Meditation
1 Samuel 2:6-8—The LORD brings death and gives life; He sends [some] to Sheol, and He raises [others] up. The LORD brings poverty and gives wealth; He humbles and He exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the garbage pile. He seats them with noblemen and gives them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s; He has set the world on them.
Every person has a story. Command Sergeant Major Loera and I walked beneath the famous Arch in St. Louis. We were looking around at the different venues when a woman walked up and invited us inside the theater where she worked. As soon as the movie about making the Arch finished, she slipped us two free tickets and sent us to watch the Lewis and Clark film. She repeatedly thanked us for our service touching us with her generosity.
The next day, I returned to the Arch from our hotel to give Maria a small gift to thank her for her kindness. Later I asked her to tell me her story. She protested that her life was boring but thankfully shared anyway. Maria was born in Red Bud, Illinois, on November 19, 1954. At the age of sixteen, she was forced to leave home to find work and a place of her own. In 1974, she married a man who sadly turned out to be an abusive alcoholic. The day after her husband hit her son in a drunken rage and sent him flying across the room, Maria escaped with her children to stay three months with her pastor and his wife in a room they prepared for her. Her marriage lasted just under ten years.
On April 17, 1995, while at work Maria received a call from the hospital—the call every parent dreads. A nurse told her that her youngest son Tim was admitted for treatment but that he was okay. But each time she asked about her daughter the nurse would not answer. Maria knew her seventeen year-old Angela was with Tim and had a bad premonition. Just three months earlier, Angela told her mom about a reoccurring dream about a black truck, a hill, and a glowing hand that reached out to her. She was afraid to see what was beyond the hill and to take the hand for fear she would not see her mom again. Maria told her if the hand was offered and she wanted to go she should take it.
A sovereign Father prepared His children for a difficult time. Angela and her brother Tim were passengers in a black truck. The driver was young and foolishly speeding on a country road when he lost control. His pickup launched off a hill and rolled three times killing him and Angela. Somehow, both Tim and Angela’s boyfriend survived. Tim held his sister’s arm as her pulse expired.
When Maria notified her boss of her daughter’s death, he told her if she missed a day of work, she would be absent without leave (AWOL). Incredulous, she responded that she would be gone all week regardless of what he did. Fortunately, another employee heard the conversation and reported it to the supervisor who immediately called and apologized to Maria. Then he gave her a month off with pay! This incident seems to capture her life—Maria suffers adversity, responds with courage and receives grace from God to continue! Her joy meter stays lit. She is a woman who makes everyone around her better.
If you would like to take a moment and encourage this humble woman for being a light that honors God, you may write her at grannyohms5@hotmail.com. I suspect she would love to hear from you and I think you’ll make a new Illinois friend.
Inspiration
Love sweetens pains. And when a Christian loves God, he can suffer for His sake, joyfully and courageously.—Brother Lawrence & Frank Laubach in Practicing His Presence
Friday, October 8, 2010
Disturbed
Jed is disturbed by the actions and beliefs of people who call themselves Christians and he disdains the notion of putting his faith in the Lord. Yet, for as argumentative as he is, he still loves to engage in conversation about God and what the Bible says. Jed is sort of an odd bird. People don’t tend to get along with him. I found early on that his mouth goes far beyond where my ears want to go and he doesn’t take hints real well. But the Lord began to convict me for my lack of patience with Jed. Rather than engage him in conversation, I was too quick to try and avoid him. I had to learn to put aside my agenda and listen. Gradually, he began to open up about things that caused him pain. Because I took time to befriend him, he went out of his way to help me in my job. The day will come when I believe Jed will give his heart to Jesus. I suspect most of his arguing is a smokescreen to avoid having to yield his life to the Lord.
Meditation
Mark 6:19,20—So Herodias held a grudge against him and wanted to kill him. But she could not, because Herod was in awe of John and was protecting him, knowing he was a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard him he would be very disturbed, yet would hear him gladly.
It would be interesting to find out what John the Baptist thought of King Herod. Herod threw him in prison because his wife Herodias wanted him dead. This was because John told Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife” (6:18). Yet the sinner admired the saint and took the time to engage him in conversation. Who knows what the two of them talked about behind cell walls? Even though the truth greatly bothered him, Herod evidently looked forward to his talks with the prophet.
Do we go out of our away to avoid sharing truth with those who disturb us or seem bent on sinning? As best we can tell, Herod rejected John’s message but that did not stop Jesus’ cousin from sharing. If God gave up on people because they were disturbed, Saul would never have become Paul. If we neglect sharing with spiritual antagonists we may avoid losing our head, but for sure we will not gain any hearts. Better to be jailed for telling the truth than to be free to say nothing.
Inspiration
Indisputably, evangelism is not a priority to most Christians. Less that one out of ten said that they have ever intentionally built a relationship with someone in the hope of being able to lead the person to Christ. Fewer than one of every five believers claimed to know a non-Christian well enough to share their faith with that individual in a context of trust and credibility.—George Barna in Growing True Disciples
Meditation
Mark 6:19,20—So Herodias held a grudge against him and wanted to kill him. But she could not, because Herod was in awe of John and was protecting him, knowing he was a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard him he would be very disturbed, yet would hear him gladly.
It would be interesting to find out what John the Baptist thought of King Herod. Herod threw him in prison because his wife Herodias wanted him dead. This was because John told Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife” (6:18). Yet the sinner admired the saint and took the time to engage him in conversation. Who knows what the two of them talked about behind cell walls? Even though the truth greatly bothered him, Herod evidently looked forward to his talks with the prophet.
Do we go out of our away to avoid sharing truth with those who disturb us or seem bent on sinning? As best we can tell, Herod rejected John’s message but that did not stop Jesus’ cousin from sharing. If God gave up on people because they were disturbed, Saul would never have become Paul. If we neglect sharing with spiritual antagonists we may avoid losing our head, but for sure we will not gain any hearts. Better to be jailed for telling the truth than to be free to say nothing.
Inspiration
Indisputably, evangelism is not a priority to most Christians. Less that one out of ten said that they have ever intentionally built a relationship with someone in the hope of being able to lead the person to Christ. Fewer than one of every five believers claimed to know a non-Christian well enough to share their faith with that individual in a context of trust and credibility.—George Barna in Growing True Disciples
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Reported
Meditation
John 5:15—The man went and reported to the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.
When a starved person chooses rocks over bread, there is a deeper disorder than hunger. A man was sick for 38 years. Jesus saw him and knew his situation. He asked him if he would like to get well. Instead of answering “Yes!”, the man shared a pool of woes. You can read about it in John 5:1-7.
Jesus was not interested in what didn’t work. He told the man the best eight words he had heard in almost four decades. “Get up! Pick up your bedroll and walk!” Instantly he was healed. Predictably, the religious leaders missed the awesomeness of his healing and zeroed in on why he broke Sabbath law by carrying his mat. The man explained what Jesus told him to do but he had no clue of Jesus’ identity. Later the Lord found him and said, “See you are well. Do not sin any more, so that something worse doesn’t happen to you.” Jesus, knowing all things, gave the man a warning. Why? What did He see in the man’s heart?
Why an immobilized man set free would need to curry the favor of the religious leaders who were helpless to help him for 38 years should tell us much about human nature. Evidently, what cured his illness did not touch his spirit. Instead of protecting the identity of his benefactor, the man reported Jesus to the authorities. This caused the Lord direct persecution by the Jews. It was also an eerie foreshadowing. When orchestrated by jealous religious leaders, the Jews blessed by Jesus’ miracles and teaching, eagerly yelled, “Crucify Him!”
Welcome to a mysterious pool called Bethesda. Here we discover a disease worse and more widespread than blindness, lameness or paralysis. It is atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Its victims would rather cooperate with those in control than to have faith. The miracle worker is expendable. The power of grace is blocked by the fear of disgrace. It is not the multitude that is cured when the pool is stirred it is the one who makes it first to the water.
The Bible tells us of days when children rise against their parents and vice versa. People will do what is in their self-interest in order to further their own preservation. If the authorities declare faith in Christ to be a crime, don’t be surprised when the neighbor you helped reports you. Veins too clogged for faith whisper betrayal. It happened to Jesus and He really was special. If after a spectacular healing the Master has to say, “See you are well, do not sin any more . . .” something is radically wrong!
John 5:15—The man went and reported to the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.
When a starved person chooses rocks over bread, there is a deeper disorder than hunger. A man was sick for 38 years. Jesus saw him and knew his situation. He asked him if he would like to get well. Instead of answering “Yes!”, the man shared a pool of woes. You can read about it in John 5:1-7.
Jesus was not interested in what didn’t work. He told the man the best eight words he had heard in almost four decades. “Get up! Pick up your bedroll and walk!” Instantly he was healed. Predictably, the religious leaders missed the awesomeness of his healing and zeroed in on why he broke Sabbath law by carrying his mat. The man explained what Jesus told him to do but he had no clue of Jesus’ identity. Later the Lord found him and said, “See you are well. Do not sin any more, so that something worse doesn’t happen to you.” Jesus, knowing all things, gave the man a warning. Why? What did He see in the man’s heart?
Why an immobilized man set free would need to curry the favor of the religious leaders who were helpless to help him for 38 years should tell us much about human nature. Evidently, what cured his illness did not touch his spirit. Instead of protecting the identity of his benefactor, the man reported Jesus to the authorities. This caused the Lord direct persecution by the Jews. It was also an eerie foreshadowing. When orchestrated by jealous religious leaders, the Jews blessed by Jesus’ miracles and teaching, eagerly yelled, “Crucify Him!”
Welcome to a mysterious pool called Bethesda. Here we discover a disease worse and more widespread than blindness, lameness or paralysis. It is atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Its victims would rather cooperate with those in control than to have faith. The miracle worker is expendable. The power of grace is blocked by the fear of disgrace. It is not the multitude that is cured when the pool is stirred it is the one who makes it first to the water.
The Bible tells us of days when children rise against their parents and vice versa. People will do what is in their self-interest in order to further their own preservation. If the authorities declare faith in Christ to be a crime, don’t be surprised when the neighbor you helped reports you. Veins too clogged for faith whisper betrayal. It happened to Jesus and He really was special. If after a spectacular healing the Master has to say, “See you are well, do not sin any more . . .” something is radically wrong!
Explanation
When I was in Junior High School, Billy Graham came to Seoul, Korea. I was able to sit on a platform not far from where the speakers stood and take pictures. At the time (early 1970’s), it was the largest Billy Graham Crusade ever. Looking behind the platform there on Yoido Island there was an immense sea of people. Dr. Graham explained to this spiritually hungry audience the meaning of the gospel. He quoted John 3:16, read other Bible passages, and outlined in simple terms God’s plan of salvation. Hundreds of thousands of Koreans stood and moved forward when he gave an invitation. Countless faces were wet with tears of repentance. Perhaps heaven’s citizens stood and cheered as they watched this grand spectacle.
Meditation
Nehemiah 8:7,8—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah, who were Levites, explained the law to the people as they stood in their places. They read the book of the law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was read.
Around 457 B.C., the Jews were spiritually impoverished. Their ancestors stopped venerating God to worship idols. They disobeyed what Moses taught to run after their own pleasures. They lost their homeland to disease, famine, and Assyrians and Babylonians who led them as captives into exile. They experienced every disaster God warned they would suffer for disobeying Him.
On the first day of the seventh month (Tishrei) in the Hebrew calendar, Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform facing about 5000 people he led back to Israel. Along with thirteen Levites, he read from the Torah from daybreak until noon. When he opened up the Scripture, all the people stood and remained standing for hours.
The Hebrew-written Torah was unfamiliar to the Aramaic-speaking people. Furthermore, they did not own their own copies of the law so Moses’ writing was unfamiliar to them. Consequently, it was necessary to translate and explain the law. As the people listened and comprehended, they wept. The crowd was so convicted by God’s Words that Ezra and the Levites had to quiet them from grieving.
Most of America’s first leaders feared God. They established a framework for governance meant to honor Biblical principles and protect a young nation so that it might thrive. Over 200 years later, there is no shortage of Bibles, radio stations, or television channels that offer God’s teachings. It is easy to find a building designated for worship. But if a wooden platform were erected, and godly leaders were to read Scripture for half the day, how many people would show up, stand the entire time listening intently, and then weep by conviction for their ignorance and sin? How much disease, disaster, and spilling of blood does it take to get a nation’s attention? Until there is hunger for righteous explanation, there will always be an evil-ingested bloating.
Inspiration
For a good confession three things are necessary: an examination of conscience, sorrow, and a determination to avoid sin.—St. Alphonsus Luguori in “A Good Confession”
Meditation
Nehemiah 8:7,8—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah, who were Levites, explained the law to the people as they stood in their places. They read the book of the law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was read.
Around 457 B.C., the Jews were spiritually impoverished. Their ancestors stopped venerating God to worship idols. They disobeyed what Moses taught to run after their own pleasures. They lost their homeland to disease, famine, and Assyrians and Babylonians who led them as captives into exile. They experienced every disaster God warned they would suffer for disobeying Him.
On the first day of the seventh month (Tishrei) in the Hebrew calendar, Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform facing about 5000 people he led back to Israel. Along with thirteen Levites, he read from the Torah from daybreak until noon. When he opened up the Scripture, all the people stood and remained standing for hours.
The Hebrew-written Torah was unfamiliar to the Aramaic-speaking people. Furthermore, they did not own their own copies of the law so Moses’ writing was unfamiliar to them. Consequently, it was necessary to translate and explain the law. As the people listened and comprehended, they wept. The crowd was so convicted by God’s Words that Ezra and the Levites had to quiet them from grieving.
Most of America’s first leaders feared God. They established a framework for governance meant to honor Biblical principles and protect a young nation so that it might thrive. Over 200 years later, there is no shortage of Bibles, radio stations, or television channels that offer God’s teachings. It is easy to find a building designated for worship. But if a wooden platform were erected, and godly leaders were to read Scripture for half the day, how many people would show up, stand the entire time listening intently, and then weep by conviction for their ignorance and sin? How much disease, disaster, and spilling of blood does it take to get a nation’s attention? Until there is hunger for righteous explanation, there will always be an evil-ingested bloating.
Inspiration
For a good confession three things are necessary: an examination of conscience, sorrow, and a determination to avoid sin.—St. Alphonsus Luguori in “A Good Confession”
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Compassion II
Sandy sits on the iron bench bolted to the sidewalk by Prink Avenue and finishes her cell phone conversation. The yellow Walk light has not yet flashed but she doesn’t care, she is an important person and she knows the drivers will wait. Unhesitatingly, she stands and moves into the crosswalk practically daring the cars to stop. Her spiritual life is much the same. Sandy approaches God and expects that He will listen to her because she is a good person and her list of accomplishments warrants in her mind, His favor.
Meditation
Daniel 9:18—Listen, my God, and hear. Open Your eyes and see our desolations and the city called by Your name. For we are not presenting our petitions before You based on our righteous acts, but based on Your abundant compassion.
At a time in history of national shame, the Jews desperately needed God’s kindness. Daniel understood how to appeal to his Father. He knew that petitions backed by moral accomplishments could never repair the damage done by centuries of blatant spiritual rebellion. If cedar tabernacles filled with chanted psalms could undue sin, God would not have resorted to a crude cross. Daniel based his request for help on divine compassion—the Hebrew script bearing witness to its abundance.
Is God’s action dependent on our good works? Desolation is not removed by demonstration. Biblical characters like David appealed to God’s mercy based on personal righteousness. But do we ever read God replying “You are right, I owe you favor because you have been so good.” Instead, He reveals His grandeur and in the process human puniness and insufficiency lead the appealer to understand it is mercy and compassion that lead to salvation.
God’s compassion is the sweetest nectar known to man. It calms the anxious mind. It mends sin with a stitchery of golden thread that cannot be broken. It soothes the soul of sorrow with notes of grace. It clears the clotted heart with the redeeming blood of the holiest Lamb. At least seventy-seven times Scripture specifically mentions God’s compassion to His people. It is not about us it is all about Him! Hallelujah!
Inspiration
O Lord, remove this bondage of thought, and bring peace and purity and power. Fill me this day with Thy tenderness and compassion and grace.—Oswald Chambers
Meditation
Daniel 9:18—Listen, my God, and hear. Open Your eyes and see our desolations and the city called by Your name. For we are not presenting our petitions before You based on our righteous acts, but based on Your abundant compassion.
