dead in sin.' Don't read that to mean that without knowing Jesus we will all be social predators, rapists, murderers, and thieves. What the Bible teaches is that apart from Christ, we cannot live in faith, cannot respond to the Holy Spirit's direction, and when pressed by problems- we will revert to our instinctive self-preserving behaviors. Through Christ, we come alive to God, receiving the Spirit of God, who creates in us the possibility of living in a way that is responsive to the purposes of our Creator. When we make that choice, our lives will be characterized by the evidence of the "God-life," - "...the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23, NLT)
Dear believer, know this! The sinful nature does not die easily, nor is its defeat automatic. Too many times, preachers imply that with some religious experience, or through some program, or by some ritual means a person can become instantly and eternally holy. How I would like for that to be true, but it isn't. It is a deception that leads to disillusionment and despair in the lives of many who hunger for true holiness. The truth is that the sinful nature is overcome - day by day - by learning the Truth and by 'breathing in' the life of the Spirit.
Discussing this duality, the Scripture says - "Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy." (Ephesians 4:20-24, NLT)
We can come away from a 'mountain top' experience- a spiritual retreat, a great worship service, a week's vacation - and feel so full of God that we imagine that temptation will never touch us again. "The sinful is gone, forever!" We are filled up with love, suffused with joyful peace, overflowing in faith in those times. That is a good thing. Times of refreshing are exactly that - seasons in life. But we cannot live on the mountain all of the time. God calls us to serve Him in our neighborhoods, the office where we work, amidst the trials of daily life. And, we are drained, wearied; yes, even bruised and bloodied, by the power of sin and darkness which we encounter, sometimes in intensity approaching warfare. Does that mean we did not really meet God? Not at all. All it means is that we are not home in Heaven, yet! We are not victims. We are not helpless. We are not defeated. Why? Because, in Christ, we can overcome.
Believer, put on the new nature, created to be like God today. Let the truth of God change your way of thinking. In prayer, breathe in the life of the Spirit, which renews your hope and gives vision. Take up the cross of Christ, which is the high and holy calling of all who follow Him, and suffer the death of Self gladly.
"And that about wraps it up.
God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way.
This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own.
Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon.
In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out." (Ephesians 6:10-18, The Message)
Amen
Without receiving the life of Jesus Christ, by faith, we are incapable of overcoming our innate sinfulness. We are cut off from the power of God, a state that the Bible describes starkly as being 'dead in sin.' Don't read that to mean that without knowing Jesus we will all be social predators, rapists, murderers, and thieves. What the Bible teaches is that apart from Christ, we cannot live in faith, cannot respond to the Holy Spirit's direction, and when pressed by problems- we will revert to our instinctive self-preserving behaviors. Through Christ, we come alive to God, receiving the Spirit of God, who creates in us the possibility of living in a way that is responsive to the purposes of our Creator. When we make that choice, our lives will be characterized by the evidence of the "God-life," - "...the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23, NLT)
Dear believer, know this! The sinful nature does not die easily, nor is its defeat automatic. Too many times, preachers imply that with some religious experience, or through some program, or by some ritual means a person can become instantly and eternally holy. How I would like for that to be true, but it isn't. It is a deception that leads to disillusionment and despair in the lives of many who hunger for true holiness. The truth is that the sinful nature is overcome - day by day - by learning the Truth and by 'breathing in' the life of the Spirit.
Discussing this duality, the Scripture says - "Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy." (Ephesians 4:20-24, NLT)
We can come away from a 'mountain top' experience- a spiritual retreat, a great worship service, a week's vacation - and feel so full of God that we imagine that temptation will never touch us again. "The sinful is gone, forever!" We are filled up with love, suffused with joyful peace, overflowing in faith in those times. That is a good thing. Times of refreshing are exactly that - seasons in life. But we cannot live on the mountain all of the time. God calls us to serve Him in our neighborhoods, the office where we work, amidst the trials of daily life. And, we are drained, wearied; yes, even bruised and bloodied, by the power of sin and darkness which we encounter, sometimes in intensity approaching warfare. Does that mean we did not really meet God? Not at all. All it means is that we are not home in Heaven, yet! We are not victims. We are not helpless. We are not defeated. Why? Because, in Christ, we can overcome.
Believer, put on the new nature, created to be like God today. Let the truth of God change your way of thinking. In prayer, breathe in the life of the Spirit, which renews your hope and gives vision. Take up the cross of Christ, which is the high and holy calling of all who follow Him, and suffer the death of Self gladly.
