He is still God. Oh, Lord, I believe

Bev took a turn for the worse and is hospitalized this morning.  I am re-sending a message I prepared in April.  He spoke to me with it today. May it bless you again.

God, the Creator, is King and Lord.  He is not remote, a distant deity.  Through Jesus Christ, His Son, I know Him, living as His child.  His Holy Spirit lives in me, empowering me to serve His purposes.  Each Sunday I join the congregation in the confession that forms the foundation of life; "

I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth...."   The complexity of life challenges my faith almost daily.  Disappointment, illness, sin,  and human cruelty in all its various forms,  tear at the borders of my faith.  I am not above wondering why the God I love allows sin and suffering to continue to extract such a heavy toll on humanity. But, the choice is made - I belong to God and, by His grace, I will continue to love and serve Him for the rest of my days.

In days past, my faith involved many clauses and reservations.  It was more like a complicated contract than a simple statement! I worked at making faith 'fit' the complexity of the world around me. Many prayers were offered up around the question - 'why?'  Some found answers over time. Many remain and others have arisen. But, I now live with a deep abiding sense of God's Presence.  

 

No, my life is not simpler! If anything, it is even more complex now than ever. I carry a greater load of responsibility for more people and a larger organization than I have at any time in life. Decisions that I make or in which I am a participant have a direct effect on the lives of others. That is, at least partially, why I have come to a faith that is more distilled around this core truth- Jesus cares and loves me, therefore, I can love and care for others.

I feel no need to negotiate with God, to beg His favor. I am more convinced that "

God is for me, not against me." I convinced that nothing that comes my way is too big for Him, surprises Him, or is able to overcome His gracious love for me.  You might wonder if I choose to ignore reality, or if I have retreated into a denial of the pain or disappointment that exists all around me.  Not at all. I feel the pain, cry real tears, and do battle with sin, self, and Satan.  Indeed, Luther is right that this is a world with '

devils filled and threatens to undo us!'   

The greater truth for me is that I am a subject of the King whose power has triumphed over sin, Hell, and death. So I set my hope in Christ Jesus. This is my confession:

"I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you-guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us." (2 Timothy 1:12-14, NIV)

Choose simple faith that allows for mystery, that accepts that He is God, that He is good, that He is love.  Learn the Word. Understand the core Truth of God's eternal nature, of the triumph of Christ, and of the Spirit's power.  Make the choice - daily - to put those things at the center of your life. Pray for the Spirit's help in creating a faith that does not change with the weather.  You will find rock-like stability in a confusing, complex world! 

James reminds us of the importance of simple faith. 

"If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open." (James 1:5-8, The Message)

There are still many complex questions around the 'what, when, where, why, and how' of life!  Here's our word from the Word, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:1-4, NIV)

______________________________________

Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)

(click to listen)

You call me out upon the waters

The great unknown where feet may fail

And there I find You in the mystery

In oceans deep my faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise

My soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters

Your sov'reign hand will be my guide

Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me

You've never failed and You won't start now

Oh and You are mine oh

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Saviour

I will call upon Your name

Keep my eyes above the waves

My soul will rest in Your embrace

I am Yours and You are mine

Joel Houston | Matt Crocker | Salomon Ligthelm

© 2012 Hillsong Music Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

CCLI License # 810055

Why do you choose to do what you do?

 I love my calling to serve a local congregation as their pastor.  If I could, I would work for free! Why?  Because my heart is in this; it's my life. I believe in the Church. She holds the key to making a better world and the answer to the spiritual hunger of every human being. I have a passion for the Gospel of Christ.  If you talk with me for more than a few moments,  you're going to hear about two things- my family and the church!   Because those loves are deep in my heart, they surface quickly in my conversation. 

Let’s take that idea and shift it to our Christianity.
What do you love most?

I had the opportunity to talk with a man yesterday about his spiritual journey. He attended a Lutheran church as a child. When he was a teenager he told me that ‘I got saved and baptized.”  Then, life went off the rails and he ended up joining the Marines. “It was,” he told me, “the Marines or prison so I chose to learn some discipline.” Now he’s married and attends a Roman Catholic church with his wife.  “I like the tradition and stability of that church,” he said. I did not sense that serving Christ was something that engaged him ‘today.’ It was only about hoping to get to Heaven. 

Why are you a Christian?  How do you serve Christ and His kingdom?

For some Christianity is about getting to Heaven, hoping Jesus will keep them out of trouble with God, the Father.  Dallas Willard wrote this wry comment: "Some Christians are better prepared to die than they are to live!"  Their faith is not shaped around loving Jesus Christ. There is no conviction that the purpose of life is found in knowing Jesus. Consequently, they participate in Christianity at a minimal level hoping to appease God.  This kind of spirituality steals joy in both worlds!  Fear of judgment does not allow that person to enjoy making money, seeking pleasure, and feeding their sensual appetites but they don't enjoy a close walk with the Spirit of God that provides satisfaction.

