“Whatever you ask of me, I will do it!” I would not offer that kind of unconditional surrender to just anyone. I enjoy my freedom to make choices, to do the things I want to do. But, when it comes to my Lord, the only way to enjoy His Presence and promises is to give up any claims to myself, to become 100% His. When and where I have tried to hang onto my autonomy, I become restless, miserable, in the phrase of an old country song, “torn between two lovers!” It’s a faith decision of a man who lives under the authority of Another.
Once Jesus met a Roman soldier whose faith astonished the Lord! What was so surprising to Jesus? Take a look.
"He entered Capernaum. A Roman captain there had a servant who was on his deathbed. He prized him highly and didn't want to lose him. When he heard Jesus was back, he sent leaders from the Jewish community asking him to come and heal his servant. They came to Jesus and urged him to do it, saying, "He deserves this. He loves our people. He even built our meeting place." Jesus went with them.
When he was still quite far from the house, the captain sent friends to tell him, "Master, you don't have to go to all this trouble. I'm not that good a person, you know. I'd be embarrassed for you to come to my house, even embarrassed to come to you in person. Just give the order and my servant will get well. I'm a man under orders; I also give orders. I tell one soldier, `Go,' and he goes; another, `Come,' and he comes; my slave, `Do this,' and he does it."
Taken aback, Jesus addressed the accompanying crowd: "I've yet to come across this kind of simple trust anywhere in Israel, the very people who are supposed to know about God and how he works." When the messengers got back home, they found the servant up and well.” - The Message
This military officer understood the importance of being submitted to authority. Whatever was demanded of him by the government of Rome was what he must do. He understood that order and authority to be the way that the Kingdom of Heaven operated as well, an understanding that gave him great faith. He expected that Jesus could just speak the order and that the healing he requested for his servant would happen. Might it be that one of the reasons we do not experience the provision of the Lord at the level we seek is our failure to live under authority? Is our 'whatever' spoken to the Lord from a half-committed heart, a kind of resignation; or is it an embrace of His Will, a delight in what HE has purposed for us?
I find a total 'whatever you want, Lord' a difficult attitude to consistently maintain. Part of me wants to live life on my own terms. I want to enjoy the benefit of being cared for by God but retain the right to set my own course in life. It's not that I want to go out and sin flagrantly! No, self-will is much more subtle in me. I want to choose the time and place of my service. I want God to make me happy and to satisfy my needs. Then I remember, "I am a man under orders."
The wonderful fact of finding a place of submission is the peaceful relief that surrender releases into my heart. The Holy Spirit seldom changes the circumstances in which I find myself. Instead, He creates contentment and peace in me. From that contentment flows a genuine, "whatever, Lord, whatever You want for me."
Do you feel like an orphan cut off from resources, alone in your struggle?
Consider the state of your heart before God. It just might be that you are not 'under orders.' It may be that you have removed yourself from the flow of the Spirit with a rebel's state of mind that is covered over with a casual, but heartless, 'whatever.' Bow your head, bend your knee, and let your will be broken. And... experience the power found by a person who knows what it is to be 'under authority.'
_________
I will offer up my life in spirit and truth,
Pouring out the oil of love, as my worship to You.
In surrender I must give my ev'ry part;
Lord, receive the sacrifice of a broken heart.
Jesus, what can I give, What can I bring
To so faithful a friend, To so loving a King?
Savior, what can be said, What can be sung,
As a praise of Your name for the things You have done?
Oh, my words could not tell, Not even in part,
Of the debt of love that is owed by this thankful heart.
You deserve my every breath
for You've paid the great cost.
Giving up Your life to death,
Even death on a cross.
You took all my shame away,
There defeated my sin,
Opened up the gates of heaven,
And have beckoned me in.
I Will Offer Up My Life -- Redman, Matt
© 1994 Kingsway's Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
CCLI License No. 810055
Friday, August 27, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
See me, see Him!
Have you ever been granted ‘power of attorney’ on behalf of another? That legal standing means that you can make decisions for that person that are as legally binding as if they made them for themselves. You can spend their money, sign documents, and even make medical choices for them! Often an aging parent will give power of attorney to a son or daughter. It’s an awesome act of trust.
Disciple, our Heavenly Father has given us the privilege of acting in His Name, on His behalf, in this world! He placed the stewardship of His influence, His promises, His resources in our care. The Word tells us "whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17, NIV)
We are always acting as representatives of Jesus Christ before this world. Everything we are, everything we do, should originate from the core of that thought. “See me, see Him,” is the organizing principle of our lives, or at least it should be. Those who exercise POA on behalf of another are expected to act in that person’s interest, not their own. It is the same with God, our Father. He expects that we will not seize the trust He gives us for our selfish benefit. “Honor Me with your choices,” He says.
