Dying of starvation in a land of plenty?

Hungry?

“I’m dying for something to eat,” I sometimes say to Bev. Really, I do not know a thing about  hunger.  Our cupboards are overflowing with abundance and my waistline gives evidence of that.  As I age, I am somewhat more aware of both the quality and quantity of my diet.  Last week, a gourmet chef prepared a meal of complex flavors from the best ingredients.  After dining at that table, I was deeply satisfied without feeling ‘stuffed!’  When I was a kid if offered me a plate of leafy greens including baby spinach, arugula, and various lettuces, garnished with nuts or seeds, and brushed with a balsamic dressing,  I would have pushed it aside as inedible.  No more!  I love the mixed flavors of a well-made salad! I have learned that cheeseburgers and macaroni are not good nutrition nor can they really satisfy my hunger. 

Are you spiritually malnourished, hungry for something you cannot describe, filled with longings you cannot satisfy?  God is calling you to a feast!  Moses spoke to God’s people telling them, "Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD." (Deuteronomy 8:2-4, NIV)

Our soul hunger will be satisfied by the table that is set by the Spirit of the Lord.  However, we can, and many do, temporarily eliminate our hunger by buying things, chasing excitement, or looking for some emotional high.   Let's be honest - given the choice between an exciting football game or a two-hour church service - most people would choose the football game.    Why?   Sad to say, what should offer us an encounter with the living God can be poorly prepared, like a bad dinner.   But assuming that there is a commitment to creating a quality worship experience that honors God, even then many choose football.  Why?   Because it is harder to appreciate the satisfaction of the hunger of our soul that can be found in listening to God, in opening our heart and mind to His Presence, and acting in obedience to His call.   It is much easier to find satisfaction, albeit temporary, in the hype and fun of the game!   I am not suggesting that a football game is bad, but man cannot live on football alone!  Jesus says the same, but simply- "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6, NIV)

Do you know what you’re hungering for, really? Solomon knew soul hunger and had the means to try everything on life’s plate in his pursuit of satisfaction.  After building great monuments, chasing women by the hundreds, bringing orchestras to entertain him, and feeding every sensual appetite, he cried in frustration, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!”   He was empty, his soul still hungry. His advice?  "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”—" (Ecclesiastes 12:1, NIV)

How are you trying to satisfy your soul's hunger?  Turn to God!  Receive Christ, and pursue His ways.   Invite the Holy Spirit whet your appetite for the Word and for worship (which by the way does not just happen in church buildings) so that you will eat and be satisfied.

Here's a word from the Word.  Read this line from Isaiah’s words thoughtfully:   "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 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. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live."  (Isaiah 55:1-3, NIV)   

________________

Satisfied

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

Hallelujah I have found Him

Whom my soul so long has craved

Jesus satisfies my longings

Thro' His blood I now am saved

Well of water ever springing

Bread of life so rich and free

Untold wealth that never faileth

My Redeemer is to me

Clara Tear Willims | Ralph E. Hudson

Public Domain  

Slipping into silliness?

The chaplain is a wonderful lady, filled with graciousness, but when she offered her prayer in the name of the “mystery in you and the mystery in me,” I just had to smile. In another public prayer, she gonged her way along attempting, I suppose, to find common ground with Buddhists. A well-known pastor made the claim this week that Mormons are a ‘little different’ but since they believed in Jesus they must be Christians. Both of these people are good at heart and are trying to reach out. But, they are slipping into silliness and making spirituality a joke by choosing to ignore real and major differences . I believe they are misguided and that their attempts at inclusion actually devalues relationships and dialogue.

While I respect a Mormon’s right to his belief system, I also understand that the God of his theology is not the God the Scripture, nor is the Jesus he follows the Jesus of orthodox, Scriptural Christianity. That is not an attack. By recognizing the difference, I affirm their idea of what is true without compromising my own convictions! I would strenuously engage in dialogue with any Mormon who cared to talk it over with me and then shake his hand in peace.

When I pray, I value my relationship to Jesus Christ as a Christian pastor. It’s not disrespectful to pray in His Name. Any who happens to disagree with me can just ignore my prayer or just not say “amen,” with me. I cool with that, but I will not water down my own faith in the matchless, wonderful Name, nor honestly, would I expect a person of differing, deeply held convictions, to do that for me. Somehow, we have come to a place where it’s expected that we hold ever so lightly to our convictions about what’s true, what’s false, what’s right, what’s wrong that we cannot talk about anything honestly. Honest speech is not the same as hate speech. If it is, then Jesus was a hateful man! He told the truth regularly.

