A circus makes us ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ by giving us a spectacle. There are noises, sparkly costumes, and bright colors splashed everywhere. It’s all designed to overwhelm our senses, a kind of sensory banquet that leaves us impressed. And, it works! We do not go to the circus to meditate and think deep thoughts about world peace. We go to see the elephants, the high wire acrobats, and the clowns tumbling as a diversion from the tedium of everyday life.
When you go to church are you looking for a circus? Are you content with loud music, novel presentations, and flashing lights? Or, do you desire a real moment of worship, an encounter with the Lord of Heaven? Noisy circus-like Christianity cannot change the world. Meeting with God will change me, you, and the world! Paul says that His Power 'is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come." (Ephesians 1:19-22, NIV) That power flows from deep inside of us, from holiness of heart, and deep intimacy with God. The very things we often mistake for 'spiritual revival' - the grand productions featuring 'God's man of power for the hour,' – can actually block an incredibly intimate, empowering experience of the Holy Spirit.
An old joke circulated among preachers relates that the pastor on reviewing his sermon notes wrote in the margins, "Point weak; shout loudly!" If we feel the need to rise to sweaty heights of emotional displays to cast down the strongholds of the devil, I fear the we have most likely fallen into circus-style religion. We have substituted the 'still, small voice' of the Holy Spirit with our amplified declarations, that echo meaninglessly into the caverns of evil!
Our desire must be for Jesus Christ, not a thrill of emotion. "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority." (Colossians 2:8-10, NIV)
Read it again, this time from The Message: “Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk. ... They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings. But that's not the way of Christ. Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly. You don't need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him. When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything.”
Friend, don't get taken in by the 'show.' Don't let fast-talkers take your heart (or your money) away from the true Source of your hope and your power. Walk with Jesus. If you feel manipulated, pushed, pulled, or overwhelmed by a 'ministry,' that feels more like a circus: RUN- don't walk- away! Find a place where they love the Spirit's voice.
"The Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says, "Only in returning to me and waiting for me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength." (Isaiah 30:15, NLT)
__________________________
Only In God
Only in God, is my soul at rest.
In Him, comes my salvation.
He only is my Rock,
My strength and my salvation.
Only in God is found safety,
When my enemy pursues me.
Only in God is found glory,
When I am found meek and found lowly.
My stronghold, my Savior, I shall not be afraid at all.
My stronghold, my Savior, I shall not be moved.
Only in God, is my soul at rest.
In Him, comes my salvation.
Author: Talbot, John Michael
Copyright: 1980 Birdwing Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing;
Admin. by BMG Music Publishing) / BMG Songs, Inc. (Mech) (Admin. by EMI
Christian Music Publishing; Admin. by BMG Music Publishing) CCLI License
No. 810055
Friday, September 10, 2010
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Unsure about love?
Sometimes people get under my skin! I’m not thinking about those who are merely thoughtless. A rude or insensitive remark may trigger a moment of irritation, but I quickly get over it. I’m thinking about the people whose choices are hurtful to others, who wrong friends and family by acting in ways that are totally selfish. I am not happy to admit that I am unsure whether I even want to love them! The Koran burning preacher in South Florida, Terry Jones, needs my prayers, but the truth is that I’d like to kick him in his butt! I know a young man who has caused his family grief for 10 years with one bad choice after the other. Every time he gets himself backed into a corner, he cries and wants them to rescue him from himself. I really don’t want to love him, either.
But, I don’t see any exceptions in Jesus’ words, do you? “You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty." (Matthew 5:43-45, The Message) It is clear to me that the way Jesus thinks of love and the way I think of it are quite different. Love to me is an emotion stirred by the desirability of the object of my affection. The Lord says that love is a choice, an act of my will!
I have discovered that it is nearly impossible to wish ill on another if I am actively praying for them, which is one of the most loving acts. As I talk honestly with the Lord about someone and my responses to their actions, compassion begins to take form. The Spirit creates a concern, taking away judgment and replacing it with empathy, even those who anger me with their sinfulness, selfishness, or stupidity. I begin to desire their redemption more than my own comfort.
Are you unsure about love, disciple?
Are you repulsed by another, ready to refuse to care for them?
Here’s a word from the Word that challenges a different response. "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:18-21, NIV)
_______________
Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heaven, to earth come down,
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling,
All Thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, Thou art all compassion,
Pure, unbounded love Thou art;
Visit us with Thy salvation,
Enter every trembling heart.
Finish, then, Thy new creation;
Pure and spotless let us be;
Let us see Thy great salvation
Perfectly restored in Thee;
Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before Thee,
Lost in wonder, love, and praise.
Love Divine All Loves Excelling
Wesley, Charles / Prichard, Rowland H.
© Public Domain
But, I don’t see any exceptions in Jesus’ words, do you? “You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty." (Matthew 5:43-45, The Message) It is clear to me that the way Jesus thinks of love and the way I think of it are quite different. Love to me is an emotion stirred by the desirability of the object of my affection. The Lord says that love is a choice, an act of my will!
I have discovered that it is nearly impossible to wish ill on another if I am actively praying for them, which is one of the most loving acts. As I talk honestly with the Lord about someone and my responses to their actions, compassion begins to take form. The Spirit creates a concern, taking away judgment and replacing it with empathy, even those who anger me with their sinfulness, selfishness, or stupidity. I begin to desire their redemption more than my own comfort.
Are you unsure about love, disciple?
Are you repulsed by another, ready to refuse to care for them?
Here’s a word from the Word that challenges a different response. "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:18-21, NIV)
_______________
Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heaven, to earth come down,
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling,
All Thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, Thou art all compassion,
Pure, unbounded love Thou art;
Visit us with Thy salvation,
Enter every trembling heart.
Finish, then, Thy new creation;
Pure and spotless let us be;
Let us see Thy great salvation
Perfectly restored in Thee;
Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before Thee,
Lost in wonder, love, and praise.
Love Divine All Loves Excelling
Wesley, Charles / Prichard, Rowland H.
© Public Domain
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
What's that you say?
A sage observed there are three messages conveyed in any conversation;
"what is said,
what you think I said,
and what I think I said!"
Want to communicate well?
First, use plain and honest speech. Jesus taught us, "Just say 'yes' and 'no.' When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong." (Matthew 5:37, The Message) In this day when lawyers are legion, as followers of the Lord of Truth, we must make integrity in communication our goal.
Second, remember that God is present! Scripture reminds us that there is another Listener in every conversation. His presence makes this prayer all the more important, "May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14, NLT) Our Lord knows not just what we say, but what we mean. That is both a comfort and a caution, isn’t it?
Third, remember that if you talk long enough you will reveal your heart!
"A good person produces good words from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil words from an evil heart. And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak. The words you say now reflect your fate then; either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:35-37, NLT) Want to know who you really are? Listen to yourself.
James reminds us that our words are anything but ‘just words.’ They are a powerful force - for good or evil! With language rich in pictures, he says- "A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything-or destroy it! It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell. … With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image. ... My friends, this can't go on." (James 3:3-10, The Message)
Are your words a source of life, refreshing others with encouragement, praising God, expressing faith?
Let me suggest a simple experiment just for today.
Be very aware of what you’re saying and pray prior to going into a conversation.
Then, don’t talk about others, except in a way that praises; don’t argue with others without listening intently. Ask more questions and make fewer declarations. Look for every opportunity to leave a compliment, a word of praise or thankfulness. Make it your aim this day that what you say will bless.
I can guarantee you that you will end the day more refreshed and joyful!
_________________________
You are God in Heaven
and here am I on earth,
So I'll let my words be few;
Jesus, I am so in love with You.
The simplest of all love songs
I want to bring to You,
So I'll let my words be few;
Jesus, I am so in love with You.
And I'll stand in awe of You,
Yes, I'll stand in awe of You!
-and I'll let my words be few-
Jesus, I am so in love with You.
Matt Redman
2000 Kingsway
CCLI License No. 810055
"what is said,
what you think I said,
and what I think I said!"
Want to communicate well?
First, use plain and honest speech. Jesus taught us, "Just say 'yes' and 'no.' When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong." (Matthew 5:37, The Message) In this day when lawyers are legion, as followers of the Lord of Truth, we must make integrity in communication our goal.
Second, remember that God is present! Scripture reminds us that there is another Listener in every conversation. His presence makes this prayer all the more important, "May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14, NLT) Our Lord knows not just what we say, but what we mean. That is both a comfort and a caution, isn’t it?
Third, remember that if you talk long enough you will reveal your heart!
"A good person produces good words from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil words from an evil heart. And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak. The words you say now reflect your fate then; either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:35-37, NLT) Want to know who you really are? Listen to yourself.
James reminds us that our words are anything but ‘just words.’ They are a powerful force - for good or evil! With language rich in pictures, he says- "A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything-or destroy it! It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell. … With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image. ... My friends, this can't go on." (James 3:3-10, The Message)
Are your words a source of life, refreshing others with encouragement, praising God, expressing faith?
Let me suggest a simple experiment just for today.
Be very aware of what you’re saying and pray prior to going into a conversation.
Then, don’t talk about others, except in a way that praises; don’t argue with others without listening intently. Ask more questions and make fewer declarations. Look for every opportunity to leave a compliment, a word of praise or thankfulness. Make it your aim this day that what you say will bless.
I can guarantee you that you will end the day more refreshed and joyful!
_________________________
You are God in Heaven
and here am I on earth,
So I'll let my words be few;
Jesus, I am so in love with You.
The simplest of all love songs
I want to bring to You,
So I'll let my words be few;
Jesus, I am so in love with You.
And I'll stand in awe of You,
Yes, I'll stand in awe of You!
-and I'll let my words be few-
Jesus, I am so in love with You.
Matt Redman
2000 Kingsway
CCLI License No. 810055
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
What I'm For!
Dr. Terry Jones, pastor of Dove World Outreach, (an awfully grand name for a church of 50) is planning to lead his little congregation in a book-burning on Saturday. This Florida church will be burning the Koran to let the world know that “Islam is of the Devil.” The congregation is proud of where they stand in defense of the ‘Truth’ and, according to their website, they often take to the streets to protest various sins of these United States. I understand them all too well, much to my regret.
Once I, too, was quick to condemn the culture, ready to pick up my pen and blast those ‘sinners’ who were destroying ‘my’ country. Then, the Spirit of God let me see my own sin and contrasted it with the depth of His love, expressed through Jesus Christ. His embrace of grace melted the anger and fear from my soul! I take no issue with their conviction that abortion takes a life, that same-sex marriage (at least in a Christian church) is abhorrent to God, or that Islam cannot lead people to truly know God through Jesus Christ. But, they’re focused on the wrong message!
The Gospel is not about being against something or someone. It is about proclaiming that the “kingdom of God has come near.” The very first mission of the disciples was not a preaching campaign to condemn the sins of their people. It was a invitation into a new order. "One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick." (Luke 9:1-2, NLT) Sin is real and darkness that exists needs to be dispelled. And how? Not by Law. Not by protest. Not by condemnation.
The way to redeem the culture is to bring the sinner the good news that God stands with open arms to welcome them back home; that through His Son, Jesus, He offers complete forgiveness and life in the Spirit. Will some abuse the grace of God? Yes! It happened to none other than Paul who watched some turn the gospel he preaching into a license to indulge every disobedient, Self-centered whim. It’s happened in my ministry when some have chosen to ignore holiness because ‘grace covers all my sin.’ But, the glory of the Gospel is its breadth. We can’t hope to earn what God has provided at tremendous cost to Himself – right standing with Him, reconciliation with Him.
I wish my mistaken brothers would read the passage you’re about to read. It might change their focus from book-burning to real Kingdom building. Let this word from the Word settle in your mind and heart. I am quoting from The Message because it is easier to understand. I encourage you to take some time to read the same texts from several translations of the Scripture, allowing the Spirit to show you, fresh and new, the heart of the Gospel.
Speaking of those who are not in Christ, we read: "Since they didn’t bother to acknowledge God, God quit bothering them and let them run loose. And then all hell broke loose: rampant evil, grabbing and grasping, vicious backstabbing. They made life hell on earth with their envy, wanton killing, bickering, and cheating. Look at them: mean-spirited, venomous… " (Romans 1:28-29, The Message) "Those people are on a dark spiral downward. But if you think that leaves you on the high ground where you can point your finger at others, think again. Every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself. It takes one to know one. Judgmental criticism of others is a well-known way of escaping detection in your own crimes and misdemeanors. But God isn’t so easily diverted. He sees right through all such smoke screens and holds you to what you’ve done." (Romans 2:1-2, The Message) Then, comes the amazing announcement!
"But in our time something new has been added. What Moses and the prophets witnessed to all those years has happened." (Romans 3:21, The Message) "God sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear that world of sin. Having faith in him sets us in the clear. God decided on this course of action in full view of the public—to set the world in the clear with himself through the sacrifice of Jesus, finally taking care of the sins he had so patiently endured." (Romans 3:25, The Message) Ready for the grand conclusion?
"By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise." (Romans 5:1-2, The Message)
_______________________
Amazing grace,
How sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost,
But now I’m found,
T’was blind, but now I see!
- John Newton
Once I, too, was quick to condemn the culture, ready to pick up my pen and blast those ‘sinners’ who were destroying ‘my’ country. Then, the Spirit of God let me see my own sin and contrasted it with the depth of His love, expressed through Jesus Christ. His embrace of grace melted the anger and fear from my soul! I take no issue with their conviction that abortion takes a life, that same-sex marriage (at least in a Christian church) is abhorrent to God, or that Islam cannot lead people to truly know God through Jesus Christ. But, they’re focused on the wrong message!
The Gospel is not about being against something or someone. It is about proclaiming that the “kingdom of God has come near.” The very first mission of the disciples was not a preaching campaign to condemn the sins of their people. It was a invitation into a new order. "One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick." (Luke 9:1-2, NLT) Sin is real and darkness that exists needs to be dispelled. And how? Not by Law. Not by protest. Not by condemnation.
The way to redeem the culture is to bring the sinner the good news that God stands with open arms to welcome them back home; that through His Son, Jesus, He offers complete forgiveness and life in the Spirit. Will some abuse the grace of God? Yes! It happened to none other than Paul who watched some turn the gospel he preaching into a license to indulge every disobedient, Self-centered whim. It’s happened in my ministry when some have chosen to ignore holiness because ‘grace covers all my sin.’ But, the glory of the Gospel is its breadth. We can’t hope to earn what God has provided at tremendous cost to Himself – right standing with Him, reconciliation with Him.
I wish my mistaken brothers would read the passage you’re about to read. It might change their focus from book-burning to real Kingdom building. Let this word from the Word settle in your mind and heart. I am quoting from The Message because it is easier to understand. I encourage you to take some time to read the same texts from several translations of the Scripture, allowing the Spirit to show you, fresh and new, the heart of the Gospel.
Speaking of those who are not in Christ, we read: "Since they didn’t bother to acknowledge God, God quit bothering them and let them run loose. And then all hell broke loose: rampant evil, grabbing and grasping, vicious backstabbing. They made life hell on earth with their envy, wanton killing, bickering, and cheating. Look at them: mean-spirited, venomous… " (Romans 1:28-29, The Message) "Those people are on a dark spiral downward. But if you think that leaves you on the high ground where you can point your finger at others, think again. Every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself. It takes one to know one. Judgmental criticism of others is a well-known way of escaping detection in your own crimes and misdemeanors. But God isn’t so easily diverted. He sees right through all such smoke screens and holds you to what you’ve done." (Romans 2:1-2, The Message) Then, comes the amazing announcement!
