Mark Batterson tells about hearing a speaker named Denis Waitley talk about how he came to live with radically adjusted priorities. Waitley arrived at the Chicago airport and was delayed. When he finally reached the gate the door was being closed. In spite of all his threats and pleas, the gate agent would not allow him onto the aircraft for Los Angeles. He rushed back to the ticket counter prepared to register an angry complaint and re-schedule his flight. Just as he was about to reach the agent, the announcement came that the flight had crashed on take-off, killing all those aboard. Waitley never even turned in his ticket, preferring to keep it ‘as an unforgettable reminder that life is a gift that should never be taken for granted.’ - Soulprints, Multnomah Press, 2011
In the complex world that we live in, I can guarantee that sometime, somewhere, in some way, nearly everyday, we will find ourselves in situations that are not going the way we think they ought to go. Traffic will come to a standstill, keeping us from an important meeting. Our cell phone will go dead just when we have to get a call to the office and we will discover that we forget the charger at home that morning. Our PC will lock up the very hour that our presentation is due. The morning we feel most fragile, our spouse will respond to our need for affirmation with a blast of criticism. The list goes on and on. Are we so in love with ourselves and our agenda that we will give vent to a temper tantrum, treat one of God’s treasures to our word full of contempt, or even shake our puny fist at God for making our life difficult?
I confess that I have been that angry man too many times in my life. I cannot shake the memory of a June Sunday in 1995, when, following church services, we were rushing to our eldest son’s high school graduation. I wish I remembered the day for the joy of his achievement, but instead with terrible regret, I recall bullying everyone; frustrated because some were not moving fast enough to suit me! I got us to the event on time, but my emotions were so ragged, I didn’t really enjoy it! That’s just one memory of too many. I am thankful that those kinds of outburst are much fewer these days. Perhaps I’ve just mellowed with age, but I think the truth is that I have come to realize that my life is not my own. Someone much bigger is in charge of my life and He is able to direct my footsteps and even use the mess ups and missed flights to accomplish His purposes for me.
Near the end of his life, Paul wrote to young Timothy (and to us!) with these inspired words. He was not in a good place. He was not spending his golden years in a villa on the Med, sipping cool drinks and soaking up the sun! He was in a dungeon in Rome, falsely accused of sedition, and facing execution. But, instead of fuming and fussing, take a look at the attitude of a man whose was submitted to the Spirit’s control. "I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day." (2 Timothy 1:12, NIV)
This kind of calm assurance was a life pattern for this man. It wasn’t that he lacked fiery passion. He was highly motivated to spread the good news of the Kingdom across the Roman Empire. But, he also knew that his life belonged to Another. By faith, he chose to accept that the things that appeared to be detours were actually unforeseen opportunities. During an earlier imprisonment, he took note of God’s ability to use his confinement. "I want to report to you, friends, that my imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect. Instead of being squelched, the Message has actually prospered. All the soldiers here, and everyone else, too, found out that I’m in jail because of this Messiah. That piqued their curiosity, and now they’ve learned all about him. Not only that, but most of the followers of Jesus here have become far more sure of themselves in the faith than ever, speaking out fearlessly about God, about the Messiah." (Philippians 1:12-14, The Message)
Stop right now, wherever you are, and honestly thank God that nothing that is happening to you right now is surprising Him! Take your frustration- big or small – and offer it to Him. Surrender! I mean it. Let the tears spill. Shout, if you must. Don’t give yourself any excuse. Confess that selfishness and thank Him for the privilege of walking through the stuff you’re dealing with today with Him in the lead. Let God, be God.
Here’s a word from the Word.
"How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” Otherwise you are boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil." (James 4:14-16, NLT)
___________________
My Lord knows the way through the wilderness
All I have to do is follow
My Lord knows the way through the wilderness
All I have to do is follow
Strength for today is mine always
And all that I need for tomorrow
My Lord knows the way through the wilderness
All I have to do is follow
My Lord Knows the Way Through the Wilderness
Word and music: Sidney E Cox
Monday, February 21, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
It's a 'faith thing'
She’s only 6 and her question to me was, “I want Jesus to live in my heart. How can I know He is there?” Exploring the subject of knowing God’s Presence with a child is fun! I told her it was a ‘faith thing.’ Her little eyes told me that wasn’t enough, so I asked her if her Mom had any cans of food in their kitchen. Of course they did, so I followed up by asking her about what you find inside a can that is marked ‘corn.’ You don’t find green beans, right? She giggled. The thought of beans in a can of corn was silly. Even she knows that she can have ‘faith’ that the can holds what the label says. It’s not a perfect illustration, but it’s a start to help a child understand the concept of trusting God.
We all practice faith in hundreds of ways every day. We flip the light switch fully expecting the lights to come on, even though we can’t see the electricity flowing into our homes. We put our money in the bank with faith that we will get it back. We say, “I do,” to the person we love, believing they will keep the covenant. In each situation, our faith could be disappointed because it is not a perfect world. But when it comes to the promise of the Presence of God, there is no possibility of failure! Ah, but that does not mean that He will exempt those who love Him from walking through valleys, deep and dark. He does say, "I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20, The Message)
There is something that little disciple will come to know all too soon. There is one thing that will certainly drive her to the arms of the Savior; suffering! She will, as she matures, discover that there is pain in life. People fail to keep their promises. Bodies break down with age and/or disease. Plans unravel when circumstances beyond our control or anticipation intrude. Unexplained sorrows are part of the human experience. In those times she will have the choice, as each of us does, to trust God more deeply and find the comfort of His Spirit. The Word says that our suffering in this sin-broken world, creates an opening for God’s grace to pour into us. "Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." (Romans 5:1-5, NIV)
Are you asking, “How can I know He’s there?” Has the pressure of life made you wonder if God has abandoned you? He has not! Sometimes our walk with Him is a ‘faith thing!’ We trust Him, even when we cannot see what He’s doing or even sense that He is there. "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." (Hebrews 11:1, NLT)
Here’s a word from the Lament of Jeremiah. Jerusalem was destroyed. The Temple was rubble. The people of the Lord were captives of a pagan nation. The prophet’s heart was broken and it seemed, to every appearance, that the Lord God had utterly forsaken him. May his faith inspire more in us.
"But there’s one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope: God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left.
God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It’s a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God.
It’s a good thing when you’re young to stick it out through the hard times.
When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face. The “worst” is never the worst.
Why? Because the Master won’t ever walk out and fail to return." (Lamentations 3:21-31, The Message)
______________
Natalie Grant sings "Held"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-hJ87ApWtw
Two months is too little, they let him go
They had no sudden healing
To think that providence
Would take a child from his mother
While she prays, is appalling
Who told us we’d be rescued
What has changed and
Why should we be saved from nightmares
We’re asking why this happens to us
Who have died to live, it’s unfair
This is what it means to be held
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We’d be held
This hand is bitterness, We want to taste it and
Let the hatred numb our sorrows
The wise hand opens slowly
To lilies of the valley and tomorrow
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We’d be held
If hope if born of suffering, If this is only the beginning
Can we not wait for one hour
Watching for our Savior
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We’d be held
Held – Christa Wells
Performed by Natalie Grant
We all practice faith in hundreds of ways every day. We flip the light switch fully expecting the lights to come on, even though we can’t see the electricity flowing into our homes. We put our money in the bank with faith that we will get it back. We say, “I do,” to the person we love, believing they will keep the covenant. In each situation, our faith could be disappointed because it is not a perfect world. But when it comes to the promise of the Presence of God, there is no possibility of failure! Ah, but that does not mean that He will exempt those who love Him from walking through valleys, deep and dark. He does say, "I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20, The Message)
There is something that little disciple will come to know all too soon. There is one thing that will certainly drive her to the arms of the Savior; suffering! She will, as she matures, discover that there is pain in life. People fail to keep their promises. Bodies break down with age and/or disease. Plans unravel when circumstances beyond our control or anticipation intrude. Unexplained sorrows are part of the human experience. In those times she will have the choice, as each of us does, to trust God more deeply and find the comfort of His Spirit. The Word says that our suffering in this sin-broken world, creates an opening for God’s grace to pour into us. "Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." (Romans 5:1-5, NIV)
Are you asking, “How can I know He’s there?” Has the pressure of life made you wonder if God has abandoned you? He has not! Sometimes our walk with Him is a ‘faith thing!’ We trust Him, even when we cannot see what He’s doing or even sense that He is there. "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." (Hebrews 11:1, NLT)
Here’s a word from the Lament of Jeremiah. Jerusalem was destroyed. The Temple was rubble. The people of the Lord were captives of a pagan nation. The prophet’s heart was broken and it seemed, to every appearance, that the Lord God had utterly forsaken him. May his faith inspire more in us.
"But there’s one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope: God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left.
God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It’s a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God.
It’s a good thing when you’re young to stick it out through the hard times.
When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face. The “worst” is never the worst.
Why? Because the Master won’t ever walk out and fail to return." (Lamentations 3:21-31, The Message)
______________
Natalie Grant sings "Held"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-hJ87ApWtw
Two months is too little, they let him go
They had no sudden healing
To think that providence
Would take a child from his mother
While she prays, is appalling
Who told us we’d be rescued
What has changed and
Why should we be saved from nightmares
We’re asking why this happens to us
Who have died to live, it’s unfair
This is what it means to be held
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We’d be held
This hand is bitterness, We want to taste it and
Let the hatred numb our sorrows
The wise hand opens slowly
To lilies of the valley and tomorrow
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We’d be held
If hope if born of suffering, If this is only the beginning
Can we not wait for one hour
Watching for our Savior
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We’d be held
Held – Christa Wells
Performed by Natalie Grant
Thursday, February 17, 2011
You're Beautiful - Just the way you are
What is it in yourself you intensely dislike: your temper, the way you look, your personality, some chronic physical weakness, a handicap? You have likely prayed to be changed, healed, delivered... right? It is right and good to ask our Father for these things, but there are times when He will not take what we think to be a curse from us because it is that thing keeps us faithful to Him and/or provides for greater ministry opportunities.
At that very point of 'weakness' God has an opening into your life to do His greatest work in you and through you. I asked a friend who's been struggling through a severe time of testing recently, "How's are you doing?" I wasn't just being polite. I've prayed for him regularly and trusted God with him for freedom. His reply showed amazing spiritual insight. I'll paraphrase his reply -- "Jerry, God's presence is nearer to me now and I am discovering so many new things." As we talked for a few moments, he told me how he still wants to be healed, but that he is much more ready to trust how God works in the middle of the problem, too!
Paul was extraordinarily used of God. Because of his gifts, he was subject to pride, which could have destroyed him so the Lord gave him another ‘gift,’ that kept him God-aware and Spirit-reliant. Here’s what he told us about that: "I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time 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 12:7-10, NLT) It is useless to speculate over Paul's 'thorn in the flesh' (NIV) but whatever it was, he disliked it enough to pray long and hard for healing. God said, "No! That thing is my gift to you to keep you leaning hard on my grace, not yourself.” Suffering, as much as we hate it, can be God’s leash that keeps us from running headlong into soul destroying situations.
Remember Jacob, the patriarch in Genesis? He wrestled with a heavenly messenger at the ford of Jabbok all night long. The encounter left him a changed man and limping! His limp reminded him of God's Presence!
We quickly develop illusions about our self- sufficiency, our 'deserving-ness,' our abilities - when our bank account is full to overflowing, our health is good, our kids are doing well, and no besetting sin is apparent. “What a good guy I am. God must surely bless me with more because I deserve it.” While we may not actually utter the prayer of the Pharisee, "God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican” (Luke 18:11 KJV) but we easily slip into thinking something like it, don’t we?
Self-righteousness stinks. It turns the fragrance of Christ’s grace into the stench of human religiosity. It turns us from child-like prayers of faith, to manipulative schemes to get our own way. It robs us of love and empathy and turns us into harsh judges who readily condemn others. “Why can’t they just get it right?” with the implied clause, “just like me.” We lack grace both inwardly and outwardly.
Go back to that thing in your life you would like to be rid of, that makes you feel pain, that drives you to your knees. Prayerfully consider, with the help and insight of the Spirit, whether God is giving you a 'gift' to keep you close to Him. Thank Him that He is greater than your weakness and present Him with your 'problem,' inviting Him to remove it or use it -- in keeping with His eternal purposes. “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” As you discover more about Jesus and His wonderful love for you, watch His joy begin to fill your heart and mind.
________________________________
Days will come when you don’t have the strength
Wondering if you ever could be loved,
If they ever truly saw your heart
They’d see too much
You're beautiful, You're beautiful,
You are made so much more than all of this.
You're beautiful, You're beautiful,
You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His.
You're beautiful!
I'm praying that you have the heart to find
‘Cause you are more than what is hurting you tonight
For all the lies you've held inside so long
And they are nothing in the shadow of the cross
Before you ever took a breath
Long the world began
Of all the wonders He possessed
There was one more precious
Of all the earth and skies above
You’re the one He madly loves
Enough to die!
You’re beautiful, You’re beautiful
In His eyes!
- Mercy Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6pS5HCkgPI
At that very point of 'weakness' God has an opening into your life to do His greatest work in you and through you. I asked a friend who's been struggling through a severe time of testing recently, "How's are you doing?" I wasn't just being polite. I've prayed for him regularly and trusted God with him for freedom. His reply showed amazing spiritual insight. I'll paraphrase his reply -- "Jerry, God's presence is nearer to me now and I am discovering so many new things." As we talked for a few moments, he told me how he still wants to be healed, but that he is much more ready to trust how God works in the middle of the problem, too!
