Some people spend a lot of money chasing a smile. I find them lying around right where I live, if I look up! About four weeks ago, a physician told me I needed a biopsy on a suspicious lump in my body. I spent a few days being awfully glum, feeling very mortal and afraid. After I processed the information, I began to realize that being morose would not change a thing, that fear only robs me of the joy that the Lord provides for me day by day. Several friends prayed for me on different occasions. Today, I can say – despite the pending procedure – that joy is back.
There is such delight in ordinary things.
• Today a young Mommy from our congregation sent me a note about her kids, ages 4 and 6, who were present at a recent baptism. She wrote, “When G. and J. emerged from their last few minutes in the tub. They were talking back and forth and your name was mentioned, so I asked them what they are talking about. ‘We were playing 'Pastor Jerry dunkin' ya in the church tub! He's crazy!’" Now that’s a reason to smile, isn’t it?
• Yesterday I was privileged to spend an hour with ministry colleagues. After laughing at our foibles, we got down to the business of prayer. Oh, what joy!
• Then, a family from my church who is struggling through a crisis, came by and I had the joy of sharing their struggles, offering advice, and most of all, just loving them. Does it get better than that?
Situations will arise that attempt to steal our joy all the time. Bodies age. Temptations knock on our door. People disappoint us. Consequences of past choices come collecting their due. There is choice, disciple. You can be glum or you can be glad! I’m not talking about denial, nor I am talking about escape. Joy is a gift of God to those who will receive it. The Bible says it is our choice! "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." (James 1:2-3, NIV)
When we mistakenly assume we are in control, when we try to usurp the throne of God, inevitably our joy will be lost to pressure, people, and problems! If we bring to mind that God rules, that He has a plan, that nothing that is happening to us right now is a surprise to Him – faith grows and with it comes joy. God urges us, through the prophet Isaiah, to make the choice to trust, fixed on His absolute rule. Take a look. “Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please." (Isaiah 46:8-10, NIV)
Here’s a word from the Word. Let it draw a smile to your face as it rebirths joy in your heart.
"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, … And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." (Philippians 1:3-6, NLT)
_________________________
It's time I started dancing
over all these graves!
It's time I gave You, Oh my Lord,
the highest praise!
It's time to lift my voice,
Oh and beg for this blessing to fall!
I want the joy of the Lord to come down!
I want the joy of the Lord to fall now!
I want the joy of the Lord in my life.
I want the joy of the Lord to lift me,
I want the joy of the Lord to change me,
I want the joy of the Lord in my life!
I Want The Joy
© 2002 River Oaks Music Company (a div. of EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Rita Springer
PS - I return to my physician on Monday. Prayers deeply appreciated.
CCLI License No. 810055
Friday, October 23, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The Kiss that Worships
A Christian for my entire life, I have attended a lot of church services! Some have included worship, many have not! Sometimes the obvious focus is to entertain the audience, with a circus-like atmosphere of performing acts. Sometimes the service is more like a family reunion, the focus being on meeting the people who are present. Sometimes I’m puzzled why anyone shows up since the whole thing is pointless, wandering through a ritual that goes nowhere. And, sometimes worship really happens. The people gathered are purposefully focused on the Person and Presence of Almighty God, challenged by His Word, and left in awe. Now, that’s church!
This Fall, I am leading a Bible Study group through the book of the Revelation. Chapters 4 and 5 are John’s vision of the Throne Room. While the language is sometimes strange to my mind, the overall message is about worship. While meditating on those chapters, I have found myself in tears repeatedly – partially from awe, partially from longing for a more consistently authentic worship in my life. Read an excerpt.
"The Lamb (Jesus Christ) stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne. And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.
And they sang a new song with these words: “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. … And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.” And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb." (Revelation 5:6-9, 13-16, NLT)
Modern worship is frequently evaluated only by the experience of the worshipper.
• Was the band good?
• Did they sing songs I liked?
• Did I feel ‘blessed’?
• Were warm and fuzzy emotions stirred?