"But in our time something new has been added. What Moses and the prophets witnessed to all those years has happened." (Romans 3:21, The Message) "God sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear that world of sin. Having faith in him sets us in the clear. God decided on this course of action in full view of the public—to set the world in the clear with himself through the sacrifice of Jesus, finally taking care of the sins he had so patiently endured." (Romans 3:25, The Message) Ready for the grand conclusion?
"By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise." (Romans 5:1-2, The Message)
_______________________
Amazing grace,
How sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost,
But now I’m found,
T’was blind, but now I see!
- John Newton
Monday, September 06, 2010
Are you liberal?
Our church receives an offering at Christmas that is set aside for those in need. Throughout the year, when requests come for assistance we have funds available. Often, I find that it is hard to determine how and whom to help! I see many of the same people again and again, coming to ask for payment of utility bills and rent. Some are simply unable to generate income due to some kind of disability. Others are in the grip of addictions. Some are unmotivated, having lost hope and/or desire to be productive for reasons unknown. Some have just run into circumstances – job loss, poor health – over which they have little control. I find myself praying, “Lord, grant me Your wisdom to know how best to help this individual.”
It is always my desire to be liberal in attitude, to generously extend a hand as an expression of the love of Christ. An easier choice would be to judge those who ask, to separate myself from ‘them’ determining they are somehow unworthy. It’s an attitude that is all too common among the blessed and beautiful! There is an attractive lie that we want to believe that says, “I am better than you, more deserving, and thus need not share my life with you. If you’re need, it must be the result of your own failures.” That does not reflect the generosity of Jesus!
One day when Jesus and His disciples came upon a blind man, the men asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:2, NKJV) The common assumption was (and still is!) that since he was suffering, he or someone must be responsible. Jesus reply shocked them. “You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do. We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines. When night falls, the workday is over." (John 9:3-4, The Message) The man’s blindness was an opportunity for ministry that revealed the love of God!
Our lives are changed, inside out, when we stop judging and blaming those who are suffering, who are sinning, failing, or falling, and instead adopt the liberal attitude born of thinking: “Your situation provides the opportunity to show the love of God!” I am not making a case for just throwing more money at problems, or failing to hold others accountable for change. That is not love, nor is it liberality. It is just dumb. But, we must, like our Great Example, come down from on high to stand alongside of those who are broken, bruised, and beaten by life. We when liberally love, we have gained the credibility to say, when necessary, “now, let’s work together on making a lasting change.”
Here’s a word from the Word. What does He say to you in it?
"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few." (Matthew 9:36-37, NLT)
________________
It is always my desire to be liberal in attitude, to generously extend a hand as an expression of the love of Christ. An easier choice would be to judge those who ask, to separate myself from ‘them’ determining they are somehow unworthy. It’s an attitude that is all too common among the blessed and beautiful! There is an attractive lie that we want to believe that says, “I am better than you, more deserving, and thus need not share my life with you. If you’re need, it must be the result of your own failures.” That does not reflect the generosity of Jesus!
One day when Jesus and His disciples came upon a blind man, the men asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:2, NKJV) The common assumption was (and still is!) that since he was suffering, he or someone must be responsible. Jesus reply shocked them. “You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do. We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines. When night falls, the workday is over." (John 9:3-4, The Message) The man’s blindness was an opportunity for ministry that revealed the love of God!
Our lives are changed, inside out, when we stop judging and blaming those who are suffering, who are sinning, failing, or falling, and instead adopt the liberal attitude born of thinking: “Your situation provides the opportunity to show the love of God!” I am not making a case for just throwing more money at problems, or failing to hold others accountable for change. That is not love, nor is it liberality. It is just dumb. But, we must, like our Great Example, come down from on high to stand alongside of those who are broken, bruised, and beaten by life. We when liberally love, we have gained the credibility to say, when necessary, “now, let’s work together on making a lasting change.”
Here’s a word from the Word. What does He say to you in it?
"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few." (Matthew 9:36-37, NLT)
________________
Friday, September 03, 2010
To serve and protect
“The thin blue line” is a reference to police who form a boundary between lawless chaos and a safe, peaceful society. Though our law enforcement is not a perfect system, I am grateful to those men and women who keep the bad guys from taking over! While I am not always thrilled to see a police cruiser pull up behind my car, I know that ultimately it is the charge of that law officer to serve and protect.
Disciple, you and I have a similar commission in this world, to work to counteract and restrain evil. Do you know this is your high and holy calling? Jesus describes the functional nature of our mission by calling us ‘salt and light.’ In His time, salt was much more than a flavoring of food. In that pre-refrigeration age it was a critical preservative. Christians are to serve that function in the world today. Don’t just think of great movements involving millions of like-minded believers. Individually, we can have a noticeable effect, and we should! In the dark world, our love of God will make the Way plain for others.
Does your family know you as a person of prayer, a person of wisdom to whom they can turn for solid counsel, as a person of compassion on whom they can lean in the hard times? Do your daily decisions reveal a quality of life that compels those with whom you work to say ‘thank God’ for you? Isn’t that what Jesus means when He says, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden… let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."? (Matthew 5:14,16, NLT)
Ask yourself, would the people that I live with be worse off if I did not exist? Am I functioning as ‘salt and light’?
It’s an honor to serve and protect! Just as police officers feel a justifiable sense of honor and privilege, wearing their badge of public trust with a sense of obligation, so should we. We don’t have to announce our good works with trumpets. Indeed, Jesus forbade it. We just live to give, loving in big and small ways, asking the Spirit of God to work quietly and persistently through us to push back the influence of evil.
Here’s a word from the Word. Keep it in your conscious mind today and let it challenge every word and action.
" In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. … I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere." (Ephesians 4:1, The Message) "I insist—and God backs me up on this—that there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd." (Ephesians 4:17, The Message) "Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside." (Ephesians 4:22-23, The Message) "Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents." (Ephesians 5:1, The Message)
_________________________
Jesus, use me and O Lord, don't refuse me,
For surely there's a work that I can do;
And even tho' it's humble, Lord,
Help my will to crumble,
Tho' the cost be great I'll work for You.
Dear Lord, I'll be a witness,
If You will help my weakness.
I know that I'm not worthy, Lord, of Thee.
By eyes of faith I see Thee,
Upon the cross of Calv'ry;
Dear Lord, I cry let me Thy servant be.
Jesus Use Me
Campbell, Jack / Campbell, Billy
© 1956 Gospel Publishing House (Assigned to Lorenz Corporation, 1998)
CCLI License No. 810055
Disciple, you and I have a similar commission in this world, to work to counteract and restrain evil. Do you know this is your high and holy calling? Jesus describes the functional nature of our mission by calling us ‘salt and light.’ In His time, salt was much more than a flavoring of food. In that pre-refrigeration age it was a critical preservative. Christians are to serve that function in the world today. Don’t just think of great movements involving millions of like-minded believers. Individually, we can have a noticeable effect, and we should! In the dark world, our love of God will make the Way plain for others.
Does your family know you as a person of prayer, a person of wisdom to whom they can turn for solid counsel, as a person of compassion on whom they can lean in the hard times? Do your daily decisions reveal a quality of life that compels those with whom you work to say ‘thank God’ for you? Isn’t that what Jesus means when He says, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden… let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."? (Matthew 5:14,16, NLT)
Ask yourself, would the people that I live with be worse off if I did not exist? Am I functioning as ‘salt and light’?
It’s an honor to serve and protect! Just as police officers feel a justifiable sense of honor and privilege, wearing their badge of public trust with a sense of obligation, so should we. We don’t have to announce our good works with trumpets. Indeed, Jesus forbade it. We just live to give, loving in big and small ways, asking the Spirit of God to work quietly and persistently through us to push back the influence of evil.
Here’s a word from the Word. Keep it in your conscious mind today and let it challenge every word and action.
" In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. … I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere." (Ephesians 4:1, The Message) "I insist—and God backs me up on this—that there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd." (Ephesians 4:17, The Message) "Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside." (Ephesians 4:22-23, The Message) "Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents." (Ephesians 5:1, The Message)
_________________________
Jesus, use me and O Lord, don't refuse me,
For surely there's a work that I can do;
And even tho' it's humble, Lord,
Help my will to crumble,
Tho' the cost be great I'll work for You.
Dear Lord, I'll be a witness,
If You will help my weakness.
I know that I'm not worthy, Lord, of Thee.
By eyes of faith I see Thee,
Upon the cross of Calv'ry;
Dear Lord, I cry let me Thy servant be.
Jesus Use Me
Campbell, Jack / Campbell, Billy
© 1956 Gospel Publishing House (Assigned to Lorenz Corporation, 1998)
CCLI License No. 810055
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Resurrection Life?
Quitters are everywhere! People quit their job, abandon a diet, leave their marriage, even walk away from Christ every day. Americans strongly believe in being happy and because we are such a rich culture that provides a wide array of options for individual choice, we are always moving on. “I’m just not happy,” is reason enough for many to make some of the most serious choices for change. Sticking with a tough situation just because it is ‘the right thing to do,’ is not a universally admired decision. Some might even consider it silly if there is an option to escape.
The New Testament has a well-known quitter. His leaving merits just a line in one of Paul’s letters: "Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world." (2 Timothy 4:10, NKJV) The life of a Christian missionary got to Demas. He decided that living on a frugal budget, enduring rejection in every city, even risking arrest just wasn’t his cup ‘o tea anymore. We get a glimpse at the real problem; he lost sight of eternity and loved the here and now!
Genuine Christianity, not the brand sold in many churches today, makes absolutely no sense without the Resurrection and the promise of Heaven. We have a pseudo-faith preached today that allows us to live without holiness and think we are hanging onto our eternal hope. This Gospel is about a Jesus who exists to make our dreams come true, who will keep us safe and happy all through life while making few demands. The real Gospel is about moving into a new kingdom, putting one’s life under the rule of the Lord of Life, serving His aims. It means we keep our covenants, do not enmesh ourselves in the culture to the point that we are indistinguishable from it.
Why would I deny myself pleasure? As long as ‘nobody is being hurt,’ why wouldn’t I follow my bliss, do what makes me happy? Here’s why- because my life now extends into eternity. I will stand before the Master to give an accounting for the way I lived, the choices I made, the words I said. He will ask me about the investments of time, money, and love that I made. Even more significantly, any small sacrifice I’ve made along the way for Jesus’ sake, will find a rich reward!
You see, disciple, I am convinced that my destiny is not merely a grave plot in a grassy field; it is a home in the Presence of God. Can you understand this passage which comes from a long discussion about the promise of the Resurrection? "I die every day—I mean that, brothers—just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord. If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for merely human reasons, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame." (1 Corinthians 15:31-34, NIV)
Take some time to evaluate the way you are living under the light of eternity. Don’t just look at the big things. How did you spend your weekend? What did you watch on TV? What are you reading? Where are you finding your friends? Whose advice are you seeking? A holy life, one that is given fully to Christ Jesus is not an easy one, "but thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:57-58, NIV)
The New Testament has a well-known quitter. His leaving merits just a line in one of Paul’s letters: "Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world." (2 Timothy 4:10, NKJV) The life of a Christian missionary got to Demas. He decided that living on a frugal budget, enduring rejection in every city, even risking arrest just wasn’t his cup ‘o tea anymore. We get a glimpse at the real problem; he lost sight of eternity and loved the here and now!
Genuine Christianity, not the brand sold in many churches today, makes absolutely no sense without the Resurrection and the promise of Heaven. We have a pseudo-faith preached today that allows us to live without holiness and think we are hanging onto our eternal hope. This Gospel is about a Jesus who exists to make our dreams come true, who will keep us safe and happy all through life while making few demands. The real Gospel is about moving into a new kingdom, putting one’s life under the rule of the Lord of Life, serving His aims. It means we keep our covenants, do not enmesh ourselves in the culture to the point that we are indistinguishable from it.
Why would I deny myself pleasure? As long as ‘nobody is being hurt,’ why wouldn’t I follow my bliss, do what makes me happy? Here’s why- because my life now extends into eternity. I will stand before the Master to give an accounting for the way I lived, the choices I made, the words I said. He will ask me about the investments of time, money, and love that I made. Even more significantly, any small sacrifice I’ve made along the way for Jesus’ sake, will find a rich reward!
You see, disciple, I am convinced that my destiny is not merely a grave plot in a grassy field; it is a home in the Presence of God. Can you understand this passage which comes from a long discussion about the promise of the Resurrection? "I die every day—I mean that, brothers—just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord. If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for merely human reasons, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame." (1 Corinthians 15:31-34, NIV)
Take some time to evaluate the way you are living under the light of eternity. Don’t just look at the big things. How did you spend your weekend? What did you watch on TV? What are you reading? Where are you finding your friends? Whose advice are you seeking? A holy life, one that is given fully to Christ Jesus is not an easy one, "but thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:57-58, NIV)
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Pseudo-sophisticate
The voices coming from my radio were so full of acid I thought they might dissolve the speakers! They mocked all things good and godly with foul language and expressions of pity for those who they considered too stupid to really understand the world as it is. They think that they sit high above ordinary mortals. They have nothing but disdain for common human emotions like love, everyday endeavors to pursue a kinder world , and any desire of hope for tomorrow. The well-known personality leading the conversation is thought by many to be sophisticated, worldly-wise, and a man of our times. I believe on the inside he is a foolish, insecure little boy who lacks the maturity to form real intimate attachments and to appreciate true beauty.
Which wisdom guides you, disciple?
Are you worldly wise or wise in the ways of God?
The Word tells us that those who seek God’s way, find life at its best. "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." (Psalm 1:1-3, NIV)
A tired cynicism that sighs, “Oh, simple one, just give up and go with the flow,” is not true wisdom! The captive of sensuality who lives his motto: “Eat, drink, and be merry,” lacks real insight. We are called higher, to live simply, lovingly, in the fear of the Lord which is " the foundation of true knowledge!" (Proverbs 1:7, NLT) To feel genuine emotion: to laugh with joy, to love purely, to hope in the face of impossible odds, to trust God when all evidence argues for self-sufficiency is not silly, stupid, nor childish. It is to live wisely!
Here’s a word from the Word.
"Don’t let the heathen get by with their sneers: “Where’s your God? Is he out to lunch?”
Go public and show the godless world that they can’t kill your servants and get by with it.
Give groaning prisoners a hearing; pardon those on death row from their doom—you can do it!
Give our jeering neighbors what they’ve got coming to them;
let their God-taunts boomerang and knock them flat.
Then we, your people, the ones you love and care for, will thank you over and over and over.
We’ll tell everyone we meet how wonderful you are, how praiseworthy you are!"
(Psalm 79:10-13, The Message)
Which wisdom guides you, disciple?
Are you worldly wise or wise in the ways of God?
The Word tells us that those who seek God’s way, find life at its best. "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." (Psalm 1:1-3, NIV)
A tired cynicism that sighs, “Oh, simple one, just give up and go with the flow,” is not true wisdom! The captive of sensuality who lives his motto: “Eat, drink, and be merry,” lacks real insight. We are called higher, to live simply, lovingly, in the fear of the Lord which is " the foundation of true knowledge!" (Proverbs 1:7, NLT) To feel genuine emotion: to laugh with joy, to love purely, to hope in the face of impossible odds, to trust God when all evidence argues for self-sufficiency is not silly, stupid, nor childish. It is to live wisely!