Are you torn between the desire to do your own thing and to live for God? Are you trying to straddle the fence – serving Self and then, when guilt comes, pleading with God for forgiveness?   The Spirit and the Word put it to us straight - "Choose now!"   “Honor the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone. But if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”" (Joshua 24:14-15, NLT)

This challenge occurs repeatedly in the Bible.    

Moses, in his final address to Israel, laid out the 'blessings' and 'curses.' He reminds the people of God of their choices and consequences.  

Elijah stood before the king and leaders of Israel at Mt. Carmel and threw down this challenge - “How long are you going to sit on the fence? If God is the real God, follow him; if it’s Baal (a god worshipped by the Canaanite people), follow him. Make up your minds!” (1 Kings 18:21, The Message)

Christian, if you want to know how to live the best life possible right  now, give your heart to Jesus, passionately and without reservation.  

Make Him first - in your affections, in your priorities of time use, in your finances. Love for God is about choices practical today things. IF we choose Him, place our affections on Him, we will find great joy in the offering of ourselves.   His love will grow in us.

Here's a word from the Word to ponder today - 1 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the Lord.”  (Je 29:11-14 NLT)  Jesus says, “Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends." (Revelation 3:20, NLT)  

May our Christianity prepare us to live, not just to die!

__________________________

This is the air I breathe,
This is the air I breathe,
Your Holy Presence living in me.

This is my Daily Bread,
This is my Daily Bread,
Your very word spoken to me.

And I, I'm desp'rate for You.
And I, I'm lost without You.

© 1995 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music Services)   CCLI License No. 810055

Doing Deals with God

Missionaries came to our little church a lot when I was a kid. 
After we heard their stories and watched their slide show, we sang "I go where you want me to go, dear Lord; I'll say what you want me to say, I be what you want me to be..."  I saw tears in the eyes of my Mom and Dad who had followed God’s call from cornfields in Iowa to New York City’s poorest neighborhoods. In my mind’s eye as a 10 year old, that song brought on nightmares that God’s will for me would include going to live in a hut in a jungle, far from people I loved, eating weird food.  

As much as I admired Joe Missionary’s calling, I tried doing deals with God in my mind... "Sure, Lord, I want to go where You send me …. but- how ‘bout here, not there,  a little closer to home, where they have real food? Pulllleeeeeze- don't ask me to go there!" That childish response makes me chuckle now, even as I recall the very real emotions of that time.

I’d like to say that I always embrace the call of God, His will for today, with immediate obedience and great joy. I don’t!  No, I don’t worry about a hut in the jungle anymore but I do  sometimes struggle with situations that are not to my liking.  Here’s what I know to be true – the center of the will of God is a place of satisfaction and joy.   When I quickly agree with Him, when I let go of my own desires and practice acceptance, a wonderful peace finds its way into my life.

Do you believe that the will of God is the gateway to fulfillment, that the purpose of God is the way of joy?  Or, is your relationship with God shaped by fear, your obedience given grudging because of fear of punishment rather than anticipation of His reward?  That kid that tried to do deals with God in Sunday night missionary services was ONLY willing to consider God's will because he thought something terrible would happen if he didn't.  Just like many people I serve as a pastor today, I believed ‘doing God’s will’ always meant misery.  So why consider it?  Because, I wrongly thought, I would avoid greater miseries of perpetual poverty, early death, or zits only if I took up the call to misery!

Jesus does call us to deny ourselves for the sake of His kingdom.  The Word does speak of putting Self to death but, it isn’t because God is a sadist Who likes to see us squirm, who is  testing our love and loyalty. The Will of God is the path of life to the full, now and for Eternity. His will wraps around all of our experiences, the gifts of the Spirit He’s invested in us, our opportunities, and our personality.  In His all knowing wisdom, there is a path created that leads us maximize our potential to live for His glory. He asks us to trust and say, ‘yes, Lord.’  While He is not interested in granting our every fantasy, yet He loves us deeply and desires the very best for each one of us.  Jesus pled with his disciples to reframe their view of God as a benevolent Father who already has prepared good gifts for His children. Even in circumstances that appear miserable to someone looking in from the outside, He can keep us joyful and at rest. The Lord’s idea of success is far different because He factors in eternity! He will make us into a Heavenly success story.  I know that the center of His is where I will find intimacy with God, a blessing that knows no equal!  Jesus tells us "If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love. “I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature." (John 15:10-11, The Message)

Some are called to serve Him in obscurity, some in fame. Some are sent to the far side of the globe, others to their hometown. Some are given great responsibility, others serve but a few. There is no need to compare, for our service is by His sovereign will! Paul illustrates this for a young pastor named Timothy. "In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for his purpose. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work." 2 Timothy 2:20-21

So, disciple, are you still trying to ‘serve God’ while holding onto your own plans?
Are you trying to play a sophisticated game of “Let’s Make A Deal” with Him, setting limits on where, what, or with whom you will serve?