Those are all fine things, but they are not what worship is about. Authentic worship must have an upward focus. It focused on offering to Jesus the same adoration that is shown to Him in heaven! Imagine the Elders of that scene getting up from their faces and high-fiving one another saying, “I feel so blessed right now!” No way. They were not even thinking of themselves. They desired only to pour out their love to the Lamb, to give Him praise because He is worthy!
Worship is about creating awareness, but not self awareness. It is always about being more aware of God’s Presence, and as we are awed by Him, increasingly submitted to His will. If worship does not do that, it is misfocused at best, a profanity at worst! Jesus taught, "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24, NIV) The word that is translated as ‘worship’ is “proskuneo.” {pros•koo•neh•o} which means “to kiss the hand in token of reverence.” (Strong’s)
Disciple, have you leaned forward in worship to kiss the hand of God?
Have you taken your eyes off yourself, your circumstances, your needs to come to Him, just to offer up the adoration of your worship?
Remember, worship is first an attitude, then an action. An unsubmitted, self-willed Christian will not ‘worship in spirit and truth’ even though she may sing the right words and go through the motions of ‘worship.’ The heart must bow first, the will be submitted, and then worship will become worthy of its focus.
Lord, teach us to be worshippers, not just singers.
Bend our wills to Yours, draw our minds and hearts to You.
Our days are frequently a mad rush during which we forget
You and Your majesty, consumed by the things of ‘now.’
Forgive us for loving our lives so much that we fail to ‘kiss Your hand.’
Now, Lord, I join with all Creation to say:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!”
_________________
To bow and to kiss,
To pour forth our love,
The perfume of our adoration.
To wash with our tears
The feet that were bruised,
To bless and to serve and to gaze on.
To bow and to kiss,
To pour forth our love,
The perfume of our adoration.
To press to our lips,
The hands that were pierced,
To bless and to serve and to gaze on.
To bow and to kiss,
To pour forth our love,
The perfume of our adoration.
To reach up and touch,
The brow that was torn,
To bless and to serve and to gaze on.
Jesus, my Savior!
My life and my love!
You are my treasure,
My gift from above!
To Bow And To Kiss
© 2002 Life Unto Life Music
Andrea C. Hunter
Jeremy Michael Riddle
CCLI License No. 810055
This Fall, I am leading a Bible Study group through the book of the Revelation. Chapters 4 and 5 are John’s vision of the Throne Room. While the language is sometimes strange to my mind, the overall message is about worship. While meditating on those chapters, I have found myself in tears repeatedly – partially from awe, partially from longing for a more consistently authentic worship in my life. Read an excerpt.
"The Lamb (Jesus Christ) stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne. And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.
And they sang a new song with these words: “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. … And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.” And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb." (Revelation 5:6-9, 13-16, NLT)
Modern worship is frequently evaluated only by the experience of the worshipper.
• Was the band good?
• Did they sing songs I liked?
• Did I feel ‘blessed’?
• Were warm and fuzzy emotions stirred?
Those are all fine things, but they are not what worship is about. Authentic worship must have an upward focus. It focused on offering to Jesus the same adoration that is shown to Him in heaven! Imagine the Elders of that scene getting up from their faces and high-fiving one another saying, “I feel so blessed right now!” No way. They were not even thinking of themselves. They desired only to pour out their love to the Lamb, to give Him praise because He is worthy!
Worship is about creating awareness, but not self awareness. It is always about being more aware of God’s Presence, and as we are awed by Him, increasingly submitted to His will. If worship does not do that, it is misfocused at best, a profanity at worst! Jesus taught, "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24, NIV) The word that is translated as ‘worship’ is “proskuneo.” {pros•koo•neh•o} which means “to kiss the hand in token of reverence.” (Strong’s)
Disciple, have you leaned forward in worship to kiss the hand of God?
Have you taken your eyes off yourself, your circumstances, your needs to come to Him, just to offer up the adoration of your worship?
Remember, worship is first an attitude, then an action. An unsubmitted, self-willed Christian will not ‘worship in spirit and truth’ even though she may sing the right words and go through the motions of ‘worship.’ The heart must bow first, the will be submitted, and then worship will become worthy of its focus.
Lord, teach us to be worshippers, not just singers.