Paul was extraordinarily used of God. Because of his gifts, he was subject to pride, which could have destroyed him so the Lord gave him another ‘gift,’ that kept him God-aware and Spirit-reliant. Here’s what he told us about that: "I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time 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 12:7-10, NLT) It is useless to speculate over Paul's 'thorn in the flesh' (NIV) but whatever it was, he disliked it enough to pray long and hard for healing. God said, "No! That thing is my gift to you to keep you leaning hard on my grace, not yourself.” Suffering, as much as we hate it, can be God’s leash that keeps us from running headlong into soul destroying situations.
Remember Jacob, the patriarch in Genesis? He wrestled with a heavenly messenger at the ford of Jabbok all night long. The encounter left him a changed man and limping! His limp reminded him of God's Presence!
We quickly develop illusions about our self- sufficiency, our 'deserving-ness,' our abilities - when our bank account is full to overflowing, our health is good, our kids are doing well, and no besetting sin is apparent. “What a good guy I am. God must surely bless me with more because I deserve it.” While we may not actually utter the prayer of the Pharisee, "God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican” (Luke 18:11 KJV) but we easily slip into thinking something like it, don’t we?
Self-righteousness stinks. It turns the fragrance of Christ’s grace into the stench of human religiosity. It turns us from child-like prayers of faith, to manipulative schemes to get our own way. It robs us of love and empathy and turns us into harsh judges who readily condemn others. “Why can’t they just get it right?” with the implied clause, “just like me.” We lack grace both inwardly and outwardly.
Go back to that thing in your life you would like to be rid of, that makes you feel pain, that drives you to your knees. Prayerfully consider, with the help and insight of the Spirit, whether God is giving you a 'gift' to keep you close to Him. Thank Him that He is greater than your weakness and present Him with your 'problem,' inviting Him to remove it or use it -- in keeping with His eternal purposes. “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” As you discover more about Jesus and His wonderful love for you, watch His joy begin to fill your heart and mind.
________________________________
Days will come when you don’t have the strength
Wondering if you ever could be loved,
If they ever truly saw your heart
They’d see too much
You're beautiful, You're beautiful,
You are made so much more than all of this.
You're beautiful, You're beautiful,
You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His.
You're beautiful!
I'm praying that you have the heart to find
‘Cause you are more than what is hurting you tonight
For all the lies you've held inside so long
And they are nothing in the shadow of the cross
Before you ever took a breath
Long the world began
Of all the wonders He possessed
There was one more precious
Of all the earth and skies above
You’re the one He madly loves
Enough to die!
You’re beautiful, You’re beautiful
In His eyes!
- Mercy Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6pS5HCkgPI
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Conceit of Competence
Are you a conceited Christian? Most of us begin our faith walk with God in desperation; our cry like that of an infant. “Oh, God, help me!” In a short time, when we’re back on our feet, doing good, the temptation comes ‘round to start believing how great we’re doing. Unconsciously the focus shifts from 'I serve at the Lord’s pleasure,' to 'Lord, do this, please.' Yes, I am writing autobiographically here. Perhaps that is one reason God lets my path take me through dark valleys and difficult days. He needs to remind me to trust Him- wholly.
Ben Patterson, a fellow pastor, mentored me with his writing over the years, sharing authentically and transparently, his journey of faith and ministry. His conceit was revealed to him during a life trial.
• "For 6 weeks I was totally out of commission. During that time I crossed a frontier in my prayer life... toward the end of my convalescence, I had a conversation with the Lord that went something like this: 'These times of prayer have been sweet. I've actually had time to pray for every single person in this congregation, every day. It's too bad I won't have time to do this when I get back to work.' The Lord's reply was quick and blunt. 'Stupid, you have the same 24 hours when you're well as when you are sick. The trouble with you, Ben, is that when you're well, you think you're in charge; when you're sick you know you're not.' " - Leadership, Winter, 2005
Do you ever mistake activity for genuine work, doing things for accomplishing something real? The conceited Christian will quickly burn out, grow disgusted and ill-tempered - not because God asks too much of him, but because he does not ask enough of God! Convinced of his own competence, he takes charge, and charges after his own agenda, not the Lord’s. Listen to how many times the personal pronoun “I” creeps into your conversation. If you or I are convinced that we are getting God’s work done, all by ourselves, ugly things start to happen in us, around us, and yes; because of us! Failing to seek God's ability, we become frustrated by our inability. The Bible turns us again to His sufficiency!
Take a look: "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for He grants sleep to those he loves." (Psalm 127:1-2, NIV)
We need to know this:
Whatever callings and gifts we may have, they are of little use and less effect apart from the grace and power of God!
God called Moses to greatness while he was a failed prince and fugitive murderer, living in exile, tending a flock of sheep on the backside of the desert. The LORD told him to go back to Egypt and to prepare the people to return to the Promised Land. It was a tough assignment! He wondered how would he inspire a people enslaved by a powerful nation to leave behind the lives they had formed for centuries in the land of Egypt? Creating a new vision for a nation is a daunting challenge! Knowing that there was no 'up side' for the king to release his work force, Moses could see no earthly reason that the Pharaoh would let Israel go. So, Moses refuses the commission of God, at first, proclaiming himself unfit and unable. After, God shows him His power, he surrendered himself to the will of God, asking a question that intrigues me: "Who should I tell these people has sent me? What's your Name?" The LORD reveals His majesty saying, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ (Exodus 3:14, NKJV)
We who would do God’s work in this world need to go to that place of commissioning again and again. We are sent by “The Self-Existent One, The One Without First Cause.- the Great I AM!” He asks much of us; our very lives! He requires that we use the gifts He's given to us diligently, and that we press on to do His work and His will. BUT, He doesn't not leave us without resources, orphaned, or desperate. Jesus promised to be with us, by the Spirit, "day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20, The Message)
How are you responding to God today?
Are you living in the conceit of your own intellect, education, skills, or charisma?
Are you trying to get Him to help you do your work, OR are you letting go of control and putting yourself at His disposal to do His work?
Thank God for the resources you have, then place them at His command. It’s amazing what God can do with us. Let’s let Him.
__________________________
Oh Lord, You're beautiful,
Your face is all I seek,
For when Your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.
Oh Lord, please light the fire,
That once burned bright and clear.
Replace the lamp of my first love,
That burns with holy fear.
I wanna take Your Word
And shine it all around.
First help me just to live it, Lord!
And when I'm doing well,
Help me to never seek a crown,
For my reward is giving glory to You.
Oh Lord You're Beautiful-- Green, Keith
© 1980 Birdwing Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing; Admin. by BMG Music Publishing) / BMG Songs, Inc. (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing; Admin. by BMG Music Publishing) CCLI License No. 810055
Ben Patterson, a fellow pastor, mentored me with his writing over the years, sharing authentically and transparently, his journey of faith and ministry. His conceit was revealed to him during a life trial.
• "For 6 weeks I was totally out of commission. During that time I crossed a frontier in my prayer life... toward the end of my convalescence, I had a conversation with the Lord that went something like this: 'These times of prayer have been sweet. I've actually had time to pray for every single person in this congregation, every day. It's too bad I won't have time to do this when I get back to work.' The Lord's reply was quick and blunt. 'Stupid, you have the same 24 hours when you're well as when you are sick. The trouble with you, Ben, is that when you're well, you think you're in charge; when you're sick you know you're not.' " - Leadership, Winter, 2005
Do you ever mistake activity for genuine work, doing things for accomplishing something real? The conceited Christian will quickly burn out, grow disgusted and ill-tempered - not because God asks too much of him, but because he does not ask enough of God! Convinced of his own competence, he takes charge, and charges after his own agenda, not the Lord’s. Listen to how many times the personal pronoun “I” creeps into your conversation. If you or I are convinced that we are getting God’s work done, all by ourselves, ugly things start to happen in us, around us, and yes; because of us! Failing to seek God's ability, we become frustrated by our inability. The Bible turns us again to His sufficiency!
Take a look: "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for He grants sleep to those he loves." (Psalm 127:1-2, NIV)
We need to know this:
Whatever callings and gifts we may have, they are of little use and less effect apart from the grace and power of God!
God called Moses to greatness while he was a failed prince and fugitive murderer, living in exile, tending a flock of sheep on the backside of the desert. The LORD told him to go back to Egypt and to prepare the people to return to the Promised Land. It was a tough assignment! He wondered how would he inspire a people enslaved by a powerful nation to leave behind the lives they had formed for centuries in the land of Egypt? Creating a new vision for a nation is a daunting challenge! Knowing that there was no 'up side' for the king to release his work force, Moses could see no earthly reason that the Pharaoh would let Israel go. So, Moses refuses the commission of God, at first, proclaiming himself unfit and unable. After, God shows him His power, he surrendered himself to the will of God, asking a question that intrigues me: "Who should I tell these people has sent me? What's your Name?" The LORD reveals His majesty saying, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ (Exodus 3:14, NKJV)
We who would do God’s work in this world need to go to that place of commissioning again and again. We are sent by “The Self-Existent One, The One Without First Cause.- the Great I AM!” He asks much of us; our very lives! He requires that we use the gifts He's given to us diligently, and that we press on to do His work and His will. BUT, He doesn't not leave us without resources, orphaned, or desperate. Jesus promised to be with us, by the Spirit, "day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20, The Message)
How are you responding to God today?
Are you living in the conceit of your own intellect, education, skills, or charisma?
Are you trying to get Him to help you do your work, OR are you letting go of control and putting yourself at His disposal to do His work?
Thank God for the resources you have, then place them at His command. It’s amazing what God can do with us. Let’s let Him.
__________________________
Oh Lord, You're beautiful,
Your face is all I seek,
For when Your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.
Oh Lord, please light the fire,
That once burned bright and clear.
Replace the lamp of my first love,
That burns with holy fear.
I wanna take Your Word
And shine it all around.
First help me just to live it, Lord!
And when I'm doing well,
Help me to never seek a crown,
For my reward is giving glory to You.
Oh Lord You're Beautiful-- Green, Keith
© 1980 Birdwing Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing; Admin. by BMG Music Publishing) / BMG Songs, Inc. (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing; Admin. by BMG Music Publishing) CCLI License No. 810055
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The right message?
The schoolyard game of ‘telephone’ can produce strange results. A phrase is whispered into the ear of one child, who then whispered what she heard into the ear of another. After the message is passed through 20 people the person who last heard it states what she heard. Is it the same as the original? Generally not. It gets garbled in transmission! Sometimes I feel like God’s Word is treated like that. He gives a perfect Word to us, but when we transmit it to others we run it through our filters and preconceptions until what they receive is nowhere near what He says.
When Dad died from cancer and then my Mom was diagnosed, I started to hear some of the strangest messages purporting to be a ‘from the Lord.’ Using isolated Bible verses and often not so sound methods of interpretation of the Word of God, well-intentioned Christians declare: “God is going to raise you up.” Usually that is accompanied by some condition: ‘if you repent of your hidden sin,’ or ‘if you have enough faith to receive your healing,’ or ‘if we can get enough people to pray for you,’ or ‘if…’ Being a lover of His Word, I am equally appalled and angered by the widespread abuse of the sacred text. When people mangle His Word, they do not create faith. They create confusion and diminish the glory of God!
A very strange paradox is that the very people who claim to ‘love God’s Word,’ and who hang onto the 1611 translation of the Bible called the ‘Authorized’ or ‘King James Version’ – so called because it was authorized by King James of England as the first widely distributed English translation of the Bible – are often guilty of the worst misinterpretations and misunderstandings of the Bible. Frequently they fail to account for the vast changes in the English language over 4 centuries and do not take advantage of the benefits of Bible scholarship that have allowed us to understand the Text more accurately in terms of context and nuance. Thus they read the text with good intent but do not ‘rightly divide the word of truth.’
Take that verse as an example. The KJV says - "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV) So what is the first thing commanded in that verse? It means that God likes it when you hit the Book, being a real student, right? Well that’s a great idea, but that not really what the word ‘study’ meant back in 1611. The meaning of study back then was ‘work hard.’ A little digging into the text reveals that the actual command is ‘to be diligent, to work hard!’ So, newer translations give us the verse more accurately: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, NIV)
Love the Word of God and like the ancient Jews who were called ‘people of the Book,’ handle it with care and reverence. Before you run off to tell somebody what God said after you read one verse, out of context, and with little understanding; take time to listen to the Spirit and to learn how to understand what God says. If you are a student of the Word, you will find that the Truth you find there is challenging, comforting, convicting, and never failing.
Here’s a word from the Word. Receive it with joy and submit your mind and heart to the Author of it.
"Remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.
It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." (2 Timothy 3:14-17, NLT)
______________
When Dad died from cancer and then my Mom was diagnosed, I started to hear some of the strangest messages purporting to be a ‘from the Lord.’ Using isolated Bible verses and often not so sound methods of interpretation of the Word of God, well-intentioned Christians declare: “God is going to raise you up.” Usually that is accompanied by some condition: ‘if you repent of your hidden sin,’ or ‘if you have enough faith to receive your healing,’ or ‘if we can get enough people to pray for you,’ or ‘if…’ Being a lover of His Word, I am equally appalled and angered by the widespread abuse of the sacred text. When people mangle His Word, they do not create faith. They create confusion and diminish the glory of God!