"And that about wraps it up.
God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way.
This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own.
Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon.
In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out." (Ephesians 6:10-18, The Message)
Amen
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
God still speaks!
Bev and I went to see the movie, "Evan Almighty." It's a predictable, clichéd story about a man elected to Congress whom God tells to build an ark in suburban Virginia in order to save his family from a pending flood. Humor in the movie is not sophisticated, i.e., the Biblical command to Noah is "build the ark from gopherwood." Evan Baxter notes that the the delivery truck that supplies materials for his ark is from 1-800- Go-4-Wood. Ouch! (My recommendation? Save your money and see it when the DVD is released.)
There are some good scenes with loads of cute animal shots. It is fun family entertainment - aside from the fact that kids might get a warped concept about the true nature of God. (He is Spirit and not a man who looks like Morgan Freeman.) Here's what stuck with me. Why do we have such a hard time accepting that God speaks to people today? In the middle of the movie, I leaned over to Bev and whispered, 'why do people nearly universally assume that if someone claims to hear from God, they must be mentally unhinged?' Every character in the film assumes that when Evan Baxter claims to hear God speaking, he must have lost his sanity. I understand that grandiosity and hearing voices is often a sign of mental illness, but I also read the Bible and note that the Scripture is full of accounts in which people converse with God, are told to do impossible and amazing things, and who consequentially endure censure from friends and family.
I am certain that the work of God today is greatly hindered by our cultural assumptions about the 'reality' of hearing the voice of God. I wonder how many of us actually expect God to speak, or take time to listen for His voice, when we present Him with our prayerful petitions? There is a scene in "Evan Almighty" where "God" (ala Mr. Freeman) gives a great lesson to a doubter. He asks Evan's fearful wife how she expects prayer to be answered. "If you ask for courage," He says, " shouldn't you expect situations to present themselves that require you to be brave? If you ask for patience, shouldn't you expect circumstances that demand some endurance?" Take that point, which is true, a step further. IF we ask to be used by God to do His work in the world, and that is the point of being a follower of Jesus, then shouldn't we expect Him to lead into places of service?
Yes, if someone you know claims that God stopped by for a cup of coffee at breakfast time and gave them numbers to play in the lottery, or if they are saying that God has exempted them from the moral imperatives of Scripture so they can abandon responsibility for their family, or divorce their wife to marry the younger woman at the office, or buy a Lamborghini when they cannot afford the car they have- urge them to seek help! But, if they tell you that they have been hearing the whisper of the Spirit urging them to take a new course in life - such as leaving a lucrative career to serve in a ministry to those in need, or to sell their big house and invest themselves more deeply in spiritual matters - encourage them! Many will think they are just 'having a crisis' but I believe God still speaks!
He has spoken in His Word. That is the gold standard of Truth. No, He won't create new doctrines or contradict His moral law. To claim 'new revelation or new light' is a dangerous thing that leads people over the cliff of self-destruction. Every cult on the planet started when someone claimed that God had shown them new truth! That is not the direction I am urging you to go today. I do believe He speaks to us, to guide us and direct us day by day, by the voice of the Spirit. So, pray that the Spirit will speak to you about things like how you can better show love to your family, about the places in your life where you have grown careless about His purpose, about the things you have come to love more than you love Him, about who He wants to love through you, etc.!
". . .the Holy Spirit says, Today, please listen; don’t turn a deaf ear
. . . So watch your step, friends.
Make sure there’s no evil unbelief lying around that will trip you up and throw you off course, diverting you from the living God. For as long as it’s still God’s Today, keep each other on your toes so sin doesn’t slow down your reflexes." (Hebrews 3:7-13, The Message)
There are some good scenes with loads of cute animal shots. It is fun family entertainment - aside from the fact that kids might get a warped concept about the true nature of God. (He is Spirit and not a man who looks like Morgan Freeman.) Here's what stuck with me. Why do we have such a hard time accepting that God speaks to people today? In the middle of the movie, I leaned over to Bev and whispered, 'why do people nearly universally assume that if someone claims to hear from God, they must be mentally unhinged?' Every character in the film assumes that when Evan Baxter claims to hear God speaking, he must have lost his sanity. I understand that grandiosity and hearing voices is often a sign of mental illness, but I also read the Bible and note that the Scripture is full of accounts in which people converse with God, are told to do impossible and amazing things, and who consequentially endure censure from friends and family.