Here’s a word from the Word.
"Don’t let the heathen get by with their sneers: “Where’s your God? Is he out to lunch?”
Go public and show the godless world that they can’t kill your servants and get by with it.
Give groaning prisoners a hearing; pardon those on death row from their doom—you can do it!
Give our jeering neighbors what they’ve got coming to them;
let their God-taunts boomerang and knock them flat.
Then we, your people, the ones you love and care for, will thank you over and over and over.
We’ll tell everyone we meet how wonderful you are, how praiseworthy you are!"
(Psalm 79:10-13, The Message)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
What’s noteworthy about you?
When people think of you, what do they think next? Bev, my wife, elicits thoughts of children and a classroom full of learning centers that are designed to encourage little brains to develop. She’s all about teaching first graders and she takes great delight in opening little minds to the wonder of reading! I cannot think of a person I know personally who loves music more than my friend, Jake, whose name is synonymous in my mind with guitars and beautiful sounds. It is true that each of us is known differently by people who see us in various roles and places. Yet, I hope that in the list of things noteworthy about you and me is the love of Christ and His Church is not far from the top!
Paul, writing to Timothy, says "You … certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance." (2 Timothy 3:10, NLT) Very near the end of his life, Paul could honestly say to one of the men who knew him best - “Tim, you know I’m not about acquiring wealth. Applause and acceptance doesn’t matter at all to me. I’m been consistent and it’s clear Who and what drives me on.” There are people for whom I cannot name an overarching purpose. They dabbled for a while in art, were passionate about a ministry for a time ‘til the novelty wore off, then; they were on to a scheme to make money. The lack of a singular purpose, or the unwillingness to keep at it when it was disappointing or hard to do so, has made their lives remarkably without effect on the world.
Paul also wrote: "I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!" (Philippians 3:10-11, NLT) That expression of purpose was not a resignation to fate, nor was it a reluctant sigh from an old tired man. After 20 or so years on the road, after some incredibly painful experiences of rejection and persecution, he was still pursuing a deeper intimacy with the One he served. As the 2nd letter to Timothy shows, he never lost his focus! There are glimpses in his letters of discouragement, of pain, of great weariness. It’s not hard to imagine days when Paul told his friends in ministry, “I’m going back to Tarsus to make tents and live a quiet life in obscurity.” But, a good night’s rest and a meeting with the Holy Spirit at work brought him back to living ‘on purpose’ rather than by default.
When your life is in the final chapters, what will be noteworthy about you?
Will it be what you owned, who you knew, where you lived, or what you did – or will it be how you knew and served Jesus in that unique way that He made possible with your circumstances, your personality, and your spiritual gifts? In his best-selling book, The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren, opens with these lines; “It’s not about you. The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. … You were born by His purpose and for His purpose.”
Here’s a word from the Word. Own it! "One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14, NIV)
____________________________
All I once held dear,
Built my life upon,
All this world reveres,
And wars to own,
All I once thought gain
I have counted loss;
Spent and worthless now,
Compared to this.
Now my heart's desire
Is to know You more,
To be found in You,
And known as Yours,
To possess by faith
What I could not earn;
All surpassing gift of righteousness.
Oh to know the power of Your risen life,
And to know You in Your sufferings,
To become like You
In Your death, my Lord;
So with You to live, and never die.
Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You,
There is no greater thing!
You're my all, You're the best,
You're my joy, my righteousness,
And I love You, Lord.
Knowing You
Kendrick, Graham
© 1993 Make Way Music (Admin. by Music Services)
CCLI License No. 810055
Paul, writing to Timothy, says "You … certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance." (2 Timothy 3:10, NLT) Very near the end of his life, Paul could honestly say to one of the men who knew him best - “Tim, you know I’m not about acquiring wealth. Applause and acceptance doesn’t matter at all to me. I’m been consistent and it’s clear Who and what drives me on.” There are people for whom I cannot name an overarching purpose. They dabbled for a while in art, were passionate about a ministry for a time ‘til the novelty wore off, then; they were on to a scheme to make money. The lack of a singular purpose, or the unwillingness to keep at it when it was disappointing or hard to do so, has made their lives remarkably without effect on the world.
Paul also wrote: "I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!" (Philippians 3:10-11, NLT) That expression of purpose was not a resignation to fate, nor was it a reluctant sigh from an old tired man. After 20 or so years on the road, after some incredibly painful experiences of rejection and persecution, he was still pursuing a deeper intimacy with the One he served. As the 2nd letter to Timothy shows, he never lost his focus! There are glimpses in his letters of discouragement, of pain, of great weariness. It’s not hard to imagine days when Paul told his friends in ministry, “I’m going back to Tarsus to make tents and live a quiet life in obscurity.” But, a good night’s rest and a meeting with the Holy Spirit at work brought him back to living ‘on purpose’ rather than by default.
When your life is in the final chapters, what will be noteworthy about you?
Will it be what you owned, who you knew, where you lived, or what you did – or will it be how you knew and served Jesus in that unique way that He made possible with your circumstances, your personality, and your spiritual gifts? In his best-selling book, The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren, opens with these lines; “It’s not about you. The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. … You were born by His purpose and for His purpose.”
Here’s a word from the Word. Own it! "One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14, NIV)
____________________________
All I once held dear,
Built my life upon,
All this world reveres,
And wars to own,
All I once thought gain
I have counted loss;
Spent and worthless now,
Compared to this.
Now my heart's desire
Is to know You more,
To be found in You,
And known as Yours,
To possess by faith
What I could not earn;
All surpassing gift of righteousness.
Oh to know the power of Your risen life,
And to know You in Your sufferings,
To become like You
In Your death, my Lord;
So with You to live, and never die.
Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You,
There is no greater thing!
You're my all, You're the best,
You're my joy, my righteousness,
And I love You, Lord.
Knowing You
Kendrick, Graham
© 1993 Make Way Music (Admin. by Music Services)
CCLI License No. 810055
Friday, August 27, 2010
Whatever You want!
“Whatever you ask of me, I will do it!” I would not offer that kind of unconditional surrender to just anyone. I enjoy my freedom to make choices, to do the things I want to do. But, when it comes to my Lord, the only way to enjoy His Presence and promises is to give up any claims to myself, to become 100% His. When and where I have tried to hang onto my autonomy, I become restless, miserable, in the phrase of an old country song, “torn between two lovers!” It’s a faith decision of a man who lives under the authority of Another.
Once Jesus met a Roman soldier whose faith astonished the Lord! What was so surprising to Jesus? Take a look.
"He entered Capernaum. A Roman captain there had a servant who was on his deathbed. He prized him highly and didn't want to lose him. When he heard Jesus was back, he sent leaders from the Jewish community asking him to come and heal his servant. They came to Jesus and urged him to do it, saying, "He deserves this. He loves our people. He even built our meeting place." Jesus went with them.
When he was still quite far from the house, the captain sent friends to tell him, "Master, you don't have to go to all this trouble. I'm not that good a person, you know. I'd be embarrassed for you to come to my house, even embarrassed to come to you in person. Just give the order and my servant will get well. I'm a man under orders; I also give orders. I tell one soldier, `Go,' and he goes; another, `Come,' and he comes; my slave, `Do this,' and he does it."
Taken aback, Jesus addressed the accompanying crowd: "I've yet to come across this kind of simple trust anywhere in Israel, the very people who are supposed to know about God and how he works." When the messengers got back home, they found the servant up and well.” - The Message
This military officer understood the importance of being submitted to authority. Whatever was demanded of him by the government of Rome was what he must do. He understood that order and authority to be the way that the Kingdom of Heaven operated as well, an understanding that gave him great faith. He expected that Jesus could just speak the order and that the healing he requested for his servant would happen. Might it be that one of the reasons we do not experience the provision of the Lord at the level we seek is our failure to live under authority? Is our 'whatever' spoken to the Lord from a half-committed heart, a kind of resignation; or is it an embrace of His Will, a delight in what HE has purposed for us?
I find a total 'whatever you want, Lord' a difficult attitude to consistently maintain. Part of me wants to live life on my own terms. I want to enjoy the benefit of being cared for by God but retain the right to set my own course in life. It's not that I want to go out and sin flagrantly! No, self-will is much more subtle in me. I want to choose the time and place of my service. I want God to make me happy and to satisfy my needs. Then I remember, "I am a man under orders."
The wonderful fact of finding a place of submission is the peaceful relief that surrender releases into my heart. The Holy Spirit seldom changes the circumstances in which I find myself. Instead, He creates contentment and peace in me. From that contentment flows a genuine, "whatever, Lord, whatever You want for me."
Do you feel like an orphan cut off from resources, alone in your struggle?
Consider the state of your heart before God. It just might be that you are not 'under orders.' It may be that you have removed yourself from the flow of the Spirit with a rebel's state of mind that is covered over with a casual, but heartless, 'whatever.' Bow your head, bend your knee, and let your will be broken. And... experience the power found by a person who knows what it is to be 'under authority.'
_________
I will offer up my life in spirit and truth,
Pouring out the oil of love, as my worship to You.
In surrender I must give my ev'ry part;
Lord, receive the sacrifice of a broken heart.
Jesus, what can I give, What can I bring
To so faithful a friend, To so loving a King?
Savior, what can be said, What can be sung,
As a praise of Your name for the things You have done?
Oh, my words could not tell, Not even in part,
Of the debt of love that is owed by this thankful heart.
You deserve my every breath
for You've paid the great cost.
Giving up Your life to death,
Even death on a cross.
You took all my shame away,
There defeated my sin,
Opened up the gates of heaven,
And have beckoned me in.
I Will Offer Up My Life -- Redman, Matt
© 1994 Kingsway's Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
CCLI License No. 810055
Once Jesus met a Roman soldier whose faith astonished the Lord! What was so surprising to Jesus? Take a look.
"He entered Capernaum. A Roman captain there had a servant who was on his deathbed. He prized him highly and didn't want to lose him. When he heard Jesus was back, he sent leaders from the Jewish community asking him to come and heal his servant. They came to Jesus and urged him to do it, saying, "He deserves this. He loves our people. He even built our meeting place." Jesus went with them.
When he was still quite far from the house, the captain sent friends to tell him, "Master, you don't have to go to all this trouble. I'm not that good a person, you know. I'd be embarrassed for you to come to my house, even embarrassed to come to you in person. Just give the order and my servant will get well. I'm a man under orders; I also give orders. I tell one soldier, `Go,' and he goes; another, `Come,' and he comes; my slave, `Do this,' and he does it."
Taken aback, Jesus addressed the accompanying crowd: "I've yet to come across this kind of simple trust anywhere in Israel, the very people who are supposed to know about God and how he works." When the messengers got back home, they found the servant up and well.” - The Message
This military officer understood the importance of being submitted to authority. Whatever was demanded of him by the government of Rome was what he must do. He understood that order and authority to be the way that the Kingdom of Heaven operated as well, an understanding that gave him great faith. He expected that Jesus could just speak the order and that the healing he requested for his servant would happen. Might it be that one of the reasons we do not experience the provision of the Lord at the level we seek is our failure to live under authority? Is our 'whatever' spoken to the Lord from a half-committed heart, a kind of resignation; or is it an embrace of His Will, a delight in what HE has purposed for us?
I find a total 'whatever you want, Lord' a difficult attitude to consistently maintain. Part of me wants to live life on my own terms. I want to enjoy the benefit of being cared for by God but retain the right to set my own course in life. It's not that I want to go out and sin flagrantly! No, self-will is much more subtle in me. I want to choose the time and place of my service. I want God to make me happy and to satisfy my needs. Then I remember, "I am a man under orders."
The wonderful fact of finding a place of submission is the peaceful relief that surrender releases into my heart. The Holy Spirit seldom changes the circumstances in which I find myself. Instead, He creates contentment and peace in me. From that contentment flows a genuine, "whatever, Lord, whatever You want for me."
Do you feel like an orphan cut off from resources, alone in your struggle?
Consider the state of your heart before God. It just might be that you are not 'under orders.' It may be that you have removed yourself from the flow of the Spirit with a rebel's state of mind that is covered over with a casual, but heartless, 'whatever.' Bow your head, bend your knee, and let your will be broken. And... experience the power found by a person who knows what it is to be 'under authority.'
_________
I will offer up my life in spirit and truth,
Pouring out the oil of love, as my worship to You.
In surrender I must give my ev'ry part;
Lord, receive the sacrifice of a broken heart.
Jesus, what can I give, What can I bring
To so faithful a friend, To so loving a King?
Savior, what can be said, What can be sung,
As a praise of Your name for the things You have done?
Oh, my words could not tell, Not even in part,
Of the debt of love that is owed by this thankful heart.
You deserve my every breath
for You've paid the great cost.
Giving up Your life to death,
Even death on a cross.
You took all my shame away,
There defeated my sin,
Opened up the gates of heaven,
And have beckoned me in.
I Will Offer Up My Life -- Redman, Matt
© 1994 Kingsway's Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
CCLI License No. 810055
Thursday, August 26, 2010
See me, see Him!
Have you ever been granted ‘power of attorney’ on behalf of another? That legal standing means that you can make decisions for that person that are as legally binding as if they made them for themselves. You can spend their money, sign documents, and even make medical choices for them! Often an aging parent will give power of attorney to a son or daughter. It’s an awesome act of trust.
Disciple, our Heavenly Father has given us the privilege of acting in His Name, on His behalf, in this world! He placed the stewardship of His influence, His promises, His resources in our care. The Word tells us "whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17, NIV)
We are always acting as representatives of Jesus Christ before this world. Everything we are, everything we do, should originate from the core of that thought. “See me, see Him,” is the organizing principle of our lives, or at least it should be. Those who exercise POA on behalf of another are expected to act in that person’s interest, not their own. It is the same with God, our Father. He expects that we will not seize the trust He gives us for our selfish benefit. “Honor Me with your choices,” He says.
Consider your life today in this light.
How are you spending God’s resources?
What do others think of Him as they see the way you represent His interest before them?
Is He pleased with your choices in use of time, in your relationships, in your way of speaking, in your interaction with His beautiful Creation, in your recreation?
While these are sobering thoughts, they are exhilarating as well. How exciting to think that we, puny and finite humans, are given the privilege to represent the Mighty King of Glory!
Remember, too: as you are faithful to represent His interests well in the small things, He will entrust greater responsibilities to you. Jesus taught us that “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." (Luke 16:10, NIV)
Pray this prayer, a word from the Word, often today:
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14, NIV) Live your life in such a way that you can confidently say, “See me, see Him!”
___________________
Disciple, our Heavenly Father has given us the privilege of acting in His Name, on His behalf, in this world! He placed the stewardship of His influence, His promises, His resources in our care. The Word tells us "whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17, NIV)
We are always acting as representatives of Jesus Christ before this world. Everything we are, everything we do, should originate from the core of that thought. “See me, see Him,” is the organizing principle of our lives, or at least it should be. Those who exercise POA on behalf of another are expected to act in that person’s interest, not their own. It is the same with God, our Father. He expects that we will not seize the trust He gives us for our selfish benefit. “Honor Me with your choices,” He says.
Consider your life today in this light.
How are you spending God’s resources?
What do others think of Him as they see the way you represent His interest before them?
