Can you appreciate beauty?
Dictionary.com defines beauty as “the quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind, whether arising from sensory manifestations (as shape, color, sound, etc.), a meaningful design or pattern, or something else (as a personality in which high spiritual qualities are manifest).”
In the October, 2010 issue of Christianity Today, there was a feature article about The Church of the Transfiguration, located at the Community of Jesus, in Rock Harbor, Massachusetts. It is a small community of Christians who treasure the arts as a way of glorifying God. For fifteen or more years, they have engaged in creating a place of worship that is stunningly beautiful, without descending into gaudy. (http://www.churchofthetransfiguration.org/)
That church sought a way to glorify God on this earth by creating a space of beauty, a reflection of their reverence. Some criticize their work! That critical impulse is common among us, focused as we usually are on utilitarian goals. We build functional buildings. We live to be productive. Beauty generally loses out to efficiency, sacrificed to our need to do more with less. We are poorer for our failure to appreciate the value of beauty for its own sake! We have a God-given need for beauty and so we content ourselves with many trinkets and few treasures.
When God created the world, He didn’t aim for efficient! He lavished color and variety on this tiny orb. A mountain meadow is splashed with an array of vivid colors, delighting our eyes. He could have made a dozen kinds of butterflies, but He went over the top and gave us millions! He loves beauty!
The Gospel of Mark records a moment of beauty. It offends some of Jesus’ disciples, but the Lord Himself commended Mary for her lavish expression. "Jesus was at Bethany, a guest of Simon the Leper. While he was eating dinner, a woman came up carrying a bottle of very expensive perfume. Opening the bottle, she poured it on his head. Some of the guests became furious among themselves. “That’s criminal! A sheer waste! This perfume could have been sold for well over a year’s wages and handed out to the poor.” They swelled up in anger, nearly bursting with indignation over her. But Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why are you giving her a hard time? She has just done something wonderfully significant for me." (Mark 14:3-6, The Message)
Disciple, do you make life beautiful?
Are you cultivating beauty in your character, in your work, in your worship?
Sin is ugly. It robs beauty from those who continue in it. It turns a palace into a ruin, a work of art into cheap exploitation, a person of infinite value into a drone only valued for his production. We are incapable of truest worship if we are unwilling to take the time to create beauty. Be like your Creator. Do what you do with a desire to make life beautiful, to ennoble others, to glorify God.
"And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands." (Psalm 90:17-18, NKJV)
____________________
He gave me beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise
For the spirit of heaviness,
That we might be trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord,
That He might be glorified.
Beauty For Ashes
Manzano, Robert
© 1976, 1979, 1983 Maranatha! Music (Admin. by The Copyright Company)
CCLI License No. 810055
Friday, October 08, 2010
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Mourn like a virgin bride
Do you know how to mourn? We just don’t do ‘sad’ very well, do we? When crisis hits, when life goes into reverse, we do all we can do to leave the sorrow behind as quickly as possible. We tell those who are broken, “the sun will come up tomorrow!” I am all for encouraging others and being positive. There is a time to mourn, however. There is a time to let ourselves feel the weight of life’s brokenness and to be driven by grief to real humility before God.
The prophet Joel received a message from Yahweh following a terrible plague of locusts that left the land desolate, the people starving, and not even food enough for the ritual offerings to be made in the temple. "Despair, all you farmers! Wail, all you vine growers! Weep, because the wheat and barley— all the crops of the field—are ruined." (Joel 1:11, NLT) "Dress yourselves in burlap and weep, you priests! Wail, you who serve before the altar! Come, spend the night in burlap, you ministers of my God. For there is no grain or wine to offer at the Temple of your God." (Joel 1:13, NLT)
To drive home the point, God says, "Mourn like a virgin in sackcloth grieving for the husband of her youth." (Joel 1:8, NIV) This line speaks of the young girl, betrothed but not wed, who’s fiancé dies prior to the consummation of their marriage. Her prospects for a good marriage were then severely diminished, hence her deep sorrow!
What’s the point of all this sorrow? Repentance!
The crisis that had befallen the land was a call to consider God’s place in life, to step away from the business of everyday life for a time to reflect on how God might be speaking to His people in that moment. Mourning provides a unique opportunity for the Spirit of the Lord to work in our hearts. When we are at the end of our rope, out of options, broken-hearted we are often ready to hear His voice in a new way.
Disciple, have the locust eaten your crops? Probably not literally, but perhaps you’re in a terrible time of life. There is no way to understand why it’s happening. We cannot see far enough into the future or connect the dots to the past. Joel offers no reasons why the locusts came to Judah either. Unlike some other prophets, he does not point to some sin as the cause of the plague. Stepping over the ‘why’ question, Joel exhorts God’s people to let themselves feel the sorrow, to allow it to drive them to humility, and then to accept the comfort of God! What sound counsel.
Will you stop focusing on why the situation that breaks you has come? Are you willing to mourn like a virgin bride? If so, you will find a new depth of holiness, a new kind of intimacy with Him, if you are willing to relinquish your demands for ease and happiness. It’s not a word we eagerly receive, but it’s true.
Here’s a word from the Word. Ponder it in light of Joel’s word.
"As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?
If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way." (Hebrews 12:7-11, NLT)
_______________
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall fresh on me.
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall fresh on me.
Melt me, mold me,
Fill me, use me.
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall fresh on me.
Spirit Of The Living God
Iverson, Daniel
© 1935. Renewed 1963 Birdwing Music (a div. of EMI Christian Music Publishing)
CCLI License No. 810055
The prophet Joel received a message from Yahweh following a terrible plague of locusts that left the land desolate, the people starving, and not even food enough for the ritual offerings to be made in the temple. "Despair, all you farmers! Wail, all you vine growers! Weep, because the wheat and barley— all the crops of the field—are ruined." (Joel 1:11, NLT) "Dress yourselves in burlap and weep, you priests! Wail, you who serve before the altar! Come, spend the night in burlap, you ministers of my God. For there is no grain or wine to offer at the Temple of your God." (Joel 1:13, NLT)
To drive home the point, God says, "Mourn like a virgin in sackcloth grieving for the husband of her youth." (Joel 1:8, NIV) This line speaks of the young girl, betrothed but not wed, who’s fiancé dies prior to the consummation of their marriage. Her prospects for a good marriage were then severely diminished, hence her deep sorrow!
What’s the point of all this sorrow? Repentance!
The crisis that had befallen the land was a call to consider God’s place in life, to step away from the business of everyday life for a time to reflect on how God might be speaking to His people in that moment. Mourning provides a unique opportunity for the Spirit of the Lord to work in our hearts. When we are at the end of our rope, out of options, broken-hearted we are often ready to hear His voice in a new way.
Disciple, have the locust eaten your crops? Probably not literally, but perhaps you’re in a terrible time of life. There is no way to understand why it’s happening. We cannot see far enough into the future or connect the dots to the past. Joel offers no reasons why the locusts came to Judah either. Unlike some other prophets, he does not point to some sin as the cause of the plague. Stepping over the ‘why’ question, Joel exhorts God’s people to let themselves feel the sorrow, to allow it to drive them to humility, and then to accept the comfort of God! What sound counsel.
Will you stop focusing on why the situation that breaks you has come? Are you willing to mourn like a virgin bride? If so, you will find a new depth of holiness, a new kind of intimacy with Him, if you are willing to relinquish your demands for ease and happiness. It’s not a word we eagerly receive, but it’s true.
Here’s a word from the Word. Ponder it in light of Joel’s word.
"As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?
If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way." (Hebrews 12:7-11, NLT)
_______________
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall fresh on me.
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall fresh on me.
Melt me, mold me,
Fill me, use me.
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall fresh on me.
Spirit Of The Living God
Iverson, Daniel
© 1935. Renewed 1963 Birdwing Music (a div. of EMI Christian Music Publishing)
CCLI License No. 810055
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Two kinds of wisdom
The ‘sophisticated’ man on TV is quite clever in his use of words. He is adept at sarcasm, cutting those people with whom he disagrees with slashing phrases. Double entendre is his forte, able to be risqué without actually saying the words. Many think he is very wise because of his ability to be a critic. Just in case you think I am talking about just one person on the right or left of the political spectrum, think again. The pseudo-sophisticates are everywhere!
Disciple, it would be a tragedy if you and I adopted that kind of ‘wisdom’ as our model. The Bible says that the truly wise person is not a divisive critic of others. The real sophisticate is the person who builds consensus, uniting people in pursuit of good. Take a look. "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." (James 3:13-17, NIV)
Jesus urged us to another quality of the truly wise- plain, simple speech. "Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37, NIV)
In a world where words purported to be ‘wise’ fill pages of newsprint, clutter the radio waves, and spill out of 24/7 cable news channels I pray that we who are filled with the Holy Spirit of God will choose to live in ways that reveal the true wisdom of God. If you’re tempted to be a critic or to indulge in cruel sarcasm today, think twice. Pray for a transformation of heart and mind that will then be revealed in your words.
The word from the Word that I use to close this thought is a familiar one. I want to quote The Message paraphrase of Scripture. I pray that the truth will be your guide, today and always.
"How well God must like you—
you don’t hang out at Sin Saloon,
you don’t slink along Dead-End Road,
you don’t go to Smart-Mouth College.
Instead you thrill to God’s Word,
you chew on Scripture day and night.
You’re a tree replanted in Eden,
bearing fresh fruit every month,
Never dropping a leaf,
always in blossom. "
(Psalm 1:1-3, The Message)
_______________
Heavenly Father, make my mind new by the Truth of Your Word.
Let Your wisdom, your eternal perspective, form my thoughts.
My world is filled with pseudo-sophisticates who mock the good,
the kind, the loving, the gentle, and the pure.
They pour contempt on things godly and divide people from each other.
Make me different, Spirit of God, I earnestly pray.
Let my words heal, build, and encourage always.
Help me to be like Jesus, of whom it was prophesied;
"He won’t brush aside the bruised and the hurt and
he won’t disregard the small and insignificant,
but he’ll steadily and firmly set things right. " (Isaiah 42:3, The Message)
In His holy Name, I pray these things.
Amen.
Disciple, it would be a tragedy if you and I adopted that kind of ‘wisdom’ as our model. The Bible says that the truly wise person is not a divisive critic of others. The real sophisticate is the person who builds consensus, uniting people in pursuit of good. Take a look. "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." (James 3:13-17, NIV)
Jesus urged us to another quality of the truly wise- plain, simple speech. "Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37, NIV)
In a world where words purported to be ‘wise’ fill pages of newsprint, clutter the radio waves, and spill out of 24/7 cable news channels I pray that we who are filled with the Holy Spirit of God will choose to live in ways that reveal the true wisdom of God. If you’re tempted to be a critic or to indulge in cruel sarcasm today, think twice. Pray for a transformation of heart and mind that will then be revealed in your words.
