Bob Buford is a businessman who lived for success. Around the age of 14, he determined that he would enter the business realm, along side of his mother who owned media outlets, build a solid business and make money. He succeeded. As he tells the story in Half Time, in mid-life he realized that while he enjoyed and appreciated success, there was something missing. At about the same time his only son, a young entrepreneur, died in a swimming accident. Profoundly effected by all of this, he made the decision to change the focus of his life from success to significance and went on to found an organization that helps ministries and church leaders use the opportunities that exist around them more effectively. A decade later, his writing and coaching has become a movement that is positively changing many lives.
Are you chasing success or living for significance? Maybe you do not even know how to differentiate those goals. Success is measured by external markers: status, money, titles, possessions; being a few. Significance is much more difficult to measure because it involves the inner person, the spiritual life. A person who seeks significance builds relationships, encourages others, serves without need for recognition, and most important - obeys God. Some mistakenly think that success and significance cannot coexist. Admittedly, wealth can, and often does, complicate spiritual development. Jesus told us that "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Luke 18:25, NIV) He went on to explain that spiritual transformation must be sought and only comes when a person is totally surrendered to the Spirit of God. That is a very hard choice to make for someone who has been accustomed to calling the shots and leading the charge! However, when a person who has known success says 'yes' to the will of God, the Lord can take the success he has known and make it useful for His work in this world.
Jesus puts this challenge before each one of us- will you choose to chase success as measured by accumulating possessions or will you pursue significance as measured by Heaven's values? Here's how He said it. "Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being." (Matthew 6:19-21, The Message) The siren song of success lures many to give their lives something that proves illusory. They find that even when they have some measure of success, more beckons. The next big deal, the next award, the next promotion, the next vacation or toy will surely be the one that fills up the hole in their soul. But, after reaching the goal, they find the hunger is only temporarily sated, and returns even more fiercely!
The person who finds himself at rest in the center of God's will, lives a life blessed with the peace of God. Let's not make the mistake of thinking that the gateway to significance is poverty or retreat from life in the real world! God may call some of us to walk that way, just as Jesus did when asked by a young rich nobleman how he might find eternal life.
"Go, sell your possessions and give your wealth to the poor. Then, come follow Me." Sometimes a radical cure for materialism is required. But for many, Christ will assume mastery of their lives right where they are. Their business, their career, their home, their family will become God's and they will begin to let Him lead. That can be an even more challenging transformation than suddenly selling it all and moving to a monastery!
Believer, what is the true goal of your life? The answer may not be obvious, for our hearts are deceptive. Discerning our true motives demands spiritual surgery. If you want to live for significance, to spend the days you pass here on this earth in a way that creates a lasting legacy, let the Word of God speak to you.
"God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God’s Word. We can’t get away from it—no matter what." (Hebrews 4:12-13, The Message) Are you ready for transformation?
Take my life and let it be,
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
- public domain
Frances Havergal
Friday, February 15, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Love Day
Call me a fool, call me overly sentimental, but I am very happy that the calendar includes a day to celebrate romance! Yes, I spent too much on cards and the roses are ordered. Clichéd? Perhaps, but I don't think that there is such a thing as 'too much' when it comes to celebrating our marriage. Well, there might be. I bought a Valentine's card (just for fun) for her a couple of weeks ago that measures about 16 by 24 inches! The picture of the rose printed on the front is so big, it is almost frightening. When Bev opened it, she laughed and blurted out, "What am I supposed to do with this?" The card cost $5. Her reaction was priceless, momentarily her surprise overcame her 'niceness.' Today she opened the 'real' one that reminded her of how important she is to me. Bev enjoys Valentine's Day, too. She handed me a pile of cards for our kids and grandkids that represented a lot of money for ink and paper. Why? Because love must be nurtured. Love that is simply assumed too easily dies. And guys remember this; those who are really 'in love' are never too sophisticated for Valentine's Day. Romance is not about careful calculation or sophistication. It's a heart thing!