Is He pleased with your choices in use of time, in your relationships, in your way of speaking, in your interaction with His beautiful Creation, in your recreation?
While these are sobering thoughts, they are exhilarating as well. How exciting to think that we, puny and finite humans, are given the privilege to represent the Mighty King of Glory!
Remember, too: as you are faithful to represent His interests well in the small things, He will entrust greater responsibilities to you. Jesus taught us that “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." (Luke 16:10, NIV)
Pray this prayer, a word from the Word, often today:
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14, NIV) Live your life in such a way that you can confidently say, “See me, see Him!”
___________________
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Wanna fight?
Some of my peers would most likely disagree with my next statement, but it’s true.
I hate conflict!
But, it is part of my life; and your’s, too. If we make a decision, somebody will take issue with it. I’m still surprised when I bring an idea for doing ministry better to the church I pastor (in my opinion) that makes so much sense to me, only to find that some do not agree. Even after three decades of pastoral leadership, I have this naïve hope that the church would come to such unity of mind and purpose that conflict would disappear. But, I know that thinking people will disagree. Even loving people do! I love my wife of 35 years, but we don’t always reach the same conclusions.
As unpleasant as it is, conflict is both necessary and desirable. Some of you just disagreed with me! Why do I say this?
Conflict clarifies thinking. Each of us sees life from a limited perspective, making decisions within a framework of our own understanding. When we disagree with another and engage in conflict, we can learn if we are capable of listening. When another says, “Have you considered this by-product of your idea?” – it might well be that we never thought of it, at all.
Conflict creates closer ties. Of course, not always! Sometimes conflict turns into war with the aim of destruction! When conflict is kept honest, it allows us to know the heart and mind of another better and we grow deeper, capable of dealing with more difficult issues together. Superficial relationships keep the interaction focused only on the most basic exchanges- ‘nice day, warm out, isn’t it, how ‘bout those Yankees?’ Moving into the realm of ideas and feelings creates more contact, increasing the potential for conflict and as we go through it, more cooperation on the stuff of life that really matters.
Conflict allows for a new shared idea to be birthed. As we dialogue and disagree, make our point and listen to the argument of others, re-evaluate and adjust, often it is neither my idea nor yours that prevails. Something different emerges from the process that we both can own.
Not all disagreements lead to such great ends because not all conflict is conducted in a mature or selfless manner. Sometimes we (me, included!) allow secondary issues- personal security, pride, the need to control outcomes, a desire to win – to get stirred into the mix, creating a mess.
The Scripture gives us this directive for conflict. "Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3, NLT) That passage urges to let the mind of Christ be in us, adopting His humility toward others. Was He a loser? No! Was He incapable of speaking up for what was right? No, He did and they killed Him to be rid of His inconvenient Truth!
Another passage reminds that "each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." (Ephesians 4:25-26, NIV) In addition to humility, honesty is critical. Much conflict goes off the rails when people speak in one way while concealing ulterior motives, refusing to deal with reality. God wisely tells us to limit our conflict! Resolve it, don’t bury it until another day.
Wanna fight? As long as it is something worth fighting about, let’s go! If we must have a conflict, let’s remember – it’s not about my win, or yours! If we belong to Christ, it’s about constructive conflict that builds a more intimate Church that does His work in the best way in this world.
I hate conflict!
But, it is part of my life; and your’s, too. If we make a decision, somebody will take issue with it. I’m still surprised when I bring an idea for doing ministry better to the church I pastor (in my opinion) that makes so much sense to me, only to find that some do not agree. Even after three decades of pastoral leadership, I have this naïve hope that the church would come to such unity of mind and purpose that conflict would disappear. But, I know that thinking people will disagree. Even loving people do! I love my wife of 35 years, but we don’t always reach the same conclusions.
As unpleasant as it is, conflict is both necessary and desirable. Some of you just disagreed with me! Why do I say this?
Conflict clarifies thinking. Each of us sees life from a limited perspective, making decisions within a framework of our own understanding. When we disagree with another and engage in conflict, we can learn if we are capable of listening. When another says, “Have you considered this by-product of your idea?” – it might well be that we never thought of it, at all.
Conflict creates closer ties. Of course, not always! Sometimes conflict turns into war with the aim of destruction! When conflict is kept honest, it allows us to know the heart and mind of another better and we grow deeper, capable of dealing with more difficult issues together. Superficial relationships keep the interaction focused only on the most basic exchanges- ‘nice day, warm out, isn’t it, how ‘bout those Yankees?’ Moving into the realm of ideas and feelings creates more contact, increasing the potential for conflict and as we go through it, more cooperation on the stuff of life that really matters.
Conflict allows for a new shared idea to be birthed. As we dialogue and disagree, make our point and listen to the argument of others, re-evaluate and adjust, often it is neither my idea nor yours that prevails. Something different emerges from the process that we both can own.
Not all disagreements lead to such great ends because not all conflict is conducted in a mature or selfless manner. Sometimes we (me, included!) allow secondary issues- personal security, pride, the need to control outcomes, a desire to win – to get stirred into the mix, creating a mess.
The Scripture gives us this directive for conflict. "Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3, NLT) That passage urges to let the mind of Christ be in us, adopting His humility toward others. Was He a loser? No! Was He incapable of speaking up for what was right? No, He did and they killed Him to be rid of His inconvenient Truth!
Another passage reminds that "each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." (Ephesians 4:25-26, NIV) In addition to humility, honesty is critical. Much conflict goes off the rails when people speak in one way while concealing ulterior motives, refusing to deal with reality. God wisely tells us to limit our conflict! Resolve it, don’t bury it until another day.
Wanna fight? As long as it is something worth fighting about, let’s go! If we must have a conflict, let’s remember – it’s not about my win, or yours! If we belong to Christ, it’s about constructive conflict that builds a more intimate Church that does His work in the best way in this world.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Widen the lens
In the camera I saw just a slice of the panorama in front of me – until I realized the lens was zoomed in too tightly. When I pulled back the zoom, the picture I wanted appeared. Sometimes the same thing happens to my perspective on life. I get so tightly focused on one particular issue that I fail to see the whole picture. The one person who dislikes me comes into view, obscuring hundreds of friends. The one situation that confounds my understanding blocks my memory of my amazingly wonderful life; the blessing of my God. How the Tempter must rejoice when he finds us focused on our failures, disappointments, or sins to the exclusion of the faithfulness of our Savior and Friend.
The Word urges "Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." (Psalm 103:2, NIV) An old hymn says, “Count your blessings, name them; one by one!” Do it, disciple. The Psalm continues by saying, "He forgives your sins—every one. He heals your diseases—every one. He redeems you from hell—saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown. He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal. He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence." (Psalm 103:3-5, The Message) In genuine praise, we find our soul lifted, our footing restored. "The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights." (Habakkuk 3:19, NLT)
The Lord does not ask us to deny reality, to live in a Pollyanna world that pretends all is well, all the time. He does ask us to remember ALL, to bring to our minds His faithfulness, His love, His promises right alongside of the sorrows and challenges. As surely as we weep, we will laugh, if we widen the lens.
Following is an old gospel song that urges us to live in “Beulah Land,” a metaphor for the Promised Land. (Yes, I suppose you need to be over 50 and to have grown up in church to be able to hum the tune, but the lyrics are timeless.)
Far away the noise of strife
upon my ear is falling.
Then, I know the sins of earth
beset on ev'ry hand.
Doubt and fear and things of earth
in vain to me are calling.
None of these shall move me
from Beulah Land!
Viewing here the works of God,
I sink in contemplation.
Hearing now His blessed voice,
I see the way He planned.
Dwelling in the Spirit,
here I learn of full salvation.
Gladly will I tarry in Beulah Land!
I'm living on the mountain,
underneath a cloudless sky!
I'm drinking at the fountain
that never shall run dry!
O yes, I'm feasting on the manna
from a bountiful supply!
For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.
C. Austin Miles- Public domain
Today, balance complaint with thanksgiving, criticism with encouragement, petition with profuse praise. Do it consciously as you walk with Jesus and let His Spirit “renew your youth… surefooted as a deer!"
The Word urges "Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." (Psalm 103:2, NIV) An old hymn says, “Count your blessings, name them; one by one!” Do it, disciple. The Psalm continues by saying, "He forgives your sins—every one. He heals your diseases—every one. He redeems you from hell—saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown. He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal. He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence." (Psalm 103:3-5, The Message) In genuine praise, we find our soul lifted, our footing restored. "The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights." (Habakkuk 3:19, NLT)
The Lord does not ask us to deny reality, to live in a Pollyanna world that pretends all is well, all the time. He does ask us to remember ALL, to bring to our minds His faithfulness, His love, His promises right alongside of the sorrows and challenges. As surely as we weep, we will laugh, if we widen the lens.
Following is an old gospel song that urges us to live in “Beulah Land,” a metaphor for the Promised Land. (Yes, I suppose you need to be over 50 and to have grown up in church to be able to hum the tune, but the lyrics are timeless.)
Far away the noise of strife
upon my ear is falling.
Then, I know the sins of earth
beset on ev'ry hand.
Doubt and fear and things of earth
in vain to me are calling.
None of these shall move me
from Beulah Land!
Viewing here the works of God,
I sink in contemplation.
Hearing now His blessed voice,
I see the way He planned.
Dwelling in the Spirit,
here I learn of full salvation.
Gladly will I tarry in Beulah Land!
I'm living on the mountain,
underneath a cloudless sky!
I'm drinking at the fountain
that never shall run dry!
O yes, I'm feasting on the manna
from a bountiful supply!
For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.
C. Austin Miles- Public domain
Today, balance complaint with thanksgiving, criticism with encouragement, petition with profuse praise. Do it consciously as you walk with Jesus and let His Spirit “renew your youth… surefooted as a deer!"
Monday, August 23, 2010
And that’s the truth
Life is full of oughta’s, shoulda’s, gotta’s - isn’t it? I ought to get out and get those branches picked up after yesterday’s wind storm. I should have made better preparation for that meeting. I’ve got to get a grip on that situation. And, so it goes. Don’t read me wrong today. I am not throwing away my responsibilities. Without constant monitoring, systems quickly deteriorate. Chaos is the default setting of a life without discipline. But, duty without delight is drudgery. “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”
Christianity, as practiced by many, is full of responsibilities. Go to church! Read the Bible! Pray! Tithe! Deal with temptation! Serve faithfully! Those are great practices and we should do them, everyone and all. But, we cannot forget why. We are beloved children of the Heavenly Father. As I stood in worship yesterday, I found myself so emotionally depleted that I could not focus, could not offer praise, simply could not feel anything. My initial response was one of guilt. “What kind of Christian are you, Jerry, that you can stand in church unable to fully sense God’s holy Presence?” Then, I thought, “All right, I’ll just try harder. I will sing louder, raise my hands, and ‘it,’ whatever that is, will happen to me.” It didn’t.
Today, in the stillness of the morning, with the sunshine splashing on the trees and my dog running around in my backyard, I felt the Spirit’s Presence. His whisper was reminder that when I am doing ‘nothing’ the love of my Father is active. He is pursuing me, loving me, surrounding me with grace – everywhere and all the time. That renewal of His love was His gift to me at the beginning of this new week. It put things back into the right order for me. Love, first; then the responsibilities. Delight, then duty.
Here’s a word from the Word.
"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary and
beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you." (Psalm 63:1-5, NIV)
And, that’s the truth!
Christianity, as practiced by many, is full of responsibilities. Go to church! Read the Bible! Pray! Tithe! Deal with temptation! Serve faithfully! Those are great practices and we should do them, everyone and all. But, we cannot forget why. We are beloved children of the Heavenly Father. As I stood in worship yesterday, I found myself so emotionally depleted that I could not focus, could not offer praise, simply could not feel anything. My initial response was one of guilt. “What kind of Christian are you, Jerry, that you can stand in church unable to fully sense God’s holy Presence?” Then, I thought, “All right, I’ll just try harder. I will sing louder, raise my hands, and ‘it,’ whatever that is, will happen to me.” It didn’t.
Today, in the stillness of the morning, with the sunshine splashing on the trees and my dog running around in my backyard, I felt the Spirit’s Presence. His whisper was reminder that when I am doing ‘nothing’ the love of my Father is active. He is pursuing me, loving me, surrounding me with grace – everywhere and all the time. That renewal of His love was His gift to me at the beginning of this new week. It put things back into the right order for me. Love, first; then the responsibilities. Delight, then duty.
Here’s a word from the Word.
"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary and
beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you." (Psalm 63:1-5, NIV)
And, that’s the truth!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
When Dreams Die, reprise
Hello, reader. I am reaching back for a CoffeeBreak written a little over a year ago, (3/2/2009) resending it today. On Monday, my mother received a diagnosis of lung cancer from her physicians. It was the kind of news that slaps a person in the face, that slows everything else to a crawl as you try to make some sense of it. My mind has been in a loop – alternately sad, then hopeful in the Lord. Last night a friend whose husband died suddenly last year sent me a copy of what I wrote the day following his death. The Word in it ministered to me, again. May the Lord use to touch any of you who are struggling to make sense of what God is allowing in your life today.
______________
Bob died yesterday. A week ago, to all appearances, he was a healthy middle-aged man. On Sunday, his heart quit! What is God doing and why did Bob die? Honestly, I do not know! It is faith-walkin' time for me. Sometimes God can be infuriatingly unpredictable. God, why is one dream realized and another shattered? There are not enough answers this side of Heaven to satisfy every question. However, there are enough testimonies of grace to help us to trust Him even when we cannot understand His ways.
Naomi, whose story is told in the book of Ruth, moved to Moab with her husband and two sons to escape a famine. It looked like finally they were getting life together, then Elimelech died. Naomi, picked up the pieces of her life and went on. Her two sons married Moabite women and for 10 years, life was good, then... both sons died! Naomi's life was tragic, her dreams shattered. Where was God in all that happened to her? Right there with her. Now that might just seem to the 'right' answer, but it is the true answer.
Dear disciple, consider that sometimes our dreams must be shattered so we can find God's dreams for us. When God doesn't make OUR dreams come true, we are faced with a huge choice. Will we trust Him and wait for a new dream to replace the shattered one OR will we descend into bitterness and unbelief? In such moments, I borrow the prayer of a desperate father who brought his son for healing to Jesus and cried out when the Lord asked him to believe: "I do believe, but help me not to doubt!" (Mark 9.24)
IF we will trust Him, He can give us a new dream, a new life that recovers JOY! After learning of the tragic circumstances of her life, we read the end of Naomi's story... "Boaz married Ruth. She became his wife. Boaz slept with her. By God's gracious gift she conceived and had a son. The town women said to Naomi, "Blessed be God! He didn't leave you without family to carry on your life. May this baby grow up to be famous in Israel! He'll make you young again! He'll take care of you in old age. And this daughter-in-law who has brought him into the world and loves you so much, why, she's worth more to you than seven sons!" Naomi took the baby and held him in her arms, cuddling him, cooing over him, waiting on him hand and foot." (Ruth 4:13-16, The Message)
That baby became the grandfather of Israel's great king, David! God used Naomi, to touch an alien woman’s life. Ruth, was brought to Israel and included in the line of David and the line of the Messiah, Jesus. You might read that and say, "So, does that make the pain Naomi had to endure all right?" I cannot answer that, nor can you!
Life is not about us living in a perfectly balanced scale where the pain is always offset by the blessings, where the hard times are offset by the good times. Life is about living in full faith, trusting that He is able to keep us secure in His love through the shattered dreams!
