Looking back on my life I can see so many places where God was taking care of me, keeping me, guiding me without my understanding at the time. Some of the situations that seemed to be the worst developments, bringing huge disappointment my way when when they were happening, proved to be the greatest blessings later on! He has brought people into my life at the time when I needed them most and He has moved people out of my life before they could do damage. Many of the darkest moments later on yielded great harvests of faith and character development. To be sure, there are experiences in my history that still are mysteries! Some days are stilled wrapped in mists and defy explanations or rationales; so I have to make the conscious choice to simply trust Him and wait.
I can honestly say that some of the most costly decisions in my life were those that I made without counsel or prayer because they seemed 'so obviously right.' There is a story in the history of Israel when godly leaders made a decision without God's leading and it proved to be a terrible detriment to the nation. "The people of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai and cooked up a ruse. They posed as travelers: their donkeys loaded with patched sacks and mended wineskins, threadbare sandals on their feet, tattered clothes on their bodies, nothing but dry crusts and crumbs for food. They came to Joshua at Gilgal and spoke to the men of Israel, "We’ve come from a far-off country; make a covenant with us." ... The men of Israel looked them over and accepted the evidence. But they didn’t ask God about it. So Joshua made peace with them and formalized it with a covenant to guarantee their lives. The leaders of the congregation swore to it." (Joshua 9: 3-6; 14-15, The Message)
The Gibeonites were not conquered and because Israel made an agreement with them, they were allowed to live among God's people, bringing their false gods with them, and ultimately becoming a source of spiritual corruption a generation later!
We are God's children and He wants to care for us, but He also desires our cooperation! He will not make us puppets. So, should we live fearfully, wondering if we're going to make some terrible mistake? Not at all, if our hearts are following fully after Him and our lives are submitted to His will. As I wrote a few lines before, He leads us even when we are unaware of what He's doing or where He's taking us. However, He will let us walk willfully out of His perfect will if we become headstrong or full of ourselves. The Word reminds us, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25, NIV) Each new day we prayerfully listen for Heaven's cadence so we will dance gracefully with Him, following His lead.
Remember to remain conversant with the Lord throughout the day. That what the Word means when we read, "Pray continually." (1 Thess. 5.17) Don't live in sinful ways that grieve the Spirit and drive His sweet Presence from your life. Instead, stay in touch - with a humble heart, with simple prayers, with breathed praises - so that God can keep you right where He wants you.
Here's a word from the Word to take with you through this day.
"I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." (Psalm 16:7-11, NIV)
________________________
He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whate'er I do, where-e'er I be,
Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.
Lord, I would clasp Thy hand in mine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content whatever lot I see,
Since 'tis my God that leadeth me.
And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict'ry's won,
E'en death's cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.
He leadeth me,
He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.
He Leadeth Me
William Bradbury © Public Domain
Friday, July 18, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Up to the task?
One of the temptations that I deal with on a regular basis is a sense that I am simply incapable of fulfilling my calling! I feel incompetent. I wonder if my sermons are just more babbling, adding to the excess of words in the world. As I grow older, I stand in awe of the rapid changes in the world around me and question my ability to keep up and stay relevant. When I compare myself to other pastors who are experiencing a different kind of 'success,' I too readily blame myself for not having the necessary skills to see the results they enjoy.
And I know this: those thoughts do not come from God! They are an upside down expression of pride, a focus on me instead of Him! Here is the truth - God called me. He equips me. He expects diligence from me, but ultimately any competence for spiritual work comes from Him.
In the stories of Exodus, there is an account of the building of the tabernacle, the portable place of worship that Israel was commissioned to build during their desert sojourn. Moses issued a call for all those who were 'willing' to give from 'what they had' for the project. The people responded with overwhelming generosity until Moses had to send out word, "Do not bring anymore gifts! We have more than enough to complete this project!"
But there is another part of the story that captivates me. Here it is. "Moses said to the Israelites, "See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship." (Exodus 35:29-33, NIV)
God gave the necessary skill, ability, and knowledge to Bezalel to design and train others to build this place of worship! The lesson for us is clear and compelling. God is still building His Church (not a building this time but a body of people) and the Spirit is actively working to equip each one to fulfill their calling! "God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all." (1 Corinthians 12:4-6, The Message)
What can you do in the work of God? What kind of spiritual gift has been invested in you? Serving, speaking, praying, giving, teaching, leading worship, encouraging, building, making art, telling the Gospel ... the list is long and God has promised us that His Spirit will put skills, ability, and knowledge in us that makes us effective.