Consider your life today in this light.
How are you spending God’s resources?
What do others think of Him as they see the way you represent His interest before them?
Is He pleased with your choices in use of time, in your relationships, in your way of speaking, in your interaction with His beautiful Creation, in your recreation?
While these are sobering thoughts, they are exhilarating as well. How exciting to think that we, puny and finite humans, are given the privilege to represent the Mighty King of Glory!
Remember, too: as you are faithful to represent His interests well in the small things, He will entrust greater responsibilities to you. Jesus taught us that “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." (Luke 16:10, NIV)
Pray this prayer, a word from the Word, often today:
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14, NIV) Live your life in such a way that you can confidently say, “See me, see Him!”
___________________
Disciple, our Heavenly Father has given us the privilege of acting in His Name, on His behalf, in this world! He placed the stewardship of His influence, His promises, His resources in our care. The Word tells us "whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17, NIV)
We are always acting as representatives of Jesus Christ before this world. Everything we are, everything we do, should originate from the core of that thought. “See me, see Him,” is the organizing principle of our lives, or at least it should be. Those who exercise POA on behalf of another are expected to act in that person’s interest, not their own. It is the same with God, our Father. He expects that we will not seize the trust He gives us for our selfish benefit. “Honor Me with your choices,” He says.
Consider your life today in this light.
How are you spending God’s resources?
What do others think of Him as they see the way you represent His interest before them?
Is He pleased with your choices in use of time, in your relationships, in your way of speaking, in your interaction with His beautiful Creation, in your recreation?
While these are sobering thoughts, they are exhilarating as well. How exciting to think that we, puny and finite humans, are given the privilege to represent the Mighty King of Glory!
Remember, too: as you are faithful to represent His interests well in the small things, He will entrust greater responsibilities to you. Jesus taught us that “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." (Luke 16:10, NIV)
Pray this prayer, a word from the Word, often today:
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14, NIV) Live your life in such a way that you can confidently say, “See me, see Him!”
___________________
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Wanna fight?
Some of my peers would most likely disagree with my next statement, but it’s true.
I hate conflict!
But, it is part of my life; and your’s, too. If we make a decision, somebody will take issue with it. I’m still surprised when I bring an idea for doing ministry better to the church I pastor (in my opinion) that makes so much sense to me, only to find that some do not agree. Even after three decades of pastoral leadership, I have this naïve hope that the church would come to such unity of mind and purpose that conflict would disappear. But, I know that thinking people will disagree. Even loving people do! I love my wife of 35 years, but we don’t always reach the same conclusions.
As unpleasant as it is, conflict is both necessary and desirable. Some of you just disagreed with me! Why do I say this?
Conflict clarifies thinking. Each of us sees life from a limited perspective, making decisions within a framework of our own understanding. When we disagree with another and engage in conflict, we can learn if we are capable of listening. When another says, “Have you considered this by-product of your idea?” – it might well be that we never thought of it, at all.
Conflict creates closer ties. Of course, not always! Sometimes conflict turns into war with the aim of destruction! When conflict is kept honest, it allows us to know the heart and mind of another better and we grow deeper, capable of dealing with more difficult issues together. Superficial relationships keep the interaction focused only on the most basic exchanges- ‘nice day, warm out, isn’t it, how ‘bout those Yankees?’ Moving into the realm of ideas and feelings creates more contact, increasing the potential for conflict and as we go through it, more cooperation on the stuff of life that really matters.
Conflict allows for a new shared idea to be birthed. As we dialogue and disagree, make our point and listen to the argument of others, re-evaluate and adjust, often it is neither my idea nor yours that prevails. Something different emerges from the process that we both can own.
Not all disagreements lead to such great ends because not all conflict is conducted in a mature or selfless manner. Sometimes we (me, included!) allow secondary issues- personal security, pride, the need to control outcomes, a desire to win – to get stirred into the mix, creating a mess.
The Scripture gives us this directive for conflict. "Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3, NLT) That passage urges to let the mind of Christ be in us, adopting His humility toward others. Was He a loser? No! Was He incapable of speaking up for what was right? No, He did and they killed Him to be rid of His inconvenient Truth!
Another passage reminds that "each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." (Ephesians 4:25-26, NIV) In addition to humility, honesty is critical. Much conflict goes off the rails when people speak in one way while concealing ulterior motives, refusing to deal with reality. God wisely tells us to limit our conflict! Resolve it, don’t bury it until another day.
Wanna fight? As long as it is something worth fighting about, let’s go! If we must have a conflict, let’s remember – it’s not about my win, or yours! If we belong to Christ, it’s about constructive conflict that builds a more intimate Church that does His work in the best way in this world.
I hate conflict!