Are your dreams for life shattered today? Reach out to people who will love you, weep with you, and hold you up until your faith is strong enough to touch the heart of God again. Reject the easy answers, the psycho-babble, the half- truths..... but do not reject God. Ask Him for courage to weep yet keep hope and faith intact as you pray --- "I do believe, but help me not to doubt!"
________________
O love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in Thee.
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in Thine ocean depths its flow,
May richer fuller be.
O light that foll'west all my way,
I yield my flick'ring torch to Thee.
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in Thy sunshine's blaze it's day,
May brighter fairer be.
O joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to Thee.
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.
O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
George Matteson © Public Domain
______________
Bob died yesterday. A week ago, to all appearances, he was a healthy middle-aged man. On Sunday, his heart quit! What is God doing and why did Bob die? Honestly, I do not know! It is faith-walkin' time for me. Sometimes God can be infuriatingly unpredictable. God, why is one dream realized and another shattered? There are not enough answers this side of Heaven to satisfy every question. However, there are enough testimonies of grace to help us to trust Him even when we cannot understand His ways.
Naomi, whose story is told in the book of Ruth, moved to Moab with her husband and two sons to escape a famine. It looked like finally they were getting life together, then Elimelech died. Naomi, picked up the pieces of her life and went on. Her two sons married Moabite women and for 10 years, life was good, then... both sons died! Naomi's life was tragic, her dreams shattered. Where was God in all that happened to her? Right there with her. Now that might just seem to the 'right' answer, but it is the true answer.
Dear disciple, consider that sometimes our dreams must be shattered so we can find God's dreams for us. When God doesn't make OUR dreams come true, we are faced with a huge choice. Will we trust Him and wait for a new dream to replace the shattered one OR will we descend into bitterness and unbelief? In such moments, I borrow the prayer of a desperate father who brought his son for healing to Jesus and cried out when the Lord asked him to believe: "I do believe, but help me not to doubt!" (Mark 9.24)
IF we will trust Him, He can give us a new dream, a new life that recovers JOY! After learning of the tragic circumstances of her life, we read the end of Naomi's story... "Boaz married Ruth. She became his wife. Boaz slept with her. By God's gracious gift she conceived and had a son. The town women said to Naomi, "Blessed be God! He didn't leave you without family to carry on your life. May this baby grow up to be famous in Israel! He'll make you young again! He'll take care of you in old age. And this daughter-in-law who has brought him into the world and loves you so much, why, she's worth more to you than seven sons!" Naomi took the baby and held him in her arms, cuddling him, cooing over him, waiting on him hand and foot." (Ruth 4:13-16, The Message)
That baby became the grandfather of Israel's great king, David! God used Naomi, to touch an alien woman’s life. Ruth, was brought to Israel and included in the line of David and the line of the Messiah, Jesus. You might read that and say, "So, does that make the pain Naomi had to endure all right?" I cannot answer that, nor can you!
Life is not about us living in a perfectly balanced scale where the pain is always offset by the blessings, where the hard times are offset by the good times. Life is about living in full faith, trusting that He is able to keep us secure in His love through the shattered dreams!
Are your dreams for life shattered today? Reach out to people who will love you, weep with you, and hold you up until your faith is strong enough to touch the heart of God again. Reject the easy answers, the psycho-babble, the half- truths..... but do not reject God. Ask Him for courage to weep yet keep hope and faith intact as you pray --- "I do believe, but help me not to doubt!"
________________
O love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in Thee.
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in Thine ocean depths its flow,
May richer fuller be.
O light that foll'west all my way,
I yield my flick'ring torch to Thee.
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in Thy sunshine's blaze it's day,
May brighter fairer be.
O joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to Thee.
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.
O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
George Matteson © Public Domain
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Hindered by Self-esteem?
We make much of self-esteem, don’t we? We value self-confidence, teach our children to express themselves, and hold our opinions in very high regard. Americans are individualists, quick to defend personal rights. “I matter!” – is a core belief of our culture. I believe that God loves me, both as a member of His Body, the Church; and as an individual to whom He has given a unique place in this world.
A healthy sense of self worth, however, can morph into ugly pride and arrogance quite quickly! It can make us hard to deal with, unforgiving, and worst – unwilling to submit ourselves to the Lord. Imagine Jesus Christ as a modern American. As He approaches the end of His earthly ministry and faces the Cross, He says, “I’m not doing that. It makes me look like a criminal. I deserve better than this.” Nonsense, right? The Gospels reveal Him in his humanity struggling with the will of God, as we do. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prays intensely, wrestling with God’s plan and purpose, the cost that it would bring to Him. Even on the Cross, He cries out, “WHY?” But, in each situation, we see Him choose humility!
One of the earliest hymns of the church worships Him, not for His individualism or expression of self-will, but for His submission. Paul records that hymn for us in his letter to the Philippian church:
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name." (Philippians 2:6-9, NIV)
Yesterday, I ran up against a situation in my extended family that I do not like, do not want, and do not understand. I would like to demand that the Lord remember ME, that WE don’t deserve this, that He make it change NOW! I am still angry about this thing, without even the most basic idea about how it could possibly be ‘good’ in any sense of the word. Ever been in that state of mind? I am choosing humility as the Word teaches: "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." (1 Peter 5:5-6, NIV)
Humility does not rob us of dignity or worth. It does not mean that we throw away our self-esteem. It is a choice to elevate the Lord, to remind ourselves that He is worthy of our worship, and that it is good to bow our head in His Presence. Job raged against the Lord when his pain became too much, when he could no longer make sense of life. He pressed God to show up and explain Himself. How very 21st century of Job! But note how that worked out. "God then confronted Job directly: “Now what do you have to say for yourself? Are you going to haul me, the Mighty One, into court and press charges?” Job answered: “I’m speechless, in awe—words fail me. I should never have opened my mouth! I’ve talked too much, way too much. I’m ready to shut up and listen.” (Job 40:1-5, The Message)
With God’s help, I will choose the Jesus road! I will adopt Job’s response and ‘shut up and listen.’ I do not want self-esteem to hinder God’s ability to pour His grace into my life.
How about you, disciple? Will you choose humility? It’s truly an ennobling response of faith.
Here’s a word from the Word for those who are humble before Him. May the promise protect our hearts this day.
"Arise, O Lord! O God, lift up Your hand!
Do not forget the humble.
Why do the wicked renounce God?
He has said in his heart, “You will not require an account.”
But You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief,
To repay it by Your hand.
The helpless commits himself to You;
You are the helper of the fatherless." (Psalm 10:12-14, NKJV)
A healthy sense of self worth, however, can morph into ugly pride and arrogance quite quickly! It can make us hard to deal with, unforgiving, and worst – unwilling to submit ourselves to the Lord. Imagine Jesus Christ as a modern American. As He approaches the end of His earthly ministry and faces the Cross, He says, “I’m not doing that. It makes me look like a criminal. I deserve better than this.” Nonsense, right? The Gospels reveal Him in his humanity struggling with the will of God, as we do. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prays intensely, wrestling with God’s plan and purpose, the cost that it would bring to Him. Even on the Cross, He cries out, “WHY?” But, in each situation, we see Him choose humility!
One of the earliest hymns of the church worships Him, not for His individualism or expression of self-will, but for His submission. Paul records that hymn for us in his letter to the Philippian church:
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name." (Philippians 2:6-9, NIV)
Yesterday, I ran up against a situation in my extended family that I do not like, do not want, and do not understand. I would like to demand that the Lord remember ME, that WE don’t deserve this, that He make it change NOW! I am still angry about this thing, without even the most basic idea about how it could possibly be ‘good’ in any sense of the word. Ever been in that state of mind? I am choosing humility as the Word teaches: "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." (1 Peter 5:5-6, NIV)
Humility does not rob us of dignity or worth. It does not mean that we throw away our self-esteem. It is a choice to elevate the Lord, to remind ourselves that He is worthy of our worship, and that it is good to bow our head in His Presence. Job raged against the Lord when his pain became too much, when he could no longer make sense of life. He pressed God to show up and explain Himself. How very 21st century of Job! But note how that worked out. "God then confronted Job directly: “Now what do you have to say for yourself? Are you going to haul me, the Mighty One, into court and press charges?” Job answered: “I’m speechless, in awe—words fail me. I should never have opened my mouth! I’ve talked too much, way too much. I’m ready to shut up and listen.” (Job 40:1-5, The Message)
With God’s help, I will choose the Jesus road! I will adopt Job’s response and ‘shut up and listen.’ I do not want self-esteem to hinder God’s ability to pour His grace into my life.
How about you, disciple? Will you choose humility? It’s truly an ennobling response of faith.
Here’s a word from the Word for those who are humble before Him. May the promise protect our hearts this day.
"Arise, O Lord! O God, lift up Your hand!
Do not forget the humble.
Why do the wicked renounce God?
He has said in his heart, “You will not require an account.”
But You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief,
To repay it by Your hand.
The helpless commits himself to You;
You are the helper of the fatherless." (Psalm 10:12-14, NKJV)
Monday, August 16, 2010
Your Bridge Over Troubled Water
The year I entered high school, a song that has become something of a standard was first sung: Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” It was a time of social unrest and war protests. The Kennedy brothers and Martin Luther King had been assassinated. And then came the folk anthem about making one’s way through the mess:
When you're weary, feeling small;
When tears are in your eyes,
I will dry them all.
I'm on your side
When times get rough,
And friends just can't be found;
Like a bridge over troubled water,
I will lay me down. – Paul Simon, copyright, 1969
There is nothing like a friend in a time of trouble, is there? That person who offers concern, who helps us to see past the bleakness of this day to the hope of a new day, is indeed a kind of bridge. But troubles come that no friend can take away, that no amount of song can soothe, that will not be erased by calming words of concern. What then? I go to the fountain of life and there I find the wisdom of the One is ‘yesterday, today, and tomorrow’ for me. There I read this directive that invites the troubled person to make the choice of "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7, NKJV)
The verb is one of action in the original language of the New Testament. It only appears twice and has the meaning of ‘throwing something down violently!’ We are urged to take those heavy burdens of life and throw them onto the shoulders of an Almighty God. The writer of the letter is Peter, the impulsive disciple whose faith, at first, was expressed in fits and starts! He responded to Jesus’ invitation to walk on water, then saw the waves and sank, saved only by the Master’s grasp. He followed Jesus on the night of His arrest showing more courage than all except John, but then his courage collapsed and he swore, “I never knew Him.” But, when the Holy Spirit filled him, he fearlessly preached on the streets of Jerusalem and led the disciples through the first decade of Christianity. Now he uses the same kind of language of action that is reflected in his personality. “Weighed down by concern, troubled by life? Throw it on the Lord! He is ready to care for you.”
Situations will arise that do not yield to your best efforts at finding an answer. People will act irrationally, disappointing and frustrating you. Disasters come – fire, flood, and disease – and we cannot understand why. These are the times to cast your care on Him! Fall on your face and give it up, letting go of control, releasing your need to know – not in resignation to fate, but in an act of faith that says, “Lord, I cannot carry it; please lift it from my shoulders.”
Here’s a word from the Word for this day.
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, NKJV)
Go ahead, right now… take that heavy thing that is breaking your heart and imagine you have in your grasp. Got it? Now, with a toss heavenward say, “Here it is. Thank you for helping me carry it, Lord. Amen.”
______________________
There is no problem so big,
God cannot solve it.
There is no mountain so tall,
He cannot move it.
There is no storm so dark,
God cannot calm it.
There is no sorrow so deep,
God cannot soothe it.
If He carried the weight of the world
Upon His shoulders,
I know my brother, that He will carry you.
If He carried the weight of the world
Upon His shoulder,
I know my brother, that He will carry you.
He Will Carry You
Brown, Scott Wesley
© 1982 Birdwing Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing; Admin. by BMG Music Publishing) / BMG Songs, Inc.
CCLI License No. 810055
When you're weary, feeling small;
When tears are in your eyes,
I will dry them all.
I'm on your side
When times get rough,
And friends just can't be found;
Like a bridge over troubled water,
I will lay me down. – Paul Simon, copyright, 1969
There is nothing like a friend in a time of trouble, is there? That person who offers concern, who helps us to see past the bleakness of this day to the hope of a new day, is indeed a kind of bridge. But troubles come that no friend can take away, that no amount of song can soothe, that will not be erased by calming words of concern. What then? I go to the fountain of life and there I find the wisdom of the One is ‘yesterday, today, and tomorrow’ for me. There I read this directive that invites the troubled person to make the choice of "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7, NKJV)
The verb is one of action in the original language of the New Testament. It only appears twice and has the meaning of ‘throwing something down violently!’ We are urged to take those heavy burdens of life and throw them onto the shoulders of an Almighty God. The writer of the letter is Peter, the impulsive disciple whose faith, at first, was expressed in fits and starts! He responded to Jesus’ invitation to walk on water, then saw the waves and sank, saved only by the Master’s grasp. He followed Jesus on the night of His arrest showing more courage than all except John, but then his courage collapsed and he swore, “I never knew Him.” But, when the Holy Spirit filled him, he fearlessly preached on the streets of Jerusalem and led the disciples through the first decade of Christianity. Now he uses the same kind of language of action that is reflected in his personality. “Weighed down by concern, troubled by life? Throw it on the Lord! He is ready to care for you.”
Situations will arise that do not yield to your best efforts at finding an answer. People will act irrationally, disappointing and frustrating you. Disasters come – fire, flood, and disease – and we cannot understand why. These are the times to cast your care on Him! Fall on your face and give it up, letting go of control, releasing your need to know – not in resignation to fate, but in an act of faith that says, “Lord, I cannot carry it; please lift it from my shoulders.”
Here’s a word from the Word for this day.
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, NKJV)
Go ahead, right now… take that heavy thing that is breaking your heart and imagine you have in your grasp. Got it? Now, with a toss heavenward say, “Here it is. Thank you for helping me carry it, Lord. Amen.”
______________________
There is no problem so big,
God cannot solve it.
There is no mountain so tall,
He cannot move it.
There is no storm so dark,
God cannot calm it.
There is no sorrow so deep,
God cannot soothe it.
If He carried the weight of the world
Upon His shoulders,
I know my brother, that He will carry you.
If He carried the weight of the world
Upon His shoulder,
I know my brother, that He will carry you.
He Will Carry You
Brown, Scott Wesley
© 1982 Birdwing Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing; Admin. by BMG Music Publishing) / BMG Songs, Inc.
CCLI License No. 810055
Friday, August 13, 2010
Fragile, yet treasured
I live in a house that is solid. It makes me feel secure to close the door and turn the bolt lock when darkness falls. I have money in the bank, not a great deal, but enough that I don’t have to wonder about how I will feed myself tomorrow. There is a kind of security in that, too. I am physically strong and have no fear of falling down or being assaulted. For each of those things, I am thankful! But, my house could be gone in a moment if a tornado blew through my town. The value of my money could be lost (and it appears more likely it will be!) if the economy of these United States collapsed. My physical body is already starting to betray me as it ages and I know that one major illness could rob me of my strength!
