A little ritual has begun in our family where before leaving after a visit, Olivia (our three year old granddaughter) says 'goodbye' with "a hug and a kiss and a high-five". This has become her way of expressing her affection and sending us off with her very best. We never leave without overflowing with the joy that little ritual brings to our hearts.
Recently Olivia came to our house for a short visit again and as before (see blog Dec 10), the nativity set in the next door neighbor's yard captured her attention. When she got out of the car the first thing she said was, "I want to give God a hug and a kiss and a high-five". Grammy walked her next door where she went to each figure with a 'hug and a kiss and a high-five'. What had been a way of saying 'goodbye' to people special in her life had become her special way of greeting someone that had become very important to her.
Here's an idea: it's Christmas eve. Why not recognize the image of God in someone this Christmas, offer them 'a hug and a kiss and a high-five' and tell them how much they mean to you? What a memorable gift that could be!
The Parson's Bench
Monday, December 24, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Seeing God in Christmas
Our next door neighbor erected a large lighted nativity scene in his front yard for Christmas this year. We have a much smaller version somewhat less eye-catching. Recently our three year old granddaughter came for a visit. She had spotted the large figures in the neighbor's yard as mommy pulled into our driveway and as soon as she was free from the harness of her car seat she said, "I want to go see God!" She immediately headed for the yard next door with Grammy to "see God" in the large nativity scene.
Christmas has much to teach us if we will simply listen to the children. The little ones often see things that we have missed; significant things that for us have become obscured by adult preoccupations and busyness. Olivia reminds us all that when we look in the manger, we in fact DO see God. Emmanuel, God with us. That's the message of the season for seekers of all ages!
Christmas has much to teach us if we will simply listen to the children. The little ones often see things that we have missed; significant things that for us have become obscured by adult preoccupations and busyness. Olivia reminds us all that when we look in the manger, we in fact DO see God. Emmanuel, God with us. That's the message of the season for seekers of all ages!
Monday, November 26, 2012
Bond is 50 but I'm 65!
Part of the celebration of my 65th birthday last week was seeing the latest 007 movie, Skyfall, as guests of our daughter and her husband. I have enjoyed every Bond movie I have seen but this one perhaps the most. It marked the 50th anniversary of the 007 movie franchise. That means I was 15 when the first James Bond shot his way onto the big screen.
The timing of the movie's release with my 65th was uncanny! If you haven't seen it yet, the major theme of the film is that James, thought dead for some time, returns to 'life' and his work at MI6 only to find what he calls "a brave new world". Young, intelligent, innovative people had replaced the older familiar faces Bond had known; technology had advanced far beyond what it was when he first got in the game. In short, Bond was seen as the old guard in the new world of spies, espionage and fighting international crime. His old ways couldn't possibly succeed in a world that had advanced so far and so rapidly. But. . . . . . . . . . . .
I won't say any more about the movie; I don't want to ruin it for you!
Perhaps it was the combination of the 50 year anniversary of 007, the theme of the movie and my 65th that took my thoughts to one of my favorite passages in the Bible.
This is what the Lord says:
“Stop at the crossroads and look around.
Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it.
Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16 (NLT).
The Church in many ways is like that 'brave new world' that James Bond woke up to; new, innovative, technologically advanced. It can be quite captivating. We can come up with many wonderful and creative ways of being the church. But there are some things that God has put in place that cannot be improved upon; some things that still work and will always work. Before we become consumed by trying to keep up with this rapidly changing world, we should take a lesson from Jeremiah. Let's stop and take a look around at how we are doing. And when we find that we are not doing nearly as well as God can do, let's ask Him to show us and guide us in the ways that are tried and true. There we will find a place of rest for our souls and godliness for our churches.
The timing of the movie's release with my 65th was uncanny! If you haven't seen it yet, the major theme of the film is that James, thought dead for some time, returns to 'life' and his work at MI6 only to find what he calls "a brave new world". Young, intelligent, innovative people had replaced the older familiar faces Bond had known; technology had advanced far beyond what it was when he first got in the game. In short, Bond was seen as the old guard in the new world of spies, espionage and fighting international crime. His old ways couldn't possibly succeed in a world that had advanced so far and so rapidly. But. . . . . . . . . . . .
I won't say any more about the movie; I don't want to ruin it for you!
Perhaps it was the combination of the 50 year anniversary of 007, the theme of the movie and my 65th that took my thoughts to one of my favorite passages in the Bible.
This is what the Lord says:
“Stop at the crossroads and look around.
Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it.
Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16 (NLT).
The Church in many ways is like that 'brave new world' that James Bond woke up to; new, innovative, technologically advanced. It can be quite captivating. We can come up with many wonderful and creative ways of being the church. But there are some things that God has put in place that cannot be improved upon; some things that still work and will always work. Before we become consumed by trying to keep up with this rapidly changing world, we should take a lesson from Jeremiah. Let's stop and take a look around at how we are doing. And when we find that we are not doing nearly as well as God can do, let's ask Him to show us and guide us in the ways that are tried and true. There we will find a place of rest for our souls and godliness for our churches.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
A Veteran's Day Call to the Church
Acts Chapter 10 has much to teach the Church on this Veteran's Day. It is the story of a man who serves in military service in the ancient Roman empire. His name is Cornelius and the Bible describes him as God-fearing, compassionate and generous regarding the poor and held in high esteem by the Jews of his day. In short, Cornelius is a good man and a respected soldier who believes in God.
On this Veteran's Day I am reminded of the men and women who serve with distinction and honor in and with our armed forces all over the world. Many of them, like Cornelius, are God-fearing, good people. But, also like Cornelius, something is missing from their lives. Peter was sent by God to Cornelius to bring him what he did not yet possess: the gift of forgiveness of sin and eternal life through faith in Jesus, the Christ.
This Veteran's Day, let the Church pray with thanksgiving for those who serve and those who have served. Pray not only for their well-being but most of all, pray that God will put someone in their lives who will tell them the good news of Jesus. Maybe that someone will be you! Get ready!
On this Veteran's Day I am reminded of the men and women who serve with distinction and honor in and with our armed forces all over the world. Many of them, like Cornelius, are God-fearing, good people. But, also like Cornelius, something is missing from their lives. Peter was sent by God to Cornelius to bring him what he did not yet possess: the gift of forgiveness of sin and eternal life through faith in Jesus, the Christ.
This Veteran's Day, let the Church pray with thanksgiving for those who serve and those who have served. Pray not only for their well-being but most of all, pray that God will put someone in their lives who will tell them the good news of Jesus. Maybe that someone will be you! Get ready!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
What's 'Enough'?
Recently the newest version of a cell phone with all the bells and whistles hit the market. TV news captured long lines at retailers; lines that had begun forming days before the official release. People camped out in tents and slept in sleeping bags on sidewalks to wait for the opportunity to be among the first to own the latest and best in big name phones. One report mentioned that many in the lines already possessed the immediate predecessor to the new phone and it is less than a year old!
Contentment seems to elude us. We never seem satisfied with what we have; never seem to have enough. What is enough? Enough phone? Enough house? Enough car? Enough money? On and on it goes! I am grateful that we live in a country with such an abundance of variety and vast opportunity but what is the ultimate cost of a constant quest for the latest, biggest and best? What happens when our desires and ambitions exceed our resources? How can we live with the resulting disappointment and discontentment?
The apostle Paul understood what it meant to live in the ebb and flow of plenty and scarcity and he knew how to live contentedly. He had discovered the 'secret of being content in every and any situation' (Philippians 4:12). You see, Paul viewed contentment as a condition of the soul learned and developed in the course of a growing dependence upon Jesus for everything. Whatever Paul had, whether by his own labor or the generosity of others had its ultimate origin in the providence of God. There were times when he had plenty and times when he had little to nothing; but his sense of being content never wavered.
Here's Paul's advice on finding true contentment: Be generous with others; give freely and you will experience the generosity of God in your own life (Philippians 4:14-19). Now that's enough for anybody!
Contentment seems to elude us. We never seem satisfied with what we have; never seem to have enough. What is enough? Enough phone? Enough house? Enough car? Enough money? On and on it goes! I am grateful that we live in a country with such an abundance of variety and vast opportunity but what is the ultimate cost of a constant quest for the latest, biggest and best? What happens when our desires and ambitions exceed our resources? How can we live with the resulting disappointment and discontentment?
The apostle Paul understood what it meant to live in the ebb and flow of plenty and scarcity and he knew how to live contentedly. He had discovered the 'secret of being content in every and any situation' (Philippians 4:12). You see, Paul viewed contentment as a condition of the soul learned and developed in the course of a growing dependence upon Jesus for everything. Whatever Paul had, whether by his own labor or the generosity of others had its ultimate origin in the providence of God. There were times when he had plenty and times when he had little to nothing; but his sense of being content never wavered.
Here's Paul's advice on finding true contentment: Be generous with others; give freely and you will experience the generosity of God in your own life (Philippians 4:14-19). Now that's enough for anybody!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Who's Your Trainer?
My son and his wife have competed in triathlons. My niece participated in her first half marathon recently. They train hard for months before the big day, focusing not only on running, riding and swimming but on nutrition, hydration, rest and all the other things that contribute to optimal physical conditioning. Their goal is to finish their event well.
Life has been described as a marathon, not a sprint. It's a long-distance run that demands endurance and perseverance. Finishing well is the outcome of sound training. The apostle, Paul described this life-training in the Bible in terms of bringing our unhealthy and sinful natural tendencies under control so that the journey of life will be pleasing to God and satisfying to us (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). But we need help in doing that; supernatural help. That's where a relationship with God comes in. When we submit to His authority and decide to live life on His terms, He helps us to train so we will finish well; finish strong. Who is guiding the training for YOUR life?
Life has been described as a marathon, not a sprint. It's a long-distance run that demands endurance and perseverance. Finishing well is the outcome of sound training. The apostle, Paul described this life-training in the Bible in terms of bringing our unhealthy and sinful natural tendencies under control so that the journey of life will be pleasing to God and satisfying to us (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). But we need help in doing that; supernatural help. That's where a relationship with God comes in. When we submit to His authority and decide to live life on His terms, He helps us to train so we will finish well; finish strong. Who is guiding the training for YOUR life?