I am certain that the work of God today is greatly hindered by our cultural assumptions about the 'reality' of hearing the voice of God. I wonder how many of us actually expect God to speak, or take time to listen for His voice, when we present Him with our prayerful petitions? There is a scene in "Evan Almighty" where "God" (ala Mr. Freeman) gives a great lesson to a doubter. He asks Evan's fearful wife how she expects prayer to be answered. "If you ask for courage," He says, " shouldn't you expect situations to present themselves that require you to be brave? If you ask for patience, shouldn't you expect circumstances that demand some endurance?" Take that point, which is true, a step further. IF we ask to be used by God to do His work in the world, and that is the point of being a follower of Jesus, then shouldn't we expect Him to lead into places of service?
Yes, if someone you know claims that God stopped by for a cup of coffee at breakfast time and gave them numbers to play in the lottery, or if they are saying that God has exempted them from the moral imperatives of Scripture so they can abandon responsibility for their family, or divorce their wife to marry the younger woman at the office, or buy a Lamborghini when they cannot afford the car they have- urge them to seek help! But, if they tell you that they have been hearing the whisper of the Spirit urging them to take a new course in life - such as leaving a lucrative career to serve in a ministry to those in need, or to sell their big house and invest themselves more deeply in spiritual matters - encourage them! Many will think they are just 'having a crisis' but I believe God still speaks!
He has spoken in His Word. That is the gold standard of Truth. No, He won't create new doctrines or contradict His moral law. To claim 'new revelation or new light' is a dangerous thing that leads people over the cliff of self-destruction. Every cult on the planet started when someone claimed that God had shown them new truth! That is not the direction I am urging you to go today. I do believe He speaks to us, to guide us and direct us day by day, by the voice of the Spirit. So, pray that the Spirit will speak to you about things like how you can better show love to your family, about the places in your life where you have grown careless about His purpose, about the things you have come to love more than you love Him, about who He wants to love through you, etc.!
". . .the Holy Spirit says, Today, please listen; don’t turn a deaf ear
. . . So watch your step, friends.
Make sure there’s no evil unbelief lying around that will trip you up and throw you off course, diverting you from the living God. For as long as it’s still God’s Today, keep each other on your toes so sin doesn’t slow down your reflexes." (Hebrews 3:7-13, The Message)
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Complex world; simple faith
My life is organized around my confession of faith. God, the Creator, governs the world. I can know Him because of Jesus Christ, His Son, who is my Lord and Savior. The Holy Spirit lives in me, empowering me to serve His purposes. It is a simple faith, but not an easy one! The complexity of life challenges my faith almost daily. Things like Katrina (the hurricane that devastated SE United States), cancer, and human cruelty in all its various forms, beg me to question God's power and presence. But, the choice is made - I belong to God and, by His grace, I will continue to love and serve Him for the rest of my days.
There was a time in my life when my faith involved many threads, clauses, and reservations. At that time, faith was more like a complicated contract than a simple statement! I struggled to make it 'fit' the complexity of the world around me, wrestling to explain all of the things that I observed in my daily experience within the framework of the faith I professed. Many prayers were offered up around the question - 'why?' A few of those questions have been answered over time, but most remain. What has changed is that I now enjoy a deep abiding sense of God's Presence in this world. It is not that my life has become simpler! If anything, it is even more complex now than ever. I carry a greater load of responsibility for more people and a larger organization than I have at any time in my 52 years. Decisions that I make or in which I am a participant have a direct effect on the lives of others. That is, at least partially, why I have come to a faith that is more distilled around this core truth- Jesus cares and loves me, therefore, I can love and care for others.
This simpler faith has freed me from the need to negotiate with God, to beg His favor. I am more convinced that "God is for me, not against me." I live in the confidence that nothing that comes my way is too big for Him, will surprise Him, or can overcome His gracious love. No, I am not a simpleton who lacks a grasp of the possibilities for pain or disappointment that exist all around me. I am still very much part of this world which is, in the words of Martin Luther, 'with devils filled and threatens to undo us!' But I am a subject of the King whose power has triumphed over sin, Hell, and death. So, with Paul, I set my hope in Christ Jesus. "I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us." (2 Timothy 1:12-14, NIV)
Let me urge you to choose simple faith. From the Word, understand the core Truth of God's eternal nature, of the triumph of Christ, and of the Spirit's power - and place those things at the center of your life. Ask the Lord to teach you to respond in faith to the issues of your life, choosing the way of the faithful consistently. And, you will find rock-like stability in a confusing, complex world! James reminds us of the importance of simple faith.
"If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father.