Bend our wills to Yours, draw our minds and hearts to You.
Our days are frequently a mad rush during which we forget
You and Your majesty, consumed by the things of ‘now.’
Forgive us for loving our lives so much that we fail to ‘kiss Your hand.’
Now, Lord, I join with all Creation to say:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!”
_________________
To bow and to kiss,
To pour forth our love,
The perfume of our adoration.
To wash with our tears
The feet that were bruised,
To bless and to serve and to gaze on.
To bow and to kiss,
To pour forth our love,
The perfume of our adoration.
To press to our lips,
The hands that were pierced,
To bless and to serve and to gaze on.
To bow and to kiss,
To pour forth our love,
The perfume of our adoration.
To reach up and touch,
The brow that was torn,
To bless and to serve and to gaze on.
Jesus, my Savior!
My life and my love!
You are my treasure,
My gift from above!
To Bow And To Kiss
© 2002 Life Unto Life Music
Andrea C. Hunter
Jeremy Michael Riddle
CCLI License No. 810055
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Good Bye! So Long! Good Riddance?
My prayer is that people are glad when I show up and sad to see me go. That's not true for everyone, is it? There are some people who make us sad when they show up and oh so glad when they depart! Dr. Henry Cloud writes (Integrity, 2005) that "You can tell a lot about a ship as you look at its wake. If it is in a straight line, you get the feeling that the boat is steadily on course and that the captain is not dozing at the wheel.... if it is smooth and flat you know something about the speed of the boat. ... With people the same thing is true. As a person goes through life, he leaves behind a wake." That analogy created a vivid picture in my mind. It made me think about the wake that that my life leaves. Cloud further observes that we leave a two-sided wake, relationships and tasks. It isn't just how we accomplish those jobs we are assigned, but who we effect in the process.
As we evaluate the task side of our lives, it is important that we ask questions like ...
- Am I completing tasks on time and without needless diversions?
- Do I understand the task and set my course to finish it?
- Is my work well done, worthy of review?
On the relational side of our lives, there are important questions, too.
- Do I create hope and encourage, or build barriers and discourage?
- Are people thankful for my presence?
- Do I make others feel enriched or exploited?
Sometimes the answers are obvious, if we have even a small amount of self-awareness. Then, there are those situations where the evaluation of how we have performed our task or interacted with others is not so quickly discerned. Sometimes we encounter situations over which we have little control. There are people who actively resist even our best efforts at building a strong relationship. They bring their own personalities and programs into our lives. The smooth wake that we want to create by our passing is broken up by their wake. As their turbulence of their wake flows into ours, the chop created can stir up a real tempest! I've been on a small boat and experienced being bounced around when a couple of speed boats passed by on crossing courses, leaving the waters roiled and rough. We need to remember that there are days when we run into winds of opposition and/or difficulty that blow us off course and purpose. At those times, no matter how diligent we are at the wheel of life, trying to steer a straight course, those gusts that blow over us will create wavy wake!
We must determine the course that God wants us to sail. We must be diligent to know the Word and patient to understand the Spirit's ways and then - go forward, steady on. In my lifetime, I've come to understand that I cannot adjust speed or course every time somebody makes an objection! I must humbly listen for the voice of the Lord and when I understand what He wants from me then I must sail on, gently but on course. I must pray for His Spirit to keep me true to those principles that set my course, and keep going. That assures that, over time, the wake left by my passing by will be a good one.
Take a look at the wake you're leaving on life's sea. Don't just look close to the stern. Look toward the horizon, too. Is it straight and true? Does it show steady speed?
Here's a word about living well, for God's glory. Take Paul's benediction and turn it into your prayerful petition today. We are...
"praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works.
We pray that you'll live well for the Master, making him proud of you ...
As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work.
We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul-not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives.
It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us." (Colossians 1:9-12, The Message)
Amen
--------------------
Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad.
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love;
Tell of His pow'r to forgive.
Others will trust Him if only you prove true
Every moment you live.
Give as 'twas given to you in your need;
Love as the Master loved you.
Be to the helpless a helper indeed;
Unto your mission be true.
