Just a cloud of dust

Some create quite a cloud of dust around themselves. They appear as a blur as they rush past!  They take on a new project, start another ministry, try a new experience, chase a new friendship. When you blow away the dust you don't find much substance. They're busy, but for what?  Others appear to be move effortlessly through life. They sound no trumpets, make few headlines, but they create beauty, build lasting relationship, and often only much later; people realize what a blessing they are. Something is happening that is out of sight, under the surface, that makes them truly effective. They have the edge of effectiveness.

Are you keeping that edge that is necessary for effectiveness? The Bible reminds us - "Since a dull ax requires great strength, sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed." (Ecclesiastes 10:10, NLT) Are you putting in long hours, sweating and toiling, but not really getting much accomplished?  Perhaps you’re focused more on activity than effectiveness.

Stephen Covey, author and coach, reminds us that we need renewal in four dimensions: the physical, the spiritual, the mental, and the social.

We need to take care of these physical bodies that serve as our earthly houses. The decline of strength with age is inevitable, but too often we hasten the process by foolishly ignoring the simplest tasks of maintenance. Many of us take better care of our cars than ourselves! God has made our bodies so wonderfully, with amazing recuperative powers. Monitor your diet, weight, exercise patterns, and rest if you want to stay effective.

The spiritual part of us is the core of our being! Yet, many push 'soul maintenance' to a place low on their list of priorities. Obvious choices keep a keen spiritual edge in us: regularly worshipping with others, practicing spiritual disciplines of prayer and Scripture intake, and serving God and others regularly. Then, there are the less obvious choices that are critically important. Are you quick to forgive?  Refuse to drag around resentment and/or bitterness because nothing saps spiritual vitality from a person like simmering resentment and a bitter heart. Jesus urges us to forgive quickly, because He knows it is our choice to do so and that we need to do it.  The Bible says that God's love when accepted deeply, inevitably causes us to love others. "First we were loved, now we love. God loved us first." (1 John 4:19, The Message)

A mind is an amazing thing. From the mysteries of our brains flow creativity, artistry, problem-solving, - all the creative gifts of God. A mind terrible thing to waste, but it happens so easily. Read books! Listen to good music. Spend some time in conversation about something other than the weather. Learn something new, just for the joy of knowing.

Some are more blessed than others with natural abilities to 'connect' with people around themselves. But, all of us can learn to build relationships, if we realize the importance of them. In a strange paradox, we are the most 'connected' society on earth in all of recorded history yet most of us don't know even our next door neighbors. We live in little cocoons, inside our homes, with media as our company. Constantly tending to the real living connections to people around us, especially those key people whose gifts complement ours, brings maximum effectiveness for God.

All this isn't a new revelation, is it? It's really common sense. It is the middle of this Summer when it's more easy to lose the edge, to slip into apathy, indolence, or empty pleasure.  My prayer is that God will stir you up. Spend a few moments setting some goals. Make them specific. Share them with somebody, maybe even posting your list on the frig for your family, so they can help you stay on task. Pray that God, the Holy Spirit, will give you insight, too. Ask Him to restore the edge so you won't just be working hard, but also working effectively.

Here’s a word from the Word:

"Live wisely . . ., and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective ..." (Colossians 4:5-6, NLT)

Two cheeseburgers, still hungry!

I’m a man of simple tastes in food. A cheeseburger and fries pleases my palate. However, when I eat high fat, sugary, or salty foods, I find that I consume far more calories to find satisfaction. But, when I sit down to a great mesclun salad with the complex mixed flavors of arugula, leafy lettuce, and spinach followed up by a meal of carefully seasoned meat, I eat much less while being more deeply satisfied. If my  own experience is any guide, perhaps the reason we’re becoming a ‘fat’ nation is because we are primarily living on ‘fast’ food that leaves us feeling hungry long after we should be full.

