"If you were put on trial for being a disciple of Jesus Christ, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" is a question that was asked among Christians when I was in my teens. I do not know who first asked it, but it's a worthy question, isn't it? Those who truly love Him should live a distinctly separate and different life from people who are not Believers. I love that story in Acts where Peter and John are dragged before a religious court and questioned about their work for the Lord. Those men who were hostile to their message none the less were impressed by one thing: "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13, NIV) Oh, that those who talk, work, and live around us today would come to the same conclusion!
A kind of sophistication has settled over many American Christians that allows them to live in two worlds at the same time. They lay claim to the grace of Christ and the hope of eternal life while holding onto their love of things, their pride of place and face, and unholy pleasures. Any call to genuine holiness, to living a separated life, is rejected as 'legalism.' So, they are capable of singing, 'take all of me, Lord,' on Sunday in worship and then choosing to be their own master on Monday. Those who live that way might think they are sophisticated, but they are actually foolish - robbing themselves of the power and joy that a wholly committed follower of Jesus knows.
In Mark's Gospel, Jesus took on some sophisticates of His day who thought they could know God and keep control of their lives at the same time. His words were a damning indictment that I would never want Him to speak of me.
"Isaiah was right about frauds like you, hit the bull’s-eye in fact: These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their heart isn’t in it. They act like they are worshiping me, but they don’t mean it. They just use me as a cover for teaching whatever suits their fancy, Ditching God’s command and taking up the latest fads. ... You scratch out God’s Word and scrawl a whim in its place. You do a lot of things like this." (Mark 7:6-8; 12-14, The Message)
Disciple, do not let it be said of you that you are hypocrite, saying the right words but failing to live the life of a disciple. Do not slide into legalism, either. That's a dead end, too. Merely putting some external rules in place about what you eat, what you wear, how you talk, what movies you watch, and such matters is not true holiness. To be sure, when Christ is Lord of our lives, there will be an observable difference in those things, because our hearts are changed!
For example:
A man who loves Christ and is filled with the life of the Spirit will not be profane or filthy in speech because his heart is washed of anger and lust!
A woman who is truly full of the Spirit will not exploit the sensual beauty of her sexuality because she will know the true beauty that comes from a heart full of the love of Christ.
Spend time in quiet with the Lord today. There is no substitute for solitude, for prayerful meditation, for becoming truly holy. Only when we are really with Jesus will we become like Jesus! Here's a word from the Word. I pray that the challenge will one you will embrace, with God's help, today so that others will see real evidence that you are a disciple of the Lord of life.
"Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace." (Ephesians 4:1-3, NLT)
________________________
Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord to Thee.
Take my hands and let them move, at the impulse of Thy love,
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages for Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my will and make it Thine, it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is Thine own, it shall be Thy royal throne.
It shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my God, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.
Take My Life
Francis Havergal © Public Domain
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
EOTWAWKI? (Translation? See last line!)
Could we move up the election to tomorrow? The election hype, the dire warnings that come from both sides promising that the US of A is doomed if the other guy is elected are so over the top that I wonder how the candidates utter them with a straight face? Are there differences between the Republicans and the Democrats? Sure there are. Will the election of one party or the other really effect American history? Most certainly! Public policies for the next decade will be changed by the legislation enacted, the national security choices made, and the judges appointed during the next four years. I am not minimizing the importance of this election, but I want to set it in context of Heaven's truth.
Time and again, God makes it known in the Scripture - "I am in charge of history!" Consider Daniel. This man was carried from his home in Jerusalem to Babylon where he was put in the service of a pagan emperor. It must have been hard for Daniel to reconcile the truth that God was revealing to him concerning His control of human events and the fact that his homeland was in ruins and that young Jews like himself were in captives in a foreign land. Yet, he stayed faithful to the revelation. Daniel, despite tragedy, remained God's man. As a result he was amazingly effective as God's spokesman in that pagan culture.
One time, Nebuchadnezzar demanded that his counselors tell him what he had dreamed and the meaning of his dream. Impossible? Sure it was. But, Daniel went to prayer, received the revelation, and went to tell the king what God was saying to him. God showed Daniel that He was still in charge. Remember that dream? It was a large statue with golden head, silver chest, bronze belly, iron legs, and feet of clay. It represented the kingdoms of men. The key part of the dream was the Stone that was cut out, not with human hands, that smashed the statue. The meaning? All earthly kingdoms will come to an end when the King of Kings sets up His reign.