Of course, there will be plenty of faux love spread around today. Cards, chocolate, and flowers will be purchased to make an impression, to manipulate, or to just meet expectations. Without real affection and esteem, the symbols of love are without meaning, even offensive. And what does real love look like? Not much like the depictions of it in popular culture. Our culture often equates love with sex! Of course sexual attraction is a part of love. The Bible is quite clear about that. There is an entire book devoted to it in the Old Testament. (Think Song of Solomon.) The Proverbs have more than one reference to sexual fidelity, too. And, Paul is clear, too. He tells Believing couples "Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again. . . ." (1 Corinthians 7:5, NLT)
Love is more than sex. Yes, you know that, but it must be said to counter the flood of sexual propaganda that threatens to engulf us in this culture. In this beautiful and challenging passage, the Bible gives us the whole story about love. Read it thoughtfully, won't you?
"Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. ....For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love." (1 Corinthians 13:7-11, 13, CEV)
That kind of love costs more than a card or a dozen roses. It flourishes long after the hormones that spark sexual passions have diminished! It gives a beauty that really is more than 'skin deep.'
Love of that quality isn't restricted to spouse, family, or friend. It comes from God and flows from us to those who are unlovely. Jesus talked about love frequently. In one of his talks, He includes this: "God gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that." (Matthew 5:45-47, The Message)
I hope you're able to celebrate Valentine's Day. And you can, even if you're not romantically tied to anyone. Love, like Christ loved you! It will change your world; yes, that love will come back to change you!
________________________________________
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints,—I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!—and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
- Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Of course, there will be plenty of faux love spread around today. Cards, chocolate, and flowers will be purchased to make an impression, to manipulate, or to just meet expectations. Without real affection and esteem, the symbols of love are without meaning, even offensive. And what does real love look like? Not much like the depictions of it in popular culture. Our culture often equates love with sex! Of course sexual attraction is a part of love. The Bible is quite clear about that. There is an entire book devoted to it in the Old Testament. (Think Song of Solomon.) The Proverbs have more than one reference to sexual fidelity, too. And, Paul is clear, too. He tells Believing couples "Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again. . . ." (1 Corinthians 7:5, NLT)
Love is more than sex. Yes, you know that, but it must be said to counter the flood of sexual propaganda that threatens to engulf us in this culture. In this beautiful and challenging passage, the Bible gives us the whole story about love. Read it thoughtfully, won't you?
"Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. ....For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love." (1 Corinthians 13:7-11, 13, CEV)
That kind of love costs more than a card or a dozen roses. It flourishes long after the hormones that spark sexual passions have diminished! It gives a beauty that really is more than 'skin deep.'
Love of that quality isn't restricted to spouse, family, or friend. It comes from God and flows from us to those who are unlovely. Jesus talked about love frequently. In one of his talks, He includes this: "God gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that." (Matthew 5:45-47, The Message)
I hope you're able to celebrate Valentine's Day. And you can, even if you're not romantically tied to anyone. Love, like Christ loved you! It will change your world; yes, that love will come back to change you!
________________________________________
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints,—I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!—and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
- Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
God's Mysterious Ways
Comforters with good intentions often offer up this line when there is nothing else to say, "Well, God works in mysterious ways." Sometimes want to ask, "Is that supposed to be comforting?" When we are up against a crisis, when we don't know which way to turn, what to do, or pain is overwhelming - there isn't much comfort to be had from "mysterious ways!" Or, is there? Let us not rush to a conclusion. Yesterday I spent an hour or so with a young woman who has fought a courageous war with cancer for 9 years! Several times in the last 3 years she has walked right up to death's door, only to be miraculously (and I use that word advisedly) restored to some measure of health. Now she is once more in terrible pain, extremely weakened. As I knelt beside her bed and prayed for her, I could not help from wondering why the Lord would preserve her life, but not heal her completely.