At a time in history of national shame, the Jews desperately needed God’s kindness. Daniel understood how to appeal to his Father. He knew that petitions backed by moral accomplishments could never repair the damage done by centuries of blatant spiritual rebellion. If cedar tabernacles filled with chanted psalms could undue sin, God would not have resorted to a crude cross. Daniel based his request for help on divine compassion—the Hebrew script bearing witness to its abundance.
Is God’s action dependent on our good works? Desolation is not removed by demonstration. Biblical characters like David appealed to God’s mercy based on personal righteousness. But do we ever read God replying “You are right, I owe you favor because you have been so good.” Instead, He reveals His grandeur and in the process human puniness and insufficiency lead the appealer to understand it is mercy and compassion that lead to salvation.
God’s compassion is the sweetest nectar known to man. It calms the anxious mind. It mends sin with a stitchery of golden thread that cannot be broken. It soothes the soul of sorrow with notes of grace. It clears the clotted heart with the redeeming blood of the holiest Lamb. At least seventy-seven times Scripture specifically mentions God’s compassion to His people. It is not about us it is all about Him! Hallelujah!
Inspiration
O Lord, remove this bondage of thought, and bring peace and purity and power. Fill me this day with Thy tenderness and compassion and grace.—Oswald Chambers
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Prove Yourself!
Sergeant Major Cedric Moore shared with me his story as we sat in his car at Fort Monroe, Virginia. Raised in a black community in Huntsville, Alabama, he often attended church and had uncles who were pastors. But what these men preached was not what they lived. Watching “spiritual” men engage in adultery, robbery, lying and other sinful behavior caused Cedric to conclude that God must not be real.
While attending college in Birmingham, Cedric was exposed to Black Muslims who gave him literature and tapes in order to recruit him. At first he was interested but the more he investigated them the more he realized that they were just as racist as the KKK. Two years into his education but out of money, he had to drop out. But he didn’t want his mother to have to go to work to pay for his education so he joined the Army. On his dog tags he listed, “No Religious Preference.”
Stationed at Fort Bragg, several people asked Cedric to go with them to church. Most often he brushed them off wanting nothing to do with Christians. One day, frustrated and wondering what even gave people the desire to live, he said, “God if you are real You have to prove yourself to me.” Later that day, a white stranger invited him to church. Cedric told him he would not go to church with him. But then convicted by his rudeness, he called after the man, “If you have a service tonight I will go with you.” To his surprise, the man turned, smiled and said, “Great, we have a service at 7:30 and I’ll pick you up at 7:00.” Because he was a man of his word, Cedric went to church.
That night for the first time Cedric experienced interracial worship. He watched a white preacher whose face reddened as he spoke with intensity. As he listened, the pastor said, “Some of you here tonight have told God that to believe in Him He must prove Himself real to you. But if you want to know God, you must prove yourself real to Him!” Stunned by the words he knew were from heaven, he walked down the aisle and gave his life to Christ.
Meditation
Mark 15:39—When the centurion, who was standing opposite Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, "This man really was God's Son!"
A Roman centurion experienced an earthquake and saw inexplicable things associated with Jesus’ crucifixion. He watched the way Jesus died and concluded the Son of Man really was the Son of God. He had to come to his own conclusion. God gave him all the evidence He needed.
God is real! If we base His authenticity and therefore our willingness to believe in Him on what people do or do not do, we immediately err. God’s reality is neither verified nor falsified by people’s activity. God is real because of what He does and who He is. Cedric met Him when he quit demanding He appear. The centurion found Him when His Son quit breathing. The paradox of faith is that we have to believe stripped of our reason; make a human decision untied to humans to follow a Creator who gives us the evidence to see Him yet who remains invisible! Something to think about . . . in reveration!
While attending college in Birmingham, Cedric was exposed to Black Muslims who gave him literature and tapes in order to recruit him. At first he was interested but the more he investigated them the more he realized that they were just as racist as the KKK. Two years into his education but out of money, he had to drop out. But he didn’t want his mother to have to go to work to pay for his education so he joined the Army. On his dog tags he listed, “No Religious Preference.”
Stationed at Fort Bragg, several people asked Cedric to go with them to church. Most often he brushed them off wanting nothing to do with Christians. One day, frustrated and wondering what even gave people the desire to live, he said, “God if you are real You have to prove yourself to me.” Later that day, a white stranger invited him to church. Cedric told him he would not go to church with him. But then convicted by his rudeness, he called after the man, “If you have a service tonight I will go with you.” To his surprise, the man turned, smiled and said, “Great, we have a service at 7:30 and I’ll pick you up at 7:00.” Because he was a man of his word, Cedric went to church.
That night for the first time Cedric experienced interracial worship. He watched a white preacher whose face reddened as he spoke with intensity. As he listened, the pastor said, “Some of you here tonight have told God that to believe in Him He must prove Himself real to you. But if you want to know God, you must prove yourself real to Him!” Stunned by the words he knew were from heaven, he walked down the aisle and gave his life to Christ.
Meditation
Mark 15:39—When the centurion, who was standing opposite Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, "This man really was God's Son!"
A Roman centurion experienced an earthquake and saw inexplicable things associated with Jesus’ crucifixion. He watched the way Jesus died and concluded the Son of Man really was the Son of God. He had to come to his own conclusion. God gave him all the evidence He needed.
God is real! If we base His authenticity and therefore our willingness to believe in Him on what people do or do not do, we immediately err. God’s reality is neither verified nor falsified by people’s activity. God is real because of what He does and who He is. Cedric met Him when he quit demanding He appear. The centurion found Him when His Son quit breathing. The paradox of faith is that we have to believe stripped of our reason; make a human decision untied to humans to follow a Creator who gives us the evidence to see Him yet who remains invisible! Something to think about . . . in reveration!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Lenience
Thank God we are not a heap of ashes! 1. Do you know people who believe the Old Testament God is exceedingly harsh and not the same New Testament God? 2. Have you ever done something so bad there was just no way you thought God would forgive you? 3. Do you know someone who has committed some disgusting sin and Christians will have nothing to do with that person despite his or her repentance?
Meditation
Ezekiel 18:21-22—Now if the wicked person turns from all the sins he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is just and right, he will certainly live; he will not die. None of the transgressions he has committed will be held against him. He will live because of the righteousness he has practiced.
The Hebrew word rasha translates guilty one or one hostile to God. One deserves to be smoked who blows sin in His face. God told Ezekiel that he would spare a rasha person if that person stopped sinning and lived righteously. Ezekiel is chocked full of pronouncements of punishment for depraved people, yet here is a passage of amazing leniency. It is this merciful Lover of humanity who appears throughout the writings of the poets, priests, and prophets. For an inconsistent human to label his Creator mutable is like the fool defining Wisdom.
If you answered the second question with a “yes,” this passage should jolt your thinking. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleans us from all unrighteousness.” Don’t let Satan beat you up with guilt. Stop dissolving grace with the acid of disbelief. God’s intent is to extend grace not fire. If this were not the case Adam and Eve would be the tiniest footnotes in history for their unhealthy fruit selection. God is full of compassion. If you committed the unpardonable sin, you wouldn’t be reading this. Only if you are not confessing should you be trembling. Only if you hold on to evil should you be afraid.
For question three, if a believer will not forgive a recovering stumbler, a most troubling paradox arises: his tainted flag of legalism flies higher than God’s flag of leniency.
Ezekiel reveals a Father who wants to grant life. Some may say, “But no one could keep all of God’s statues and do what is just and right, so God is setting us up for failure.” Remember, this is exactly why He sent Jesus, to keep what we could not to fix the hopelessly broken!
Inspiration
The strongest argument for forgiveness is the alternative, a permanent state of unforgiveness.—Philip Yancey in What’s So Amazing About Grace?
Meditation
Ezekiel 18:21-22—Now if the wicked person turns from all the sins he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is just and right, he will certainly live; he will not die. None of the transgressions he has committed will be held against him. He will live because of the righteousness he has practiced.
The Hebrew word rasha translates guilty one or one hostile to God. One deserves to be smoked who blows sin in His face. God told Ezekiel that he would spare a rasha person if that person stopped sinning and lived righteously. Ezekiel is chocked full of pronouncements of punishment for depraved people, yet here is a passage of amazing leniency. It is this merciful Lover of humanity who appears throughout the writings of the poets, priests, and prophets. For an inconsistent human to label his Creator mutable is like the fool defining Wisdom.
If you answered the second question with a “yes,” this passage should jolt your thinking. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleans us from all unrighteousness.” Don’t let Satan beat you up with guilt. Stop dissolving grace with the acid of disbelief. God’s intent is to extend grace not fire. If this were not the case Adam and Eve would be the tiniest footnotes in history for their unhealthy fruit selection. God is full of compassion. If you committed the unpardonable sin, you wouldn’t be reading this. Only if you are not confessing should you be trembling. Only if you hold on to evil should you be afraid.
For question three, if a believer will not forgive a recovering stumbler, a most troubling paradox arises: his tainted flag of legalism flies higher than God’s flag of leniency.
Ezekiel reveals a Father who wants to grant life. Some may say, “But no one could keep all of God’s statues and do what is just and right, so God is setting us up for failure.” Remember, this is exactly why He sent Jesus, to keep what we could not to fix the hopelessly broken!
Inspiration
The strongest argument for forgiveness is the alternative, a permanent state of unforgiveness.—Philip Yancey in What’s So Amazing About Grace?
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Hidden
Meditation
Jeremiah 36:26—Then the king commanded Jerahmeel the king's son, Seraiah son of Azriel, and Shelemiah son of Abdeel to seize Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet, but the LORD had hidden them.
God told the prophet Jeremiah to take a scroll and write on it. His purpose was to communicate all the disasters He planned to inflict on Israel, Judah and other nations. His concern was that the people of Judah would repent when they heard what He was going to do and receive forgiveness. So Jeremiah dictated God’s words to Baruch, his helper, who wrote them on a scroll. Then, because he was restricted from going to the temple, he sent Baruch to read to the people. Word of the scroll’s contents reached Judean officials and they had Baruch read the scroll to them. Concerned how their evil king would react and afraid of the message, they told Baruch to go and hide with Jeremiah. Then they took the scroll and had it read to King Jehoiakim who instead of repenting burned the scroll and issued the command above.
There are some very significant lessons we can extract from this story. When God asks us to do something, we are not to question the risk of the task; find excuses, modify the command or recommend someone else; or, fear that we might suffer. Our job is to obey God. He is quite capable of using us to deliver the truth and then protecting us from those who react violently. Just as God hid Jeremiah and Baruch, He is capable of hiding us.
Is it possible we waste time worrying what enemies might do to us? Alternatively, do we smugly embrace our eternal inheritance yet ignore the reality that we have a temporal mission? Do we live as undercover Christians hoping to be left alone and unpersecuted?
It may seem like what God asked Jeremiah to do was a waste of time and energy. The king did not fear Him. The people did not repent. What was the point? Here is where we go astray. Quit looking for the point. Listen to God and trust that He knows what He is doing. If He wants to, He can hide us. He may allow us to suffer and perish—many a prophet died a horrific death. Our responsibility is not to worry about our condition but to condition ourselves to obey. Praise God, we will always be hidden under His eternal wings. No one can take what Jesus won for us and that’s something to think about . . . in reveration!
Inspiration
I place no hope in my strength, nor in my works: but all my confidence is in God my protector, who never abandons those who have put all their hope and thought in him.—Francois Rabelais
Jeremiah 36:26—Then the king commanded Jerahmeel the king's son, Seraiah son of Azriel, and Shelemiah son of Abdeel to seize Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet, but the LORD had hidden them.
God told the prophet Jeremiah to take a scroll and write on it. His purpose was to communicate all the disasters He planned to inflict on Israel, Judah and other nations. His concern was that the people of Judah would repent when they heard what He was going to do and receive forgiveness. So Jeremiah dictated God’s words to Baruch, his helper, who wrote them on a scroll. Then, because he was restricted from going to the temple, he sent Baruch to read to the people. Word of the scroll’s contents reached Judean officials and they had Baruch read the scroll to them. Concerned how their evil king would react and afraid of the message, they told Baruch to go and hide with Jeremiah. Then they took the scroll and had it read to King Jehoiakim who instead of repenting burned the scroll and issued the command above.
There are some very significant lessons we can extract from this story. When God asks us to do something, we are not to question the risk of the task; find excuses, modify the command or recommend someone else; or, fear that we might suffer. Our job is to obey God. He is quite capable of using us to deliver the truth and then protecting us from those who react violently. Just as God hid Jeremiah and Baruch, He is capable of hiding us.
Is it possible we waste time worrying what enemies might do to us? Alternatively, do we smugly embrace our eternal inheritance yet ignore the reality that we have a temporal mission? Do we live as undercover Christians hoping to be left alone and unpersecuted?
It may seem like what God asked Jeremiah to do was a waste of time and energy. The king did not fear Him. The people did not repent. What was the point? Here is where we go astray. Quit looking for the point. Listen to God and trust that He knows what He is doing. If He wants to, He can hide us. He may allow us to suffer and perish—many a prophet died a horrific death. Our responsibility is not to worry about our condition but to condition ourselves to obey. Praise God, we will always be hidden under His eternal wings. No one can take what Jesus won for us and that’s something to think about . . . in reveration!
Inspiration
I place no hope in my strength, nor in my works: but all my confidence is in God my protector, who never abandons those who have put all their hope and thought in him.—Francois Rabelais
Off to the Jungle
Pete and Saul left last month to visit three Segadorian missionary families working in the distant Asheninka tribe. They traveled seven hours by bus, then six hours in the back of a pick-up over a rough road, then finally three hours in a motorized canoe in drizzling rain. As Peter notes in their newsletter it was well worth the sacrifice. Why did these two men go to such lengths to visit these families? They went because they understood how important the value of encouragement is. It is not easy to get from Lima, Peru to remote jungle towns but it you want to communicate to your fellow teammates that they matter; making the effort is the right thing to do.
Meditation
Acts 11:22-24—Then the report about them reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to travel as far as Antioch. When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with a firm resolve of the heart for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith—and large numbers of people were added to the Lord.
Antioch was about 300 miles north of Jerusalem. Whether Barnabas walked to a port city and took a boat to the port fifteen miles from Antioch or just walked overland, we can assume it took him at least a week to get to his destination. He did not have luggage with wheels so he either carried all he needed or paid to have his stuff transported. He had no phone to call ahead and arrange where to meet and chances are good he had never before met the people the church sent him to greet. From the passage above, we can assume that his presence was partly responsible for amazing church growth. Barnabas was so enthused by what God was doing in Antioch, that he went to Tarsus to find Saul and brought him back with him. For over a year they taught large numbers of believers—the first disciples to be called Christians.
Have you ever considered that one of the best forms of evangelism is encouragement? Think about it! If I am discouraged and not doing so well in ministry and someone travels 16 hours just to visit and encourage me—is it possible that I will be reenergized to serve the Lord? If a total stranger travels over 300 miles to encourage my interest in learning about Jesus — is it possible, I may conclude that the gospel is valid and indeed life changing!
Would you consider doing something with me? Stop and spend a few moments in prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you someone who needs encouraging. Then make the sacrifice to either travel to that person’s location (if God so leads), or write a letter (don’t email—that’s too easy), or pick up the phone and call that person and build them up. Go the extra mile to make a difference in someone’s life. Let God use you to be a soul-shiner. If we would spend more time encouraging saints, we would find a whole lot more people wanting to become saints.
Inspiration
There is a good reason why dogs are therapeutic—they use their tails to fan our hearts.
Meditation
Acts 11:22-24—Then the report about them reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to travel as far as Antioch. When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with a firm resolve of the heart for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith—and large numbers of people were added to the Lord.
Antioch was about 300 miles north of Jerusalem. Whether Barnabas walked to a port city and took a boat to the port fifteen miles from Antioch or just walked overland, we can assume it took him at least a week to get to his destination. He did not have luggage with wheels so he either carried all he needed or paid to have his stuff transported. He had no phone to call ahead and arrange where to meet and chances are good he had never before met the people the church sent him to greet. From the passage above, we can assume that his presence was partly responsible for amazing church growth. Barnabas was so enthused by what God was doing in Antioch, that he went to Tarsus to find Saul and brought him back with him. For over a year they taught large numbers of believers—the first disciples to be called Christians.