A very strange paradox is that the very people who claim to ‘love God’s Word,’ and who hang onto the 1611 translation of the Bible called the ‘Authorized’ or ‘King James Version’ – so called because it was authorized by King James of England as the first widely distributed English translation of the Bible – are often guilty of the worst misinterpretations and misunderstandings of the Bible. Frequently they fail to account for the vast changes in the English language over 4 centuries and do not take advantage of the benefits of Bible scholarship that have allowed us to understand the Text more accurately in terms of context and nuance. Thus they read the text with good intent but do not ‘rightly divide the word of truth.’
Take that verse as an example. The KJV says - "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV) So what is the first thing commanded in that verse? It means that God likes it when you hit the Book, being a real student, right? Well that’s a great idea, but that not really what the word ‘study’ meant back in 1611. The meaning of study back then was ‘work hard.’ A little digging into the text reveals that the actual command is ‘to be diligent, to work hard!’ So, newer translations give us the verse more accurately: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, NIV)
Love the Word of God and like the ancient Jews who were called ‘people of the Book,’ handle it with care and reverence. Before you run off to tell somebody what God said after you read one verse, out of context, and with little understanding; take time to listen to the Spirit and to learn how to understand what God says. If you are a student of the Word, you will find that the Truth you find there is challenging, comforting, convicting, and never failing.
Here’s a word from the Word. Receive it with joy and submit your mind and heart to the Author of it.
"Remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.
It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." (2 Timothy 3:14-17, NLT)
______________
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Balloons, A Stuffed Bear, and Red Roses
I made a sweet trip yesterday with my little brother, Eddie, age 10. If you're a regular CoffeeBreak reader you know that my Mom is very ill with lung cancer, confined to her bedroom. Her illness is made all the more difficult to understand by the fact that she is still parenting the little ones that Dad and her adopted. Eddie is the youngest, the most active, and the most sensitive.
"Hey, buddy," I asked him, "would you like to go and get a Valentine gift for Momma?" So, off we went on Sunday afternoon.
"Should we buy flowers?" I queried. "Well, yeah, but red roses are classic and I want something different" he responded. We chatted about the merits of red roses for the day, an interesting topic to discuss with a 10 year old. We ended up with a huge three-part balloon array that spells out "I LOVE U" and a bouquet of pink roses mixed with other flowers. Just as we were leaving, he spotted a little stuffed bear with a red heart on it's chest in a mug decorated with a heart and a message of love. He determined it was a must-have for Mom! I had to hide my tears from him as he nearly burst with excitement, anticipating sharing his gift with his Mom, whose illness he seems strangely unable to comprehend.
$19 billion will be spent on Valentine's Day gifts according to a story I saw on CNN. Men will outspend women, but I don't think many gifts will carry the same sweet joy and pure love that we carried home for the net sum of $35 yesterday! Love can't be bought with a balloon, a rose, or even a diamond. Pity the person who thinks it can. But, a gift can't hurt, either. I hope that you'll take time to make Hallmark richer by choosing a card that reflects your personality and relationship. (Or, if you're creative, even better, make your own!)
For the record, here's a little history about Valentine's Day.
Thanks to the American Catholic website.
I'm glad for the changes that time has brought! Whatever else you might do today, I hope that each of us will make it a day of authentic love for others. Remember, too, that Biblical love is costly and other-centered.
Here is a word from the Word for this Valentine's Day.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, NIV)
"We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters... Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions." (1 John 3:16,18, NLT)
_____________________
Love divine,
all love excelling,
Joy of heav'n,
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 ev'ry trembling heart.
Breathe, oh breathe,
Thy loving Spirit
Into ev'ry troubled breast!
Let us all in Thee inherit;
Let us find that second rest.
Take away our bent to sinning;
Alpha and Omega be.
End of faith, as its beginning,
Set our hearts at liberty.
John Wesley
© Public Domain
"Hey, buddy," I asked him, "would you like to go and get a Valentine gift for Momma?" So, off we went on Sunday afternoon.
"Should we buy flowers?" I queried. "Well, yeah, but red roses are classic and I want something different" he responded. We chatted about the merits of red roses for the day, an interesting topic to discuss with a 10 year old. We ended up with a huge three-part balloon array that spells out "I LOVE U" and a bouquet of pink roses mixed with other flowers. Just as we were leaving, he spotted a little stuffed bear with a red heart on it's chest in a mug decorated with a heart and a message of love. He determined it was a must-have for Mom! I had to hide my tears from him as he nearly burst with excitement, anticipating sharing his gift with his Mom, whose illness he seems strangely unable to comprehend.
$19 billion will be spent on Valentine's Day gifts according to a story I saw on CNN. Men will outspend women, but I don't think many gifts will carry the same sweet joy and pure love that we carried home for the net sum of $35 yesterday! Love can't be bought with a balloon, a rose, or even a diamond. Pity the person who thinks it can. But, a gift can't hurt, either. I hope that you'll take time to make Hallmark richer by choosing a card that reflects your personality and relationship. (Or, if you're creative, even better, make your own!)
For the record, here's a little history about Valentine's Day.
Thanks to the American Catholic website.
- "The roots of St. Valentine's Day lie in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was celebrated on Feb. 15. For 800 years the Romans had dedicated this day to the god Lupercus. On Lupercalia, a young man would draw the name of a young woman in a lottery and would then keep the woman as a sexual companion for the year. Pope Gelasius I was, understandably, less than thrilled with this custom. So he changed the lottery to have both young men and women draw the names of saints whom they would then emulate for the year. Instead of Lupercus, the patron of the feast became Valentine. (There are three Valentines, each a martyr for their love of and work for Christ.) For Roman men, the day continued to be an occasion to seek the affections of women, and it became a tradition to give out handwritten messages of admiration that included Valentine's name.
There was also a conventional belief in Europe during the Middle Ages that birds chose their partners in the middle of February. Thus the day was dedicated to love, and people observed it by writing love letters and sending small gifts to their beloved. Legend has it that Charles, duke of Orleans, sent the first real Valentine card to his wife in 1415, when he was imprisoned in the Tower of London."
I'm glad for the changes that time has brought! Whatever else you might do today, I hope that each of us will make it a day of authentic love for others. Remember, too, that Biblical love is costly and other-centered.
Here is a word from the Word for this Valentine's Day.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, NIV)
"We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters... Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions." (1 John 3:16,18, NLT)
_____________________
Love divine,
all love excelling,
Joy of heav'n,
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 ev'ry trembling heart.
Breathe, oh breathe,
Thy loving Spirit
Into ev'ry troubled breast!
Let us all in Thee inherit;
Let us find that second rest.
Take away our bent to sinning;
Alpha and Omega be.
End of faith, as its beginning,
Set our hearts at liberty.
John Wesley
© Public Domain
Friday, February 11, 2011
How to be first with God
When stressed I find myself tempted to let grace be overcome by an attitude that projects one message: ‘just get out of my way.’ Recently while I was working through concerns that are arising out of my mother’s illness, I found that temptation coming on strong. I thought - “Why can’t they just get it?” Of course, ‘it’ is seeing things my way. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit reminded me that humility is the godly course in such moments. The Proverbs pierced my pretentions with unadorned truth. On this matter I read that "The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice." (Proverbs 12:15, NIV)
The most foolish person can convince himself he is the smartest man in the world. The result is multiplied folly and a string of regrettable decisions. So what can we do? Here’s the Word wisdom about this: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:2-3, NIV) The choice to humble one’s self, to choose to accept the challenge of living in love produces the possibility for an outcome we all like – unity! We must remember that everyone reacts to life differently because of their experiences, their temperament, their convictions and biases, their emotional state, and their maturity. As followers of Christ Jesus, we work to stay engaged with one another, we work through our differing ideas, we keep trying to communicate through the fog that would cause us to hear the words but miss the message.
Are you in a situation where tension is rising? Are you feeling stress that is making you circle the wagons into a defensive perimeter? Take it to Jesus in prayer. Ask Him to give new grace, to let you engage with those who would oppose you with gentle humility.
Here’s a little story with a big lesson. I pray that this word from the Word will bless you today, as it blessed me, with a reminder of humility.
"After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples, “What were you discussing out on the road?”
But they didn’t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest.
He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”
Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.” (Mark 9:33-37, NLT)
The most foolish person can convince himself he is the smartest man in the world. The result is multiplied folly and a string of regrettable decisions. So what can we do? Here’s the Word wisdom about this: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:2-3, NIV) The choice to humble one’s self, to choose to accept the challenge of living in love produces the possibility for an outcome we all like – unity! We must remember that everyone reacts to life differently because of their experiences, their temperament, their convictions and biases, their emotional state, and their maturity. As followers of Christ Jesus, we work to stay engaged with one another, we work through our differing ideas, we keep trying to communicate through the fog that would cause us to hear the words but miss the message.
Are you in a situation where tension is rising? Are you feeling stress that is making you circle the wagons into a defensive perimeter? Take it to Jesus in prayer. Ask Him to give new grace, to let you engage with those who would oppose you with gentle humility.
Here’s a little story with a big lesson. I pray that this word from the Word will bless you today, as it blessed me, with a reminder of humility.
"After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples, “What were you discussing out on the road?”
But they didn’t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest.
He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”
Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.” (Mark 9:33-37, NLT)
Thursday, February 10, 2011
What are you full of?
My cell phone chirps and beeps all day long. The PC that is never far from my sight flashes text, sound, and pictures on my desks and next to my living room chair. Our televisions give us the latest information from Cairo, let us sit on the front row of the stadium, or tell us a story in a movie. We are a wired society and most of us like it that way. Solitude is a rare thing for many of us. In fact, we are so attached to our communications stream that we grow anxious when it is shut-down, despite our claim to want some ‘peace and quiet!’ Come on, you know I’m right. Just let me know how ‘peaceful’ you feel next time your high speed Internet connection goes down.
One of my favorite writers on the subject of spiritual formation, Richard Foster, talks about solitude. He is not talking about being a social misfit unable to connect to others, nor is he recommending loneliness, which is one of life’s most painful conditions. Solitude is a discipline that teaches us to be alone with ourselves, that lets us grow comfortable with periods of silence, which allows us to sense the majesty of God. He says that “In solitude we learn to love the ways of God; we learn the cosmic patience of God. There’s the passage in Isaiah in which God says, “Your ways are not my ways,” and then goes on to describe how God’s ways are like the rain that comes down and waters the earth. Rain comes down and just disappears, and then up comes the life. It’s that type of patience. In solitude, I learn to unhook myself from the compulsion to climb and push and shove.” (http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/september/26.41.html?start=5)
If a Christian desires to know God intimately and to be responsive to Him, he will have to learn how to withdraw into times of silence and be comfortable with the solitude. Impossible, you say? Try riding in your car with cell phone turned off, radio off, and mouth shut! (I think the Devil will be sure that someone blows his horn at you.) Or, instead of watching a TV show, go to a room and spend 20 minutes alone, inviting the Holy Spirit to touch the deepest part of your spirit.
Years ago, I took a short sabbatical and one week of that break I spent on a silent retreat at a monastic community! It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. But, I remember gaining a sense of mental clarity, a focus that was so wonderful, by about day three. No, there was no burning bush, no grand revelation, but I have never forgotten how important solitude is, if one would have the mind of the Lord.
In the Gospels, we read about Jesus making a practice of getting alone. "He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place." (Matthew 14:13, NIV) "As often as possible Jesus withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer." (Luke 5:16, The Message) Why was this his notable habit, one that finds record many times through the Gospels? Was he escaping pressure, running away? No. He was running to His Father, preparing Himself to pour out the blessings of Heaven on the world. Might it be that you and I have so little to give so often because we have not learned to be filled with the Spirit? Are we so full of the trivia of daily life that we have no room for the treasure of the eternal Kingdom?
Just before you go to be alone for a while, here are words from the Word. May they convict and challenge us to learn to be still!
"Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD." (Psalm 4:4-5, KJV)
“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress." (Psalm 46:10-11, NLT)
____________________
Treasures
One by one He took them from me,
All the things I valued most,
Until I was empty-handed;
Every glittering toy was lost.
And I walked earth's highways, grieving.
In my rags and poverty.
Till I heard His voice inviting,
"Lift your empty hands to Me!"
So I held my hands toward heaven,
And He filled them with a store
Of His own transcendent riches,
‘Till they could contain no more.
And at last I comprehended
With my stupid mind and dull,
That God COULD not pour His riches
Into hands already full!
-Martha Snell Nicholson
One of my favorite writers on the subject of spiritual formation, Richard Foster, talks about solitude. He is not talking about being a social misfit unable to connect to others, nor is he recommending loneliness, which is one of life’s most painful conditions. Solitude is a discipline that teaches us to be alone with ourselves, that lets us grow comfortable with periods of silence, which allows us to sense the majesty of God. He says that “In solitude we learn to love the ways of God; we learn the cosmic patience of God. There’s the passage in Isaiah in which God says, “Your ways are not my ways,” and then goes on to describe how God’s ways are like the rain that comes down and waters the earth. Rain comes down and just disappears, and then up comes the life. It’s that type of patience. In solitude, I learn to unhook myself from the compulsion to climb and push and shove.” (http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/september/26.41.html?start=5)
If a Christian desires to know God intimately and to be responsive to Him, he will have to learn how to withdraw into times of silence and be comfortable with the solitude. Impossible, you say? Try riding in your car with cell phone turned off, radio off, and mouth shut! (I think the Devil will be sure that someone blows his horn at you.) Or, instead of watching a TV show, go to a room and spend 20 minutes alone, inviting the Holy Spirit to touch the deepest part of your spirit.
Years ago, I took a short sabbatical and one week of that break I spent on a silent retreat at a monastic community! It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. But, I remember gaining a sense of mental clarity, a focus that was so wonderful, by about day three. No, there was no burning bush, no grand revelation, but I have never forgotten how important solitude is, if one would have the mind of the Lord.