This is no excuse for failure to prepare through study, with mentors, and by starting with small efforts. The Lord demands diligence of us, but simultaneously requires total dependence on Him! We tend to fall into one extreme or the other: either thinking it's all up to me (and making ourselves more susceptible to feelings of failure) or just sitting back and waiting for God to make puppets of us. Somebody said, "We must work like it all depends on us and pray like it all depends on Him!" There's a lot of wisdom in that.
The Word says, "By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. ... So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:3, 10-11, NLT)
Let's go build the Temple!
And, as we do, let's claim the Bezalel blessing -- 'skill, ability, and knowledge,' to complete the work honorably and for the glory of God.
And I know this: those thoughts do not come from God! They are an upside down expression of pride, a focus on me instead of Him! Here is the truth - God called me. He equips me. He expects diligence from me, but ultimately any competence for spiritual work comes from Him.
In the stories of Exodus, there is an account of the building of the tabernacle, the portable place of worship that Israel was commissioned to build during their desert sojourn. Moses issued a call for all those who were 'willing' to give from 'what they had' for the project. The people responded with overwhelming generosity until Moses had to send out word, "Do not bring anymore gifts! We have more than enough to complete this project!"
But there is another part of the story that captivates me. Here it is. "Moses said to the Israelites, "See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship." (Exodus 35:29-33, NIV)
God gave the necessary skill, ability, and knowledge to Bezalel to design and train others to build this place of worship! The lesson for us is clear and compelling. God is still building His Church (not a building this time but a body of people) and the Spirit is actively working to equip each one to fulfill their calling! "God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all." (1 Corinthians 12:4-6, The Message)
What can you do in the work of God? What kind of spiritual gift has been invested in you? Serving, speaking, praying, giving, teaching, leading worship, encouraging, building, making art, telling the Gospel ... the list is long and God has promised us that His Spirit will put skills, ability, and knowledge in us that makes us effective.
This is no excuse for failure to prepare through study, with mentors, and by starting with small efforts. The Lord demands diligence of us, but simultaneously requires total dependence on Him! We tend to fall into one extreme or the other: either thinking it's all up to me (and making ourselves more susceptible to feelings of failure) or just sitting back and waiting for God to make puppets of us. Somebody said, "We must work like it all depends on us and pray like it all depends on Him!" There's a lot of wisdom in that.
The Word says, "By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. ... So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:3, 10-11, NLT)
Let's go build the Temple!
And, as we do, let's claim the Bezalel blessing -- 'skill, ability, and knowledge,' to complete the work honorably and for the glory of God.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Beginning...Ending... and all in between!
Christian, an 11 year old boy in our Rangers program, is working to complete his gold badge which includes an interview with the pastor about the church's organization and work. Yesterday, we sat down for that interview. The bright boy had pad and pen in hand. Very seriously he inquired about what my work is, who can be a member, and how we organize our leaders. He flashed a wide smile as we talked about things that fill my daily life, about which he probably has never given a thought! As I drove away from that talk, I wondered what Christian might become in God's Church. Could God be calling him to be a pastor? Might he teach Sunday School like his Dad? What gifts will the Spirit invest in him so he can contribute to the work of God's kingdom? I prayed for his calling, that the Spirit would keep him through those turbulent years that stretch between childhood and maturity, that he would grow into a Believer that serves God in his church in his generation.
An hour after that encounter, I was sitting on the front porch of Jennie's house. She is our church's oldest living member, 100 years of age yesterday! She is confined to her home, remembering some of the past, almost nothing of the present. A charter member of this Assembly, she was present at the very beginning of it in the 1930's! She was once a key person in God's work in our church. Yellowed papers from 6 decades ago tell of her work in Sunday School, of her vote to organize the church and the decision of the congregation to join with the Assemblies of God. After talking with her, I left that time thanking God for the foundational work she did and praying that as she nears the end of life, that she will find a rich reward in Heaven for the unseen, unsung work now largely forgotten - even by her!
Believer, do you value the church?Do you realize that the Church holds a central place in God plan for your spiritual development and for the building of His kingdom on earth?