Have you ever considered that one of the best forms of evangelism is encouragement? Think about it! If I am discouraged and not doing so well in ministry and someone travels 16 hours just to visit and encourage me—is it possible that I will be reenergized to serve the Lord? If a total stranger travels over 300 miles to encourage my interest in learning about Jesus — is it possible, I may conclude that the gospel is valid and indeed life changing!
Would you consider doing something with me? Stop and spend a few moments in prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you someone who needs encouraging. Then make the sacrifice to either travel to that person’s location (if God so leads), or write a letter (don’t email—that’s too easy), or pick up the phone and call that person and build them up. Go the extra mile to make a difference in someone’s life. Let God use you to be a soul-shiner. If we would spend more time encouraging saints, we would find a whole lot more people wanting to become saints.
Inspiration
There is a good reason why dogs are therapeutic—they use their tails to fan our hearts.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Home
I was born in Colorado Springs. I can’t remember the event but my birth certificate proves the date and location. Whenever I return to the Springs I feel like my batteries are getting recharged. Does that make any sense? Somehow, being in Colorado rejuvenates my spirit and I always look forward to a visit to that state. Yet, as beautiful as the state is, if I try to get in a workout by running at that high elevation, (lack of oxygen), I am quickly winded. After just a few days, my sinuses are affected and my lips quickly chap in the dry air.
Meditation
Psalm 73:24,25—You guide me with Your counsel, and afterwards You will take me up in glory. Whom do I have in heaven but You? And I desire nothing on earth but You.
In Philippians 3:19-21, the Apostle Paul describes the enemies of the cross by stating: “Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame. They are focused on earthly things.” He then goes on to share:
but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subject everything to Himself.
We live on earth in a temporary home. If Jesus is our Lord our longing should be to be with Him. Our best dwelling will be the place He creates for us in our redeemed bodies. If there is a lack of yearning for Him, a reluctant pining to reach home, we have a serious problem. This is not to say we cannot enjoy where we live or visit but certainly that our pleasure for any earthly place should pale in comparison to our desire to reach our permanent address. There trumps here or our love is corrupted by a spoiling of . . .
If our focus is on earthly things, we have a sick contentment and a mouth disinclined to proclaim Christ. If our eagerness is to unite with Jesus, our conversation should be expectant, pregnant with hope and shared with those whom we would never wish to miss eternal glory. Ambassadors work on behalf of their true homeland and represent the intent of their appointed leader. May those who are around us see our true allegiance and long to know the One we follow and reach the home where He is present!
Inspiration
If the disposition of the Son of God is in me, then heaven and God are my destination; if the disposition in me is not the disposition of God, my home is as obviously certain with the devil.—Oswald Chambers in The Shadow of an Agony
Meditation
Psalm 73:24,25—You guide me with Your counsel, and afterwards You will take me up in glory. Whom do I have in heaven but You? And I desire nothing on earth but You.
In Philippians 3:19-21, the Apostle Paul describes the enemies of the cross by stating: “Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame. They are focused on earthly things.” He then goes on to share:
but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subject everything to Himself.
We live on earth in a temporary home. If Jesus is our Lord our longing should be to be with Him. Our best dwelling will be the place He creates for us in our redeemed bodies. If there is a lack of yearning for Him, a reluctant pining to reach home, we have a serious problem. This is not to say we cannot enjoy where we live or visit but certainly that our pleasure for any earthly place should pale in comparison to our desire to reach our permanent address. There trumps here or our love is corrupted by a spoiling of . . .
If our focus is on earthly things, we have a sick contentment and a mouth disinclined to proclaim Christ. If our eagerness is to unite with Jesus, our conversation should be expectant, pregnant with hope and shared with those whom we would never wish to miss eternal glory. Ambassadors work on behalf of their true homeland and represent the intent of their appointed leader. May those who are around us see our true allegiance and long to know the One we follow and reach the home where He is present!
Inspiration
If the disposition of the Son of God is in me, then heaven and God are my destination; if the disposition in me is not the disposition of God, my home is as obviously certain with the devil.—Oswald Chambers in The Shadow of an Agony
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Forgetting
Not long ago a woman walked up to me and said, “Do you remember me?” Her face looked familiar but I was at a complete loss as to her name or where I had served with her! The Indians have a proverb, “A good memory is fine—but the ability to forget is the true test of greatness.” Obviously the writer was not thinking about forgetting someone’s name unless he knew something we don’t!
Meditation
Isaiah 49:14-16—Zion says, “The LORD has abandoned me; The Lord has forgotten me!” “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the child of her womb? Even if these forget, yet I will not forget you. Look, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.”
Dan was over visiting and shared that his grandmother in an assisted living home forgets each day that she is home and asks, “Do I have a room here?” Truly that is an insightful picture of what can happen to us as we get older. So how blessed we are to commit to memory two things about God:
• He will never forget us. He did not make us to abandon us. He loves us with a permanent love—promising to abide forever with us who choose to trust in Him for our salvation!
• He will forget our sins. Hebrews 8:12 says, “For I will be merciful to their wrongdoing, and I will never again remember their sins.”
As humans, it is easy to forget names yet to remember the injustice committed by another against us. So quick we are to make commitments and then forget to do what we said we would do. We are so unlike God! Os Guinness reminds us in The Call, “Ingratitude and forgetfulness are ultimately moral rather than mental; they are the direct expression of sin.”
Dear Lord, please fortify my mind to retain what will honor you and edify others and let go of what would dishonor You or cause another to stumble. Thank You for never forgetting me, for forgiveness and for not holding my sins against me. Amen
Inspiration
Forgetting in the Divine mind is an attribute, in the human mind it is a defect, consequently God never illustrates His Divine forgetfulness by human pictures, but by pictures taken from His own creation.—Oswald Chambers in Run Today’s Race
Meditation
Isaiah 49:14-16—Zion says, “The LORD has abandoned me; The Lord has forgotten me!” “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the child of her womb? Even if these forget, yet I will not forget you. Look, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.”
Dan was over visiting and shared that his grandmother in an assisted living home forgets each day that she is home and asks, “Do I have a room here?” Truly that is an insightful picture of what can happen to us as we get older. So how blessed we are to commit to memory two things about God:
• He will never forget us. He did not make us to abandon us. He loves us with a permanent love—promising to abide forever with us who choose to trust in Him for our salvation!
• He will forget our sins. Hebrews 8:12 says, “For I will be merciful to their wrongdoing, and I will never again remember their sins.”
As humans, it is easy to forget names yet to remember the injustice committed by another against us. So quick we are to make commitments and then forget to do what we said we would do. We are so unlike God! Os Guinness reminds us in The Call, “Ingratitude and forgetfulness are ultimately moral rather than mental; they are the direct expression of sin.”
Dear Lord, please fortify my mind to retain what will honor you and edify others and let go of what would dishonor You or cause another to stumble. Thank You for never forgetting me, for forgiveness and for not holding my sins against me. Amen
Inspiration
Forgetting in the Divine mind is an attribute, in the human mind it is a defect, consequently God never illustrates His Divine forgetfulness by human pictures, but by pictures taken from His own creation.—Oswald Chambers in Run Today’s Race
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Affliction
I flew from Louisville, Kentucky to Chicago on Wednesday afternoon. My neck hurt but I suspected it was just from reading too long. The next flight was from Chicago to Portland. As I got off the plane, both my shoulders ached and I could hardly turn my head or lift my luggage. By the time I reached home, the joints in my wrists hurt. Pacing the living room at three in the morning, I wondered if perhaps this was not just some medical condition but a spiritual attack. I asked the Lord for His help and to bring healing. By that evening, the pain moved into my knees to the point that I could hardly walk. My parents urged me to go to the emergency room. I called a retired Navy Seal who served as a corpsman and he offered advice and then joined my family in praying for me.
Meditation
Psalm 4:1—Answer me when I call, God, who vindicates me. You freed me from affliction; be gracious to me and hear my prayer.
On Friday, I visited a doctor and a chiropractor. Both concluded that a virus probably was responsible for the acute pain. It will take days before blood work comes back but by late in the afternoon, I was already feeling better. Talking to my friend, David, on the phone, we reflected on how little it takes to incapacitate us. Truly, the body is wonderful yet vulnerable.
Affliction offers God-believers the opportunity to have heartfelt conversations with Him. Words tend to be quite meaningful when pain holds us by the neck. We should be glad that we can call out to our Father when we are under assault. He gives us hope in the midst of suffering.
Affliction offers those who have strayed from God, the opportunity to run back to Him. Pain is a reminder of who is really in control. But what does affliction teach those who don’t believe in God? Who vindicates, frees, provides grace and listens to the one who worships None? The same David who pled with God to answer him, later asked his afflicters, “How long will you love what is worthless and pursue a lie?” Despite his suffering, he could see their deeper dilemma—ignoring God. Affliction has a way of doing that—bringing clarity to what matters and doesn’t matter . . . something to think about . . . in reveration.
Inspiration
The agony of a man’s affliction is often necessary to put him into the right mood to face the fundamental things of life.—Oswald Chambers in The Shadow of an Agony
Meditation
Psalm 4:1—Answer me when I call, God, who vindicates me. You freed me from affliction; be gracious to me and hear my prayer.
On Friday, I visited a doctor and a chiropractor. Both concluded that a virus probably was responsible for the acute pain. It will take days before blood work comes back but by late in the afternoon, I was already feeling better. Talking to my friend, David, on the phone, we reflected on how little it takes to incapacitate us. Truly, the body is wonderful yet vulnerable.
Affliction offers God-believers the opportunity to have heartfelt conversations with Him. Words tend to be quite meaningful when pain holds us by the neck. We should be glad that we can call out to our Father when we are under assault. He gives us hope in the midst of suffering.
Affliction offers those who have strayed from God, the opportunity to run back to Him. Pain is a reminder of who is really in control. But what does affliction teach those who don’t believe in God? Who vindicates, frees, provides grace and listens to the one who worships None? The same David who pled with God to answer him, later asked his afflicters, “How long will you love what is worthless and pursue a lie?” Despite his suffering, he could see their deeper dilemma—ignoring God. Affliction has a way of doing that—bringing clarity to what matters and doesn’t matter . . . something to think about . . . in reveration.
Inspiration
The agony of a man’s affliction is often necessary to put him into the right mood to face the fundamental things of life.—Oswald Chambers in The Shadow of an Agony
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Doors
Sandra, the leader of Jennifer’s home Bible Study, informed the women of her job promotion with Key Bank. As a result, she would be moving to another state. While the women cheered her good fortune, immediately they wondered what would happen to their group when she left. At first, there was quite a bit of discouragement. Jennifer was personally going through a rough time in her life as a parent and Sandra’s advice was often invaluable and encouraging.
Meditation
1 Corinthians 16:7-9—I don't want to see you now just in passing, for I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows. But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, because a wide door for effective ministry has opened for me—yet many oppose me.
The Apostle Paul changed his travel plans because God presented him with significant opportunity to extend his ministry in the city of Ephesus. From the passage above, we can see that Paul recognized that how he spent his time was subject to God’s permissive will. He further understood this required an open mind to observe what God was doing in his life and around him and a sensitivity to maximize divine providence.
Paul’s letters reveal personal frustration he sometimes felt in trying to be an effective minister of the gospel. Even while God opened a wide door for him to minister in Ephesus, people opposed him. Why? Perhaps some felt he should not spend as much time there. Maybe, his presence threatened leaders with their own agendas. Possibly, Paul faced purely secular threats—people purposely opposed to his sharing about Christ.
Often, God allows change or adversity to open our hearts to other options and opportunities, or, to test our resolve in proving faithful in what He provides. Sandra called Jennifer and asked to meet with her a week before moving. To Jennifer’s surprise, Sandra shared that she saw God’s hand at work in her friend’s life and sensed that the Spirit was orchestrating events so that Jennifer could exercise leadership. Sandra separately prayed with the other women and they collectively agreed Jennifer was the right one to teach the study. What looked initially discouraging to all of them turned into a blessing.
God allows or arranges circumstances to lead us to a different place. He brings us to a door we are to walk through by faith. If we miss His handiwork, we see only walls. If we take counsel of our fears, we fail to turn the knob. If the door is before you, and the Spirit beckons, walk through it and experience the joy of knowing your journey is a sanctioned adventure!
Inspiration
We discover the doors our Lord opens by watching the things unsaved human nature reacts against.—Oswald Chambers in If You Will Be Perfect
Meditation
1 Corinthians 16:7-9—I don't want to see you now just in passing, for I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows. But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, because a wide door for effective ministry has opened for me—yet many oppose me.
The Apostle Paul changed his travel plans because God presented him with significant opportunity to extend his ministry in the city of Ephesus. From the passage above, we can see that Paul recognized that how he spent his time was subject to God’s permissive will. He further understood this required an open mind to observe what God was doing in his life and around him and a sensitivity to maximize divine providence.
Paul’s letters reveal personal frustration he sometimes felt in trying to be an effective minister of the gospel. Even while God opened a wide door for him to minister in Ephesus, people opposed him. Why? Perhaps some felt he should not spend as much time there. Maybe, his presence threatened leaders with their own agendas. Possibly, Paul faced purely secular threats—people purposely opposed to his sharing about Christ.
Often, God allows change or adversity to open our hearts to other options and opportunities, or, to test our resolve in proving faithful in what He provides. Sandra called Jennifer and asked to meet with her a week before moving. To Jennifer’s surprise, Sandra shared that she saw God’s hand at work in her friend’s life and sensed that the Spirit was orchestrating events so that Jennifer could exercise leadership. Sandra separately prayed with the other women and they collectively agreed Jennifer was the right one to teach the study. What looked initially discouraging to all of them turned into a blessing.
God allows or arranges circumstances to lead us to a different place. He brings us to a door we are to walk through by faith. If we miss His handiwork, we see only walls. If we take counsel of our fears, we fail to turn the knob. If the door is before you, and the Spirit beckons, walk through it and experience the joy of knowing your journey is a sanctioned adventure!
Inspiration
We discover the doors our Lord opens by watching the things unsaved human nature reacts against.—Oswald Chambers in If You Will Be Perfect
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Homage
There is a slang term in the English language, brown nose. It means to seek favor in a fawning manner. For example, someone may pay you a compliment to make you feel good about yourself while in reality what that person wants is simply to gain your favor. People brown nose to gain a higher standing. Those who observe people brown nosing, often ridicule them directly or behind their back because the action smacks of flattery and a lack of genuineness.
Brown nosing is the seamy side of paying homage, which should be a dignified act. Centuries ago in European society, a vassal might surrender himself to the feudal lord, by kneeling and giving his joined hands to the nobleman, who clasped them in his own, thus accepting the surrender.
Meditation
2 Chronicles 24:17,18—However, after Jehoiada died, the rulers of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them, and they abandoned the temple of the LORD God of their ancestors and served the Asherah poles and the idols. So there was wrath against Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs.
The Bible tells us, “Throughout the time of Jehoiada the priest, Joash did what was right in the LORD’s sight” (24:2). However, as soon as the priest died, officials from Judah came and turned his heart. How did they succeed in corrupting a good king? My hunch is it had much to do with paying homage. Those rulers appealed to King Joash’s ego stroking his sense of importance such that the king viewed himself higher than he viewed God. Why else would he rebel from his Lord and authorize idol worship? Undoubtedly, those evil rulers stood to gain from the practice of idol worship. They may have resented the authority and prominence of a religious priest. Somehow, they so corrupted the king’s thinking that he commanded that Johoiada’s son, Zechariah, be stoned to death after the priest’s son chastised the people for turning away from God. What a tragic turnaround for a leader who knew better!
How is your ego? What happens inside your heart when people attempt to curry your goodwill by sweet talk? If our need for importance, power, or control is out of balance, we are set up to accept hype and praise and potentially make compromising decisions. One course of action will help keep us in balance. As soon as someone gives you praise (whether it be genuine or with an agenda), deflect the glory to God. Someone says, “You are such a great speaker.” Respond simply, “Thank you. I give the credit to the Lord who gives me the wisdom to know what to say as I rely on Him.” The Lord is the worthy One! If there is to be homage, let it be to Him.