In the Gospels, we read about Jesus making a practice of getting alone. "He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place." (Matthew 14:13, NIV) "As often as possible Jesus withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer." (Luke 5:16, The Message) Why was this his notable habit, one that finds record many times through the Gospels? Was he escaping pressure, running away? No. He was running to His Father, preparing Himself to pour out the blessings of Heaven on the world. Might it be that you and I have so little to give so often because we have not learned to be filled with the Spirit? Are we so full of the trivia of daily life that we have no room for the treasure of the eternal Kingdom?
Just before you go to be alone for a while, here are words from the Word. May they convict and challenge us to learn to be still!
"Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD." (Psalm 4:4-5, KJV)
“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress." (Psalm 46:10-11, NLT)
____________________
Treasures
One by one He took them from me,
All the things I valued most,
Until I was empty-handed;
Every glittering toy was lost.
And I walked earth's highways, grieving.
In my rags and poverty.
Till I heard His voice inviting,
"Lift your empty hands to Me!"
So I held my hands toward heaven,
And He filled them with a store
Of His own transcendent riches,
‘Till they could contain no more.
And at last I comprehended
With my stupid mind and dull,
That God COULD not pour His riches
Into hands already full!
-Martha Snell Nicholson
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Spiritually Deaf and Speechless?
Human communication is fascinating. From 400 page books to 1 line text messages we are always communicating. Most of the time it’s just about the ordinary stuff of life “Hey, honey, would you move your car in the drive?” “What should I take out of the freezer for dinner?” “Wow, it’s only 6 degrees outside this AM.” Some messages stir us deeply. “I love you!” when said in earnest, means so much. And, you know that not all communication requires words, right? A person who knows how to communicate well, who has learned how to say what he wants and to hear what others want from him, is well down the road to success in life.
Have you learned to communicate with the Lord or are you spiritually deaf and speechless? Prayer is just like our interaction with other people. Nearly everyone can communicate, but many are not very adept at clearly expressing themselves. All Christians can pray, but many do not pray well. This is tragic. Why? Because, prayer is the greatest gift that God gives us, the source of great comfort and power for us. The Word couples three commands, sandwiching the key in the middle: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV) Joy and thankfulness grow out of intimate communication with the Holy Spirit!
We learn to pray in just one way – praying. No amount of instruction can replace practice. God is listening, even to our most stammering attempts at prayer. Know that He cares. He tells us "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." (Philippians 4:6, NLT) That everything is just that –every little and big thing. We can talk to the Lord about our fears, our temptations, our deepest longings, our confusion, our sex life, our money, the idiot who abuses us at work, kids, health, death … yes, everything!
Prayer must never be reserved for church or even for personal times of meditation. Prayer can be constant, an ongoing ‘chat’ with the Lord. It’s not my intent to demean prayer to a chat, but to illustrate that praying begins as two-way communication even about the stuff we know is not earth-shaking. Intense, earnest, thoughtful, and focused prayer is necessary. Even the Son of God withdrew from others to spend time alone with God. Learning to be God-aware by speaking with Him all through the day with thanksgiving and petition, chatting with Him, lays a foundation for those deeply focused times in prayer.
The power of prayer has little to do with the length of the prayer or the eloquence of the words. One of Jesus’ great miracles, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, was prefaced by this prayer. "Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:41-43, NIV) He gave thanks to turn his attention to God’s power, then He asked, clearly and without equivocation.
Learn to communicate with the Lord. Quiet your mind and heart and listen for the whisper of the Spirit. Start each day with a conscious acknowledgement of His care. “Tell God what you need.”
Here’s the model for prayer that Jesus gave us. As you read it today, may His words inspire your words and lead you to joy and thanksgiving.
"Pray like this:
Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one." (Matthew 6:9-13, NLT)
_________________
Make my life a prayer to you
I wanna do what you want me to
No empty words and no white lies
No token prayers no compromise
I wanna shine the light you gave
Thru your son you sent to save us
From ourselves and our despair
It comforts me to know you're really there
Well I wanna thank you now
For being patient with me
Oh it's so hard to see
When my eyes are on me
I guess I'll have to trust
And just believe what you say
Oh you're coming again
I wanna die and let you give
Your life to me so I might live
And share the hope you gave me
The love that set me free
I wanna tell the world out there
You're not some fable or fairy tale
That I've made up inside my head
You're God the son and you've risen from the dead
I wanna die and let you give
Your life to me so I might live
And share the hope you gave me
The love that set me free
- Make My Life A Prayer, Keith Green
Have you learned to communicate with the Lord or are you spiritually deaf and speechless? Prayer is just like our interaction with other people. Nearly everyone can communicate, but many are not very adept at clearly expressing themselves. All Christians can pray, but many do not pray well. This is tragic. Why? Because, prayer is the greatest gift that God gives us, the source of great comfort and power for us. The Word couples three commands, sandwiching the key in the middle: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV) Joy and thankfulness grow out of intimate communication with the Holy Spirit!
We learn to pray in just one way – praying. No amount of instruction can replace practice. God is listening, even to our most stammering attempts at prayer. Know that He cares. He tells us "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." (Philippians 4:6, NLT) That everything is just that –every little and big thing. We can talk to the Lord about our fears, our temptations, our deepest longings, our confusion, our sex life, our money, the idiot who abuses us at work, kids, health, death … yes, everything!
Prayer must never be reserved for church or even for personal times of meditation. Prayer can be constant, an ongoing ‘chat’ with the Lord. It’s not my intent to demean prayer to a chat, but to illustrate that praying begins as two-way communication even about the stuff we know is not earth-shaking. Intense, earnest, thoughtful, and focused prayer is necessary. Even the Son of God withdrew from others to spend time alone with God. Learning to be God-aware by speaking with Him all through the day with thanksgiving and petition, chatting with Him, lays a foundation for those deeply focused times in prayer.
The power of prayer has little to do with the length of the prayer or the eloquence of the words. One of Jesus’ great miracles, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, was prefaced by this prayer. "Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:41-43, NIV) He gave thanks to turn his attention to God’s power, then He asked, clearly and without equivocation.
Learn to communicate with the Lord. Quiet your mind and heart and listen for the whisper of the Spirit. Start each day with a conscious acknowledgement of His care. “Tell God what you need.”
Here’s the model for prayer that Jesus gave us. As you read it today, may His words inspire your words and lead you to joy and thanksgiving.
"Pray like this:
Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one." (Matthew 6:9-13, NLT)
_________________
Make my life a prayer to you
I wanna do what you want me to
No empty words and no white lies
No token prayers no compromise
I wanna shine the light you gave
Thru your son you sent to save us
From ourselves and our despair
It comforts me to know you're really there
Well I wanna thank you now
For being patient with me
Oh it's so hard to see
When my eyes are on me
I guess I'll have to trust
And just believe what you say
Oh you're coming again
I wanna die and let you give
Your life to me so I might live
And share the hope you gave me
The love that set me free
I wanna tell the world out there
You're not some fable or fairy tale
That I've made up inside my head
You're God the son and you've risen from the dead
I wanna die and let you give
Your life to me so I might live
And share the hope you gave me
The love that set me free
- Make My Life A Prayer, Keith Green
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
What on your diet?
I'm not a health food fanatic by any stretch of the imagination, but I eat a balanced diet that includes less and less 'junk' these days. Maybe it's wisdom, maybe it's just my inability to eat junk food and still feel well, that makes for more discipline in my diet. Whatever it is, high fat, high sugar foods don't find their way into my mouth as much. People have been preaching to me a long time about the quality of the food I choose to nourish my body. Now I am understanding that nutrition is more than putting stuff into your mouth.
What nourishes you spiritually? The Psalmist sings "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalm 119:103, NIV) The prophet said that "When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God Almighty." (Jeremiah 15:16, NIV) It's an interesting analogy, isn't it? God's Word as food and drink. Our minds and hearts want to be fed. We have a hunger for instruction, for knowledge of the way to live that lets us be satisfied, peaceful, and whole. We can temporarily ease that hunger with material that does not satisfy our soul.
But, when we consume the Word of God, He uses it to create a strong heart in us, to give us insight and discernment. As a shepherd of God's flock, I am concerned by the failure of many to 'eat' the Word in quantities that will provide real strength. Merely reading a few inspirational thoughts each day cannot replace sitting down to thoughtful meditation on the Scripture. A 'verse for the day' will produce about the same kind of strength that you would have if you tried to survive on a single vitamin tablet! Then, too, there are many teachers preparing meals for people but the 'food' they offer is tainted or diluted with human philosophy to great degrees. The "Word" they offer is junk food, tasty morsels that cannot provide nutrition.
Get two good Bibles! One solid translation (New International, English Standard, or even New Living) matched with a contemporary paraphrase like The Message are all you need to get started. Make a plan to read a portion of the Scripture every day, with understanding, allowing the Spirit to apply the principles of God's Story to your life. No one masters the Scripture or is mastered by the Truth in a month or even a year! It's a life-long commitment, with rich rewards.
Here's a word from the Word. I pray it challenges you to check your 'soul food' for nutritional content.
"Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. I have suffered much; preserve my life, O Lord, according to your word. Accept, O Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws."
(Psalm 119:97-108, NIV)
What nourishes you spiritually? The Psalmist sings "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalm 119:103, NIV) The prophet said that "When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God Almighty." (Jeremiah 15:16, NIV) It's an interesting analogy, isn't it? God's Word as food and drink. Our minds and hearts want to be fed. We have a hunger for instruction, for knowledge of the way to live that lets us be satisfied, peaceful, and whole. We can temporarily ease that hunger with material that does not satisfy our soul.
But, when we consume the Word of God, He uses it to create a strong heart in us, to give us insight and discernment. As a shepherd of God's flock, I am concerned by the failure of many to 'eat' the Word in quantities that will provide real strength. Merely reading a few inspirational thoughts each day cannot replace sitting down to thoughtful meditation on the Scripture. A 'verse for the day' will produce about the same kind of strength that you would have if you tried to survive on a single vitamin tablet! Then, too, there are many teachers preparing meals for people but the 'food' they offer is tainted or diluted with human philosophy to great degrees. The "Word" they offer is junk food, tasty morsels that cannot provide nutrition.
Get two good Bibles! One solid translation (New International, English Standard, or even New Living) matched with a contemporary paraphrase like The Message are all you need to get started. Make a plan to read a portion of the Scripture every day, with understanding, allowing the Spirit to apply the principles of God's Story to your life. No one masters the Scripture or is mastered by the Truth in a month or even a year! It's a life-long commitment, with rich rewards.
Here's a word from the Word. I pray it challenges you to check your 'soul food' for nutritional content.
"Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. I have suffered much; preserve my life, O Lord, according to your word. Accept, O Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws."
(Psalm 119:97-108, NIV)
Monday, February 07, 2011
SuperBowl and Sunday rest
It’s over. The $300,000 commercials are being dissected. The halftime show that delighted and disappointed (A ‘who cares’ shrug from me) will be discussed terminally today. The men who strained to win a championship for the season will be taking pain-killers and either celebrating their triumph or regretting their stumbles. We all go back to work and life goes on. It was fun, wasn’t it? The anticipation, the jokes and jabs, the gatherings for the party. Events that allow us to break up the tedium of life keep us from turning into joyless drones. And that’s a good thing!
God likes celebration, too. Did you realize that? He inspired Moses to create a calendar for His people that included multiple holy days. It was the holy days in the calendar that caused the work to stop, that made a break. The Lord knew that we would tend to worship our work and play at our worship so, from the very beginning, He asked for one day in seven to be set aside as holy, a regular holiday break. The 4th commandment says: “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you." (Exodus 20:8-10, NLT) Our modern word ‘holiday’ is derived from ‘holy day.’
I am convinced that the New Covenant in Christ releases us from an obligatory observance of the Sabbath. Romans 14 is clear that every day is holy to the Lord, and yet we who are disciples of Christ need to remember the gift of the holy day, the importance of breaking into our work for renewal, for worship, to gather with other disciples for focused and intentional worship. The Sabbath principle survives in God’s plan for His holy people. From the 2nd decade of Christianity, the “Lord’s Day” was celebrated by gathering of Believers for worship and the ‘love feast’ and instruction in the Scripture. The Word strongly directs us to keep the practice, for our own good. "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, NLT)
Few spiritual principles are more widely disregarded by 21st century American Christians than the principle of a day each week given to worship and God. The “Lord’s Day” has become, at best for many, “the Lord’s hour or two.” The day off from the factory or office turns into a day to shop, fix the car, do the laundry, get groceries … almost everything but rest and worship. And, we are poorer for our rejection of His gift of a holy day. We justify our neglect of our souls by pointing to the many responsibilities of our daily lives, and in so doing we are like the money manager who is penny-wise and dollar-foolish. Unless we are willing to put God first, we will never discover the order for life; the increased productivity He can provide when we live in His promised rest.
Disciple, honor the Lord with your time. Recover the principle of taking a day for worship and rest, a day devoted to celebrating His goodness. It’s not a practice that needs to be a dull duty. It’s a celebration of the goodness of our God, a reminder that He owns us, that He cares for us, and that we are eternal beings first, creatures of this present world second. Push gathering for worship to the top of your list of priorities and discipline yourself to spend the balance of your ‘holy day’ in hospitality, in service to your King, in renewal of the spirit by intentional pursuit of the Presence of the Lord.
The weekly holy-day is His gift. Receive it with joy.
