Jim Swilley is probably a good and likeable guy. He started a church in Georgia 25 years ago that has become a mega-church. Jim divorced his wife recently and announced his homosexuality. He said he had to do it be ‘authentic.’ He also said that his sexual orientation was not chosen, but something that been a part of him since early childhood. And, he says he will remain the pastor of his church living as an openly gay man. I was with him up to that last point. I applaud his honesty though I do wonder why he’s lived a lie for 3 decades while preaching ‘authenticity?’ I even accept his statement that some people seem to be born with a sexual preference for people of the same sex. But, if Jim Swilley wants to be actively sexual with a man, the Scripture disqualifies him from being a Christian pastor.
This man illustrates the extreme self -aborption that afflicts way too many people in this day and shows up as a la carte’ Christian discipleship. With our exaggerated sense of Self, we slide so easily into the conviction expressed by Tom T. Hall in a country song that goes like this:“Me and Jesus, got our own thing goin'. Me and Jesus, got it all worked out. Me and Jesus, got our own thing goin'. We don't need anybody to tell us what it's all about.”
It might make a good song, but it’s just not true! Actually, me and Jesus don’t have our own thing going and neither you nor I can cut and paste the Bible to fit our preferences. We are part of a great Body of Believers, responsible to the community to which we belong, where all of us are called to live under the Lordship of Christ. The Word says, "Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." (Hebrews 12:1, NLT)
The Lord Jesus warns that many who thought they had their own private deal with God will be shocked on Judgment Day. "On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand." (Matthew 7:22-26, NLT)
Living as an authentic Christian is neither simple nor easy. Choices must be made. Why? Because Christ is either Lord of all, or He’s not Lord at all. We cannot claim to be a disciple while holding back some part of ourselves from Him. Are any of us sinless? Of course not! However, real holiness is progressive, as we grow in grace. But, we don’t grow when we say we are without a need for grace because “God will understand that’s just who I am.”
Want to be a Christian who knows the greatest joy, the deepest intimacy, who lives with rock solid assurance, whose life will enjoy a beautiful legacy, and who will be welcomed into the Father’s Presence with a rich reward? Then, surrender it all and let Him lead. Work out your salvation with proper reverence for the majesty and wisdom of God.
Here’s the word from the Word -
"Honor the Lord for the glory of his name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness." (Psalm 29:2, NLT)
___________
All to Jesus, I surrender
All to Him, I freely give.
I will ever love and trust Him
in His Presence daily live.
I surrender all,
I surrender all,
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
Van Deventer
-Public Domain
Friday, November 05, 2010
Thursday, November 04, 2010
The Rest of the Gospel
Last night in our Bible study, we were talking about involvement with issues of justice. The question came up as to why the evangelical churches were all but invisible in the civil rights movement in America in the mid-20th century. Primarily it was because they avoided the ‘social gospel.’ The focus was on getting people to heaven by bringing them a message of conversion. But it was only half of the Gospel. True Christianity has both vertical (God-ward) and a horizontal (People focused) expressions! There is a judgment to come and it is important that we tell others of Christ’s power to forgive. And, it is important to care about how they will live right here, right now.
God saves us today from our sins, not just in eternity. The message entrusted to the disciples was about the coming of God’s Kingdom, now. Jesus reminds us of our worth to the Omnipotent God of the Universe this way: "What's the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do. He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail-even numbering the hairs on your head!" (Matthew 10:29-30, The Message) Isn't that mind-boggling?
God loves you and me specifically, not generally! He cares about the ‘stuff’ of our lives. We are to be like Him. We are called to love not just with sweeping rhetoric but with concern for all – the lovely and the unlovely. Recently I have been reading in the Minor Prophets. It is of note that often God expressed His disapproval of His people, not just for the 'biggie' sins like worshipping false gods or gross sexual immorality; but for their disregard of the poor, their oppression of the weak, depriving the 'little guys' of justice in the courts. Take a look at this passage from Amos. "You trample the poor and steal what little they have through taxes and unfair rent. Therefore, you will never live in the beautiful stone houses you are building. You will never drink wine from the lush vineyards you are planting. For I know the vast number of your sins and rebellions. You oppress good people by taking bribes and deprive the poor of justice in the courts." (Amos 5:10-12, NLT)
Disciple does your Christianity only focus on impeccable morality and things like going to church or paying your tithes? Those are good choices when they are an expression of our love for God. But Jesus reminds that there is a second great commandment, too. It is "love your neighbor as yourself!"