Inspiration
The tongue is our most powerful weapon of manipulation.—Richard J. Foster in Celebration of Discipline
Brown nosing is the seamy side of paying homage, which should be a dignified act. Centuries ago in European society, a vassal might surrender himself to the feudal lord, by kneeling and giving his joined hands to the nobleman, who clasped them in his own, thus accepting the surrender.
Meditation
2 Chronicles 24:17,18—However, after Jehoiada died, the rulers of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them, and they abandoned the temple of the LORD God of their ancestors and served the Asherah poles and the idols. So there was wrath against Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs.
The Bible tells us, “Throughout the time of Jehoiada the priest, Joash did what was right in the LORD’s sight” (24:2). However, as soon as the priest died, officials from Judah came and turned his heart. How did they succeed in corrupting a good king? My hunch is it had much to do with paying homage. Those rulers appealed to King Joash’s ego stroking his sense of importance such that the king viewed himself higher than he viewed God. Why else would he rebel from his Lord and authorize idol worship? Undoubtedly, those evil rulers stood to gain from the practice of idol worship. They may have resented the authority and prominence of a religious priest. Somehow, they so corrupted the king’s thinking that he commanded that Johoiada’s son, Zechariah, be stoned to death after the priest’s son chastised the people for turning away from God. What a tragic turnaround for a leader who knew better!
How is your ego? What happens inside your heart when people attempt to curry your goodwill by sweet talk? If our need for importance, power, or control is out of balance, we are set up to accept hype and praise and potentially make compromising decisions. One course of action will help keep us in balance. As soon as someone gives you praise (whether it be genuine or with an agenda), deflect the glory to God. Someone says, “You are such a great speaker.” Respond simply, “Thank you. I give the credit to the Lord who gives me the wisdom to know what to say as I rely on Him.” The Lord is the worthy One! If there is to be homage, let it be to Him.
Inspiration
The tongue is our most powerful weapon of manipulation.—Richard J. Foster in Celebration of Discipline
Monday, June 7, 2010
Remembered
Step after step in unison they marched, accenting the weight of each boot upon the carpet so that everyone in that banquet room could hear. Not an eye wandered, each man in his dress uniform staring straight ahead as they slowly moved across the assembled guests. Near a small round table, the squad leader halted them and faced them to the center. Then he moved to the second man and slowly saluted him, before taking from his outstretched hands the folded flag. In return, the one no longer carrying his nation’s colors, saluted. Next, the sergeant marched in silence to the empty table and placed the folded flag upon it. Returning, he aligned himself in front of the next man in line. From this one’s hands, he took another folded flag. Instead of saluting as before, he turned to his right and waited while the last man in formation moved to join him. Slowly the two unfolded the mostly black flag. Then, with reverence and precision, the younger soldier snapped the flag in place on a thin pole, beside the empty table set for one. Across the bottom of that flag were printed the words, “You are not forgotten.”
We who are soldiers pledge not to forget our fallen and missing comrades—those brave men who never came home. Where they languish in captivity, or died on lost and lonely landscape is unknown. That is only part of what fills our minds. What matters more is that we honor them, soldiers who swore to protect their nation knowing they might give the supreme sacrifice. In this case, to remember is to value—it is a spiritual concept breathed by our Creator! Moreover, tugging our hearts is that inner hope that if we were in their place we would not be forgotten.
Meditation
Isaiah 49:14-16—Zion says, “The LORD has abandoned me; The Lord has forgotten me!” “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the child of her womb? Even if these forget, yet I will not forget you. Look, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.”
Imagine if God forgot us. Imagine if we died and our bodies turned to dust and our souls were nothing more than some wind carried, siren song. Imagine if there was no homecoming because the Maker saw no need to forgive, restore, and perpetuate. Fortunately, the same God who promised never to forget the nation of Israel, sent His Son who promised us, “My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27,28).
When was the last time you thanked God for a Savior that always remembers? . . . something to think about . . . in reveration!
Inspiration
There is nothing so secure as the salvation of God; it is as eternal as the mountains, and it is our trust in God that brings us the conscious realization of this.—Oswald Chambers in The Pilgrim’s Song Book
We who are soldiers pledge not to forget our fallen and missing comrades—those brave men who never came home. Where they languish in captivity, or died on lost and lonely landscape is unknown. That is only part of what fills our minds. What matters more is that we honor them, soldiers who swore to protect their nation knowing they might give the supreme sacrifice. In this case, to remember is to value—it is a spiritual concept breathed by our Creator! Moreover, tugging our hearts is that inner hope that if we were in their place we would not be forgotten.
Meditation
Isaiah 49:14-16—Zion says, “The LORD has abandoned me; The Lord has forgotten me!” “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the child of her womb? Even if these forget, yet I will not forget you. Look, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.”
Imagine if God forgot us. Imagine if we died and our bodies turned to dust and our souls were nothing more than some wind carried, siren song. Imagine if there was no homecoming because the Maker saw no need to forgive, restore, and perpetuate. Fortunately, the same God who promised never to forget the nation of Israel, sent His Son who promised us, “My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27,28).
When was the last time you thanked God for a Savior that always remembers? . . . something to think about . . . in reveration!
Inspiration
There is nothing so secure as the salvation of God; it is as eternal as the mountains, and it is our trust in God that brings us the conscious realization of this.—Oswald Chambers in The Pilgrim’s Song Book
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Scheming
When I read newspaper and internet stories and listen to the radio and television one word leaps to mind—scheming! Republicans accuse the President and the Democratic-controlled Congress of trying to impose socialism. Democrats accuse Republicans of fear mongering and not caring about the American people. Special interest groups accuse Supreme Court justices for not holding to the Constitution. Radio talk hosts accuse the media of sensationalism and distortion. There is no happiness and unity is as easy to find as a unicorn. Perhaps we would do well to pause and to consider the nature of man.
Meditation
Psalm 10:4—In all his scheming, the wicked arrogantly thinks: “There is no accountability, since God does not exist.”
I suspect rebellion was the first recorded sin in history. Two essential ingredients fuel an evil rebellion: pride and scheming. Satan turned against his Lord. Then he incited Adam and Eve to disobey. Absent pride, there was no reason for Satan to usurp God. Minus scheming, there would be no action. From the time of Eden to the last words of John, the Bible is sated with pride and scheming.
A man without God is a man who lives for himself. Even a kind atheist at heart gives to make himself feel good. Scheming is the natural byproduct of a man or woman’s attempt to get what he or she wants. Thus, it is asinine for us to act surprised at the selfishness we see in actors and leaders across societal spectrums. Even those in the presence of Jesus were natural schemers—just look at the twelve apostles! Too often, I am concerned with my own agenda. It is only by grace and the merciful help of a loving Counselor that I can set my heart to do what God wants!
Impious people will plot—they cannot help it. We do not have to stew and let the actions of the arrogant upset us. We are responsible to do what is right, to pray, and to seek the will of the Father. Our confidence comes when we remember, “But You Yourself have seen trouble and grief, observing it in order to take the matter into Your hands. The helpless entrusts himself to You; You are a helper of the fatherless”—Psalm 10:14.
Inspiration
The vision of socialism is magnificent; there are benedictions and blessings for mankind on the line of socialism which have never been yet; but if once the root is cut from redemption, it will be one of the most frantic forms of despotic tyranny the human race has ever known. It looks like the lamb, but when the big crisis comes, it gives life to the beast.—Oswald Chambers in The Shadow of an Agony
Meditation
Psalm 10:4—In all his scheming, the wicked arrogantly thinks: “There is no accountability, since God does not exist.”
I suspect rebellion was the first recorded sin in history. Two essential ingredients fuel an evil rebellion: pride and scheming. Satan turned against his Lord. Then he incited Adam and Eve to disobey. Absent pride, there was no reason for Satan to usurp God. Minus scheming, there would be no action. From the time of Eden to the last words of John, the Bible is sated with pride and scheming.
A man without God is a man who lives for himself. Even a kind atheist at heart gives to make himself feel good. Scheming is the natural byproduct of a man or woman’s attempt to get what he or she wants. Thus, it is asinine for us to act surprised at the selfishness we see in actors and leaders across societal spectrums. Even those in the presence of Jesus were natural schemers—just look at the twelve apostles! Too often, I am concerned with my own agenda. It is only by grace and the merciful help of a loving Counselor that I can set my heart to do what God wants!
Impious people will plot—they cannot help it. We do not have to stew and let the actions of the arrogant upset us. We are responsible to do what is right, to pray, and to seek the will of the Father. Our confidence comes when we remember, “But You Yourself have seen trouble and grief, observing it in order to take the matter into Your hands. The helpless entrusts himself to You; You are a helper of the fatherless”—Psalm 10:14.
Inspiration
The vision of socialism is magnificent; there are benedictions and blessings for mankind on the line of socialism which have never been yet; but if once the root is cut from redemption, it will be one of the most frantic forms of despotic tyranny the human race has ever known. It looks like the lamb, but when the big crisis comes, it gives life to the beast.—Oswald Chambers in The Shadow of an Agony
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Skepticism
Paul and I were together several times the past month. I discovered he loves billiards so I asked if I could join him when he went out at night to the local pool hall. I am a weak pool player but he is both a great teacher and a patient competitor. While conversing, Paul revealed that he is an agnostic. One evening the topic of death came up and I mentioned the emptiness of dying only to end up as worm food. He countered that life was still valuable if we contributed to the betterment of others—even if they too had nothing more than the grave to anticipate. As our discussion deepened, I asked him if would not be much better to contribute to people’s lives and then have eternal life with God to enjoy. He agreed and at that point, I felt led not to force the conversation further with my fellow officer.
Meditation
John 7:12—And there was a lot of discussion about Him among the crowds. Some were saying, “He’s a good man.” Others were saying, “No, on the contrary, He’s deceiving the people.”
Hypocrisy, rigidity, insecurity (viewed as controlling), and a failure to listen are four ingredients that hasten the emergence of skepticism. An agnostic prefers to camp on the ground of uncertainty. Since most of us dislike uncertainty, we try to force the doubter to leave what we see as marsh to enter our solid encampment. If we are not careful, our persistent insistence that our ground is better while their soil is wrong, serves only to alienate them. There are a great number of people who do not appreciate being told where and how they should camp.
Truly only God can reach an agnostic since only He can reveal Himself. Since sin blinds men to truth and skepticism is a blind manifestation, our prayer should be for God’s mercy to overcome man’s hardness. If I understand Scripture correctly, my first responsibility is to love Paul and pray for his salvation. By loving him, I value who he is as a God-created man, treat him with dignity, and make every effort to model obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit and to what Scripture commands. Experientially, I find with agnostics that if they see I am genuine, they open up with questions and trust that I will dialogue honestly not trying to force my views down their throats. Humility is a great damper to skepticism.
God does not call us to win arguments. He calls us to follow Jesus. Truth does not rely on force of persuasion it stands on its own authenticity. This is why the fruit of truth is freedom. Therefore, those who disagree and resist what we espouse, should not intimidate us or increase our vocal volume but rather compel us to pray that the Lord of Light would shine His truth upon their darkness of doubt. In order to know how to pray for Paul, I must make the time to know Paul. How can I hope to see him sing praises in the mansion if I am not first willing to shoot pool with him in the marsh!
Inspiration
Skepticism is produced by telling people what to believe. We are in danger of putting the cart before the horse and saying a person must believe certain things before he can be a Christian; his beliefs are the effect of his being a Christian, not the cause of it.—Oswald Chambers in Approved Unto God
Meditation
John 7:12—And there was a lot of discussion about Him among the crowds. Some were saying, “He’s a good man.” Others were saying, “No, on the contrary, He’s deceiving the people.”
Hypocrisy, rigidity, insecurity (viewed as controlling), and a failure to listen are four ingredients that hasten the emergence of skepticism. An agnostic prefers to camp on the ground of uncertainty. Since most of us dislike uncertainty, we try to force the doubter to leave what we see as marsh to enter our solid encampment. If we are not careful, our persistent insistence that our ground is better while their soil is wrong, serves only to alienate them. There are a great number of people who do not appreciate being told where and how they should camp.
Truly only God can reach an agnostic since only He can reveal Himself. Since sin blinds men to truth and skepticism is a blind manifestation, our prayer should be for God’s mercy to overcome man’s hardness. If I understand Scripture correctly, my first responsibility is to love Paul and pray for his salvation. By loving him, I value who he is as a God-created man, treat him with dignity, and make every effort to model obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit and to what Scripture commands. Experientially, I find with agnostics that if they see I am genuine, they open up with questions and trust that I will dialogue honestly not trying to force my views down their throats. Humility is a great damper to skepticism.
God does not call us to win arguments. He calls us to follow Jesus. Truth does not rely on force of persuasion it stands on its own authenticity. This is why the fruit of truth is freedom. Therefore, those who disagree and resist what we espouse, should not intimidate us or increase our vocal volume but rather compel us to pray that the Lord of Light would shine His truth upon their darkness of doubt. In order to know how to pray for Paul, I must make the time to know Paul. How can I hope to see him sing praises in the mansion if I am not first willing to shoot pool with him in the marsh!
Inspiration
Skepticism is produced by telling people what to believe. We are in danger of putting the cart before the horse and saying a person must believe certain things before he can be a Christian; his beliefs are the effect of his being a Christian, not the cause of it.—Oswald Chambers in Approved Unto God
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Sickness
Occasionally I meet Christians who profess that believers should never get sick. In their view, illness stems from either sin, or natural causes unarrested by weak faith. You may have experienced sickness or prolonged disease and had someone imply your inability to get well was due to your lack of faith or unconfessed sin. Well let’s see what the New Testament has to say about this subject.
Meditation
John 9:2,3—His disciples questioned Him: " Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," Jesus answered. "[This came about] so that God's works might be displayed in him.
At least forty-four times the New Testament references Jesus healing people whom He encountered. Sometimes the healing was so dramatic, like the man in John 9 who was born blind, that the skeptical religious leaders could only mutter, “Throughout history no one has ever heard of someone opening the eyes of a person born blind.”
On at least two occasions Jesus taught that the sick needed a doctor and He used a hypothetical illustration of being sick to judge the actions of those who either helped Him or ignored Him (Mat. 9:12; 25:36-44). Twice Jesus revealed that sickness was part of God’s plan either to reveal God’s power, as in the case of the meditation passage above, or to glorify Christ as in the raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11:4-6). In at least two other instances, we discover that sickness at times can be directly attributed to God’s discipline for sin (1 Corinthians 11:29,30 and Revelation 2:21,22).
Jesus delegated authority to the disciples to heal people who were sick (Mat. 10:1,8). This authority continued after He returned to heaven (Acts 8:7). Healing also served as a sign demonstrating the power of God at work by His followers (Mark 16:17-19). Unfortunately, some use this passage in Mark improperly as a proof text for people to engage in questionable behavior to prove their legitimacy. The Bible also reveals that authority to heal is validated by faith on the part of the one needing healing. The implication is that if one does not believe healing is possible, that unbelief may prevent God from working. Clearly faith is an important aspect to healing (see Mark 5:28 and James 5:14,15).
However, just because someone remains sick does not prove insufficient faith. Not everyone ill in the Bible was healed as in the case of Timothy who was strong in faith yet suffered from stomach problems, and Trophimus, whom Paul left ill in Miletus (1 Timothy 5:23; 2 Ti. 4:20). God may allow sickness in a believer for a number of reasons: to show His power through our weakness; because germs, illness, demonic attacks and injury are a natural part of living in a fallen world; or because of sin and possible judgment.
When I am sick, I pray for God to heal me believing that His operational will is for me to function in good health. But I also am sensitive to discerning if it is possible that I am sick for a reason. I remember an instance in Thailand where after visiting a Buddhist Temple, I became so sick I was completely immobilized for a day. My teammates and family prayed for me and I recovered—but I believe that sickness was clearly a demonic attack brought on by my being in a place of spiritual darkness. My severe nearsightedness is a genetic reality and I need to wear contacts or glasses. While I would like the Lord to give me good eyesight, He has chosen to let me be legally blind. I have prayed for people to be healed and watched God miraculously heal them. I have prayed for people to be healed and yet as far as I could tell, nothing happened. In conclusion, there are many reasons for sickness. I believe our responsibility is to be humble, to believe that God can heal, to lay hands on and pray for those who are sick under the leading of the Holy Spirit, and to ensure what we believe is in line with what Scripture teaches. Never take one passage out of context from Scripture as a whole. Sickness happens. If you have Jesus you have eternal healing.