One of the reasons many Christians spend so much time chasing satisfaction in  entertainment, sex, TV, and endless diversions is because their souls are empty. Many live on a spiritual diet of ‘fast’ food; pre-digested devotional material, 2 minute prayers, and once a week worship.  They avoid the complexities of spiritual disciplines such as meditation, silence, or fasting because they are hard, or just feel unfamiliar. Their relationship with the Lord is primarily based in emotion and rather than seek Him, they reach for a quick lift of inspiration. Their spirit, however, remains hungry for the Presence of the Living God.

We are made to know God and to be filled by His Spirit. If we do not pursue Him, either because of rebellion or ignorance, we will look for something or someone to fill up our soul! Curiously, when we find ourselves stressed by temptation, pressed to our limits by life’s trials, we will feel the pull of ‘the flesh.’  How easily our soul hunger can become confused with our sensual desires. An extra-marital affair we thought we would never even consider becomes so tempting when our future is clouded with uncertainty. Many of us pack on an extra 10 pounds of weight when we are transitioning through a major life change, simply because we try to find soul soothing in too many bowls of ice cream.

The Lord asks us a question and follows with a promise: "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare." (Isaiah 55:2, NIV)   Mature disciples know in Whom they find lasting satisfaction. With the Psalmist they say, "I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night." (Psalm 63:4-6, NLT)

The Scripture teaches us to seek Him and His ways. Spend yourself to help the needy. Replace accusing words with encouragement. Become a person committed to justice, full of forgiveness, intimate with the Lord. Here’s what He promises about filling you up: "The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." (Isaiah 58:11, NIV)  

Jesus says: “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." (Matthew 6:31-33, NLT)  That sounds like real soul satisfaction to me.

_______________

All my lifelong I had panted,

For a draught from some cool spring

That I hoped would quench the burning

Of the thirst I felt within.

Feeding on the husks around me

Till my strength was almost gone,

Longed my soul for something better,

Only still to hunger on.

Well of water, ever springing,

Bread of life, so rich and free,

Untold wealth that never faileth,

My Redeemer is to me.

Hallelujah! I have found Him

Whom my soul so long has craved!

Jesus satisfies my longings;

Thro' His blood I now am saved.

Satisfied

Williams, Clara Teare / Hudson, Ralph E.

© Public Domain

The sin that grips pastors, princes, presidents, and peons

 

It’s the ‘acceptable’ sin, hard to see in ourselves, hiding behind so many good things, corrupting the best things. It convinces me that I must work longer or harder not to serve my purpose but rather to prove my worth. It congratulates me when I do something noble and then beats me up when I don’t meet the measure of success, when a project fails to produce the desired objective. It causes me to compare myself to others, envying some, treating others with disdain. Cruel words spring from its inspiration, harsh criticism of those knocked down by sin’s deceptions grow from it. It blinds me to my own foibles but gives me the eye of an eagle to see the stains on another’s character. The appeal to Eve in the Garden was built around it. Solomon was deceived by it. It is equally at home in a palace and a pigsty.

This sin, according to Isaiah, was in the heart of the most noble angel and caused his banishment from the Presence of God. “How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’ Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths. Everyone there will stare at you and ask, ‘Can this be the one who shook the earth and made the kingdoms of the world tremble?" (Isaiah 14:12-16, NLT)

Yes, that of which I write is the ancient sin: pride. More Christians shipwreck on the rocky shores of pride than because of lust, greed, laziness, and apathy combined!  We admire the person who learns to wrap pride in hard charging ambition, perfectionism that produces many good works, or even noble humanitarian work.  Yet, the wisdom of the Scripture warns that "Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor." (Proverbs 18:12, NIV) James teaches that the gateway to greater grace is found in humility. "God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.” So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper." (James 4:7, The Message)

There is but one antidote to the poison of pride.  We do not find humility in the fountain of greater work, nor is it gained in vain attempts at putting ourselves down. Even the choice to take second place or to do that which is of low esteem can feed pride’s ravenous appetite. Only true worship: kneeling and waiting before the Lord, allows the Spirit to break the hold of this acceptable sin. When the Spirit whispers a warning to our heart about a proud attitude, when need to find a quiet retreat. When we find ourselves looking desperately for affirmation, craving a word of praise, we know that we are but a step from pride and it is time to find a place with the Lord where He renews our joy in serving for His honor.