None other than Moses ran into circumstances that tried his faith. In the 5th chapter of Exodus there is a story that reads like a tragic comedy. Moses and Aaron arrive in Egypt with great news for the Hebrew slaves, "The LORD God has sent us to lead you out of slavery, back to the Land of Promise." The people heard their message with great joy and they worshipped the Lord. Then, these two men went to Pharaoh to appeal for release of the Hebrews. As expected, he rejected their request. Instead, the king doubled the slaves' workload, making life even more miserable! So the Hebrews foremen went to him and made an appeal to his fairness. His response was stone-cold, "Lazy, that’s what you are—lazy! That is why you keep saying, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD.’" (Exodus 5:17, NIV) When the Hebrews next saw Moses and Aaron, they were not worshipping, nor were they joyful! "The foremen said to them, "May God see what you’ve done and judge you—you’ve made us stink before Pharaoh and his servants! You’ve put a weapon in his hand that’s going to kill us!" (Exodus 5:21, The Message)
Moses was as confused as anyone. His prayer of complaint is one that most any of us could pray when God's ways leave us confused. "Why have you brought all this trouble on your own people, Lord? Why did you send me? Ever since I came to Pharaoh as your spokesman, he has been even more brutal to your people. And you have done nothing to rescue them!" (Exodus 5:22-23, NLT) Yes, God was working! From our seat in the grandstand of history we look over the story and realize that the Lord was setting the stage for a confrontation with the gods of Egypt, in which He would show His mighty hand and that they were no gods at all. Egypt was a wonder of the ancient world and God would bring her to her knees before He was finished, but nobody knew that then. They were confused, in pain, and afraid, seeing only the situation that appeared to grow worse by the day.
Believer, if you're in one of those seasons, let me say with deepest tenderness the word which are true: "God works in mysterious ways" and the rest of the line is, "His wonders to perform!" That line is not meant to dismiss your pain or to judge you in your struggle. Instead it is a lifeline of hope that urges us to keep faith, to hope for Him, and to wait as patiently as we are able for His purposes to be revealed. And should you be one of those who is privilege to be walking in the sunshine, enjoying good times, good health, and many blessings - be thankful and keep faith, too! Don't judge your brothers who suffer and do not dismiss their struggles as evidence of lesser faith. Instead, encourage them. Love them. Weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice.
The line "God works in mysterious ways" is actually part of a great hymn written by William Cowper in the 18th century. Cowper struggled with depression for most of his life. In the depths of his pain, he wrote poems that have become well known. According to several sources, the hymn from which this line is taken was his last. The story of the hymn's origin is fascinating though we cannot confirm it. I quote from cyberhymnal.org. "One night he decided to commit suicide by drowning himself. He called a cab and told the driver to take him to the Thames River. However, thick fog came down and prevented them from finding the river (another version of the story has the driver getting lost deliberately). After driving around lost for a while, the cabby finally stopped and let Cowper out. To Cowper’s surprise, he found himself on his own doorstep: God had sent the fog to keep him from killing himself. Even in our blackest moments, God watches over us."
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
- Public Domain, William Cowper
None other than Moses ran into circumstances that tried his faith. In the 5th chapter of Exodus there is a story that reads like a tragic comedy. Moses and Aaron arrive in Egypt with great news for the Hebrew slaves, "The LORD God has sent us to lead you out of slavery, back to the Land of Promise." The people heard their message with great joy and they worshipped the Lord. Then, these two men went to Pharaoh to appeal for release of the Hebrews. As expected, he rejected their request. Instead, the king doubled the slaves' workload, making life even more miserable! So the Hebrews foremen went to him and made an appeal to his fairness. His response was stone-cold, "Lazy, that’s what you are—lazy! That is why you keep saying, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD.’" (Exodus 5:17, NIV) When the Hebrews next saw Moses and Aaron, they were not worshipping, nor were they joyful! "The foremen said to them, "May God see what you’ve done and judge you—you’ve made us stink before Pharaoh and his servants! You’ve put a weapon in his hand that’s going to kill us!" (Exodus 5:21, The Message)
Moses was as confused as anyone. His prayer of complaint is one that most any of us could pray when God's ways leave us confused. "Why have you brought all this trouble on your own people, Lord? Why did you send me? Ever since I came to Pharaoh as your spokesman, he has been even more brutal to your people. And you have done nothing to rescue them!" (Exodus 5:22-23, NLT) Yes, God was working! From our seat in the grandstand of history we look over the story and realize that the Lord was setting the stage for a confrontation with the gods of Egypt, in which He would show His mighty hand and that they were no gods at all. Egypt was a wonder of the ancient world and God would bring her to her knees before He was finished, but nobody knew that then. They were confused, in pain, and afraid, seeing only the situation that appeared to grow worse by the day.