Friday, August 31, 2012
A Lesson at the Car Wash
Went to a full service car wash today. This one advertises many things but two stand out for me: 1) biblical values as guiding principles (plaques and signs with verses and quotes from the Bible are readily visible) and, 2) your car wash in 18 minutes or the next one is free.
It had been nearly 25 minutes since I surrendered my car at the vacuum station. I was considering whether to collect on the freebie or just let it slide. After all, I was not in any real hurry. Then I heard a voice, "Sir, is your car one of them that's held up back there?" "I guess so; it's been over 18 minutes." (that was subtle, wasn't it?) "That's why I'm here; to make good on our promise." He handed me a card entitling me to a free wash TWO LEVELS above the one I just received! I thanked him for being so considerate (I should have thanked him for his faithful witness)!
This young manager could have waited to see if I would come to him and lay claim to their advertised commitment. But he didn't. He did the right thing; he did what all those signs and plaques said he should do.
Most people know that when the Bible talks about the bad things we do it calls it 'sin'. But the Bible also says, Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. James 4:17 (NIV).
Righteous living isn't just about avoiding the bad stuff; it's about proactive goodness too. I'll make a serious effort to be better at that in the future. How about you?
It had been nearly 25 minutes since I surrendered my car at the vacuum station. I was considering whether to collect on the freebie or just let it slide. After all, I was not in any real hurry. Then I heard a voice, "Sir, is your car one of them that's held up back there?" "I guess so; it's been over 18 minutes." (that was subtle, wasn't it?) "That's why I'm here; to make good on our promise." He handed me a card entitling me to a free wash TWO LEVELS above the one I just received! I thanked him for being so considerate (I should have thanked him for his faithful witness)!
This young manager could have waited to see if I would come to him and lay claim to their advertised commitment. But he didn't. He did the right thing; he did what all those signs and plaques said he should do.
Most people know that when the Bible talks about the bad things we do it calls it 'sin'. But the Bible also says, Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. James 4:17 (NIV).
Righteous living isn't just about avoiding the bad stuff; it's about proactive goodness too. I'll make a serious effort to be better at that in the future. How about you?
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
The Investment of Your Life
Home values in many markets are on the rise after significant losses over the past several years and sales are up; good news for homeowners and sellers, not so much for buyers. Good deals to be had in a buyer's market disappear quickly when values come back, demand increases and inventory goes down.
I was in the real estate business for many years and saw the whole range of losses and gains as markets changed. But I never saw anything like the experience of Jeremiah (see Jeremiah 32). For him and the people of Israel, property values had to be totally in the tank. Jerusalem was under siege by the Babylonians and all that people could think about was getting through the occupation and exile alive, much less what would happen to their property values.
Then God showed up and told Jeremiah that his cousin was going to approach him to sell Jeremiah a piece of property and Jeremiah was buy it. I know what I would of thought about that idea! Lord, we're just trying to hold life together here and you're brokering a real estate deal! What's up with that?
Here's what God was up to. God had promised His people through the prophet Jeremiah that 70 years after the invasion and exile, God would bring His people home and would rebuild their community, their identity and their lives. The day would come when property would be bought and sold again, crops would be harvested and joy would return for the Israelites. God wanted Jeremiah to buy this property at the very worst time, under the worst of conditions as a SIGN that God would keep His promise. It was to be a sign of hope to a people in despair and it came through the life of one man willing to obey God regardless of how ridiculous it looked.
God has made a promise to the human race. We all live in 'fallen Babylon'; a world contaminated by sin, selfishness, violence and depravity. But God has promised that those who would trust and obey Him would have a home with God for all eternity; a home free from sin and its destructive effects.
And every time another person obeys God and surrenders their future to the lordship of Jesus, it's a sign that God will keep His promise. It's a sign that God has a future worth investing in and we invest by placing faith in Jesus. Follower of Jesus, you are a sign to others that there is hope; hope that is worth the investment of your life.
I was in the real estate business for many years and saw the whole range of losses and gains as markets changed. But I never saw anything like the experience of Jeremiah (see Jeremiah 32). For him and the people of Israel, property values had to be totally in the tank. Jerusalem was under siege by the Babylonians and all that people could think about was getting through the occupation and exile alive, much less what would happen to their property values.
Then God showed up and told Jeremiah that his cousin was going to approach him to sell Jeremiah a piece of property and Jeremiah was buy it. I know what I would of thought about that idea! Lord, we're just trying to hold life together here and you're brokering a real estate deal! What's up with that?
Here's what God was up to. God had promised His people through the prophet Jeremiah that 70 years after the invasion and exile, God would bring His people home and would rebuild their community, their identity and their lives. The day would come when property would be bought and sold again, crops would be harvested and joy would return for the Israelites. God wanted Jeremiah to buy this property at the very worst time, under the worst of conditions as a SIGN that God would keep His promise. It was to be a sign of hope to a people in despair and it came through the life of one man willing to obey God regardless of how ridiculous it looked.
God has made a promise to the human race. We all live in 'fallen Babylon'; a world contaminated by sin, selfishness, violence and depravity. But God has promised that those who would trust and obey Him would have a home with God for all eternity; a home free from sin and its destructive effects.
And every time another person obeys God and surrenders their future to the lordship of Jesus, it's a sign that God will keep His promise. It's a sign that God has a future worth investing in and we invest by placing faith in Jesus. Follower of Jesus, you are a sign to others that there is hope; hope that is worth the investment of your life.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Know the Signs, Heed the Warnings
We teed off before 8 a.m. this week. The temperature was in the high 80's and there was a nice breeze. I was playing better than usual through the first nine holes. We made the turn to the tenth hole and my game took a gradual turn for the worse. By the fourteenth hole I figured out why. Although I had been drinking what I thought was plenty of water, the insidious effects of the increasing heat and humidity had begun to overtake me. When it happened, it seemed sudden; the increased heart rate, dizziness. But heat exhaustion had been creeping up on me and I didn't know it. That is, until the warning signs appeared. I stopped playing immediately, took action to cool down with a wet, cold towel and headed for home.
The Bible warns followers of Jesus, "Keep watch over yourselves. . .be on your guard. . ." (Acts 20:28, 31). Our spiritual lives are vulnerable to the insidious influence of the devil and of sinful human nature. We are susceptible to drifting away from our core spiritual values and from Christ. We must remain vigilant; recognize the warning signs and take immediate corrective action before we slide into a break in our relationship with God.
When relationships with others are breaking down; when it's becoming easier to compromise your core values, when time with the Lord is becoming less and less important to you, take heed. These are signs that something very serious is unfolding.
I recovered quickly from the heat that day because I heeded the warning and took immediate corrective action. I shudder to think of what could have happened if I had continued playing thinking the symptoms would pass soon and all would be well. Don't be tricked into thinking that drift in your spiritual life will just go away. It won't; it will only get worse. Heed the warning signs and take action immediately. The cost is too high.
The Bible warns followers of Jesus, "Keep watch over yourselves. . .be on your guard. . ." (Acts 20:28, 31). Our spiritual lives are vulnerable to the insidious influence of the devil and of sinful human nature. We are susceptible to drifting away from our core spiritual values and from Christ. We must remain vigilant; recognize the warning signs and take immediate corrective action before we slide into a break in our relationship with God.
When relationships with others are breaking down; when it's becoming easier to compromise your core values, when time with the Lord is becoming less and less important to you, take heed. These are signs that something very serious is unfolding.
I recovered quickly from the heat that day because I heeded the warning and took immediate corrective action. I shudder to think of what could have happened if I had continued playing thinking the symptoms would pass soon and all would be well. Don't be tricked into thinking that drift in your spiritual life will just go away. It won't; it will only get worse. Heed the warning signs and take action immediately. The cost is too high.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Just a Matter of Time?
King Solomon is thought to be the wealthiest and wisest man to ever live. A reading of his work in the Bible entitled Ecclesiastes might also earn him the distinction of being the most fatalistic and cynical man who ever lived. Lest we come down too hard on ol' Sol we must realize that his negative perspective on life is written from the vantage point 'under the sun'. His assertion that life with all its trappings is 'meaningless' is an assessment of life lived on this earth apart from God. This is in contrast to life lived on this earth in an appropriate relationship with God (see Eccl 12:13 for his 'conclusion of the matter').
One of Solomon's observations caught my attention this past week around the time of the violence and carnage at the Aurora, Colorado theater. Solomon wrote, ". . .no man knows when his hour will come. . .men are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them." (Eccl 9:12, NIV). What I hear him saying is that it is just a matter of time for everyone living 'under the sun' before something bad happens and there is no distinction made for the godly versus the ungodly.
Jesus seemed to agree with Solomon at least in principle when he said to his followers "In this world you will have trouble." (John 16:33). Trouble and evil can and do come upon anyone at anytime. So what is the difference between Solomon's perspective and that of Jesus?
Solomon devotes considerable ink in Ecclesiastes 9 to urging his readers to live as well as possible. Why? Because eventually, your time will come to be 'trapped by evil unexpectedly'. That's just the way life is 'under the sun'! Jesus, on the other hand, says, ". . .you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33). Solomon has us focus on what happens to us. Jesus urges us to think about how we react to what happens.
Consider a real life example from Aurora. Pierce O'Farrill was in that theater and was shot three times (Google his name and read his story). During a media interview he said, "I want to see him [the shooter] sometime. The first thing I want to say to him is 'I forgive you,' and the next is, 'Can I pray for you?'" (source, Yahoo News)
Jesus has overcome the world. It seems that Pierce has too. Will we? It's just a matter of time!
One of Solomon's observations caught my attention this past week around the time of the violence and carnage at the Aurora, Colorado theater. Solomon wrote, ". . .no man knows when his hour will come. . .men are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them." (Eccl 9:12, NIV). What I hear him saying is that it is just a matter of time for everyone living 'under the sun' before something bad happens and there is no distinction made for the godly versus the ungodly.
Jesus seemed to agree with Solomon at least in principle when he said to his followers "In this world you will have trouble." (John 16:33). Trouble and evil can and do come upon anyone at anytime. So what is the difference between Solomon's perspective and that of Jesus?
Solomon devotes considerable ink in Ecclesiastes 9 to urging his readers to live as well as possible. Why? Because eventually, your time will come to be 'trapped by evil unexpectedly'. That's just the way life is 'under the sun'! Jesus, on the other hand, says, ". . .you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33). Solomon has us focus on what happens to us. Jesus urges us to think about how we react to what happens.
