The intensity of my reaction took me by surprise. There on my PC screen I saw the picture of an old foe. My breathing quickened. My stomach churned with nausea. Perspiration formed on my forehead and my muscles tensed. All this swirl of emotions set off by a picture! No, really it was the memory of the year spent in battle after battle! Doctors call what I experienced the primitive “fight or flight” response. One physician describes it this way: “Sequences of nerve cell firing occur and chemicals like adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol are released into our bloodstream. … this causes our body to undergo a series of very dramatic changes. Our respiratory rate increases. Blood is shunted away from our digestive tract and directed into our muscles and limbs, which require extra energy and fuel for running and fighting. … Our sight sharpens. Our impulses quicken. Our perception of pain diminishes. Our immune system mobilizes with increased activation. We become prepared—physically and psychologically—for fight or flight.” – Neil F. Neimark, M.D.
Just as quickly as I felt the emotional response, my mind, which is informed by God’s will and wisdom, kicked in to assert itself! I experienced an internal dialogue that takes longer to read than it took to actually process. Reason took charge of my unruly heart as I thought: “There is no threat here. This person is no longer a problem, can no longer hurt you. You have already dealt with this with forgiveness.” My mind stabilized more quickly than my body which took several minutes to relax!
Do you realize that you are ‘in charge’ of your emotions, impulses, appetites, and desires? The wisdom of the Word reminds us that "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city." (Proverbs 16:32, NKJV) Over and over, Paul calls on disciples of Jesus Christ to exercise self-control. In one passage packed with meaning, he speaks with Spirit conviction. "You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 5:5-9, NIV) We must not live in a sleepy state in which our emotions run riot in our lives! We live in the full light of day, fully aware of what’s going on inside of us, around us in this world, and even aware of the spiritual forces that seek our destruction. This allows us to live in self-control, with our hearts protected by love and faith, and our thoughts guided by the promise of our eternal home with God!
Don’t give yourself an excuse when temptations or emotional passions arise, even when they shake you like a ragdoll, like that anger shook me last night. You’re in charge of your emotions, your responses. Peter says, “make every effort!” Yes, he says this against the backdrop of this reminder of our source of power to overcome- "By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.” (2 Peter 1:3, NLT) Emotions enrich our lives but if we let them lead us, only disaster will follow.
Are you living a life of self-control, pursuing excellence of character, so that your words and actions will consistently turn the attention of people around you to God and His goodness? Here is a word from the Word. Own it and live it today. Take charge of your unruly heart.
"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. … you … participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. … make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:3-9, NIV)
________________
Be still, my soul;
The Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross
Of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God
To order and provide.
In ev'ry change
He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul;
Thy best, Thy heavenly Friend
Thro' thorny ways
Leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul;
Thy God doth undertake
To guide the future
As He has the past.
Thy hope, Thy confidence
Let nothing shake;
All now mysterious
Shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul;
The waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them
While He dwelt below.
Be Still My Soul
Von Schlegal, Katharina / Borthwick, Jane L. / Sibelius, Jean
© Public Domain
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Success and Self-control
In 1968, a social scientist at Stanford, devised a test to determine a 4 year-old child’s ability to exercise self-control. Walter Mischel explained that he would reward the child with a second treat if he did not eat the marshmallow placed in front of him until told to do so. Then, he left the child alone and observed from a one-way mirror. Some children were able to divert their attention from the tempting treat - singing songs, covering their eyes, playing games, etc. The resolve of others evaporated quickly and they ate the marshmallow unwilling to wait to earn a second one.
What’s really interesting is information about follow-up to that study. The test was a dramatic predictor of future success! Those who waited to win the second marshmallow scored, on average, 200 points higher on their SAT tests in high school. They ranked high in skills that allowed them to succeed in life; things like confidence, persistence, and the ability to overcome frustration. The kids who had wolfed the marshmallow followed the same pattern into adulthood. They continued to struggle with tendencies to follow immediate impulses which blocked their long-range goals. The Bible teaches us that one of the evidences of the Spirit’s life in us is self-control, and that fruit is more important today THAN ever! In front of you and me are a wide range of opportunities. We have abundant food, including tons of junk. We have access to junk TV, outright filth and foolishness, with a click of our remote. Our PC’s wire us into a world where we can waste hours doing nothing, but feeling like we’re doing something. Our society has abandoned shame and approves self-fulfillment as one of the highest values, so if we run off with another woman, get pregnant without being married, or get fired from our job for being lazy - we don’t have to suffer too much because ‘everybody does it!’