Believer, if you're in one of those seasons, let me say with deepest tenderness the word which are true: "God works in mysterious ways" and the rest of the line is, "His wonders to perform!" That line is not meant to dismiss your pain or to judge you in your struggle. Instead it is a lifeline of hope that urges us to keep faith, to hope for Him, and to wait as patiently as we are able for His purposes to be revealed. And should you be one of those who is privilege to be walking in the sunshine, enjoying good times, good health, and many blessings - be thankful and keep faith, too! Don't judge your brothers who suffer and do not dismiss their struggles as evidence of lesser faith. Instead, encourage them. Love them. Weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice.
The line "God works in mysterious ways" is actually part of a great hymn written by William Cowper in the 18th century. Cowper struggled with depression for most of his life. In the depths of his pain, he wrote poems that have become well known. According to several sources, the hymn from which this line is taken was his last. The story of the hymn's origin is fascinating though we cannot confirm it. I quote from cyberhymnal.org. "One night he decided to commit suicide by drowning himself. He called a cab and told the driver to take him to the Thames River. However, thick fog came down and prevented them from finding the river (another version of the story has the driver getting lost deliberately). After driving around lost for a while, the cabby finally stopped and let Cowper out. To Cowper’s surprise, he found himself on his own doorstep: God had sent the fog to keep him from killing himself. Even in our blackest moments, God watches over us."
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
- Public Domain, William Cowper
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Before the Throne
Remember some of the best worship experiences you have had; no, not the one with the kickin' band, or the one where the preacher was eloquently stirring. Use another measure. Remember those times when you sensed God's amazing and powerful Presence settle over you, bringing awe and serenity. If you have never experienced that, I can only say there are not really words to adequately describe the moments, the response, the assurance that flows from such times. Of course it doesn't require a church service for us to know God's Presence. Indeed, my point today is that we should desire to live in His Presence all of the time. And there is this complication, everything in our daily lives conspires to keep us from living with an awareness of the Presence of God.
Headaches, car trouble, stormy weather, disagreeable people, the blare of media - the list is lengthy - all become distractions from being 'before the Throne.' If my own life is any gauge, a Believer can go a whole day rushing from job to job, putting out fires, coping with the 'stuff' that comes down the road at him- with little or no thought of God's wonderful Presence. But, we should not accept that kind of life as a normal Christian life! The Word reminds us to "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NKJV) Perhaps your first thought on reading that line is the one that came to my mind - "Sure, I could do that if I lived in a monastery, but not in my world!" If that were true, then God would be asking the impossible from us, something He will not do.
The Lord asks us to make purposeful, conscious choices that keep us in His Presence.
The first is to choose joy. Don't confuse happiness, which is largely circumstantial, with joy which we can choose! The person who chooses joy is not fake, nor does she live in denial of the pain that comes her way.
Instead, she takes the next step, pray continually. How can a busy person do that? Keep an attitude of submission to God and refuse to go anywhere or do anything that would offend the Spirit and break your communion with Him! Selfishness, filthiness, greediness are a few of the things that move us away from being in a prayerful attitude. You can call me strange if you want, but I know the voice of the Spirit that says to me, "Stop what you're doing right now!" Or, He'll say, "Change the radio station." Or He says, "Turn off that movie." Or, He says, "Refocus your mind, now!" If I obey, His peace persists. If I resist, the serenity of living in His Presence ebbs away. The more a Believer learns to live 'in the Presence,' or 'before the Throne,' the more he treasures it. When my sinful words or actions, grieves the Spirit so that He removes His peace from my life, I cannot stand the loneliness that results and I find a place to renew our fellowship quickly.
Then, there is the choice to be thankful! Knowing how important this decision is to a person's experience of the Presence of God, the Enemy of our souls, does whatever he is able to do to get us to think we are deprived. He really works to cause us to live in envy of other's place. I believe that is one reason that God includes the 10th commandment - "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." (Exodus 20:17, NIV) I will never be content, nor live serenely, if I want what belongs to another- even if it is his spiritual experience. Thankful acceptance of this day and the provision of God for me to meet its challenges, is a key to living 'before the Throne.'
The Bible says that you and I are the 'temples of the Holy Spirit.' We are 'God's house.' Wouldn't it be a shame to claim to be a living temple, yet be bereft of the Presence that makes the temple glorious?