Consider a real life example from Aurora. Pierce O'Farrill was in that theater and was shot three times (Google his name and read his story). During a media interview he said, "I want to see him [the shooter] sometime. The first thing I want to say to him is 'I forgive you,' and the next is, 'Can I pray for you?'" (source, Yahoo News)
Jesus has overcome the world. It seems that Pierce has too. Will we? It's just a matter of time!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
A Lesson From a Walk
Anita and I took a walk around our neighborhood this morning as we often do. We passed a house that we have walked by many times; a house that just doesn't seem to 'fit' in this neighborhood, not because of its style or size but because of its condition. There's an official notice of some kind taped to the front window. The house has been abandoned for months and one can look between the decaying fence boards into the backyard where the swimming pool is now a large puddle of algae and the yard is overgrown in weeds. Whether the owners were caught in a faltering economy that forced a foreclosure or they simply abandoned the house for some reason, the condition of the property reflects neglect over a long period of time. It is a sad sight in a neighborhood where, by all appearances, the residents seem to be doing well and take pride in the care of their homes.
When I got home I was reading the Bible and came to Proverbs 24:30-34. The writer describes conditions that he saw perhaps while walking one day; property that had fallen into disrepair due to neglect. But he didn't simply look and then walk away shaking his head in disbelief and dismay. He "applied [his] heart to what [he] observed and learned a lesson from what [he] saw." Prov 24:32. His lesson is there for us all to read in 24:33-34.
This proverb challenged me to apply my heart to what I had seen on our walk this morning and to share with you the lesson I learned from the run down property in our neighborhood. The neglected house reminded me of what can happen to our lives if we neglect matters of the spirit. When we fail to diligently and regularly attend to the maintenance of our relationship with Jesus Christ through worship, the word of God, prayer and fellowship with other Christ-followers, life begins to decay.
That house in our neighborhood was once some family's dream home, filled with joy and hope for the future. Now it is a lifeless shell; laughter silenced; a symbol of dashed hopes and broken dreams. We must be very intentional about caring for our spiritual lives. Otherwise the insidious deterioration of neglect will leave us lifeless and without hope. Who wants to live like that?
When I got home I was reading the Bible and came to Proverbs 24:30-34. The writer describes conditions that he saw perhaps while walking one day; property that had fallen into disrepair due to neglect. But he didn't simply look and then walk away shaking his head in disbelief and dismay. He "applied [his] heart to what [he] observed and learned a lesson from what [he] saw." Prov 24:32. His lesson is there for us all to read in 24:33-34.
This proverb challenged me to apply my heart to what I had seen on our walk this morning and to share with you the lesson I learned from the run down property in our neighborhood. The neglected house reminded me of what can happen to our lives if we neglect matters of the spirit. When we fail to diligently and regularly attend to the maintenance of our relationship with Jesus Christ through worship, the word of God, prayer and fellowship with other Christ-followers, life begins to decay.
That house in our neighborhood was once some family's dream home, filled with joy and hope for the future. Now it is a lifeless shell; laughter silenced; a symbol of dashed hopes and broken dreams. We must be very intentional about caring for our spiritual lives. Otherwise the insidious deterioration of neglect will leave us lifeless and without hope. Who wants to live like that?
Thursday, July 12, 2012
God's Seeking Heart
An old friend from high school nearly 50 years ago contacted me last week. It was so good to talk to him and to share news of our lives with each other. There was joy and laughter and it was obvious that the sense of humor that marked our friendship so long ago was still in tact.
It was fun and uplifting to get caught up with my old friend but the thing that blessed me most about his call was the effort to which he went in order to find me. He took the initiative to reach out to me; to keep our friendship alive if only briefly and over a long distance. I mattered that much to my old friend and I let him know how much it meant to me for him to locate and contact me after so many years.
This reminded me of how much God loves each of us and how very important we are to Him; so much that, like a shepherd who leaves the whole flock to go looking for one lost lamb, God will look for us to keep us in the safety of fellowship with Him (Mt 18:12-14).
God reached out to us long before we ever thought of seeking Him out. Maybe one way of showing gratitude for God's seeking heart would be to reach out to someone and let them know that they matter and that they have not been forgotten.
It was fun and uplifting to get caught up with my old friend but the thing that blessed me most about his call was the effort to which he went in order to find me. He took the initiative to reach out to me; to keep our friendship alive if only briefly and over a long distance. I mattered that much to my old friend and I let him know how much it meant to me for him to locate and contact me after so many years.
This reminded me of how much God loves each of us and how very important we are to Him; so much that, like a shepherd who leaves the whole flock to go looking for one lost lamb, God will look for us to keep us in the safety of fellowship with Him (Mt 18:12-14).
God reached out to us long before we ever thought of seeking Him out. Maybe one way of showing gratitude for God's seeking heart would be to reach out to someone and let them know that they matter and that they have not been forgotten.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Celebrating Our Freedom
It has become an American tradition to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks. I remember the squeals of joy that came from our kids when the sparklers, cones and bottle rockets were lit and illuminated the darkness in vivid colors.
Unfortunately, but for good reason, many communities across this nation banned fireworks due to dry conditions and high fire danger. Our neighborhood banned fireworks this year partially because of the dry conditions but also because of a fireworks-caused blaze last year that consumed a lot of dry grass and came dangerously close to some homes.
The ban this year was well publicized; signs at all entrances to the neighborhood, email to all residents and a reminder in the neighborhood newspaper. Notices of the ban also emphasized an increase of law enforcement patrols as well as possible fines to ensure compliance. The purpose was not to stifle fun and celebration but to protect public and private property.
I was not shocked but disappointed when someone on our street was outdoors with their small children last night lighting fireworks.
Defiance of a legitimate public restriction is bad enough but to teach children by example that it's ok to make your own exceptions to the rules does nothing to help them become responsible citizens.
The apostle Paul was talking about spiritual freedom in the context of this verse but, for God's people, it applies in any exercise of liberty: You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature ; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Gal 5:13-14 NIV).
Let's teach our kids to honor civil authority as a way of expressing love for neighbor and serving others above self. Let's teach them that 'it's NOT all about me'!
Unfortunately, but for good reason, many communities across this nation banned fireworks due to dry conditions and high fire danger. Our neighborhood banned fireworks this year partially because of the dry conditions but also because of a fireworks-caused blaze last year that consumed a lot of dry grass and came dangerously close to some homes.
The ban this year was well publicized; signs at all entrances to the neighborhood, email to all residents and a reminder in the neighborhood newspaper. Notices of the ban also emphasized an increase of law enforcement patrols as well as possible fines to ensure compliance. The purpose was not to stifle fun and celebration but to protect public and private property.
I was not shocked but disappointed when someone on our street was outdoors with their small children last night lighting fireworks.
Defiance of a legitimate public restriction is bad enough but to teach children by example that it's ok to make your own exceptions to the rules does nothing to help them become responsible citizens.
The apostle Paul was talking about spiritual freedom in the context of this verse but, for God's people, it applies in any exercise of liberty: You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature ; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Gal 5:13-14 NIV).
Let's teach our kids to honor civil authority as a way of expressing love for neighbor and serving others above self. Let's teach them that 'it's NOT all about me'!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Sleepless in . . .!
Medical research has shown that life quality and longevity improve with regular exercise and a healthy diet. In recent years, adequate sleep (six to eight hours) has been added as a component of a long and healthy life. If sleepless nights plague you, there is help to be found in Psalm 77.
The psalm writer confesses, "at night I stretched out untiring hands and I would not be comforted." (Ps 77:2). He just could not get to sleep!
So he put his time to good use. Since he was awake anyway, he decided to turn his thoughts to "the deeds of the Lord". (77:11).
As he lay there awake, he recalled the mighty works of God, His power and His goodness. Our psalmist never says that this helped him fall asleep. But, based on my own experience, it very well could have.
At the end of his psalm the writer affirms God as the One who led His people "like a flock". Shepherds lead their flocks. When you have trouble sleeping, don't count sheep; turn your thoughts to the Shepherd! Commit your sleeplessness to Him and see what He will do for you.
The psalm writer confesses, "at night I stretched out untiring hands and I would not be comforted." (Ps 77:2). He just could not get to sleep!
So he put his time to good use. Since he was awake anyway, he decided to turn his thoughts to "the deeds of the Lord". (77:11).
As he lay there awake, he recalled the mighty works of God, His power and His goodness. Our psalmist never says that this helped him fall asleep. But, based on my own experience, it very well could have.
At the end of his psalm the writer affirms God as the One who led His people "like a flock". Shepherds lead their flocks. When you have trouble sleeping, don't count sheep; turn your thoughts to the Shepherd! Commit your sleeplessness to Him and see what He will do for you.
Monday, May 28, 2012
How Can You Know?
Yesterday we celebrated Pentecost in worship at our church. The entire service was devoted to the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit. The sermon, Power to Change, explored how the various roles of the Holy Spirit can bring about the necessary changes in us to make us fully functioning witnesses for Jesus.
The time of worship ended with an invitation to respond to God's word by praying for the Holy Spirit to take control of our lives and to make us the people God created us to be. Those who responded and prayed might be wondering if there is any way of knowing for sure if God released the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Though the Spirit moves at his own pleasure and not the same in every person, there are some ways that God gives us assurance.
The time of worship ended with an invitation to respond to God's word by praying for the Holy Spirit to take control of our lives and to make us the people God created us to be. Those who responded and prayed might be wondering if there is any way of knowing for sure if God released the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Though the Spirit moves at his own pleasure and not the same in every person, there are some ways that God gives us assurance.
- The witness of the Spirit - Romans 8:16 teaches us that the Holy Spirit confirms divine activity to the human spirit. This brings a spiritual certainty deeper than at the level of the intellect or emotions; a knowing that cannot be explained but is nonetheless unmistakable.
- The witness of the word - God does what He says He will do. Acts 1:4, 8; Mt 3:11; Lk 11:13; Jn 14:26 are examples of promises God made concerning the gift of the Holy Spirit. God's word is true and it is trustworthy. We have assurance because of the certainty of His word and His faithfulness to keep it.