Judging from indicators like the collective increase in the size of our girth, the decrease in our productivity, and the rise in divorce rates- apparently we are NOT doing very well in the self-control department. We are reaping the harvest of our indulgence. Productivity in America is slip sliding away rapidly. 54% of us believe that our kids will not have a life as good as the one we enjoy. We are the very first generation of Americans where a majority believe that! The generation now arriving on the cusp of adulthood is, on the whole, confused about what to do with their lives, unfocused, and content to continue to accept parental support as they age well into their 20’s. We blame them for not getting on into adulthood, but in reality, they are the largely the product of our own undisciplined lives.
Disciple, a core part of being an effective, Christ-honoring, world-class Christian is self-control, which allows us the ability to say “Yes” to God’s purposes as a priority choice so that we can say “No” to the temptations that come our way every day. If we are incapable of or unwilling to accept some level of discomfort in this present life in order to gain the ‘prize of the high calling’ we simply will not consistently do the will of God. Paul, inspired by the Spirit, challenges us to reach higher!
"I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-14, NIV)
Are you in the grip of your whims?
Do you have real difficulty making God and His kingdom a priority?
Ask the Spirit to discipline you, to teach you self-control. He will, it just won’t be a lot of fun, but self-control pays rich dividends. Here’s what the Word says.
"So don’t feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children? My dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline, but don’t be crushed by it either. It’s the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects. God is educating you; that’s why you must never drop out. He’s treating you as dear children.
This trouble you’re in isn’t punishment; it’s training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God’s training so we can truly live?
While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God’s holy best. At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God. So don’t sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet!" (Hebrews 12:5-12, The Message)
What’s really interesting is information about follow-up to that study. The test was a dramatic predictor of future success! Those who waited to win the second marshmallow scored, on average, 200 points higher on their SAT tests in high school. They ranked high in skills that allowed them to succeed in life; things like confidence, persistence, and the ability to overcome frustration. The kids who had wolfed the marshmallow followed the same pattern into adulthood. They continued to struggle with tendencies to follow immediate impulses which blocked their long-range goals. The Bible teaches us that one of the evidences of the Spirit’s life in us is self-control, and that fruit is more important today THAN ever! In front of you and me are a wide range of opportunities. We have abundant food, including tons of junk. We have access to junk TV, outright filth and foolishness, with a click of our remote. Our PC’s wire us into a world where we can waste hours doing nothing, but feeling like we’re doing something. Our society has abandoned shame and approves self-fulfillment as one of the highest values, so if we run off with another woman, get pregnant without being married, or get fired from our job for being lazy - we don’t have to suffer too much because ‘everybody does it!’
Judging from indicators like the collective increase in the size of our girth, the decrease in our productivity, and the rise in divorce rates- apparently we are NOT doing very well in the self-control department. We are reaping the harvest of our indulgence. Productivity in America is slip sliding away rapidly. 54% of us believe that our kids will not have a life as good as the one we enjoy. We are the very first generation of Americans where a majority believe that! The generation now arriving on the cusp of adulthood is, on the whole, confused about what to do with their lives, unfocused, and content to continue to accept parental support as they age well into their 20’s. We blame them for not getting on into adulthood, but in reality, they are the largely the product of our own undisciplined lives.
Disciple, a core part of being an effective, Christ-honoring, world-class Christian is self-control, which allows us the ability to say “Yes” to God’s purposes as a priority choice so that we can say “No” to the temptations that come our way every day. If we are incapable of or unwilling to accept some level of discomfort in this present life in order to gain the ‘prize of the high calling’ we simply will not consistently do the will of God. Paul, inspired by the Spirit, challenges us to reach higher!
"I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-14, NIV)
Are you in the grip of your whims?
Do you have real difficulty making God and His kingdom a priority?
Ask the Spirit to discipline you, to teach you self-control. He will, it just won’t be a lot of fun, but self-control pays rich dividends. Here’s what the Word says.