I am not talking about buildings! Those are meeting houses. The Church is people - young Christian, old Jennie, you, and middle-aged me! Ordinary people, though imperfect, are chosen by God and equipped by the Spirit, to be "the called out ones" that embody the Gospel of Christ in this world. The Christian life is not just a private, "Jesus and me" experience. Only together, with our blended gifts and shared experience, can we know the fullness of God's Presence and accomplish the work of God. That is why the Bible directs us to get together regularly with other Believers. The Word says: "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, NLT)
When my youthful idealism led me to think I did not need the Church, that I could do my own thing as a Believer, my Dad was fond of reminding me that though God's church was often imperfect, though leaders sometimes failed and some people did right things for wrong reasons; the Church was like Noah's ark, carrying us through the storm, preserving our lives. He would joke - "It stunk on the inside of the ark, but it was the best thing afloat!"
Commit yourself to a church! Invest yourself in others, forming partnerships, joining the line of Believers that stretches all the way back to the Cross. The Scripture tells us that what God does through His Church amazes even the angels. "Through followers of Jesus like yourselves gathered in churches, this extraordinary plan of God is becoming known and talked about even among the angels! All this is proceeding along lines planned all along by God and then executed in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 3:10-11, The Message)
___________________
A parade began at Calvary,
And the saints of all the ages fill its ranks.
O'er the sands of time they're marching
To their King's great coronation.
And this could be the dawning of that day.
O this could be the dawning
Of that grand and glorious day,
When the face of Jesus we behold.
Dreams and hopes of all the ages,
Are awaiting His returning.
And this could be the dawning of that day.
This Could be the Dawning
© 1971 William J. Gaither, Inc. ARR UBP of Gaither Copyright ManagementCCLI License No. 810055
An hour after that encounter, I was sitting on the front porch of Jennie's house. She is our church's oldest living member, 100 years of age yesterday! She is confined to her home, remembering some of the past, almost nothing of the present. A charter member of this Assembly, she was present at the very beginning of it in the 1930's! She was once a key person in God's work in our church. Yellowed papers from 6 decades ago tell of her work in Sunday School, of her vote to organize the church and the decision of the congregation to join with the Assemblies of God. After talking with her, I left that time thanking God for the foundational work she did and praying that as she nears the end of life, that she will find a rich reward in Heaven for the unseen, unsung work now largely forgotten - even by her!
Believer, do you value the church?Do you realize that the Church holds a central place in God plan for your spiritual development and for the building of His kingdom on earth?
I am not talking about buildings! Those are meeting houses. The Church is people - young Christian, old Jennie, you, and middle-aged me! Ordinary people, though imperfect, are chosen by God and equipped by the Spirit, to be "the called out ones" that embody the Gospel of Christ in this world. The Christian life is not just a private, "Jesus and me" experience. Only together, with our blended gifts and shared experience, can we know the fullness of God's Presence and accomplish the work of God. That is why the Bible directs us to get together regularly with other Believers. The Word says: "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, NLT)
When my youthful idealism led me to think I did not need the Church, that I could do my own thing as a Believer, my Dad was fond of reminding me that though God's church was often imperfect, though leaders sometimes failed and some people did right things for wrong reasons; the Church was like Noah's ark, carrying us through the storm, preserving our lives. He would joke - "It stunk on the inside of the ark, but it was the best thing afloat!"
Commit yourself to a church! Invest yourself in others, forming partnerships, joining the line of Believers that stretches all the way back to the Cross. The Scripture tells us that what God does through His Church amazes even the angels. "Through followers of Jesus like yourselves gathered in churches, this extraordinary plan of God is becoming known and talked about even among the angels! All this is proceeding along lines planned all along by God and then executed in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 3:10-11, The Message)
___________________
A parade began at Calvary,
And the saints of all the ages fill its ranks.
O'er the sands of time they're marching
To their King's great coronation.
And this could be the dawning of that day.
O this could be the dawning
Of that grand and glorious day,
When the face of Jesus we behold.
Dreams and hopes of all the ages,
Are awaiting His returning.
And this could be the dawning of that day.
This Could be the Dawning
© 1971 William J. Gaither, Inc. ARR UBP of Gaither Copyright ManagementCCLI License No. 810055
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
"Carrots and Sticks"
When people spend time with me, I want them to be lifted up. It my deep desire that a whole different quality of living will be shown in my words and actions. In short, I want to be holy! I think most Believers would share that desire, but the main question is; 'how do I become more Christ-like?' The 'obvious' answer is not necessarily the best one. What might that be? Many Believers spend tons of spiritual energy in something that Dallas Willard calls, "sin management." They build walls around things that are sinful and wrong. They run from situations where they might experience temptation. They hide out from 'real life' in church or with other Believers all of the time. Of course, that's not all bad! There are times when 'fleeing youthful lusts' (to quote a Scripture I heard a lot as a teenage kid) is exactly the right strategy in dealing with temptation. But, is there much joy in spending much of the day just trying not to sin? To make the Christian life about prohibition, punishment, or isolation is a misplaced understanding of the heart of our faith.