Our model is Christ Jesus of Whom the Scripture says, "Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names." (Philippians 2:4-9, NLT)

Kneel before you stand.
Listen before you speak.
Wait in worship before you charge off to war.

Take this word from the Word and let it preserve you from this more subtle sin.

"First pride, then the crash—
the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.
It’s better to live humbly among the poor
than to live it up among the rich and famous."  (Proverbs 16:18-19, The Message)

____________

It's our confession, Lord,

That we are weak,

So very weak, but You are strong.

And though we've nothing, Lord,

To lay at Your feet,

We come to Your feet and say,

"Help us along".

A broken heart and a contrite spirit

You have yet to deny.

Your heart of mercy

Beats with love's strong current,

Let the river flow

By Your Spirit now, Lord we cry,

"Let Your mercies fall from heaven,

Sweet mercies flow from heaven,

New mercies for today,

(Oh) Shower them down Lord,

As we pray."

Sweet Mercies

Ruis, David

© 1995 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music Services)

CCLI License No. 810055

“Me” church

George says he is a Boy Scout. After a dozen years, he claims to have advanced to the level of an Eagle Scout. He sometimes puts on a scouting uniform, has reads the scout manuals, and he does do many things that Scouts do; service to community, citizenship in his country, and personal fitness. He’s even given himself scouting medals and awards. But, he’s never been to a Scout meeting or on a Scouting camp-out though there are several scout groups near where he lives.  Is George a Boy Scout?

“I don’t need a local church to be a Christian” is something I hear even from people I know to be sincere in their desire to please God. Many offer stories of churches that were shallow in faith, hungry for money, or hypocritical as the reason they abandoned the local church. Others say they found pastors boring or out of touch. Some point to unfriendly people. A few, more honest than the rest, admit to liking having Sunday free to do their own thing after a busy work week, preferring sleeping in to Scripture study, or a leisurely breakfast to worship. And, it is sometimes said, “I can be a better Christian without a church than I could be in the church.”  If that is true, then find a better church, don’t abandon the Bible’s plan for spiritual development.

Truth is, the Bible does not offer a solo spiritual experience as an option to a person who is serious about being a disciple of Christ. Those who would know and serve Him in the most effective and mature way are expected to be ‘in the Body.’  When I say, ‘church’ I am not referring to a building, but a group of people, called by God’s Spirit. They are united in shared love for Christ, learning and doing the Scripture’s teaching,  using their spiritual gifts to serve Christ’s purposes, and encouraging one another to a holy life. It can be a group of thousands or of a dozen. It can meet in a living room or a cathedral. They must recognize their mutual commitment and their part in the larger Body of Christ.

A person who refuses to deeply connect with a local church puts his own spiritual maturity on hold, risks sliding into spiritual apathy, will never be as effective in service, and walks in disobedience to the Lord’s clear teaching.  This is not based on a few select verses in the New Testament. All of the Christian life is described in plural terms.  We are called into ‘the body.’  We are urged not ‘forsake the assembly.’ We are told to ‘love each other deeply.’  Being ‘churched’ is part of being a disciple, critically important to growing deep in the Lord.

Americans love independence. The 11^th commandment for many of us is ‘Thou shalt not tell me to do anything unless I feel it is in my best interest.’ That streak of independence often blinds us to the value of that which God deeply loves; His Church. How much does He love Her? "Christ gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault." (Ephesians 5:25-27, NLT)

If you think that ‘church’ is unimportant to your discipleship, read the 4^th chapter of Ephesians carefully and ask yourself – does this make any sense without connection, real and meaningful, with other followers of Christ Jesus? 

Here’s a word from that chapter. Let it be your Word today. "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." (Ephesians 4:1, NIV)  "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." (Ephesians 4:11-16, NIV)