Later in the king's life, he had another terrifying dream. He saw a great tree in the center of the earth. It was cut down by a heavenly messenger, but the stump was left. Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar that it was a message that he was about to be cut down because of his arrogance. "They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses. "And inasmuch as they gave the command to leave the stump and roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be assured to you, after you come to know that Heaven rules." (Daniel 4:25-26, NKJV)
When Daniel was about 80 years old, once again a king saw a terrifying vision. Belshazzar, the regent of Babylon, whose arrogance far outstripped that of Nebuchadnezzar, was throwing a banquet when a hand appeared to write on the wall of the hall. No one could understand the cryptic phrase - MN MN TKL PRSN. Then the queen mother reminded Belshazzar of an old Jewish man who had counseled the prior king. Daniel came and read the inscription: "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin" -- "Numbered, numbered, Weighed, and Divided!" Boldly, Daniel pronounced the message of Heaven.
"Your Majesty, the Most High God gave sovereignty, majesty, glory, and honor to your predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar. He made him so great that people of all races and nations and languages trembled before him in fear. ... But when his heart and mind were hardened with pride, he was brought down from his royal throne and stripped of his glory. ...until he learned that the Most High God rules the kingdoms of the world and appoints anyone he desires to rule over them. You are his successor, O Belshazzar, and you knew all this, yet you have not humbled yourself. For you have defied the Lord of heaven ...you have not honored the God who gives you the breath of life and controls your destiny! So God has sent this hand to write a message." (Daniel 5:18-24, NLT)
God rules! For the Believer, that is not a message of fear, but of great comfort. The Scripture consistently calls us to be responsible, proactive, and engaged all the while reminding us that we are not in charge and that we need not be afraid. Though we are aliens in this world, passing through on our way to our home, the Spirit is with us and God is guiding us.
Disciple, I want to urge you to trust that revelation today. Steady yourself in faith in God, that He is capable of keeping you in the palm of His hand, no matter what happens to our economy, no matter who controls the Congress after next Tuesday, and no matter who sits in the White House. God has not left us to ourselves. Pray for eyes that see what God sees and a mind that thinks as He thinks as the Spirit gives revelation. In this election year when there is so much anxiety about the future of this country... remember the Truth!
"Blessed be the name of God, forever and ever. He knows all, does all: He changes the seasons and guides history, He raises up kings and also brings them down." (Daniel 2:20-21, The Message) He has charged us with responsibility to pray for His will to be done, and then we will obey Him and live with heart-deep faith and rock-solid assurance.
"This, then, is how you should pray:
"‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’" (Matthew 6:8-13, NIV)
Oh, yeah: EOTWAWKI means- End Of The World As We Know It
Time and again, God makes it known in the Scripture - "I am in charge of history!" Consider Daniel. This man was carried from his home in Jerusalem to Babylon where he was put in the service of a pagan emperor. It must have been hard for Daniel to reconcile the truth that God was revealing to him concerning His control of human events and the fact that his homeland was in ruins and that young Jews like himself were in captives in a foreign land. Yet, he stayed faithful to the revelation. Daniel, despite tragedy, remained God's man. As a result he was amazingly effective as God's spokesman in that pagan culture.
One time, Nebuchadnezzar demanded that his counselors tell him what he had dreamed and the meaning of his dream. Impossible? Sure it was. But, Daniel went to prayer, received the revelation, and went to tell the king what God was saying to him. God showed Daniel that He was still in charge. Remember that dream? It was a large statue with golden head, silver chest, bronze belly, iron legs, and feet of clay. It represented the kingdoms of men. The key part of the dream was the Stone that was cut out, not with human hands, that smashed the statue. The meaning? All earthly kingdoms will come to an end when the King of Kings sets up His reign.
Later in the king's life, he had another terrifying dream. He saw a great tree in the center of the earth. It was cut down by a heavenly messenger, but the stump was left. Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar that it was a message that he was about to be cut down because of his arrogance. "They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses. "And inasmuch as they gave the command to leave the stump and roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be assured to you, after you come to know that Heaven rules." (Daniel 4:25-26, NKJV)
When Daniel was about 80 years old, once again a king saw a terrifying vision. Belshazzar, the regent of Babylon, whose arrogance far outstripped that of Nebuchadnezzar, was throwing a banquet when a hand appeared to write on the wall of the hall. No one could understand the cryptic phrase - MN MN TKL PRSN. Then the queen mother reminded Belshazzar of an old Jewish man who had counseled the prior king. Daniel came and read the inscription: "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin" -- "Numbered, numbered, Weighed, and Divided!" Boldly, Daniel pronounced the message of Heaven.