Being a follower of Christ is much more about Who we are following and where He is leading us than it is about what we do not do. The attraction of some sinful behavior is not nearly as strong if we are at rest in Christ and our minds are secured by His loving grace! I am convinced that the main reason that so many Christians find the lure of materialism, sensuality, and selfishness so strong is because their love for Christ is so anemic. In fact, many Believers don't really love Him all that much. Their main concerns in Christianity center around 'going to Hell' or 'being blessed.' Jesus Christ is not their passion; He is their 'fire insurance' and their good luck charm. They really want to enjoy as much of 'the world' as they can while holding onto the favor of God! What folly!
The Bible says that marriage is an illustration of our spiritual relationship with God. (See Ephesians 5:21-26) Imagine if I professed great love for Bev, while longing to be with another woman? Is that really faithfulness? Would genuine 'oneness' of marriage be possible if I had such a divided heart? Wouldn't I be a stupid man if I kept pictures of another woman on my desk that I stared at while telling myself, "You have to be faithful to your wife."? If I want to enjoy the benefits and blessings of marriage, then I must choose to love her whole-heartedly. I won't do things or go places or linger with thoughts that detract from my commitment to her. But, my focus won't be on what I cannot do, who I cannot see, or on the limits of my social contact with other women; it will be on loving Bev! So, I start the day thanking God for her, frequently anticipate being with her, reach out to hug her, express my appreciation to her. And, as I feed that love, our marriage relationship grows stronger.
The old fable of the donkey in need of motivation tells of the handler who used the stick to beat the donkey and the one who used the carrot to lead the donkey. Punishment could not accomplish nearly as much as true desire! So, which is the primary focus of your Christian life; the carrot of a deep, loving, joyful relationship with the Spirit of God or avoiding the judgment of God at the end? I think the wiser course is obvious.
Here's a word to ponder today. May the wisdom of God lead you to choose to love Jesus Christ deeply so that the beauty of His holiness will grow on you to His praise and glory.
"Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever." (1 John 2:15-17, NLT)
"Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God." (Colossians 2:20-3:1, NIV)
Being a follower of Christ is much more about Who we are following and where He is leading us than it is about what we do not do. The attraction of some sinful behavior is not nearly as strong if we are at rest in Christ and our minds are secured by His loving grace! I am convinced that the main reason that so many Christians find the lure of materialism, sensuality, and selfishness so strong is because their love for Christ is so anemic. In fact, many Believers don't really love Him all that much. Their main concerns in Christianity center around 'going to Hell' or 'being blessed.' Jesus Christ is not their passion; He is their 'fire insurance' and their good luck charm. They really want to enjoy as much of 'the world' as they can while holding onto the favor of God! What folly!
The Bible says that marriage is an illustration of our spiritual relationship with God. (See Ephesians 5:21-26) Imagine if I professed great love for Bev, while longing to be with another woman? Is that really faithfulness? Would genuine 'oneness' of marriage be possible if I had such a divided heart? Wouldn't I be a stupid man if I kept pictures of another woman on my desk that I stared at while telling myself, "You have to be faithful to your wife."? If I want to enjoy the benefits and blessings of marriage, then I must choose to love her whole-heartedly. I won't do things or go places or linger with thoughts that detract from my commitment to her. But, my focus won't be on what I cannot do, who I cannot see, or on the limits of my social contact with other women; it will be on loving Bev! So, I start the day thanking God for her, frequently anticipate being with her, reach out to hug her, express my appreciation to her. And, as I feed that love, our marriage relationship grows stronger.
The old fable of the donkey in need of motivation tells of the handler who used the stick to beat the donkey and the one who used the carrot to lead the donkey. Punishment could not accomplish nearly as much as true desire! So, which is the primary focus of your Christian life; the carrot of a deep, loving, joyful relationship with the Spirit of God or avoiding the judgment of God at the end? I think the wiser course is obvious.
Here's a word to ponder today. May the wisdom of God lead you to choose to love Jesus Christ deeply so that the beauty of His holiness will grow on you to His praise and glory.
"Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever." (1 John 2:15-17, NLT)
"Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God." (Colossians 2:20-3:1, NIV)
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