It’s been quite a year, hasn’t it? The uncertainty that grips America only grows, it seems to me. The election in November indicated the fear that runs deep among us. In 2008, the mantra that drove a political earthquake was ‘change.’ Two years later, the people abruptly reversed course. Nobody is predicting good times for us any time soon. A decade of war has not produced any kind of security. If anything, the rumbling of the war machines has increased in volume.
Here on the edge of a brand new year, I want to take you to a promise that is a prescription for peace, a reminder for those who love God that He is greater than economic cycles, than men of evil intentions, than disease, than famine and drought. We can choose to live peacefully even in troubled times. No, we are NOT detached from this life, escaping to some retreat in the mountains or hiding in front of our television from the real world. We do not find our peace in denying what is going on around us or even in us. Our serenity comes from faith that is anchored in the eternal love of our Father.
The prince of prophets, Isaiah, who saw the Kingdom of God, who was moved by the Holy Spirit, gives us a word for a New Year.
"Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you. …
Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. …
And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor will any ferocious beast get up on it; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and the ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away." (Isaiah 35:3,5 8-10, NIV)
Here’s what I hold onto from that passage:
God comes to those who love Him.
God restores and renews.
God makes a Way, secure and blessed, for us to go Home!
That, disciple, is the road to peace.
Are you walking the highway of Holiness?
If so, then trust and be at peace.
If not, then take the on ramp through Christ and set your course for Zion, our eternal home!
_______________
Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
Through this world
Of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord,
None but Thee.
When my feeble life is o'er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o'er,
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.
© Public Domain
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Dead or Alive?
He is a walking dead man. Truth is nothing to him, lying a way of life. He is a parasite who used people simply to survive. He craves acceptance but lives so self-centeredly that others turn away. He is an illustration of the Scripture: "For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die...” and that death does not wait until they put a corpse in the ground! Here’s the rest of the story; … "but, if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." (Romans 8:13-14, NIV) What joy to know that because of the transforming power of the Gospel of Christ, we who were once the walking dead, can be made alive, and not just survivors, but actually turned into noble people who are lovely and beautiful- children of God!
We are mistaken if we think knowing Christ and His salvation is only for Heaven. When we experience His grace and begin to live ‘in Him;’ informed by His Word, empowered by His Spirit, and part of His Community, the Church; we are changed. The Scripture trumpets the wonder of it all - "Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him." (2 Corinthians 3:18, The Message)
Mere religion cannot accomplish this. Baptism and church membership cannot do what the Spirit does when He is invited into our hearts. There are many, many people who call themselves “Christian” who remain mean and miserable. How so? Perhaps by some effort they have curbed the grosser sins of human nature, but essentially they still the walking dead. When pressed, their true Self asserts control and, like a threatened dog, they snarl and snap to protect themselves. But, then there are those who have been converted, who are full of the Spirit. Because their very nature has been changed, they are full of light and love.
What is true of you?
Are you a walking dead man or a son of God?
It’s not a rhetorical question. It demands an answer, especially if you claim to be a follower of Christ. Look at the way you live. What is revealed about the true nature, the core person?
Here’s a word from the Word. Let the Spirit speak to you through it today and be converted – from death to life. "Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.
But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God." (Romans 8:5-11, NLT)
_______________
I was sinking deep in sin,
Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within,
Sinking to rise no more.
But the Master of the sea
Heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me;
Now safe am I.
All my heart to Him I give;
Ever to Him I'll cling,
In His blessed presence live,
Ever His praises sing.
Love so mighty and so true
Merits my soul's best songs;
Faithful, loving service, too,
To Him belongs.
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
Love lifted me.
Souls in danger, look above;
Jesus completely saves.
He will lift you by His love
Out of the angry waves.
He's the Master of the sea,
Billows His will obey.
He your Savior wants to be,
Be saved today.
Love Lifted Me
Rowe, James / Smith, Howard E.
© Public Domain
We are mistaken if we think knowing Christ and His salvation is only for Heaven. When we experience His grace and begin to live ‘in Him;’ informed by His Word, empowered by His Spirit, and part of His Community, the Church; we are changed. The Scripture trumpets the wonder of it all - "Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him." (2 Corinthians 3:18, The Message)
Mere religion cannot accomplish this. Baptism and church membership cannot do what the Spirit does when He is invited into our hearts. There are many, many people who call themselves “Christian” who remain mean and miserable. How so? Perhaps by some effort they have curbed the grosser sins of human nature, but essentially they still the walking dead. When pressed, their true Self asserts control and, like a threatened dog, they snarl and snap to protect themselves. But, then there are those who have been converted, who are full of the Spirit. Because their very nature has been changed, they are full of light and love.
What is true of you?
Are you a walking dead man or a son of God?