"Your Majesty, the Most High God gave sovereignty, majesty, glory, and honor to your predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar. He made him so great that people of all races and nations and languages trembled before him in fear. ... But when his heart and mind were hardened with pride, he was brought down from his royal throne and stripped of his glory. ...until he learned that the Most High God rules the kingdoms of the world and appoints anyone he desires to rule over them. You are his successor, O Belshazzar, and you knew all this, yet you have not humbled yourself. For you have defied the Lord of heaven ...you have not honored the God who gives you the breath of life and controls your destiny! So God has sent this hand to write a message." (Daniel 5:18-24, NLT)
God rules! For the Believer, that is not a message of fear, but of great comfort. The Scripture consistently calls us to be responsible, proactive, and engaged all the while reminding us that we are not in charge and that we need not be afraid. Though we are aliens in this world, passing through on our way to our home, the Spirit is with us and God is guiding us.
Disciple, I want to urge you to trust that revelation today. Steady yourself in faith in God, that He is capable of keeping you in the palm of His hand, no matter what happens to our economy, no matter who controls the Congress after next Tuesday, and no matter who sits in the White House. God has not left us to ourselves. Pray for eyes that see what God sees and a mind that thinks as He thinks as the Spirit gives revelation. In this election year when there is so much anxiety about the future of this country... remember the Truth!
"Blessed be the name of God, forever and ever. He knows all, does all: He changes the seasons and guides history, He raises up kings and also brings them down." (Daniel 2:20-21, The Message) He has charged us with responsibility to pray for His will to be done, and then we will obey Him and live with heart-deep faith and rock-solid assurance.
"This, then, is how you should pray:
"‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’" (Matthew 6:8-13, NIV)
Oh, yeah: EOTWAWKI means- End Of The World As We Know It
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
What is the worth of just one?
Today's TFTD starts with a story from www.Christianitytoday.com. I am re-telling it because I think many Christians- yes, that includes me! - sometime fail to appreciate the value of serving just one. If we're not "changing the world," we are tempted to believe that our efforts are wasted, or that we need not serve wholeheartedly. Grayson's story inspires! His idea that is changing many lives was born because he let himself be touched by the need of one! Take a look.
Grayson Rosenberger, 15, often asked God where he fit into his parents' work with prosthetic patients in Africa. His mother lost both legs as a result of a car accident. To provide hope to others with this same setback and share Christ, Grayson's parents founded a non-profit organization called Standing with Hope. But how could Grayson fit in?
After one of their trips to Africa, Grayson's parents told him about Daniel, a boy his age. "He broke his leg playing soccer and had to have it amputated," Grayson said. "Standing with Hope could only afford to give him a basic metal-rod prosthetic leg. The kids always teased him and he wanted a cosmetic covering. But they're so expensive that even some Americans can't afford them." Hearing of Daniel's experience, Grayson wanted to somehow invent a low-cost cosmetic covering for prosthetics. So, when Grayson heard about Sealed Air Corporation's Bubble Wrap Invention Competition, he came up with a crazy idea. He wrapped a prosthetic rod with bubble wrap and then used heat to mold it into the shape of a leg. With a colored stocking pulled over the Bubble wrap, the leg is very realistic looking. And it only cost $15 instead of the $1,000 or more a cosmetic leg covering would normally cost. Grayson won the contest's $10,000 prize.
Last June, (2007) Grayson and his parents traveled to Ghana, Africa, to fit amputees with new legs. He was excited to meet Daniel and give him the invention he helped inspire. But when the Rosenbergers arrived at the Ghana clinic, doctors told them Daniel had died from malaria just a few weeks earlier. "My heart sank," Grayson said. "But I knew God had called me there for a reason." Grayson refit Daniel's leg for another boy. "Someone will walk because of Daniel," Grayson said. "As I put the boy's leg together, I envisioned Daniel."
For 10 days, Grayson, his parents, and other staff worked 10 to 13 hours a day. The Rosenbergers fit 25 people with brand new legs. They also trained clinic workers to build Grayson's invention. "We had some long days," Grayson said. "But I had the best job on the production line. I got to put the end piece on the leg and watch people walk on two legs." http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2008/001/27.11.html
"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." (Zechariah 4:10, NLT)
Disciple, Jesus values individuals! Sure there are the BIG moments in the Gospels: feeding five thousand with five loaves of bread and two small fish, preaching the Sermon on the Mount in the meadow overlooking Galilee- but most of Jesus' work was done one to one! He was never too busy for one - young, old, poor, sick, lonely. Rescuing humanity was the core of His mission during the Incarnation and yet, He always had time for one!