"So don’t feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children? My dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline, but don’t be crushed by it either. It’s the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects. God is educating you; that’s why you must never drop out. He’s treating you as dear children.
This trouble you’re in isn’t punishment; it’s training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God’s training so we can truly live?
While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God’s holy best. At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God. So don’t sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet!" (Hebrews 12:5-12, The Message)
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Investor or Spender?
We honored Pastor Mike at a meeting of area ministers last night. He has served his congregation for 50 years! He built the church – literally – from the ground up. He was employed outside of ministry for many of the early years to support his family. After working a full day in construction, he took up the work of preaching, teaching, loving, and leading in what amounted to a second full-time job. We all laughed, albeit respectfully, when minutes from a board meeting in 1963 revealed that his salary went from $10/week to $12.50/week. That little fact proves he wasn’t in it for earthly rewards! What faithfulness we saw in his lifework.
Oswald Sanders makes this arresting statement. “We must aim to put more into life than we take out of it!” (Spiritual Leadership)
Are you investing or just spending your days?
An investor always considers return. Before buying into a company, the astute investor considers the value, the stability, the probability of long-term productivity, the quality of the leadership of the company, among other things. Foolish investors look only at immediate returns. Spenders waste their days, chase fantasies, play games, and create nothing of value. They use up resources, burn through relationships, and ‘kill time.’
A life committed to Christ Jesus is wisely invested! Those who love always, who offer encouragement, who find ways to serve others, who give of their resources generously, Jesus says, are investing for long-term reward. His investment advice? "If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds." (Matthew 16:25-27, NLT)
Are you questioning the value of standing by that person who tries your patience, who just can’t seem to ‘get it together?’ It’s time to invest!
Are you ready to quit your ministry because it requires so much time? It’s time to invest!
Are you tempted to sin in some way, attracted by the possibility some new diversion from the difficulty of life? It’s time to invest!
In Heaven’s prospectus, we have this promise of return, made by God Himself. "So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
“For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith.” (Hebrews 10:35-38, NLT)
Here’s a word from the Word. Ponder this investment advice today. May the Spirit of God make you wise.
Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJV)
Oswald Sanders makes this arresting statement. “We must aim to put more into life than we take out of it!” (Spiritual Leadership)
Are you investing or just spending your days?
An investor always considers return. Before buying into a company, the astute investor considers the value, the stability, the probability of long-term productivity, the quality of the leadership of the company, among other things. Foolish investors look only at immediate returns. Spenders waste their days, chase fantasies, play games, and create nothing of value. They use up resources, burn through relationships, and ‘kill time.’
A life committed to Christ Jesus is wisely invested! Those who love always, who offer encouragement, who find ways to serve others, who give of their resources generously, Jesus says, are investing for long-term reward. His investment advice? "If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds." (Matthew 16:25-27, NLT)
Are you questioning the value of standing by that person who tries your patience, who just can’t seem to ‘get it together?’ It’s time to invest!
Are you ready to quit your ministry because it requires so much time? It’s time to invest!
Are you tempted to sin in some way, attracted by the possibility some new diversion from the difficulty of life? It’s time to invest!
In Heaven’s prospectus, we have this promise of return, made by God Himself. "So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
“For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith.” (Hebrews 10:35-38, NLT)
Here’s a word from the Word. Ponder this investment advice today. May the Spirit of God make you wise.
Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJV)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Givers and Takers
This morning I received an email notifying me of a deposit, my bi-weekly compensation from the church. Who doesn’t like deposits in their account? I also received an email notifying me that my October mortgage payment is due on the 5th. So, I’ll enjoy having those funds in my account for a few days before transferring them to Megabank Corporation! Those transactions made me think about the larger scheme of life, asking myself about how I interact with other people.
Am I a giver or a taker?
Do I make deposits of resources into their lives or take from them?
Do I leave people around me richer or poorer?
Givers bring encouraging words, help and cooperation, prayer, and even resources. We look forward to interactions with them, don’t we? Takers drain us. They whine, criticize, or shuffle their responsibilities onto our shoulders.