Here’s a word from the Word. Pray that the Holy Spirit will give you insight as to the application of the principle to your Christian life.
“Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don’t pursue your own interests on that day,
but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the Lord’s holy day.
Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day,
and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly.
Then the Lord will be your delight.
I will give you great honor and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob. I, the Lord, have spoken!” (Isaiah 58:13-14, NLT)
God likes celebration, too. Did you realize that? He inspired Moses to create a calendar for His people that included multiple holy days. It was the holy days in the calendar that caused the work to stop, that made a break. The Lord knew that we would tend to worship our work and play at our worship so, from the very beginning, He asked for one day in seven to be set aside as holy, a regular holiday break. The 4th commandment says: “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you." (Exodus 20:8-10, NLT) Our modern word ‘holiday’ is derived from ‘holy day.’
I am convinced that the New Covenant in Christ releases us from an obligatory observance of the Sabbath. Romans 14 is clear that every day is holy to the Lord, and yet we who are disciples of Christ need to remember the gift of the holy day, the importance of breaking into our work for renewal, for worship, to gather with other disciples for focused and intentional worship. The Sabbath principle survives in God’s plan for His holy people. From the 2nd decade of Christianity, the “Lord’s Day” was celebrated by gathering of Believers for worship and the ‘love feast’ and instruction in the Scripture. The Word strongly directs us to keep the practice, for our own good. "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, NLT)
Few spiritual principles are more widely disregarded by 21st century American Christians than the principle of a day each week given to worship and God. The “Lord’s Day” has become, at best for many, “the Lord’s hour or two.” The day off from the factory or office turns into a day to shop, fix the car, do the laundry, get groceries … almost everything but rest and worship. And, we are poorer for our rejection of His gift of a holy day. We justify our neglect of our souls by pointing to the many responsibilities of our daily lives, and in so doing we are like the money manager who is penny-wise and dollar-foolish. Unless we are willing to put God first, we will never discover the order for life; the increased productivity He can provide when we live in His promised rest.
Disciple, honor the Lord with your time. Recover the principle of taking a day for worship and rest, a day devoted to celebrating His goodness. It’s not a practice that needs to be a dull duty. It’s a celebration of the goodness of our God, a reminder that He owns us, that He cares for us, and that we are eternal beings first, creatures of this present world second. Push gathering for worship to the top of your list of priorities and discipline yourself to spend the balance of your ‘holy day’ in hospitality, in service to your King, in renewal of the spirit by intentional pursuit of the Presence of the Lord.
The weekly holy-day is His gift. Receive it with joy.
Here’s a word from the Word. Pray that the Holy Spirit will give you insight as to the application of the principle to your Christian life.
“Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don’t pursue your own interests on that day,
but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the Lord’s holy day.
Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day,
and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly.
Then the Lord will be your delight.
I will give you great honor and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob. I, the Lord, have spoken!” (Isaiah 58:13-14, NLT)
Friday, February 04, 2011
All You Need Is Love
Remember that old Beatles song? It’s simple, universal, and resonates with us. Love hunger is universal. Though it is often confused with other things; in our current culture that is sex, we understand love when we experience it and we respond. Last week my one year old grand-daughter, Adelina, visited here. She knew that Grandpa loved her and when she woke up from her nap in my house, she was smiling and saying, “Papa.” Why? She wanted to be loved! When I visit the elderly who are confined to the nursing home and share genuine interest in who they are, they respond to love and anticipate that little crumb of human care. In pastoral counseling, I find that the first step to helping another find wholeness is simply offering them love. It’s absolutely amazing to see how men, women, teenagers, and little kids respond to the love of God.
Love says to another – “You matter. I see you, not just what you do, what you can contribute to my life, or how you perform. I care that you exist.” It’s really rather rare on this earth, isn’t it? We get pre-occupied with our work, caught up in making life work for ourselves, or absorbed by our own interests and forget to love. It’s not that we intentionally are hostile to others, but even benign neglect is unloving!
Jesus told us a love story we need to hear- over and over again. It’s recorded in Luke 15. A son went to his old Dad and asked for his inheritance early. What an idiot! The father handed it over and the young man headed to the bright lights. He lived it up with parties and prostitutes. When the money was gone, the ‘friends’ he had found disappeared. He found himself alone, afraid, and desperately hungry. He hatched a plan. "I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.” ’ “So he returned home to his father.” Part of his thinking was correct. He had deeply offended both God and Dad! He didn’t deserve a second chance. But what he had never really understood was the heart of his father. The story continues, “And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him." (Luke 15:18-20, NLT) Restoration, not probation! Forgiveness, not reparations!
Scandalous, isn’t it? Hard to understand and yet it tugs at us, doesn’t it? That’s because Jesus’ story is about you and me. When we took the gift of life and misused it, we broke God’s heart by chasing after things that could not make us whole or happy. Then, we were convinced that He was out to get us, that He needed to be bought with gifts or goodness. What He really wants is for us to ‘come home!’ Will our choices have consequences? Of course, but He’ll love us through it all.
John tells us that "This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother. This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another." (1 John 3:10-11, NIV)
"We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death." (1 John 3:14, NIV)
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." (1 John 3:16, NIV)
"Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first." (1 John 4:18-19, NLT)
So, here are two questions:
Will you look up and accept the Love of God, not bargaining, nor buying, but receiving the gift?
Will you then become a lover of others, giving them the self-forgetting, forgiving gift that you have been given?
Here’s a word from the Word. Long before John Lennon thought it, God said it. “All you need is love.”
"If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal." (1 Corinthians 13:1, NLT) "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NLT)
"Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13, NLT)
_________________
Love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love.
There's nothing you can do that can't be done.
Nothing you can sing that can't be sung.
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game -
It's easy.
There's nothing you can make that can't be made.
No one you can save that can't be saved.
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time -
It's easy.
All you need is love, all you need is love,
All you need is love, love, love is all you need.
Love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love.
All you need is love, all you need is love,
All you need is love, love, love is all you need.
There's nothing you can know that isn't known.
Nothing you can see that isn't shown.
Nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be -
It's easy.
All you need is love, all you need is love,
All you need is love, love, love is all you need.
Lennon/McCartney
Copyright 1967
Love says to another – “You matter. I see you, not just what you do, what you can contribute to my life, or how you perform. I care that you exist.” It’s really rather rare on this earth, isn’t it? We get pre-occupied with our work, caught up in making life work for ourselves, or absorbed by our own interests and forget to love. It’s not that we intentionally are hostile to others, but even benign neglect is unloving!
Jesus told us a love story we need to hear- over and over again. It’s recorded in Luke 15. A son went to his old Dad and asked for his inheritance early. What an idiot! The father handed it over and the young man headed to the bright lights. He lived it up with parties and prostitutes. When the money was gone, the ‘friends’ he had found disappeared. He found himself alone, afraid, and desperately hungry. He hatched a plan. "I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.” ’ “So he returned home to his father.” Part of his thinking was correct. He had deeply offended both God and Dad! He didn’t deserve a second chance. But what he had never really understood was the heart of his father. The story continues, “And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him." (Luke 15:18-20, NLT) Restoration, not probation! Forgiveness, not reparations!
Scandalous, isn’t it? Hard to understand and yet it tugs at us, doesn’t it? That’s because Jesus’ story is about you and me. When we took the gift of life and misused it, we broke God’s heart by chasing after things that could not make us whole or happy. Then, we were convinced that He was out to get us, that He needed to be bought with gifts or goodness. What He really wants is for us to ‘come home!’ Will our choices have consequences? Of course, but He’ll love us through it all.
John tells us that "This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother. This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another." (1 John 3:10-11, NIV)
"We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death." (1 John 3:14, NIV)
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." (1 John 3:16, NIV)
"Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first." (1 John 4:18-19, NLT)
So, here are two questions:
Will you look up and accept the Love of God, not bargaining, nor buying, but receiving the gift?
Will you then become a lover of others, giving them the self-forgetting, forgiving gift that you have been given?
Here’s a word from the Word. Long before John Lennon thought it, God said it. “All you need is love.”
"If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal." (1 Corinthians 13:1, NLT) "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NLT)
"Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13, NLT)
_________________
Love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love.
There's nothing you can do that can't be done.
Nothing you can sing that can't be sung.
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game -
It's easy.
There's nothing you can make that can't be made.
No one you can save that can't be saved.
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time -
It's easy.
All you need is love, all you need is love,
All you need is love, love, love is all you need.
Love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love.
All you need is love, all you need is love,
All you need is love, love, love is all you need.
There's nothing you can know that isn't known.
Nothing you can see that isn't shown.
Nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be -
It's easy.
All you need is love, all you need is love,
All you need is love, love, love is all you need.
Lennon/McCartney
Copyright 1967
Thursday, February 03, 2011
End Times Fever
The Arab nations are in turmoil. Demonstrations in the streets threaten the governments in several nations and have already overthrown the Tunisian government. The state of Israel, always a flashpoint in that region, likely faces even more hostility if Egypt’s Mubarak is driven from power, since he has been one of the ‘friendlier’ leaders in the Arab world. Is this cause for End Time Fever to rise? Apparently some Christian ministers think so. I am not jumping on that bandwagon! A thousand other political upheavals over the last 60 years have supposedly been ‘the beginning of the End’ - the signal for the start of the final drum roll that announces the Kingdom. Yet, here we are.
When we are too quick to sound the alarm we risk deepening apathy about the wonderful promise of our Lord’s return if our warnings and prophecies turn out to be half-informed fulminations of fevered dreamers, more sensational than thoughtful. The Lord Himself cautioned His followers about being seduced by those who point to various ‘signs of the end of the age.’ “Watch out for doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities, claiming, ‘I am Christ, the Messiah.’ They will deceive a lot of people. When reports come in of wars and rumored wars, keep your head and don’t panic. This is routine history; this is no sign of the end. Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Famines and earthquakes will occur in various places. This is nothing compared to what is coming." (Matthew 24:4-8, The Message)
The Truth that keeps us faithfully engaged with the work of the Kingdom; serving the poor, defending the weak, praying and working against evil’s death grip on humanity, proclaiming the Gospel that transforms, and pointing people to the Way of Christ; is that our future is secure in the One who loves us. Jesus taught that if our hearts are in tune with the Spirit, if we are holy in our words and actions, we will be ready for the King’s arrival! We don’t need prophecy charts and doomsday clocks! He said, "Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:32-36, NLT) Instead of playing guessing games around the political events, as interesting as that might be, we should live with our hope firmly anchored to the Eternal Christ even as we are doing what He taught us to do right now, right where we are!
Spinning wild theories about Arab Caliphates, Anti-Christ, and angelic armies sells books and raises offerings from the gullible, but these things do next to nothing in the true work of the Lord. They may give us a little soul shiver, even a kind of thrill that we may be the generation that sees the coming of the King, but if we pay too much attention to it all, we risk becoming so distracted that we are no earthly good to the Lord. End Time Fever infections have turned good churches into irrelevant little bands of kooky people who spend too much time peering into things that will ONLY be clearly revealed in the Father’s good time.
Jesus Christ will come back to this Earth. This is promise of the prophets of the Old Testament and the hope that underlies the eschatology of the New Testament. We cannot dismiss this doctrine. It is the Blessed Hope of the Church. It assures us that evil will be defeated someday and that which Isaiah so grandly described. "In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all." (Isaiah 11:6, NLT) "Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for as the waters fill the sea, so the earth will be filled with people who know the Lord." (Isaiah 11:9, NLT) Until then, there’s a lot of work to do, so let’s be about it.
__________________
But until then
My heart will go on singing.
Until then
With joy I'll carry on.
Until the day
My eyes behold the city.
Until the day
God calls me home.
Until Then
Hamblen, Stuart
© 1958 Hamblen Music Company
CCLI License No. 810055
When we are too quick to sound the alarm we risk deepening apathy about the wonderful promise of our Lord’s return if our warnings and prophecies turn out to be half-informed fulminations of fevered dreamers, more sensational than thoughtful. The Lord Himself cautioned His followers about being seduced by those who point to various ‘signs of the end of the age.’ “Watch out for doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities, claiming, ‘I am Christ, the Messiah.’ They will deceive a lot of people. When reports come in of wars and rumored wars, keep your head and don’t panic. This is routine history; this is no sign of the end. Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Famines and earthquakes will occur in various places. This is nothing compared to what is coming." (Matthew 24:4-8, The Message)
The Truth that keeps us faithfully engaged with the work of the Kingdom; serving the poor, defending the weak, praying and working against evil’s death grip on humanity, proclaiming the Gospel that transforms, and pointing people to the Way of Christ; is that our future is secure in the One who loves us. Jesus taught that if our hearts are in tune with the Spirit, if we are holy in our words and actions, we will be ready for the King’s arrival! We don’t need prophecy charts and doomsday clocks! He said, "Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:32-36, NLT) Instead of playing guessing games around the political events, as interesting as that might be, we should live with our hope firmly anchored to the Eternal Christ even as we are doing what He taught us to do right now, right where we are!
Spinning wild theories about Arab Caliphates, Anti-Christ, and angelic armies sells books and raises offerings from the gullible, but these things do next to nothing in the true work of the Lord. They may give us a little soul shiver, even a kind of thrill that we may be the generation that sees the coming of the King, but if we pay too much attention to it all, we risk becoming so distracted that we are no earthly good to the Lord. End Time Fever infections have turned good churches into irrelevant little bands of kooky people who spend too much time peering into things that will ONLY be clearly revealed in the Father’s good time.