The word from the Word that I use to close this thought is a familiar one. I want to quote The Message paraphrase of Scripture. I pray that the truth will be your guide, today and always.
"How well God must like you—
you don’t hang out at Sin Saloon,
you don’t slink along Dead-End Road,
you don’t go to Smart-Mouth College.
Instead you thrill to God’s Word,
you chew on Scripture day and night.
You’re a tree replanted in Eden,
bearing fresh fruit every month,
Never dropping a leaf,
always in blossom. "
(Psalm 1:1-3, The Message)
_______________
Heavenly Father, make my mind new by the Truth of Your Word.
Let Your wisdom, your eternal perspective, form my thoughts.
My world is filled with pseudo-sophisticates who mock the good,
the kind, the loving, the gentle, and the pure.
They pour contempt on things godly and divide people from each other.
Make me different, Spirit of God, I earnestly pray.
Let my words heal, build, and encourage always.
Help me to be like Jesus, of whom it was prophesied;
"He won’t brush aside the bruised and the hurt and
he won’t disregard the small and insignificant,
but he’ll steadily and firmly set things right. " (Isaiah 42:3, The Message)
In His holy Name, I pray these things.
Amen.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Sail On!
Reading your wake
"You can tell a lot about a ship as you look at its wake. If it is in a straight line, you get the feeling that the boat is steadily on course and that the captain is not dozing at the wheel.... if it is smooth and flat you know something about the speed of the boat. ... With people the same thing is true. As a person goes through life, he leaves behind a wake." Integrity, Dr. Henry Cloud, 2005
That analogy captured my imagination. I thought about the wake left on life’s sea as I sail on by. Cloud observes that we leave a two-sided wake, relationships and tasks. We should remember that it isn't just how we accomplish those jobs we are assigned, but who we effect in the process.
As we evaluate the task side of our lives, it is important that we ask questions like -
- Am I completing tasks on time and without needless diversions?
- Do I understand the task and set my course to finish it?
- Is my work well done, worthy of review?
- Am I investing passion in my daily life, or draining energy from those around me?
On the relational side of our lives, there are important questions, too.
- Do I create hope and encourage?
- Do I build barriers and discourage?
- Are people glad that I have passed by?
- Are they relieved when I leave?
- Do I leave people enriched or exploited?
Sometimes the answers to such questions are obvious. In other situations discerning how we have performed or how we have interacted is not easy seen. Why? We are not the only ones creating a wake through life. Others bring their own personalities and programs into our lives. The smooth wake that we attempt to create is broken up by theirs. As their wake flows into ours, if we are at cross-purposes, the chop that is created can stir up a real tempest!
Speeding boats passing by on crossing courses leave the waters of their wake roiled and rough. Those who are fighting for recognition, critical of one another, or disagreeing about how to do the work, live with turbulence that draws most of the attention and energy of their lives, robbing them of effectiveness. Then, too, winds of difficulty can blow us off course! No matter how diligent we are at sail to steer a straight course, those gusts will cause us to sail a rather wandering course for a time. Christians who have come to unity about their calling, their purposes, and their methods move into formation and actually sail faster and with less energy expended!
We need to determine the course that God wants us to sail.
When the Spirit and the Word helps us to understand His ways; we catch the wind and – sail on!
We cannot adjust speed or course every time somebody makes an objection to our heading! Of critical importance is time alone with God that brings us understand of what He wants from us. Then, we sail on. When we commit ourselves to principled living and pray for His Spirit to keep us on course, the wake left behind us will be a good one. Yes, there will be moments of wavering, times of rough water, but overall the results and relationships will be positive.
Take a look at the wake you're leaving on life's sea. Is it straight and true? Does it show steady speed?
Don't just look close to the stern. Look toward the horizon, too; "unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." (Hebrews 12:2, KJV)
Here's a word from the Word for this day. Take this benediction and turn it into your prayerful petition today.
I am ... "praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you ...
As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul— not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us." (Colossians 1:9-12, The Message) Amen
__________________________
When we're all born we set out to sea,
Looking for answers continuously.
Then when we find out to Him we belong,
We watch for the sign and keep sailin' on.
Cast up your sails and let the wind blow,
Jesus will never let your ship lose control.
Just keep your compass set on the Son,
He'll guide you safely to His beautiful home.
Sail on, when the water gets high.
Sail on, when the wind starts to die.
Sail on, it's just a matter of minutes
'Til His ship comes to get us,
And we'll all get in it.
Sail On
Christian, Chris
© 1977 Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
"You can tell a lot about a ship as you look at its wake. If it is in a straight line, you get the feeling that the boat is steadily on course and that the captain is not dozing at the wheel.... if it is smooth and flat you know something about the speed of the boat. ... With people the same thing is true. As a person goes through life, he leaves behind a wake." Integrity, Dr. Henry Cloud, 2005
That analogy captured my imagination. I thought about the wake left on life’s sea as I sail on by. Cloud observes that we leave a two-sided wake, relationships and tasks. We should remember that it isn't just how we accomplish those jobs we are assigned, but who we effect in the process.
As we evaluate the task side of our lives, it is important that we ask questions like -
- Am I completing tasks on time and without needless diversions?
- Do I understand the task and set my course to finish it?
- Is my work well done, worthy of review?
- Am I investing passion in my daily life, or draining energy from those around me?
On the relational side of our lives, there are important questions, too.
- Do I create hope and encourage?
- Do I build barriers and discourage?
- Are people glad that I have passed by?
- Are they relieved when I leave?
- Do I leave people enriched or exploited?
Sometimes the answers to such questions are obvious. In other situations discerning how we have performed or how we have interacted is not easy seen. Why? We are not the only ones creating a wake through life. Others bring their own personalities and programs into our lives. The smooth wake that we attempt to create is broken up by theirs. As their wake flows into ours, if we are at cross-purposes, the chop that is created can stir up a real tempest!
Speeding boats passing by on crossing courses leave the waters of their wake roiled and rough. Those who are fighting for recognition, critical of one another, or disagreeing about how to do the work, live with turbulence that draws most of the attention and energy of their lives, robbing them of effectiveness. Then, too, winds of difficulty can blow us off course! No matter how diligent we are at sail to steer a straight course, those gusts will cause us to sail a rather wandering course for a time. Christians who have come to unity about their calling, their purposes, and their methods move into formation and actually sail faster and with less energy expended!
We need to determine the course that God wants us to sail.
When the Spirit and the Word helps us to understand His ways; we catch the wind and – sail on!
We cannot adjust speed or course every time somebody makes an objection to our heading! Of critical importance is time alone with God that brings us understand of what He wants from us. Then, we sail on. When we commit ourselves to principled living and pray for His Spirit to keep us on course, the wake left behind us will be a good one. Yes, there will be moments of wavering, times of rough water, but overall the results and relationships will be positive.
Take a look at the wake you're leaving on life's sea. Is it straight and true? Does it show steady speed?
Don't just look close to the stern. Look toward the horizon, too; "unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." (Hebrews 12:2, KJV)
Here's a word from the Word for this day. Take this benediction and turn it into your prayerful petition today.
I am ... "praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you ...
As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul— not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us." (Colossians 1:9-12, The Message) Amen
__________________________
When we're all born we set out to sea,
Looking for answers continuously.
Then when we find out to Him we belong,
We watch for the sign and keep sailin' on.
Cast up your sails and let the wind blow,
Jesus will never let your ship lose control.
Just keep your compass set on the Son,
He'll guide you safely to His beautiful home.
Sail on, when the water gets high.
Sail on, when the wind starts to die.
Sail on, it's just a matter of minutes
'Til His ship comes to get us,
And we'll all get in it.
Sail On
Christian, Chris
© 1977 Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
Monday, October 04, 2010
This day, yours or His?
I’m an agenda guy! This day is already mapped out in my head: 9 AM I will be at point A, 11:30 I’ll be there, etc. It’s only 6 am on Monday, but my week is largely planned, with appointments penned in the calendar, with goals set for certain tasks. Structure is demanded is I hope to be productive, to meet the obligations that are a part of my life. However, I can become so committed to my plan that I squeeze the work of God into a little box that could not begin to contain His creativity! Every day, I remind myself that He owns the time. I am really only here to implement His Purposes. He is the One in charge of my calendar, I am just the manager. It’s easier to write that than it is to live it.
When life overflows my agenda, when crises arise that destroy my carefully laid plans, I am tempted to grow tense, even angry. (Sadly, sometimes I sin in those way.) Here’s what I have learned. He catches my attention, surprising me, reminding me that my life is not my own. Circumstances arrive in my life for which there is no explanation. Those moments are invitations to trust, opportunities to open myself to His gift of grace. In ways that cannot simply be chalked off to coincidence, I see the Lord use the days of chaos to help me grow.
In his letter to the disciples in Philippi, Paul says that he is in prison, not for some crime, but for preaching the Gospel. He had not blocked out a year in his calendar for that! But he sees God’s plan working out. He writes, "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) He is not simply being positive. He sees the fruit of faith!
The Word assures us "that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." (Romans 8:28-29, NIV) I do not read that with resignation to fate! The sins of others and my own willfulness introduce situations into our lives that do not line up with the perfect will of God. The faith-builder of that passage is the promise that God is big enough to work in all things to accomplish His ultimate purpose in us. What is that purpose? To shape us into the likeness of our Savior. The Psalmist sang, "Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure." (Psalm 23:4, The Message)
Frustration will come today – big and small. It might be something like a car that won’t start. It could be huge- like a pink slip at work. If you are living close to Him, if your heart is seeking His kingdom; then remind yourself that it is His day. Thank Him for the promise that He is working in it for your good to accomplish His purpose. When you’re tempted to complain or curse, to desperately attempt to hang onto control of your life, look up and pray: “your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10, NIV) As Christ Jesus is allowed to be Lord of this day, you will not only know greater peace, you will also allow a greater holiness to shine through. This is to His glory, which is the best of all!
______________________
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way,
He works in ways we cannot see,
He will make a way for me.
He will be my guide,
Hold me closely to His side,
With love and strength
For each new day,
He will make a way,
He will make a way.
By a roadway in the wilderness
He'll lead me,
And rivers in the desert will I see.
Heaven and earth will fade
But His Word will still remain,
He will do something new today.
God Will Make A Way
Moen, Don
© 1990 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (c/o Integrity Music, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
When life overflows my agenda, when crises arise that destroy my carefully laid plans, I am tempted to grow tense, even angry. (Sadly, sometimes I sin in those way.) Here’s what I have learned. He catches my attention, surprising me, reminding me that my life is not my own. Circumstances arrive in my life for which there is no explanation. Those moments are invitations to trust, opportunities to open myself to His gift of grace. In ways that cannot simply be chalked off to coincidence, I see the Lord use the days of chaos to help me grow.