There are differing seasons in our lives when the balance tends to shift. In times of stress, illness, or temptation our net effect is often that of taking. We need to be able to draw from others, taking strength. But, when we are healthy – emotionally, physically, and spiritually – are we ready to defy the human tendency to hoard; ready to give from the resources that God invests in us?
The book of Acts introduces us to a man who was so generous, that the nickname given to him by church leaders became the name by which he was widely known. The first time we learn about him we read: "There was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles." (Acts 4:36-37, NLT) Barnabas wasn’t known for his eloquence, his authority, or his deep spiritual insights. He was known for being an encourager! He was a man who was loyal to friends, and generous in every way. When the early church was skeptical about Paul’s new-found faith, Barney stood by him and vouched for the genuineness of his transformation. His great heart clearly made a positive difference wherever he went. One passage tells us that "When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord." (Acts 11:23-25, NLT)
Jude, in his short letter, contrasts takers and givers, calling on us to share ourselves generously. Of those who are a negative draw, he has these strong words of warning: “They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves. They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving any rain. They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots. …These people are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want." (Jude 12, 16, NLT)
And, then he urges us to an entirely different kind of life: "But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering." (Jude 20-22, NLT)
So, friend, which will you be today – a giver or a taker?
Here’s a word from the Word.
"God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God." (2 Corinthians 9:8-11, NLT)
Lord, impress it on us and as we receive your gifts, let us give ourselves away. Amen.
Am I a giver or a taker?
Do I make deposits of resources into their lives or take from them?
Do I leave people around me richer or poorer?
Givers bring encouraging words, help and cooperation, prayer, and even resources. We look forward to interactions with them, don’t we? Takers drain us. They whine, criticize, or shuffle their responsibilities onto our shoulders.
There are differing seasons in our lives when the balance tends to shift. In times of stress, illness, or temptation our net effect is often that of taking. We need to be able to draw from others, taking strength. But, when we are healthy – emotionally, physically, and spiritually – are we ready to defy the human tendency to hoard; ready to give from the resources that God invests in us?
The book of Acts introduces us to a man who was so generous, that the nickname given to him by church leaders became the name by which he was widely known. The first time we learn about him we read: "There was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles." (Acts 4:36-37, NLT) Barnabas wasn’t known for his eloquence, his authority, or his deep spiritual insights. He was known for being an encourager! He was a man who was loyal to friends, and generous in every way. When the early church was skeptical about Paul’s new-found faith, Barney stood by him and vouched for the genuineness of his transformation. His great heart clearly made a positive difference wherever he went. One passage tells us that "When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord." (Acts 11:23-25, NLT)
Jude, in his short letter, contrasts takers and givers, calling on us to share ourselves generously. Of those who are a negative draw, he has these strong words of warning: “They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves. They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving any rain. They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots. …These people are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want." (Jude 12, 16, NLT)
And, then he urges us to an entirely different kind of life: "But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering." (Jude 20-22, NLT)
So, friend, which will you be today – a giver or a taker?
Here’s a word from the Word.
"God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God." (2 Corinthians 9:8-11, NLT)
Lord, impress it on us and as we receive your gifts, let us give ourselves away. Amen.
Monday, September 21, 2009
All neatly wrapped, no loose ends
Good fiction writers draw us into their stories by creating tension. They set up a conflict, some situation that needs to be resolved. Then they take us through the details, building suspense, until finally they close the loop and reveal to us how it all works out. In the final pages or the closing scenes, we put together the pieces complete the storyline. Childhood fairy tales have that tag, “And they all lived happily ever after.”
Our lives are a story! We make plans, only to find that circumstances change, and our strategies must be adjusted to the new reality. Millions of Americans who had plans for retirement found their playbook re-written by the near collapse of the national economy last year. In weeks many found their net worth cut in half! The man leading our men’s meeting last night talked about the ways in which the plans for his life and marriage were rewritten by the birth of a profoundly disabled daughter. Her needs changed all the plans! He pointed out ways in which God’s purposes are accomplished through his daughter’s disability, but one question remains for him, “Lord, wasn’t there another way for Your will to be done?” I’ve asked the same question hundreds of times about developments in my life and the lives of people in my pastoral care. Situations involving suffering and loss like these plead for resolution. We ask, “Why is this happening? When do the various threads get pulled together so that it all gets neatly wrapped up with no loose ends?” The real answer – “Perhaps not until Heaven!” This is why faith is so critically important, disciple.