Here are words from the Word for your meditation today. May He keep you close as you choose to live 'before the Throne!
'Then he told me, "These are those who come from the great tribulation, and they’ve washed their robes, scrubbed them clean in the blood of the Lamb. That’s why they’re standing before God’s Throne. They serve him day and night in his Temple. The One on the Throne will pitch his tent there for them: no more hunger, no more thirst, no more scorching heat. The Lamb on the Throne will shepherd them, will lead them to spring waters of Life. And God will wipe every last tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:14-17, The Message)
______________________
Before the throne of God above,
I have a strong, a perfect plea,
A great High Priest whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in heaven He stands,
No tongue can bid me thence depart,
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there,
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the Just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me,
To look on Him and pardon me.
Behold Him there the Risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I Am,
The King of glory and of grace,
One with Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God,
With Christ my Savior and my God.
Before The Throne Of God Above
Cook, Vikki / Bancroft, Charitie Lees
© 1997 PDI Worship (Admin. by The Copyright Company)
CCLI License No. 810055
Headaches, car trouble, stormy weather, disagreeable people, the blare of media - the list is lengthy - all become distractions from being 'before the Throne.' If my own life is any gauge, a Believer can go a whole day rushing from job to job, putting out fires, coping with the 'stuff' that comes down the road at him- with little or no thought of God's wonderful Presence. But, we should not accept that kind of life as a normal Christian life! The Word reminds us to "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NKJV) Perhaps your first thought on reading that line is the one that came to my mind - "Sure, I could do that if I lived in a monastery, but not in my world!" If that were true, then God would be asking the impossible from us, something He will not do.
The Lord asks us to make purposeful, conscious choices that keep us in His Presence.
The first is to choose joy. Don't confuse happiness, which is largely circumstantial, with joy which we can choose! The person who chooses joy is not fake, nor does she live in denial of the pain that comes her way.
Instead, she takes the next step, pray continually. How can a busy person do that? Keep an attitude of submission to God and refuse to go anywhere or do anything that would offend the Spirit and break your communion with Him! Selfishness, filthiness, greediness are a few of the things that move us away from being in a prayerful attitude. You can call me strange if you want, but I know the voice of the Spirit that says to me, "Stop what you're doing right now!" Or, He'll say, "Change the radio station." Or He says, "Turn off that movie." Or, He says, "Refocus your mind, now!" If I obey, His peace persists. If I resist, the serenity of living in His Presence ebbs away. The more a Believer learns to live 'in the Presence,' or 'before the Throne,' the more he treasures it. When my sinful words or actions, grieves the Spirit so that He removes His peace from my life, I cannot stand the loneliness that results and I find a place to renew our fellowship quickly.
Then, there is the choice to be thankful! Knowing how important this decision is to a person's experience of the Presence of God, the Enemy of our souls, does whatever he is able to do to get us to think we are deprived. He really works to cause us to live in envy of other's place. I believe that is one reason that God includes the 10th commandment - "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." (Exodus 20:17, NIV) I will never be content, nor live serenely, if I want what belongs to another- even if it is his spiritual experience. Thankful acceptance of this day and the provision of God for me to meet its challenges, is a key to living 'before the Throne.'
The Bible says that you and I are the 'temples of the Holy Spirit.' We are 'God's house.' Wouldn't it be a shame to claim to be a living temple, yet be bereft of the Presence that makes the temple glorious?
Here are words from the Word for your meditation today. May He keep you close as you choose to live 'before the Throne!
'Then he told me, "These are those who come from the great tribulation, and they’ve washed their robes, scrubbed them clean in the blood of the Lamb. That’s why they’re standing before God’s Throne. They serve him day and night in his Temple. The One on the Throne will pitch his tent there for them: no more hunger, no more thirst, no more scorching heat. The Lamb on the Throne will shepherd them, will lead them to spring waters of Life. And God will wipe every last tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:14-17, The Message)
______________________
Before the throne of God above,
I have a strong, a perfect plea,
A great High Priest whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in heaven He stands,
No tongue can bid me thence depart,
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there,
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the Just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me,
To look on Him and pardon me.