It’s not a rhetorical question. It demands an answer, especially if you claim to be a follower of Christ. Look at the way you live. What is revealed about the true nature, the core person?
Here’s a word from the Word. Let the Spirit speak to you through it today and be converted – from death to life. "Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.
But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God." (Romans 8:5-11, NLT)
_______________
I was sinking deep in sin,
Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within,
Sinking to rise no more.
But the Master of the sea
Heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me;
Now safe am I.
All my heart to Him I give;
Ever to Him I'll cling,
In His blessed presence live,
Ever His praises sing.
Love so mighty and so true
Merits my soul's best songs;
Faithful, loving service, too,
To Him belongs.
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
Love lifted me.
Souls in danger, look above;
Jesus completely saves.
He will lift you by His love
Out of the angry waves.
He's the Master of the sea,
Billows His will obey.
He your Savior wants to be,
Be saved today.
Love Lifted Me
Rowe, James / Smith, Howard E.
© Public Domain
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Crosswinds and Course Corrections
One sunny afternoon, when I was a student pilot, I set off on a solo flight to an airport 140 miles due west. About a half hour into my flight, a check on maps revealed a disparity between where I thought I was and where I actually was located! In a few moments, I established that I was far from the course that I had planned to fly. My airplane was pointed in the right direction, but because I was a novice, I did not correct for the cross winds that were blowing me far south of my true course. If I had kept my flight charts open and checked them, the need to adjust my course would have been obvious early on.
It is possible to think you're making great progress while traveling in the wrong direction! At this year's end, we have the opportunity to check our progress in life. We need to ask ourselves some hard questions, make certain that we are 'on course.'
Think that your life is going in the right direction because you're feeling good, having fun, and are self-satisfied? You need a better compass than that!
Nothing compares to the wisdom of the Scripture, the counsel of mature Believers, the guidance of the Spirit, and the practice of regular corporate worship for keeping our lives headed for Heaven, on course with the Lord’s plans. More than just doing 'good' things, a disciple is called to live in the purposes of God. Rick Warren coined the phrase, the "purpose driven life." Instead of letting life happen to us, reacting to situations that develop around us as we drift from day to day, that we learn what God desires of us, set our course, and fulfill His plans. Through the preacher Jeremiah God told His people who had let themselves fall far from their holy calling that He had not forgotten or forsaken them. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV)
In order to find those plans and that promised destiny, we must commit ourselves to obedience and regular course corrections, asking:
"Am I making the choices God wants me to make or following my own desires?
Am I consistently doing what is right or taking the easy way of expedience?
Am I intentionally growing in character or drifting with the crowd and the current?"
The dawning of a New Year is good time for a course correction. Spend some time prayerfully about your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of those choices you're making that need to be brought into line with the purposes of God. The Bible offers this sobering thought: "We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. … how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?" (Hebrews 2:3, NIV)
Are you tolerating a habit in your life that you know is not pleasing to Him, determine today to change course. Don't wait until you're far from the Way! And know this, too; everyone of us, even those who make good God-honoring decisions from day to day, deals with crosswinds. Temptations threaten to blow us off course. Illness, job loss, and internal stress – plus many other factors beyond our control - bring storms that can blow us far from our intended destination in life if we’re just drifting along. If we are guided by the Spirit, they will not take us from His purposes!
Here's a word from the Word. There is wonderful promise for those who are steady, eyes fixed on the Lord. Let these ancient words speak to you today.
It is possible to think you're making great progress while traveling in the wrong direction! At this year's end, we have the opportunity to check our progress in life. We need to ask ourselves some hard questions, make certain that we are 'on course.'
Think that your life is going in the right direction because you're feeling good, having fun, and are self-satisfied? You need a better compass than that!
Nothing compares to the wisdom of the Scripture, the counsel of mature Believers, the guidance of the Spirit, and the practice of regular corporate worship for keeping our lives headed for Heaven, on course with the Lord’s plans. More than just doing 'good' things, a disciple is called to live in the purposes of God. Rick Warren coined the phrase, the "purpose driven life." Instead of letting life happen to us, reacting to situations that develop around us as we drift from day to day, that we learn what God desires of us, set our course, and fulfill His plans. Through the preacher Jeremiah God told His people who had let themselves fall far from their holy calling that He had not forgotten or forsaken them. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV)
In order to find those plans and that promised destiny, we must commit ourselves to obedience and regular course corrections, asking:
"Am I making the choices God wants me to make or following my own desires?
Am I consistently doing what is right or taking the easy way of expedience?
Am I intentionally growing in character or drifting with the crowd and the current?"