In his letter to the disciples in Philippi, Paul says that he is in prison, not for some crime, but for preaching the Gospel. He had not blocked out a year in his calendar for that! But he sees God’s plan working out. He writes, "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) He is not simply being positive. He sees the fruit of faith!
The Word assures us "that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." (Romans 8:28-29, NIV) I do not read that with resignation to fate! The sins of others and my own willfulness introduce situations into our lives that do not line up with the perfect will of God. The faith-builder of that passage is the promise that God is big enough to work in all things to accomplish His ultimate purpose in us. What is that purpose? To shape us into the likeness of our Savior. The Psalmist sang, "Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure." (Psalm 23:4, The Message)
Frustration will come today – big and small. It might be something like a car that won’t start. It could be huge- like a pink slip at work. If you are living close to Him, if your heart is seeking His kingdom; then remind yourself that it is His day. Thank Him for the promise that He is working in it for your good to accomplish His purpose. When you’re tempted to complain or curse, to desperately attempt to hang onto control of your life, look up and pray: “your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10, NIV) As Christ Jesus is allowed to be Lord of this day, you will not only know greater peace, you will also allow a greater holiness to shine through. This is to His glory, which is the best of all!
______________________
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way,
He works in ways we cannot see,
He will make a way for me.
He will be my guide,
Hold me closely to His side,
With love and strength
For each new day,
He will make a way,
He will make a way.
By a roadway in the wilderness
He'll lead me,
And rivers in the desert will I see.
Heaven and earth will fade
But His Word will still remain,
He will do something new today.
God Will Make A Way
Moen, Don
© 1990 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (c/o Integrity Music, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
Friday, October 01, 2010
The LSO
Let me tell you a story, one I’ve told before....
This is the tale of the Life Saving Organization, which was started along the shore of the sea to rescue sailors in peril. The little band of townspeople were intense about their mission, risking their own lives to venture out to souls in distress. With such fervor and excitement, the LSO grew quickly. So a functional building near the sea was built where lifesavers could be trained and rescued sailors warmed and fed when they were dragged from the sea. Rescues were an occasion for great joy!
The organization offered a sense of camaraderie and mission that more people joined up. In time, fewer members actually made any rescues, preferring to offer their support and encouragement from the meetinghouse. Within a few years a big beautiful clubhouse was built where members could gather and enjoy a talk about some technique for rescuing lost sailors, some music, and an occasional dinner. The club’s home became the nicest building in town.
Rescued sailors were wet, dirty, and smelly! Their presence interrupted the community events often scheduled in the clubhouse. So, members decided to build a small building nearer the sea, where those rescued sailors could be taken there without bothering the LSO membership.
Over time real rescues declined to the point that the club decided to hire professional contractors to carry out rescues for them. Meeting were boring. Though there were stories about great rescues of the past, and lectures about life-saving, nobody actually did it anymore. The sense of mission was long lost. Membership declined and the LSO became an 'historic' site.
It’s a tough question, but here it is: is that what has happened to the Church?
Our core mission is to rescue people from the stormy seas of sinfulness, bringing them into the safety of the Kingdom of God. "Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." (Mark 16:15, NIV)
Terrible storms are blowing over America, sweeping millions into despair, away from God! Hell's fury still sows death and destruction in our world. A whole generation of young Americans are in serious peril, adrift on a sea of sensuality and materialism, living without God, seeking meaning, purpose, and hope in things that can never provide them.
Will you open your heart to the Holy Spirit so He can inspire a new vision? Disciple, Christ called us and saved us from sin so that we would become active members of His soul saving crew.
Here’s a word from the Word.
"Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear-hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy- to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen." (Jude 21-26, NIV) ___________________
This is the tale of the Life Saving Organization, which was started along the shore of the sea to rescue sailors in peril. The little band of townspeople were intense about their mission, risking their own lives to venture out to souls in distress. With such fervor and excitement, the LSO grew quickly. So a functional building near the sea was built where lifesavers could be trained and rescued sailors warmed and fed when they were dragged from the sea. Rescues were an occasion for great joy!
The organization offered a sense of camaraderie and mission that more people joined up. In time, fewer members actually made any rescues, preferring to offer their support and encouragement from the meetinghouse. Within a few years a big beautiful clubhouse was built where members could gather and enjoy a talk about some technique for rescuing lost sailors, some music, and an occasional dinner. The club’s home became the nicest building in town.
Rescued sailors were wet, dirty, and smelly! Their presence interrupted the community events often scheduled in the clubhouse. So, members decided to build a small building nearer the sea, where those rescued sailors could be taken there without bothering the LSO membership.
Over time real rescues declined to the point that the club decided to hire professional contractors to carry out rescues for them. Meeting were boring. Though there were stories about great rescues of the past, and lectures about life-saving, nobody actually did it anymore. The sense of mission was long lost. Membership declined and the LSO became an 'historic' site.
It’s a tough question, but here it is: is that what has happened to the Church?
Our core mission is to rescue people from the stormy seas of sinfulness, bringing them into the safety of the Kingdom of God. "Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." (Mark 16:15, NIV)
Terrible storms are blowing over America, sweeping millions into despair, away from God! Hell's fury still sows death and destruction in our world. A whole generation of young Americans are in serious peril, adrift on a sea of sensuality and materialism, living without God, seeking meaning, purpose, and hope in things that can never provide them.
Will you open your heart to the Holy Spirit so He can inspire a new vision? Disciple, Christ called us and saved us from sin so that we would become active members of His soul saving crew.
Here’s a word from the Word.
"Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear-hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy- to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen." (Jude 21-26, NIV) ___________________
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Go To Hell!
“Go to Hell!” is an oath hurled in anger. I don’t recall ever hearing those words come from my mouth, but have my actions said as much? Has a judgmental spirit, a harsh unforgiving heart, or a refusal to extend the offer of God’s grace to someone I determine to be unworthy as much as said, “Go to Hell!”?
Jonah, the runaway prophet, finally obeyed God’s call to preach to the Assyrian city of Nineveh. “Forty days until calamity befalls this city,” he cried in the streets. From the slave to the king, an amazing thing happened. They repented! "When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened." (Jonah 3:10, NIV) Did Jonah rejoice that 120,000 people were spared? Not at all. He sat at the edge of the city and sulked, furious at God for giving these unworthy people grace. "So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.” (Jonah 4:2-3, NLT) He wanted justice, not mercy, even though he knew the heart of the LORD God was one of compassion.
Disciple, are you like Jonah in relation to your world? Are you furious with the godless culture, angry at the greed and sensuality, distressed by the selfishness? It is right to be angered by sin! It offends our Lord and should offend us, whether it is our own or that of people around us. However, it is not for us to say, “Go to Hell!” While we are courageous to speak the truth, we do so ‘in love.’ We must love His mercy and not just for ourselves.
Grace is scandalous. If it were deserved, it would not be grace! The Cross is an offense to those who are religious, who think they can please God with their own righteousness, who mock those whose hope is fixed in Christ alone. But those who know grace, who are among the pardoned and restored, think differently. They extend forgiveness, live in love, experience joy, and are filled with peace. Yes, that is the fruit of the grace that allows us to live in the Spirit.
Here’s a word from the Word. I pray it will fill your heart with gratitude for His grace and cause you to be a gracious Christian who says, “Come with me to Heaven!”
"God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he’s rich in love. He doesn’t endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him. And as far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins." (Psalm 103:8-12, The Message)
____________
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt!
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss.
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty Cross.
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within!
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!
Grace Greater Than Our Sin
Johnston, Julia H. / Towner, Daniel Brink
Jonah, the runaway prophet, finally obeyed God’s call to preach to the Assyrian city of Nineveh. “Forty days until calamity befalls this city,” he cried in the streets. From the slave to the king, an amazing thing happened. They repented! "When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened." (Jonah 3:10, NIV) Did Jonah rejoice that 120,000 people were spared? Not at all. He sat at the edge of the city and sulked, furious at God for giving these unworthy people grace. "So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.” (Jonah 4:2-3, NLT) He wanted justice, not mercy, even though he knew the heart of the LORD God was one of compassion.
Disciple, are you like Jonah in relation to your world? Are you furious with the godless culture, angry at the greed and sensuality, distressed by the selfishness? It is right to be angered by sin! It offends our Lord and should offend us, whether it is our own or that of people around us. However, it is not for us to say, “Go to Hell!” While we are courageous to speak the truth, we do so ‘in love.’ We must love His mercy and not just for ourselves.
Grace is scandalous. If it were deserved, it would not be grace! The Cross is an offense to those who are religious, who think they can please God with their own righteousness, who mock those whose hope is fixed in Christ alone. But those who know grace, who are among the pardoned and restored, think differently. They extend forgiveness, live in love, experience joy, and are filled with peace. Yes, that is the fruit of the grace that allows us to live in the Spirit.
Here’s a word from the Word. I pray it will fill your heart with gratitude for His grace and cause you to be a gracious Christian who says, “Come with me to Heaven!”
"God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he’s rich in love. He doesn’t endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him. And as far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins." (Psalm 103:8-12, The Message)
____________
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt!
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss.
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty Cross.
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within!
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!
Grace Greater Than Our Sin
Johnston, Julia H. / Towner, Daniel Brink
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
You're Invited! How will you respond?
The envelope announced that I was part of a select group chosen specifically for the enclosed invitation. The sender surely knew how to appeal to pride! The print flourishes and gold trim made it look very official and important. Urgency was implied as the back of the envelope warned me that space was limited and the deadline for reply was fast approaching. Appearances were deceiving! It was just a solicitation to attend an investment presentation. They wanted my money.
God extends us an invitation that is important. He has elected to extend His favor to us, but awaits a response. Just as He once called Abraham, the ‘father of the faithful,’ who responded with obedience, He now calls us to be included ‘in Christ.’ We make a huge mistake if we take His call as a reason for pride, or somehow think that it confers an irrevocable status on us. Take a look at this passage.
"But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree—some of the people of Israel—have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree. … remember—those branches were broken off because they didn’t believe in Christ, and you are there because you do believe. So don’t think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen. For if God did not spare the original branches, he won’t spare you either. Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off." (Romans 11:17-22, NLT)
The Scripture reminds us that God loved Israel, not because they were somehow desirable or special in themselves. He did so because of His mysterious grace, His sovereign purpose. Yet, in spite of His love for the children of Abraham, when they refused Him and lived in unbelief, they forfeited the blessings that He offered. Ah, disciple, this is both a warning and promise! He has now offered the blessing of acceptance and salvation to us, not because of our heritage, race, or beauty; but because of love. The Word blazes with His love. "Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:4-5, NIV) It is an amazing invitation that brings blessings beyond our ability to comprehend. But, if we refuse it with unbelief, the very promise becomes that by which we will be judged!
You opened the invitation, are you responding with faith?
You glimpsed His promise, are you pressing towards knowing Him, so that you may own it fully?