Here's a word from the Word. It’s the rest of the Gospel. "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence." (1 John 3:16-19, NIV)
Let’s live our faith in both dimensions – with God-ward devotion and with deep concern for the way that the people around us live.
______________________
Jesus You have called us
Freely we've received
Now freely we will give
We must go
Live to feed the hungry
Stand beside the broken
We must go
Stepping forward
Keep us from just singing
Move us into action
We must go
God of justice Saviour to all
Came to rescue the weak and the poor
Chose to serve and not be served
To act justly every day
Loving mercy in every way
Walking humbly before You God
You have shown us what You require
Freely we've received
Now freely we will give
Fill us up and send us out
Fill us up and send us out
Fill us up and send us out Lord
God of Justice
© 2004 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Tim Hughes
CCLI License No. 810055
God saves us today from our sins, not just in eternity. The message entrusted to the disciples was about the coming of God’s Kingdom, now. Jesus reminds us of our worth to the Omnipotent God of the Universe this way: "What's the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do. He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail-even numbering the hairs on your head!" (Matthew 10:29-30, The Message) Isn't that mind-boggling?
God loves you and me specifically, not generally! He cares about the ‘stuff’ of our lives. We are to be like Him. We are called to love not just with sweeping rhetoric but with concern for all – the lovely and the unlovely. Recently I have been reading in the Minor Prophets. It is of note that often God expressed His disapproval of His people, not just for the 'biggie' sins like worshipping false gods or gross sexual immorality; but for their disregard of the poor, their oppression of the weak, depriving the 'little guys' of justice in the courts. Take a look at this passage from Amos. "You trample the poor and steal what little they have through taxes and unfair rent. Therefore, you will never live in the beautiful stone houses you are building. You will never drink wine from the lush vineyards you are planting. For I know the vast number of your sins and rebellions. You oppress good people by taking bribes and deprive the poor of justice in the courts." (Amos 5:10-12, NLT)
Disciple does your Christianity only focus on impeccable morality and things like going to church or paying your tithes? Those are good choices when they are an expression of our love for God. But Jesus reminds that there is a second great commandment, too. It is "love your neighbor as yourself!"
Here's a word from the Word. It’s the rest of the Gospel. "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence." (1 John 3:16-19, NIV)
Let’s live our faith in both dimensions – with God-ward devotion and with deep concern for the way that the people around us live.
______________________
Jesus You have called us
Freely we've received
Now freely we will give
We must go
Live to feed the hungry
Stand beside the broken
We must go
Stepping forward
Keep us from just singing
Move us into action
We must go
God of justice Saviour to all
Came to rescue the weak and the poor
Chose to serve and not be served
To act justly every day
Loving mercy in every way
Walking humbly before You God
You have shown us what You require
Freely we've received
Now freely we will give
Fill us up and send us out
Fill us up and send us out
Fill us up and send us out Lord
God of Justice
© 2004 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Tim Hughes
CCLI License No. 810055
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
O.D.D. - or strong-willed in need of correction?
There is a new explanation for why some of us are stubborn, have temper tantrums, resist direction, and bully others. It’s called ODD – Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Psychologists estimate that about 20% of us have this problem and that it shows up generally around 2 or 3 years of age. If you think I am joking, go ahead and Google it! What once was treated with firm discipline is now treated with medication “to help ease the tension introduced into the family unit and/or classroom” by those who have this diagnosis. I am not a psychologist but I wonder if what is now labeled as a disorder is the same thing we used to call being ‘strong-willed?’ Why do we medicate a child instead of persevering with the hard work of providing consistent, firm training?
Frequently I experience moments when a part of me wants to say, “no” to my Heavenly Father. The temptation to be selfish, to indulge myself, to be lazy, to say or do something cruel shows up in my mind. Do you think I might have spiritual ODD? Now, I am joking! What I have is a sinful nature that responds to the world systems, to the cravings of my body, and even to the seduction of the Devil! My earthly father took steps to point me in the right direction and to curb my impulses to do wrong unafraid of warping my personality with the application of discipline, even punishment! My Heavenly Father likewise acts to transform my character, though not always in ways that I find pleasant. Though many reject the this truth, the Bible even tells us that He will punish those who do wrong with the goal of making us like Jesus. The Bible reminds us that "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." (Hebrews 12:9-12, The Message)
Discipline seems to be a dirty word in America today. Some parents are nearly incapable of saying no to their children, conducting endless negotiations with toddlers instead providing firm, fair guidance. Might this reflect a lack of discipline in their own lives? Many of us resist direction from our boss, refuse responsibility at home, and argue with God’s commands – in the firm but foolish conviction that ultimate happiness is found in unfettered self-expression. “Me-ism” is rampant and is perhaps the most destructive idea in our culture.