Yes, all the things that I cling to for my security are ephemeral- here today, gone tomorrow; yet, I am not afraid! Here’s why. The fragile nature of life is wrapped in the unchanging promise of God. In fact, my weakness becomes the revealer of His strength. Yesterday, when my inability to control my world was squeezing down hard on me, I whined to a friend – “What does God want from me?” His answer was a reminder of what I already knew: “All of you!” Yes, the truth is that when I live with confidence in my illusory strengths, I rely less on God and the luster of His Spirit is dimmed. In that moment, I realized in a fresh way that through fragile, God’s Spirit is a my true strength. This treasure in me shines out in me when weakness tears away my own confidence.
The Scripture tells us that "We have this light (the Gospel of Christ Jesus) shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies." (2 Corinthians 4:7-10, NLT)
Disciple, is life great for you right now? Then, give thanks! Enjoy it, but don’t let yourself be tricked into thinking that you have somehow become a master of the universe. "Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore. …Remember him before your legs—the guards of your house—start to tremble; and before your shoulders—the strong men—stoop." (Ecclesiastes 12:3, NLT)
Perhaps you’re in a different season, when you feel insecure or alone. Embrace your weakness! No, not in a whiny, misery-laden, complaining way. Invite God to shine in you revealed in your time of weakness. "He said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, NLT)
______________
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible
Hid from our eyes;
Most blessed, most glorious,
The Ancient of Days;
Almighty, victorious,
Thy great name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting
And silent as light;
Nor wanting, nor wasting,
Thou rulest in might.
Thy justice, like mountains,
High soaring above;
Thy clouds, which are fountains
Of goodness and love.
To all, life Thou givest,
To both great and small;
In all, life Thou livest,
The true life of all;
We blossom and flourish
As leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish
But naught changeth Thee.
Great Father of glory,
Pure Father of light;
Thine angels adore Thee
All veiling their sight.
All praise we would render,
O help us to see
'Tis only the splendor
Of light hideth Thee.
Amen.
Immortal Invisible
Smith, Walter Chalmers / Robert, John
© Public Domain
Yes, all the things that I cling to for my security are ephemeral- here today, gone tomorrow; yet, I am not afraid! Here’s why. The fragile nature of life is wrapped in the unchanging promise of God. In fact, my weakness becomes the revealer of His strength. Yesterday, when my inability to control my world was squeezing down hard on me, I whined to a friend – “What does God want from me?” His answer was a reminder of what I already knew: “All of you!” Yes, the truth is that when I live with confidence in my illusory strengths, I rely less on God and the luster of His Spirit is dimmed. In that moment, I realized in a fresh way that through fragile, God’s Spirit is a my true strength. This treasure in me shines out in me when weakness tears away my own confidence.
The Scripture tells us that "We have this light (the Gospel of Christ Jesus) shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies." (2 Corinthians 4:7-10, NLT)
Disciple, is life great for you right now? Then, give thanks! Enjoy it, but don’t let yourself be tricked into thinking that you have somehow become a master of the universe. "Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore. …Remember him before your legs—the guards of your house—start to tremble; and before your shoulders—the strong men—stoop." (Ecclesiastes 12:3, NLT)
Perhaps you’re in a different season, when you feel insecure or alone. Embrace your weakness! No, not in a whiny, misery-laden, complaining way. Invite God to shine in you revealed in your time of weakness. "He said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, NLT)
______________
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible
Hid from our eyes;
Most blessed, most glorious,
The Ancient of Days;
Almighty, victorious,
Thy great name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting
And silent as light;
Nor wanting, nor wasting,
Thou rulest in might.
Thy justice, like mountains,
High soaring above;
Thy clouds, which are fountains
Of goodness and love.
To all, life Thou givest,
To both great and small;
In all, life Thou livest,
The true life of all;
We blossom and flourish
As leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish
But naught changeth Thee.
Great Father of glory,
Pure Father of light;
Thine angels adore Thee
All veiling their sight.
All praise we would render,
O help us to see
'Tis only the splendor
Of light hideth Thee.
Amen.
Immortal Invisible
Smith, Walter Chalmers / Robert, John
© Public Domain
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Higher Choice
Are you ruled by your emotions? Many people are! I hope you have matured to the point where you are working to use your feelings to enrich your life while never letting them be ‘in charge.’ Some days I feel madly in love with Bev. Some days, not so much! Does that change my marital status? Of course not. Sometimes I feel more godly than others. Should I allow that to determine if I choose to be holy?
Is your faith totally dependent on feelings? Do you pray only when you are in a certain state of mind? Do you somehow think that your relationship with the Lord is directly tied to the chemicals that ebb and flow inside your cranium? Such a flimsy foundation is insufficient for Christian faith! Eugene Peterson, one of my favorite authors, writes: “My feelings tell me next to nothing about God or my relationship to Him. My security comes from who God is, not from how I feel. Discipleship is a decision to live by what I know about God, not by what I feel about Him or myself or my neighbors.” (A Long Obedience)
Look at this declaration! "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." (Psalm 62:5-8, NIV) Rock, fortress, refuge! Those are strong words, expressing faith that is not here today and gone under the stress that comes tomorrow!
Those who enjoy a deep and life-governing love of Christ are those who choose daily to practice the disciplines that open both their heart and their mind to the Truth of God and the work of the Spirit. They set God above all other parts of their lives – higher than family, higher than demands at work, higher than their desires, higher than diversions; and yes, higher than their emotions. They faithfully open the Scripture to learn. They regularly offer prayer and listen in meditation. They make gathering with other disciples a priority choice. They serve others. They give time and resources to the work of God first, not last.
You may object- “Jerry, that sounds like duty; like I am attempting to earn God’s favor.” To be honest, there are days when my choice to deny my impulse to be selfish or sinful is dutiful! But, I am glad for the Truth that guides me past the shoals of my own emotions at that moment. There’s nothing wrong with doing the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do! If only follow God when our heart is stirred by good feelings, our discipleship will be shallow, if it exists at all.
The paradox is this: the person who consistently makes the choice to do what God desires of him –regardless of his feelings– almost certainly will develop a deeper, richer intimacy with God over time! He learns what it means to ‘walk with God’ and knows that He is equally present in the dark valley and the mountaintop. It is like the man who moves past infatuation with a woman, who makes the covenant pledge of marriage. His choice for one woman, his surrender of the ‘freedom’ of bachelorhood, lays a foundation for discovery of a deeper relationship with his wife; one he could never find in a series of relationships based only on attraction.
Disciple, exercise the God-given ability to choose!
Don’t float with the current. You’ll drift away from God, never to Him. Don’t walk with the crowd. They will never lead you to the King of Glory! Take Joshua’s challenge – “Choose today whom you will serve!”
Here’s the word from the Word.
"Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other.
None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness.
Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives.
Instruct and direct one another using good common sense.
And sing, sing your hearts out to God!
Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way."
(Colossians 3:15-17, The Message)
_________________
He’s my Rock, my Sword, my Shield!
He’s my Wheel in the middle of the wheel!
He’s my Lily of the Valley,
He’s my Bright and Morning Star!
Makes no difference what you say,
I’m going on my knees and pray,
I’m gonna wait right here for Jesus ‘till He comes.
- Public domain
Is your faith totally dependent on feelings? Do you pray only when you are in a certain state of mind? Do you somehow think that your relationship with the Lord is directly tied to the chemicals that ebb and flow inside your cranium? Such a flimsy foundation is insufficient for Christian faith! Eugene Peterson, one of my favorite authors, writes: “My feelings tell me next to nothing about God or my relationship to Him. My security comes from who God is, not from how I feel. Discipleship is a decision to live by what I know about God, not by what I feel about Him or myself or my neighbors.” (A Long Obedience)
Look at this declaration! "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." (Psalm 62:5-8, NIV) Rock, fortress, refuge! Those are strong words, expressing faith that is not here today and gone under the stress that comes tomorrow!
Those who enjoy a deep and life-governing love of Christ are those who choose daily to practice the disciplines that open both their heart and their mind to the Truth of God and the work of the Spirit. They set God above all other parts of their lives – higher than family, higher than demands at work, higher than their desires, higher than diversions; and yes, higher than their emotions. They faithfully open the Scripture to learn. They regularly offer prayer and listen in meditation. They make gathering with other disciples a priority choice. They serve others. They give time and resources to the work of God first, not last.
You may object- “Jerry, that sounds like duty; like I am attempting to earn God’s favor.” To be honest, there are days when my choice to deny my impulse to be selfish or sinful is dutiful! But, I am glad for the Truth that guides me past the shoals of my own emotions at that moment. There’s nothing wrong with doing the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do! If only follow God when our heart is stirred by good feelings, our discipleship will be shallow, if it exists at all.
The paradox is this: the person who consistently makes the choice to do what God desires of him –regardless of his feelings– almost certainly will develop a deeper, richer intimacy with God over time! He learns what it means to ‘walk with God’ and knows that He is equally present in the dark valley and the mountaintop. It is like the man who moves past infatuation with a woman, who makes the covenant pledge of marriage. His choice for one woman, his surrender of the ‘freedom’ of bachelorhood, lays a foundation for discovery of a deeper relationship with his wife; one he could never find in a series of relationships based only on attraction.
Disciple, exercise the God-given ability to choose!
Don’t float with the current. You’ll drift away from God, never to Him. Don’t walk with the crowd. They will never lead you to the King of Glory! Take Joshua’s challenge – “Choose today whom you will serve!”
Here’s the word from the Word.
"Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other.
None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness.
Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives.
Instruct and direct one another using good common sense.
And sing, sing your hearts out to God!
Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way."
(Colossians 3:15-17, The Message)
_________________
He’s my Rock, my Sword, my Shield!
He’s my Wheel in the middle of the wheel!
He’s my Lily of the Valley,
He’s my Bright and Morning Star!
Makes no difference what you say,
I’m going on my knees and pray,
I’m gonna wait right here for Jesus ‘till He comes.
- Public domain
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Tossing grenades?
There is a part of my earlier years I sincerely regret, that of assuming the role of critic! I did it far too often and know now that I was a foolish man whose words created more animosity than real change. Critics have a role to play, pointing out flaws; giving artists, leaders, and other a strong motivation to ‘get it right.’ But, the years have taught me that it is a lot easier to toss grenades that blow things up than it is to build things in the first place.
How easily we take the critic's role.
We look at the struggling marriage of another saying, “Why doesn’t he just love her more intensely? What’s wrong with her that she can’t just forgive him his indiscretion?” Do we really understand the pain, the back story, all the issues that are at stake? No!
We are tempted to toss word grenades at Christians who walk through up’s and down’s in their holiness, at those whose financial situation is precarious, and ... well, who have you criticized today?
Jesus was sometimes a critic, but He generally approached others with offers of acceptance, understanding and lifting them up. When some grenade throwers dragged a woman who was having an adulterous affair to Him, did He lash out at her with scathing words about her shamelessness, her failure to understand the consequences of her choices, or her lack of character? No! He offered her love, gave her dignity. Only then did he say, “Now, go and sin no more.”
It’s a sign of security in God’s purposes and real emotional maturity to be an encourager. When Moses was told that his leadership of Israel was drawing to a close, he argued with the Lord, asking for more time. The Lord refused his request and told him - "commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.” (Deuteronomy 3:28, NIV) Moses’ obedience was remarkable. He became Joshua’s biggest supporter, urging him on, endorsing him before the nation. In part, Joshua’s amazing success was directly attributable to Moses’ encouragement.
So, disciple, will you forget yourself, your preferences, your comfort and take an interest in another?
Will you, for the Lord’s sake, become an encourager?
There is a great joy to be found in instilling another with hope, in helping to lift a burden, in pointing one to a new way of thinking. Some may realize what you have done and say, ‘thank you.’ Some may never know the wind that you redirected into their sails. Will you toss grenades like any old critic, or will you hold out hope?
Here’s a word from the Word. "Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness." (Hebrews 3:13, NIV)
--------------
Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad.
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.
Make Me A Blessing
Wilson, Ira B. / Schuler, George S.
© 1924. Renewed 1952 Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
How easily we take the critic's role.
We look at the struggling marriage of another saying, “Why doesn’t he just love her more intensely? What’s wrong with her that she can’t just forgive him his indiscretion?” Do we really understand the pain, the back story, all the issues that are at stake? No!
We are tempted to toss word grenades at Christians who walk through up’s and down’s in their holiness, at those whose financial situation is precarious, and ... well, who have you criticized today?
Jesus was sometimes a critic, but He generally approached others with offers of acceptance, understanding and lifting them up. When some grenade throwers dragged a woman who was having an adulterous affair to Him, did He lash out at her with scathing words about her shamelessness, her failure to understand the consequences of her choices, or her lack of character? No! He offered her love, gave her dignity. Only then did he say, “Now, go and sin no more.”
It’s a sign of security in God’s purposes and real emotional maturity to be an encourager. When Moses was told that his leadership of Israel was drawing to a close, he argued with the Lord, asking for more time. The Lord refused his request and told him - "commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.” (Deuteronomy 3:28, NIV) Moses’ obedience was remarkable. He became Joshua’s biggest supporter, urging him on, endorsing him before the nation. In part, Joshua’s amazing success was directly attributable to Moses’ encouragement.
So, disciple, will you forget yourself, your preferences, your comfort and take an interest in another?
Will you, for the Lord’s sake, become an encourager?
There is a great joy to be found in instilling another with hope, in helping to lift a burden, in pointing one to a new way of thinking. Some may realize what you have done and say, ‘thank you.’ Some may never know the wind that you redirected into their sails. Will you toss grenades like any old critic, or will you hold out hope?
Here’s a word from the Word. "Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness." (Hebrews 3:13, NIV)
--------------
Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad.
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.
Make Me A Blessing
Wilson, Ira B. / Schuler, George S.
© 1924. Renewed 1952 Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Take ALL of me, Jesus
I could not help but overhear the conversation being carried on in a church’s coffee shop. The beautifully dressed woman was talking to two friends. She had her Bible laying there in front of her on the table and she was about to attend a worship gathering. To every appearance, she was a Christian. Her manner of speaking did not reflect the spirit of Jesus! A torrent of criticism, bitter words without love or compassion, spilled out of her.
After a couple of moments, I moved away and given her self-obsession, I wondered how she would worship ‘in Spirit and in truth.’ Lest you think I’m a judge only of another, I will hasten to tell you that when I went into the church’s sanctuary and prayed before the first song, the Holy Spirit led to remember my own manner of speaking in a conversation the prior day! My prayer in that moment was one we all need to pray often- “Jesus, take all of me!”
The Scripture calls us to serve Jesus with an unquestioning obedience. "Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." (Romans 6:16-18, NIV)
Michael Spencer writes: “Invest yourself in anything, from watching South Park to obsessing over your lawn, and it will alter the kind of person you are. Human beings aren’t static, but dynamic. We change. We are influenced, nurtured, moved, and moldable.” (Mere Churchianity, Waterbrook, 2010)
I want to invest myself in Jesus, so as to enter into the paradox of being a ‘free slave!’ It is difficult for us to accept that by giving away our right to self-rule we discover the highest form of liberty. The Scripture asks to ponder the cost of hanging onto our natural impulses and inclinations. "What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life." (Romans 6:21-22, NIV)
From the depth of your being, pray this surrender: “Take all of me, Jesus!” Let Him own you and find the freedom to be who He purposes and enter, right here and now, into eternal life.
_________________
"Gotta Serve Somebody"
You may be an ambassador to England or France
You may like to gamble, you might like to dance
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world
You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls.
But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You're gonna have to serve somebody,
It may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody.