Jesus Christ will come back to this Earth. This is promise of the prophets of the Old Testament and the hope that underlies the eschatology of the New Testament. We cannot dismiss this doctrine. It is the Blessed Hope of the Church. It assures us that evil will be defeated someday and that which Isaiah so grandly described. "In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all." (Isaiah 11:6, NLT) "Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for as the waters fill the sea, so the earth will be filled with people who know the Lord." (Isaiah 11:9, NLT) Until then, there’s a lot of work to do, so let’s be about it.
__________________
But until then
My heart will go on singing.
Until then
With joy I'll carry on.
Until the day
My eyes behold the city.
Until the day
God calls me home.
Until Then
Hamblen, Stuart
© 1958 Hamblen Music Company
CCLI License No. 810055
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Rugged faith
“Pastor, I just don’t feel Jesus in my heart. I don’t know if can go on believing.” Comments like that reveal a basic misunderstanding about the nature of faith. Somehow the idea that faith is a feeling, that Jesus creates ‘good vibes,’ has replaced the faith of Scripture which inspires greatness, holiness, and steady commitment. Truth - the bedrock of faith is not found in emotionalism, sentimentalism, or even inspiring stories from Guideposts! Rugged faith is founded on God’s revealed truth, the holy Word. It is strengthened by daily decisions that are made in alignment with that Truth.
Many years ago I responded to the Spirit, trusted Christ with my life both present and eternal. I do not mean to imply I have found perfection! (Ask my family.) However, the overall course of my adult life has been the pursuit of the will of the Lord. Sure, there are moments and days when I ignore Him or miss His purpose because of stubbornness. But, when I feel conviction, when the Word and Spirit make me know that there is a gap between my profession and my choices, I repent. Grace is extended and faith is strengthened. So, today I stand in this time of trial, with a heart that is pained by sorrow, yet secure. I can say "I know Whom I have believed and that He is able to guard that which I have entrusted to Him." (2 Timothy 1.12)
Paul urged a young pastor named Timothy to let a rugged faith develop. "My son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 2:1, NKJV) "You … must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." (2 Timothy 2:3, NKJV) A disciple who does all he can do to avoid hard choices and steep pathways actually has an under-developed faith. Taking a pass on service that demands sacrifice, running away from conflict that requires forgiveness, never facing up to the hard facts about our real needs and/or flaws, makes faith superfluous.
The wide detours in life that keep us on smooth and wide paths where we can perpetually sing happy songs makes our spiritual muscle tone non-existent. I’m not suggesting we live like martyrs, looking for pain, asking for misery! But, we need to obey today and that obedience will certainly lead us through deep valleys as well as onto high mountains. The Holy Spirit will lead us to disciplined development of character. He will take us through seasons that cause us to hunger deeply for more of God. This means we will live outside of our comfort zone on regular basis.
This is what Jesus was talking about when He said “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it." (Matthew 7:13-14, NLT)
If that seems to involve rigor to you, you're right. It does! Why work so hard to own what we cannot see or hold in our hands? We do so in order that we can own a faith that is rugged, up to the task of sustaining us in ‘the valley of the shadow of death.’ Disciple, do not be seduced by the preachers who promises perpetual youth, unending happiness, and untroubled days. Such “Christianity” is nothing but an expressions of sentiment. It is characterized by 'Bible study' that is nothing more than a superficial search for the daily promise, or a short reading of 60 words from "God's Moment for the Busy 21st Century Saint!" It lets the “Christian” leave real service to the lost and needy as a job for 'somebody with more time.' Pleasure and games replace worship. 'Faith' becomes a feeling rather than a conviction.
Here’s a bold prayer from the Proverbs. "Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, "Who is the Lord?" (Proverbs 30:8-9, NLT) Reflection will prove the wisdom of that prayer, though most of pray for more rather than for enough! We do not want grace for the trials. We want exemptions from tough times and a magic carpet ride to heaven.
If your life is blessed today, praise God and begin to 'lay up treasure' in Heaven, by building a rugged faith that will stand when the world around you crumbles. The steady practice of spiritual disciplines produces a harvest of righteousness from which we can be sustained in the lean times.
Worship faithfully, not the ‘god’ of your imagination, but Awesome Lord of Glory found in Isaiah’s visions, at the Cross of Calvary, and in the dungeon with Paul.
Learn the Word and really eat the Truth, meditating on it, so it is driven down deep to the core of your soul.
Don't let religious jargon that sounds like the real thing replace the Truth that will keep you in times of trials.
Here’s a word from the Word. Note especially the outcome of a rugged faith. “It will bring you much praise and glory on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.
And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.
These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:3-9, NLT)
_____________________________
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
O may I then in Him be found!
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne!
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
The Solid Rock
Mote, Edward / Bradbury, William B.
© Public Domain
Many years ago I responded to the Spirit, trusted Christ with my life both present and eternal. I do not mean to imply I have found perfection! (Ask my family.) However, the overall course of my adult life has been the pursuit of the will of the Lord. Sure, there are moments and days when I ignore Him or miss His purpose because of stubbornness. But, when I feel conviction, when the Word and Spirit make me know that there is a gap between my profession and my choices, I repent. Grace is extended and faith is strengthened. So, today I stand in this time of trial, with a heart that is pained by sorrow, yet secure. I can say "I know Whom I have believed and that He is able to guard that which I have entrusted to Him." (2 Timothy 1.12)
Paul urged a young pastor named Timothy to let a rugged faith develop. "My son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 2:1, NKJV) "You … must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." (2 Timothy 2:3, NKJV) A disciple who does all he can do to avoid hard choices and steep pathways actually has an under-developed faith. Taking a pass on service that demands sacrifice, running away from conflict that requires forgiveness, never facing up to the hard facts about our real needs and/or flaws, makes faith superfluous.
The wide detours in life that keep us on smooth and wide paths where we can perpetually sing happy songs makes our spiritual muscle tone non-existent. I’m not suggesting we live like martyrs, looking for pain, asking for misery! But, we need to obey today and that obedience will certainly lead us through deep valleys as well as onto high mountains. The Holy Spirit will lead us to disciplined development of character. He will take us through seasons that cause us to hunger deeply for more of God. This means we will live outside of our comfort zone on regular basis.
This is what Jesus was talking about when He said “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it." (Matthew 7:13-14, NLT)
If that seems to involve rigor to you, you're right. It does! Why work so hard to own what we cannot see or hold in our hands? We do so in order that we can own a faith that is rugged, up to the task of sustaining us in ‘the valley of the shadow of death.’ Disciple, do not be seduced by the preachers who promises perpetual youth, unending happiness, and untroubled days. Such “Christianity” is nothing but an expressions of sentiment. It is characterized by 'Bible study' that is nothing more than a superficial search for the daily promise, or a short reading of 60 words from "God's Moment for the Busy 21st Century Saint!" It lets the “Christian” leave real service to the lost and needy as a job for 'somebody with more time.' Pleasure and games replace worship. 'Faith' becomes a feeling rather than a conviction.
Here’s a bold prayer from the Proverbs. "Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, "Who is the Lord?" (Proverbs 30:8-9, NLT) Reflection will prove the wisdom of that prayer, though most of pray for more rather than for enough! We do not want grace for the trials. We want exemptions from tough times and a magic carpet ride to heaven.
If your life is blessed today, praise God and begin to 'lay up treasure' in Heaven, by building a rugged faith that will stand when the world around you crumbles. The steady practice of spiritual disciplines produces a harvest of righteousness from which we can be sustained in the lean times.
Worship faithfully, not the ‘god’ of your imagination, but Awesome Lord of Glory found in Isaiah’s visions, at the Cross of Calvary, and in the dungeon with Paul.
Learn the Word and really eat the Truth, meditating on it, so it is driven down deep to the core of your soul.
Don't let religious jargon that sounds like the real thing replace the Truth that will keep you in times of trials.
Here’s a word from the Word. Note especially the outcome of a rugged faith. “It will bring you much praise and glory on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.
And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.
These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:3-9, NLT)
_____________________________
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
O may I then in Him be found!
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne!
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
The Solid Rock
Mote, Edward / Bradbury, William B.
© Public Domain
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Becoming an eternal glory
Once again I am on life watch, standing by to offer love and comfort to my mother. She is critically ill. Life has come to a standstill – a wait, a pause with purpose. Usually in my work a pastor my days are full of conversation, study, phone calls, and decisions. But, here at Mom’s place, I prepare meals, offer a drink, hold her hand, pray, and think- a lot - about God, life, choices, and mortality. Seeing the frailty of human flesh up close leaves no choice but to ponder life’s real questions. I would be a fool not to understand my own mortality and to ask: "Jerry, what are you spending your days to own? When you're the guy writing the last chapter, will you be looking for the rewind button, full of regrets or will you be at peace as you anticipate stepping from time into eternity?”
Most of accept, with few questions, that we should seek success, which is usually defined around stuff and status. We are programmed to get an education, choose a career, and start to work to create a stream of income. There is an unwritten but persuasive maxim driven home by a million advertisements: "If you get more stuff, you will enjoy a better and happier life." Sure, it's nice to have enough money to buy things we want, but there is a bargain with the Devil. As a result of our acquisitive ways, we have less time to enjoy the stuff we can afford and we must work harder to keep it all. It's a mirage, promising a satisfaction never found. We are certain that 'if we had more,' we would be able to create happiness. God’s wisdom says - "Life is not defined by what you have, even if you have a lot!" (Luke 12.18 The Message)
And, then there is this: even if we do a great job in getting it, keeping it, and piling it higher – someday we will leave it all behind. The government and our kids will divide the pile and what nobody wants will end up at the Salvation Army or on the curb!
What if we focused on an entirely different goal?
What if instead of getting things we worked with the Spirit to become somebody?
What if we determined that the measure of a good day was not the size of the deal we closed, the hours we put on the clock, or even the fun we had in some diversion; but rather determined by ways we helped another person feel the love of God, find real worth, and be encouraged? That will not happen unless we radically accept God's love for ourselves, becoming centered and satisfied in Him, made emotionally whole, forgiven of our sins, and freed from the tyranny of ego! That's the sense in which I mention -becoming somebody. And, we continue - becoming - as God leads us on.
How do we live a ‘becomer’? Becoming a real somebody requires surrender! John Ortberg (pastor and author) writes that "surrender is not passivity nor abdication. It is saying yes to God and life each day. It is accepting the gifts He has given to me - my body, my mind, my biorhythms, my energy. It is letting go of my envy or desire for what He has given to someone else. It is letting go of outcomes... Surrender is accepting reality ... the ultimate reality: I am a ceaseless being with an eternal destiny in God's great universe."
{When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back Into the Box, 2007, Zondervan} The deepest surrender, Ortberg says, grows out of the profound realization that I am not master of the game, Another is.
The depth of our surrender to Him directly effects the extent to which He is able to use us in His purpose of building the Kingdom of God - here and for eternity. Jesus says "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it." (Mark 8:34-35, NLT)
What would life look like if instead of working to impress others or building a network of power to defend our rights, we chose humble service without needing thanks or applause?
How would life look if instead of measuring success by our ability to make situations fit into our expectations we were content to place ourselves at God's disposal with no expectation other than to find the joy of obedience?
I hope this week is one that God uses to chisel another piece of the likeness of Jesus Christ into my life! Surrender, letting go of my will to find His purpose – this is my adventure of faith this week. I want, by the grace of God and the help of the Spirit, to live as a “becomer,” (not staying as I was yesterday, but pursuing Christ to become like Him today) for the glory of God.
Here’s a word from the Word. "For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil (old sinful and self-centered ways) removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image." (2 Corinthians 3:17-18, NLT)
Most of accept, with few questions, that we should seek success, which is usually defined around stuff and status. We are programmed to get an education, choose a career, and start to work to create a stream of income. There is an unwritten but persuasive maxim driven home by a million advertisements: "If you get more stuff, you will enjoy a better and happier life." Sure, it's nice to have enough money to buy things we want, but there is a bargain with the Devil. As a result of our acquisitive ways, we have less time to enjoy the stuff we can afford and we must work harder to keep it all. It's a mirage, promising a satisfaction never found. We are certain that 'if we had more,' we would be able to create happiness. God’s wisdom says - "Life is not defined by what you have, even if you have a lot!" (Luke 12.18 The Message)
And, then there is this: even if we do a great job in getting it, keeping it, and piling it higher – someday we will leave it all behind. The government and our kids will divide the pile and what nobody wants will end up at the Salvation Army or on the curb!
What if we focused on an entirely different goal?
What if instead of getting things we worked with the Spirit to become somebody?
What if we determined that the measure of a good day was not the size of the deal we closed, the hours we put on the clock, or even the fun we had in some diversion; but rather determined by ways we helped another person feel the love of God, find real worth, and be encouraged? That will not happen unless we radically accept God's love for ourselves, becoming centered and satisfied in Him, made emotionally whole, forgiven of our sins, and freed from the tyranny of ego! That's the sense in which I mention -becoming somebody. And, we continue - becoming - as God leads us on.
How do we live a ‘becomer’? Becoming a real somebody requires surrender! John Ortberg (pastor and author) writes that "surrender is not passivity nor abdication. It is saying yes to God and life each day. It is accepting the gifts He has given to me - my body, my mind, my biorhythms, my energy. It is letting go of my envy or desire for what He has given to someone else. It is letting go of outcomes... Surrender is accepting reality ... the ultimate reality: I am a ceaseless being with an eternal destiny in God's great universe."
{When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back Into the Box, 2007, Zondervan} The deepest surrender, Ortberg says, grows out of the profound realization that I am not master of the game, Another is.