Inspiration
“It can never be God’s will that I should be sick.” If it was God’s will to bruise His own Son, why should He not bruise you?—Oswald Chambers in My Utmost For His Highest
Meditation
John 9:2,3—His disciples questioned Him: " Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," Jesus answered. "[This came about] so that God's works might be displayed in him.
At least forty-four times the New Testament references Jesus healing people whom He encountered. Sometimes the healing was so dramatic, like the man in John 9 who was born blind, that the skeptical religious leaders could only mutter, “Throughout history no one has ever heard of someone opening the eyes of a person born blind.”
On at least two occasions Jesus taught that the sick needed a doctor and He used a hypothetical illustration of being sick to judge the actions of those who either helped Him or ignored Him (Mat. 9:12; 25:36-44). Twice Jesus revealed that sickness was part of God’s plan either to reveal God’s power, as in the case of the meditation passage above, or to glorify Christ as in the raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11:4-6). In at least two other instances, we discover that sickness at times can be directly attributed to God’s discipline for sin (1 Corinthians 11:29,30 and Revelation 2:21,22).
Jesus delegated authority to the disciples to heal people who were sick (Mat. 10:1,8). This authority continued after He returned to heaven (Acts 8:7). Healing also served as a sign demonstrating the power of God at work by His followers (Mark 16:17-19). Unfortunately, some use this passage in Mark improperly as a proof text for people to engage in questionable behavior to prove their legitimacy. The Bible also reveals that authority to heal is validated by faith on the part of the one needing healing. The implication is that if one does not believe healing is possible, that unbelief may prevent God from working. Clearly faith is an important aspect to healing (see Mark 5:28 and James 5:14,15).
However, just because someone remains sick does not prove insufficient faith. Not everyone ill in the Bible was healed as in the case of Timothy who was strong in faith yet suffered from stomach problems, and Trophimus, whom Paul left ill in Miletus (1 Timothy 5:23; 2 Ti. 4:20). God may allow sickness in a believer for a number of reasons: to show His power through our weakness; because germs, illness, demonic attacks and injury are a natural part of living in a fallen world; or because of sin and possible judgment.
When I am sick, I pray for God to heal me believing that His operational will is for me to function in good health. But I also am sensitive to discerning if it is possible that I am sick for a reason. I remember an instance in Thailand where after visiting a Buddhist Temple, I became so sick I was completely immobilized for a day. My teammates and family prayed for me and I recovered—but I believe that sickness was clearly a demonic attack brought on by my being in a place of spiritual darkness. My severe nearsightedness is a genetic reality and I need to wear contacts or glasses. While I would like the Lord to give me good eyesight, He has chosen to let me be legally blind. I have prayed for people to be healed and watched God miraculously heal them. I have prayed for people to be healed and yet as far as I could tell, nothing happened. In conclusion, there are many reasons for sickness. I believe our responsibility is to be humble, to believe that God can heal, to lay hands on and pray for those who are sick under the leading of the Holy Spirit, and to ensure what we believe is in line with what Scripture teaches. Never take one passage out of context from Scripture as a whole. Sickness happens. If you have Jesus you have eternal healing.
Inspiration
“It can never be God’s will that I should be sick.” If it was God’s will to bruise His own Son, why should He not bruise you?—Oswald Chambers in My Utmost For His Highest
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Heritage
The Honorable Sid Jones, former Assistant Secretary of Treasury gave his “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” lecture to over 55 senior leaders from industry, the military and the government. His address punctuated the bleakness of the current U.S. economy, future dangers and possible remedies. He foresees an economic collapse for America given the great number of aging adults and the demands they place on social security. In describing U.S. assets and priorities one of his statements grabbed my attention. “We spend as much on security as the rest of the world combined.” Those words reminded me of Psalm 61:5.
Meditation
Psalm 61:5—God, You have heard my vows; You have given a heritage to those who fear Your name.
What we view as security says much about our spiritual maturity. Perhaps you own land or possessions passed on to you by your parents or grandparents. You could spend your whole life earning and putting money into savings or investments to pass on to your children as a heritage. But the reality is our world is temporary. There is no guarantee that you or your children will keep what is possessed. Wars, sickness, graft, theft, failed ventures and a host of other unknowns can easily destroy what we value. Therefore, while we should certainly appreciate what we inherit on earth we must never lose sight of a better heritage.
• Without salvation, there is no heritage; therefore, life is the ultimate heritage! In John 3:16 Jesus promised, "For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” Notice Jesus also gave us insight into life priorities in Matthew 19:29, “And everyone who has left houses, brothers or sisters, father or mother, children, or fields because of My name will receive 100 times more and will inherit eternal life.”
• God’s Word is freely given to us to obey—it is an eternal heritage. The writer of Psalm 119 wrote in verse eleven, “I have Your decrees as a heritage forever; indeed, they are the joy of my heart.”
• The love of Jesus is a heritage to all who keep His commands. “If you keep My [Jesus] commands you will remain in My love” (John 15:10a).
• Jesus taught that after He returned to heaven the Holy Spirit would come upon His followers (Acts 1:8). Incredibly, God makes Himself our heritage. “Don’t you know that you are God’s sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).
• Jesus told His followers, “I am going away to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2b).
Life-word-love-presence-dwelling, do we understand what God offers us? Let’s not worry over what will eventually burn when we should passionately glow in what can never be taken away! King David wrote, “But as for me, LORD, my prayer to You is for a time of favor. In Your abundant faithful love, God, answer me with Your sure salvation” (Psa.69:13). David got it right. He knew the best heritage was salvation. How about you, do you get it? Something to think about . . . in reveration!
Inspiration
Christ is not simply preparing a place for us; He is preparing us for that place.—Randy Alcorn in Heaven
Meditation
Psalm 61:5—God, You have heard my vows; You have given a heritage to those who fear Your name.
What we view as security says much about our spiritual maturity. Perhaps you own land or possessions passed on to you by your parents or grandparents. You could spend your whole life earning and putting money into savings or investments to pass on to your children as a heritage. But the reality is our world is temporary. There is no guarantee that you or your children will keep what is possessed. Wars, sickness, graft, theft, failed ventures and a host of other unknowns can easily destroy what we value. Therefore, while we should certainly appreciate what we inherit on earth we must never lose sight of a better heritage.
• Without salvation, there is no heritage; therefore, life is the ultimate heritage! In John 3:16 Jesus promised, "For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” Notice Jesus also gave us insight into life priorities in Matthew 19:29, “And everyone who has left houses, brothers or sisters, father or mother, children, or fields because of My name will receive 100 times more and will inherit eternal life.”
• God’s Word is freely given to us to obey—it is an eternal heritage. The writer of Psalm 119 wrote in verse eleven, “I have Your decrees as a heritage forever; indeed, they are the joy of my heart.”
• The love of Jesus is a heritage to all who keep His commands. “If you keep My [Jesus] commands you will remain in My love” (John 15:10a).
• Jesus taught that after He returned to heaven the Holy Spirit would come upon His followers (Acts 1:8). Incredibly, God makes Himself our heritage. “Don’t you know that you are God’s sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).
• Jesus told His followers, “I am going away to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2b).
Life-word-love-presence-dwelling, do we understand what God offers us? Let’s not worry over what will eventually burn when we should passionately glow in what can never be taken away! King David wrote, “But as for me, LORD, my prayer to You is for a time of favor. In Your abundant faithful love, God, answer me with Your sure salvation” (Psa.69:13). David got it right. He knew the best heritage was salvation. How about you, do you get it? Something to think about . . . in reveration!
Inspiration
Christ is not simply preparing a place for us; He is preparing us for that place.—Randy Alcorn in Heaven
Hollow
Gray skies and cold temperatures framed my Sunday morning on the University of Syracuse campus. Determined to go to church, I walked to Hendricks Chapel in time to catch the 11:00 a.m. service. The building reminded me of a Roman cathedral with its large columns, balconies and great curtains. However, structural grandeur gave way to disappointment when I realized the student choir more than doubled the size of the few attendees. Their beautiful voices could not silence my discordant gnawing.
Tomi, stood up in her white robe and tennis shoes and delivered a message loosely tied to Acts 9:36-43. When she lifelessly described Tabitha’s raising as an “environment of interdependent causal relationships” I realized why the place was empty. Later reading from Revelation 7:9-17, she questioned the intellect of John. How could he suggest robes could be made white by the blood of the Lamb or that a lamb could lead sheep? In her brightness the Word was made dim. Tomi offered suggestions of what we could glean in life from her lens of process theology. No wonder Hendricks was hollow.
Meditation
Acts 9:40,41—Then Peter sent them all out of the room. He knelt down, prayed, and turning toward the body said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her stand up. Then he called the saints and widows and presented her alive.
Alfred North Whitehead (1861–1947) is the father of process theology, a school of thought influenced by his metaphysical process philosophy. Essentially it teaches:
• God is not omnipotent in power, choosing rather to persuade than coerce.
• Reality is not comprised of time-enduring material substances but serially-ordered events, “which are experiential in nature.”
• Panentheism—God is not viewed as the sole Creator “but the eternal animating force behind the universe, with the universe as nothing more than the manifest part of God.” Essentially, everything past and present (not future) is in God.
• Free will by humans and creatures brings to the universe process and change. Self-determination defines everything in the universe, not just human beings.
• Humans do not experience personal immortality, but rather objective immortality. Their experiences survive forever in God.
• Jesus is not God, but rather fully identified with God. He is a created being.
• God co-creates with all other creatures, “including blooming flowers, singing whales, and insect architects . . . both God and finite beings draw on the same source of creative energy.” Nature as a whole is independent with its own autonomy. “There is no beginning to creation; God and the universe are co-eternally creative.” God incorporates all that happens into His own life.
• God does not know the future until it is actualized. He is not unchanging. He is dynamic absorbing new experience as the universe develops in creative transformation.
Whenever people remove their confidence from the Word of God and place it in the teachings of man—beware. Process theology denies that God is the omnipotent, sole Creator. It disallows the Trinity and Biblical teaching that man will stand one day before God for judgment. It strips the Lord of His attributes and renders Him dependent on the world. Process theologian Robert Mellert admits, “Process theologians, therefore, generally hold that God is in some sense dependent upon the world and that in that sense he is subject to the changes that take place in the world.”
Process theology neuters prayer because God is just a cooperative partner. Pray for those caught in this heresy for by making subjective claims about reality they render their pronouncements absurd in that they cannot be known by their own epistemology (The branch of philosophy concerned with the nature and origin of knowledge. Epistemology asks the question “How do we know what we know?”). For example, how does a finite philosopher suppose to observe God as being inside everyone? How does he who is measured in time decide an eternal God cannot know the future?
If the ultimate authority in Process epistemology is man, and particularly the authority is man’s feelings, Process epistemology becomes problematic: Led by men’s feeling, there are many competing and conflicting opinions man has about God and theology. Not all of them could all be true in the same sense at the same time, since this would violate the Law of Non-Contradiction . . . how can the Bible have anything thing false or in error if the Bible is not propositional to begin with? . . . A categorical fallacy has been committed when they say that the Bible is false, because supposedly the Bible does not contain statements that are true or false.
I choose to believe God miraculously worked through Peter to bring a dead Tabitha back to life. He works His divine will today as true as yesterday and He knows what He will do tomorrow! Today my son, Bryan David, turned twenty-three. The one diagnosed with an inoperable brain-stem tumor at the age of three lives. We worshiped, we prayed, we wept and we experienced God as He came to us and healed Bryan. As surely as He saved Bryan once He can save us forever! I would rather believe the Bible is true, embrace hope in grace and live forever in His loving presence, than follow the dark logic that flowed from a Whitehead. Decide your source of wisdom, choose your process and live accordingly. Truth renders joy and is irrefutable while false renders hollow and flails.
Inspiration
If we let ourselves believe that man began with divine grace, that he forfeited this by sin, and that he can be redeemed only by divine grace through the crucified Christ, then we shall find peace of mind never granted to philosophers. He who cannot believe is cursed, for he reveals by his unbelief that God has not chosen to give him grace.—Blaise Pascal
1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Process_theology
2 Charles Hartshorne, Omnipotence and Other Theological Mistakes (Albany: State University of New York, 1984), 32-36.
3 C. Robert Mesle, Process Theology: A Basic Introduction (St. Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 1993), 106.
4 http://www.processandfaith.org/resources/Cobb%20On%20Process%20Theology.shtml
5 Ibid
6 http://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2010/03/28/a-critique-of-process-theology%E2%80%99s-epistemology-and-doctrine-of-revelation/#_ftn4
7 The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
8 http://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2010/03/28
Tomi, stood up in her white robe and tennis shoes and delivered a message loosely tied to Acts 9:36-43. When she lifelessly described Tabitha’s raising as an “environment of interdependent causal relationships” I realized why the place was empty. Later reading from Revelation 7:9-17, she questioned the intellect of John. How could he suggest robes could be made white by the blood of the Lamb or that a lamb could lead sheep? In her brightness the Word was made dim. Tomi offered suggestions of what we could glean in life from her lens of process theology. No wonder Hendricks was hollow.
Meditation
Acts 9:40,41—Then Peter sent them all out of the room. He knelt down, prayed, and turning toward the body said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her stand up. Then he called the saints and widows and presented her alive.
Alfred North Whitehead (1861–1947) is the father of process theology, a school of thought influenced by his metaphysical process philosophy. Essentially it teaches:
• God is not omnipotent in power, choosing rather to persuade than coerce.
• Reality is not comprised of time-enduring material substances but serially-ordered events, “which are experiential in nature.”
• Panentheism—God is not viewed as the sole Creator “but the eternal animating force behind the universe, with the universe as nothing more than the manifest part of God.” Essentially, everything past and present (not future) is in God.
• Free will by humans and creatures brings to the universe process and change. Self-determination defines everything in the universe, not just human beings.
• Humans do not experience personal immortality, but rather objective immortality. Their experiences survive forever in God.
• Jesus is not God, but rather fully identified with God. He is a created being.
• God co-creates with all other creatures, “including blooming flowers, singing whales, and insect architects . . . both God and finite beings draw on the same source of creative energy.” Nature as a whole is independent with its own autonomy. “There is no beginning to creation; God and the universe are co-eternally creative.” God incorporates all that happens into His own life.
• God does not know the future until it is actualized. He is not unchanging. He is dynamic absorbing new experience as the universe develops in creative transformation.
Whenever people remove their confidence from the Word of God and place it in the teachings of man—beware. Process theology denies that God is the omnipotent, sole Creator. It disallows the Trinity and Biblical teaching that man will stand one day before God for judgment. It strips the Lord of His attributes and renders Him dependent on the world. Process theologian Robert Mellert admits, “Process theologians, therefore, generally hold that God is in some sense dependent upon the world and that in that sense he is subject to the changes that take place in the world.”
Process theology neuters prayer because God is just a cooperative partner. Pray for those caught in this heresy for by making subjective claims about reality they render their pronouncements absurd in that they cannot be known by their own epistemology (The branch of philosophy concerned with the nature and origin of knowledge. Epistemology asks the question “How do we know what we know?”). For example, how does a finite philosopher suppose to observe God as being inside everyone? How does he who is measured in time decide an eternal God cannot know the future?
If the ultimate authority in Process epistemology is man, and particularly the authority is man’s feelings, Process epistemology becomes problematic: Led by men’s feeling, there are many competing and conflicting opinions man has about God and theology. Not all of them could all be true in the same sense at the same time, since this would violate the Law of Non-Contradiction . . . how can the Bible have anything thing false or in error if the Bible is not propositional to begin with? . . . A categorical fallacy has been committed when they say that the Bible is false, because supposedly the Bible does not contain statements that are true or false.