The dawning of a New Year is good time for a course correction. Spend some time prayerfully about your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of those choices you're making that need to be brought into line with the purposes of God. The Bible offers this sobering thought: "We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. … how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?" (Hebrews 2:3, NIV)
Are you tolerating a habit in your life that you know is not pleasing to Him, determine today to change course. Don't wait until you're far from the Way! And know this, too; everyone of us, even those who make good God-honoring decisions from day to day, deals with crosswinds. Temptations threaten to blow us off course. Illness, job loss, and internal stress – plus many other factors beyond our control - bring storms that can blow us far from our intended destination in life if we’re just drifting along. If we are guided by the Spirit, they will not take us from His purposes!
Here's a word from the Word. There is wonderful promise for those who are steady, eyes fixed on the Lord. Let these ancient words speak to you today.
"You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him.
That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set.
_______________
Oh, lead me to the place
Where I can find You.
Oh, lead me to the place
Where You'll be.
Lead me to the cross
Where we first met,
Draw me to my knees
So we can talk.
Let me feel Your breath,
Let me know
You're here with me.
Oh Lead Me
Smith, Martin
© 1994 Curious? Music UK (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
CCLI License No. 810055
You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it.
Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set;
Then I’d never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel.
I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
I learn the pattern of your righteous ways. "
(Psalm 119:1-7, The Message)
_______________
Oh, lead me to the place
Where I can find You.
Oh, lead me to the place
Where You'll be.
Lead me to the cross
Where we first met,
Draw me to my knees
So we can talk.
Let me feel Your breath,
Let me know
You're here with me.
Oh Lead Me
Smith, Martin
© 1994 Curious? Music UK (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
CCLI License No. 810055
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Who’s looking? Who cares?
When it comes to way they dress, what they choose to eat and drink, or the kind of entertainment they seek - Christians often proclaim, “Well, I don’t care what anyone else thinks of me. I just try to please God.” I’ve said it, and probably so have you. While correct, it is not always the right choice. Taking into account how other people think about our faith is a part of our decision-making process that really does matter! We cannot be allow ourselves to become the slave of everybody’s opinions, or be content with merely looking good on the surface. But, we glorify God when we realize that how people see us practice our faith can invite them near to Him OR build walls that keep them from Him.
Paul took up a collection of money from the churches where he traveled that was designated to relieve the poverty of the Believers in Jerusalem. Note what he said about the importance of integrity. "We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men." (2 Corinthians 8:20-21, NIV) It’s an important consideration born of real love, not pride. Though we are free in Christ Jesus from religious regulation that others would lay on us as a condition of God’s acceptance, if we are loving people, we will not use our liberty in a way that distresses others.
On the other side of that coin, as we mature in Christ, we will stop throwing fits when another Christian acts in a way that violates our conscience. The realization that it is ultimately God that we both must please and to Whom we both will give account is a true mark of spiritual maturity. The same apostle who recognized his responsibility to act with open integrity also said "we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves." (Romans 14:7, NLT) "For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too." (Romans 14:17-19, NLT) The key in all of this is serving Christ with humility and serving others with love! Our love for community will cause us to voluntarily surrender our insistence on self-expression.
Here’s a word from the Word to chew on today. "We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.”" (Romans 15:1-3, NLT)
From The Message, it reads like this: "Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” That’s exactly what Jesus did. He didn’t make it easy for himself by avoiding people’s troubles, but waded right in and helped out. “I took on the troubles of the troubled,” is the way Scripture puts it." (Romans 15:1-3, The Message)
I am my brother’s keeper. Are you?
Paul took up a collection of money from the churches where he traveled that was designated to relieve the poverty of the Believers in Jerusalem. Note what he said about the importance of integrity. "We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men." (2 Corinthians 8:20-21, NIV) It’s an important consideration born of real love, not pride. Though we are free in Christ Jesus from religious regulation that others would lay on us as a condition of God’s acceptance, if we are loving people, we will not use our liberty in a way that distresses others.
On the other side of that coin, as we mature in Christ, we will stop throwing fits when another Christian acts in a way that violates our conscience. The realization that it is ultimately God that we both must please and to Whom we both will give account is a true mark of spiritual maturity. The same apostle who recognized his responsibility to act with open integrity also said "we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves." (Romans 14:7, NLT) "For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too." (Romans 14:17-19, NLT) The key in all of this is serving Christ with humility and serving others with love! Our love for community will cause us to voluntarily surrender our insistence on self-expression.
Here’s a word from the Word to chew on today. "We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.”" (Romans 15:1-3, NLT)
From The Message, it reads like this: "Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” That’s exactly what Jesus did. He didn’t make it easy for himself by avoiding people’s troubles, but waded right in and helped out. “I took on the troubles of the troubled,” is the way Scripture puts it." (Romans 15:1-3, The Message)
I am my brother’s keeper. Are you?
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