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.
Make Me A Blessing
Wilson, Ira B. / Schuler, George S.
© 1924. Renewed 1952 Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
As we evaluate the task side of our lives, it is important that we ask questions like ...
- Am I completing tasks on time and without needless diversions?
- Do I understand the task and set my course to finish it?
- Is my work well done, worthy of review?
On the relational side of our lives, there are important questions, too.
- Do I create hope and encourage, or build barriers and discourage?
- Are people thankful for my presence?
- Do I make others feel enriched or exploited?
Sometimes the answers are obvious, if we have even a small amount of self-awareness. Then, there are those situations where the evaluation of how we have performed our task or interacted with others is not so quickly discerned. Sometimes we encounter situations over which we have little control. There are people who actively resist even our best efforts at building a strong relationship. They bring their own personalities and programs into our lives. The smooth wake that we want to create by our passing is broken up by their wake. As their turbulence of their wake flows into ours, the chop created can stir up a real tempest! I've been on a small boat and experienced being bounced around when a couple of speed boats passed by on crossing courses, leaving the waters roiled and rough. We need to remember that there are days when we run into winds of opposition and/or difficulty that blow us off course and purpose. At those times, no matter how diligent we are at the wheel of life, trying to steer a straight course, those gusts that blow over us will create wavy wake!
We must determine the course that God wants us to sail. We must be diligent to know the Word and patient to understand the Spirit's ways and then - go forward, steady on. In my lifetime, I've come to understand that I cannot adjust speed or course every time somebody makes an objection! I must humbly listen for the voice of the Lord and when I understand what He wants from me then I must sail on, gently but on course. I must pray for His Spirit to keep me true to those principles that set my course, and keep going. That assures that, over time, the wake left by my passing by will be a good one.
Take a look at the wake you're leaving on life's sea. Don't just look close to the stern. Look toward the horizon, too. Is it straight and true? Does it show steady speed?
Here's a word about living well, for God's glory. Take Paul's benediction and turn it into your prayerful petition today. We are...
"praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works.
We pray that you'll live well for the Master, making him proud of you ...
As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work.
We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul-not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives.
It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us." (Colossians 1:9-12, The Message)
Amen
--------------------
Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad.
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love;
Tell of His pow'r to forgive.
Others will trust Him if only you prove true
Every moment you live.
Give as 'twas given to you in your need;
Love as the Master loved you.
Be to the helpless a helper indeed;
Unto your mission be true.
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.
Make Me A Blessing
Wilson, Ira B. / Schuler, George S.
© 1924. Renewed 1952 Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Not By Facebook Alone!
The Facebook online social networking site is one of the Internet's most popular stops right now. (Jerry's page) If you're not familiar, Facebook creates a kind of virtual coffeeshop, where a person can drop in and chat with friends. Yesterday, for example, Jake and Steve shared their mutual dislike of Monday mornings. On Sunday, John posted photos of the youth event that had happened on Saturday evening at our church. Paige let us all know she finished her homework 'round 7 last night. Dawn was congratulated on her wedding anniversary this morning. Sharon told us that her father had died and we returned our thoughts of comfort.
"Who cares about all this?" you ask. In a busy world, it's a way to maintain our friendships, to stay connected in a highly mobile society. But, Facebook is not enough! We need regular times of face to face interaction to stay alive in Christ! On Sunday, I watched people at our church, chatting with each other: some conversations just about the weather, others much more important. In the evening, about 15 men sat in a circle. We all had other things we could have been doing, but we chose to share life for an hour. Together we read some from Nehemiah, talked about our prayer needs and our thankful praise. It was a time to gather strength for the week ahead, hope to deal with the struggles, encouragement of like-minded friends. In addition to prayer and Scripture, a foundational part of the Christian life is community!
Gayle Beebe writes, "External aids to God's grace increase our power to resist the ways and distractions of the world. Sermons, edifying conversations with other Christians... strengthen our resolve and ground our life in God." (Longing for God, IVP, 2009) Never underestimate the importance of being faithful to your church, of making creation and maintenance of friendships a high priority. Nothing yields greater results in spiritual formation than being part of a community of disciples that urges you to grow and helps you to stand up to the tests and temptations that inevitably come our way during this journey to our Home.