Do you? Would you take time for a long conversation with one person today who needed you to listen? Would you write a note, make a phone call, or give a $20 bill to just one this week? Even after the Resurrection, in His glory, He had time for one; Simon Peter, the failed disciple. Jesus traveled to Galilee to find him, made breakfast for him on the beach, and offered him the opportunity to renew his commitment and find forgiveness- for just one!
Does one person matter to you? He does to the Lord. Take this word from the Word with you today. Let the Spirit lead you to so that you know the joy of serving, even just one!
Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." (Luke 15:3-7, NIV)
______________________________
Each one, can reach one, as we follow after Christ.
We all can lead one, We can lead one to the Savior.
Then together, we can tell the world, that Jesus is the way.
If we each one, reach one.
The message is unchanging, "Go ye into all the world.
And share the love of Jesus, Far away or door to door.
Just like somebody told you, That Jesus loves you so.
You must tell someone, Who will tell someone,
Until the whole world knows.
So will you go and labor?
Will you hold high your light?
One by one, and two by two,
We can win our world
For Jesus Christ!
Each One, Reach One
Babbie Mason © 1990 Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
Grayson Rosenberger, 15, often asked God where he fit into his parents' work with prosthetic patients in Africa. His mother lost both legs as a result of a car accident. To provide hope to others with this same setback and share Christ, Grayson's parents founded a non-profit organization called Standing with Hope. But how could Grayson fit in?
After one of their trips to Africa, Grayson's parents told him about Daniel, a boy his age. "He broke his leg playing soccer and had to have it amputated," Grayson said. "Standing with Hope could only afford to give him a basic metal-rod prosthetic leg. The kids always teased him and he wanted a cosmetic covering. But they're so expensive that even some Americans can't afford them." Hearing of Daniel's experience, Grayson wanted to somehow invent a low-cost cosmetic covering for prosthetics. So, when Grayson heard about Sealed Air Corporation's Bubble Wrap Invention Competition, he came up with a crazy idea. He wrapped a prosthetic rod with bubble wrap and then used heat to mold it into the shape of a leg. With a colored stocking pulled over the Bubble wrap, the leg is very realistic looking. And it only cost $15 instead of the $1,000 or more a cosmetic leg covering would normally cost. Grayson won the contest's $10,000 prize.
Last June, (2007) Grayson and his parents traveled to Ghana, Africa, to fit amputees with new legs. He was excited to meet Daniel and give him the invention he helped inspire. But when the Rosenbergers arrived at the Ghana clinic, doctors told them Daniel had died from malaria just a few weeks earlier. "My heart sank," Grayson said. "But I knew God had called me there for a reason." Grayson refit Daniel's leg for another boy. "Someone will walk because of Daniel," Grayson said. "As I put the boy's leg together, I envisioned Daniel."
For 10 days, Grayson, his parents, and other staff worked 10 to 13 hours a day. The Rosenbergers fit 25 people with brand new legs. They also trained clinic workers to build Grayson's invention. "We had some long days," Grayson said. "But I had the best job on the production line. I got to put the end piece on the leg and watch people walk on two legs." http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2008/001/27.11.html
"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." (Zechariah 4:10, NLT)
Disciple, Jesus values individuals! Sure there are the BIG moments in the Gospels: feeding five thousand with five loaves of bread and two small fish, preaching the Sermon on the Mount in the meadow overlooking Galilee- but most of Jesus' work was done one to one! He was never too busy for one - young, old, poor, sick, lonely. Rescuing humanity was the core of His mission during the Incarnation and yet, He always had time for one!
Do you? Would you take time for a long conversation with one person today who needed you to listen? Would you write a note, make a phone call, or give a $20 bill to just one this week? Even after the Resurrection, in His glory, He had time for one; Simon Peter, the failed disciple. Jesus traveled to Galilee to find him, made breakfast for him on the beach, and offered him the opportunity to renew his commitment and find forgiveness- for just one!
Does one person matter to you? He does to the Lord. Take this word from the Word with you today. Let the Spirit lead you to so that you know the joy of serving, even just one!
Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." (Luke 15:3-7, NIV)
______________________________
Each one, can reach one, as we follow after Christ.
We all can lead one, We can lead one to the Savior.
Then together, we can tell the world, that Jesus is the way.
If we each one, reach one.
The message is unchanging, "Go ye into all the world.
And share the love of Jesus, Far away or door to door.
Just like somebody told you, That Jesus loves you so.
You must tell someone, Who will tell someone,
Until the whole world knows.
So will you go and labor?
Will you hold high your light?
One by one, and two by two,
We can win our world
For Jesus Christ!
Each One, Reach One
Babbie Mason © 1990 Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Misusing the Name of the Lord?
As Election Day approaches, there are more and more messages in my email inbox telling me that God wants me to join with other Believers to vote for _____________ because he is "the one" God has chosen, the only righteous candidate. God has not told me which candidate He's voting for! I don't think He has revealed that information to anyone else either. What I am certain about is this: He has given me the amazing capabilities of reason and analysis, and the gift of choice. In the upcoming election, I am equally certain that I will please Him if I make a wise and principled decision that is aligned with the all of the values derived from the Scripture that I hold as a Christian.
As for those who claim that "God told me to tell you..." I think that they are dangerously close to violating one of the Ten Commandments, the one that says: "You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name." (Exodus 20:7, NLT) This Word forbids invoking God's authority and/or endorsement for our decisions and choices.
That either political party could lay claim to being the "party of God" or that any Believer would think that either the Democrats or Republicans have the endorsement of Heaven are ideas that I find, well - more than a little naive. "But, Jerry, don't you think God is pleased by the pro-life stance of Sen. McCain?" That is a good position but to my knowledge the Republican's platform on pro-life issues is woefully inconsistent in that a true ethic of life will extend beyond protecting unborn babies and include such things as addressing quality of life issues for the the aged and thoughtful treatment of the morality of capital punishment. "So, Jerry, don't you think that Sen. Obama's support of civil rights for homosexuals is sinful?" No. The Bible is clear that homosexual practice is sinful, but everyone of us who sins is still afforded protection from harm and discrimination under the law.
My point is not to argue either candidate's worthiness! What I am trying to point out is that neither party nor candidate offers up a totally "Christian" platform as I would write it. We must not use a single issue to brand one candidate or the other, "God's candidate." To do so is to misuse His holy Name.
One week from today, we have the wonderful privilege of selecting our leaders - from our local town, to our state government, and for the nation. I urge you to be very prayerful. Exercise your citizenship with wisdom and in keeping with your primary calling as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Many will vote along lines of self-interest. The choices made in the voting booth are so often shaped by questions like: "Who offers me more promise of benefits? Who is most like me?" Disciple, be different! Ask God to help you to see through the haze of the campaigning with a discerning eye. Then, vote for those that you believe will most help all of us to fulfill God's demands of all people.
"He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8, NIV)
_____________________________
Father, I know that this nation is in terrible times.
Our economy is faltering; greed is everywhere.
Lust and pleasure seeking are America's idols.
I repent and pray for your mercy to be extended.
We have sought our own interest too often,
both individually and as a nation and so I humbly say,
Please forgive us. Show us how to love others, Lord.
Through the next few days, Spirit of God, give me discernment.
Keep me from being used by a party or candidate only interested in pursuit of more power.
Help me to choose those who have the character and courage
to lead this nation to the highest and best for all-
to act justly, to love mercy, and to take You seriously.
In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen
As for those who claim that "God told me to tell you..." I think that they are dangerously close to violating one of the Ten Commandments, the one that says: "You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name." (Exodus 20:7, NLT) This Word forbids invoking God's authority and/or endorsement for our decisions and choices.
That either political party could lay claim to being the "party of God" or that any Believer would think that either the Democrats or Republicans have the endorsement of Heaven are ideas that I find, well - more than a little naive. "But, Jerry, don't you think God is pleased by the pro-life stance of Sen. McCain?" That is a good position but to my knowledge the Republican's platform on pro-life issues is woefully inconsistent in that a true ethic of life will extend beyond protecting unborn babies and include such things as addressing quality of life issues for the the aged and thoughtful treatment of the morality of capital punishment. "So, Jerry, don't you think that Sen. Obama's support of civil rights for homosexuals is sinful?" No. The Bible is clear that homosexual practice is sinful, but everyone of us who sins is still afforded protection from harm and discrimination under the law.