You may be a preacher with your spiritual pride
You may be a city councilman taking bribes on the side
You may be working in a barbershop, you may know how to cut hair
You may be somebody's mistress, may be somebody's heir.
But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes
You're gonna have to serve somebody,
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody.
Might like to wear cotton, might like to wear silk
Might like to drink whiskey, might like to drink milk
You might like to eat caviar, you might like to eat bread
You may be sleeping on the floor, sleeping in a king-sized bed.
But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You're gonna have to serve somebody,
It may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody.
Copyright – Bob Dylan
Judy Collins sings it.
http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=bYam0tQfPrU&feature=related
After a couple of moments, I moved away and given her self-obsession, I wondered how she would worship ‘in Spirit and in truth.’ Lest you think I’m a judge only of another, I will hasten to tell you that when I went into the church’s sanctuary and prayed before the first song, the Holy Spirit led to remember my own manner of speaking in a conversation the prior day! My prayer in that moment was one we all need to pray often- “Jesus, take all of me!”
The Scripture calls us to serve Jesus with an unquestioning obedience. "Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." (Romans 6:16-18, NIV)
Michael Spencer writes: “Invest yourself in anything, from watching South Park to obsessing over your lawn, and it will alter the kind of person you are. Human beings aren’t static, but dynamic. We change. We are influenced, nurtured, moved, and moldable.” (Mere Churchianity, Waterbrook, 2010)
I want to invest myself in Jesus, so as to enter into the paradox of being a ‘free slave!’ It is difficult for us to accept that by giving away our right to self-rule we discover the highest form of liberty. The Scripture asks to ponder the cost of hanging onto our natural impulses and inclinations. "What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life." (Romans 6:21-22, NIV)
From the depth of your being, pray this surrender: “Take all of me, Jesus!” Let Him own you and find the freedom to be who He purposes and enter, right here and now, into eternal life.
_________________
"Gotta Serve Somebody"
You may be an ambassador to England or France
You may like to gamble, you might like to dance
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world
You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls.
But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You're gonna have to serve somebody,
It may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody.
You may be a preacher with your spiritual pride
You may be a city councilman taking bribes on the side
You may be working in a barbershop, you may know how to cut hair
You may be somebody's mistress, may be somebody's heir.
But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes
You're gonna have to serve somebody,
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody.
Might like to wear cotton, might like to wear silk
Might like to drink whiskey, might like to drink milk
You might like to eat caviar, you might like to eat bread
You may be sleeping on the floor, sleeping in a king-sized bed.
But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You're gonna have to serve somebody,
It may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody.
Copyright – Bob Dylan
Judy Collins sings it.
http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=bYam0tQfPrU&feature=related
Monday, August 09, 2010
No Place Like Home
Each of the last 8 nights, I have laid my head on a different pillow in a different room. Bev and I helped Chris and Pete relocate from California to Maryland, 14 states, 2975 miles in 7 days! It was fun to see the countryside across these United States, but I’m ready to go home! Taking a break from life’s routines is a welcomed experience, but there is a genuine comfort in seeing faces of those who I love, buying coffee at the same shop, and sitting on my own couch.
We cannot over-estimate the importance of making a place called home. We do it less by building a house than by becoming part of a network of friends who love us, by regularly serving in a way that dethrones self-interest, by being a small part of something larger than ourselves. The late Kingman Brewster (1918-1988), a president of Yale University and a public servant, said "There is no greater challenge than to have someone relying upon you; no greater satisfaction than to vindicate his expectation." In other words, it challenges Self to serve, but it is immensely rewarding to do it well and in a way that makes us part of a supportive web. That is the true ‘home.’
Our culture lauds independence, making our own way in life, with swaggering distain for a need of assistance. Such a life is largely mythical. Those who pursue life apart from 'home-making' will find themselves emotionally crippled, alone, and spiritually useless! The richness of love, not the sappy stuff of romance novels, but the robust, bold love that "always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres" (1 Corinthians 13:7, NIV) is the soul of the best life. So, I’m looking forward to going home, plugging back into my network, and doing what God calls me to do each day.
What about you, disciple?
Are you creating a ‘home’ where you are doing the sometimes seemingly impossible, always costly, work of weaving a strong web that ties you to others? Some will nourish you. Some will require you to feed and serve. Both are part of love.
One of these days, we will all be called to our final home. If our hearts are already in love with the Father and His family, it will be a wonderful reunion. But, what of those who have been too pre-occupied with themselves, too committed to self-indulgence to step outside of themselves to create authentic, loving relationships? What will they experience? For me, there’s no place like home.
Here’s a word from the Word. Soak it in today.
"It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God." (Hebrews 11:8-10, NLT)
"Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own." (Hebrews 11:14, NLT)
_____________________
Wherever there is laughter ringing,
Someone smiling someone dreaming,
We can live together there,
Love will be our home.
Where there are words of kindness spoken,
Where a vow is never broken,
We can live together there,
'Cause love will be our home.
If home is really where the heart is,
Then home must be a place we all can share.
For even with our diff'rences
Our hearts are much the same.
For where love is we come together there.
With love our hearts can be a family,
And hope can bring this family face to face,
And though we may be far apart
Our hearts can be as one,
When love brings us together in one place.
Love will love will be our home,
Love Will Be Our Home
Chapman, Steven Curtis
© 1988 Careers-BMG Music Publishing, Inc. / Sparrow Song (a div. of EMI Christian Music Publishing) / Greg Nelson Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
CCLI License No. 810055
We cannot over-estimate the importance of making a place called home. We do it less by building a house than by becoming part of a network of friends who love us, by regularly serving in a way that dethrones self-interest, by being a small part of something larger than ourselves. The late Kingman Brewster (1918-1988), a president of Yale University and a public servant, said "There is no greater challenge than to have someone relying upon you; no greater satisfaction than to vindicate his expectation." In other words, it challenges Self to serve, but it is immensely rewarding to do it well and in a way that makes us part of a supportive web. That is the true ‘home.’
Our culture lauds independence, making our own way in life, with swaggering distain for a need of assistance. Such a life is largely mythical. Those who pursue life apart from 'home-making' will find themselves emotionally crippled, alone, and spiritually useless! The richness of love, not the sappy stuff of romance novels, but the robust, bold love that "always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres" (1 Corinthians 13:7, NIV) is the soul of the best life. So, I’m looking forward to going home, plugging back into my network, and doing what God calls me to do each day.
What about you, disciple?
Are you creating a ‘home’ where you are doing the sometimes seemingly impossible, always costly, work of weaving a strong web that ties you to others? Some will nourish you. Some will require you to feed and serve. Both are part of love.
One of these days, we will all be called to our final home. If our hearts are already in love with the Father and His family, it will be a wonderful reunion. But, what of those who have been too pre-occupied with themselves, too committed to self-indulgence to step outside of themselves to create authentic, loving relationships? What will they experience? For me, there’s no place like home.
Here’s a word from the Word. Soak it in today.
"It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God." (Hebrews 11:8-10, NLT)
"Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own." (Hebrews 11:14, NLT)
_____________________
Wherever there is laughter ringing,
Someone smiling someone dreaming,
We can live together there,
Love will be our home.
Where there are words of kindness spoken,
Where a vow is never broken,
We can live together there,
'Cause love will be our home.
If home is really where the heart is,
Then home must be a place we all can share.
For even with our diff'rences
Our hearts are much the same.
For where love is we come together there.
With love our hearts can be a family,
And hope can bring this family face to face,
And though we may be far apart
Our hearts can be as one,
When love brings us together in one place.
Love will love will be our home,
Love Will Be Our Home
Chapman, Steven Curtis
© 1988 Careers-BMG Music Publishing, Inc. / Sparrow Song (a div. of EMI Christian Music Publishing) / Greg Nelson Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
CCLI License No. 810055
Friday, July 30, 2010
Living By Faith?
Christians are held in a tension. We know that we cannot earn a place of acceptance with our Heavenly Father with any amount of good works. We are made right with Him through faith. Yet, our faith is not abstract. It is shown in how we live.
Abraham is the example used in Romans. "What did he discover about being made right with God? If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” (Romans 4:1-3, NLT) From his life of faith, however, we discover that a 'faith-full' life is consistent in word and actions!
Many disciples talk about faith, but live like atheists. They pray, but act as though God does not hear, or is not willing to act, or is incapable of doing what they ask. Abraham’s faith was a core value from which his life was formed. In Genesis 12:1 we read of a radical choice based on faith: The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.”
Jim Cymbala, pastor of Brooklyn Tabernacle, teaches three ‘life of faith’ principles.
1. Faith is informed by God's voice.
It does not spring from self. Abraham heard from God before he did anything! Do you think that faith is hatching up an idea and then insisting that God bless it? Do you mistake faith for presumption because you think that you have the right to 'tell' God what to do for you? God does the telling, we do the living. God sets the agenda, we implement His plans. A heart of worship that is learning to listen to the Spirit and the Word is the fertile soil from which faith grows.
2. Faith leaves the familiar.
Abraham was compelled, by faith, to pack up and move out. He left comfort, safety, family, and friends behind to faithfully pursue God's plan. Sounds so easy when we say it like that, doesn't it? Sounds Almost adventurous, like getting on the cast of 'Survivor.' EXCEPT, that the Adventure doesn't end in 6 weeks. It's a life-long pilgrimage that only rests in Heaven. Faith will pull you out of religious traditions that no longer are useful in connecting you with God. Faith will lead you out of cultural norms that 'deaden' you to God's work. Faith may cause you to do the ridiculous, not because you're crazed and hearing voices, but because you're 'hearing His voice.'
3. Faith goes forward without knowing tomorrow.
Imagine stopping Abraham's caravan 50 miles out of Ur, his hometown.
"Abraham, where are you going?"
"Don't know, He didn't tell me. He just said, go."
"How will you know when you're there?"
"Don't know. He didn't tell me. He just said, go this way today."
Faith is risky. Living in faith we will certainly make mistakes. But, faith is the only way to find our true home. “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” - Hebrews 11:8-10
________________________
"Father of the faithful, add my name to the roster of those who lived by Your Words.
Help my ears to be turned to you, to be eagerly anticipating Your directives.
Give me courage to move out from what I know, from what is comfortable, to pursue Your plan.
You know how much I love to know the whole route in advance.
Holy Spirit, reassure me with Your powerful Presence as I just GO, even when I don't KNOW the end.
May your Son, Jesus Christ, be honored by a life of faith I live today. Amen."
Abraham is the example used in Romans. "What did he discover about being made right with God? If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” (Romans 4:1-3, NLT) From his life of faith, however, we discover that a 'faith-full' life is consistent in word and actions!
Many disciples talk about faith, but live like atheists. They pray, but act as though God does not hear, or is not willing to act, or is incapable of doing what they ask. Abraham’s faith was a core value from which his life was formed. In Genesis 12:1 we read of a radical choice based on faith: The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.”
Jim Cymbala, pastor of Brooklyn Tabernacle, teaches three ‘life of faith’ principles.
1. Faith is informed by God's voice.
It does not spring from self. Abraham heard from God before he did anything! Do you think that faith is hatching up an idea and then insisting that God bless it? Do you mistake faith for presumption because you think that you have the right to 'tell' God what to do for you? God does the telling, we do the living. God sets the agenda, we implement His plans. A heart of worship that is learning to listen to the Spirit and the Word is the fertile soil from which faith grows.
2. Faith leaves the familiar.
Abraham was compelled, by faith, to pack up and move out. He left comfort, safety, family, and friends behind to faithfully pursue God's plan. Sounds so easy when we say it like that, doesn't it? Sounds Almost adventurous, like getting on the cast of 'Survivor.' EXCEPT, that the Adventure doesn't end in 6 weeks. It's a life-long pilgrimage that only rests in Heaven. Faith will pull you out of religious traditions that no longer are useful in connecting you with God. Faith will lead you out of cultural norms that 'deaden' you to God's work. Faith may cause you to do the ridiculous, not because you're crazed and hearing voices, but because you're 'hearing His voice.'
3. Faith goes forward without knowing tomorrow.
Imagine stopping Abraham's caravan 50 miles out of Ur, his hometown.
"Abraham, where are you going?"
"Don't know, He didn't tell me. He just said, go."
"How will you know when you're there?"
"Don't know. He didn't tell me. He just said, go this way today."
Faith is risky. Living in faith we will certainly make mistakes. But, faith is the only way to find our true home. “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” - Hebrews 11:8-10
________________________
"Father of the faithful, add my name to the roster of those who lived by Your Words.
Help my ears to be turned to you, to be eagerly anticipating Your directives.
Give me courage to move out from what I know, from what is comfortable, to pursue Your plan.
You know how much I love to know the whole route in advance.
Holy Spirit, reassure me with Your powerful Presence as I just GO, even when I don't KNOW the end.
May your Son, Jesus Christ, be honored by a life of faith I live today. Amen."
Thursday, July 29, 2010
A privileged son
Monday I visited my Mom’s home. When I arrived, I walked right in with a yell announcing my arrival! Going to the refrigerator, I looked for something to eat. I sat down at her computer and checked my email. I would not take such liberties if I visited most homes because I do not enjoy the familial ties that provide me with the privileges I enjoy at Mom’s house. Though it is not my home, I am her son and need not act as a guest while I am there.
The Scripture says, "Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence." (Ephesians 3:12, NLT) In another passage, we are reminded that we are children with privileges. "This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children." (Romans 8:15-16, The Message)
\Do you enjoy that kind of relationship with your God?
Or, are you still cowering before a Deity that terrifies you, guilty and ashamed? Through Christ, we are forgiven the sins that previously caused us to feel only fear in the Father’s Presence! Now, we can and should live with a humble confidence, a daily conversation with the One who loves us most. What a privilege!
Is there something in your life that is stressing you, keeping you awake at night, making your head ache? Share it with the Father. With child-like faith go to Papa and ask His wisdom, His comfort, His resources for your need. Don’t be shy; be boldly confident. For example, on Monday, my left knee was causing me real pain. Every step I took, was a reminder of my aging body. In prayer that evening, I asked Papa to make it better! I asked Him to show me if there was something I was doing to contribute to my pain and to heal me. Tuesday, I awakened to find the pain gone. In simple faith, I thanked Him for that blessing. Like any good father, He may not do what you want Him to do, but He will do what is best for you. If He corrects you, it is because He loves you.
Rejoice with Him, too. Go often and give thanks for the joys of life.
Here’s a word from the Word. “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him." (Matthew 7:9-11, NLT)
Don’t live like an orphaned child today. Exercise the privileges given you through your adoption into the family of God, through Christ Jesus, our Lord.
__________________
Sometimes I feel discouraged,
And think my life in vain.
I'm tempted then to murmur,
And of my lot complain.
But when I think of Jesus,
And all He's done for me,
Then I cry, O Rock of Ages,
Hide Thou me.
O Rock of Ages, hide Thou me.
No other refuge have I but Thee.
When life's dark vale I wander,
Far, far from Thee.
Then I cry, O Rock of Ages,
Hide Thou me.
Hide Thou Me
Harris, Thoro / Tolbert, L.R.
© 1926. Renewed 1953 Singspiration Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc., 741 Coolsprings Blvd., Franklin TN 37067)
CCLI License No. 810055
The Scripture says, "Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence." (Ephesians 3:12, NLT) In another passage, we are reminded that we are children with privileges. "This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children." (Romans 8:15-16, The Message)
\Do you enjoy that kind of relationship with your God?