Here’s an invitation from Him. Prayerfully ask the Spirit of God to make these words live for you as He draws you into His will and shows you His plan for this day. "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. … You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." (John 15:4-5, 16 NIV)
____________________________

It may not be on the mountain's height
Or over the stormy sea,
It may not be at the battle's front
My Lord will have need of me;
But if by a still, small voice He calls
To paths I do not know,
I'll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Thine,
I'll go where You want me to go.

I'll go where You want me to go, dear Lord.
Over mountain or plain or sea.
I'll say what You want me to say, dear Lord,
I'll be what You want me to be.

There's surely somewhere a lowly place
In earth's harvest fields so wide,
Where I may labor through life's short day
for Jesus the crucified;
So, trusting my all unto Thy care,
I know Thou lovest me;
I'll do Thy will with a heart sincere,
I'll be what You want me to be.

I'll go where You want me to go, dear Lord.
Over mountain or plain or sea.
I'll say what You want me to say, dear Lord,
I'll be what You want me to be.

I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go –
Mary Brown /Charles E. Prior /Carrie E. Rounsefell
© Public Domain

Road trips and power naps

Road trips are a ton of fun for me. How about you?  One of the more memorable weeks in my life was one in the Summer of 2010 when Bev and I drove from Los Angeles to New Jersey.  But, on those trips, I have a moment ‘round 2 in the afternoon each day.  I get so tired and sleepy.  There’s just one remedy;  pull into a rest stop and take a 10 minute power nap.  Bev is always amazed that I can pull over, put my seat back, fall asleep in 10 seconds and awaken a few minutes later feeling so refreshed. Life has been a kind of ‘road trip’ recently. 

This morning, I opened my Bible and tried to read. I saw the words on the page, but they were just words.  I did not have the energy to engage, to process them. No, it is not a crisis of faith, nor is it the loss of mental acuity.  (smile) I'm just tired! For many weeks, I have not been able to hit the 'off' button for any real breaks. In such times, being a ‘doer’ by nature my inclination is to push harder, to try to go faster, to get it all done.  God's wisdom has taught me that He creates ‘rest stops,’  inviting us to find renewal – even while He tells we must endure, patiently pace ourselves, and  wait on His will to be revealed.

Since my mind resisted study of the Word this morning, I turned to a familiar passage, one filled with promise and hope. Here it is:  "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:28-31, NIV)

Fatigue is dangerous!  When I’m on a road trip I know that if I keep driving when I’m nodding off, I could kill myself and/or somebody else.  It’s just plain dumb to try to deny the reality.  Friend, when we are tired, we can say cruel things, reach wrong conclusions, making a wreck of life.  When we are exhausted, we are much more likely to experience the tug of temptation as we see what looks like certain relief in things we know are not in the will of God for us.  When we're really exhausted, we might even become open to the lie that God does not care, that He is not listening.  Pull over! Take a break!

What does God ask of us in those moments? Does He say, “Go faster, work harder?”  No! He says, that "those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength." (Isaiah 40:31, NIV) That phrase is translated in various ways in different Bible versions. In place of 'hope,' some translation say 'wait.' Others say 'trust.' The Hebrew of the original text being expectation,  anticipation; hence to “wait hopefully!” Since that is God's counsel, we would be wise to let it speak to us, wouldn't we?

Are you tired today? Me, too.  So, let’s find a rest stop and 'wait' for Him.’  There is no shame in taking a break to find a quiet place alone with God. There we create a quiet heart; we listen carefully, we murmur words of worship.  I can assure you from experience - there will be 'fresh strength!'  Isaiah beautiful picture is that of an eagle that soars on the air currents under his wings.  “Spirit of God, may your gentle Wind blow over me, helping me to rise up, to soar when others sink.”
________

Sweet Wind

There's a wind a-blowin'

All across the land.

A fragrant breeze of heaven,

Blowin' once again.

Don't know where it comes from,

Don't know where it goes,

But let it blow over me.

Oh, Sweet Wind,

Come and blow over me.

There's a rain a-pourin'

Showers from above.

Mercy drops are comin'

Mercy drops of love.

Turn your face to heaven,

Let the water pour,

Well, let it pour over me.

Oh, Sweet Rain,

Come and pour over me.

There's a fire burnin'

Fallin' from the sky.

Awesome tongues of fire

Consuming you and I.

Can you feel it burnin'

Burn the sacrifice?

Well, let it burn over me

Oh, Sweet Fire,

Come and burn over me.

David Ruis

© 1994 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Vineyard Music USA)

Vineyard Songs Canada (Admin. by Vineyard Music USA)

CCLI License # 810055