Take this word from the Word and let it inspire you to full faith. "Make sure you stay alert to these qualities of gentle kindness and ruthless severity that exist side by side in God—ruthless with the deadwood, gentle with the grafted shoot. But don’t presume on this gentleness. The moment you become deadwood, you’re out of there." (Romans 11:22, The Message)
__________________
O Lord, our Lord,
How majestic is Your name.
Your words are true,
Your mercy does not change.
All Your promises are precious,
Reviving our faith.
Every one of them
Will be fulfilled one day.
We will run,
We'll run and not grow weary.
We will rise upon the eagle's wings.
In the presence of the Lord,
Our spirits will soar,
'Till we one day gaze upon our King.
But my foot had almost slipped,
O Lord, I'd almost lost my way,
'Til I entered the house of the Lord
And heard Your sweet Spirit say,
Oh, all Your promises
Are "Yes" and "Amen" in Jesus.
Your promises are true.
All Your promises
Are "Yes" and "Amen" Lord Jesus,
We'll keep running after You.
All Your Promises
Smith, Andrew
© 1995 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music Services)
CCLI License No. 810055
God extends us an invitation that is important. He has elected to extend His favor to us, but awaits a response. Just as He once called Abraham, the ‘father of the faithful,’ who responded with obedience, He now calls us to be included ‘in Christ.’ We make a huge mistake if we take His call as a reason for pride, or somehow think that it confers an irrevocable status on us. Take a look at this passage.
"But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree—some of the people of Israel—have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree. … remember—those branches were broken off because they didn’t believe in Christ, and you are there because you do believe. So don’t think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen. For if God did not spare the original branches, he won’t spare you either. Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off." (Romans 11:17-22, NLT)
The Scripture reminds us that God loved Israel, not because they were somehow desirable or special in themselves. He did so because of His mysterious grace, His sovereign purpose. Yet, in spite of His love for the children of Abraham, when they refused Him and lived in unbelief, they forfeited the blessings that He offered. Ah, disciple, this is both a warning and promise! He has now offered the blessing of acceptance and salvation to us, not because of our heritage, race, or beauty; but because of love. The Word blazes with His love. "Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:4-5, NIV) It is an amazing invitation that brings blessings beyond our ability to comprehend. But, if we refuse it with unbelief, the very promise becomes that by which we will be judged!
You opened the invitation, are you responding with faith?
You glimpsed His promise, are you pressing towards knowing Him, so that you may own it fully?
Take this word from the Word and let it inspire you to full faith. "Make sure you stay alert to these qualities of gentle kindness and ruthless severity that exist side by side in God—ruthless with the deadwood, gentle with the grafted shoot. But don’t presume on this gentleness. The moment you become deadwood, you’re out of there." (Romans 11:22, The Message)
__________________
O Lord, our Lord,
How majestic is Your name.
Your words are true,
Your mercy does not change.
All Your promises are precious,
Reviving our faith.
Every one of them
Will be fulfilled one day.
We will run,
We'll run and not grow weary.
We will rise upon the eagle's wings.
In the presence of the Lord,
Our spirits will soar,
'Till we one day gaze upon our King.
But my foot had almost slipped,
O Lord, I'd almost lost my way,
'Til I entered the house of the Lord
And heard Your sweet Spirit say,
Oh, all Your promises
Are "Yes" and "Amen" in Jesus.
Your promises are true.
All Your promises
Are "Yes" and "Amen" Lord Jesus,
We'll keep running after You.
All Your Promises
Smith, Andrew
© 1995 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music Services)
CCLI License No. 810055
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Are you a star?
"Become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life." (Philippians 2:15-16, NIV) Have you walked under the stars and looked up at them? In the vast expanse of the night sky, they shine. The darker the light, the more beautiful the stars become.
Shine brightly! Disciple, we must for this world is a dark place. I watched a documentary film recently that told the story of children in Cambodia who are sold by their own parents into sex slavery for $10/month! Silent tears slid down my face as I heard young girls tell of the depravity of those who used and abused them, of their hatred of their mothers who gave them up to such a life. My daughter told me of the unspeakable depravity she sees that has ruined the lives of her young clients, many of whom suffered carnal abuse from their fathers. We could each, I am certain, tell our own story of encounters with darkness; experienced through hatred, pride, or total selfishness.
Thank Jesus for being your Light! We who enjoy the blessing of living where we can see clearly, where we have the power to deal with sin and temptation, can never forget where God found us. "You were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!" (Ephesians 5:8, NLT)
Do you ever have the sense that the light you shine in your family, your office, or the world around you is not really all that important? Think again. Your life could be the star by which another navigates his way to the Bright and Morning Star. Christ’s kingdom influences the world quietly and persistently, changing one heart at a time. Each of us, though small and not all that significant by ourselves, has a part in the process. We let the light of His holiness, His wholeness, shine through us.
Your world is waiting for you to shine! Here’s the word from the Word again. Take the calling to heart. "Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night." (Philippians 2:15-16, The Message)
_______________
This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine,
Let it shine.
Let it shine ‘til Jesus comes,
I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine ‘til Jesus comes,
I’m gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine,
Let it shine.
- Public domain
Shine brightly! Disciple, we must for this world is a dark place. I watched a documentary film recently that told the story of children in Cambodia who are sold by their own parents into sex slavery for $10/month! Silent tears slid down my face as I heard young girls tell of the depravity of those who used and abused them, of their hatred of their mothers who gave them up to such a life. My daughter told me of the unspeakable depravity she sees that has ruined the lives of her young clients, many of whom suffered carnal abuse from their fathers. We could each, I am certain, tell our own story of encounters with darkness; experienced through hatred, pride, or total selfishness.
Thank Jesus for being your Light! We who enjoy the blessing of living where we can see clearly, where we have the power to deal with sin and temptation, can never forget where God found us. "You were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!" (Ephesians 5:8, NLT)
Do you ever have the sense that the light you shine in your family, your office, or the world around you is not really all that important? Think again. Your life could be the star by which another navigates his way to the Bright and Morning Star. Christ’s kingdom influences the world quietly and persistently, changing one heart at a time. Each of us, though small and not all that significant by ourselves, has a part in the process. We let the light of His holiness, His wholeness, shine through us.
Your world is waiting for you to shine! Here’s the word from the Word again. Take the calling to heart. "Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night." (Philippians 2:15-16, The Message)
_______________
This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine,
Let it shine.
Let it shine ‘til Jesus comes,
I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine ‘til Jesus comes,
I’m gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine,
Let it shine.
- Public domain
Monday, September 27, 2010
A Magic Bullet
Do you ever wish for a magic bullet, a one shot solution that solves a problem forever? I do! I’d like to preach one sermon that answers all the needs of the people in the pews, bring one ministry into being that could lead all of the people to a vibrant relationship with the Lord, or find the one tool that would assure that the work I do is always effective. You’re smiling, aren’t you? You’re right. There is no magic bullet!
Meeting life’s challenges requires steady effort, a persistent press against the natural tendency for all things to slide towards decay! Thanks to sin’s entry into Creation, flowers in our garden must be fed and watered. Weeds grow without care. The Word instructs us about this effort: "Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." (Hebrews 12:1, NLT) The Spirit’s counsel is not to look for a magic bullet. Instead, God tells me to stick with the program: "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." (Hebrews 10:36, NIV) Perseverance. Endurance. These words mean the ability “to persist in spite of opposing force,” and “to stand up under the pressure of adversity or stress.” It may seem that success comes to the ‘lucky’ or the talented. The fact is that success, which God defines as “finishing well,” comes to those who courageously stick with responsibility or relationship even when it hard!
It is important to do a heart check in all this. Stubbornness and conviction are next-door neighbors. The former is born of self, the latter of principle. There is a time to listen to wise counsel that points to the necessity of change. Only a stubborn fool takes pride in his unyielding commitment to a lost cause. A wise person holds onto the will of God, following Him into tomorrow, with his hope founded squarely on faith in the Promise of the Kingdom’s fulfillment.
Want to develop maturity of faith? Endure!
Need to see that teen-age son through the storms? Persevere!
Involved in some service or ministry that is stalled? Steady on!
Struggling to conquer a habit that cripples you? Don’t yield ground!
"We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up." (Hebrews 12:2-3, NLT)
_____________________
When the valley is deep
When the mountain is steep
When the body is weary
When we stumble and fall
When the choices are hard
When we're battered and scarred
When we've spent our resources
When we've given our all
In Jesus' name, we press on
In Jesus' name, we press on
Dear Lord, with the prize
Clear before our eyes
We find the strength to press on
Press On
Dan Burgess
Meeting life’s challenges requires steady effort, a persistent press against the natural tendency for all things to slide towards decay! Thanks to sin’s entry into Creation, flowers in our garden must be fed and watered. Weeds grow without care. The Word instructs us about this effort: "Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." (Hebrews 12:1, NLT) The Spirit’s counsel is not to look for a magic bullet. Instead, God tells me to stick with the program: "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." (Hebrews 10:36, NIV) Perseverance. Endurance. These words mean the ability “to persist in spite of opposing force,” and “to stand up under the pressure of adversity or stress.” It may seem that success comes to the ‘lucky’ or the talented. The fact is that success, which God defines as “finishing well,” comes to those who courageously stick with responsibility or relationship even when it hard!
It is important to do a heart check in all this. Stubbornness and conviction are next-door neighbors. The former is born of self, the latter of principle. There is a time to listen to wise counsel that points to the necessity of change. Only a stubborn fool takes pride in his unyielding commitment to a lost cause. A wise person holds onto the will of God, following Him into tomorrow, with his hope founded squarely on faith in the Promise of the Kingdom’s fulfillment.
Want to develop maturity of faith? Endure!
Need to see that teen-age son through the storms? Persevere!
Involved in some service or ministry that is stalled? Steady on!
Struggling to conquer a habit that cripples you? Don’t yield ground!
"We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up." (Hebrews 12:2-3, NLT)
_____________________
When the valley is deep
When the mountain is steep
When the body is weary
When we stumble and fall
When the choices are hard
When we're battered and scarred
When we've spent our resources
When we've given our all
In Jesus' name, we press on
In Jesus' name, we press on
Dear Lord, with the prize
Clear before our eyes
We find the strength to press on
Press On
Dan Burgess
Friday, September 24, 2010
Do you smell good?
When I go to Mom Catalano's house, I know when she's cooking turnips because to me, they stink! But, that awful smell also means there's a great roast beef meal in the making. Curious, isn't it? The smell of cooking turnips, which I hate, announces a feast of roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, and baked potatoes which I love!
The fragrance some people wear announces their presence before they enter the room. I always knew when my friend, Dean, was in my church before I laid eyes on him, because of the unique cologne he wore. When he died suddenly years ago, I went to his home to pick up clothing for his burial. As his wife opened his closet the familiar fragrance swept over me. Tears flowed! I wanted to see him walk through the door once again, saying “Hello, Pastor!” as he had done so many times before!