Are you resisting the Lord today, disciple?
Are the “world, the flesh, and the Devil” working to seduce you with their lies about the joy found in doing your own thing?
The Scripture speaks of ‘the pleasures of sin for a season.’ (Hebrews 11:25) Rebellion feels great, for a while, but gradually the rebel cuts himself off from others who tire of the superficiality of his indulgences. The wise child of God responds to His correction and he then enjoys "a harvest of righteousness and peace." (Hebrews 12:11, NIV) My wife, a teacher of first-graders, drills a concept into the children in her classroom that says, “Obedience equals fun!” When they learn that she is the one in charge of the room they get their work finished and are able to take real joy in their accomplishments as well as experience more freedom of choice that grows out of their developing self-discipline. Bev’s first grade maxim is a good one for all God’s children- “Obedience equals fun!” Are you ready to submit to Him and live?
________________
When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will
Trust and obey.
But we never can prove
The delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows
And the joy He bestows
Are for them who will
Trust and obey.
Trust and obey,
For there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.
Trust And Obey
Sammis, Rev. John H. / Towner, Daniel B.
© Public Domain
Frequently I experience moments when a part of me wants to say, “no” to my Heavenly Father. The temptation to be selfish, to indulge myself, to be lazy, to say or do something cruel shows up in my mind. Do you think I might have spiritual ODD? Now, I am joking! What I have is a sinful nature that responds to the world systems, to the cravings of my body, and even to the seduction of the Devil! My earthly father took steps to point me in the right direction and to curb my impulses to do wrong unafraid of warping my personality with the application of discipline, even punishment! My Heavenly Father likewise acts to transform my character, though not always in ways that I find pleasant. Though many reject the this truth, the Bible even tells us that He will punish those who do wrong with the goal of making us like Jesus. The Bible reminds us that "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." (Hebrews 12:9-12, The Message)
Discipline seems to be a dirty word in America today. Some parents are nearly incapable of saying no to their children, conducting endless negotiations with toddlers instead providing firm, fair guidance. Might this reflect a lack of discipline in their own lives? Many of us resist direction from our boss, refuse responsibility at home, and argue with God’s commands – in the firm but foolish conviction that ultimate happiness is found in unfettered self-expression. “Me-ism” is rampant and is perhaps the most destructive idea in our culture.
Are you resisting the Lord today, disciple?
Are the “world, the flesh, and the Devil” working to seduce you with their lies about the joy found in doing your own thing?
The Scripture speaks of ‘the pleasures of sin for a season.’ (Hebrews 11:25) Rebellion feels great, for a while, but gradually the rebel cuts himself off from others who tire of the superficiality of his indulgences. The wise child of God responds to His correction and he then enjoys "a harvest of righteousness and peace." (Hebrews 12:11, NIV) My wife, a teacher of first-graders, drills a concept into the children in her classroom that says, “Obedience equals fun!” When they learn that she is the one in charge of the room they get their work finished and are able to take real joy in their accomplishments as well as experience more freedom of choice that grows out of their developing self-discipline. Bev’s first grade maxim is a good one for all God’s children- “Obedience equals fun!” Are you ready to submit to Him and live?
________________
When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will
Trust and obey.
But we never can prove
The delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows
And the joy He bestows
Are for them who will
Trust and obey.
Trust and obey,
For there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.
Trust And Obey
Sammis, Rev. John H. / Towner, Daniel B.
© Public Domain
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Can we be a Blessed Nation? Here's how!
In about an hour, I will visit my polling station and cast my votes in this Fall election along with millions of other Americans today. In that simple act, I help to make the laws under which we live. This election is so burdened with hope for change, isn’t it? We’re fed up with policies that serve special interest groups, done with politicians who seem to have forgotten who they represent. Many think that prosperity will return with transfer of power to a new party. I can say with assurance, Republicans and Tea Party activists are not America’s messiah! That is not an argument for the status quo. It is a recognition that America’s greater bankruptcy is spiritual!
Proudly we claim to be ‘one nation under God’ but we are not. God is not the center of life for the average American and despite our civic religion, He is not visible in our national policies. Let me ask you – how central to your life is He? Will the choices you make today, even the most mundane ones, be shaped by a desire to know and do the will of the Lord? Will Jesus’ prime commands: “Love God with all your being and love your neighbor as yourself” be the guides for what you think and do? Is Christ really “Lord of all”? If we cannot or will not live individually as people who walk humbly before God, how can we think that our nation will be godly?