He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it.
Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought.
People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves.
Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open." (James 1:5-8, The Message)
There are still many complex questions around the 'what, when, where, why, and how' of life! But, knowing Who holds the answers to those questions in His eternal mind is my rock of assurance. Do you know Him? Is He really Lord? Then, trust Him!
______________________________________
Under His wings I am safely abiding,
Tho the night deepens, And tempest are wild;
Still I can trust Him I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me, And I am His child.
Under His wings, Under His wings
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.
Under His wings, What a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort and there I am blest.
Under His Wings, Ira Sankey© Public Domain
CCLI License No. 810055
There was a time in my life when my faith involved many threads, clauses, and reservations. At that time, faith was more like a complicated contract than a simple statement! I struggled to make it 'fit' the complexity of the world around me, wrestling to explain all of the things that I observed in my daily experience within the framework of the faith I professed. Many prayers were offered up around the question - 'why?' A few of those questions have been answered over time, but most remain. What has changed is that I now enjoy a deep abiding sense of God's Presence in this world. It is not that my life has become simpler! If anything, it is even more complex now than ever. I carry a greater load of responsibility for more people and a larger organization than I have at any time in my 52 years. Decisions that I make or in which I am a participant have a direct effect on the lives of others. That is, at least partially, why I have come to a faith that is more distilled around this core truth- Jesus cares and loves me, therefore, I can love and care for others.
This simpler faith has freed me from the need to negotiate with God, to beg His favor. I am more convinced that "God is for me, not against me." I live in the confidence that nothing that comes my way is too big for Him, will surprise Him, or can overcome His gracious love. No, I am not a simpleton who lacks a grasp of the possibilities for pain or disappointment that exist all around me. I am still very much part of this world which is, in the words of Martin Luther, 'with devils filled and threatens to undo us!' But I am a subject of the King whose power has triumphed over sin, Hell, and death. So, with Paul, I set my hope in Christ Jesus. "I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us." (2 Timothy 1:12-14, NIV)
Let me urge you to choose simple faith. From the Word, understand the core Truth of God's eternal nature, of the triumph of Christ, and of the Spirit's power - and place those things at the center of your life. Ask the Lord to teach you to respond in faith to the issues of your life, choosing the way of the faithful consistently. And, you will find rock-like stability in a confusing, complex world! James reminds us of the importance of simple faith.
"If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father.
He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it.
Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought.
People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves.
Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open." (James 1:5-8, The Message)
There are still many complex questions around the 'what, when, where, why, and how' of life! But, knowing Who holds the answers to those questions in His eternal mind is my rock of assurance. Do you know Him? Is He really Lord? Then, trust Him!
______________________________________
Under His wings I am safely abiding,
Tho the night deepens, And tempest are wild;
Still I can trust Him I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me, And I am His child.
Under His wings, Under His wings
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.
Under His wings, What a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort and there I am blest.
Under His Wings, Ira Sankey© Public Domain
CCLI License No. 810055
Monday, June 25, 2007
God's rest or earth's temporary diversion - you choose!
Life is not always what I think it should be. Sometimes the sun shines brightly and troubles seem far away. Then, there are those days when the Curse of the earth seems like it is focused exclusively on me - when nothing goes right! On those days, temptation rises in me. A little voice whispers - "Seek relief! Buy this! Go there! Do this or that!" Instead of going to a quiet place and waiting for the Spirit to bring the true rest that God alone provides, I want a quick fix for my aching heart. Temptation is especially seductive when we are tired or under pressure, isn't it? What are you chasing today? What's always in the back of your mind- getting a new car, finding a different job, taking a vacation? Why is that thought 'stuck' there? Do you want relief from something that is weighing heavily on you?
In those moments, we need to bring to mind the experience of God's people as written in the Word. "Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled." (Romans 15:4, NLT) Consider the Israelite people and their temptation in the desert. With miraculous power God brought them out of Egypt. The trip through the wilderness, however, was hard! They were under pressure, dealing with a completely different life than they had known back in Egypt. And, they craved relief! Despite the fact that God, in great love provided all they NEEDED including daily rations which they only had to go out and pick up from the ground, a perfect food called manna, they yearned for something else. The Bible tells us that "the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes." (Numbers 11:4-6 KJV)
What a terrible state of deception. "We ate freely..." was how they remembered when actually their food was purchased with their LIVES as slaves of the Pharaoh! "Nothing but manna..." they despised the special creation of food from Heaven's kitchen! In Psalm 106:13-15 KJV we read this commentary on those actions: "They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul." God allowed Israel to be 'satisfied' with stuff other than His manna, but their choice led them to spiritual poverty! Giving in to the temptation to seek diversion rather than receive rest came at high cost to their souls.