- The witness of the Church - The Bible and Church history are full of examples of supernatural changes Holy Spirit brought to the lives of individuals. Acts 10:46 and 19:6 cite examples of immediate evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit as individuals were given supernatural ability to speak in languages they had never learned. Some manifested an immediate ability to speak on behalf of God (prophecy, also Acts 19:6). These immediate and sometimes dramatic transformations in individuals was never the experience of every person. For most, changes emerged gradually over time.
- The witness of a changed life - Perhaps one of the greatest examples of the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit is the life the apostle Paul (Acts 26:9-23). A man who had hated Christians and did all he could to exterminate them became a devout follower of Jesus after the Holy Spirit took control of his life.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Crying Out, Getting Real
When the time comes today or tomorrow for you to cry out to the Lord, remember the promise of
Psalm 145:18, 19 - The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. . .He hears their cry and saves them.
God's invitation to call upon Him comes with a holy desire to meet our deepest need. But it also comes with the expectation that we will be real with Him, honest about our helplessness without Him and our complete dependence upon Him. Call upon the Lord anytime but be real with Him every time.
Psalm 145:18, 19 - The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. . .He hears their cry and saves them.
God's invitation to call upon Him comes with a holy desire to meet our deepest need. But it also comes with the expectation that we will be real with Him, honest about our helplessness without Him and our complete dependence upon Him. Call upon the Lord anytime but be real with Him every time.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Next to Him
When the Babylonian empire attacked God's people in Jerusalem, the city, the temple and the wall around the city were destroyed. The wall had been a symbol of strength for God's people and now, broken down, it was a symbol disgrace and weakness. It was a sign of their broken relationship with God. Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall and thus restore Israel's sense of identity as God's nation.
In the Bible, Nehemiah chapter 3 describes the start of rebuilding the wall under Nehemiah's leadership. The phrase next to him or next to them is repeated 19 times in that chapter, describing God's people lined up along the wall, shoulder to shoulder working together to do their part to restore what sin and the enemy had taken from them.
This is a picture of the Lord's vision for his Church; men and women, each doing their part, working side by side to build God's kingdom in this broken world. Does this describe your church? Where Jesus is at the center of church life and out from that Center in all directions you can see a man doing his part and next to him a woman pitching in and next to her. . .
Have you found your place on that wall?
In the Bible, Nehemiah chapter 3 describes the start of rebuilding the wall under Nehemiah's leadership. The phrase next to him or next to them is repeated 19 times in that chapter, describing God's people lined up along the wall, shoulder to shoulder working together to do their part to restore what sin and the enemy had taken from them.
This is a picture of the Lord's vision for his Church; men and women, each doing their part, working side by side to build God's kingdom in this broken world. Does this describe your church? Where Jesus is at the center of church life and out from that Center in all directions you can see a man doing his part and next to him a woman pitching in and next to her. . .
Have you found your place on that wall?
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Words of Encouragement
I love the way the Bible gets right to the point and doesn't gloss over or avoid the struggles of the very human characters in God's story. That is what makes it so relatable to our own lives.
Jehoshaphat was king of Judah and a large enemy army came against him and his people. The Bible tells us that this godly king was "alarmed". We might say he was scared to death or worried sick about what he was facing. His way of dealing with it is spelled out in 2 Chronicles 20:3 - "Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord. . ." He took his fears and helplessness directly to God in prayer and he confessed to God "We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, BUT OUR EYES ARE ON YOU"(my emphasis)(2 Chron 20:12). In answer to his prayer, God sent encouragement to the king through one of His prophets, Jahaziel, who speaking for God, told Jehoshaphat, "Don't be afraid or discouraged. . .stand firm. . .and the Lord will be with you."
What are you facing today or tomorrow? What is coming or has come against you that has left you feeling helpless and weak? Be encouraged today. Turn your eyes to the Lord and lay it all on Him. Stand firm in your willingness to trust Him and you can be sure that He will be with you.
Perhaps someone needs you to be their Jahaziel and give them a gentle reminder of God's love for them and His willingness to walk with them through whatever they face. We all need encouragement because we all face forces that seem overwhelming. I thank God that He has a history of being with His loved ones in their times of bewilderment and weakness and I can count on Him today.
Jehoshaphat was king of Judah and a large enemy army came against him and his people. The Bible tells us that this godly king was "alarmed". We might say he was scared to death or worried sick about what he was facing. His way of dealing with it is spelled out in 2 Chronicles 20:3 - "Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord. . ." He took his fears and helplessness directly to God in prayer and he confessed to God "We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, BUT OUR EYES ARE ON YOU"(my emphasis)(2 Chron 20:12). In answer to his prayer, God sent encouragement to the king through one of His prophets, Jahaziel, who speaking for God, told Jehoshaphat, "Don't be afraid or discouraged. . .stand firm. . .and the Lord will be with you."
What are you facing today or tomorrow? What is coming or has come against you that has left you feeling helpless and weak? Be encouraged today. Turn your eyes to the Lord and lay it all on Him. Stand firm in your willingness to trust Him and you can be sure that He will be with you.
Perhaps someone needs you to be their Jahaziel and give them a gentle reminder of God's love for them and His willingness to walk with them through whatever they face. We all need encouragement because we all face forces that seem overwhelming. I thank God that He has a history of being with His loved ones in their times of bewilderment and weakness and I can count on Him today.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
The Power of Hearts Set On Seeking the Lord
Those from every tribe of Israel who set their hearts on seeking the Lord, the God of Israel, followed the Levites to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices to the Lord, the God of their fathers. They strengthened the kindom of Judah. . .(2 Chron 11:16, 17).
King Solomon ruled over all of Israel from Jerusalem for 40 years. His son, Rheoboam took over when Solomon died. Jeroboam (I know; they all sound alike!), a rival of Solomon had fled to Egypt to escape Solomon's sword but returned after the old king died. He received a cold reception from the new king so he led a rebellion that resulted in most of Israel turning against Rheoboam and David's dynasty. This was the beginning of the split of Israel into two kingdoms, Israel and Judah. As part of the rebellion, Jeroboam set up his own gods and system of worship which excluded the Levites whom God had named as His priests. The Levites would have nothing to do with the idolatry so they left Jeroboam to return to king Rheoboam in Judah. A group of Israelites followed the Levites; a group whose hearts were set on seeking the Lord, the God of Israel and as a result Judah was strengthened.
Here's the lesson for us. We grossly underestimate, to our own peril, the extraordinary power that is released when the Spirit of God gets his hands on some hearts that are truly set on seeking the Lord. Judah was weakened by the exodus of most of the tribes of Israel but Judah was strengthened by the Spirit when a group of serious seekers after God moved out to honor and worship Him.
Get the serious God-seekers in your church family together and watch the Lord move to strengthen your church!
King Solomon ruled over all of Israel from Jerusalem for 40 years. His son, Rheoboam took over when Solomon died. Jeroboam (I know; they all sound alike!), a rival of Solomon had fled to Egypt to escape Solomon's sword but returned after the old king died. He received a cold reception from the new king so he led a rebellion that resulted in most of Israel turning against Rheoboam and David's dynasty. This was the beginning of the split of Israel into two kingdoms, Israel and Judah. As part of the rebellion, Jeroboam set up his own gods and system of worship which excluded the Levites whom God had named as His priests. The Levites would have nothing to do with the idolatry so they left Jeroboam to return to king Rheoboam in Judah. A group of Israelites followed the Levites; a group whose hearts were set on seeking the Lord, the God of Israel and as a result Judah was strengthened.
Here's the lesson for us. We grossly underestimate, to our own peril, the extraordinary power that is released when the Spirit of God gets his hands on some hearts that are truly set on seeking the Lord. Judah was weakened by the exodus of most of the tribes of Israel but Judah was strengthened by the Spirit when a group of serious seekers after God moved out to honor and worship Him.
Get the serious God-seekers in your church family together and watch the Lord move to strengthen your church!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Holy Spirit Then and Now
1 Chronicles 21 begins by revealing how Satan influenced King David to take a census of the army, something the Lord had forbidden. Over the objections of Joab, David's commander in chief, the King issues the order and the census is taken. There are severe consequences for David's actions as there always are when we disobey the Lord.
As I pondered this story recently I was puzzled that a "man after God's own heart" could be so easily influenced to disobey God even after a warning from one of his most trusted leaders. As we know this was not David's only failure to resist temptation. Remember the Bathsheba and Uriah incident.
Being a person "after God's own heart", is apparently not enough when it comes to standing up against temptation and resisting the devil's attempts to deceive and misguide. We need something more, something only God can provide in order to live in true victory over sin and evil. We need the Holy Spirit.
But the Holy Spirit was active in Old Testament lives too. The Bible says that the Spirit came upon Samson (the strong man), Saul (Israel's first king), David and the prophets, to name a few. But they were all still powerless when it came to living a consistently righteous life. They were still vulnerable against temptation.
Here's the difference between then and now. David and the others failed in their attempts to resist temptation because there was no supernatural power within them that could do what weak human nature could not do. But you and I CAN live in victory because by faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is not only present with us but lives within us (1Cor 3:16). And when we live under the control of the Holy Spirit we will not give into the sinful nature (Gal 5:16).
You can live a consistently victorious spiritual life. Be filled with the Spirit! (Eph 5:18).
As I pondered this story recently I was puzzled that a "man after God's own heart" could be so easily influenced to disobey God even after a warning from one of his most trusted leaders. As we know this was not David's only failure to resist temptation. Remember the Bathsheba and Uriah incident.
Being a person "after God's own heart", is apparently not enough when it comes to standing up against temptation and resisting the devil's attempts to deceive and misguide. We need something more, something only God can provide in order to live in true victory over sin and evil. We need the Holy Spirit.
But the Holy Spirit was active in Old Testament lives too. The Bible says that the Spirit came upon Samson (the strong man), Saul (Israel's first king), David and the prophets, to name a few. But they were all still powerless when it came to living a consistently righteous life. They were still vulnerable against temptation.
Here's the difference between then and now. David and the others failed in their attempts to resist temptation because there was no supernatural power within them that could do what weak human nature could not do. But you and I CAN live in victory because by faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is not only present with us but lives within us (1Cor 3:16). And when we live under the control of the Holy Spirit we will not give into the sinful nature (Gal 5:16).
You can live a consistently victorious spiritual life. Be filled with the Spirit! (Eph 5:18).