America is a nation where cities are full of filthiness, where people are possessed by selfishness, whose systems are corrupt with injustice, whose policies exploit the poor and oppress the weak in this world. As you reflect on this disciple, can I ask that you go beyond the issues of gay rights or abortion on demand? It’s so easy to forget our own sins of greed and discrimination if we focus only on ‘them,’ whoever they are.
An oft-quoted passage of Scripture, a word of the Lord given to Solomon as he prayed for the nation of Israel, could not be more clear about the way to becoming a blessed nation. "If I ever shut off the supply of rain from the skies or order the locusts to eat the crops or send a plague on my people, and my people, my God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I’ll be there ready for you: I’ll listen from heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health." (2 Chronicles 7:13-14, The Message) The way to blessings is humility, knowing that there is one God, and neither I nor you are Him!
So, I will vote today but my hope for tomorrow will be grounded in my prayer- first a prayer of humble repentance for myself, then a prayer for my nation. This CoffeeBreak is not the most eloquent I have written. It is a headline of the anguish I feel for my country. These words are choked out today from a heart that broken. I am hungry for spiritual renewal. Lord, let it begin with me!
_____________
You're the God of this city
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You are
You're the light in this darkness
You're the hope to the hopeless
You're the peace to the restless
You are
There is no one like our God
There is no one like You God
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things have still to be done
In this city
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things have still to be done here
You're the Lord of creation
The Creator of all things
You're the King above all kings
You are
You're the strength in the weakness
You're the love to the broken
You're the joy in the sadness
You are
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things have still to be done
In this city
Where glory shines from hearts alive
With praise for You and love for You
In this city
Great things have yet to come
And greater things have still to be done
In this city
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things have still to be done here
There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
There is no one like You God
There is no one like You God
God of This City
© 2006 worshiptogether.com songs
sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
(Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Aaron Boyd
Andrew McCann
Ian Jordan
Peter Comfort
Peter Kernaghan
Richard Bleakley
CCLI License No. 810055
Proudly we claim to be ‘one nation under God’ but we are not. God is not the center of life for the average American and despite our civic religion, He is not visible in our national policies. Let me ask you – how central to your life is He? Will the choices you make today, even the most mundane ones, be shaped by a desire to know and do the will of the Lord? Will Jesus’ prime commands: “Love God with all your being and love your neighbor as yourself” be the guides for what you think and do? Is Christ really “Lord of all”? If we cannot or will not live individually as people who walk humbly before God, how can we think that our nation will be godly?
America is a nation where cities are full of filthiness, where people are possessed by selfishness, whose systems are corrupt with injustice, whose policies exploit the poor and oppress the weak in this world. As you reflect on this disciple, can I ask that you go beyond the issues of gay rights or abortion on demand? It’s so easy to forget our own sins of greed and discrimination if we focus only on ‘them,’ whoever they are.
An oft-quoted passage of Scripture, a word of the Lord given to Solomon as he prayed for the nation of Israel, could not be more clear about the way to becoming a blessed nation. "If I ever shut off the supply of rain from the skies or order the locusts to eat the crops or send a plague on my people, and my people, my God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I’ll be there ready for you: I’ll listen from heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health." (2 Chronicles 7:13-14, The Message) The way to blessings is humility, knowing that there is one God, and neither I nor you are Him!
So, I will vote today but my hope for tomorrow will be grounded in my prayer- first a prayer of humble repentance for myself, then a prayer for my nation. This CoffeeBreak is not the most eloquent I have written. It is a headline of the anguish I feel for my country. These words are choked out today from a heart that broken. I am hungry for spiritual renewal. Lord, let it begin with me!
_____________
You're the God of this city
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You are
You're the light in this darkness
You're the hope to the hopeless
You're the peace to the restless
You are
There is no one like our God
There is no one like You God
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things have still to be done
In this city
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things have still to be done here
You're the Lord of creation
The Creator of all things
You're the King above all kings
You are
You're the strength in the weakness
You're the love to the broken
You're the joy in the sadness
You are
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things have still to be done
In this city
Where glory shines from hearts alive
With praise for You and love for You
In this city
Great things have yet to come
And greater things have still to be done
In this city
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things have still to be done here
There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
There is no one like You God
There is no one like You God
God of This City
© 2006 worshiptogether.com songs
sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
(Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Aaron Boyd
Andrew McCann
Ian Jordan
Peter Comfort
Peter Kernaghan
Richard Bleakley
CCLI License No. 810055
Monday, November 01, 2010
He’s still there!