He did warn us that holding onto the Truth would earn us the ire of those who dislike it. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me." (John 15:18-22, NIV)

Disciple, do not be deceived by the philosophy that says, “Your truth and my truth are actually the same at the root.” Not all roads lead to the same destination, not all ideas claimed to be ‘true’ produce the same result. Be discerning. Jesus teaches us to be “as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16) because we live like sheep in the middle of wolves. There is no need to argue with everyone with whom we disagree, nor do we need to be on the attack. Truth speaks for itself when we are Spirit-filled, loving people. But, when we are asked about what we believe, we need to be courageous about our convictions.  

Then, too, know that not all convictions rise to the same level. The Moravian motto is "In essentials, unity.  In non-essentials, liberty.  And in all things, love."  Arguing about things that have divided Christians into factions: methods of baptism, the time of Christ's return, the way we receive Holy Communion, and practices in worship; diminish Christ and His Church! The non-essential things do not determine whether we are a Christian.  Faith in Christ and the reception of the Spirit is what moves us from death to life.   The major issues require a rock-solid conviction: Christ: His life, suffering, death and resurrection.

Let’s avoid the silliness of modern tolerance and the argumentative spirit of dogma. The word from the Word makes a real demand of us: "Live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:1-3, NIV)

Impressing Daddy

Impressing Daddy

Selah, our grand-daughter, is just one year old, but she’s already tuned in on how to please her Daddy.  When she gets his eye, she dances for him, smiling at his words of praise. Though she cannot explain her actions, she is delighted by his approval, so she works on winning his affection.  It is a wonderful thing to see that love exchange, a daughter bringing delight to her Daddy who showers her with his love. The not-so-great fact is that in a few years she will, being an ordinary human being, try to manipulate her Dad by being cute while getting her own way!  But, once the teenage years are past, the relationship will mature. Selah will realize that Daddy’s love is unconditional and Sean will become her true friend, knowing her joys and her disappointments, sharing her successes and helping her in the inevitable failures.

Our Abba (“Daddy” in the NT) showers us with love. He delights in us and we learn to respond to Him. It can be a beautiful thing but tragically too often we turn pure worship into a religious act that we foolishly believe will win the Lord’s blessings.  Somehow we become deceived into thinking that God will be impressed if we just go through the motions, that He can be manipulated by insincere acts of worship.  Like teenagers trying to have our own way while staying within His favor, we hide our real motives behind heartless prayers, insincere praise, and ritual religion.  The only one fooled is us. Abba’s love is deep and wide. He wants to share all  of life with us – the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly.  Spiritual maturity brings realization that we can be authentic, even as we pursue Him, and He will be our greatest Strength.

The Truth is that He is faithfully loving us through it all!  We say,  "O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." (Isaiah 64:8, NIV)  He says, “I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me.  … I said, ‘Here am I, here am I.’ All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations—" (Isaiah 65:1-2, NIV)  That entire passage is a conversation about the enduring love of the Lord. Make no mistake about it.  He is not blind to sin, nor does His love rob Him of judgment.  If we ignore Him and walk willfully, there are painful consequences.  But, when we turn again to Him, we find a Father’s love.

Meditate on this passage today. May the words go deep into your heart and mind, transforming your understanding of the Love of the Lord. And, as you know Him better, you will delight in doing what He asks of you. "What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are.

But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he’s up to.

But friends, that’s exactly who we are: children of God. And that’s only the beginning. Who knows how we’ll end up!

What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we’ll see him—and in seeing him, become like him.

All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus’ life as a model for our own.

All who indulge in a sinful life are dangerously lawless, for sin is a major disruption of God’s order. Surely you know that Christ showed up in order to get rid of sin. There is no sin in him, and sin is not part of his program. No one who lives deeply in Christ makes a practice of sin. None of those who do practice sin have taken a good look at Christ. " (1 John 3:1-6, The Message)

Focus on the totally sufficient love of the Father for you. His is a love that keeps no score, that is freely offered, and that is wider and deeper than all our offenses against Him. THEN love Him extravagantly in response. Pour out your praise, your life, your worship to Him.  It will make a rich life!