Behold Him there the Risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I Am,
The King of glory and of grace,
One with Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God,
With Christ my Savior and my God.
Before The Throne Of God Above
Cook, Vikki / Bancroft, Charitie Lees
© 1997 PDI Worship (Admin. by The Copyright Company)
CCLI License No. 810055
Monday, February 11, 2008
The Importance of "No"
From the earliest moments of our lives we are conditioned to be agreeable, to want to make other people happy. A child is seldom rewarded for saying, "No, Mommy, I don't want to do that!" That same child receives all kinds of positive strokes when he does what he is told to do and more. The same is true of big people, too. In my pastoral work I cannot remember a time when someone sincerely said, "Pastor, thank you for telling me, 'no.' I needed face up to the fact that it is my responsibility." But I can tell you about countless times when people expressed their appreciation when I did what they should have been doing.
It is hard to admit, but I am an approval junkie. I'll march straight into total exhaustion if it will allow me to bask in the sweet warmth of the approval of others. This past Saturday morning, I was at church, on a ladder, changing light bulbs! Did anyone in the church expect me to do that? Of course not. Was it even a good use of my time on a morning when I needed to be reviewing my Sunday sermon and spending time with the Lord? Probably not. But I did it anyway, because it was easier to just do it myself than to make sure that somebody else got it done! And, (this is embarrassing to say but confession is good) I feel terribly righteous when I'm doing those 'servant' things! (Jeremiah surely spoke the truth when he talked of the "deceitfulness of the human heart," didn't he?)
The truth is that knowing when and how to say 'no' is just as important as being responsible, flexible, and willing to serve. Why?
First, we serve best when we serve in ways that God calls us to serve!
I know that He has called me to teach and preach. When I am using the spiritual gifts He has invested in me to do those things, I feel passion and real joy. I may get tired but I am renewed as well. Other people - time and again- tell me of ways that my teaching or preaching brings them insight or spiritual growth. When Believers are serving where God has called and equipped them to serve, they need little in the way of motivation. They are actually renewed by pouring on the effort. They often make other people want to do what they do, because they have so much fun doing it.
Second, we rob another of a blessing when we do what they should be doing!
This isn't just a spiritual principle. It is true in so many ways. Parents who do what their kids should be doing, fail to prepare them for life, and set those kids up for failure as adults. Anyone who has been a parent knows how hard it can be to get a kid to make his bed, take out the garbage, or do his own homework without complaining. It is easier to do these things for them, but... every time we do, they lose. Short term convenience for us produces long term disability in them! Every Believer has a place of service in the Body of Christ. Those who are mature need to encourage those who are younger in the Lord to develop skills and gifts in service. Will the 'newbie' do it as well as the mature? Not likely, at first anyway. Will it be efficient to mentor a younger Believer? Of course not. It would be quicker to just do the job ourselves. But think of what happens to the next generation if we fail to give them opportunities to serve by just doing it ourselves? We are most lovingly when we insist that they step up to responsibility even when they do not feel like serving.
Third, we risk becoming burnt-out drones when we serve people rather than God!
More than a few Believers who were once full of the joy of the Lord and passionate about His kingdom, are now just doing their ministry and the ministry of three other people with a grim determination. They don't excite anybody or inspire others, but they get the job done. We admire their grit, often recognize their efforts with awards and/or applause; but we wonder, "why are they so unhappy?" The sad fact is that many are serving people not God! They have lost sight of the Biblical teaching about being spiritually gifted and called. Now they are just 'working their way to Heaven.'
There is this caveat. There are times when the job just must be done, and it right there in front of us, so we do it. I hope you don't read this and decide that you will only do what you feel passionate about doing or only what God specifically calls you to do. I pick up garbage I see in the church's parking lot because I can! God doesn't need to speak to me and say, "Jerry, retrieve that discarded bottle and put it in the trash!" Humble service is a universal calling! The Words says, "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!" (Philippians 2:5-7, The Message)
Are you exhausted, critical, miserable, and mean?
Just maybe you need to learn how to use a little word, "No." Go ahead, practice saying it out loud, "I appreciate that you think so much of me that you would ask, but I have to say, 'No' today." If you're an approval addict like me it will be very, very hard to let those words pass your lips. You will feel guilty and wonder if you're a really bad person. You will be tempted to check back a couple of days later to see if anyone has taken on the job yet.
