Show some respect, OK?

In our worship yesterday, we sang – “If you curse me then I will bless you, If you hurt me I will forgive, And if you hate me then I will love you, I choose the Jesus way.”  (Jesus Way, Phil Wickham)  It is a great song, one that is tops on my list of those we learned in church this year. (Jesus Way – link here)

As I sang the words, I asked myself if I really understood the depth of the commitment of which I sang?  Was I ready to forgive, ready to bless, ready to love? 

When we sing of our desire to love Jesus, when we tell Him in song that He is all we desire, that He is more than life to us, I believe we need to reflect carefully. 
Are we singing truth or merely mouthing words?  
How about our public prayers? 
Are they an honest reflection of our heart, our faith, or are they just nice phrases formed around creating good feelings. 

When we sing about aspirations about which we have not really thought, if we pray without passion, we show disrespect to the Lord of Life.  What if our awe of Him was such that we actually wept over our sins, celebrated our victories, and honestly brought our doubts, fears, and temptations to Him?

Worship that is only shaped by platitudes becomes a Band-Aid™ covering our soul wound without letting the Spirit do His healing work.

The Bible warns about the offense of insincere worship.

"Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.  Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. … When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. … Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God." (Ecclesiastes 5:1-7, NIV)

Awe!  I believe that it is the most neglected part of true worship in our noisy busy gatherings, marked with swirling graphics, videos, and lack of silent breaks.  All the noise will make us spiritually deaf!

Francis Chan in Forgotten God, writes – “A little bit of spirituality added into our lives is not what God has in mind. … Jesus’ call is to radical faith, to be willing to suffer anything and forsake everything for the sake of Gospel.”  Real spiritual hunger will lead us to worship that is deeply dependent on the Spirit, which listens carefully for His direction because we know we cannot live as He desires without Him.

I understand the impulse to talk faster and louder when anxiety overtakes us, when things go terribly wrong, or when we cannot understand why.  There are moments when we encounter our uncertainties and we tend to bravely babble on mistakenly thinking that IF we say the right things often enough or loud enough, we can somehow make them happen.

Better to take a lesson from a suffering saint of the Old Testament named Job. Though a man in right standing before God, the Lord allowed him to lose everything. Even Job’s best friends concluded that all the tragedy must somehow be his fault, the result of some secret sin. Job patiently sat through their sermons and even took the ranting of his wife, who urged him to ‘curse God and die’ in stride. 

Then one day Job could take it no more and he challenged the Almighty to explain Himself.  In so many words, Job said, “Lord, I want vindication. What kind of God are you anyway?”  Then, he listened.  I love this verse: “I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer— twice, but I will say no more.” (Job 40:4-5, NIV) 

Job showed ultimate respect to the LORD by silencing himself, by setting aside his own demands – “I put my hand over my mouth!”  He abandoned words to stand in awe.  He never really got an explanation, but he found an answer in the wonder of God’s transcendent Presence. 

I pray that I will love my heavenly Abba better and more deeply. 
My prayer this morning is
“Lord, help me to show You more respect, by listening more and saying less.”

Here’s a word from the Word.  Live it.  “My dear friends, as you have always obeyed … continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." (Philippians 2:12-13, NIV)  

Our need is less about a solution or even relief. The Presence of the God changes us if we will engage with Him, standing before Him in awe.

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(Video of this blog at this link)

The Jesus Way

If you curse me then I will bless you
If you hurt me I will forgive
And if you hate me then I will love you
I choose the Jesus way

If you’re helpless I will defend you
And if you’re burdened I’ll share the weight
And if you’re hopeless then let me show you
There’s hope in the Jesus way

I follow Jesus I follow Jesus
He wore my sin I’ll gladly wear His name
He is the treasure He is the answer
Oh I choose the Jesus way

If you strike me I will embrace you
And if you chain me I’ll sing His praise
And if you kill me my home is heaven
For I choose the Jesus way

I choose surrender I choose to love
Oh God my Savior You’ll always be enough
I choose forgiveness I choose grace
I choose to worship no matter what I face
I choose the Jesus way
I choose the Jesus way
I choose the Jesus way
I choose the Jesus way

Oh I choose the Jesus way

 

Jonathan Smith, Phil Wickham © Be Essential Songs; Cashagamble Jet Music; Phil Wickham Music; Simply Global Songs CCLI License #810055

Looking for You?