The Word says, “... wherever we go He uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Good News like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a fragrance presented by Christ to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those being saved and by those perishing. To those who are perishing we are a fearful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?” (2 Corinthians 2:14-16 NLT)
What 'fragrance' will you leave behind in the rooms you pass through on this day?
Will people 'smell' the sweet perfume of the holiness of Jesus on you?
As the Word reminds us, the odor of Christ in our lives will not always be a welcomed fragrance! To those who are in open rebellion, the smell of Christ on us will be a reminder of pending judgment and Hell - a stench of death!
"And who is adequate for such a task as this?"
Paul implies that we can't splash on a little "Jesus" perfume to cover the stink of persistent and deliberate sin! The fragrance of Christ permeates our lives ONLY WHEN we have spent time with Him, soaking in His Spirit which lets His character be created in us! Sit down and rest in His Presence. Invite Him to be near, yes, to live in you. Then, your inadequacy will be wrapped and covered by His Presence. The 'fragrance' that trails you will be the sweet smell of LIFE, both pleasing to God and those who love Him!
_________________
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,
All His wonderful passion and purity.
O my Savior divine, all my nature refine,
‘Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.
Albert Orbson, public domain
The fragrance some people wear announces their presence before they enter the room. I always knew when my friend, Dean, was in my church before I laid eyes on him, because of the unique cologne he wore. When he died suddenly years ago, I went to his home to pick up clothing for his burial. As his wife opened his closet the familiar fragrance swept over me. Tears flowed! I wanted to see him walk through the door once again, saying “Hello, Pastor!” as he had done so many times before!
The Word says, “... wherever we go He uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Good News like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a fragrance presented by Christ to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those being saved and by those perishing. To those who are perishing we are a fearful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?” (2 Corinthians 2:14-16 NLT)
What 'fragrance' will you leave behind in the rooms you pass through on this day?
Will people 'smell' the sweet perfume of the holiness of Jesus on you?
As the Word reminds us, the odor of Christ in our lives will not always be a welcomed fragrance! To those who are in open rebellion, the smell of Christ on us will be a reminder of pending judgment and Hell - a stench of death!
"And who is adequate for such a task as this?"
Paul implies that we can't splash on a little "Jesus" perfume to cover the stink of persistent and deliberate sin! The fragrance of Christ permeates our lives ONLY WHEN we have spent time with Him, soaking in His Spirit which lets His character be created in us! Sit down and rest in His Presence. Invite Him to be near, yes, to live in you. Then, your inadequacy will be wrapped and covered by His Presence. The 'fragrance' that trails you will be the sweet smell of LIFE, both pleasing to God and those who love Him!
_________________
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,
All His wonderful passion and purity.
O my Savior divine, all my nature refine,
‘Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.
Albert Orbson, public domain
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Not a nice essay
This is an ugly piece of writing and not because of poor grammar. The subject is painfully ugly. America is sex-berserk! Two stories hit ABC news last night. The first was about another mega-church pastor from Atlanta who has been sued by several young men in his congregation who allege he has them, and many others over the years, as his own sex toys. The second was about a young upper middle class girl from Portland, OR whose daddy left the family for an 18 year old. The girl started looking for a father-figure and a pimp found her, turning her, at age 13, into a prostitute and dancer in strip clubs! That story is sad on so many levels – a father who fails miserably, a man who exploits a little girl’s need for love, and all the men who paid for her. There is seldom a day that our local newspaper does not carry a story about rape or molestation.
One writer says we have become a ‘porn’ culture. Psychiatrist Mary Ann Layden says that “people who never use porn end up bearing its costs. That includes wives, who are held up to impossible sexual standards and are as robbed of sexual intimacy as their addicted husbands are. That also includes teenage girls, who are being taught by the entertainment industry and boyfriends that being a woman is about being hypersexual for others.” (An Equal Opportunity Destroyer -http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/September) We are deceived by a lie that makes our genitals our god. One could reasonably conclude that for millions of us the meaning of life is that ability to experience sexual pleasure without regard for the pain it might bring to our spouse, our kids, our city, or even ourselves!
Sex is a gift of God. He created us with the desire to be sexual. I am not ranting as a prude who wants all sex to go away. Within the confines of a covenanted marital relationship, when a man and a woman offer themselves to each other in a selfless love, sex is a beautiful bond of intimacy. That needs to be celebrated and the Scripture does! No real student of the Bible can argue that God hates sex! "Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery." (Hebrews 13:4, NLT)
As Christians we need to change the conversation in at least two ways starting from that passage’s premise.
First, we need to honor marriage. We need to take seriously the admonition of Scripture to love (including physically!) our spouse, modeling a pure sexuality before our world and our kids!
Second, we must refute the lie that better sex is non-marital sex. When was the last time that you saw a happy, well-adjusted, sexually mature couple portrayed in a film or TV program? Hard to remember, isn’t it?
Repression of sex is not the answer. The drive is too strong to ignore. Instead, the issue needs to be addressed courageously, with maturity, and honesty. We need to speak up and remind the filthy mouthed guy with whom we work that he’s being a little boy about his sexuality. We need to speak to the adulterous person about the great cost of their immorality. We need to put sex back into healthy marriage relationships where it can be what God intended it to be, a part of a whole life of love, instead of making it the main course. And we need to remind people that they can govern their impulses, that they can live whole and beautiful lives without venturing into the ‘porn’ world that our culture has become.
Here’s a word from the Word.
"All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus’ life as a model for our own.
All who indulge in a sinful life are dangerously lawless, for sin is a major disruption of God’s order.
Surely you know that Christ showed up in order to get rid of sin. There is no sin in him, and sin is not part of his program.
No one who lives deeply in Christ makes a practice of sin. None of those who do practice sin have taken a good look at Christ. They’ve got him all backward.
So, my dear children, don’t let anyone divert you from the truth. It’s the person who acts right who is right, just as we see it lived out in our righteous Messiah."
(1 John 3:3-7, The Message)
One writer says we have become a ‘porn’ culture. Psychiatrist Mary Ann Layden says that “people who never use porn end up bearing its costs. That includes wives, who are held up to impossible sexual standards and are as robbed of sexual intimacy as their addicted husbands are. That also includes teenage girls, who are being taught by the entertainment industry and boyfriends that being a woman is about being hypersexual for others.” (An Equal Opportunity Destroyer -http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/September) We are deceived by a lie that makes our genitals our god. One could reasonably conclude that for millions of us the meaning of life is that ability to experience sexual pleasure without regard for the pain it might bring to our spouse, our kids, our city, or even ourselves!
Sex is a gift of God. He created us with the desire to be sexual. I am not ranting as a prude who wants all sex to go away. Within the confines of a covenanted marital relationship, when a man and a woman offer themselves to each other in a selfless love, sex is a beautiful bond of intimacy. That needs to be celebrated and the Scripture does! No real student of the Bible can argue that God hates sex! "Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery." (Hebrews 13:4, NLT)
As Christians we need to change the conversation in at least two ways starting from that passage’s premise.
First, we need to honor marriage. We need to take seriously the admonition of Scripture to love (including physically!) our spouse, modeling a pure sexuality before our world and our kids!
Second, we must refute the lie that better sex is non-marital sex. When was the last time that you saw a happy, well-adjusted, sexually mature couple portrayed in a film or TV program? Hard to remember, isn’t it?
Repression of sex is not the answer. The drive is too strong to ignore. Instead, the issue needs to be addressed courageously, with maturity, and honesty. We need to speak up and remind the filthy mouthed guy with whom we work that he’s being a little boy about his sexuality. We need to speak to the adulterous person about the great cost of their immorality. We need to put sex back into healthy marriage relationships where it can be what God intended it to be, a part of a whole life of love, instead of making it the main course. And we need to remind people that they can govern their impulses, that they can live whole and beautiful lives without venturing into the ‘porn’ world that our culture has become.
Here’s a word from the Word.
"All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus’ life as a model for our own.
All who indulge in a sinful life are dangerously lawless, for sin is a major disruption of God’s order.
Surely you know that Christ showed up in order to get rid of sin. There is no sin in him, and sin is not part of his program.
No one who lives deeply in Christ makes a practice of sin. None of those who do practice sin have taken a good look at Christ. They’ve got him all backward.
So, my dear children, don’t let anyone divert you from the truth. It’s the person who acts right who is right, just as we see it lived out in our righteous Messiah."
(1 John 3:3-7, The Message)
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Can these bones live again?
Ezekiel’s famous vision of ‘dry bones’ defines revival for me! The prophet saw a valley full of old, dry bones and at the Lord’s command, preached the Word of the Lord to those bones. Before his eyes they rattled, arranged into skeletons, took on flesh; and the wind of the Spirit blew over them restoring life. What a vision. “Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord!" (Ezekiel 37:4, NLT) "So I spoke the message as he commanded me, and breath came into their bodies. They all came to life and stood up on their feet—a great army." (Ezekiel 37:10, NLT)
Revival is not a series of church meetings that bring a passing surge of emotion or enthusiasm. Revival is not a resurgence of some great moral cause, nor is it the renewal of commitment to a building or program. Revival is not recovering some moment of personal glory or even the restoration of youthful vigor! I would love to see some of those things happen in my life! But, what I truly desire is that dry bones will live again by the Spirit, prepared to go out to this generation to do the work of God in this time, as He purposes it to be done.
Do you desire revival, disciple?
Does your life resemble a valley of dry bones?
Review these promises and see what God will do.
"Won’t you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you?" (Psalm 85:6, NLT)
“O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years.” (Habakkuk 3:2, KJV)
"For this is what the high and lofty One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite." (Isaiah 57:15, NIV)
“Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds. In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence." (Hosea 6:1-2, NLT)
We cannot produce revival!
It is a huge mistake to think that we can make it happen. We can prepare for revival, however. How?
First, we pray. In our prayers we confess our desire and ask the Lord to send the rain that refreshes.
Second, we humble ourselves, acknowledging Who He is – Majesty enthroned - and we are – His children in need.
Third, we turn to Him; “here I am, Lord; all that I am, all that I am not. It is You I desire more than anything or anyone.”
Here’s the word from the Word. May it live in you, the seed from which the promise grows.
“Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’ Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God:
“Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves.
I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it,” says the Lord.’ ” (Ezekiel 37:11-14, NKJV)
_____________________
Revival is not a series of church meetings that bring a passing surge of emotion or enthusiasm. Revival is not a resurgence of some great moral cause, nor is it the renewal of commitment to a building or program. Revival is not recovering some moment of personal glory or even the restoration of youthful vigor! I would love to see some of those things happen in my life! But, what I truly desire is that dry bones will live again by the Spirit, prepared to go out to this generation to do the work of God in this time, as He purposes it to be done.
Do you desire revival, disciple?
Does your life resemble a valley of dry bones?