The depth of our surrender to Him directly effects the extent to which He is able to use us in His purpose of building the Kingdom of God - here and for eternity. Jesus says "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it." (Mark 8:34-35, NLT)
What would life look like if instead of working to impress others or building a network of power to defend our rights, we chose humble service without needing thanks or applause?
How would life look if instead of measuring success by our ability to make situations fit into our expectations we were content to place ourselves at God's disposal with no expectation other than to find the joy of obedience?
I hope this week is one that God uses to chisel another piece of the likeness of Jesus Christ into my life! Surrender, letting go of my will to find His purpose – this is my adventure of faith this week. I want, by the grace of God and the help of the Spirit, to live as a “becomer,” (not staying as I was yesterday, but pursuing Christ to become like Him today) for the glory of God.
Here’s a word from the Word. "For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil (old sinful and self-centered ways) removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image." (2 Corinthians 3:17-18, NLT)
Monday, January 31, 2011
Don’t go it alone
If know me, you know this – I love my family! We love and bicker when we’re together. We cheer and critique each other. Nobody can get under my skin more quickly, nobody can hurt me more deeply and nothing gives me more joy than my families! Yes, I have two families; those with whom I am connected by blood relations and those who are part of my spiritual family. This means I enjoy a double blessing.
Yesterday, after the pastoral prayer at church, I was emotionally wrecked. The sorrow of my Mom’s critical illness and a few other stresses left me ready to crumble. As I walked from the pulpit, big Nate opened his arms and pulled me into his chest as if I were a little boy. His daughter and daughter in law extended their arms, too, and I found myself in an embrace of loving concern. I’m not the really ‘touchy feely’ kind of person! But, I found that embrace a precious gift; a non-verbal expression that spoke love to me. Prior to the service, Garry and Phil joined me in my office to pray with me and for me, offering support. For the rest of the day, I was comforted by the knowledge that I had a family, a community, that cares.
The Scripture uses familial language to describe the Church. In Ephesians we read that God "predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—" (1:5, NIV) Before time began, He purposed and planned a new community and called us to be part of it. Jesus told us that our deep love for one another would be the distinguishing mark that would uniquely identify us as His people. John calls us ‘brothers and sisters’ repeatedly and says that our love for one another grows out of God’s love for us. What a powerful truth. I observe it in people all the time. Those who are loved and given secure relationships as children become trusting loving adults who are able to form attachments to others that are mutually enriching. Those who are raised in insecurity are wounded, suspicious, and quick to offense and defense!
I pray that our church, just one small part of His Church, will continue to develop as a real family. Yes, the process can be messy. Misunderstanding arise. Different expectations stress the ties that bind us together. Dysfunctional people pour their pain into the family and without great grace we can be split apart. Then, too, we must be aware of the Evil one is always working to divide, to turn secondary issues into major ones, to fan the flames of jealousy into a bonfire of destruction. But, the Father of love is greater. The Word calls us to enter actively into the family!
"What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are." (1 John 3:1, The Message)
"For this is the original message we heard: We should love each other. We must not be like Cain, who joined the Evil One and then killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because he was deep in the practice of evil, while the acts of his brother were righteous. So don’t be surprised, friends, when the world hates you. This has been going on a long time. The way we know we’ve been transferred from death to life is that we love our brothers and sisters. Anyone who doesn’t love is as good as dead." (1 John 3:11-14, The Message)
Don’t go life alone. Cherish the community called – the church. Invest the time required to make it a real family. You’ll be blessed and a blessing.
Here’s the word from the Word, a prayer for His family.
"When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:14-21, NLT)
________________
The Church's one foundation
Is Jesus Christ her Lord;
She is His new creation
By water and the word.
From heav'n He came and sought her
To be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her,
And for her life He died.
Elect from ev'ry nation,
Yet one o'er all the earth,
Her charter of salvation
One Lord, one faith, one birth;
One holy name she blesses;
Partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses,
With ev'ry grace endued.
The Church's One Foundation
Stone, Samuel J. / Wesley, Samuel S.
© Public Domain
Yesterday, after the pastoral prayer at church, I was emotionally wrecked. The sorrow of my Mom’s critical illness and a few other stresses left me ready to crumble. As I walked from the pulpit, big Nate opened his arms and pulled me into his chest as if I were a little boy. His daughter and daughter in law extended their arms, too, and I found myself in an embrace of loving concern. I’m not the really ‘touchy feely’ kind of person! But, I found that embrace a precious gift; a non-verbal expression that spoke love to me. Prior to the service, Garry and Phil joined me in my office to pray with me and for me, offering support. For the rest of the day, I was comforted by the knowledge that I had a family, a community, that cares.
The Scripture uses familial language to describe the Church. In Ephesians we read that God "predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—" (1:5, NIV) Before time began, He purposed and planned a new community and called us to be part of it. Jesus told us that our deep love for one another would be the distinguishing mark that would uniquely identify us as His people. John calls us ‘brothers and sisters’ repeatedly and says that our love for one another grows out of God’s love for us. What a powerful truth. I observe it in people all the time. Those who are loved and given secure relationships as children become trusting loving adults who are able to form attachments to others that are mutually enriching. Those who are raised in insecurity are wounded, suspicious, and quick to offense and defense!
I pray that our church, just one small part of His Church, will continue to develop as a real family. Yes, the process can be messy. Misunderstanding arise. Different expectations stress the ties that bind us together. Dysfunctional people pour their pain into the family and without great grace we can be split apart. Then, too, we must be aware of the Evil one is always working to divide, to turn secondary issues into major ones, to fan the flames of jealousy into a bonfire of destruction. But, the Father of love is greater. The Word calls us to enter actively into the family!
"What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are." (1 John 3:1, The Message)
"For this is the original message we heard: We should love each other. We must not be like Cain, who joined the Evil One and then killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because he was deep in the practice of evil, while the acts of his brother were righteous. So don’t be surprised, friends, when the world hates you. This has been going on a long time. The way we know we’ve been transferred from death to life is that we love our brothers and sisters. Anyone who doesn’t love is as good as dead." (1 John 3:11-14, The Message)
Don’t go life alone. Cherish the community called – the church. Invest the time required to make it a real family. You’ll be blessed and a blessing.
Here’s the word from the Word, a prayer for His family.
"When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:14-21, NLT)
________________
The Church's one foundation
Is Jesus Christ her Lord;
She is His new creation
By water and the word.
From heav'n He came and sought her
To be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her,
And for her life He died.
Elect from ev'ry nation,
Yet one o'er all the earth,
Her charter of salvation
One Lord, one faith, one birth;
One holy name she blesses;
Partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses,
With ev'ry grace endued.
The Church's One Foundation
Stone, Samuel J. / Wesley, Samuel S.
© Public Domain
Friday, January 28, 2011
Dying safe?
Are you spending so much time avoiding risk that you’re failing to experience life at it’s best? I’m not talking about being stupid. Yes, it is prudent to wear your seat-belt when you drive. But, it’s tragic if you won’t drive more than 100 miles from home! It’s a good idea to floss your teeth and eat a balanced diet. It’s sad if you never allow yourself a piece of chocolate or a cheeseburger. Does every decision have to be driven by fear? I know people in their 50’s who won’t go out to dinner or take a vacation because they are afraid they won’t have enough money set aside for retirement. Some never let themselves fall in love because they are afraid of getting their heart broken. Others never have children because they are afraid their kids might turn out to be criminals. Each of these choices are ‘safe,’ but also limit the experience of a rich life.
If you choose to live as a totally committed follower of Jesus Christ, you will have to let go of the safety ropes! A life of faith involves a kind of risk. "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1, NIV) Use your imagination as you read these words: "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him." (Matthew 4:18-20, NIV) “At once” these men responded. They did not question the compensation package. They did not talk it over with their advisers. They heard the Call, responded in faith, and ignored the cost.
Let’s be clear. Their decision opened up possibilities they could not have imagined, but it did not lead them into endless days of bliss. The faith choice did not exempt them from discouragement, from difficult moments, from struggle, or even from sorrow. In fact, every one of them found a life of much more danger than they would have known if they had remained with their fishing boats in Galilee! AND, they found life to the full, eternal life, living in the center of the will of God.
In the ‘faith chapter’ – Hebrews 11 - Moses is an example. We read that "By faith, Moses, when grown, refused the privileges of the Egyptian royal house. He chose a hard life with God’s people rather than an opportunistic soft life of sin with the oppressors. He valued suffering in the Messiah’s camp far greater than Egyptian wealth because he was looking ahead, anticipating the payoff." (Hebrews 11:24-27, The Message)
Fear is life’s worst motivator! Don’t let your decisions be formed by ‘what-if’ and ‘could be’ and ‘limiting exposure to risk!’ Listen for the call of God. Love with your whole heart. Get out of the house and do something creative today. Any attempt to live by faith includes the risk of failure. You might get it wrong if you try. You might go broke, fall on your face, and have to endure some ridicule. But, you will have really lived in the process.
There is an important footnote to all of this. I am not writing about selfishness or ‘just being yourself!’ Ignoring the cost of your actions to others, causing pain to your friends and/or family by your foolish desire to break all the rules or fulfill all your fantasies, is not at all what the fore-going words were intended to encourage. I am writing about a life of total submission! Yes, it is not unfettered Self that leads to the best life, but complete surrender to the mastery of Jesus Christ, letting Him lead. That choice is never safe, but always wise!
I want to leave you with this thought -
“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.”
- Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the Unites States
If you choose to live as a totally committed follower of Jesus Christ, you will have to let go of the safety ropes! A life of faith involves a kind of risk. "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1, NIV) Use your imagination as you read these words: "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him." (Matthew 4:18-20, NIV) “At once” these men responded. They did not question the compensation package. They did not talk it over with their advisers. They heard the Call, responded in faith, and ignored the cost.
Let’s be clear. Their decision opened up possibilities they could not have imagined, but it did not lead them into endless days of bliss. The faith choice did not exempt them from discouragement, from difficult moments, from struggle, or even from sorrow. In fact, every one of them found a life of much more danger than they would have known if they had remained with their fishing boats in Galilee! AND, they found life to the full, eternal life, living in the center of the will of God.
In the ‘faith chapter’ – Hebrews 11 - Moses is an example. We read that "By faith, Moses, when grown, refused the privileges of the Egyptian royal house. He chose a hard life with God’s people rather than an opportunistic soft life of sin with the oppressors. He valued suffering in the Messiah’s camp far greater than Egyptian wealth because he was looking ahead, anticipating the payoff." (Hebrews 11:24-27, The Message)
Fear is life’s worst motivator! Don’t let your decisions be formed by ‘what-if’ and ‘could be’ and ‘limiting exposure to risk!’ Listen for the call of God. Love with your whole heart. Get out of the house and do something creative today. Any attempt to live by faith includes the risk of failure. You might get it wrong if you try. You might go broke, fall on your face, and have to endure some ridicule. But, you will have really lived in the process.
There is an important footnote to all of this. I am not writing about selfishness or ‘just being yourself!’ Ignoring the cost of your actions to others, causing pain to your friends and/or family by your foolish desire to break all the rules or fulfill all your fantasies, is not at all what the fore-going words were intended to encourage. I am writing about a life of total submission! Yes, it is not unfettered Self that leads to the best life, but complete surrender to the mastery of Jesus Christ, letting Him lead. That choice is never safe, but always wise!
I want to leave you with this thought -
“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.”
- Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the Unites States
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wise, or just smart?
Watching my daughter parent her two little ones during their visit in our home has been a delight. Maribel is focusing on teaching Devin and Adelina about character. It’s the little things she does – like reminding them to be thankful, causing them to understand the importance of respect, encouraging them to take care of themselves and their surroundings. She is laying the foundation of life for them by training them in something one author calls “intellectual virtue.” Michael Austin (Wise Stewards) says that intellectual virtue is an excellence of the mind that “enables a person to reason well for the purpose of living well.” (CT, January, 2010)
I believe that a major failure of American parents is that they seek to make their children smart by providing them the best education while ignoring the virtues that are the basis of true wisdom which governs the way of life. The emphasis is too often placed on what our children are able to do rather than on who they are equipped to become. Bereft of the ability to understand the real meaning of their existence because they are trained to think Scripturally, with God and His will as the roadmap for life, they chase after fulfillment in job titles, beauty, fame, celebrity, or materialism. In truth, genuine joy in life is much less related to what a person owns or his place in this world than it is in who he is on the inside. Even that cannot be accomplished simply by stuffing a little head with Bible verses! He must be turned toward the Son, his mind opened to the Spirit, from Whom he will receive Light and Life.
Moses directed the people of the Lord to parent with a view to more than future salary or success. “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders." (Deuteronomy 6:4-8, NLT) Let me summarize that passage – “Love the Lord and integrate that love into your everyday life!”
If you’re a parent, I encourage you to make ‘intellectual virtue’ a primary goal. And that’s not just for kids, either!
Let me ask you, disciple: Are you just smart or are you truly wise? Are you simply equipped with facts but lacking the wisdom to make choices that produce the best long-term results, the highest joys, and ultimately will allow you to receive the Lord’s commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant!”? Be you 4, 40, or 84 – it’s never too late to turn your heart and mind to obedience to the Lord. As you kneel at the Cross, there is salvation, transformation, and restoration to full destiny available in Christ’s great grace.
Here’s a word from the Word. Meditate on the truth of it.
"I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted.
I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt." (Psalm 119:10-11, The Message)
"By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path." (Psalm 119:105, The Message)
_____________
Be Thou my Vision,
O Lord of my heart;
Nought be all else to me,
Save that Thou art
Thou my best thought,
By day or by night,
Waking or sleeping,
Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom,
And Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee
And Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father,
I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling,
And I with Thee one.