The story of my Grandfather’s Christian conversion brings me a thrill every time I tell it. The Grandpa I knew was a man who sat in the same place in that little church in Truesdale, Iowa every Sunday morning and evening. “Brother Scott” was often asked to lead out in prayer. His heavily accented English (he was a Danish immigrant) still echoes in my memories as he invited “our loving Heavenly Father” to come to bless our gathering. He was not always that man. I am told he was quick to swing a fist in fights and fond of alcohol but one night he heard a girl evangelist tell the story of Jesus’ love and life changed. Some might say he found God, but the truth is, God was never lost. God found Grandpa!

He is a seeking God, looking for those who are wayward, lost, confused, or without purpose.

Jesus visited the home of a man who was a social outcast, a truly sinful crook, name Zacchaeus and after a long dinner, the man was changed. The story ends with this declaration: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19:10, NIV) John tells us that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.”  (John 3.16)

Our need is met with His resources. He seeks, He saves, He restores us to our place in His family.

Jesus told three stories about this which are recorded in Luke 15. Seems that people of poor reputation, whose sins were public and obvious, gathered to hear Jesus teach. Some ‘religious’ people who were unaware of their own spiritual need huffed that He “welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Jesus answers their criticism with the stories of a Lost Sheep, a Lost Coin, and a Lost Son to drive home the point that God seeks out those who are far from Him and accepts those who turn around and come home, regardless of their past!

The first story is a beautiful illustration that ONE person matters to God. The shepherd who has one missing sheep goes out to find that one even though ninety-nine are safe in the pen! When the lost lamb is recovered the shepherd "goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep." (Luke 15:6, NIV)

He tells of a woman who lost a coin. "Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?" (Luke 15:8, NIV) Her diligent search reminds us that we are God’s treasure and He seeks for us, too. "I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10, NIV)

The best story is the last one, about a headstrong young man who asks for his inheritance, abandons his father’s household, lives it up, and ends up broken and alone. Some might expect that the father would say that he got what he deserved. Jesus says that our Father in heaven is not at all like that!

When the lost son puts together an appeal to just ‘work on the farm for food’ and heads home thinking he will find an angry Dad, he discovers amazing grace and profound love. Even after a thousand readings of this story, I cannot read the words without tears filling my eyes. "So, he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So, they began to celebrate." (Luke 15:20-24, NIV)

I have wandered and wondered so many times only to be restored by the God who seeks!  I cannot claim to find Him, for it is His love that finds me.  It is not fear that drives me back to Him, it is love that draws me to His open arms.

Lost? Confused? Wandering? Wondering?
Convinced by some that you need to make a deal with God to find His acceptance?

In truth, He is seeking you, inviting you to come home. Will you?

The word from the Word profoundly states His love, reminding us of its power to change us – sinners to sons, to keep us until we are safely home forever.
"But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s special favor that you have been saved!)" (Ephesians 2:4-5, NLT)

"I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God." (Ephesians 3:16-19, NLT)

Let God love you to life today!
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(Video of this blog at this link)

Those Gray Skies

It is a gloomy morning outside here in NW NJ today. The skies are dark gray, no ray of sunshine found. The ground is wet, the leaves clumped in soggy piles on the ground. For weeks, no rain has fallen, allowing us to enjoy a long stretch of beautiful days but even that blessing turned into a curse as our water reservoir levels fell and vegetation withered.  So, I am glad for the gloom. Today will bring a refreshing of the dry ground!

Are you in a time of beauty, blessing, abundance, and overflow?
Or are you broken and stressed, needy and/or sad?

I have enjoyed seasons when laughter came easily, when I loved the dawn of a new day bringing rich opportunities my way.  I have known stretches of darkness when I dreaded yet another long day that demanded my effort to push through sadness, finding it hard to even get out of bed. Honestly, most of the time my life experience is somewhere in the middle – joy mixed with sorrow; abundance challenged by need.