But, it is part of my life; and your’s, too. If we make a decision, somebody will take issue with it. I’m still surprised when I bring an idea for doing ministry better to the church I pastor (in my opinion) that makes so much sense to me, only to find that some do not agree. Even after three decades of pastoral leadership, I have this naïve hope that the church would come to such unity of mind and purpose that conflict would disappear. But, I know that thinking people will disagree. Even loving people do! I love my wife of 35 years, but we don’t always reach the same conclusions.
As unpleasant as it is, conflict is both necessary and desirable. Some of you just disagreed with me! Why do I say this?
Conflict clarifies thinking. Each of us sees life from a limited perspective, making decisions within a framework of our own understanding. When we disagree with another and engage in conflict, we can learn if we are capable of listening. When another says, “Have you considered this by-product of your idea?” – it might well be that we never thought of it, at all.
Conflict creates closer ties. Of course, not always! Sometimes conflict turns into war with the aim of destruction! When conflict is kept honest, it allows us to know the heart and mind of another better and we grow deeper, capable of dealing with more difficult issues together. Superficial relationships keep the interaction focused only on the most basic exchanges- ‘nice day, warm out, isn’t it, how ‘bout those Yankees?’ Moving into the realm of ideas and feelings creates more contact, increasing the potential for conflict and as we go through it, more cooperation on the stuff of life that really matters.
Conflict allows for a new shared idea to be birthed. As we dialogue and disagree, make our point and listen to the argument of others, re-evaluate and adjust, often it is neither my idea nor yours that prevails. Something different emerges from the process that we both can own.
Not all disagreements lead to such great ends because not all conflict is conducted in a mature or selfless manner. Sometimes we (me, included!) allow secondary issues- personal security, pride, the need to control outcomes, a desire to win – to get stirred into the mix, creating a mess.
The Scripture gives us this directive for conflict. "Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3, NLT) That passage urges to let the mind of Christ be in us, adopting His humility toward others. Was He a loser? No! Was He incapable of speaking up for what was right? No, He did and they killed Him to be rid of His inconvenient Truth!
Another passage reminds that "each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." (Ephesians 4:25-26, NIV) In addition to humility, honesty is critical. Much conflict goes off the rails when people speak in one way while concealing ulterior motives, refusing to deal with reality. God wisely tells us to limit our conflict! Resolve it, don’t bury it until another day.
Wanna fight? As long as it is something worth fighting about, let’s go! If we must have a conflict, let’s remember – it’s not about my win, or yours! If we belong to Christ, it’s about constructive conflict that builds a more intimate Church that does His work in the best way in this world.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Widen the lens
In the camera I saw just a slice of the panorama in front of me – until I realized the lens was zoomed in too tightly. When I pulled back the zoom, the picture I wanted appeared. Sometimes the same thing happens to my perspective on life. I get so tightly focused on one particular issue that I fail to see the whole picture. The one person who dislikes me comes into view, obscuring hundreds of friends. The one situation that confounds my understanding blocks my memory of my amazingly wonderful life; the blessing of my God. How the Tempter must rejoice when he finds us focused on our failures, disappointments, or sins to the exclusion of the faithfulness of our Savior and Friend.
The Word urges "Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." (Psalm 103:2, NIV) An old hymn says, “Count your blessings, name them; one by one!” Do it, disciple. The Psalm continues by saying, "He forgives your sins—every one. He heals your diseases—every one. He redeems you from hell—saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown. He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal. He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence." (Psalm 103:3-5, The Message) In genuine praise, we find our soul lifted, our footing restored. "The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights." (Habakkuk 3:19, NLT)
The Lord does not ask us to deny reality, to live in a Pollyanna world that pretends all is well, all the time. He does ask us to remember ALL, to bring to our minds His faithfulness, His love, His promises right alongside of the sorrows and challenges. As surely as we weep, we will laugh, if we widen the lens.
Following is an old gospel song that urges us to live in “Beulah Land,” a metaphor for the Promised Land. (Yes, I suppose you need to be over 50 and to have grown up in church to be able to hum the tune, but the lyrics are timeless.)
Far away the noise of strife
upon my ear is falling.
Then, I know the sins of earth
beset on ev'ry hand.
Doubt and fear and things of earth
in vain to me are calling.
None of these shall move me
from Beulah Land!
Viewing here the works of God,
I sink in contemplation.
Hearing now His blessed voice,
I see the way He planned.
Dwelling in the Spirit,
here I learn of full salvation.
Gladly will I tarry in Beulah Land!
I'm living on the mountain,
underneath a cloudless sky!
I'm drinking at the fountain
that never shall run dry!
O yes, I'm feasting on the manna
from a bountiful supply!
For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.
C. Austin Miles- Public domain
Today, balance complaint with thanksgiving, criticism with encouragement, petition with profuse praise. Do it consciously as you walk with Jesus and let His Spirit “renew your youth… surefooted as a deer!"