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
The Vital Necessity of the Holy Spirit
The Easter holiday and celebration of the Lord's resurrection and ascension into heaven are barely over when I start anticipating the next 'big day' in the Church's history, Pentecost; the day when God fulfilled His promise to send the Holy Spirit to empower the newborn Church for it's world-changing work of advancing God's kingdom. The Church was born on the Day of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit of God was given so that he could indwell every follower of Jesus from that day forward.
I will probably write often about the Holy Spirit for the next several weeks. Not just because this is the season to recall the sending and the work of the Spirit but because I am profoundly moved by the person of the Spirit, by reading about him in the Bible and by meditating on his power and influence. I am personally moved because I know first hand the difference his presence and power make in the journey through life of any follower of Jesus. And I long for every follower of Jesus to have that same experience and to recognize it for the supernatural influence of God that it is. I pray for every church body to know that difference. Here's why:
The Presence of the Spirit is vital and central to the work of the Church. Nothing else avails. Apart from Him wisdom becomes folly, and strength weakness. The Church is called to be a "spiritual house" and a holy priesthood. Only spiritual people can be its "living stones," and only the Spirit-filled its priests. Scholarship is blind to spiritual truth till He reveals. Worship is idolatry till He inspires. Preaching is powerless if it be not a demonstration of His power. Prayer is vain unless He energizes. Human resources of learning and organization, wealth and enthusiasm, reform and philanthropy, are worse than useless if there be no Holy Ghost in them. The Church always fails at the point of self-confidence. When the Church is run on the same lines as a circus, there may be crowds, but there is no Shekinah (from The Way to Pentecost by Samuel Chadwick, page 7).
COME THOU HOLY SPIRIT!
I will probably write often about the Holy Spirit for the next several weeks. Not just because this is the season to recall the sending and the work of the Spirit but because I am profoundly moved by the person of the Spirit, by reading about him in the Bible and by meditating on his power and influence. I am personally moved because I know first hand the difference his presence and power make in the journey through life of any follower of Jesus. And I long for every follower of Jesus to have that same experience and to recognize it for the supernatural influence of God that it is. I pray for every church body to know that difference. Here's why:
The Presence of the Spirit is vital and central to the work of the Church. Nothing else avails. Apart from Him wisdom becomes folly, and strength weakness. The Church is called to be a "spiritual house" and a holy priesthood. Only spiritual people can be its "living stones," and only the Spirit-filled its priests. Scholarship is blind to spiritual truth till He reveals. Worship is idolatry till He inspires. Preaching is powerless if it be not a demonstration of His power. Prayer is vain unless He energizes. Human resources of learning and organization, wealth and enthusiasm, reform and philanthropy, are worse than useless if there be no Holy Ghost in them. The Church always fails at the point of self-confidence. When the Church is run on the same lines as a circus, there may be crowds, but there is no Shekinah (from The Way to Pentecost by Samuel Chadwick, page 7).
COME THOU HOLY SPIRIT!
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Eye Trouble
Last week I needed to have my vision checked. I had been seeing floating black spots and peripheral flashes of light in the vision of my right eye. The technical term for this in the world of optical medicine is 'floaters and flashers'. Thank the Lord, all checked out ok but these symptoms could have meant a detached retina, a threat to loss of vision. Loss of vision at any level is a scary thought. But we can have 20/20 vision and still have spiritual blind spots to the presence and work of God.
The Arameans, Israel's enemy, surrounded the city of Dothan in an effort to capture the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 6:8-20). Elisha's servant was predictably frightened when he saw the overwhelming force of horsemen and chariots surrounding the city. "What shall we do?", he asked the prophet. Elisha replied, "Don't be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." The servant must have thought, "With us? There's nobody here but us!" Then Elisha turned to the Lord in prayer, "Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see." When God opened the servant's eyes he was able to 'see' what Elisha had meant. "The hills full of horses and chariots of fire. . ." (6:17). When Elisha prayed for his servant to have 20/20 spiritual vision, God made His army visible to him. Elisha and his servant were NOT alone.
Neither are we. That is what the empty tomb reminds us of. When the forces against us seem overwhelming and situations seem hopeless, may God open our 'eyes', the eyes of faith, so that we may 'see' the power of God that raised Jesus from the grave and be encouraged.
The Arameans, Israel's enemy, surrounded the city of Dothan in an effort to capture the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 6:8-20). Elisha's servant was predictably frightened when he saw the overwhelming force of horsemen and chariots surrounding the city. "What shall we do?", he asked the prophet. Elisha replied, "Don't be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." The servant must have thought, "With us? There's nobody here but us!" Then Elisha turned to the Lord in prayer, "Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see." When God opened the servant's eyes he was able to 'see' what Elisha had meant. "The hills full of horses and chariots of fire. . ." (6:17). When Elisha prayed for his servant to have 20/20 spiritual vision, God made His army visible to him. Elisha and his servant were NOT alone.
Neither are we. That is what the empty tomb reminds us of. When the forces against us seem overwhelming and situations seem hopeless, may God open our 'eyes', the eyes of faith, so that we may 'see' the power of God that raised Jesus from the grave and be encouraged.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Living Proof
I enjoy reading and studying the Bible and then sharing with others what I learn. I also enjoy learning from what others discover in their reading of God's word. But recently a verse of Scripture caused me to take a deep breath and thoughtfully consider my own life (many verses do that often!). I came face to face with 1 John 2:6, "Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did." (TNIV). Another version puts it this way, "Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did" (NLT).
LIVE AS JESUS DID. I hear John saying to me, "Don, you claim to be a Christian, right? What is the evidence for that? If you think it is your knowledge of the Bible or your ability to tell others how to become a Christian, you've got it all wrong. The only credible evidence that anyone is a Christian is that they are living their life as Jesus lived his. Is that what you're doing?"
I answered honestly when I said, "Not always." Then it came to me. Reading and studying the Bible should always lead to discovery of how Jesus lived so that I can learn to imitate his life in my own. Unless I am reading the Bible, first of all, to learn how Jesus lived and then to practice becoming more like him, I have no right to claim to be one of his followers. Further, unless I am living my life as he lived his, I have no basis for trying to teach anyone else what it means to be a follower of Jesus. The real proof of the lordship of Jesus over our lives is when our life looks like his; that's living proof.
LIVE AS JESUS DID. I hear John saying to me, "Don, you claim to be a Christian, right? What is the evidence for that? If you think it is your knowledge of the Bible or your ability to tell others how to become a Christian, you've got it all wrong. The only credible evidence that anyone is a Christian is that they are living their life as Jesus lived his. Is that what you're doing?"
I answered honestly when I said, "Not always." Then it came to me. Reading and studying the Bible should always lead to discovery of how Jesus lived so that I can learn to imitate his life in my own. Unless I am reading the Bible, first of all, to learn how Jesus lived and then to practice becoming more like him, I have no right to claim to be one of his followers. Further, unless I am living my life as he lived his, I have no basis for trying to teach anyone else what it means to be a follower of Jesus. The real proof of the lordship of Jesus over our lives is when our life looks like his; that's living proof.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Keeping the Light Shining and The Salt From Going Bad
When I lived in a very humid climate it was not unusual to see grains of rice in the salt shakers on restaurant tables. Humidity could dampen the salt causing it to solidify in the shaker and it wouldn't come out of those small holes in the top. The rice grains helped keep the salt shakable. Something could be done to keep the salt usable.
Jesus was affirming the influence his disciples (including today's followers) would have on the world around them when he said, "You are the salt of the earth. . .the light of the world." (Matthew 5:13, 14). However, he was also issuing a warning. Just as salt can go bad if not protected against conditions that cause decay, decomposition and contamination so can our influence for Jesus be diminished by neglect of our relationship with him. Light does no one else any good if it's only turned on in my sleeping bag so I can read my book instead of offering to share it with others in the tent.
We are salt of the earth and light of the world only to the extent that we heed the warning of Jesus so our influence has max impact for his kingdom.
Jesus was affirming the influence his disciples (including today's followers) would have on the world around them when he said, "You are the salt of the earth. . .the light of the world." (Matthew 5:13, 14). However, he was also issuing a warning. Just as salt can go bad if not protected against conditions that cause decay, decomposition and contamination so can our influence for Jesus be diminished by neglect of our relationship with him. Light does no one else any good if it's only turned on in my sleeping bag so I can read my book instead of offering to share it with others in the tent.
We are salt of the earth and light of the world only to the extent that we heed the warning of Jesus so our influence has max impact for his kingdom.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
The High Cost of Rebellion
I've been reading 1 Samuel which is mostly about the rise and fall of Israel's first king, Saul and his successor, David. Saul had disobeyed the word of the Lord given to him through the prophet Samuel and this rebellion against God gave rise to what might be the most heartbreaking verse in the Bible: ". . .the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul. . ." (1 Samuel 16:14). Ponder that for a moment; let the implications of that sink in.
Can you imagine anything worse than the loss of the sense of God's presence in your life? We need not doubt God's unfailing love for Saul and for us but Scripture teaches us that willful disobedience to God can result in God withdrawing from us the sense of His presence.
It seems that Saul never recovered what God removed but we can if we are willing to humble ourselves, repent and cry out for God's forgiveness. That is exactly what Jesus came to provide for us; a means for recovering from our rebellion against God through faith in Jesus.
There's no reason to lose the sense of God's presence through disobedience but as the Bible says, "if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." 1 John 2:1.
Can you imagine anything worse than the loss of the sense of God's presence in your life? We need not doubt God's unfailing love for Saul and for us but Scripture teaches us that willful disobedience to God can result in God withdrawing from us the sense of His presence.
It seems that Saul never recovered what God removed but we can if we are willing to humble ourselves, repent and cry out for God's forgiveness. That is exactly what Jesus came to provide for us; a means for recovering from our rebellion against God through faith in Jesus.
There's no reason to lose the sense of God's presence through disobedience but as the Bible says, "if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." 1 John 2:1.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
House of Prayer
I arrived at our new church building at 3 am to open the building for those who had signed up to participate in our 40 hour prayer vigil. Members of our church will come and go today and tomorrow during all hours to intercede for the various ministries of our church and for the newcomers yet to discover our church and our Jesus.
This place is permeated with a Spirit of prayer at this hour. I pray for the pray-ers who come as they pray for the many places, people and purposes of our church in the work of God's kingdom.