Riches I heed not,
Nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance,
Now and always:
Thou and Thou only,
First in my heart,
High King of heaven,
My Treasure Thou art.
High King of heaven,
My victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys,
O bright heaven's Sun!
Heart of my own heart,
Whatever befall,
Still be my Vision,
O Ruler of all.
Be Thou My Vision
Hull, Eleanor / Byrne, Mary E.
© Public Domain
I believe that a major failure of American parents is that they seek to make their children smart by providing them the best education while ignoring the virtues that are the basis of true wisdom which governs the way of life. The emphasis is too often placed on what our children are able to do rather than on who they are equipped to become. Bereft of the ability to understand the real meaning of their existence because they are trained to think Scripturally, with God and His will as the roadmap for life, they chase after fulfillment in job titles, beauty, fame, celebrity, or materialism. In truth, genuine joy in life is much less related to what a person owns or his place in this world than it is in who he is on the inside. Even that cannot be accomplished simply by stuffing a little head with Bible verses! He must be turned toward the Son, his mind opened to the Spirit, from Whom he will receive Light and Life.
Moses directed the people of the Lord to parent with a view to more than future salary or success. “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders." (Deuteronomy 6:4-8, NLT) Let me summarize that passage – “Love the Lord and integrate that love into your everyday life!”
If you’re a parent, I encourage you to make ‘intellectual virtue’ a primary goal. And that’s not just for kids, either!
Let me ask you, disciple: Are you just smart or are you truly wise? Are you simply equipped with facts but lacking the wisdom to make choices that produce the best long-term results, the highest joys, and ultimately will allow you to receive the Lord’s commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant!”? Be you 4, 40, or 84 – it’s never too late to turn your heart and mind to obedience to the Lord. As you kneel at the Cross, there is salvation, transformation, and restoration to full destiny available in Christ’s great grace.
Here’s a word from the Word. Meditate on the truth of it.
"I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted.
I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt." (Psalm 119:10-11, The Message)
"By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path." (Psalm 119:105, The Message)
_____________
Be Thou my Vision,
O Lord of my heart;
Nought be all else to me,
Save that Thou art
Thou my best thought,
By day or by night,
Waking or sleeping,
Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom,
And Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee
And Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father,
I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling,
And I with Thee one.
Riches I heed not,
Nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance,
Now and always:
Thou and Thou only,
First in my heart,
High King of heaven,
My Treasure Thou art.
High King of heaven,
My victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys,
O bright heaven's Sun!
Heart of my own heart,
Whatever befall,
Still be my Vision,
O Ruler of all.
Be Thou My Vision
Hull, Eleanor / Byrne, Mary E.
© Public Domain
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Scarecrow in a melon patch
Today there is one organizing principle that stands way above every other thing in my life: the will of my God! It is the standard by which I will measure everything else. You will do it, too. Everybody does. We choose to buy this, to say that, to go there, to stay here – not as randomly as we might think. We are serving something or somebody. The question is not ‘will I serve my God?’ for we are designed for that purpose and fulfill it. The primary inquiry should be – Who is my God? The worshipper takes on the character of his god.
Jeremiah preached about the choice of gods sarcastically chastising his audience for their silly decision to serve idols.
“Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the sky, though the nations are terrified by them. … Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good.”
No one is like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power. Who should not revere you, O King of the nations? This is your due. Among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you. They are all senseless and foolish; they are taught by worthless wooden idols. …
But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King." (Jeremiah 10:2-10, NIV)
“Your gods,” he mocks, “are like scarecrows – can’t walk, can’t talk; can’t hurt, can’t help!” He goes to point out that because they serve fraudulent gods, they are “senseless and foolish.” Now you might thinking, “Jerry, this doesn’t apply to me. I’m far beyond carving a god and carrying it around for good luck.” Probably true, but have you made a god of Chase Bank, or the US Government, or your best friend, or your Self? Gods come in many forms. If your hope for the future relies on an increase in your net worth- your god is money! Whatever you’re organizing your life around, giving your best energies and resources to, and drawing your security from – is your god!
A god of gold will make a worshipper of greed.
A god of sensual pleasure will make a worshipper of gluttony or lust.
A god of reputation will make a hypocrite obsessed with social conformity.
The Lord of Glory will make a worshipper of who is filled with "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV)
Jesus told us to carefully evaluate our words against our actions when it comes to declaring our God. Singing the right songs on Sunday does not make the Lord our God, He says. Getting involved with a missions project does not mean we love the Lord. Take a look. “Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’ " (Matthew 7:21-23, The Message)
Who is your God?
It’s an important question with consequence in this life and eternity.
"O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago." (Isaiah 25:1, NIV) "You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. " (Isaiah 25:4, NIV)
_______________________
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
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody
You may be a construction worker working on a home
You may be living in a mansion or you might live in a dome
You might own guns and you might even own tanks
You might be somebody’s landlord, you might even own banks
You may be a preacher with your spiritual pride
You may be a city councilman taking bribes on the side
You may be workin’ 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 indeed
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
Gotta Serve Somebody
Bob Dylan
Copyright © 1979 by Special Rider Music
Jeremiah preached about the choice of gods sarcastically chastising his audience for their silly decision to serve idols.
“Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the sky, though the nations are terrified by them. … Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good.”
No one is like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power. Who should not revere you, O King of the nations? This is your due. Among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you. They are all senseless and foolish; they are taught by worthless wooden idols. …
But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King." (Jeremiah 10:2-10, NIV)
“Your gods,” he mocks, “are like scarecrows – can’t walk, can’t talk; can’t hurt, can’t help!” He goes to point out that because they serve fraudulent gods, they are “senseless and foolish.” Now you might thinking, “Jerry, this doesn’t apply to me. I’m far beyond carving a god and carrying it around for good luck.” Probably true, but have you made a god of Chase Bank, or the US Government, or your best friend, or your Self? Gods come in many forms. If your hope for the future relies on an increase in your net worth- your god is money! Whatever you’re organizing your life around, giving your best energies and resources to, and drawing your security from – is your god!
A god of gold will make a worshipper of greed.
A god of sensual pleasure will make a worshipper of gluttony or lust.
A god of reputation will make a hypocrite obsessed with social conformity.
The Lord of Glory will make a worshipper of who is filled with "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV)
Jesus told us to carefully evaluate our words against our actions when it comes to declaring our God. Singing the right songs on Sunday does not make the Lord our God, He says. Getting involved with a missions project does not mean we love the Lord. Take a look. “Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’ " (Matthew 7:21-23, The Message)
Who is your God?
It’s an important question with consequence in this life and eternity.
"O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago." (Isaiah 25:1, NIV) "You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. " (Isaiah 25:4, NIV)
_______________________
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
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody
You may be a construction worker working on a home
You may be living in a mansion or you might live in a dome
You might own guns and you might even own tanks
You might be somebody’s landlord, you might even own banks
You may be a preacher with your spiritual pride
You may be a city councilman taking bribes on the side
You may be workin’ 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 indeed
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
Gotta Serve Somebody
Bob Dylan
Copyright © 1979 by Special Rider Music
Monday, January 24, 2011
Purity is not just for pruds!
Bev and I went to see “The King’s Speech” and sat through the preview for “No Strings Attached” a film about two single professional adults who are sleeping together as the title suggests without any obligation. Their immorality is a source of much hilarity according to the trailer. Also over the weekend, media reported on a new MTV show that has been an instant hit among teens called “Skins,” which celebrates the party culture, including uninhibited sexuality, of American urban high school students. All restraint is gone. Sex is god in our de-spiritualized culture.
Even Christian teens are heavily 'sexualized.’ Most consume the media and entertainment of our culture with few filters. It should not be a source of amazement to us that our teens cannot understand the Bible's call to sexual purity. The message of the culture obliterates the truth of the Word. It isn't just teens that are effected, either. Pornography and sexually explicit material has invaded all of our lives. When I did computer consulting work from 1997-2000, I found evidence of pornography access on computers in every business to which I was called! Barna Research found that 38% of Christians in America think that there isn't really anything wrong with pornography as long as it doesn't involve children. Many call it ‘dirty’ but don’t think it’s really sinful. They fail to understand that pornography exacts a heavy price from ALL who become consumers. It is not a harmless diversion. Pornography drains away our wholeness - spiritual and emotional - one little bit at a time.
The Word tells us "There’s more to sex than mere skin on skin. Sex is as much spiritual mystery as physical fact. As written in Scripture, “The two become one.” Since we want to become spiritually one with the Master, we must not pursue the kind of sex that avoids commitment and intimacy, leaving us more lonely than ever—the kind of sex that can never “become one.” There is a sense in which sexual sins are different from all others.
In sexual sin we violate the sacredness of our own bodies, these bodies that were made for God-given and God-modeled love, for “becoming one” with another. Or didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body." (1 Corinthians 6:16-21, The Message)
The answer to the flood of sensuality that surrounds us is not a retreat into prudery where all sex is dirty and/or hidden away. Nor is the answer to impose dress codes that laud yesterday's fashion. The answer is to know the truth about sex. Sex is God's gift to us for pleasure and to bond us to our spouse for life in an intimacy that mirrors our love for Him! Sexuality is not something Christians should avoid like a sickness, it is something we should celebrate, lifting it out of the filth of the street by our celebration of this gift of God.
What messages about sex are filling your mind, your home?
Are you becoming a victim of the porn culture- unaware of the destruction it creates in your soul - like the proverbial 'frog in the kettle?'
I strongly advise you to evaluate ALL of your entertainment consumption habits. Put filters in place that keep you sensitive to purity. Choose wisely what you consume! The fact that you're reading this means you have Internet access. Are you computers monitored to protect the kids in your home? Are you monitoring your own online patterns? Offer yourself - including your sexuality - to God and pray that the wholeness that is found in His ways will make your life a light in a world of darkness.
Here's a word from the Word. I pray you will conform your life to it today:
"You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the evil powers of this world. So why do you keep on following rules of the world, such as, "Don't handle, don't eat, don't touch." Such rules are mere human teaching about things that are gone as soon as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, humility, and severe bodily discipline. But they have no effect when it comes to conquering a person's evil thoughts and desires.
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God's right hand in the place of honor and power. ...
Have nothing to do with sexual sin, impurity, lust, and shameful desires. ...
now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. ...for you have stripped off your old evil nature and all its wicked deeds.
In its place you have clothed yourselves with a brand-new nature that is continually being renewed as you learn more and more about Christ, who created this new nature within you. (Colossians 2:20- 3:10, NLT)
Even Christian teens are heavily 'sexualized.’ Most consume the media and entertainment of our culture with few filters. It should not be a source of amazement to us that our teens cannot understand the Bible's call to sexual purity. The message of the culture obliterates the truth of the Word. It isn't just teens that are effected, either. Pornography and sexually explicit material has invaded all of our lives. When I did computer consulting work from 1997-2000, I found evidence of pornography access on computers in every business to which I was called! Barna Research found that 38% of Christians in America think that there isn't really anything wrong with pornography as long as it doesn't involve children. Many call it ‘dirty’ but don’t think it’s really sinful. They fail to understand that pornography exacts a heavy price from ALL who become consumers. It is not a harmless diversion. Pornography drains away our wholeness - spiritual and emotional - one little bit at a time.
The Word tells us "There’s more to sex than mere skin on skin. Sex is as much spiritual mystery as physical fact. As written in Scripture, “The two become one.” Since we want to become spiritually one with the Master, we must not pursue the kind of sex that avoids commitment and intimacy, leaving us more lonely than ever—the kind of sex that can never “become one.” There is a sense in which sexual sins are different from all others.
In sexual sin we violate the sacredness of our own bodies, these bodies that were made for God-given and God-modeled love, for “becoming one” with another. Or didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body." (1 Corinthians 6:16-21, The Message)
The answer to the flood of sensuality that surrounds us is not a retreat into prudery where all sex is dirty and/or hidden away. Nor is the answer to impose dress codes that laud yesterday's fashion. The answer is to know the truth about sex. Sex is God's gift to us for pleasure and to bond us to our spouse for life in an intimacy that mirrors our love for Him! Sexuality is not something Christians should avoid like a sickness, it is something we should celebrate, lifting it out of the filth of the street by our celebration of this gift of God.
What messages about sex are filling your mind, your home?
Are you becoming a victim of the porn culture- unaware of the destruction it creates in your soul - like the proverbial 'frog in the kettle?'
I strongly advise you to evaluate ALL of your entertainment consumption habits. Put filters in place that keep you sensitive to purity. Choose wisely what you consume! The fact that you're reading this means you have Internet access. Are you computers monitored to protect the kids in your home? Are you monitoring your own online patterns? Offer yourself - including your sexuality - to God and pray that the wholeness that is found in His ways will make your life a light in a world of darkness.
Here's a word from the Word. I pray you will conform your life to it today:
"You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the evil powers of this world. So why do you keep on following rules of the world, such as, "Don't handle, don't eat, don't touch." Such rules are mere human teaching about things that are gone as soon as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, humility, and severe bodily discipline. But they have no effect when it comes to conquering a person's evil thoughts and desires.
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God's right hand in the place of honor and power. ...
Have nothing to do with sexual sin, impurity, lust, and shameful desires. ...
now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. ...for you have stripped off your old evil nature and all its wicked deeds.
In its place you have clothed yourselves with a brand-new nature that is continually being renewed as you learn more and more about Christ, who created this new nature within you. (Colossians 2:20- 3:10, NLT)
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