Review these promises and see what God will do.
"Won’t you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you?" (Psalm 85:6, NLT)
“O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years.” (Habakkuk 3:2, KJV)
"For this is what the high and lofty One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite." (Isaiah 57:15, NIV)
“Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds. In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence." (Hosea 6:1-2, NLT)
We cannot produce revival!
It is a huge mistake to think that we can make it happen. We can prepare for revival, however. How?
First, we pray. In our prayers we confess our desire and ask the Lord to send the rain that refreshes.
Second, we humble ourselves, acknowledging Who He is – Majesty enthroned - and we are – His children in need.
Third, we turn to Him; “here I am, Lord; all that I am, all that I am not. It is You I desire more than anything or anyone.”
Here’s the word from the Word. May it live in you, the seed from which the promise grows.
“Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’ Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God:
“Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves.
I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it,” says the Lord.’ ” (Ezekiel 37:11-14, NKJV)
_____________________
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Over-thinking prayer?
The old proverb advises us not to ‘miss the forest for the trees.’ We can miss the main idea if we become obsessed with some detail. We can become anxious and bypass an obvious solution when we focus so tightly that the whole picture goes out of view. Somebody told me that they received a beautiful picture in their email but couldn’t enjoy it because ‘all I could see was the eye!’ They didn’t know how to scale back the view and so only saw a tiny fraction of the photo!
Disciple, our Father in Heaven extends this amazing privilege to us: prayer. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6, NIV) Another passage tells us to "Come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." (Hebrews 4:16, NLT) We don’t have to go to some intermediary. We don’t have to go to some holy place, work up a special state of mind, or wait for a certain day or time. Wherever we are, whatever is on our mind, we can take to the Lord in prayer!
Some Christians rob themselves of this precious privilege by over-thinking prayer! “What do I say? Should I stand or kneel? Must I bow my head or look to Heavens?” They approach prayer like a boy approaches his first kiss; with equal measures of anticipated delight and terror. That boy misses several opportunities to kiss a girl while he’s thinking through the steps he thinks are necessary. Then, one starry night, he forgets himself and before he knows it, their lips have met before he even has time to think about whether their noses will get in the way.
Let’s open our hearts to our Father, coming near to Him in adoration. You need not rally a thousand co-prayers to find an answer. You don’t need to rush off to some meeting or revival preacher’s gathering to touch the heart of your Abba (Daddy) in Heaven. Is your heart full of fear? Tell Him. Is there a joy you want to share? Thank Him. Is there a need weighing on you? Ask Him about it. Don’t over-think it. Just talk with Him with the earnestness of a beloved child, which is exactly who you are in His household.
Here’s a word from the Word. May it inspire greater amounts of expectant prayer in your life. "The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. Elijah, for instance, human just like us, prayed hard that it wouldn’t rain, and it didn’t—not a drop for three and a half years. Then he prayed that it would rain, and it did. The showers came and everything started growing again." (James 5:16-18, The Message)
_____________
Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us;
For we need You to help us find our way.
Gentle Shepherd, come and feed us;
For we need Your strength from day to day.
There's no other we can turn to
Who can help us face another day.
Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us;
For we need You to help us find our way.
Gentle Shepherd
Gaither, William J. / Gaither, Gloria
© 1974 William J. Gaither, Inc. ARR UBP of Gaither Copyright Management
CCLI License No. 810055
Disciple, our Father in Heaven extends this amazing privilege to us: prayer. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6, NIV) Another passage tells us to "Come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." (Hebrews 4:16, NLT) We don’t have to go to some intermediary. We don’t have to go to some holy place, work up a special state of mind, or wait for a certain day or time. Wherever we are, whatever is on our mind, we can take to the Lord in prayer!
Some Christians rob themselves of this precious privilege by over-thinking prayer! “What do I say? Should I stand or kneel? Must I bow my head or look to Heavens?” They approach prayer like a boy approaches his first kiss; with equal measures of anticipated delight and terror. That boy misses several opportunities to kiss a girl while he’s thinking through the steps he thinks are necessary. Then, one starry night, he forgets himself and before he knows it, their lips have met before he even has time to think about whether their noses will get in the way.
Let’s open our hearts to our Father, coming near to Him in adoration. You need not rally a thousand co-prayers to find an answer. You don’t need to rush off to some meeting or revival preacher’s gathering to touch the heart of your Abba (Daddy) in Heaven. Is your heart full of fear? Tell Him. Is there a joy you want to share? Thank Him. Is there a need weighing on you? Ask Him about it. Don’t over-think it. Just talk with Him with the earnestness of a beloved child, which is exactly who you are in His household.
Here’s a word from the Word. May it inspire greater amounts of expectant prayer in your life. "The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. Elijah, for instance, human just like us, prayed hard that it wouldn’t rain, and it didn’t—not a drop for three and a half years. Then he prayed that it would rain, and it did. The showers came and everything started growing again." (James 5:16-18, The Message)
_____________
Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us;
For we need You to help us find our way.
Gentle Shepherd, come and feed us;
For we need Your strength from day to day.
There's no other we can turn to
Who can help us face another day.
Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us;
For we need You to help us find our way.
Gentle Shepherd
Gaither, William J. / Gaither, Gloria
© 1974 William J. Gaither, Inc. ARR UBP of Gaither Copyright Management
CCLI License No. 810055
Monday, September 20, 2010
Today – will you live in it?
That opening line might seem silly to you, your response being, “What choice do I have?” You could try to relive yesterday’s glories or attempt to erase some ugly blot that stains the record. You lean forward, reaching for tomorrow’s resources or anticipated rewards. Both are sure ways to miss out on today!
Lewis Smedes made a useful analogy about living in the day. “My date book has become a parable … When I get out a new one, I see page after page of blank squares, each representing a day of my life. Each square bounded by four solid lines. My job is to fill up each of the squares with all the things that I do every day. When I get one square nicely filled, at the magic moment of midnight, an invisible door opens and I am silently slurped into the next square where I do it all over again. My life - filling up the squares.” He went on to explain that there is no door to yesterday. It is sealed! The door to tomorrow cannot be kicked open early no matter how frantically we try.
Jesus teaches us to live in the moment. His words are deeply challenging to those of us who are pressed to plan for every contingency, to devise strategies for success. His words are not a condemnation of prudent preparation, but they are a warning about attempting to live outside of the boundaries of this day. He taught us to pray "Give us today our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11, NIV) and then promises if you "Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions … You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met." (Matthew 6:33, The Message) His conclusion is both a challenge and an invitation to peace: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34, NIV)
So, leave the sins of your past with Christ Jesus, accepting His forgiveness. Entrust your future to His providence, even as you accept His wisdom for today. Practice being fully present today. Don’t let conversations happen while you are already moving on to the next encounter. Engage, don’t drift! Pray prayers of gratitude and acceptance that allow you to make the most of today’s opportunities. Rich, poor, young, and old – there is one thing we all have in common – today.
Here is a word from the Word. May the wisdom of the Spirit make it a way of life for us. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galatians 6:9-10, NIV)
_____________
Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure,
Give unto each day what He deems best;
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Ev'ry day the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,
He whose name is Counselor and Pow'r.
The protection of His child and treasure,
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
"As your days, your strength shall be in measure,"
This the pledge to me He made.
Day By Day
Berg, Carolina Sandell / Ahnfelt, Oscar / Skoog, Andrew
© Public Domain
Lewis Smedes made a useful analogy about living in the day. “My date book has become a parable … When I get out a new one, I see page after page of blank squares, each representing a day of my life. Each square bounded by four solid lines. My job is to fill up each of the squares with all the things that I do every day. When I get one square nicely filled, at the magic moment of midnight, an invisible door opens and I am silently slurped into the next square where I do it all over again. My life - filling up the squares.” He went on to explain that there is no door to yesterday. It is sealed! The door to tomorrow cannot be kicked open early no matter how frantically we try.
Jesus teaches us to live in the moment. His words are deeply challenging to those of us who are pressed to plan for every contingency, to devise strategies for success. His words are not a condemnation of prudent preparation, but they are a warning about attempting to live outside of the boundaries of this day. He taught us to pray "Give us today our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11, NIV) and then promises if you "Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions … You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met." (Matthew 6:33, The Message) His conclusion is both a challenge and an invitation to peace: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34, NIV)
So, leave the sins of your past with Christ Jesus, accepting His forgiveness. Entrust your future to His providence, even as you accept His wisdom for today. Practice being fully present today. Don’t let conversations happen while you are already moving on to the next encounter. Engage, don’t drift! Pray prayers of gratitude and acceptance that allow you to make the most of today’s opportunities. Rich, poor, young, and old – there is one thing we all have in common – today.
Here is a word from the Word. May the wisdom of the Spirit make it a way of life for us. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galatians 6:9-10, NIV)
_____________
Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure,
Give unto each day what He deems best;
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Ev'ry day the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,
He whose name is Counselor and Pow'r.
The protection of His child and treasure,
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
"As your days, your strength shall be in measure,"
This the pledge to me He made.
Day By Day
Berg, Carolina Sandell / Ahnfelt, Oscar / Skoog, Andrew
© Public Domain
Friday, September 17, 2010
Are you worthless?
A nagging thought sometimes forms at the edge of consciousness: "Jerry, are you growing obsolete? Are your ideas and skills of value in a world that re-invents itself every couple of years?" It’s a Self thing, and I repent when I let it take over. Still, I know that I am not unique in that temptation. Feeling undervalued, overlooked, or useless is a problem I hear about often from those with whom I counsel. Young mothers can feel useless when their life becomes consumed with mini-vans, diapers, and runny noses. People who live with chronic illness often feel useless. The aged sometimes feel forgotten. Those who can’t 'fit in' at their church, school, or place of work because of social awkwardness often feel rejected and worthless. Those feelings are not just imagined, are they? Ours is a world that is very clear in marking who is 'in' and who is 'out!'
Fact! We don't have to be young, smart, thin, chic, healthy, or rich, to be useful to our Lord or valuable in this world. Do you think you must lead a group, sing a song, write a poem, or inspire thousands to be valued in the Kingdom of God? It true that some disciples occupy more prominent positions than others. Some remain hidden away even as they are given critically important assignments. Tragically, too often we crave recognition more than calling! In our culture of celebrity, being known is the prize most valued by many, but does a thousand voices yelling our name mean we have true value? Not in God’s economy.
Give Jesus Christ control of your life and invite the Spirit to clean away the dirt of sin and Self. Then, you will be God’s own treasure! The Words says: "In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work." (2 Timothy 2:20-22, NLT)
It is important to remember that the Lord equips each of us with spiritual gifts and calls us to serve. His purpose, however, is to build His Kingdom, not to make us famous or to build up our self-esteem. The paradox about being content is this: when we forget ourselves, set aside pride, and serve for His glory; the by-product is fulfillment. If you chase happiness, it will probably always be just out of reach. If you pursue faithfulness to the call of God, satisfaction will find you.
