Marriages can die from neglect as surely as they can perish through infidelity or cruelty. Those who were once lovers will grow apart if they allow TV, sports, friends, work, or hobbies in first place, causing apathy! I love Bev, my wife, and want the very best for her - in every way. Apathy has no place in our relationship. Our covenanted love is too important for me to say, ‘Oh, whatever.’ Conflicts must be settled even when it would be easier in the short term to ignore them. Expectations must be defined and met; our marriage protected from people and things that try to come between us! Passion and apathy cannot co-exist!
Again and again, the Bible uses marriage to illustrate His relationship with His people; first the children of Abraham, now those who are in the Church through faith in Chris Jesus. And, we know that He is a husband who is involved. God loves you and me intensely. He is not apathetic towards us and is offended if we become indifferent towards Him. Moses told Israel: "You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you." (Exodus 34:14, NLT) Zechariah, a prophet at the time of the return of the exiles from the Babylonian captivity preached: "This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: My love for Mount Zion is passionate and strong; I am consumed with passion for Jerusalem!" (Zechariah 8:2, NLT)
About 30 years ago, the idea of an ‘open marriage’ was introduced. In such an arrangement, a couple gives permission to each other to take other lovers, to try to find what they do not have in their marriage in another person. What an idiotic idea. The idea of trying to keep a marriage alive in the truest sense while sharing body and heart with others not only defies the law of God, it defies common sense. Open marriage is simply immorality given a nice name and is a recipe for hurt, disappointment, and confusion.
In practicality, some Christians are in an open marriage with God! They claim His love and profess to love Him, but refuse to be owned by Him. They have other lovers. He will not tolerate this, disciple. Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence." (Matthew 22:37, The Message) Will you?
Here’s His promise, the promise of a loving Husband: "Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says the Lord Almighty. ... then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land," says the Lord Almighty." (Malachi 3:12, NIV)
Friday, April 17, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Listen up, dumb sheep!
I was feeling anxious, tempted by feelings of worthlessness last night. "Jerry, you are a failure," an inner voice whispered. Was it an evil spirit, the result of fatigue, or just an emotion? I don’t know. What I do know is that I have a choice in those moments. At one time I thought that I had no control over those thoughts, that the best I could do was endure them. That is wrong! I have learned that my mind can be re-directed, my thought patterns changed. If I choose to listen to the voice of the Lord, He will lead me out of my fears and away from sin, into joyful abundance.
Faith is both the gift of God and a choice I make. If I choose to listen to the clamor around me or the whispers that come in the darkness, I will grow fearful, or be tempted to run toward the allure of wealth, fame, or endless pleasure. But, if I choose to listen to the Shepherd’s voice, I will live in His promises. He says, "The sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ... Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. ... My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." (John 10:3, 9-10, NLT)
Sheep are not considered to be among the world’s more intelligent creatures! They need a shepherd to thrive. They are defenseless, dependent, and content to be led from pen to pasture. Generally, to be compared to a sheep, is an insult, isn’t it? But, I am in God’s flock, one of the sheep of His pasture, and I am glad to be identified in that way! I choose to make this Truth my paramount assurance. "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand."
(John 10:27-28, NIV)
Disciple, are you listening to the Shepherd’s voice?
Are you letting Him lead you to abundant life of His choosing as one of His sheep, or are you more like that independent creature that resists all boundaries, the goat?
Ask the Spirit to sharpen your hearing and listen up! Pray that the desire to live in your ways, to avoid submission, will die so the Shepherd can lead you with His voice. He will lead you to abundant life!
_________________
"The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
"Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever."
(Psalm 23:1-3, 6, NLT)
Faith is both the gift of God and a choice I make. If I choose to listen to the clamor around me or the whispers that come in the darkness, I will grow fearful, or be tempted to run toward the allure of wealth, fame, or endless pleasure. But, if I choose to listen to the Shepherd’s voice, I will live in His promises. He says, "The sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ... Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. ... My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." (John 10:3, 9-10, NLT)
Sheep are not considered to be among the world’s more intelligent creatures! They need a shepherd to thrive. They are defenseless, dependent, and content to be led from pen to pasture. Generally, to be compared to a sheep, is an insult, isn’t it? But, I am in God’s flock, one of the sheep of His pasture, and I am glad to be identified in that way! I choose to make this Truth my paramount assurance. "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand."
(John 10:27-28, NIV)
Disciple, are you listening to the Shepherd’s voice?
Are you letting Him lead you to abundant life of His choosing as one of His sheep, or are you more like that independent creature that resists all boundaries, the goat?
Ask the Spirit to sharpen your hearing and listen up! Pray that the desire to live in your ways, to avoid submission, will die so the Shepherd can lead you with His voice. He will lead you to abundant life!