As he grew older, Samuel seemed to place growing emphasis on the ministry of praying for God's people; so much so that he said, "Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you" (1 Samuel 12:23).
Pray for God's people; for His Church. It's something we can do at any age and it is desperately needed these days.
This place is permeated with a Spirit of prayer at this hour. I pray for the pray-ers who come as they pray for the many places, people and purposes of our church in the work of God's kingdom.
As he grew older, Samuel seemed to place growing emphasis on the ministry of praying for God's people; so much so that he said, "Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you" (1 Samuel 12:23).
Pray for God's people; for His Church. It's something we can do at any age and it is desperately needed these days.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Ready to Share What Is Needed Most When Needed Most
Flowering trees are budding out beautifully in North Texas! Everywhere the glorious colors of an early spring remind us of God's renewing grace. The stunning colors of the trees also remind me of Psalm 1 which says that the one who delights in God's word and meditates on it is like a tree which "yields its fruit in season."
When we spend regular and frequent quality time reading God's word and prayerfully thinking about its meaning for us we become like trees "planted by streams of water". We are filled with God's truth and equipped by His Spirit so that when the "season" comes we can offer the fruit of God's word to a hungry soul.
We don't know when those opportunities will come. Not every moment is the right season for sharing a word from God's truth. Only God knows when someone is ready for a word from Him. But if we delight in His word and take it into our own heart and mind regularly, we will be ready when He is ready; when the season is right.
When we spend regular and frequent quality time reading God's word and prayerfully thinking about its meaning for us we become like trees "planted by streams of water". We are filled with God's truth and equipped by His Spirit so that when the "season" comes we can offer the fruit of God's word to a hungry soul.
We don't know when those opportunities will come. Not every moment is the right season for sharing a word from God's truth. Only God knows when someone is ready for a word from Him. But if we delight in His word and take it into our own heart and mind regularly, we will be ready when He is ready; when the season is right.
Friday, March 9, 2012
What's Good About Old Age?
The Bible is written to and for people of all ages. It's principles, warnings and promises are for the present as well as future generations.
I'm reading Judges right now and came across a phrase in Judges 8:32 that stimulated my thinking. It says, "Gideon son of Joash died at a good old age. . ." Now, at first glance we could say that 'old' means he lived a long life. But what about 'good'? Is there anything good about being old? I remember a popular phrase from the 1960's: "Don't trust anyone over 30". Hidden meaning: if someone was over 30 they were old, out of touch, didn't understand the current generation and couldn't be trusted.
Getting old does have its challenges and disadvantages; no argument there. But the Bible shows us that 'good' and 'old age' can go together in the same thought. A little quick research revealed that this phrase is found in the Bible in reference to only three people; Abraham, Gideon and David. They all "died at a good old age."
If one can die at a good old age then it must follow that it is possible for one to die at a bad old age. Here's what I think about that as I reflect on the lives of Abraham, Gideon and David. These men didn't get it right all the time but they trusted God and lived their lives as godly individuals. Yes, so did many others in the Bible but there must have been something about the overall choices these three made along the way that singled them out as the ones who died at a good old age.
Here's a question that applies no matter your age. What choices are we making in our life journey? Are we making choices regarding physical, mental and spiritual well being that will let us finish among those who die at a good old age?
If I can learn anything from Abraham, Gideon and David I learn that a heart fully devoted to God is the key to finishing well; dying at a GOOD old age.
I'm reading Judges right now and came across a phrase in Judges 8:32 that stimulated my thinking. It says, "Gideon son of Joash died at a good old age. . ." Now, at first glance we could say that 'old' means he lived a long life. But what about 'good'? Is there anything good about being old? I remember a popular phrase from the 1960's: "Don't trust anyone over 30". Hidden meaning: if someone was over 30 they were old, out of touch, didn't understand the current generation and couldn't be trusted.
Getting old does have its challenges and disadvantages; no argument there. But the Bible shows us that 'good' and 'old age' can go together in the same thought. A little quick research revealed that this phrase is found in the Bible in reference to only three people; Abraham, Gideon and David. They all "died at a good old age."
If one can die at a good old age then it must follow that it is possible for one to die at a bad old age. Here's what I think about that as I reflect on the lives of Abraham, Gideon and David. These men didn't get it right all the time but they trusted God and lived their lives as godly individuals. Yes, so did many others in the Bible but there must have been something about the overall choices these three made along the way that singled them out as the ones who died at a good old age.
Here's a question that applies no matter your age. What choices are we making in our life journey? Are we making choices regarding physical, mental and spiritual well being that will let us finish among those who die at a good old age?
If I can learn anything from Abraham, Gideon and David I learn that a heart fully devoted to God is the key to finishing well; dying at a GOOD old age.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Should We Spend Time With 'Sinners'?
Matthew relates to us the story of how he met Jesus. It is a sobering account when considered from Matthew's perspective. As a Jewish tax collector employed by the Roman government, Matthew was disliked among his own people and probably thought of as a corrupt representative of an oppressive government. In a word, a 'sinner'. But Jesus reached out to him. How do you think that made Matthew feel? If his response is any indication, it must have been VERY meaningful to him. The Bible says that Matthew got up from his tax collector table and followed Jesus (Mt 9:9-13).
The next scene has Jesus at Matthew's house having dinner with other 'sinners' and being criticized for it by the Jewish religious leaders. Jesus responds to the criticism by reminding his detractors that his purpose for coming is to "call not the righteous but sinners."
If you're like me, we spend lots of time around our brothers and sisters in the Church but have little intentional contact with anyone else. We might be forced into sharing time and space with unbelievers or even critics of religion on the job or in school but our usual practice is to flock together with others whose feathers look like ours while avoiding the other birds.
That clearly was not the way of Jesus nor should it be our way. We need fellowship with our fellow followers of Jesus but 'sinners' (those outside the circles of faith) need the love of Christ and the keys to his kingdom.
Yes, we should spend time with 'sinners' first, because Jesus did and second, because God has given us what this troubled world needs most: the good news of God's forgiveness in Christ. Pray for God to put a Matthew in your life. And when He does, be Jesus for a moment and watch the holy sparks fly!
The next scene has Jesus at Matthew's house having dinner with other 'sinners' and being criticized for it by the Jewish religious leaders. Jesus responds to the criticism by reminding his detractors that his purpose for coming is to "call not the righteous but sinners."
If you're like me, we spend lots of time around our brothers and sisters in the Church but have little intentional contact with anyone else. We might be forced into sharing time and space with unbelievers or even critics of religion on the job or in school but our usual practice is to flock together with others whose feathers look like ours while avoiding the other birds.
That clearly was not the way of Jesus nor should it be our way. We need fellowship with our fellow followers of Jesus but 'sinners' (those outside the circles of faith) need the love of Christ and the keys to his kingdom.
Yes, we should spend time with 'sinners' first, because Jesus did and second, because God has given us what this troubled world needs most: the good news of God's forgiveness in Christ. Pray for God to put a Matthew in your life. And when He does, be Jesus for a moment and watch the holy sparks fly!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
More Than Words on a Page
As Moses nears the end of his life, he urges God's people to "Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you" (Deuteronomy 32:46). What the people had heard from the lips of Moses had been the words that God had given him for them. "They are not just idle words for you - they are your life" (Deut 32:47).
We have God's word to us in printed form today and His word is so much more than just so many words on a lot of pages. "The word of God is living and active" (Heb 4:12). It "is at work in you who believe" (1 Thess 2:13). "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Tim 3:16). When you and I read the Bible we are reading a source of life given to us by God. His words ARE life! Read them regularly and you will find nourishment for your spirit and soul.
We have God's word to us in printed form today and His word is so much more than just so many words on a lot of pages. "The word of God is living and active" (Heb 4:12). It "is at work in you who believe" (1 Thess 2:13). "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Tim 3:16). When you and I read the Bible we are reading a source of life given to us by God. His words ARE life! Read them regularly and you will find nourishment for your spirit and soul.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Ash Wednesday and The Lenten Season
Some will observe the Lenten season practicing the spiritual disciplines of fasting and self denial starting today as a way of drawing closer to God in self-examination, confession and repentance. Others, no less devoted to Jesus will not. We do well to remember what God's word teaches as we decide how or if we will observe the Lenten season.
Jesus teaches his followers to fast in ways that do not draw attention to themselves and not to pray or give to the needy with a view to attracting attention to their own piety (Matthew 6:1-18). The apostle Paul cautioned followers of Jesus against judging another believer's practices when he wrote "Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls." (Romans 14:4, NIV).
This is good advice from Scripture. To those who observe Lent through specific spiritual disciplines, keep it between you and the Lord. Whether you fall into the camp of observance or not, do not judge those in the other camp. They are the Lord's children too.
Jesus teaches his followers to fast in ways that do not draw attention to themselves and not to pray or give to the needy with a view to attracting attention to their own piety (Matthew 6:1-18). The apostle Paul cautioned followers of Jesus against judging another believer's practices when he wrote "Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls." (Romans 14:4, NIV).
This is good advice from Scripture. To those who observe Lent through specific spiritual disciplines, keep it between you and the Lord. Whether you fall into the camp of observance or not, do not judge those in the other camp. They are the Lord's children too.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Why Give?
The Old and New Testaments both teach the importance of generosity especially as it applies to our obligation as God's redeemed children to help the poor, the hungry and the helpless. Among the reasons the Bible gives for us to set aside regularly a portion of the blessings God has given us for the sake of others, perhaps there is none more important than the one in Deuteronomy 14:23: "so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always."
We do not come into this world revering God. We must learn to appreciate His holy character and to approach Him with awe, respect and reverence. Why do we need to learn that? Because God has created us for relationship with Him and that relationship works to our benefit and to His glory best when it is grounded in acknowledgement of and wholehearted submission to His sovereign authority.
God in His infinite wisdom knew that if we would take the first and best portion of what He gives to us (typically our income) and set it aside to be used as He prescribes, our relationship with Him would be strengthened and our trust in Him would grow.
Life is more as God intends it to be for us when we relate to Him on the basis of reverence for Him and there's no better way to learn that than to give regularly, sacrificially and in ways that benefit our neighbors in need.