__________________
A vessel of honor for God,
A vessel of honor for God.
Sanctified, wholly, so I might be,
A vessel of honor for God.
Vessel of Honor
© 1981 Garpax Music Press (Admin. by Copyright Management, Inc.)
Denny Duron
CCLI License No. 810055
Fact! We don't have to be young, smart, thin, chic, healthy, or rich, to be useful to our Lord or valuable in this world. Do you think you must lead a group, sing a song, write a poem, or inspire thousands to be valued in the Kingdom of God? It true that some disciples occupy more prominent positions than others. Some remain hidden away even as they are given critically important assignments. Tragically, too often we crave recognition more than calling! In our culture of celebrity, being known is the prize most valued by many, but does a thousand voices yelling our name mean we have true value? Not in God’s economy.
Give Jesus Christ control of your life and invite the Spirit to clean away the dirt of sin and Self. Then, you will be God’s own treasure! The Words says: "In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work." (2 Timothy 2:20-22, NLT)
It is important to remember that the Lord equips each of us with spiritual gifts and calls us to serve. His purpose, however, is to build His Kingdom, not to make us famous or to build up our self-esteem. The paradox about being content is this: when we forget ourselves, set aside pride, and serve for His glory; the by-product is fulfillment. If you chase happiness, it will probably always be just out of reach. If you pursue faithfulness to the call of God, satisfaction will find you.
__________________
A vessel of honor for God,
A vessel of honor for God.
Sanctified, wholly, so I might be,
A vessel of honor for God.
Vessel of Honor
© 1981 Garpax Music Press (Admin. by Copyright Management, Inc.)
Denny Duron
CCLI License No. 810055
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Giving away your blessings?
At 5 am today, I awakened to a flood of concerns: my Mom’s health, wondering how best to lead the church I pastor, some major problems that are plaguing some of my congregants, the failure of a contractor do to a good job on a project at the church, etc. The temptation was to let anxiety take over, to seek some quick fixes, to complain, or to run! Does that ever happen to you?
Jonah, the run-away prophet, heard God’s call to preach to the city of Nineveh. He refused to go and tell them to repent from their evil ways. He didn’t think they were worth salvation. God belonged to the children of Abraham exclusively, so he thought. Besides that, he was worried about the future of his country if the Assyrians were not destroyed since that empire was growing in strength on the northern borders of Israel. Jonah shut God out and bought a ticket on a boat to far away Tarshish. You remember the story! God sent a storm and the prophet ended up tossed into the ocean, where a big fish swallowed him. He recounts, “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you." (Jonah 2:7, NIV) But it is the next line that arrests my attention: “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs." (Jonah 2:8, NIV) In choosing to serve Self, Jonah gave away his blessings and found himself in desperate straits!
Are you ‘clinging to worthless idols?’
Do not make the mistake of thinking only in terms of little god figurines. Idols come in many forms! Are you trying to solve life’s riddles with self-help books? Are you seeking meaning and purpose in things that are destined to perish like money, sex, or power? Are you substituting your own wisdom for God’s true wisdom? Then, you, like Jonah, are giving away God’s grace!
Early this day, I gave my concerns to my Father. I asked for His insight, for courage to wrestle with the challenges of this day. He met me with peace! I will still go to work today, still have to confront the challenges, but not alone, nor without divine resources.
Here is a word from the Word. Thank the Lord for the promise and take the grace that is your heritage as His child.
"Don’t chase after ghost-gods. There’s nothing to them. They can’t help you. They’re nothing but ghost-gods!
God, simply because of who he is, is not going to walk off and leave his people. God took delight in making you into his very own people." (1 Samuel 12:21-22, The Message)
_________________
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song!
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground;
Firm, through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the pow'r of Christ in me!
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand.
Till he returns or calls me home,
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand!
In Christ Alone
Townsend © King's Way - Thank You
Jonah, the run-away prophet, heard God’s call to preach to the city of Nineveh. He refused to go and tell them to repent from their evil ways. He didn’t think they were worth salvation. God belonged to the children of Abraham exclusively, so he thought. Besides that, he was worried about the future of his country if the Assyrians were not destroyed since that empire was growing in strength on the northern borders of Israel. Jonah shut God out and bought a ticket on a boat to far away Tarshish. You remember the story! God sent a storm and the prophet ended up tossed into the ocean, where a big fish swallowed him. He recounts, “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you." (Jonah 2:7, NIV) But it is the next line that arrests my attention: “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs." (Jonah 2:8, NIV) In choosing to serve Self, Jonah gave away his blessings and found himself in desperate straits!
Are you ‘clinging to worthless idols?’
Do not make the mistake of thinking only in terms of little god figurines. Idols come in many forms! Are you trying to solve life’s riddles with self-help books? Are you seeking meaning and purpose in things that are destined to perish like money, sex, or power? Are you substituting your own wisdom for God’s true wisdom? Then, you, like Jonah, are giving away God’s grace!
Early this day, I gave my concerns to my Father. I asked for His insight, for courage to wrestle with the challenges of this day. He met me with peace! I will still go to work today, still have to confront the challenges, but not alone, nor without divine resources.
Here is a word from the Word. Thank the Lord for the promise and take the grace that is your heritage as His child.
"Don’t chase after ghost-gods. There’s nothing to them. They can’t help you. They’re nothing but ghost-gods!
God, simply because of who he is, is not going to walk off and leave his people. God took delight in making you into his very own people." (1 Samuel 12:21-22, The Message)
_________________
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song!
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground;
Firm, through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the pow'r of Christ in me!
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand.
Till he returns or calls me home,
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand!
In Christ Alone
Townsend © King's Way - Thank You
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
A fool in the eyes of most
My Mom, recently diagnosed with advanced lung cancer, spent much time praying and contemplating her medical choices. When we met the oncologist on Monday, she told the doctor that she was going to forego standard medical treatment at this time. The young physician’s eyes widened in disbelief. It was obvious she thought Mom’s choice to be foolish! Naturally thinking, perhaps it is. However, it was not a decision made in fear, nor is she ignoring the possible consequence of an earlier death, nor is she suicidal! She is wisely able to deal with mortality and firmly has her final hope already fixed in heaven. Mom went to a higher Counselor and gained His insight, which sees beyond tomorrow. Should every disciple make the choice she made? Not at all! My point is that she is doing what many think to be irrational because she is centered in faith in the eternal.
When we put ourselves in the care of the Heavenly Father, set our hope on the Resurrection Life promised through Christ Jesus, and make our treasure the things of the Spirit- we will do some really ‘foolish’ things. We will offer forgiveness when hatred makes the most sense. We will live and work in a place where we can do the Lord’s work, rather than where we can make the most money. We will work on true beauty of character rather than trying so hard to be physically attractive. We will seek purity and holiness instead of indulging every sensual appetite. And, we will have to accept the scorn that will inevitably be heaped on us.
I heard a radio personality discussing moral standards and he laughed dismissively at those who still held to the ‘archaic, prudish, and ignorant’ ideals of life-long monogamy. He went on to tell how there were just so many opportunities to explore relationships with others in this mobile world that people just had to accept that either one’s spouse would have to tolerate some philandering on the side, or the new norm would be several marriages in a lifetime. After all, he insisted, who could expect a anyone to be satisfied by the same person for 50 years? His comments were met with applause. Sorry, Dr., but I will subjugate the temptations that are natural to my human nature to the will of God and be guided by the will of God so that not only can I know the joy of a deep and intimate relationship with my wife, but also please my God. I am sure he would call me naïve and a fool!
"We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ!" (1 Corinthians 4:10, NIV) So, Paul sarcastically addresses the ‘worldly wise’ Christians in the church of Corinth. His words echo to us today who are confronted with the same label if we choose a live that is centered on God and His will. Are you ready to be dismissed as a ‘fool’ because you radically trust and serve Jesus Christ?
Here’s a word from the Word for your thoughts today. I pray that the Spirit will use it to pierce our pretensions, to guide us to true wisdom.
"Don’t fool yourself. Don’t think that you can be wise merely by being up-to-date with the times. Be God’s fool—that’s the path to true wisdom. What the world calls smart, God calls stupid. It’s written in Scripture, He exposes the chicanery of the chic. The Master sees through the smoke screens of the know-it-alls. … you are privileged to be in union with Christ, who is in union with God.
Don’t imagine us leaders to be something we aren’t. We are servants of Christ, not his masters. We are guides into God’s most sublime secrets, not security guards posted to protect them. The requirements for a good guide are reliability and accurate knowledge. It matters very little to me what you think of me, even less where I rank in popular opinion. I don’t even rank myself. Comparisons in these matters are pointless." (1 Corinthians 3:18-4:3, The Message)
_____________
Now walk with God
And He will be
your dearest Friend
Where'er you go
In everything you do.
And may your life
Reflect His love to ev'ryone.
Now walk with God
And He will walk with you.
Now Walk With God
Skillings, Otis
© 1969 Lillenas Publishing Company (Admin. by The Copyright Company)
CCLI License No. 810055
When we put ourselves in the care of the Heavenly Father, set our hope on the Resurrection Life promised through Christ Jesus, and make our treasure the things of the Spirit- we will do some really ‘foolish’ things. We will offer forgiveness when hatred makes the most sense. We will live and work in a place where we can do the Lord’s work, rather than where we can make the most money. We will work on true beauty of character rather than trying so hard to be physically attractive. We will seek purity and holiness instead of indulging every sensual appetite. And, we will have to accept the scorn that will inevitably be heaped on us.
I heard a radio personality discussing moral standards and he laughed dismissively at those who still held to the ‘archaic, prudish, and ignorant’ ideals of life-long monogamy. He went on to tell how there were just so many opportunities to explore relationships with others in this mobile world that people just had to accept that either one’s spouse would have to tolerate some philandering on the side, or the new norm would be several marriages in a lifetime. After all, he insisted, who could expect a anyone to be satisfied by the same person for 50 years? His comments were met with applause. Sorry, Dr., but I will subjugate the temptations that are natural to my human nature to the will of God and be guided by the will of God so that not only can I know the joy of a deep and intimate relationship with my wife, but also please my God. I am sure he would call me naïve and a fool!
"We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ!" (1 Corinthians 4:10, NIV) So, Paul sarcastically addresses the ‘worldly wise’ Christians in the church of Corinth. His words echo to us today who are confronted with the same label if we choose a live that is centered on God and His will. Are you ready to be dismissed as a ‘fool’ because you radically trust and serve Jesus Christ?
Here’s a word from the Word for your thoughts today. I pray that the Spirit will use it to pierce our pretensions, to guide us to true wisdom.
"Don’t fool yourself. Don’t think that you can be wise merely by being up-to-date with the times. Be God’s fool—that’s the path to true wisdom. What the world calls smart, God calls stupid. It’s written in Scripture, He exposes the chicanery of the chic. The Master sees through the smoke screens of the know-it-alls. … you are privileged to be in union with Christ, who is in union with God.
