Take Each Day From His Hand

I am tired after dreaming what seemed like all night.  In scene after scene I was struggling through frustrating circumstances.  In one I was attempting to lead a worship service where musicians doing their own thing and the people in the congregation were conversing with each other loudly. In another I was trying to make my way through a forest where thorns tore at my clothing and vines tripped me.  So, were my dreams just the result of my brain sorting through the information and emotions of yesterday? Or, was God speaking to me to remind me of my utter dependence on Him?  Perhaps both are true.

The Psalmist reminds us to seek God first. "Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves." (Psalm 127:1-2, NIV)  Christians can enjoy security and productivity when they learn to live centered in God’s purpose and providence.  It is simple to write, but oh so difficult in practice. Our natural bent is to assume control when life is good.  Jesus’ invitation to seek first the Kingdom slips from our minds when life is humming along.  At the other extreme, we may turn foolishly on the Lord when hard times come, refusing to pray like a pouting child refuses to accept the comfort of her mother.

There is a blessed kind of rest for God’s children that is found in taking each day from His hand! We can learn to accept both good seasons and bad ones as well with thankfulness knowing that we live under His watchful care.  That is not to say that we become content to drift along, trusting fate.  God gives us the privilege of choice. He gifts us with intelligence.  He teaches us about the law of harvest – that the seeds we sow today bear fruit tomorrow.  That is why we must engage with life, working at making beautiful things and defeating sin in ourselves and in the world in which we walk.  But, we need not do so with anxiety and frustration. Why? Because surrounding those things is the assurance of His powerful care and His promise to make His purpose prevail.

Genesis tells us the story of the Curse of sin. In stark language we learn that our best efforts will be frustrated by weeds and suffering.  Who can read the Lord’s word to Adam without feeling the weight of His judgment? “Cursed is the ground because of you;  through painful toil you will eat of it  all the days of your life.  It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.  By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” (Gen. 3:17)  But, we need not live in that place or under that condemnation! 

Christ came to reverse the Curse. Yes, in Adam all die, but in Christ all are made alive. "What a difference between our sin and God’s generous gift of forgiveness. For this one man, Adam, brought death to many through his sin. But this other man, Jesus Christ, brought forgiveness to many through God’s bountiful gift. And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but we have the free gift of being accepted by God, even though we are guilty of many sins. The sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over us, but all who receive God’s wonderful, gracious gift of righteousness will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:15-17, NLT)  Through faith in Him, we enter the Kingdom of the beloved.  It is a Kingdom not yet fully revealed. We still deal with death and disease, but not in despair. Instead, we trust, wait, and receive grace to endure until the full Kingdom comes.

Here’s the word from the Word for those of us who are working through frustrations. Own the promise with me today.

"Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love?
Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death? (Even the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”)

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love.
Death can’t, and life can’t.
The angels can’t, and the demons can’t.
Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away.
Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35-39, NLT)

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10,000 Reasons

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

Worship His holy name!

Sing like never before,

O my soul,

I'll worship Your holy name.

The sun comes up,
it's a new day dawning.

It's time to sing Your song again.

Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me,

Let me be singing when the evening comes.

You're rich in love and You're SLOW to anger,

Your name is great and Your heart is kind.

For all Your goodness I will keep on singing,

Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find!

And on that day when my strength is failing,

The end draws near and my time has come.

Still my soul will sing Your praise unending,

Ten thousand years and then forevermore.

CCLI Song # 6016351

Jonas Myrin | Matt Redman

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The court will come to order

“All rise,” the bailiff barked, “the court will come to order.”  The judge entered wearing a long black robe and took her seat, raised above the rest.  Only after she was seated did we sit down. Only when we were spoken to, did we speak. The protocols are designed to impress those in the courtroom of the solemnity of the proceedings and the power of the court. I am not easily intimidated but a courtroom is one place where I feel very small!

Daniel writes of a court without parallel in this world.  In a vision about the culmination of history, he glimpsed the proceedings that will bring about the judgment of the world. "I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One sat down to judge. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like whitest wool. He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire, and a river of fire flowed from his presence. Millions of angels ministered to him, and a hundred million stood to attend him. Then the court began its session, and the books were opened." (Daniel 7:9-10, NLT)  What does all that mean?  Frankly, I do not know, nor does anyone. But we get the overall picture – God is Mighty, Revered, and will bring the world to account!

Daniel also saw the rebellion of the earth, telling us of his vision in picture language.  One empire after another rising and falling, but one particularly evil.  He saw a ‘little horn’ rising that made war on God’s people. This ruler so hates God and good he attempts to eliminate every reference to the Holy One on earth. "He will blaspheme the High God, persecute the followers of the High God, and try to get rid of sacred worship and moral practice. God’s holy people will be persecuted by him for a time, two times, half a time." (Daniel 7:25, The Message)  The thought is harsh and seemingly hopeless, isn’t it?

"But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever." (Daniel 7:26, NIV)  God strides into the scene and by His irresistible decree removes evil.  I love it, don’t you?  “May Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven,” I pray.  