We do not come into this world revering God. We must learn to appreciate His holy character and to approach Him with awe, respect and reverence. Why do we need to learn that? Because God has created us for relationship with Him and that relationship works to our benefit and to His glory best when it is grounded in acknowledgement of and wholehearted submission to His sovereign authority.
God in His infinite wisdom knew that if we would take the first and best portion of what He gives to us (typically our income) and set it aside to be used as He prescribes, our relationship with Him would be strengthened and our trust in Him would grow.
Life is more as God intends it to be for us when we relate to Him on the basis of reverence for Him and there's no better way to learn that than to give regularly, sacrificially and in ways that benefit our neighbors in need.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Stop Beating the Donkey and Enjoy the Ride
Did you know that there is the account of a talking donkey in the Bible? It begins in Numbers 22 and it centers on a man named Balaam who was asked by the king of one of Israel's enemies to meet with him for the purpose of calling down a curse on the Israelites. Balaam was not an Israelite but he did believe in the God of Israel probably along with other gods of the day. Balaam refused to meet with King Balak without consulting Israel's God first. God finally permitted Balaam to go meet with Balak and used the journey as an occasion to teach Balaam a lesson.
Three times along the way the donkey on which Balaam was riding seemed to disobey his rider by taking a different direction, crushing Balaam's foot against a narrow wall, and laying down in the road. Each time Balaam angrily beat the animal. Then Balaam heard the animal speak! Now whether God enabled the donkey to speak human or He enabled Balaam to understand donkey is up for grabs. There is an element of humor in the conversation; be sure to read it in Numbers 22:28-30.
After the bizarre conversation the Bible says, "Then the Lord opened Balaam's eyes. . ." (Num 22:31). The Lord let Balaam see what previously only the donkey could see: the angel of the Lord blocking the way. The donkey had been steering around the divine vision for Balaam's protection but Balaam could not see it. He was blinded by his own ego and ambition (see verse29).
Let's not miss the lesson for us here. How many times does God attempt to guide us but blinded by our own agenda we forfeit our trust in Him, insist on doing things our own way and fail to see His guiding hand of mercy and grace. May the Lord open our eyes of faith, teach us to trust in His leadership and may we stop beating the donkey and enjoy the ride!
Three times along the way the donkey on which Balaam was riding seemed to disobey his rider by taking a different direction, crushing Balaam's foot against a narrow wall, and laying down in the road. Each time Balaam angrily beat the animal. Then Balaam heard the animal speak! Now whether God enabled the donkey to speak human or He enabled Balaam to understand donkey is up for grabs. There is an element of humor in the conversation; be sure to read it in Numbers 22:28-30.
After the bizarre conversation the Bible says, "Then the Lord opened Balaam's eyes. . ." (Num 22:31). The Lord let Balaam see what previously only the donkey could see: the angel of the Lord blocking the way. The donkey had been steering around the divine vision for Balaam's protection but Balaam could not see it. He was blinded by his own ego and ambition (see verse29).
Let's not miss the lesson for us here. How many times does God attempt to guide us but blinded by our own agenda we forfeit our trust in Him, insist on doing things our own way and fail to see His guiding hand of mercy and grace. May the Lord open our eyes of faith, teach us to trust in His leadership and may we stop beating the donkey and enjoy the ride!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
PMA and Stress
Life is full of stressors. We all experience stress; we can't stop it from intruding in our lives. Where we are different is in how we respond to stress and what effects it has upon us.
I read recently where a study by the American Psychological Association revealed that stress levels are lower in western states than other parts of the country. One reason for that, according to the article, may be that there is more evidence of positive mental attitude (PMA) in the west. This might leave us with the impression that if we can just have a more positive outlook on life, we will have less stress to deal with. Now before you pull up stakes and move to California, consider what the Bible says about stress and PMA.
PMA is God's idea. The Bible says, "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things" Philippians 4:8 (NIV). In other words make a regular practice of intentionally reflecting on thoughts with those qualities; it's just plain healthier! This describes where God wants our head to be all the time. However there is no indication that PMA is God's way for us to handle stress. But He has given us a way in the verses immediately preceding this one.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV). This is God's strategy for dealing with stress. "Don't be anxious about anything" doesn't mean don't ever get anxious, worried or stressed out. It means that when you ARE don't stay there! God has given you someplace else to go: to Him! When stressors collide with your harmony, immediately turn to God and confess what has you all tied up in knots; ask Him to give you clarity about it and to help you through it. Thank Him for all the good things in your life. You might also want to thank Him that you don't live any further east (just kidding)!
God's word makes you a promise here. If you will turn your stress over to Him, He will give you peace; His brand of peace, the kind that protects your emotions and your thoughts (heart and mind) from being casualties of life's stressful nature. Give it a try. What have you got to lose except the destructive effects of stress?
I read recently where a study by the American Psychological Association revealed that stress levels are lower in western states than other parts of the country. One reason for that, according to the article, may be that there is more evidence of positive mental attitude (PMA) in the west. This might leave us with the impression that if we can just have a more positive outlook on life, we will have less stress to deal with. Now before you pull up stakes and move to California, consider what the Bible says about stress and PMA.
PMA is God's idea. The Bible says, "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things" Philippians 4:8 (NIV). In other words make a regular practice of intentionally reflecting on thoughts with those qualities; it's just plain healthier! This describes where God wants our head to be all the time. However there is no indication that PMA is God's way for us to handle stress. But He has given us a way in the verses immediately preceding this one.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV). This is God's strategy for dealing with stress. "Don't be anxious about anything" doesn't mean don't ever get anxious, worried or stressed out. It means that when you ARE don't stay there! God has given you someplace else to go: to Him! When stressors collide with your harmony, immediately turn to God and confess what has you all tied up in knots; ask Him to give you clarity about it and to help you through it. Thank Him for all the good things in your life. You might also want to thank Him that you don't live any further east (just kidding)!
God's word makes you a promise here. If you will turn your stress over to Him, He will give you peace; His brand of peace, the kind that protects your emotions and your thoughts (heart and mind) from being casualties of life's stressful nature. Give it a try. What have you got to lose except the destructive effects of stress?
Monday, January 30, 2012
The Lies We Encounter
A golf instruction website included a lesson entitled "Encountering Lies in Your Game". As I read on I learned that the author was using the word 'lies' to refer to the many different playing conditions in which one could find their ball after a shot; below the feet, side hill lie, in tall grass, in a divot, etc. The lesson title could also have been interpreted as referring to times when golfers might exaggerate their handicap or fail to count all strokes on a particular hole. Those too are lies we sometimes encounter in golf.
But when I thought further about "Encountering Lies in Your Game" it hit me that the place where we encounter the most dangerous lies with the greatest destructive potential is in the 'game' of life as a follower of Jesus. I'm not saying that life as a disciple of Jesus is a 'game'. I am simply using the word as a metaphor for being a participant with Jesus in the life of faith.
We have a very real, spiritual enemy who is at work all the time to undermine and derail our pursuit of victory over sin as followers of Jesus. He is called Satan, the devil. His name means adversary and accuser and his primary weapon is deception. The Bible says, "When he [Satan] lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and father of lies." John 8:44 (NIV).
Here are two destructive lies we can encounter and what the Bible says about them:
Here's how to keep from being a casualty of the lies we encounter. "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith," 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV). Resist, stand firm, live in victory!
But when I thought further about "Encountering Lies in Your Game" it hit me that the place where we encounter the most dangerous lies with the greatest destructive potential is in the 'game' of life as a follower of Jesus. I'm not saying that life as a disciple of Jesus is a 'game'. I am simply using the word as a metaphor for being a participant with Jesus in the life of faith.
We have a very real, spiritual enemy who is at work all the time to undermine and derail our pursuit of victory over sin as followers of Jesus. He is called Satan, the devil. His name means adversary and accuser and his primary weapon is deception. The Bible says, "When he [Satan] lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and father of lies." John 8:44 (NIV).
Here are two destructive lies we can encounter and what the Bible says about them:
- I've got that destructive habit or compulsion under control and I don't have to be concerned about it anymore. The devil told you, "It's all about moderation. A little bit won't hurt."
- I know it was wrong. What I did was a mistake. I made a bad choice but for all the right reasons so it really wasn't a sin. The devil told you, "Yeah, it was wrong but it wasn't that bad."
Here's how to keep from being a casualty of the lies we encounter. "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith," 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV). Resist, stand firm, live in victory!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Why Good Isn't Good Enough
Occasionally I hear someone say something like "I don't think that anyone needs to go to church or to believe in Jesus as long as they are a good person and believe in God." The implication is that one's eternal destiny can be secured by a general belief in a divine authority and by right behavior; being a moral and ethical person, helping others, maybe even observing at least some, if not all of the Ten Commandments. In and of themselves these are all good traits worthy of our attention but according to the Bible they have no inherent value for securing one's eternal destiny.
In Mark 10:17-22 a wealthy young man confronts Jesus with the question, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"; in other words, to secure my eternal destiny. He goes on to explain to Jesus that all his life he has been a good person, observing the Ten Commandments. Jesus says that's all great but it's not enough. If this young man wants to be sure of eternal life, a secure eternal destiny, Jesus tells him that he must be willing to transfer all the trust he has placed in his wealth to Jesus and let Jesus lead his life.
The down side of the story is that the young man walked away sad without the eternal hope he was seeking. He was unwilling to put the full weight of his faith in anything but himself, his wealth and his own capacity to be a good person.
1 John 5:11-12 says "This is the testimony. God has given us eternal life and this life is in His Son. Those who have the Son have eternal life; those who do not have the Son do not have life." Dear friend, don't let being good keep you out of heaven. Place your faith in Jesus and let him lead you.
In Mark 10:17-22 a wealthy young man confronts Jesus with the question, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"; in other words, to secure my eternal destiny. He goes on to explain to Jesus that all his life he has been a good person, observing the Ten Commandments. Jesus says that's all great but it's not enough. If this young man wants to be sure of eternal life, a secure eternal destiny, Jesus tells him that he must be willing to transfer all the trust he has placed in his wealth to Jesus and let Jesus lead his life.
The down side of the story is that the young man walked away sad without the eternal hope he was seeking. He was unwilling to put the full weight of his faith in anything but himself, his wealth and his own capacity to be a good person.