Don’t imagine us leaders to be something we aren’t. We are servants of Christ, not his masters. We are guides into God’s most sublime secrets, not security guards posted to protect them. The requirements for a good guide are reliability and accurate knowledge. It matters very little to me what you think of me, even less where I rank in popular opinion. I don’t even rank myself. Comparisons in these matters are pointless." (1 Corinthians 3:18-4:3, The Message)
_____________
Now walk with God
And He will be
your dearest Friend
Where'er you go
In everything you do.
And may your life
Reflect His love to ev'ryone.
Now walk with God
And He will walk with you.
Now Walk With God
Skillings, Otis
© 1969 Lillenas Publishing Company (Admin. by The Copyright Company)
CCLI License No. 810055
Monday, September 13, 2010
Spend the night in sackcloth!
Few things ache like a guilty conscience. From childhood to old age, the pain of shame and guilt that follow doing wrong are as common as a cold. In a moment when our resolve is weak, we make a fateful choice. A cruel word can be uttered, an immoral choice made in just a moment’s time, but the memory is indelibly burned into our mind. “Why did I do it?” we ask; “What was I thinking?” Not far behind those thoughts comes the fear of discovery. “If I’m found out, what then?” Have you ever experienced that kind of torment? It takes away sleep at night, robs us of the ability to appreciate the most beautiful day, makes song like scraping of fingernails on a chalkboard in our ears.
King David, a man who loved God and yet sinned in the most egregious ways, describes the feelings that followed his sin. "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer." (Psalm 32:3-4, NIV)
All guilt is not bad! Guilty pain is God’s gift that calls on us to come back to right living. Sure, there is false guilt. Our conscience can be damaged, made too sensitive by constant criticism or scarred into uselessness by constant abuse. But, if our conscience is functioning in a healthy way, responsive to the Holy Spirit of God and informed by the truth, we should thank the Lord for the ache that comes when we cross the line from right to wrong.
That ache that David felt was assuaged when he made another important decision. Take a look. "Then I let it all out; I said, “I’ll make a clean breast of my failures to God.” Suddenly the pressure was gone— my guilt dissolved, my sin disappeared. These things add up. Every one of us needs to pray; when all hell breaks loose and the dam bursts we’ll be on high ground, untouched." (Psalm 32:5-6, The Message) Confession is so hard, yet so liberating! It allows us to experience God’s forgiveness. Often sincere confession will also win the forgiveness of another person, even those we have wronged in the most serious way.
Confession must be followed by something that seems largely absent in our culture of tolerance and relative standards: repentance. In my experience, I find that many desire the release from guilt and even regret their actions because of the negative consequences, but they feel little need to change their ways! The ancient people of God disobeyed the Lord, knew they were estranged from Him, confessed, but often failed to turn back to Him! They only wanted release from the consequences of their sins. They had no hunger for righteousness, no appetite for real holiness.
The prophet Joel tells us that we need to let ourselves feel sorrow for our sins and then to make real change in our lives. Read his call. "Come, spend the night in sackcloth, you who minister before my God; … (Joel 1:13, NIV) “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity." (Joel 2:12-13, NIV)
Is guilt over sins past plaguing you?
Are you alienated from the Lord who gives you peace, from His church that is your home?
Spend some time truly mourning your disobedience, but do not stay there! Go and own up to your sins, without excuse, without self-justification. Accept forgiveness, then take the steps that will produce real change of repentance. "God, the Master, The Holy of Israel, has this solemn counsel: “Your salvation requires you to turn back to me and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me. " (Isaiah 30:15, The Message)
_________________
King David, a man who loved God and yet sinned in the most egregious ways, describes the feelings that followed his sin. "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer." (Psalm 32:3-4, NIV)
All guilt is not bad! Guilty pain is God’s gift that calls on us to come back to right living. Sure, there is false guilt. Our conscience can be damaged, made too sensitive by constant criticism or scarred into uselessness by constant abuse. But, if our conscience is functioning in a healthy way, responsive to the Holy Spirit of God and informed by the truth, we should thank the Lord for the ache that comes when we cross the line from right to wrong.
That ache that David felt was assuaged when he made another important decision. Take a look. "Then I let it all out; I said, “I’ll make a clean breast of my failures to God.” Suddenly the pressure was gone— my guilt dissolved, my sin disappeared. These things add up. Every one of us needs to pray; when all hell breaks loose and the dam bursts we’ll be on high ground, untouched." (Psalm 32:5-6, The Message) Confession is so hard, yet so liberating! It allows us to experience God’s forgiveness. Often sincere confession will also win the forgiveness of another person, even those we have wronged in the most serious way.
Confession must be followed by something that seems largely absent in our culture of tolerance and relative standards: repentance. In my experience, I find that many desire the release from guilt and even regret their actions because of the negative consequences, but they feel little need to change their ways! The ancient people of God disobeyed the Lord, knew they were estranged from Him, confessed, but often failed to turn back to Him! They only wanted release from the consequences of their sins. They had no hunger for righteousness, no appetite for real holiness.
The prophet Joel tells us that we need to let ourselves feel sorrow for our sins and then to make real change in our lives. Read his call. "Come, spend the night in sackcloth, you who minister before my God; … (Joel 1:13, NIV) “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity." (Joel 2:12-13, NIV)
Is guilt over sins past plaguing you?
Are you alienated from the Lord who gives you peace, from His church that is your home?
Spend some time truly mourning your disobedience, but do not stay there! Go and own up to your sins, without excuse, without self-justification. Accept forgiveness, then take the steps that will produce real change of repentance. "God, the Master, The Holy of Israel, has this solemn counsel: “Your salvation requires you to turn back to me and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me. " (Isaiah 30:15, The Message)
_________________
Friday, September 10, 2010
Sunday Circus?
A circus makes us ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ by giving us a spectacle. There are noises, sparkly costumes, and bright colors splashed everywhere. It’s all designed to overwhelm our senses, a kind of sensory banquet that leaves us impressed. And, it works! We do not go to the circus to meditate and think deep thoughts about world peace. We go to see the elephants, the high wire acrobats, and the clowns tumbling as a diversion from the tedium of everyday life.
When you go to church are you looking for a circus? Are you content with loud music, novel presentations, and flashing lights? Or, do you desire a real moment of worship, an encounter with the Lord of Heaven? Noisy circus-like Christianity cannot change the world. Meeting with God will change me, you, and the world! Paul says that His Power 'is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come." (Ephesians 1:19-22, NIV) That power flows from deep inside of us, from holiness of heart, and deep intimacy with God. The very things we often mistake for 'spiritual revival' - the grand productions featuring 'God's man of power for the hour,' – can actually block an incredibly intimate, empowering experience of the Holy Spirit.
An old joke circulated among preachers relates that the pastor on reviewing his sermon notes wrote in the margins, "Point weak; shout loudly!" If we feel the need to rise to sweaty heights of emotional displays to cast down the strongholds of the devil, I fear the we have most likely fallen into circus-style religion. We have substituted the 'still, small voice' of the Holy Spirit with our amplified declarations, that echo meaninglessly into the caverns of evil!
Our desire must be for Jesus Christ, not a thrill of emotion. "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority." (Colossians 2:8-10, NIV)
Read it again, this time from The Message: “Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk. ... They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings. But that's not the way of Christ. Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly. You don't need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him. When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything.”
Friend, don't get taken in by the 'show.' Don't let fast-talkers take your heart (or your money) away from the true Source of your hope and your power. Walk with Jesus. If you feel manipulated, pushed, pulled, or overwhelmed by a 'ministry,' that feels more like a circus: RUN- don't walk- away! Find a place where they love the Spirit's voice.
"The Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says, "Only in returning to me and waiting for me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength." (Isaiah 30:15, NLT)
__________________________
Only In God
Only in God, is my soul at rest.
In Him, comes my salvation.
He only is my Rock,
My strength and my salvation.
Only in God is found safety,
When my enemy pursues me.
Only in God is found glory,
When I am found meek and found lowly.
My stronghold, my Savior, I shall not be afraid at all.
My stronghold, my Savior, I shall not be moved.
Only in God, is my soul at rest.
In Him, comes my salvation.
Author: Talbot, John Michael
Copyright: 1980 Birdwing Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing;
Admin. by BMG Music Publishing) / BMG Songs, Inc. (Mech) (Admin. by EMI
Christian Music Publishing; Admin. by BMG Music Publishing) CCLI License
No. 810055
When you go to church are you looking for a circus? Are you content with loud music, novel presentations, and flashing lights? Or, do you desire a real moment of worship, an encounter with the Lord of Heaven? Noisy circus-like Christianity cannot change the world. Meeting with God will change me, you, and the world! Paul says that His Power 'is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come." (Ephesians 1:19-22, NIV) That power flows from deep inside of us, from holiness of heart, and deep intimacy with God. The very things we often mistake for 'spiritual revival' - the grand productions featuring 'God's man of power for the hour,' – can actually block an incredibly intimate, empowering experience of the Holy Spirit.
An old joke circulated among preachers relates that the pastor on reviewing his sermon notes wrote in the margins, "Point weak; shout loudly!" If we feel the need to rise to sweaty heights of emotional displays to cast down the strongholds of the devil, I fear the we have most likely fallen into circus-style religion. We have substituted the 'still, small voice' of the Holy Spirit with our amplified declarations, that echo meaninglessly into the caverns of evil!
Our desire must be for Jesus Christ, not a thrill of emotion. "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority." (Colossians 2:8-10, NIV)
Read it again, this time from The Message: “Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk. ... They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings. But that's not the way of Christ. Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly. You don't need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him. When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything.”
Friend, don't get taken in by the 'show.' Don't let fast-talkers take your heart (or your money) away from the true Source of your hope and your power. Walk with Jesus. If you feel manipulated, pushed, pulled, or overwhelmed by a 'ministry,' that feels more like a circus: RUN- don't walk- away! Find a place where they love the Spirit's voice.
"The Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says, "Only in returning to me and waiting for me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength." (Isaiah 30:15, NLT)
__________________________
Only In God
Only in God, is my soul at rest.
In Him, comes my salvation.
He only is my Rock,
My strength and my salvation.
Only in God is found safety,
When my enemy pursues me.
Only in God is found glory,
When I am found meek and found lowly.
My stronghold, my Savior, I shall not be afraid at all.
My stronghold, my Savior, I shall not be moved.
Only in God, is my soul at rest.
In Him, comes my salvation.
Author: Talbot, John Michael
Copyright: 1980 Birdwing Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing;
Admin. by BMG Music Publishing) / BMG Songs, Inc. (Mech) (Admin. by EMI
Christian Music Publishing; Admin. by BMG Music Publishing) CCLI License
No. 810055
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