Have a servant's heart! Be ready to do anything, but watch the motive.
First, do what God calls you to do.
Second, do what you do for Him, not to earn the approval of others, no matter how good it feels.
And, third, remember that your refusal may become someone's opportunity.
"It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows." (Galatians 5:13, The Message)
It is hard to admit, but I am an approval junkie. I'll march straight into total exhaustion if it will allow me to bask in the sweet warmth of the approval of others. This past Saturday morning, I was at church, on a ladder, changing light bulbs! Did anyone in the church expect me to do that? Of course not. Was it even a good use of my time on a morning when I needed to be reviewing my Sunday sermon and spending time with the Lord? Probably not. But I did it anyway, because it was easier to just do it myself than to make sure that somebody else got it done! And, (this is embarrassing to say but confession is good) I feel terribly righteous when I'm doing those 'servant' things! (Jeremiah surely spoke the truth when he talked of the "deceitfulness of the human heart," didn't he?)
The truth is that knowing when and how to say 'no' is just as important as being responsible, flexible, and willing to serve. Why?
First, we serve best when we serve in ways that God calls us to serve!
I know that He has called me to teach and preach. When I am using the spiritual gifts He has invested in me to do those things, I feel passion and real joy. I may get tired but I am renewed as well. Other people - time and again- tell me of ways that my teaching or preaching brings them insight or spiritual growth. When Believers are serving where God has called and equipped them to serve, they need little in the way of motivation. They are actually renewed by pouring on the effort. They often make other people want to do what they do, because they have so much fun doing it.
Second, we rob another of a blessing when we do what they should be doing!
This isn't just a spiritual principle. It is true in so many ways. Parents who do what their kids should be doing, fail to prepare them for life, and set those kids up for failure as adults. Anyone who has been a parent knows how hard it can be to get a kid to make his bed, take out the garbage, or do his own homework without complaining. It is easier to do these things for them, but... every time we do, they lose. Short term convenience for us produces long term disability in them! Every Believer has a place of service in the Body of Christ. Those who are mature need to encourage those who are younger in the Lord to develop skills and gifts in service. Will the 'newbie' do it as well as the mature? Not likely, at first anyway. Will it be efficient to mentor a younger Believer? Of course not. It would be quicker to just do the job ourselves. But think of what happens to the next generation if we fail to give them opportunities to serve by just doing it ourselves? We are most lovingly when we insist that they step up to responsibility even when they do not feel like serving.
Third, we risk becoming burnt-out drones when we serve people rather than God!
More than a few Believers who were once full of the joy of the Lord and passionate about His kingdom, are now just doing their ministry and the ministry of three other people with a grim determination. They don't excite anybody or inspire others, but they get the job done. We admire their grit, often recognize their efforts with awards and/or applause; but we wonder, "why are they so unhappy?" The sad fact is that many are serving people not God! They have lost sight of the Biblical teaching about being spiritually gifted and called. Now they are just 'working their way to Heaven.'
There is this caveat. There are times when the job just must be done, and it right there in front of us, so we do it. I hope you don't read this and decide that you will only do what you feel passionate about doing or only what God specifically calls you to do. I pick up garbage I see in the church's parking lot because I can! God doesn't need to speak to me and say, "Jerry, retrieve that discarded bottle and put it in the trash!" Humble service is a universal calling! The Words says, "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!" (Philippians 2:5-7, The Message)
Are you exhausted, critical, miserable, and mean?
Just maybe you need to learn how to use a little word, "No." Go ahead, practice saying it out loud, "I appreciate that you think so much of me that you would ask, but I have to say, 'No' today." If you're an approval addict like me it will be very, very hard to let those words pass your lips. You will feel guilty and wonder if you're a really bad person. You will be tempted to check back a couple of days later to see if anyone has taken on the job yet.
Have a servant's heart! Be ready to do anything, but watch the motive.
First, do what God calls you to do.
Second, do what you do for Him, not to earn the approval of others, no matter how good it feels.
And, third, remember that your refusal may become someone's opportunity.
"It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows." (Galatians 5:13, The Message)
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