Ever played peek-a-boo with an infant? A 3 month old will show some delight each time he sees your face after you pull your hands away from in front of it. Around 6 months, that delight starts to fade because his brain develops something called ‘object permanence.’ He starts to understand that things exist even though he cannot see them. Before that, when your face disappears into your hands, you ‘go away’ in his understanding. When your face reappears, it’s as though you have returned to him, which produces that response of surprise and/or joy.
The Bible urges us to grow up. Paul chides the Corinthian Christian for their prolonged spiritual infancy. "I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready." (1 Corinthians 3:1-2, NIV) One of the ways we demonstrate immaturity is by falling into despair when we cannot see the face of Jesus! For reasons too numerous to list, there are seasons in life when it seems that He has left us alone. Our prayers lack passion. Our worship produces no joy. Troubles and trials surround us. What then?
Will we wail like a baby or will we stay steady? Will we despair, noisily complaining to anyone within earshot that God has forsaken us? Maturity leads us trust what He has said – "Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6, NLT) Just like a baby learns that Mommy is still around even if he cannot see her, faith teaches us that God is always there. It may be that our disobedience has brought distance from Him. It may fatigue that causes us to feel alone. It may be that He is allowing us to walk through a testing time. Though we cannot see His face, He has not left us alone.
Every follower of Christ goes through what St. John of the Cross (a 16th century Spanish priest and poet) called ‘the dark night of the soul.’ Even Jesus, as He felt the weight of our sins while He was dying on the Cross, cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?” Such times of intense doubt or fear are difficult and unpleasant. We need not pretend to enjoy them, but we must persevere; waiting out the circumstances, letting faith inform our daily choices even when our senses scream for soothing and temptation rises on every side.
Here’s a word from the Word - "We live by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7, NIV) He is there. Trust and obey!
________________
Often you've wondered why
Tears come into your eyes,
And burdens seem to be
Much more than you can stand.
But God is standing near
He sees your falling tears.
Tears are a language God understands.
God sees the tears
Of a broken hearted soul.
He sees your tears
And hears them when they fall.
God weeps along with man
And takes Him by the hand,
Tears are a language
God understands.
When grief has left you low
It causes tears to flow,
Things have not turned out
The way that you had planned,
But God won't forget you,
His promises are true,
Tears are a language God understands.
Tears Are A Language
Jensen, Gordon
© 1971 Jensen Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc., 741 Coolsprings Blvd., Franklin TN 37067)
CCLI License No. 810055
The Bible urges us to grow up. Paul chides the Corinthian Christian for their prolonged spiritual infancy. "I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready." (1 Corinthians 3:1-2, NIV) One of the ways we demonstrate immaturity is by falling into despair when we cannot see the face of Jesus! For reasons too numerous to list, there are seasons in life when it seems that He has left us alone. Our prayers lack passion. Our worship produces no joy. Troubles and trials surround us. What then?
Will we wail like a baby or will we stay steady? Will we despair, noisily complaining to anyone within earshot that God has forsaken us? Maturity leads us trust what He has said – "Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6, NLT) Just like a baby learns that Mommy is still around even if he cannot see her, faith teaches us that God is always there. It may be that our disobedience has brought distance from Him. It may fatigue that causes us to feel alone. It may be that He is allowing us to walk through a testing time. Though we cannot see His face, He has not left us alone.
Every follower of Christ goes through what St. John of the Cross (a 16th century Spanish priest and poet) called ‘the dark night of the soul.’ Even Jesus, as He felt the weight of our sins while He was dying on the Cross, cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?” Such times of intense doubt or fear are difficult and unpleasant. We need not pretend to enjoy them, but we must persevere; waiting out the circumstances, letting faith inform our daily choices even when our senses scream for soothing and temptation rises on every side.
Here’s a word from the Word - "We live by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7, NIV) He is there. Trust and obey!
________________
Often you've wondered why
Tears come into your eyes,
And burdens seem to be
Much more than you can stand.
But God is standing near
He sees your falling tears.
Tears are a language God understands.
God sees the tears
Of a broken hearted soul.
He sees your tears
And hears them when they fall.
God weeps along with man
And takes Him by the hand,
Tears are a language
God understands.
When grief has left you low
It causes tears to flow,
Things have not turned out
The way that you had planned,
But God won't forget you,
His promises are true,
Tears are a language God understands.
Tears Are A Language
Jensen, Gordon
© 1971 Jensen Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc., 741 Coolsprings Blvd., Franklin TN 37067)
CCLI License No. 810055
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