Ever built a campfire? You cannot do it with one single log! You start with some dry grass and a spark. Once that is burning, you add small twigs, then kindling. Finally, several larger pieces of wood must be placed next to each other to maintain the fire. Remove one that is blazing and set it by itself and in a short time the fire consuming it will sputter and die! Likewise, a solitary Christian will find himself cooling in faith! This is why one of the enemy's primary tactics to destroy our effectiveness as a follower of Jesus is to cause us to become offended or self-centered, so we remove ourselves from the fellowship. The Devil knows this is a sure way to bring on discouragement or delusion! Facebook, podcasts, and TV church cannot replace regular worship and interaction with other Believers! A disciple cannot thrive on Facebook alone.
Are you building up the Body?
Are you making regular worship with your church a priority?
Are you in a small group of disciples where 'everybody knows your name' and can encourage you and see through your excuses to challenge you to growth in Christ?
The Word is uncompromising in emphasizing the importance of living in community. Paul makes much of our being part of the Body of Christ! We cannot experience the fullness of God or His Kingdom apart from His Church! So, we read this command: "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, NLT)
__________________
The Church's one foundation
Is Jesus Christ her Lord;
She is His new creation
By water and the word.
From heav'n He came and sought her
To be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her,
And for her life He died.
Elect from ev'ry nation,
Yet one o'er all the earth,
Her charter of salvation
"One Lord, one faith, one birth;"
One holy name she blesses;
Partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses,
With ev'ry grace endued.
'Mid toil and tribulation
And tumult of her war,
She waits the consummation
Of peace forevermore;
'Till with the vision glorious
Her longing eyes are blest,
And the great Church victorious,
Shall be the Church at rest.
Though with a scornful wonder
Men see her sore oppressed,
By schisms rent asunder,
By heresies distressed:
Yet saints their watch are keeping,
Their cry goes up, "how long?"
And soon the night of weeping
Shall be the morn of song.
The Church's One Foundation
Stone, Samuel J. / Wesley, Samuel S.© Public Domain Join Our Mailing List
"Who cares about all this?" you ask. In a busy world, it's a way to maintain our friendships, to stay connected in a highly mobile society. But, Facebook is not enough! We need regular times of face to face interaction to stay alive in Christ! On Sunday, I watched people at our church, chatting with each other: some conversations just about the weather, others much more important. In the evening, about 15 men sat in a circle. We all had other things we could have been doing, but we chose to share life for an hour. Together we read some from Nehemiah, talked about our prayer needs and our thankful praise. It was a time to gather strength for the week ahead, hope to deal with the struggles, encouragement of like-minded friends. In addition to prayer and Scripture, a foundational part of the Christian life is community!
Gayle Beebe writes, "External aids to God's grace increase our power to resist the ways and distractions of the world. Sermons, edifying conversations with other Christians... strengthen our resolve and ground our life in God." (Longing for God, IVP, 2009) Never underestimate the importance of being faithful to your church, of making creation and maintenance of friendships a high priority. Nothing yields greater results in spiritual formation than being part of a community of disciples that urges you to grow and helps you to stand up to the tests and temptations that inevitably come our way during this journey to our Home.
Ever built a campfire? You cannot do it with one single log! You start with some dry grass and a spark. Once that is burning, you add small twigs, then kindling. Finally, several larger pieces of wood must be placed next to each other to maintain the fire. Remove one that is blazing and set it by itself and in a short time the fire consuming it will sputter and die! Likewise, a solitary Christian will find himself cooling in faith! This is why one of the enemy's primary tactics to destroy our effectiveness as a follower of Jesus is to cause us to become offended or self-centered, so we remove ourselves from the fellowship. The Devil knows this is a sure way to bring on discouragement or delusion! Facebook, podcasts, and TV church cannot replace regular worship and interaction with other Believers! A disciple cannot thrive on Facebook alone.
Are you building up the Body?
Are you making regular worship with your church a priority?