Or, are you still cowering before a Deity that terrifies you, guilty and ashamed? Through Christ, we are forgiven the sins that previously caused us to feel only fear in the Father’s Presence! Now, we can and should live with a humble confidence, a daily conversation with the One who loves us most. What a privilege!
Is there something in your life that is stressing you, keeping you awake at night, making your head ache? Share it with the Father. With child-like faith go to Papa and ask His wisdom, His comfort, His resources for your need. Don’t be shy; be boldly confident. For example, on Monday, my left knee was causing me real pain. Every step I took, was a reminder of my aging body. In prayer that evening, I asked Papa to make it better! I asked Him to show me if there was something I was doing to contribute to my pain and to heal me. Tuesday, I awakened to find the pain gone. In simple faith, I thanked Him for that blessing. Like any good father, He may not do what you want Him to do, but He will do what is best for you. If He corrects you, it is because He loves you.
Rejoice with Him, too. Go often and give thanks for the joys of life.
Here’s a word from the Word. “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him." (Matthew 7:9-11, NLT)
Don’t live like an orphaned child today. Exercise the privileges given you through your adoption into the family of God, through Christ Jesus, our Lord.
__________________
Sometimes I feel discouraged,
And think my life in vain.
I'm tempted then to murmur,
And of my lot complain.
But when I think of Jesus,
And all He's done for me,
Then I cry, O Rock of Ages,
Hide Thou me.
O Rock of Ages, hide Thou me.
No other refuge have I but Thee.
When life's dark vale I wander,
Far, far from Thee.
Then I cry, O Rock of Ages,
Hide Thou me.
Hide Thou Me
Harris, Thoro / Tolbert, L.R.
© 1926. Renewed 1953 Singspiration Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc., 741 Coolsprings Blvd., Franklin TN 37067)
CCLI License No. 810055
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Saved from myself
In a recent meeting with the leadership team of the church, my temper overcame good judgment and a good friend stepped in to save me from myself. “I don’t think we need to go there,” he said firmly! I can think of so many other occasions when good advice or even confrontation were important to cause reflection so that I would change course. I am thankful for those who bless me with their wisdom along the way. The One who is the best Savior is Jesus Christ.
My life was set for destruction, bound for Hell! Timothy Keller’s observation about how people ultimately arrive far from God is telling. “Hell is simply one’s freely chosen identity apart from God on a trajectory into infinity.” (Reason For God, 2009) We are born with a nature bent to serve ourselves. The more we pursue Self, the further we travel away from God. The end point of that road is Hell, the complete absence of God, who is Light and Love. As much as we might try to believe in our own powers of reformation and/or salvation, we cannot save ourselves from ourselves.
We all need Someone to step in and save us from ourselves. The hymn, “Come, Thou Fount of Ev’ry Blessing,” contains these lines:
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.
There is the Gospel! C. S. Lewis speaks to the importance of responding in faith to the Lord today. “Hell begins with a grumbling mood, always complaining, always blaming others … but you are still distinct from it. You my even criticize yourself and wish you could stop it. But there may come a day when you can no longer. Then, there will be no ‘you’ left to criticize the mood or even to enjoy it, but just the grumble itself, going on forever like a machine. It is not a question of God “sending us” to Hell. In each of us there is something growing, which will BE Hell unless it is nipped in the bud.” (as quoted in Reason for God)
When we were Hell-bound, fixed on our own destruction, our Divine Lover stepped in with an offer, held out the promise of changing the course of our lives. The Scripture says, "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, … but because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:1, 4-5, NIV) Ours is but to accept His offer – by faith. When we do, the trajectory spoken of by Keller is turned upward. Heaven is set in our hearts and we begin to live ‘in God,’ right here, walking with the Spirit in a way that ends in His glorious Presence.
Are you allowing Someone to save you from yourself?
Give up pride. Reject self-improvement which is at best a temporary thing and is really just self-delusion, learning not to see the Truth. By faith, respond and accept the offer of the Lord of Glory to ‘interpose His precious blood’ and set you on a new course – one that is filled with holiness and ends at the Throne of God.
________________
Sweet Jesus Christ, my sanity.
Sweet Jesus Christ, my clarity.
Bread of heaven, broken for me
Cup of salvation held up to drink
Jesus - Mystery
Christ has died and Christ is risen,
And Christ will come again
Celebrate his death and rising.
Lift your eyes, proclaim his coming!
Celebrate his death and rising,
Lift your eyes, lift your eyes!
-Charlie Hall
My life was set for destruction, bound for Hell! Timothy Keller’s observation about how people ultimately arrive far from God is telling. “Hell is simply one’s freely chosen identity apart from God on a trajectory into infinity.” (Reason For God, 2009) We are born with a nature bent to serve ourselves. The more we pursue Self, the further we travel away from God. The end point of that road is Hell, the complete absence of God, who is Light and Love. As much as we might try to believe in our own powers of reformation and/or salvation, we cannot save ourselves from ourselves.
We all need Someone to step in and save us from ourselves. The hymn, “Come, Thou Fount of Ev’ry Blessing,” contains these lines:
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.
There is the Gospel! C. S. Lewis speaks to the importance of responding in faith to the Lord today. “Hell begins with a grumbling mood, always complaining, always blaming others … but you are still distinct from it. You my even criticize yourself and wish you could stop it. But there may come a day when you can no longer. Then, there will be no ‘you’ left to criticize the mood or even to enjoy it, but just the grumble itself, going on forever like a machine. It is not a question of God “sending us” to Hell. In each of us there is something growing, which will BE Hell unless it is nipped in the bud.” (as quoted in Reason for God)
When we were Hell-bound, fixed on our own destruction, our Divine Lover stepped in with an offer, held out the promise of changing the course of our lives. The Scripture says, "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, … but because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:1, 4-5, NIV) Ours is but to accept His offer – by faith. When we do, the trajectory spoken of by Keller is turned upward. Heaven is set in our hearts and we begin to live ‘in God,’ right here, walking with the Spirit in a way that ends in His glorious Presence.
Are you allowing Someone to save you from yourself?
Give up pride. Reject self-improvement which is at best a temporary thing and is really just self-delusion, learning not to see the Truth. By faith, respond and accept the offer of the Lord of Glory to ‘interpose His precious blood’ and set you on a new course – one that is filled with holiness and ends at the Throne of God.
________________
Sweet Jesus Christ, my sanity.
Sweet Jesus Christ, my clarity.
Bread of heaven, broken for me
Cup of salvation held up to drink
Jesus - Mystery
Christ has died and Christ is risen,
And Christ will come again
Celebrate his death and rising.
Lift your eyes, proclaim his coming!
Celebrate his death and rising,
Lift your eyes, lift your eyes!
-Charlie Hall
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Off to Afghanistan?
Americans are impressed by more, big, and famous I regret that I spent too much of my life measuring my own ‘success’ as a pastor by the number of people I preached to on Sunday morning. But, I am not an oddity in that pursuit. Many measure their success by their level of compensation, their title, or by how many friends they have on Facebook. Success is often a numbers game, but on Sunday evening I met a man who completely re-defined the assumptions about what it means to live successfully. I’ll call him Dan.
God placed a love for the Afghan people in Dan’s heart 9 years ago. In an encounter with the Holy Spirit, he was deeply impressed, as a 26 year man, to take up the mission of bringing the Gospel to a land held in the grip of the most radical form of Islam. For the last 4 years, he and his wife, along with their three little girls, have lived in war zones of Afghanistan, quietly building friendships and praying for the spiritual darkness around them to be dispelled by the Light. It’s an exhausting assignment, full of sacrifice, and emotionally wearing. He’s been warned to flee numerous times, told that armed Taliban are standing outside of his home at night, and a close associate was gunned down in his car. None of the typical measures of success apply! Converts are few. Money is not a factor. His name cannot be published! Yet, he serves, and with great joy!
Don’t make a leap to a false conclusion. We need not all move to Afghanistan and live in mud homes to be good disciples who are ‘successful!’ We are all called, as disciples of Christ, to total obedience right here, right now. Our individual success is measured by how we respond to the Lord’s call, by our faithful embrace of the mission He gives to each one of us. My call is to lead and care for a congregation at a church in Washington, NJ. God will judge me a success if I am diligent, if I do that work for His glory. Circumstances beyond my control may lead to greater numbers of people in that church, but 200 or 2000 in the building are not His measure of success.
To be a success, disciple, there is a foundational question that demands your answer: what does the Lord ask of me? If you cannot answer that with any kind of certainty, you will be vulnerable to discontent and deception. You will chase meaning and purpose in ways that cannot ultimately provide them. Why? Because you will confuse ‘self-fulfillment’ with God’s approval! Much of what we label ‘success’ is just a way of making ourselves feel better about who we are and what we do. However, for the disciple of Christ, nothing can replace knowing that we are squarely in the center of the will of God. Dan is a man at peace with God and able to serve in a difficult assignment without much in the way of traditional rewards because he knows that he is doing what the Lord wants him to do at this time in his life!
Here’s a word from the Word. May the Spirit cause it to own you.
"Listen to me, all you in distant lands! Pay attention, you who are far away! The Lord called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name. He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword. He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand. I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver. He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory.” (Isaiah 49:1-3, NLT)
Are you His servant?
Will your thoughts, words, and actions today be framed by the desire to “bring Him glory?”
_______________
God placed a love for the Afghan people in Dan’s heart 9 years ago. In an encounter with the Holy Spirit, he was deeply impressed, as a 26 year man, to take up the mission of bringing the Gospel to a land held in the grip of the most radical form of Islam. For the last 4 years, he and his wife, along with their three little girls, have lived in war zones of Afghanistan, quietly building friendships and praying for the spiritual darkness around them to be dispelled by the Light. It’s an exhausting assignment, full of sacrifice, and emotionally wearing. He’s been warned to flee numerous times, told that armed Taliban are standing outside of his home at night, and a close associate was gunned down in his car. None of the typical measures of success apply! Converts are few. Money is not a factor. His name cannot be published! Yet, he serves, and with great joy!
Don’t make a leap to a false conclusion. We need not all move to Afghanistan and live in mud homes to be good disciples who are ‘successful!’ We are all called, as disciples of Christ, to total obedience right here, right now. Our individual success is measured by how we respond to the Lord’s call, by our faithful embrace of the mission He gives to each one of us. My call is to lead and care for a congregation at a church in Washington, NJ. God will judge me a success if I am diligent, if I do that work for His glory. Circumstances beyond my control may lead to greater numbers of people in that church, but 200 or 2000 in the building are not His measure of success.
To be a success, disciple, there is a foundational question that demands your answer: what does the Lord ask of me? If you cannot answer that with any kind of certainty, you will be vulnerable to discontent and deception. You will chase meaning and purpose in ways that cannot ultimately provide them. Why? Because you will confuse ‘self-fulfillment’ with God’s approval! Much of what we label ‘success’ is just a way of making ourselves feel better about who we are and what we do. However, for the disciple of Christ, nothing can replace knowing that we are squarely in the center of the will of God. Dan is a man at peace with God and able to serve in a difficult assignment without much in the way of traditional rewards because he knows that he is doing what the Lord wants him to do at this time in his life!
Here’s a word from the Word. May the Spirit cause it to own you.
"Listen to me, all you in distant lands! Pay attention, you who are far away! The Lord called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name. He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword. He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand. I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver. He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory.” (Isaiah 49:1-3, NLT)
Are you His servant?
Will your thoughts, words, and actions today be framed by the desire to “bring Him glory?”
_______________
Monday, July 26, 2010
The Marinade of your soul
Summertime means steaks, grilled to perfection, seasoned just right. T-bone's are not always affordable so a cheaper cut of meat sometimes finds its way onto the grill, but I have found a way to compensate. It's called marinade. A blend of wine or vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, perhaps onion, sometimes some lemon juice - is prepared and the meat is left to soak in it. A common cut of meat is tenderized and flavored by the marinade.
So, let me cut right to my point today. What the marinade that soaks your soul, that flavors your life? Anxiety and despair will always result from constant exposure to cable TV news. Greed and need will surely start to be part of your thoughts if you absorb each and every advertising circular that finds its way onto your dining room table. Many disciples are wondering why their souls are dry, why they are full of doubt, why they don't love worship or prayer, why their souls are cluttered with temptations like so much junk thrown around in a garage. They blame God for allowing them to wander alone, but the truth is, they pick up the flavors of the culture in which they choose to soak, day after day.
The Word says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:8-9, NIV) That is one superb promise! Fill your mind and heart with praise, with worship, with appreciation for beauty, with gratitude - and reap the benefit of a life marked by peace! Practice love for others, real forgiveness, genuine concern for the poor and the weak and discover the richness of freedom from Self!
Disciple, if you want to live with the promise of the Spirit, check the marinade in which your soul soaks. Ask the practical questions:
What's playing into your head on your Ipod?
Who is influencing you with counsel?
What is creating the ambience in your home?
Take this wise and ancient counsel of the Word and make it your guide.
"How well God must like you-
you don't hang out at Sin Saloon,
you don't slink along Dead-End Road,
you don't go to Smart-Mouth College.
Instead you thrill to God's Word, you chew on Scripture day and night.
You're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month,
Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom."
(Psalm 1:1-3, The Message)
______________________
On God's holy Word I challenge you
To give to the Lord your life anew.
My friend, make your choice;
He waits for you
For this is the moment of truth.
Now walk with God
And He will be your dearest Friend
Where'er you go
In everything you do.
And may your life
Reflect His love to ev'ryone.
Now walk with God
And He will walk with you.
Now Walk With God
Skillings, Otis
© 1969 Lillenas Publishing Company (Admin. by The Copyright Company)
CCLI License No. 810055
So, let me cut right to my point today. What the marinade that soaks your soul, that flavors your life? Anxiety and despair will always result from constant exposure to cable TV news. Greed and need will surely start to be part of your thoughts if you absorb each and every advertising circular that finds its way onto your dining room table. Many disciples are wondering why their souls are dry, why they are full of doubt, why they don't love worship or prayer, why their souls are cluttered with temptations like so much junk thrown around in a garage. They blame God for allowing them to wander alone, but the truth is, they pick up the flavors of the culture in which they choose to soak, day after day.
The Word says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:8-9, NIV) That is one superb promise! Fill your mind and heart with praise, with worship, with appreciation for beauty, with gratitude - and reap the benefit of a life marked by peace! Practice love for others, real forgiveness, genuine concern for the poor and the weak and discover the richness of freedom from Self!
Disciple, if you want to live with the promise of the Spirit, check the marinade in which your soul soaks. Ask the practical questions:
What's playing into your head on your Ipod?
Who is influencing you with counsel?
What is creating the ambience in your home?
Take this wise and ancient counsel of the Word and make it your guide.
"How well God must like you-
you don't hang out at Sin Saloon,
you don't slink along Dead-End Road,
you don't go to Smart-Mouth College.
Instead you thrill to God's Word, you chew on Scripture day and night.
You're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month,
Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom."
(Psalm 1:1-3, The Message)
______________________
On God's holy Word I challenge you
To give to the Lord your life anew.
My friend, make your choice;
He waits for you
For this is the moment of truth.
Now walk with God
And He will be your dearest Friend
Where'er you go
In everything you do.
And may your life
Reflect His love to ev'ryone.
Now walk with God
And He will walk with you.
Now Walk With God
Skillings, Otis
© 1969 Lillenas Publishing Company (Admin. by The Copyright Company)
CCLI License No. 810055
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