1 John 5:11-12 says "This is the testimony. God has given us eternal life and this life is in His Son. Those who have the Son have eternal life; those who do not have the Son do not have life." Dear friend, don't let being good keep you out of heaven. Place your faith in Jesus and let him lead you.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
The Long Way Around
You have the destination clearly in mind, the route is loaded in the GPS or highlighted on the map and you have a pretty good idea of how long it will take to get to your final stopping point. Then after some time on the road, well into the journey, there's the sign: DETOUR AHEAD. The first reaction is "Oh great! Now how much longer is THIS going to take?" We focus on the inconvenience and the disruption to our well-laid plan giving little, if any thought to the possibility that the detour might be for our own good.
Usually detours are due to road construction but sometimes they are to route us around unsafe conditions like rock or mud slides, damaged bridges or wild fires. As frustrating as these delays can be, they can in the long run save us a lot of trouble.
When the Pharaoh of Egypt finally let God's people go after 400 years of increasing servitude, God led them out but "God did not lead them on the route through the Philistine country, though that was shorter." (Exodus 13:17). In fact, He led them "around by the desert road toward the Red Sea." (13:18).
The Bible gives us God's reason for doing this: "God said, 'If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.'" (13:17). God's detour would save them from the temptation to retreat to Egypt and miss out on the new life in a new land that He had prepared for them. There was something else they would miss out on by taking shorter route: the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and destruction of their Egyptian enemy.
If it seems that God has you taking the long way around in some area of your life and it appears that your goal is more out of reach than ever, keep this in mind: God has a very good reason for this desert detour; He loves you and He's looking after you. And if you don't turn around and head back to Egypt, you might find that He is setting you up to be a participant in a miracle of divine grace.
Usually detours are due to road construction but sometimes they are to route us around unsafe conditions like rock or mud slides, damaged bridges or wild fires. As frustrating as these delays can be, they can in the long run save us a lot of trouble.
When the Pharaoh of Egypt finally let God's people go after 400 years of increasing servitude, God led them out but "God did not lead them on the route through the Philistine country, though that was shorter." (Exodus 13:17). In fact, He led them "around by the desert road toward the Red Sea." (13:18).
The Bible gives us God's reason for doing this: "God said, 'If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.'" (13:17). God's detour would save them from the temptation to retreat to Egypt and miss out on the new life in a new land that He had prepared for them. There was something else they would miss out on by taking shorter route: the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and destruction of their Egyptian enemy.
If it seems that God has you taking the long way around in some area of your life and it appears that your goal is more out of reach than ever, keep this in mind: God has a very good reason for this desert detour; He loves you and He's looking after you. And if you don't turn around and head back to Egypt, you might find that He is setting you up to be a participant in a miracle of divine grace.
Monday, January 16, 2012
The Holiness of Our Days
In Psalm 139, song writer and poet King David celebrates God's intimate knowledge of every detail of David and his life. The One who made him knows everything about him and there's no place David can go that the Lord cannot watch over, guide and sustain him. This psalm affirms the omniscience, omnipotence and omnipresence of God; His qualities of knowing all things, having all power and being unlimited by time and space. And it applies to us as much as it did to King David.
David also teaches us that God knew the scope and details of our lives even before we were born: "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." (Ps 139:16).
I was ordained after I responded to God's call and was trained for pastoral ministry. To be ordained meant that I was designated by an official authority for the specialized work and purpose of Christian pastoral ministry and invested with the requisite authority for that purpose.
When I consider that all of our days, however many that might end up being for each of us, have been ordained by God, I am overwhelmed by the inherent and holy value God has place on every day of our lives. Every day we have has been given to us by God for His kingdom work and for His eternal purposes. We might not all be ordained in the sense of specialized Christian ministry but every day that we draw breath has been designated by our Creator as a holy period of time to be used for His glory. A reminder of that every morning will encourage us to go into each day with a new and exciting sense of purpose and meaning.
David also teaches us that God knew the scope and details of our lives even before we were born: "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." (Ps 139:16).
I was ordained after I responded to God's call and was trained for pastoral ministry. To be ordained meant that I was designated by an official authority for the specialized work and purpose of Christian pastoral ministry and invested with the requisite authority for that purpose.
When I consider that all of our days, however many that might end up being for each of us, have been ordained by God, I am overwhelmed by the inherent and holy value God has place on every day of our lives. Every day we have has been given to us by God for His kingdom work and for His eternal purposes. We might not all be ordained in the sense of specialized Christian ministry but every day that we draw breath has been designated by our Creator as a holy period of time to be used for His glory. A reminder of that every morning will encourage us to go into each day with a new and exciting sense of purpose and meaning.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
A Tweaking of Perspective
Now I'm not a whine baby but it all seemed to come at one time. First, the chest cold accompanied by loss of voice (I was the only one complaining about that!). Then came the visit to the dermatologist. Then the back. . . oh my aching back! Chiropractor, heating pad, no golf etc., etc. Did I mention NO GOLF?
About this same time a close friend went in for major surgery. My stuff became pretty small and I rediscovered gratitude for overall good health. My friend's faith in his hour of affliction was inspirational. Sometimes perspective needs tweaking.
We can get pretty wimpy about how tough it is to be a faithful follower of Jesus these days too; what with all the temptations and modern-day anti-Christian bias (I heard someone say that recently) along with other reasons we can give for anemic witness. I don't know if Paul was dealing with spiritual whine babies or not but in Hebrews 11 he recalls for us what the ancient heroes of the faith went through. Then in chapter 12 he reminds us how really tough Jesus had it and urges us to "consider him . . .so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Then he cuts to the chase: "In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood." (Hebrews 12:4).
We don't know what 'tough' is when it comes to following Jesus and living for God. There are multitudes of Christian brothers and sisters around the world who do. We need to get real, be willing to take it on the chin if necessary, pray for those hurting fellow believers, and give thanks for the grace we've received. Sometimes a good perspective tweaking can be a helpful thing.
About this same time a close friend went in for major surgery. My stuff became pretty small and I rediscovered gratitude for overall good health. My friend's faith in his hour of affliction was inspirational. Sometimes perspective needs tweaking.
We can get pretty wimpy about how tough it is to be a faithful follower of Jesus these days too; what with all the temptations and modern-day anti-Christian bias (I heard someone say that recently) along with other reasons we can give for anemic witness. I don't know if Paul was dealing with spiritual whine babies or not but in Hebrews 11 he recalls for us what the ancient heroes of the faith went through. Then in chapter 12 he reminds us how really tough Jesus had it and urges us to "consider him . . .so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Then he cuts to the chase: "In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood." (Hebrews 12:4).
We don't know what 'tough' is when it comes to following Jesus and living for God. There are multitudes of Christian brothers and sisters around the world who do. We need to get real, be willing to take it on the chin if necessary, pray for those hurting fellow believers, and give thanks for the grace we've received. Sometimes a good perspective tweaking can be a helpful thing.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
New Beginnings a Time for Worship
The word Genesis, the name of the first book in the Bible, means 'beginnings'. Reading it through that lens helps to grasp God's purposes and humanity's place in His plan right from THE start. Two personalities in the early chapters of Genesis teach us something very important about 'beginnings'; Noah and Abram.
Chapter 8 describes the end of the global flood and Noah's first step onto dry land in more than three months. The first thing Noah did after his family and all the animals walked out onto dry land to begin their new life was worship. "Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it." (Gen 8:20).
Fast forward to chapter 12. God calls Abram (later to be called Abraham) to go to a place where he had never been before. At several stages along his journey he marks his movement toward God's future for him. At the place of his assignment he "built an altar there to the Lord." (Gen 12:7). Near Bethel "he built an altar to the Lord." (Gen 12:8). When he arrived at Hebron "he built an altar to the Lord." (Gen 13:18).
What will be the first thing you will do with God's new beginning for you? An new job; a new community; a new opportunity; a new home; a new baby; a new relationship; a new day; A NEW YEAR! Will you ''build an altar"? Not literally maybe but will you begin by acknowledging God and His sovereignty over your life and by praising and thanking Him for bringing you to a point of a new beginning? After all, you wouldn't be there if not for Him!
Chapter 8 describes the end of the global flood and Noah's first step onto dry land in more than three months. The first thing Noah did after his family and all the animals walked out onto dry land to begin their new life was worship. "Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it." (Gen 8:20).
Fast forward to chapter 12. God calls Abram (later to be called Abraham) to go to a place where he had never been before. At several stages along his journey he marks his movement toward God's future for him. At the place of his assignment he "built an altar there to the Lord." (Gen 12:7). Near Bethel "he built an altar to the Lord." (Gen 12:8). When he arrived at Hebron "he built an altar to the Lord." (Gen 13:18).
What will be the first thing you will do with God's new beginning for you? An new job; a new community; a new opportunity; a new home; a new baby; a new relationship; a new day; A NEW YEAR! Will you ''build an altar"? Not literally maybe but will you begin by acknowledging God and His sovereignty over your life and by praising and thanking Him for bringing you to a point of a new beginning? After all, you wouldn't be there if not for Him!
Monday, January 2, 2012
The Kindness of Our Just and Righteous God
When Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, He punished them. Their punishment came in the forms of 1) the death penalty (Gen 2:17), 2) shame (Gen 2:25; 3:7), and 3) fear (Gen 3:10). But God also showed them kindness when he made clothes for them, covering up the source of their shame (Gen 3:21).
When Cain killed his brother, Abel, God punished him by consigning him to a life of restless wandering (Gen 4:12). But God also showed kindness when he marked Cain to protect him from his fear of being killed (Gen 4:15).
There have been times in my life when God has given it to me with both barrels and I had it coming. He has never let me off the hook for disobeying Him but He has also shown me unmerited mercy and grace. His discipline has never been as severe as it could have been and His kindness has always been far greater than I deserve.
In Luke 6:35 Jesus says "[God] is kind to the ungrateful and wicked." Even us when we least deserve it!
When Cain killed his brother, Abel, God punished him by consigning him to a life of restless wandering (Gen 4:12). But God also showed kindness when he marked Cain to protect him from his fear of being killed (Gen 4:15).
There have been times in my life when God has given it to me with both barrels and I had it coming. He has never let me off the hook for disobeying Him but He has also shown me unmerited mercy and grace. His discipline has never been as severe as it could have been and His kindness has always been far greater than I deserve.
In Luke 6:35 Jesus says "[God] is kind to the ungrateful and wicked." Even us when we least deserve it!
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