That is the human experience! We know both exhilarating and debilitating moments, seasons of sunshine and then those of rain, bright summers followed by cold winter.

A key to remaining steady, to avoid becoming a captive of wild swings of emotion, is found in the words of the Roman philosopher, Cicero, who suggested that “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others."  The person who actively pursues genuine thankfulness – to God, to others – is richer for the choice.

Paul, inspired by the Spirit of God, teaches the followers of Jesus to "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV) This wisdom is not asking us to merely attempt to find the silver lining in the cloud. It is much more than just putting on a happy face. It is a choice that goes far deeper than saying positive things.

The preacher illustrates the power of faith that inspires gratitude that gives rise to joy in his own life. After being arrested in Jerusalem, he was passed from one cowardly politician to another, remaining in custody until finally he exercised his right as a citizen and asked for a hearing with Caesar in Rome! A terrible months-long journey followed and then he was held for months awaiting his trial. During that imprisonment, he wrote a letter to the new Believers in Philippi that we call the “Epistle of Joy!”  In four short chapters, he teaches that joy flows from faith.

“It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13) “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. . .. He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians1:2, 6)

His focus extended beyond the moment to the greater purposes and promises of God. "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon." (Philippians 4:4-5, NLT)

And he reminds us of the importance of taking charge of the thoughts of the moment, becoming wiser and more hopeful through prayer and perseverance. "Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:8-9, NLT)

Let’s remember, once again, he did not write this from some resort on the Med, sipping a refreshingly cool beverage, while tended by adoring staff members! He wrote from chains of Roman custody, after more than two years of one disappointment after another.

You can do it! God, the Holy Spirit, lives in you, works in you, and teaches you the Way – IF you will allow Him to lead you.

Happiness, as I have said so many times before, is fed by sunshine and great situations. JOY flows out of the heart that is anchored in faith, obedient to God’s direction, and hopeful in His provisions.

The word from the Word today is so very familiar to most of us.  Don’t let that familiarity rob this inspired passage of the power that packs its punch. "I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need." (Philippians 4:12-13, NLT)

Steady on, my dear friend. Joy comes in the morning!

 

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(Video of this blog at this link)

 

A Christ-less Christianity?

Here we are in the aftermath of an historic election. Whatever we may feel about the results, the social upheaval is undeniable– people’s unrest and uncertainty about their lives visible in the passion of their politics.

As a conservative Christian I see a possible consequence for us, a feeling of triumph that will lead us ever more deeply into a ‘Christianity’ that is Christ-less, when we use the words of Christ without understanding the profound discipleship to which He calls those who bear His Name.

Our new political order promises greater wealth, a new swagger on the world stage, a disposal of those among us who are disdained as ‘illegals,’ and a new pride in Nation. Is there an upside to those policies? Perhaps so, but none of them can be undertaken in the Name of Jesus! None of those things have any support in the words of our Savior and professed Lord, do they?

In a statement of the obvious – Jesus Christ is not “American” nor is He a Republican or a Democrat. He is the Lord of Glory, God of Eternity, and Judge of all the earth.

Rather than celebrate  I believe that Christians should take on a time of extended prayer, real reflection; even fasting, that ancient spiritual practice of self-denial. IF we have not already sold our souls for mere political influence, we are in great danger of doing so now!

I have no issue with the defense of the unborn, with the strengthening of the family, or with greater support for the role of parents in the nation. I do believe that compassionate regulation of immigration is necessary to prevent terrible social disruption in our communities and with those convictions come responsibilities to care for the poor, the less, the marginalized with more than rhetoric.

We need to make certain that Jesus is the Center of our lives and our only hope. Greed, pride, and raw power of the sword are anti-Christ’s values and practices. Christ’s are compassion, contentment, service, sacrifice, and humility.

Whatever your emotions in these days following our election, I urge you to turn anew to Christ Jesus committing to the leading of the Holy Spirit, being willing to live counter-culturally for His sake.