The Word urges "Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." (Psalm 103:2, NIV) An old hymn says, “Count your blessings, name them; one by one!” Do it, disciple. The Psalm continues by saying, "He forgives your sins—every one. He heals your diseases—every one. He redeems you from hell—saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown. He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal. He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence." (Psalm 103:3-5, The Message) In genuine praise, we find our soul lifted, our footing restored. "The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights." (Habakkuk 3:19, NLT)
The Lord does not ask us to deny reality, to live in a Pollyanna world that pretends all is well, all the time. He does ask us to remember ALL, to bring to our minds His faithfulness, His love, His promises right alongside of the sorrows and challenges. As surely as we weep, we will laugh, if we widen the lens.
Following is an old gospel song that urges us to live in “Beulah Land,” a metaphor for the Promised Land. (Yes, I suppose you need to be over 50 and to have grown up in church to be able to hum the tune, but the lyrics are timeless.)
Far away the noise of strife
upon my ear is falling.
Then, I know the sins of earth
beset on ev'ry hand.
Doubt and fear and things of earth
in vain to me are calling.
None of these shall move me
from Beulah Land!
Viewing here the works of God,
I sink in contemplation.
Hearing now His blessed voice,
I see the way He planned.
Dwelling in the Spirit,
here I learn of full salvation.
Gladly will I tarry in Beulah Land!
I'm living on the mountain,
underneath a cloudless sky!
I'm drinking at the fountain
that never shall run dry!
O yes, I'm feasting on the manna
from a bountiful supply!
For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.
C. Austin Miles- Public domain
Today, balance complaint with thanksgiving, criticism with encouragement, petition with profuse praise. Do it consciously as you walk with Jesus and let His Spirit “renew your youth… surefooted as a deer!"
Monday, August 23, 2010
And that’s the truth
Life is full of oughta’s, shoulda’s, gotta’s - isn’t it? I ought to get out and get those branches picked up after yesterday’s wind storm. I should have made better preparation for that meeting. I’ve got to get a grip on that situation. And, so it goes. Don’t read me wrong today. I am not throwing away my responsibilities. Without constant monitoring, systems quickly deteriorate. Chaos is the default setting of a life without discipline. But, duty without delight is drudgery. “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”
Christianity, as practiced by many, is full of responsibilities. Go to church! Read the Bible! Pray! Tithe! Deal with temptation! Serve faithfully! Those are great practices and we should do them, everyone and all. But, we cannot forget why. We are beloved children of the Heavenly Father. As I stood in worship yesterday, I found myself so emotionally depleted that I could not focus, could not offer praise, simply could not feel anything. My initial response was one of guilt. “What kind of Christian are you, Jerry, that you can stand in church unable to fully sense God’s holy Presence?” Then, I thought, “All right, I’ll just try harder. I will sing louder, raise my hands, and ‘it,’ whatever that is, will happen to me.” It didn’t.
Today, in the stillness of the morning, with the sunshine splashing on the trees and my dog running around in my backyard, I felt the Spirit’s Presence. His whisper was reminder that when I am doing ‘nothing’ the love of my Father is active. He is pursuing me, loving me, surrounding me with grace – everywhere and all the time. That renewal of His love was His gift to me at the beginning of this new week. It put things back into the right order for me. Love, first; then the responsibilities. Delight, then duty.
Here’s a word from the Word.
"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary and
beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you." (Psalm 63:1-5, NIV)
And, that’s the truth!
Christianity, as practiced by many, is full of responsibilities. Go to church! Read the Bible! Pray! Tithe! Deal with temptation! Serve faithfully! Those are great practices and we should do them, everyone and all. But, we cannot forget why. We are beloved children of the Heavenly Father. As I stood in worship yesterday, I found myself so emotionally depleted that I could not focus, could not offer praise, simply could not feel anything. My initial response was one of guilt. “What kind of Christian are you, Jerry, that you can stand in church unable to fully sense God’s holy Presence?” Then, I thought, “All right, I’ll just try harder. I will sing louder, raise my hands, and ‘it,’ whatever that is, will happen to me.” It didn’t.
Today, in the stillness of the morning, with the sunshine splashing on the trees and my dog running around in my backyard, I felt the Spirit’s Presence. His whisper was reminder that when I am doing ‘nothing’ the love of my Father is active. He is pursuing me, loving me, surrounding me with grace – everywhere and all the time. That renewal of His love was His gift to me at the beginning of this new week. It put things back into the right order for me. Love, first; then the responsibilities. Delight, then duty.
Here’s a word from the Word.
"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary and
beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you." (Psalm 63:1-5, NIV)
And, that’s the truth!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)