The same spirit that led them to obsess on the gourmet delights of Egypt led them to crave the gods of Egypt and to demand the creation of the golden calf idol which caused the death and destruction of many. The same spirit also caused them to miss the promise of the Lord God and to spend years wandering, literally in circles, in the remote areas of the Sinai waiting to die!
It can be difficult to stay contented with God's Presence and provisions while we live in a world that batters us with messages of selfish pleasure and false heavens! If we are not renewed in worship that is infused with Word and Spirit, we will quickly find the ersatz 'heaven' offered in the ad for a Caribbean cruise drawing us away from the true Heaven of His Presence. Paul reminds us of the seduction of worldly wealth and pleasure and then points the way to LIFE -- "Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." (1 Timothy 6:5-7 KJV)
There is rest for your soul!
Let God meet the need you have today.
When temptation offers you a temporary diversion, a quick fix for your aching soul, turn quickly to the Spirit of God, and pray for wisdom and strength to wait for His answer.
__________________
Only in God, is my soul at rest.
In Him comes my salvation.
Only in God, is my soul at rest.
In Him comes my salvation.
He only is my Rock,
My strength and my salvation.
My stronghold, my Savior,
I shall not be afraid at all.
My stronghold, my Savior,
I shall not be moved.
Only in God is found safety,
When my enemy pursues me.
Only in God is found glory,
When I am found meek and found lowly.
Only in God,
John Michael Talbot © 1980 Birdwing Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing; Admin. by BMG Music Publishing) / BMG Songs, Inc. (Mech) (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing; Admin. by BMG Music Publishing)
CCLI License No. 810055
In those moments, we need to bring to mind the experience of God's people as written in the Word. "Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled." (Romans 15:4, NLT) Consider the Israelite people and their temptation in the desert. With miraculous power God brought them out of Egypt. The trip through the wilderness, however, was hard! They were under pressure, dealing with a completely different life than they had known back in Egypt. And, they craved relief! Despite the fact that God, in great love provided all they NEEDED including daily rations which they only had to go out and pick up from the ground, a perfect food called manna, they yearned for something else. The Bible tells us that "the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes." (Numbers 11:4-6 KJV)
What a terrible state of deception. "We ate freely..." was how they remembered when actually their food was purchased with their LIVES as slaves of the Pharaoh! "Nothing but manna..." they despised the special creation of food from Heaven's kitchen! In Psalm 106:13-15 KJV we read this commentary on those actions: "They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul." God allowed Israel to be 'satisfied' with stuff other than His manna, but their choice led them to spiritual poverty! Giving in to the temptation to seek diversion rather than receive rest came at high cost to their souls.
The same spirit that led them to obsess on the gourmet delights of Egypt led them to crave the gods of Egypt and to demand the creation of the golden calf idol which caused the death and destruction of many. The same spirit also caused them to miss the promise of the Lord God and to spend years wandering, literally in circles, in the remote areas of the Sinai waiting to die!
It can be difficult to stay contented with God's Presence and provisions while we live in a world that batters us with messages of selfish pleasure and false heavens! If we are not renewed in worship that is infused with Word and Spirit, we will quickly find the ersatz 'heaven' offered in the ad for a Caribbean cruise drawing us away from the true Heaven of His Presence. Paul reminds us of the seduction of worldly wealth and pleasure and then points the way to LIFE -- "Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." (1 Timothy 6:5-7 KJV)
There is rest for your soul!
Let God meet the need you have today.
When temptation offers you a temporary diversion, a quick fix for your aching soul, turn quickly to the Spirit of God, and pray for wisdom and strength to wait for His answer.
__________________
Only in God, is my soul at rest.
In Him comes my salvation.
Only in God, is my soul at rest.
In Him comes my salvation.
He only is my Rock,
My strength and my salvation.
My stronghold, my Savior,
I shall not be afraid at all.
My stronghold, my Savior,
I shall not be moved.
Only in God is found safety,
When my enemy pursues me.
Only in God is found glory,
When I am found meek and found lowly.
Only in God,
John Michael Talbot © 1980 Birdwing Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing; Admin. by BMG Music Publishing) / BMG Songs, Inc. (Mech) (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing; Admin. by BMG Music Publishing)
CCLI License No. 810055
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