Are you in a small group of disciples where 'everybody knows your name' and can encourage you and see through your excuses to challenge you to growth in Christ?
The Word is uncompromising in emphasizing the importance of living in community. Paul makes much of our being part of the Body of Christ! We cannot experience the fullness of God or His Kingdom apart from His Church! So, we read this command: "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, NLT)
__________________
The Church's one foundation
Is Jesus Christ her Lord;
She is His new creation
By water and the word.
From heav'n He came and sought her
To be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her,
And for her life He died.
Elect from ev'ry nation,
Yet one o'er all the earth,
Her charter of salvation
"One Lord, one faith, one birth;"
One holy name she blesses;
Partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses,
With ev'ry grace endued.
'Mid toil and tribulation
And tumult of her war,
She waits the consummation
Of peace forevermore;
'Till with the vision glorious
Her longing eyes are blest,
And the great Church victorious,
Shall be the Church at rest.
Though with a scornful wonder
Men see her sore oppressed,
By schisms rent asunder,
By heresies distressed:
Yet saints their watch are keeping,
Their cry goes up, "how long?"
And soon the night of weeping
Shall be the morn of song.
The Church's One Foundation
Stone, Samuel J. / Wesley, Samuel S.© Public Domain Join Our Mailing List
Monday, October 19, 2009
Famous and Rich
Ask the average American teenager what he wants most and in one form or another, you're likely to hear something about fame and wealth! In our media age, if a person finds a way to attract enough attention, money will often flow his way. The 'balloon boy' saga that came out of Colorado last week now seems to be a hoax, a case of a fame-obsessed Dad willing to lie, and even more tragically, willing to teach his little boys to lie, in pursuit of publicity and wealth. At this writing, various criminal charges are pending in the case being built around Richard Heene. This man is one of a cast of thousands of Americans who are willing to do almost anything to get the camera lens focused on them for a few moments. On our TV's there are programs featuring beautiful girls who will offer up their bodies to the eligible bachelor, people who allow cameras to film their lives 24/7, as they chase after celebrity! While media celebrity status is a relatively recent social development, the desire for attention is as old as humanity. The Bible, from beginning to end, has many examples of good people who were seduced by their desire to be admired.
- Joseph, whose story is told in Genesis, got himself in trouble by telling his family about his God-given dreams and wearing his 'many-colored' coat that his father gave him as a badge of his favored status. His brothers hated him for it and eventually sold him into slavery, so they wouldn't have to hear about "Mr. Wonderful" anymore!
- Samson could not be content to lead Israel quietly with his gift of strength. He had to show off for the pretty women and it cost him dearly! The man who was the judge of Israel finished his life turned a grinding wheel as a slave of the Philistines because he wouldn't stay home and be content.
- Jesus warned about religion as public performance with words we all need to read often. "Watch out! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don't do as the hypocrites do-blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. ... When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get." (Matthew 6:1-2, 5, NLT)
- John speaks of a local church leader who turned his church into his own little kingdom. I hope that the indictment John lays on this elder could not be written about me: "Diotrephes, ...loves to be first." (3 John 9, NIV)
We need to pray for the discipline of contentment, learning to be the person God desires us to be, happy in His favor- whether obscure or famous, rich or poor. There is a special kind of sweetness that characterizes the person who no longer has the need to 'prove' anything, who is happy being who he is, where he is, and doing what he does without craving approval or recognition. That person has also gained a freedom that is unique. He is not defensive, nor is he fearful. He does not manipulate or pretend. He is authentic!
Here's a word from the Word. As you read it today, let the wisdom go deep into your soul. Pray that God will shape your life in a way that finds His favor and let His smile be your richest reward. "(Some) infect the air with germs of envy, controversy, bad-mouthing, suspicious rumors. Eventually there's an epidemic of backstabbing, and truth is but a distant memory. They think religion is a way to make a fast buck. A devout life does bring wealth, but it's the rich simplicity of being yourself before God. Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that's enough. But if it's only money these leaders are after, they'll self-destruct in no time." (1 Timothy 6:4-9, The Message)
"Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised." (Proverbs 27:21, NLT)
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