_________________
"The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
"Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever."
(Psalm 23:1-3, 6, NLT)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Bugged by Terminix®
One year ago after swarms of termites showed up in our house, we called the pest control firm. $1300 later, we were assured that our termites were history. They were not. Swarms re-appeared this past Sunday, much to Bev’s chagrin! The insects didn’t bug me as much as our wasted money. After a couple of calls to Terminix® a technician was sent out to take a look. What a difference between last year’s ‘service’ and this year’s! Last year, the tech took a quick look, put down some chemicals in a manner that then seemed to me somewhat slapdash, but I didn’t know enough to ask questions. This year, the tech came twice, once to re-treat the outside, and then again last night to do a thorough inspection inside, to treat the entry points, all as he explained what he was doing.
He made me think of a Scripture that urges every disciple to do the work of God with diligence,
"one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, NLT) When you’re doing what you do as a Christian: leading a class, loving a person in need, serving a meal, praying for your family, singing a song, telling someone the ‘God-story’ of your life - do you do it wholeheartedly? Are you just ‘getting the job done’ so you can turn in your checklist, or are you working to make a difference?
My Terminix® guy is an African immigrant, from the country of Ghana. As we visited, following his work, I told him I thought he must be a Christian! He beamed and told me that he was and then he told about his conversion and his church. He eliminated pests in a way that was a credit to His Lord!
I hope that I live with the same commitment!
Paul addressed this to Christian slaves in the Roman Empire: "Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." (Ephesians 6:7, NLT) If slaves were given such a charge, I think all of us need to embrace this work ethic - in ministry and in our occupation!
Are you a credit to the Kingdom of Heaven? Think about it!
__________________
Work, for the night is coming,
Work thro' the morning hours.
Work while the dew is sparkling,
Work mid springing flowers.
Work when the day grows brighter,
Work in the glowing sun,
Work, for the night is coming,
When man's work is done.
Work, for the night is coming,
Work thro' the sunny noon.
Fill brightest hours with labor,
Rest comes sure and soon.
Give every flying minute
Something to keep in store.
Work, for the night is coming,
When man works no more.
Work For The Night Is Coming
Coghill, Annie L. / Mason, Lowell
© Public Domain
He made me think of a Scripture that urges every disciple to do the work of God with diligence,
"one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, NLT) When you’re doing what you do as a Christian: leading a class, loving a person in need, serving a meal, praying for your family, singing a song, telling someone the ‘God-story’ of your life - do you do it wholeheartedly? Are you just ‘getting the job done’ so you can turn in your checklist, or are you working to make a difference?
My Terminix® guy is an African immigrant, from the country of Ghana. As we visited, following his work, I told him I thought he must be a Christian! He beamed and told me that he was and then he told about his conversion and his church. He eliminated pests in a way that was a credit to His Lord!
I hope that I live with the same commitment!
Paul addressed this to Christian slaves in the Roman Empire: "Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." (Ephesians 6:7, NLT) If slaves were given such a charge, I think all of us need to embrace this work ethic - in ministry and in our occupation!
Are you a credit to the Kingdom of Heaven? Think about it!
__________________
Work, for the night is coming,
Work thro' the morning hours.
Work while the dew is sparkling,
Work mid springing flowers.
Work when the day grows brighter,
Work in the glowing sun,
Work, for the night is coming,
When man's work is done.
Work, for the night is coming,
Work thro' the sunny noon.
Fill brightest hours with labor,
Rest comes sure and soon.
Give every flying minute
Something to keep in store.
Work, for the night is coming,
When man works no more.
Work For The Night Is Coming
Coghill, Annie L. / Mason, Lowell
© Public Domain
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
There are always weeds.
Spring is here, and I am glad. Longer days, warm sunshine, green grass - yes! I put the snowblower in storage and hung up the snow shovels. I fired up the lawn mower and got out the rake. Both will be needed in my yard this week. It is a glorious time of year. But, it's not heaven. There are always weeds!
Let me repeat that - there are always weeds! Weeds are the perfect metaphor for sin, aren't they? They grow uninvited. They are persistent. They must be dug out including the roots. They mar the beauty of the lawn or garden. They flourish without fertilizer or rain. Anybody can grow a weed patch.
Disciple, in your heart, there are always weeds! After a glorious Easter worship service, after an inspiring spiritual retreat, in the afterglow of a sweet time in prayer, when great advances for the Kingdom of God are being made - the weed seeds are germinating. Paul speaks of "the temptation that is common in the human experience." 1 Corinthians 10.13 Peter reminds us of the ubiquity of the trials of life saying, "Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you." (1 Peter 4:12, NLT) There are always weeds!