I choose to believe God miraculously worked through Peter to bring a dead Tabitha back to life. He works His divine will today as true as yesterday and He knows what He will do tomorrow! Today my son, Bryan David, turned twenty-three. The one diagnosed with an inoperable brain-stem tumor at the age of three lives. We worshiped, we prayed, we wept and we experienced God as He came to us and healed Bryan. As surely as He saved Bryan once He can save us forever! I would rather believe the Bible is true, embrace hope in grace and live forever in His loving presence, than follow the dark logic that flowed from a Whitehead. Decide your source of wisdom, choose your process and live accordingly. Truth renders joy and is irrefutable while false renders hollow and flails.
Inspiration
If we let ourselves believe that man began with divine grace, that he forfeited this by sin, and that he can be redeemed only by divine grace through the crucified Christ, then we shall find peace of mind never granted to philosophers. He who cannot believe is cursed, for he reveals by his unbelief that God has not chosen to give him grace.—Blaise Pascal
1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Process_theology
2 Charles Hartshorne, Omnipotence and Other Theological Mistakes (Albany: State University of New York, 1984), 32-36.
3 C. Robert Mesle, Process Theology: A Basic Introduction (St. Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 1993), 106.
4 http://www.processandfaith.org/resources/Cobb%20On%20Process%20Theology.shtml
5 Ibid
6 http://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2010/03/28/a-critique-of-process-theology%E2%80%99s-epistemology-and-doctrine-of-revelation/#_ftn4
7 The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
8 http://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2010/03/28
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Pathway
There is a very challenging obstacle at Fort Lewis that ROTC cadets are required to negotiate during their summer training. One at a time each student climbs up a metal staircase, stands up on a narrow beam about 6 inches in width and then walks up and down a step continuing to the other side. Next, the student must grab a rope, swing the legs over the rope and slide out to the center, hang and wait for a command to drop about 20 feet down to the lake below. It is amazing how hard it is to walk up and over that step so high above the water without falling or succumbing to fear.
Meditation
Psalm 18:36—You widen [a place] beneath me for my steps, and my ankles do not give way.
Occasionally God may ask us to traverse narrow walkways. High above our comfort zone, He tests us to see if we are willing to trust Him. He asks us to do what we would normally avoid and takes us where we do not want to go. Without challenges, how would our faith grow? However, some believe that God purposely makes life demanding and does not care that they suffer. For them, He is an unfair Lord bent on making their life like that of Job. Perhaps you have gone through a hard time and felt like God was intentionally out to make you squirm. Yet, while it is true that He does test us, far more often, He is actually making life better for us. He removes those things that would work to our ruin creating a safer path for our journey.
One songwriter wrote in Psalm 66:9, “He keeps us alive and does not allow our feet to slip.” In Psalm 94:18 we read, “If I say, ‘My foot is slipping, Your faithful love will support me, LORD.’” Again, in Psalm 121:3, it says, “He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.” Clearly, those who followed God thousands of years ago recognized that He was their Benefactor, alert, loving, and dedicated to helping them.
Friend today would be a great day to pause what you are doing and take inventory. Ask God to remind you of incidents where you have seen His hand of protection at work in your life. You might inquire if there were times you took for granted and failed to see Him at work behind the scenes on your behalf. Do not be a noctambulist (sleepwalker) and take divine protection for granted! I am certain we will be amazed to discover in God’s presence, how oblivious we were to His working to better our lives. If we would even slightly believe that our Father cares enough to broaden our pathway and protect our journey we would have much greater reason to step out in faith! Something to think about . . . in reveration!
Inspiration
What, can Jesus meet my need? Yes, and more than meet it. No matter how intricate my path, how difficult my service; no matter how sad my bereavement, how far away my loved ones; no matter how helpless I am, how deep are my soul yearnings—Jesus can meet all, all, and more than meet.—Hudson Taylor
Meditation
Psalm 18:36—You widen [a place] beneath me for my steps, and my ankles do not give way.
Occasionally God may ask us to traverse narrow walkways. High above our comfort zone, He tests us to see if we are willing to trust Him. He asks us to do what we would normally avoid and takes us where we do not want to go. Without challenges, how would our faith grow? However, some believe that God purposely makes life demanding and does not care that they suffer. For them, He is an unfair Lord bent on making their life like that of Job. Perhaps you have gone through a hard time and felt like God was intentionally out to make you squirm. Yet, while it is true that He does test us, far more often, He is actually making life better for us. He removes those things that would work to our ruin creating a safer path for our journey.
One songwriter wrote in Psalm 66:9, “He keeps us alive and does not allow our feet to slip.” In Psalm 94:18 we read, “If I say, ‘My foot is slipping, Your faithful love will support me, LORD.’” Again, in Psalm 121:3, it says, “He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.” Clearly, those who followed God thousands of years ago recognized that He was their Benefactor, alert, loving, and dedicated to helping them.
Friend today would be a great day to pause what you are doing and take inventory. Ask God to remind you of incidents where you have seen His hand of protection at work in your life. You might inquire if there were times you took for granted and failed to see Him at work behind the scenes on your behalf. Do not be a noctambulist (sleepwalker) and take divine protection for granted! I am certain we will be amazed to discover in God’s presence, how oblivious we were to His working to better our lives. If we would even slightly believe that our Father cares enough to broaden our pathway and protect our journey we would have much greater reason to step out in faith! Something to think about . . . in reveration!
Inspiration
What, can Jesus meet my need? Yes, and more than meet it. No matter how intricate my path, how difficult my service; no matter how sad my bereavement, how far away my loved ones; no matter how helpless I am, how deep are my soul yearnings—Jesus can meet all, all, and more than meet.—Hudson Taylor
Willing
I had the privilege for several weeks of working with four Army generals. In discussing the importance of a good reputation, several of them shared why it was vital to avoid any appearance of impropriety. Their conduct was measured not just by standards but also the perception of those standards. Aside from their own moral and spiritual convictions what they were willing to do or not do was tied directly to the people they served. I was encouraged that powerful men modeled integrity with humility.
Meditation
Psalm 51:12,13—Restore the joy of Your salvation to me, and give me a willing spirit. Then I will teach the rebellious Your ways, and sinners will return to You.
Why did King David watch a naked woman bathe, get her pregnant, show duplicity, murder her husband and act like nothing ever happened? What made this heroic king dive into a pond of filth? How did he get so fouled up? Let’s examine his life and see if we can discover what caused such horrendous moral failure.
Before Bathsheba, David set himself up for adultery by marrying many wives in direct violation to God’s instruction for kings in Deuteronomy 17:17a. “He [the king] must not acquire many wives for himself so that his heart won't go astray.” The more women he took for himself, the easier it came to rationalizing, “I can have anyone I want, I’m the king!” A man single-minded for God does not build female condominiums in his heart.
In 2 Samuel 11:1a we read, “In the spring when kings march out [to war], David sent Joab with his officers and all Israel.” Did you catch that? David sent his general to do what he should have done. When the ground is replaced by the featherbed, cause is made for carousing. Further on we read, “From the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman. So David sent someone to inquire about her . . .” Stop! Nothing good ever comes from naked woman investigations. The moment David began his inquiry he set in motion desire that should have been squelched by immediately leaving the roof.
“David sent messengers to get her, and when she came to him, he slept with her.” By sending messengers, David involved others in his crime. I think they knew what “get” meant. Why didn’t any of them warn him that he was breaking God’s law? Either they were moral cowards or they feared a king unafraid of God. And why didn’t Bathsheba refuse his advances? Her man was out in battle! She was more flattered by the attention of her king and the possibilities of a life with him than concerned about faithfulness to her Lord and to her husband. And where were the priests during all this time? And why did every other wife keep silent? Can we see what happens when power is the order of the day?
Lest we think that we could never duplicate David’s crimes let’s take personal inventory, a willing test. Here are questions I ask myself that you might find helpful:
1. How spiritually fit am I? Do I faithfully study the Bible? Is the Holy Spirit able to speak to my life? Do I consistently meet with the Father in prayer?
2. How socially fit am I? Am I accountable to someone who is spiritually mature and willing to check up on my conduct, thought-life, and overall state on a regular basis? Am I engaged in meaningful fellowship where believers have freedom to observe and speak to my life?
3. How emotionally fit am I? Am I feeling sorry for myself? Do I feel entitled to do something I normally would not do because I am prideful? Or am I strong in the Lord?
4. How intellectually fit am I? Am I bored and therefore misusing the free time I have? Is my life absorbed in pursuing activities that have no redeeming value?
Self-evaluation can assist a better understanding of where I may be spiritually weak. But I have to go a step further and recognize that I cannot create a willing spirit to do what God wants me to do. The moment I think my spiritual condition is dependent on me, I am in trouble and pride is lurking. Let’s be honest, because of a sin nature, my character is permanently cracked. Therefore, only God can give me a willing heart. I must have His help. He is able to rebuild, renew and restore!
A careful reading of Psalm 51 reveals the crux of David’s moral failure. The king who willingly abided by God’s will at some point in his reign decided his will was more important. This is why David’s prayer for God to give him a willing spirit after Nathan confronted him for his sin, is so profound. David knew what was wrong. Without a willing spirit, he was done—spiritually dead! The journey away from God’s will rarely consists of one step. It occurs over time and is almost always paved by the stones of lust, compromise, indifference and pride. So, like David, I need God’s help to be God-willing. Fortunately, I have a Father who understands, forgives, heals and provides! And so do you!
Inspiration
The man who gains a moral victory by sheer force of will is the most difficult man to deal with afterwards. The profound thing in man is his will, not sin. Will is the essential element in God’s creation of man; sin is a perverse disposition which entered into man. At the basis, the human will is one with God; it is covered up with all kinds of desires and motives, and when we preach Jesus Christ the Holy Spirit excavates down to the basis of the will and will turns to God every time.—Oswald Chambers in Studies in the Sermon on the Mount
Meditation
Psalm 51:12,13—Restore the joy of Your salvation to me, and give me a willing spirit. Then I will teach the rebellious Your ways, and sinners will return to You.
Why did King David watch a naked woman bathe, get her pregnant, show duplicity, murder her husband and act like nothing ever happened? What made this heroic king dive into a pond of filth? How did he get so fouled up? Let’s examine his life and see if we can discover what caused such horrendous moral failure.
Before Bathsheba, David set himself up for adultery by marrying many wives in direct violation to God’s instruction for kings in Deuteronomy 17:17a. “He [the king] must not acquire many wives for himself so that his heart won't go astray.” The more women he took for himself, the easier it came to rationalizing, “I can have anyone I want, I’m the king!” A man single-minded for God does not build female condominiums in his heart.
In 2 Samuel 11:1a we read, “In the spring when kings march out [to war], David sent Joab with his officers and all Israel.” Did you catch that? David sent his general to do what he should have done. When the ground is replaced by the featherbed, cause is made for carousing. Further on we read, “From the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman. So David sent someone to inquire about her . . .” Stop! Nothing good ever comes from naked woman investigations. The moment David began his inquiry he set in motion desire that should have been squelched by immediately leaving the roof.
“David sent messengers to get her, and when she came to him, he slept with her.” By sending messengers, David involved others in his crime. I think they knew what “get” meant. Why didn’t any of them warn him that he was breaking God’s law? Either they were moral cowards or they feared a king unafraid of God. And why didn’t Bathsheba refuse his advances? Her man was out in battle! She was more flattered by the attention of her king and the possibilities of a life with him than concerned about faithfulness to her Lord and to her husband. And where were the priests during all this time? And why did every other wife keep silent? Can we see what happens when power is the order of the day?
Lest we think that we could never duplicate David’s crimes let’s take personal inventory, a willing test. Here are questions I ask myself that you might find helpful:
1. How spiritually fit am I? Do I faithfully study the Bible? Is the Holy Spirit able to speak to my life? Do I consistently meet with the Father in prayer?
2. How socially fit am I? Am I accountable to someone who is spiritually mature and willing to check up on my conduct, thought-life, and overall state on a regular basis? Am I engaged in meaningful fellowship where believers have freedom to observe and speak to my life?
3. How emotionally fit am I? Am I feeling sorry for myself? Do I feel entitled to do something I normally would not do because I am prideful? Or am I strong in the Lord?
4. How intellectually fit am I? Am I bored and therefore misusing the free time I have? Is my life absorbed in pursuing activities that have no redeeming value?
Self-evaluation can assist a better understanding of where I may be spiritually weak. But I have to go a step further and recognize that I cannot create a willing spirit to do what God wants me to do. The moment I think my spiritual condition is dependent on me, I am in trouble and pride is lurking. Let’s be honest, because of a sin nature, my character is permanently cracked. Therefore, only God can give me a willing heart. I must have His help. He is able to rebuild, renew and restore!
A careful reading of Psalm 51 reveals the crux of David’s moral failure. The king who willingly abided by God’s will at some point in his reign decided his will was more important. This is why David’s prayer for God to give him a willing spirit after Nathan confronted him for his sin, is so profound. David knew what was wrong. Without a willing spirit, he was done—spiritually dead! The journey away from God’s will rarely consists of one step. It occurs over time and is almost always paved by the stones of lust, compromise, indifference and pride. So, like David, I need God’s help to be God-willing. Fortunately, I have a Father who understands, forgives, heals and provides! And so do you!
Inspiration
The man who gains a moral victory by sheer force of will is the most difficult man to deal with afterwards. The profound thing in man is his will, not sin. Will is the essential element in God’s creation of man; sin is a perverse disposition which entered into man. At the basis, the human will is one with God; it is covered up with all kinds of desires and motives, and when we preach Jesus Christ the Holy Spirit excavates down to the basis of the will and will turns to God every time.—Oswald Chambers in Studies in the Sermon on the Mount
Wavering
Meditation
I Samuel 27:1,2—David said to himself, "One of these days I'll be swept away by Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape immediately to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me everywhere in Israel, and I'll escape from him." So David set out with his 600 men and went to Achish son of Maoch, the king of Gath.
What happened? Why did David, the Middle Eastern heartthrob and most popular combatant on the known planet decide it was time to flee the country? He had just filled King Saul with shame by sparing him when by all rights he could have speared him. Saul even admitted knowing David would prevail. David knew that God promised him the kingship. God never reigns through dead bodies. So why did he give in to the notion that Saul could end his life?
Maybe he was tired. Fatigue can make us second guess anything.
Maybe he was afraid. Instead of trusting God as was his normal pattern, perhaps he looked at circumstances and let them dictate his next course of action.
Maybe he was discouraged. Often after a major victory or emotional high, we are subject to a letdown. Remember Elijah after defeating 400 of Baal’s prophets and making King Ahab look ridiculous, fled in abject fear when Queen Jezebel vowed to kill him? David knew he was God’s anointed, but that did not mean that every day he woke up feeling positive about his life expectancy. Even oil dries up.
Maybe he was stuck—his options seemed dismal. If he went back home to Judah and Saul came after him again, he put his entire family in jeopardy. He knew Saul was spiritually unstable yet held the power so today’s peace was no guarantee of security tomorrow. What else could he do but run and seek the protection of Gath’s king?
I remember in 1991 before the Gulf War broke out, a Captain in my unit was terrified that we might deploy. Faced with a scary unknown, he wavered. Instead of fulfilling his obligation, he found a way to get medically separated from the Army. Later, when the war quickly ended, he managed to come back into the reserves. Ironically, our unit never did deploy. I watched how my friend faltered and it made a deep impression on me. But the truth is we all waver. Who never has moments of doubt or hesitation? Often those who seem the most in control are inwardly insecure and prone to all kinds of mental vacillation.
Right now, you may be facing a big decision. You may be tired, afraid, or at wits end. At this moment of choice look to the Lord for wisdom and strength. Ask for His help. Share with Him what you are feeling. He understands. He will guide and protect you. You don’t have to waver! Listen for His direction and act decisively. We know the Father of what to do so why live like we don’t!
Inspiration
Pray the Lord ever to give me the single eye, the clear judgment, the wisdom and gentleness, the patient spirit, the unwavering purpose, the unshaken faith, the Christ like love needed for the efficient discharge of my duties. And ask Him to send us sufficient means and suitable helpers for the great work which we have as yet barely commenced.—Hudson Taylor
I Samuel 27:1,2—David said to himself, "One of these days I'll be swept away by Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape immediately to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me everywhere in Israel, and I'll escape from him." So David set out with his 600 men and went to Achish son of Maoch, the king of Gath.