In 2 Corinthians, we read about the struggles of life. "While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh!” (2 Corinthians 5:4, NLT) Isn’t that the truth? In that same passage, we are reminded that eternal life awaits, new bodies given to us after the Resurrection that are not subject to any of the limitations or frustrations of this present world! "For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. … God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit." (2 Corinthians 5:1,5, NLT) Then comes this line - "We live by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7, NIV)
There are things in this life that will never be tied up with a pretty bow of neat explanations! It is faith in the unseen, as yet unrealized promises of God, that carries us and keeps us. It is not a fairytale that we will ‘live happily ever after!’ In the book of the Revelation, we are assured that there is a Rest for the faithful!
"Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:16-17, NIV) The soothing hand of our Father will caress our face, and when we share His eternal wisdom, our broken hearts will find peace, every question then finally answered! Lord, give eyes of faith that see beyond today.
Disciple, take the word of the ancient prophet with you today. He spoke them to the people of God who were going into a 70 year long captivity in a foreign land. Many said that Judah would never rise again. But, God assured them of different facts, based in His reality, not theirs.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14, NIV)
Stay faithful. He has a plan and He will bring us from this exile to our Eternal Home!
______________
Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace;
In the mansions bright and blessed,
He'll prepare for us a place.
While we walk the pilgrim pathway,
Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when traveling days are over,
Not a shadow, not a sigh.
Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay.
Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we'll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open,
We shall tread the streets of gold.
When we all get to heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We'll sing and shout the victory.
When We All Get To Heaven
Hewitt, Eliza E. / Wilson, Emily D.
© Public Domain
Our lives are a story! We make plans, only to find that circumstances change, and our strategies must be adjusted to the new reality. Millions of Americans who had plans for retirement found their playbook re-written by the near collapse of the national economy last year. In weeks many found their net worth cut in half! The man leading our men’s meeting last night talked about the ways in which the plans for his life and marriage were rewritten by the birth of a profoundly disabled daughter. Her needs changed all the plans! He pointed out ways in which God’s purposes are accomplished through his daughter’s disability, but one question remains for him, “Lord, wasn’t there another way for Your will to be done?” I’ve asked the same question hundreds of times about developments in my life and the lives of people in my pastoral care. Situations involving suffering and loss like these plead for resolution. We ask, “Why is this happening? When do the various threads get pulled together so that it all gets neatly wrapped up with no loose ends?” The real answer – “Perhaps not until Heaven!” This is why faith is so critically important, disciple.
In 2 Corinthians, we read about the struggles of life. "While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh!” (2 Corinthians 5:4, NLT) Isn’t that the truth? In that same passage, we are reminded that eternal life awaits, new bodies given to us after the Resurrection that are not subject to any of the limitations or frustrations of this present world! "For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. … God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit." (2 Corinthians 5:1,5, NLT) Then comes this line - "We live by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7, NIV)
There are things in this life that will never be tied up with a pretty bow of neat explanations! It is faith in the unseen, as yet unrealized promises of God, that carries us and keeps us. It is not a fairytale that we will ‘live happily ever after!’ In the book of the Revelation, we are assured that there is a Rest for the faithful!
"Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:16-17, NIV) The soothing hand of our Father will caress our face, and when we share His eternal wisdom, our broken hearts will find peace, every question then finally answered! Lord, give eyes of faith that see beyond today.
Disciple, take the word of the ancient prophet with you today. He spoke them to the people of God who were going into a 70 year long captivity in a foreign land. Many said that Judah would never rise again. But, God assured them of different facts, based in His reality, not theirs.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14, NIV)
Stay faithful. He has a plan and He will bring us from this exile to our Eternal Home!
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Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace;
In the mansions bright and blessed,
He'll prepare for us a place.
While we walk the pilgrim pathway,
Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when traveling days are over,
Not a shadow, not a sigh.
Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay.
Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we'll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open,
We shall tread the streets of gold.
When we all get to heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We'll sing and shout the victory.
When We All Get To Heaven
Hewitt, Eliza E. / Wilson, Emily D.
© Public Domain
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