The word from the Word is lengthy, from the heart of Jesus Himself.

"One day as the crowds were gathering, Jesus went up the mountainside with his disciples and sat down to teach them. This is what he taught them:
“God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.
God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

God blesses those who are gentle and lowly, for the whole earth will belong to them.
God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice, for they will receive it in full.

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.

God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

“God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too." (Matthew 5:1-12, NLT)

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(Video of this blog at this link)

 

The Jesus Way

If you curse me then I will bless you
If you hurt me I will forgive
And if you hate me then I will love you
I choose the Jesus way

If you’re helpless I will defend you
And if you’re burdened I’ll share the weight
And if you’re hopeless then let me show you
There’s hope in the Jesus way

I follow Jesus I follow Jesus
He wore my sin I’ll gladly wear His name
He is the treasure He is the answer
Oh I choose the Jesus way

If you strike me I will embrace you
And if you chain me I’ll sing His praise
And if you kill me my home is heaven
For I choose the Jesus way

I choose surrender I choose to love
Oh God my Savior You’ll always be enough
I choose forgiveness I choose grace
I choose to worship no matter what I face
I choose the Jesus way
I choose the Jesus way

 

Jonathan Smith, Phil Wickham © Be Essential Songs; Cashagamble Jet Music; Phil Wickham Music; Simply Global Songs   CCLI License #810055

Receiving what God Prepares

“But I don’t like …”  is a phrase sometimes heard when certain foods are set on the dinner table. I am prepared to eat what is placed before me, with thanksgiving.  Do have preferences? I sure do, but early in life I was trained to eat what was set in front of me and to do so without complaint! Now, I must be honest about salmon and tomatoes. If those were on the menu, I would simply choose to remain hungry.

Are you prepared to receive what God has prepared for you,
with thanksgiving, so that you can live in His peace?

IF we desire to know a deep and intimate relationship with God,
IF we want to experience the ‘abundant life’ which Jesus offers,
IF we would be most effective in our Christian service -
we must be willing to surrender our preferences and accept His plan.

There is no better illustration of the toxicity of willfulness than the experience of the people of Israel during their pilgrimage from Egypt to the Promised Land. By miraculous provision, God delivered them from slavery and led them.  Repeatedly, they found His provision – in circumstance and even in daily food – unacceptable.

When they were hungry in the wilderness, the LORD provided perfect food. All they had to do was gather it up from the ground each morning. Listen to their response - “Oh, for some meat!” they exclaimed. “We remember all the fish we used to eat for free in Egypt. And we had all the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic that we wanted. But now our appetites are gone, and day after day we have nothing to eat but this manna!” (Numbers 11:4-6, NLT)

Their repeated refusals to accept what God gave to them caused them to sin in multiple ways and their failures met with terrible consequences.  They became faithless. They rebelled against Moses’ leadership. They experienced God’s judgment, and many died. An entire generation ended up dying during the 40 years of wilderness wandering because they refused to follow God into the Promised Land the first time!

The tragedy of their sin led them to turn back to God, but too late to avoid the consequence of their ingratitude and rebellion.

The book of Hebrews alludes to those stories of refusal of God’s leading and encourages us to choose differently. "God’s promise of entering his place of rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to get there. For this Good News—that God has prepared a place of rest—has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn’t believe what God told them.

For only we who believe can enter his place of rest. … So God’s rest is there for people to enter. But those who formerly heard the Good News failed to enter because they disobeyed God. So God set another time for entering his place of rest, and that time is today. … So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God." (Hebrews 4:1-9, NLT)

As we begin this new week, let’s present ourselves humbly to God as His grateful children. Not every situation will be exactly as we would want it to be. We will find ourselves presented with challenges to our faith, with developments that are hard to accept, with choices in which we know what is right but not what we want to do. May we have the faith and courage to walk in faithfulness so that we may enter the fullness of His provision, with gratitude.

The word from the Word puts the focus in the right place. Meditate on this truth today. "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:23-25, NIV)

Lord, find us grateful and accepting. Amen

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(Video of this blog at this link)