Maybe the vision of Heaven’s court called into session terrifies you.  Then, you need to know that you have an Advocate. When I was part of court proceedings, my lawyer stood alongside of me.  He was my representative. He spoke on my behalf. He made the case for me.  Jesus Christ is our Advocate. We need not fear destruction or judgment.  We are guilty!  But, in Christ, our sin-guilt is removed.  John says,  "If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts. My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if you do sin, there is someone to plead for you before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who pleases God completely." (1 John 1:8-2:1, NLT)

Daniel saw the Savior/Messiah in outline in his vision.  After the court sat, before the proceedings started, Daniel writes “I saw someone who looked like a man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and royal power over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed." (Daniel 7:13-14, NLT)  Yes, He is both King and Priest!  He rules and He comforts.

The meanings of Daniel’s visions can be hard for us to grasp.  But, the basics are clear! “The court will sit!”  God will not allow evil and wicked men to resist Him forever. He will bring judgment.  His people will be vindicated and will join Him in eternal glory.  That much I understand.  I believe it. I receive it. I live in the hope of the coming of the King.  Do you, dear friend?

Here is the word from the Word. "For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God, while we look forward to that wonderful event when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing what is right." (Titus 2:11-14, NLT)   Hallelujah, Amen!

________________

Majesty

Majesty, worship His majesty.

Unto Jesus, be all glory,

Honor, and praise!

Majesty, kingdom authority,

Flow from His throne,

Unto His own, His anthem raise.

So exalt, lift up on high,

The name of Jesus.

Magnify, come glorify,

Christ Jesus, the King!

Majesty, worship His majesty,

Jesus who died, now glorified;

King of all kings!

Jack Hayford

© 1981 New Spring (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.)

CCLI License # 810055

Are you ready to go home?

Al Stein came to know Christ at Faith Discovery Church (then Washington Assembly) when we were both young adults. He sensed God’s call and prepared for full-time ministry. Over the many years since then, our paths would cross from time to time, both of us pastors, fathers, and disciples of Jesus.  Last night I learned that “Steiny” was in Heaven!  He preached at his church this past Sunday and then later in the day, he was killed in an auto accident. The news hit me hard

I am comforted as I think of Al Stein’s death by the fact that he was a man who loved Christ and did His will.  He died as we see it from our side but, in fact, he only changed his address.  He is more alive now than he was a week ago – alive, never to die.  He became a new being at that transition moment.   I do not understand the 'how,' but I hold the promise in faith - that Al lives - 'absent from the body and present with the Lord.'  (2 Cor. 5.8)

Thinking about Al, makes me ponder the opportunities seized and those missed!   This reminder of the brevity of this earthly life renews the question:  "Jerry, are you doing your best in God's service?  Are you offering your 'utmost for His highest' or are you pushing important decisions off to another day, assuming that life will go on and on?”   Given the limits of perspective, I suppose that  the better question to ask is a prayerful one.  The Psalmist's prayer moves me beyond self-examination and invites the eternal Spirit to work in my heart and mind.   "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV)   I see the future dimly, if at all. He sees my life, not just in this moment but in the context of eternity.   “Oh, lead me, Lord, to live a life worthy of Your love, full of Your beauty, and focused on Your eternal home” is my prayer. 

Let’s not forget that today is packed with opportunities that are unique to this moment!  This day cannot be erased or relived. When it is done, it is over.  The promise of Heaven is a wonderful comfort, but until then we cannot drift along through life.  There is simply too much at stake to waste time.  I go often to Moses' Psalm (90) where I find a prayer about living well.  Moses, the man who loved God deeply, also respected God's judgment, albeit tempered by His love.  In the center of the Psalm is this prayer.  "Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well!"   It my prayer!  Is it yours?   Are you just 'killing time' letting one day flow into the next drifting with the current of events, or are you a change agent of the Kingdom of Heaven?   Paul urges us to excellence. He says, "So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act  thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do." (Ephesians 5:15-17 )

How do we live a life that brings Heaven to earth, connecting today with the timelessness to come?

Be thoughtful!  Lives that matter do not just 'happen,' they are intentional!

Exploit the opportunities that come your way! 
Be intentional finding purpose in God's will and Word, not the 'wisdom' of the world.

For a life lived well, there is a reward.  Sometimes we get to experience the reward now, but we are guaranteed a perfected knowledge when we finally step into Heaven.
Here’s the word from the Word. "Love will last forever, but prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will all disappear. Now we know only a little, and even the gift of prophecy reveals little! But when the end comes, these special gifts will all disappear. It’s like this: When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now. There are three things that will endure—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:8-13, NLT)

Al, we remember you with joy and join our Savior in saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”   The memory of your earnest discipleship blesses us. Rest well, dear brother.

__________

What A Day That Will Be

There is coming a day,

When no heartaches shall come,

No more clouds in the sky,

No more tears to dim the eye.

All is peace forevermore,

On that happy golden shore.

What a day, glorious day, that will be.

What a day that will be,

When my Jesus I shall see.

When I look upon His face,

The One who saved me by His grace.

When He takes me by the hand

And leads me thro' the Promised Land,

What a day, glorious day, that will be.

There'll be no sorrow there,

No more burdens to bear.

No more sickness, no pain,

No more parting over there.

And forever I will be,

With the One who died for me,

What a day, glorious day, that will be.

Jim Hill

© 1955. Renewed 1983 Ben Speer Music (Admin. by ClearBox Rights, LLC)

CCLI License # 810055