Loves Like a Hurricane

Loves like  a hurricane

The man’s body told the story. His shoulders slumped, his eyes seldom left the ground. No terrible tragedy had befallen him. He was not carrying anything beyond the disappointments and responsibilities that are our common lot! But, somewhere he gave up hope and lost sight of the Light. He had allowed life to beat him down. If he had known the words of Elijah, I think he might have made them his life song: “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”   (1 Kings 19:4)

Elijah was an amazing man, used by God, whose faith sparked a national revival. Despite this, he let life, critics, and enemies take over. Their threats, combined with his fatigue, stole his hope and his future. He withdrew into isolation,  shrank into a ball of self-pity, and asked to die! But, the Lord was not done with Elijah. He did not kick him while he was down. Instead He quietly came near to him twice, reminding him of the Truth, restoring the right perspective. He re-commissioned Elijah and sent him back to Israel, where He told him that there were still thousands who had not gone after other gods.  The prophet regained his faith and returned to stand up against evil and a king named Ahab who was among the worst to govern that nation!

God loves to bless and despite the troubles of our lives we must hold onto hope. Instead of Elijah’s sad song, “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors;”  we need the anthem of faith to guide us.  Change the tune!  Sing the song that Paul sang when the problems piled up in front of him:  “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. “ (2 Cor. 4:17)  Paul’s song was not a dirge sung at the funeral of his future. It was a worship hymn celebrating the love of his Father in Heaven who held him secure. Take your cue from his response to the heartbreak in Philippi. When the evil men of that city hated him and schemed to have him beaten and imprisoned, he found faith to sing at midnight. His song released the power of God and the jail was rocked to its foundations. The greatest miracle, however, was the salvation that came to the jailer and his family, which sparked the formation of a vital church in that region.  (See Acts 16)

Here’s a word from the Word. Do not just read it. Believe it and take the promise.  "The Lord will hold you in his hands for all to see—a splendid crown in the hands of God. Never again will you be called the Godforsaken City or the Desolate Land. Your new name will be the City of God’s Delight and the Bride of God, for the Lord delights in you and will claim you as his own. Your children will care for you with joy, O Jerusalem, just as a young man cares for his bride. Then God will rejoice over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride." (Isaiah 62:3-5, NLT)

May the Lord’s love keep you secure,

The grace of God save you from despair,

The peace of the Spirit wrap tightly ‘round you,

And the hope of Heaven be your light.

__________

How He Loves

He is jealous for me, loves like a hurricane

I am a tree, bending beneath

The weight of His wind and mercy.

When all of a sudden, I am unaware of

These afflictions eclipsed by glory,

I realize just how beautiful You are,

And how great Your affections are for me!

We are His portion and He is our prize,

Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes;

If grace is an ocean we're all sinking!

So Heaven meets earth,

Like an unforeseen kiss

And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,

I don't have time to maintain these regrets

When I think about the way that…

Oh, how He loves us so

Oh, how He loves us

How He loves us so

John Mark McMillan

© 2005 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

CCLI License # 810055

Dandelions and Oak Trees

A few years ago I read about a simple test administered to children that was fairly accurate in predicting how successful they would be later in their lives.   A single piece of candy was placed in front of them on a table and they were told if they did not eat it they would get a reward. If they did, there would be no further reward. The child was then left alone in the room.  Some were able to resist the temptation of the single piece of candy and received a whole bag. Many waited a few moments, and chose to eat the single piece! Those who were able to overcome the urge for short-term satisfaction were generally better students. Why? Because they could anticipate the reward that would come from their sustained effort!

Do you have God’s promises in sight, guiding today’s decisions?  Are you patient, waiting for the reward He promises to those who are faithful?

I remarked to my wife recently, that being a pastor was a lot like being a farmer. I plant the Seed of the Word, then wait for the Spirit to use it to bring about life transformation.  I’m not always as patient as I should be.  I’d like to see overnight successes for those who are fighting their way back from brokenness, quick fixes for those who are wrestling with hard situations, and healing miracles in the moment!  But, that’s not generally God’s way.  He changes us, deepens us, develops understanding with a process we just call ‘life.’   How many times have you acknowledged the mysteries of the day by saying, “that’s life!”  But, in God’s design, life is not random thing.  As we trust Him, work with Him, and live in faith – He uses it all to produce something amazing.  But, it’s a long process. A dandelion will grow and flower in a few days. An oak tree grows into a thing of beauty over decades. We take encouragement from the words in Isaiah that remind us that God is growing us into oak trees, not dandelions.  Jesus Christ came to "to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor." (Isaiah 61:2-3, NIV)

I want to grow as a towering oak; strong, enduring, my life a thing of beauty that causes other to say, “What a great God he serves!”  How about you?  Will you make the choice to wait, to trust, to let God grow you? Or will you choose the way of the dandelion?

Here’s a word from the Word.  Lord, use it to encourage us to wait for Your purpose. "Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near." (James 5:7-8, NIV)