My point is not to argue either candidate's worthiness! What I am trying to point out is that neither party nor candidate offers up a totally "Christian" platform as I would write it. We must not use a single issue to brand one candidate or the other, "God's candidate." To do so is to misuse His holy Name.
One week from today, we have the wonderful privilege of selecting our leaders - from our local town, to our state government, and for the nation. I urge you to be very prayerful. Exercise your citizenship with wisdom and in keeping with your primary calling as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Many will vote along lines of self-interest. The choices made in the voting booth are so often shaped by questions like: "Who offers me more promise of benefits? Who is most like me?" Disciple, be different! Ask God to help you to see through the haze of the campaigning with a discerning eye. Then, vote for those that you believe will most help all of us to fulfill God's demands of all people.
"He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8, NIV)
_____________________________
Father, I know that this nation is in terrible times.
Our economy is faltering; greed is everywhere.
Lust and pleasure seeking are America's idols.
I repent and pray for your mercy to be extended.
We have sought our own interest too often,
both individually and as a nation and so I humbly say,
Please forgive us. Show us how to love others, Lord.
Through the next few days, Spirit of God, give me discernment.
Keep me from being used by a party or candidate only interested in pursuit of more power.
Help me to choose those who have the character and courage
to lead this nation to the highest and best for all-
to act justly, to love mercy, and to take You seriously.
In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen
Monday, October 27, 2008
Healing a broken heart
A broken heart is one of the most painful experiences in life, isn't it? The experience is universal, too!
- A little girl came down the aisle in church last week nearly inconsolable, her entire face twisted with sadness. I stopped her and listened as she poured out her woe about being rejected by another little friend. Earth shattering? No, but heart breaking when you're eight years old.
- I sat with a father whose 16 year old daughter had just told him she was pregnant. We cried together because we both knew, far better than she did, how her choice was going to change her life forever. Some of his dreams for that daughter died that day.
- I held the hand of the aged widow as we stood beside her husband's body. She could not even cry, so profound was her sense of loss. All she could do was say his name, again and again.
- I listened to the anguish of a young husband whose marriage is dissolving and wondered how a man survives such rejection.
- Too many times to remember, I have been privileged to hear the confession of those whose sins have broken their hearts. The weight of guilt and/or shame breaks their heart. Unconfessed sin is a poison to the soul and a heart breaker without equal!
At one time or another, in differing situations, we all experience the pain of a broken heart. I know what a broken heart feels like, too. I know the ache that settles in the pit of the stomach, when food has no appeal, when spiritual worship is a sacrifice, not a delight, and I also know this promise of God:
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed." (Psalm 34:18, NLT)
Is your heart broken today, disciple?
Know that God cares and He understands even that sorrow that defies definition with words! He does not ask you to ignore your pain, nor does He try to cheer you with jokes or slogans like "The sun will shine again tomorrow!" He is our Comforter, One who listens when we cry and holds us together with hope.
And take care, too! A broken heart leaves us vulnerable to temptation. It is a short trip from broken to bitter! It is so easy to justify becoming full of rage and/or vengeful when the heart is filled with grief. Don't! In times of disappointment with people and situations, the Word urges us to something other than licking our wounds. God tells us to be proactive.
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:31-32, NLT)
David's heart was broken by his own faithlessness. When the sins of adultery and murder were uncovered by Nathan, the prophet, the king's heart was crushed. His prayer, more of a heart cry, is one of the most beautiful passages in all of the Bible. The 51st Psalm is raw, emotional, and full of hope. For the broken hearted, I take these words. May they bring us comfort and healing as we pray them.
"God, make a fresh start in me,
shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.
Don’t throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me.
Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails! ...
I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice."
(Psalm 51:9-12, 17, The Message)
________________________
If you've knelt beside the rubble
Of an aching broken heart.
When the things you gave
Your life to fell apart,
You're not the first to be acquainted
With sorrow grief or pain,
But the Master promised sunshine after rain.
Hold on my child,
Joy comes in the morning,
Weeping only lasts for the night.
Hold on my child,
Joy comes in the morning,
The darkest hour means
Dawn is just in sight.
To invest your seed of trust in God,
In mountains you can't move.
You have risked your life
On things you cannot prove.
But to give the things you cannot keep,
For what you can not lose,
Is the way to find
The joy God has for you.
Joy Comes in the Morning
William and Gloria Gaither© 1974 William J. Gaither, Inc. ARR UBP of Gaither Copyright Management
CCLI License No. 810055
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