What happened? Why did David, the Middle Eastern heartthrob and most popular combatant on the known planet decide it was time to flee the country? He had just filled King Saul with shame by sparing him when by all rights he could have speared him. Saul even admitted knowing David would prevail. David knew that God promised him the kingship. God never reigns through dead bodies. So why did he give in to the notion that Saul could end his life?
Maybe he was tired. Fatigue can make us second guess anything.
Maybe he was afraid. Instead of trusting God as was his normal pattern, perhaps he looked at circumstances and let them dictate his next course of action.
Maybe he was discouraged. Often after a major victory or emotional high, we are subject to a letdown. Remember Elijah after defeating 400 of Baal’s prophets and making King Ahab look ridiculous, fled in abject fear when Queen Jezebel vowed to kill him? David knew he was God’s anointed, but that did not mean that every day he woke up feeling positive about his life expectancy. Even oil dries up.
Maybe he was stuck—his options seemed dismal. If he went back home to Judah and Saul came after him again, he put his entire family in jeopardy. He knew Saul was spiritually unstable yet held the power so today’s peace was no guarantee of security tomorrow. What else could he do but run and seek the protection of Gath’s king?
I remember in 1991 before the Gulf War broke out, a Captain in my unit was terrified that we might deploy. Faced with a scary unknown, he wavered. Instead of fulfilling his obligation, he found a way to get medically separated from the Army. Later, when the war quickly ended, he managed to come back into the reserves. Ironically, our unit never did deploy. I watched how my friend faltered and it made a deep impression on me. But the truth is we all waver. Who never has moments of doubt or hesitation? Often those who seem the most in control are inwardly insecure and prone to all kinds of mental vacillation.
Right now, you may be facing a big decision. You may be tired, afraid, or at wits end. At this moment of choice look to the Lord for wisdom and strength. Ask for His help. Share with Him what you are feeling. He understands. He will guide and protect you. You don’t have to waver! Listen for His direction and act decisively. We know the Father of what to do so why live like we don’t!
Inspiration
Pray the Lord ever to give me the single eye, the clear judgment, the wisdom and gentleness, the patient spirit, the unwavering purpose, the unshaken faith, the Christ like love needed for the efficient discharge of my duties. And ask Him to send us sufficient means and suitable helpers for the great work which we have as yet barely commenced.—Hudson Taylor
Friday, March 12, 2010
Primary Purpose
I read a fascinating article in The Oregonian. The following sentences captured my attention.
Meditation
Esther 10:3—Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus, famous among the Jews, and highly popular with many of his relatives. He continued to seek good for his people and to speak for the welfare of all his kindred.
Between 486-465 B.C. a large population of Jews lived in Persia under the reign of King Ahasuerus I. The most prominent leader under the king was a man by the name of Mordecai. Throughout Mordecai’s life he did all he could to help his people. When his cousin, Esther, lost her parents, he took her in his own home and raised her as his daughter. When he overheard a plot to assassinate the king, he intervened through Esther to save Ahasuerus’ life. Whether by discernment or by religious conviction he refused to bow before Haman, the second highest official in the land. Later, putting Esther’s life at risk, Mordecai insisted she alert the king to Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews. His tenacious leadership led to Haman’s hanging and saved the Jews from slaughter.
Mordecai was a leader with a clearly defined purpose—all his life he sought to promote the welfare of his people. His life poses a question you and I ought to ask ourselves. What is my purpose in life? I would contend that the Rush University study reveals a key principle. Those who do not have a sense of purpose are far less likely to live well. I would further contend that what we choose as our primary purpose is even more vital.
If my primary purpose is to be a great athlete, what happens when I no longer can compete with those younger and stronger? Ask Michael Jordan how fulfilled he feels these days. What are the consequences if my primary purpose becomes pleasing myself? Ask Tiger Woods. If my primary purpose is to be rich when is enough, enough? If my primary purpose is to obtain power or popularity, how do I handle sickness and mortality? Could it be that every purpose under the sun eventually leads to despair except one—the purpose to please God?
Mordecai’s intention to help his people tied into a deeper purpose of honoring and serving God. So what is your primary purpose? If you live to worship God, your life will radiate joy. This joy is impervious to the pain, sin, heartache, sorrow and loss that come from living in a fallen world. When we purpose to live for God we learn by grace that our worth is not determined by age, energy level, mental capacity or social-economic status. Our worth is eternally priceless through Jesus the Savior who gave His life to make us matter. Purpose focused on pleasing God renders a hallelujah vocabulary in a hell o yuck society. It honors the very God whose purpose is to bless us with an eternal relationship with Him in a future world where awesome will be a weak adjective. Something to think about . . . in reveration!
Inspiration
Just imagine what it would be like to say to yourself, “I have decided that my overriding purpose in life is to be worthy of Christ and to remember whom I represent.”—Stuart Briscoe in Spiritual Stamina
*Joe Rojas-Burke in “Antidote for illness comes with life goals” The Oregonian Thursday March 11, 2010.
Having a sense of purpose in life seems to provide a shield against illness—particularly in old age . . . Those with the highest sense of purpose were half as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those with the lowest sense of purpose during seven years of follow-up . . . In an earlier study, the same group [Rush University Medical Center in Chicago] found that the risk of dying from any cause was nearly cut in half among women and men with a greater sense of purpose.*
Meditation
Esther 10:3—Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus, famous among the Jews, and highly popular with many of his relatives. He continued to seek good for his people and to speak for the welfare of all his kindred.
Between 486-465 B.C. a large population of Jews lived in Persia under the reign of King Ahasuerus I. The most prominent leader under the king was a man by the name of Mordecai. Throughout Mordecai’s life he did all he could to help his people. When his cousin, Esther, lost her parents, he took her in his own home and raised her as his daughter. When he overheard a plot to assassinate the king, he intervened through Esther to save Ahasuerus’ life. Whether by discernment or by religious conviction he refused to bow before Haman, the second highest official in the land. Later, putting Esther’s life at risk, Mordecai insisted she alert the king to Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews. His tenacious leadership led to Haman’s hanging and saved the Jews from slaughter.
Mordecai was a leader with a clearly defined purpose—all his life he sought to promote the welfare of his people. His life poses a question you and I ought to ask ourselves. What is my purpose in life? I would contend that the Rush University study reveals a key principle. Those who do not have a sense of purpose are far less likely to live well. I would further contend that what we choose as our primary purpose is even more vital.
If my primary purpose is to be a great athlete, what happens when I no longer can compete with those younger and stronger? Ask Michael Jordan how fulfilled he feels these days. What are the consequences if my primary purpose becomes pleasing myself? Ask Tiger Woods. If my primary purpose is to be rich when is enough, enough? If my primary purpose is to obtain power or popularity, how do I handle sickness and mortality? Could it be that every purpose under the sun eventually leads to despair except one—the purpose to please God?
Mordecai’s intention to help his people tied into a deeper purpose of honoring and serving God. So what is your primary purpose? If you live to worship God, your life will radiate joy. This joy is impervious to the pain, sin, heartache, sorrow and loss that come from living in a fallen world. When we purpose to live for God we learn by grace that our worth is not determined by age, energy level, mental capacity or social-economic status. Our worth is eternally priceless through Jesus the Savior who gave His life to make us matter. Purpose focused on pleasing God renders a hallelujah vocabulary in a hell o yuck society. It honors the very God whose purpose is to bless us with an eternal relationship with Him in a future world where awesome will be a weak adjective. Something to think about . . . in reveration!
Inspiration
Just imagine what it would be like to say to yourself, “I have decided that my overriding purpose in life is to be worthy of Christ and to remember whom I represent.”—Stuart Briscoe in Spiritual Stamina
*Joe Rojas-Burke in “Antidote for illness comes with life goals” The Oregonian Thursday March 11, 2010.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Sacrament
It was the beginning of day four of a head cold that felt like a nonstop faucet leak through my eyes. I went through enough Kleenex to carpet a football field. Now it is standard practice in my Army organization to offer chapel service to any interested soldiers on Sunday. For some reason, our higher headquarters did not plan a service for this conference. So not only was my body weak, I was spiritually hungry for time with other saints to worship.
My Jewish Brigade Commander, David, walked up to me and handed me a small plastic container with what looked like grape juice inside. David has remarkable people skills. He approached a group of people in our hotel that were getting ready to have a worship service. I saw them passing out the containers to their members in the lobby and concluded they were going to celebrate communion. I didn’t think to ask them for one since I would be in meetings and could not join them. But David’s thinking was much clearer. He asked for one and gave it me and encouraged me to have my own communion.
After our meeting, I had some time alone in the lobby. I pulled off the top of the container and to my surprise, it held not just juice but also a thin white wafer. As I silently prayed and thanked the Lord for His unbelievable sacrifice for me on a cross, I was immediately encouraged by His presence. Communion chills far surpass cold chills!
Meditation
1 Corinthians 11:25,26—In the same way [He] also [took] the cup, after supper, and said, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.
Twice the phrase, “as often” graces the passage above. It reminds me that the sacrament of communion is not just about remembrance it is also proclamation. In that South Carolina Marriott hotel, brothers and sisters of an unknown church came to proclaim the unique message that makes our belief distinct for profound reasons. Our God loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us. Who else does that? What makes fellowship sweet is the sourness of the cost shared from the mouth of One who knew His blood would flow in the most horrible fashion yet announced it beforehand with the encouragement as often!
My friend David encouraged me to celebrate my Savior Jesus. How profound that the one who does not yet know The One, brought Him to me in sacrament. More often should I thank my Lord, with this visible sign of His invisible grace! He is worthy—we are witnesses.
Inspiration
“Sacrament” means the real presence of God coming through the common elements.—Oswald Chambers in The Place of Help
My Jewish Brigade Commander, David, walked up to me and handed me a small plastic container with what looked like grape juice inside. David has remarkable people skills. He approached a group of people in our hotel that were getting ready to have a worship service. I saw them passing out the containers to their members in the lobby and concluded they were going to celebrate communion. I didn’t think to ask them for one since I would be in meetings and could not join them. But David’s thinking was much clearer. He asked for one and gave it me and encouraged me to have my own communion.
After our meeting, I had some time alone in the lobby. I pulled off the top of the container and to my surprise, it held not just juice but also a thin white wafer. As I silently prayed and thanked the Lord for His unbelievable sacrifice for me on a cross, I was immediately encouraged by His presence. Communion chills far surpass cold chills!
Meditation
1 Corinthians 11:25,26—In the same way [He] also [took] the cup, after supper, and said, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.
Twice the phrase, “as often” graces the passage above. It reminds me that the sacrament of communion is not just about remembrance it is also proclamation. In that South Carolina Marriott hotel, brothers and sisters of an unknown church came to proclaim the unique message that makes our belief distinct for profound reasons. Our God loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us. Who else does that? What makes fellowship sweet is the sourness of the cost shared from the mouth of One who knew His blood would flow in the most horrible fashion yet announced it beforehand with the encouragement as often!
My friend David encouraged me to celebrate my Savior Jesus. How profound that the one who does not yet know The One, brought Him to me in sacrament. More often should I thank my Lord, with this visible sign of His invisible grace! He is worthy—we are witnesses.
Inspiration
“Sacrament” means the real presence of God coming through the common elements.—Oswald Chambers in The Place of Help
Friday, February 12, 2010
The Lord Spoke
Kathleen and I are trying to find the right company to help us refinance our home. Each of the four brokers we spoke with gave us compelling reasons to refinance with his or her particular company. We were uncertain as to who was really giving us the best option. Finally, we sat down with a broker in his office and listened as he explained why his option was the best for us. Before he went into his pitch he told us about his family and about a solar energy project he was working to help people bring their energy costs down. At some point in the meeting, I distinctly in my heart “heard” the Lord tell me that this was the man who would help us refinance. It was sort of a surreal moment. Yet, I instantly had peace about our choice and course of action.
Meditation
Numbers 1:1—The LORD spoke to Moses in the tent of meeting in the Desert of Sinai on the first day of the second month of the second year after the Israelites came of Egypt.
Acts 18:9—One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.”
In the Old Testament and the New Testament, God spoke to His people. He let them know what they needed to know. Do you think it is any different today? We all need to hear from the Lord. We need His direction. We need His encouragement. And here is the good news—the Lord wants to speak to you.
Some of you have wandered away from His voice and you are not even sure He is willing to speak to you anymore. Some of you have heard His voice and resisted. You don’t want to hear Him speak because you are afraid of what He is going to say. Some of you are so discouraged you have concluded that God isn’t interested in speaking to you. Some of you have listened for a long time and heard nothing and therefore concluded God is not concerned with you or willing to speak. And some of you hear Him speak regularly and have an intimacy that is refreshing.
Jesus told His followers in John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak whatever He hears. He will also declare to you what is to come.” Recently I met with a friend who is very discouraged about his relationship with God. In the course of the conversation, he admitted consistently running from God so as to exercise his own will. Now, burdened by alcohol and broken relationships with women he is a broken man. He wants to do the right thing but he is not sure he can even hear God speaking. I encouraged him to take one day off a week to rest, to spend time studying Scripture and to give God the opportunity to speak to his life. Busyness is one of the biggest reasons why we don’t hear God—we’ve crowded Him out. Often I wonder if people run from God by keeping themselves busy.
Let’s set aside time to let the Holy Spirit communicate with us. Let’s trust that even when we are engaged in our daily activities we can still hear Him speak. Life lived obediently to God is the precursor to joy. A life deaf to His leading is a formula for tragedy. Choose wisely and listen!
Inspiration
When we are born again we have to obey the Spirit of God, and as we draw on the life of Jesus and learn to assimilate and carry out what He speaks to us, we shall grow in ignorance of certain things and be alive and alert only to what is God’s will for us.—Oswald Chambers in The Servant As His Lord
Meditation
Numbers 1:1—The LORD spoke to Moses in the tent of meeting in the Desert of Sinai on the first day of the second month of the second year after the Israelites came of Egypt.
Acts 18:9—One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.”
In the Old Testament and the New Testament, God spoke to His people. He let them know what they needed to know. Do you think it is any different today? We all need to hear from the Lord. We need His direction. We need His encouragement. And here is the good news—the Lord wants to speak to you.
Some of you have wandered away from His voice and you are not even sure He is willing to speak to you anymore. Some of you have heard His voice and resisted. You don’t want to hear Him speak because you are afraid of what He is going to say. Some of you are so discouraged you have concluded that God isn’t interested in speaking to you. Some of you have listened for a long time and heard nothing and therefore concluded God is not concerned with you or willing to speak. And some of you hear Him speak regularly and have an intimacy that is refreshing.
Jesus told His followers in John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak whatever He hears. He will also declare to you what is to come.” Recently I met with a friend who is very discouraged about his relationship with God. In the course of the conversation, he admitted consistently running from God so as to exercise his own will. Now, burdened by alcohol and broken relationships with women he is a broken man. He wants to do the right thing but he is not sure he can even hear God speaking. I encouraged him to take one day off a week to rest, to spend time studying Scripture and to give God the opportunity to speak to his life. Busyness is one of the biggest reasons why we don’t hear God—we’ve crowded Him out. Often I wonder if people run from God by keeping themselves busy.
Let’s set aside time to let the Holy Spirit communicate with us. Let’s trust that even when we are engaged in our daily activities we can still hear Him speak. Life lived obediently to God is the precursor to joy. A life deaf to His leading is a formula for tragedy. Choose wisely and listen!
Inspiration
When we are born again we have to obey the Spirit of God, and as we draw on the life of Jesus and learn to assimilate and carry out what He speaks to us, we shall grow in ignorance of certain things and be alive and alert only to what is God’s will for us.—Oswald Chambers in The Servant As His Lord
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Unauthorized
When I read my Bible I look forward each day to hearing from the Lord. I look forward to learning something that will help me live more effectively or that will enable me to help others. I don’t know about you but I find the book of Leviticus to be hard reading. For the first nine chapters, God instructs Moses in how the Israelites are to bring offerings and the priests are to conduct themselves and I’m struggling to see anything even remotely interesting. Then chapter ten comes along and I read the shocking verses below.
Meditation
Leviticus 10:1-3—Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu each took his own firepan, put fire in it, placed incense on it, and presented unauthorized fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them [to do]. Then flames leaped from the LORD's presence and burned them to death before the LORD. So Moses said to Aaron, "This is what the LORD meant when He said: I will show My holiness to those who are near Me, and I will reveal My glory before all the people." But Aaron remained silent.