In the opening chapters of the Bible, we are told of God's amazing creative acts: all the wonder, amazing beauty, and Eve! Of it all, He said, "It is very good!" Then, Adam and Eve made the choice of disobedience and the tone changes. The evening walks with God became 'hide and seek' as the guilty pair tried to avoid His piercing gaze. And, there are weeds! "The ground will sprout thorns and weeds, you'll get your food the hard way, Planting and tilling and harvesting." (Genesis 3:18, The Message)
Until Heaven, we must deal with the weeds. We cannot surrender to them or give over the garden of our heart to them. If we desire a life that is filled with the ripen, beautiful fruit of the Spirit, we will have to work with God to weed out sin! Is it easy? No. Is it ever done? Sadly, no.
However, He does not leave us to deal with the weeds of life alone. Here's a word from the Word.
As you meditate on His promise, may you be strengthened to go and deal with the weeds.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
________
O land of rest, for thee I sigh!
When will the moment come
When I shall lay my armor by
And dwell in peace at home?
We'll work till Jesus comes,
We'll work till Jesus comes,
We'll work till Jesus comes,
And we'll be gathered home.
To Jesus Christ I fled for rest;
He bade me cease to roam,
And lean for comfort on His breast
'Till He conduct me home.
I sought at once my Savior's side;
No more my steps shall roam.
With Him I'll brave death's chilling tide
And reach my heav'nly home.
We'll work till Jesus comes,
We'll work till Jesus comes,
We'll work till Jesus comes,
And we'll be gathered home.
- public domain
Let me repeat that - there are always weeds! Weeds are the perfect metaphor for sin, aren't they? They grow uninvited. They are persistent. They must be dug out including the roots. They mar the beauty of the lawn or garden. They flourish without fertilizer or rain. Anybody can grow a weed patch.
Disciple, in your heart, there are always weeds! After a glorious Easter worship service, after an inspiring spiritual retreat, in the afterglow of a sweet time in prayer, when great advances for the Kingdom of God are being made - the weed seeds are germinating. Paul speaks of "the temptation that is common in the human experience." 1 Corinthians 10.13 Peter reminds us of the ubiquity of the trials of life saying, "Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you." (1 Peter 4:12, NLT) There are always weeds!
In the opening chapters of the Bible, we are told of God's amazing creative acts: all the wonder, amazing beauty, and Eve! Of it all, He said, "It is very good!" Then, Adam and Eve made the choice of disobedience and the tone changes. The evening walks with God became 'hide and seek' as the guilty pair tried to avoid His piercing gaze. And, there are weeds! "The ground will sprout thorns and weeds, you'll get your food the hard way, Planting and tilling and harvesting." (Genesis 3:18, The Message)
Until Heaven, we must deal with the weeds. We cannot surrender to them or give over the garden of our heart to them. If we desire a life that is filled with the ripen, beautiful fruit of the Spirit, we will have to work with God to weed out sin! Is it easy? No. Is it ever done? Sadly, no.
However, He does not leave us to deal with the weeds of life alone. Here's a word from the Word.
As you meditate on His promise, may you be strengthened to go and deal with the weeds.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
________
O land of rest, for thee I sigh!
When will the moment come
When I shall lay my armor by
And dwell in peace at home?
We'll work till Jesus comes,
We'll work till Jesus comes,
We'll work till Jesus comes,
And we'll be gathered home.
To Jesus Christ I fled for rest;
He bade me cease to roam,
And lean for comfort on His breast
'Till He conduct me home.
I sought at once my Savior's side;
No more my steps shall roam.
With Him I'll brave death's chilling tide
And reach my heav'nly home.
We'll work till Jesus comes,
We'll work till Jesus comes,
We'll work till Jesus comes,
And we'll be gathered home.
- public domain
Monday, April 13, 2009
So, What Now?
So, there is this big build-up to Easter! Our Christian hope reaches full crescendo in the declaration that "Christ is risen!" with the response, "Risen, indeed!" Now it’s time to ask, what difference will all those songs and sermons make today? If I really believe what I say I believe I have set the cornerstone for a transformed life.
Paul, heard the commission of the Resurrected Jesus to ‘go and preach the Good News of the Kingdom.' For him that was no ‘nice thought for Sunday’s reveries.' It was the compelling factor that shaped life- day by day. He asks, "And why do you think I keep risking my neck in this dangerous work? I look death in the face practically every day I live. Do you think I'd do this if I wasn't convinced of your resurrection and mine as guaranteed by the resurrected Messiah Jesus? .... Not on your life! It's resurrection, resurrection, always resurrection, that undergirds what I do and say, the way I live. If there's no resurrection, "We eat, we drink, the next day we die," and that's all there is to it. But don't fool yourselves. Don't let yourselves be poisoned by this anti-resurrection loose talk. "Bad company ruins good manners."
Think straight. Awaken to the holiness of life. No more playing fast and loose with resurrection facts. Ignorance of God is a luxury you can't afford in times like these." 1 Corinthians 15:32-34 The Message
Disciple, you will be tempted and tested, probably before this day is over, to lower your sights and live for earthly appetites. Paul describes that way of life: "Their future is eternal destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and all they think about is this life here on earth." (Philippians 3:19, NLT)
Food, sex, experiencing pleasure, owning things - nothing is wrong with those IF they are in the right order of life. Holding our spouse in our arms is a gift of God. Enjoying a feast of good food, having resources available to buy things that make our lives more comfortable -- these are good and for them we should give thanks while we are able to enjoy them. Misery for misery's sake is foolish. However, if make these blessings into the meaning of life, we are bowing to a false god who cannot give us life nor if we are in love with our appetites, will we faithfully do the will of our Risen Christ.
Hum the tunes to the songs you sang in church yesterday throughout this day! Keep asking yourself -
"- would I make this choice if ...
- would I say this if ...
- would I be getting upset right now if ...
- would I be putting so many energies into this matter if ...
- would I think this was really important if
...I really believed that I am sharing the Resurrection Life of Christ Jesus?"
_____________________
Sweet Jesus Christ, my sanity.
Sweet Jesus Christ, my clarity.
Bread of heaven, broken for me,
Cup of salvation held up to drink.
Jesus, Mystery.
Christ has died and Christ is risen,
and Christ will come again!
Celebrate his death and rising;
Lift your eyes, proclaim his coming!
Celebrate his death and rising;
Lift your eyes, lift your eyes!
Christ has died, and Christ is risen,
and Christ will come again!
Sweet Jesus Christ, my sanity.
Sweet Jesus Christ, my clarity.
Mystery
Charlie Hall, copyright 2008 Worshiptogether Music
Paul, heard the commission of the Resurrected Jesus to ‘go and preach the Good News of the Kingdom.' For him that was no ‘nice thought for Sunday’s reveries.' It was the compelling factor that shaped life- day by day. He asks, "And why do you think I keep risking my neck in this dangerous work? I look death in the face practically every day I live. Do you think I'd do this if I wasn't convinced of your resurrection and mine as guaranteed by the resurrected Messiah Jesus? .... Not on your life! It's resurrection, resurrection, always resurrection, that undergirds what I do and say, the way I live. If there's no resurrection, "We eat, we drink, the next day we die," and that's all there is to it. But don't fool yourselves. Don't let yourselves be poisoned by this anti-resurrection loose talk. "Bad company ruins good manners."
Think straight. Awaken to the holiness of life. No more playing fast and loose with resurrection facts. Ignorance of God is a luxury you can't afford in times like these." 1 Corinthians 15:32-34 The Message
Disciple, you will be tempted and tested, probably before this day is over, to lower your sights and live for earthly appetites. Paul describes that way of life: "Their future is eternal destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and all they think about is this life here on earth." (Philippians 3:19, NLT)
Food, sex, experiencing pleasure, owning things - nothing is wrong with those IF they are in the right order of life. Holding our spouse in our arms is a gift of God. Enjoying a feast of good food, having resources available to buy things that make our lives more comfortable -- these are good and for them we should give thanks while we are able to enjoy them. Misery for misery's sake is foolish. However, if make these blessings into the meaning of life, we are bowing to a false god who cannot give us life nor if we are in love with our appetites, will we faithfully do the will of our Risen Christ.
Hum the tunes to the songs you sang in church yesterday throughout this day! Keep asking yourself -
"- would I make this choice if ...
- would I say this if ...
- would I be getting upset right now if ...
- would I be putting so many energies into this matter if ...
- would I think this was really important if
...I really believed that I am sharing the Resurrection Life of Christ Jesus?"
_____________________
Sweet Jesus Christ, my sanity.
Sweet Jesus Christ, my clarity.
Bread of heaven, broken for me,
Cup of salvation held up to drink.
Jesus, Mystery.
Christ has died and Christ is risen,
and Christ will come again!
Celebrate his death and rising;
Lift your eyes, proclaim his coming!
Celebrate his death and rising;
Lift your eyes, lift your eyes!
Christ has died, and Christ is risen,
and Christ will come again!
Sweet Jesus Christ, my sanity.
Sweet Jesus Christ, my clarity.
Mystery
Charlie Hall, copyright 2008 Worshiptogether Music
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)