Do you ever have questions about why God acts the way He does? I do. While Moses was gone 40 days receiving instruction from God, his brother Aaron caved in to the wishes of his countrymen and forged an unauthorized golden calf for them to worship. He let them get out of control. His dereliction of duty initially resulted in 3000 Israelites killed. Then God struck the people with a plague (see Exodus 32). God did nothing to Aaron.
We read above of God burning to death Nadab and Abihu! Where was their father when they went before God? Did he know his sons were possibly drunk and therefore irresponsible in their actions? God did nothing to Aaron.
In Numbers chapter 12, Moses’ sister Miriam and Aaron criticized him because of his Cushite wife and challenged his authority. God struck Miriam with temporary leprosy for speaking against His servant. God did nothing to Aaron. Eight chapters later, Moses and Aaron disobeyed God’s explicit instruction to speak to the rock so water might pour out. Instead, an angry Moses struck the rock while Aaron took no action to stop him. Then God punished them. He took away their right to enter the Promised Land and shortly thereafter, He ended the life of Aaron.
Was not Aaron’s treasonous golden calf far more heinous than the quirky fire his sons brought before God? It scares me to think that God can be, dare I say, capricious (erratic). Or could it be that He has His purposes for doing what He does? He sees into the hearts of men and women what we cannot see. He knows when it is time to strike and when it is better to refrain from striking. Perhaps it was not fitting to terminate His anointed high priest. Maybe Aaron’s service was more important for a season than leaving Moses alone to cope with his rebellious countrymen. Maybe Aaron’s days were filled with unimaginable grief and pressure trying to appease complainers. Maybe his silence at the execution of his sons was as remarkable as his ability to later worship the Executioner. Maybe his criticism was the overflow of a heart fed up by desert life where people dropped dead on a daily basis and he didn’t always like the decisions of his younger brother. Maybe, just maybe God decided to extend grace.
I don’t understand. It doesn’t matter. The point is that God expects me to live in a pure manner. You and I have no right to do what is unauthorized. The consequences may be immediate and shattering or God may seemingly do nothing. He sees. He knows. He loves. He judges. Our responsibility is to make the fire the way He prescribed.
Inspiration
A fault once denied is twice committed.—Japanese proverb
Meditation
Leviticus 10:1-3—Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu each took his own firepan, put fire in it, placed incense on it, and presented unauthorized fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them [to do]. Then flames leaped from the LORD's presence and burned them to death before the LORD. So Moses said to Aaron, "This is what the LORD meant when He said: I will show My holiness to those who are near Me, and I will reveal My glory before all the people." But Aaron remained silent.
Do you ever have questions about why God acts the way He does? I do. While Moses was gone 40 days receiving instruction from God, his brother Aaron caved in to the wishes of his countrymen and forged an unauthorized golden calf for them to worship. He let them get out of control. His dereliction of duty initially resulted in 3000 Israelites killed. Then God struck the people with a plague (see Exodus 32). God did nothing to Aaron.
We read above of God burning to death Nadab and Abihu! Where was their father when they went before God? Did he know his sons were possibly drunk and therefore irresponsible in their actions? God did nothing to Aaron.
In Numbers chapter 12, Moses’ sister Miriam and Aaron criticized him because of his Cushite wife and challenged his authority. God struck Miriam with temporary leprosy for speaking against His servant. God did nothing to Aaron. Eight chapters later, Moses and Aaron disobeyed God’s explicit instruction to speak to the rock so water might pour out. Instead, an angry Moses struck the rock while Aaron took no action to stop him. Then God punished them. He took away their right to enter the Promised Land and shortly thereafter, He ended the life of Aaron.
Was not Aaron’s treasonous golden calf far more heinous than the quirky fire his sons brought before God? It scares me to think that God can be, dare I say, capricious (erratic). Or could it be that He has His purposes for doing what He does? He sees into the hearts of men and women what we cannot see. He knows when it is time to strike and when it is better to refrain from striking. Perhaps it was not fitting to terminate His anointed high priest. Maybe Aaron’s service was more important for a season than leaving Moses alone to cope with his rebellious countrymen. Maybe Aaron’s days were filled with unimaginable grief and pressure trying to appease complainers. Maybe his silence at the execution of his sons was as remarkable as his ability to later worship the Executioner. Maybe his criticism was the overflow of a heart fed up by desert life where people dropped dead on a daily basis and he didn’t always like the decisions of his younger brother. Maybe, just maybe God decided to extend grace.
I don’t understand. It doesn’t matter. The point is that God expects me to live in a pure manner. You and I have no right to do what is unauthorized. The consequences may be immediate and shattering or God may seemingly do nothing. He sees. He knows. He loves. He judges. Our responsibility is to make the fire the way He prescribed.
Inspiration
A fault once denied is twice committed.—Japanese proverb
Monday, January 25, 2010
Giving Wisely
I just finished reading the best book I ever read concerning Biblical principles on giving wisely. The author is Jonathan Martin and the title of his book is Giving Wisely? You can find and purchase it from www.amazon.com.
Meditation
2 Corinthians 8:14,15—at the present time your surplus is [available] for their need, so that their abundance may also become [available] for your need, that there may be equality. As it has been written: The person who gathered much did not have too much, and the person who gathered little did not have too little.
During this time of economic uncertainty, many Christians struggle with how to handle their money. I wrestle with how to best invest the resources God gives me towards His Kingdom. There are more needs than I can help and I receive requests for financial assistance virtually every week. On top of those requests are my own financial challenges. So what does God want me to do?
Jonathan shares five principles in the acronym RAISE that form a great guide in helping us give locally or internationally in a God pleasing manner.
R = Relationship. Jonathan notes, “The healthiest giving is best done at a relational level, not merely the emotional level.” Too often we give out of a guilt complex that we have more than someone else, or because we feel manipulated emotionally by the appeal. It takes more work to form a relationship with someone but the end result is almost always better than resorting to a handout.
A = Accountability. Jonathan’s church, Good Shepherd Community Church, does not support nationals directly. They give through organizations. This creates answerability and protects against fraud, misunderstanding and abuse. Is it wise to give a person money for food who has cable television, indulges bad habits and runs up credit card debt?.
I S = Indigenous Sustainability. Sometimes our giving directly sabotages the motivation of a local ministry to meet its needs. Our giving should not create dependency or stifle the creativity and responsibility of another body to fix its problems and grow local solutions.
E = Equity. Our giving should not inappropriately raise another above the local standard of living. As we see in the passage above, balance in the body is a good thing!
This morning I was impressed with Jacob’s example in Genesis 43. His family was in the midst of a severe famine and they badly needed food. Despite the harsh and bizarre manner his sons were treated by Joseph (whom they did not recognize), Jacob sent them back to Egypt with the finest products of their land and twice as much money as was needed. He chose to be a blessing in the face of suffering. As Christians, we can always give something! Too often, we let our circumstances determine our action or inaction instead of trusting God. Give because God gave you His best, Jesus. Help others so as to bless them and you receive blessing. Just don’t forget to share wisely! God does not just expect us to be generous, He expects us to use discernment with the resources He owns!
Inspiration
Harambee is the East African custom of joining efforts to raise resources for a good cause.—Glenn Schwartz in When Charity Destroys Dignity
Meditation
2 Corinthians 8:14,15—at the present time your surplus is [available] for their need, so that their abundance may also become [available] for your need, that there may be equality. As it has been written: The person who gathered much did not have too much, and the person who gathered little did not have too little.
During this time of economic uncertainty, many Christians struggle with how to handle their money. I wrestle with how to best invest the resources God gives me towards His Kingdom. There are more needs than I can help and I receive requests for financial assistance virtually every week. On top of those requests are my own financial challenges. So what does God want me to do?
Jonathan shares five principles in the acronym RAISE that form a great guide in helping us give locally or internationally in a God pleasing manner.
R = Relationship. Jonathan notes, “The healthiest giving is best done at a relational level, not merely the emotional level.” Too often we give out of a guilt complex that we have more than someone else, or because we feel manipulated emotionally by the appeal. It takes more work to form a relationship with someone but the end result is almost always better than resorting to a handout.
A = Accountability. Jonathan’s church, Good Shepherd Community Church, does not support nationals directly. They give through organizations. This creates answerability and protects against fraud, misunderstanding and abuse. Is it wise to give a person money for food who has cable television, indulges bad habits and runs up credit card debt?.
I S = Indigenous Sustainability. Sometimes our giving directly sabotages the motivation of a local ministry to meet its needs. Our giving should not create dependency or stifle the creativity and responsibility of another body to fix its problems and grow local solutions.
E = Equity. Our giving should not inappropriately raise another above the local standard of living. As we see in the passage above, balance in the body is a good thing!
This morning I was impressed with Jacob’s example in Genesis 43. His family was in the midst of a severe famine and they badly needed food. Despite the harsh and bizarre manner his sons were treated by Joseph (whom they did not recognize), Jacob sent them back to Egypt with the finest products of their land and twice as much money as was needed. He chose to be a blessing in the face of suffering. As Christians, we can always give something! Too often, we let our circumstances determine our action or inaction instead of trusting God. Give because God gave you His best, Jesus. Help others so as to bless them and you receive blessing. Just don’t forget to share wisely! God does not just expect us to be generous, He expects us to use discernment with the resources He owns!
Inspiration
Harambee is the East African custom of joining efforts to raise resources for a good cause.—Glenn Schwartz in When Charity Destroys Dignity
Holiness II
I apologize in advance for this illustration but I am not trying to be crude in making a crucial point. Each night I walk our two dogs, Hero the Labrador retriever and Saber the Sheltie. When the three of us walk, Saber has a habit that is extremely annoying. If he comes across what I suspect is dung from another animal (I’m guessing raccoon), before I can stop him, he literally does an in-the-air rollover dive into the mess and slides his chest and back all over it! Now I’m mad because I have to clean him (a difficult task with his thick and long hair) and he stinks. Furthermore, can you imagine what people would think of me as an owner if they came upon Saber in such a disgusting condition?
Meditation
Ezekiel 36:23-28—I will honor the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations—the name you have profaned among them. The nations will know that I am Yahweh"—the declaration of the Lord GOD —"when I demonstrate My holiness through you in their sight. "For I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries, and will bring you into your own land I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I will place My Spirit within you and cause you to follow My statutes and carefully observe My ordinances. Then you will live in the land that I gave your fathers; you will be My people, and I will be your God.
You remember the story! God led the Israelites to Canaan, the land He promised to Abraham and his descendants. He expected them to live righteously in contrast to the heathen nations that occupied that territory. Instead, they jumped and rolled in the sin of the residents they failed to remove and brought such a stench upon themselves that God in disgust, forcibly removed and scattered them through the armies of Assyria and later Babylon. I think we tend to be hard on the Jews and to judge them for turning their backs on God and walking in wicked behavior. But I wonder, are we so different? How many people do you know who claim to be Christians yet live identical to their Christ-disdaining neighbors? How many Jesus followers wear the odor of the world because the aroma is powerfully attractive? If you and I do not carefully watch ourselves, we can easily find ourselves guilty of doing and being the very things God forbids.
Here’s the good news. God is a forgiving, loving Father. Rather than abandon His people and start over with a “new breed,” He promised to bring them back to their own land, clean them up, place His Spirit within them and cause them to obey His laws and to be His children. God demonstrates His holiness through people. He honors His holy great name by helping us be holy. May God be forever praised for His faithful commitment to our well-being! We don’t deserve it. So, the next time you see a fellow believer engage in sinful behavior, remind him or her whose Name they represent. And before you are tempted to do evil, think of the consequences of your action. Remember that God wants to work His holiness through us so that every nation can see what clean and pure looks like to His glory!
Dear Lord, I am so sorry for thoughts or action that caused You to hold Your nose and look away. Thank You for loving me enough to cleanse me. May I walk in holiness each day to the betterment of our relationship and so those around me see Your holiness at work!
Inspiration
The demonstration of holiness has always been at the heart of God’s strategy of world evangelization.—Robert E. Coleman in The Master Plan of Discipleship
Meditation
Ezekiel 36:23-28—I will honor the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations—the name you have profaned among them. The nations will know that I am Yahweh"—the declaration of the Lord GOD —"when I demonstrate My holiness through you in their sight. "For I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries, and will bring you into your own land I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I will place My Spirit within you and cause you to follow My statutes and carefully observe My ordinances. Then you will live in the land that I gave your fathers; you will be My people, and I will be your God.
You remember the story! God led the Israelites to Canaan, the land He promised to Abraham and his descendants. He expected them to live righteously in contrast to the heathen nations that occupied that territory. Instead, they jumped and rolled in the sin of the residents they failed to remove and brought such a stench upon themselves that God in disgust, forcibly removed and scattered them through the armies of Assyria and later Babylon. I think we tend to be hard on the Jews and to judge them for turning their backs on God and walking in wicked behavior. But I wonder, are we so different? How many people do you know who claim to be Christians yet live identical to their Christ-disdaining neighbors? How many Jesus followers wear the odor of the world because the aroma is powerfully attractive? If you and I do not carefully watch ourselves, we can easily find ourselves guilty of doing and being the very things God forbids.
Here’s the good news. God is a forgiving, loving Father. Rather than abandon His people and start over with a “new breed,” He promised to bring them back to their own land, clean them up, place His Spirit within them and cause them to obey His laws and to be His children. God demonstrates His holiness through people. He honors His holy great name by helping us be holy. May God be forever praised for His faithful commitment to our well-being! We don’t deserve it. So, the next time you see a fellow believer engage in sinful behavior, remind him or her whose Name they represent. And before you are tempted to do evil, think of the consequences of your action. Remember that God wants to work His holiness through us so that every nation can see what clean and pure looks like to His glory!
Dear Lord, I am so sorry for thoughts or action that caused You to hold Your nose and look away. Thank You for loving me enough to cleanse me. May I walk in holiness each day to the betterment of our relationship and so those around me see Your holiness at work!
Inspiration
The demonstration of holiness has always been at the heart of God’s strategy of world evangelization.—Robert E. Coleman in The Master Plan of Discipleship
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Outsiders
Have you ever wanted to be part of a group but found yourself excluded? Whether it be a school, church, club, team, a political party or affiliation most of us recognize the existence within any organization of an inner ring. Many people spend their whole lives seeking acceptance and entrance into these cliques or groups. No one wants to be left out.
Meditation
Galatians 2:11-13—But when Cephas came to
Let’s look deeper into what caused Peter and Barnabas to act in a manner they knew was wrong. Jews, affiliated with Jesus’ brother
Peter wanted approval from
Would you agree the need for acceptance courses through our veins? We want to be part of a group or at least gain their approval for a number of reasons: power, status, security, safety, recognition, belonging, and/or privilege. The need to join an inner ring can be so compelling that a person will violate his or her own conscience and do the wrong thing. Consider what a person will do or not do to join a sorority. Can you think of a time in your life when peer pressure or the dictates of a club led you to engage in behavior you knew was wrong? It is often teens desperately seeking acceptance ignored by the popular kids at school, who join gangs of misfits to engage in immoral behavior. The need to be included is more powerful than the ability to stand alone and risk rejection.
Outsiders are no longer of this world. Outsiders never put an organization or group above loyalty to Jesus Christ because they know that people will surely let them down. Outsiders do not need or look for membership in an inner ring to bolster their self-esteem. They are already family with the Inner Ring that truly matters—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit! Outsiders gain their confidence from being IN Christ. Outsiders build their faith and function confidently because they know God loves them unconditionally and secured for them an eternal place in His presence.
If you are one of those influenced by the pack, or who feels the constant need to be a member of the “in crowd,” ask yourself, “Who am I truly serving?” Better to be an outsider obedient and centered on God than an insider pursuing what cannot last and ultimately will not matter. I am not saying teams are unimportant, but rather that we must beware of seeking approval and inclusion that is not God honoring.
Inspiration
I believe that in all men’s lives at certain periods, and in many men’s lives at all periods between infancy and extreme old age, one of the most dominant elements is the desire to be inside the local Ring and the terror of being left outside.—C.S. Lewis in The Weight of Glory
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