No army has ever gone "undefeated." There are countless skirmishes which make up a war, and it is possible to lose a battle but still win the war. Today felt like one of those losing days in a spiritual sense. I find an object lesson in my own hands. On any given day of mechanical insulation, I usually come through without any injuries whatsoever. Occasionally I will have a scrape or cut, or possibly feel fatigued after a particularly taxing day of work. As I wrapped duct this morning, I cut my finger on a 20-gauge stud: it was the kind that make your toes curl! Someone had taken a grinder to the metal until it was rough and razor sharp. I felt it before I saw it. Thankfully it was in a fairly decent spot and not too deep. When I came home I had several cuts on my hands to clean with my old standby, hydrogen peroxide.
I believe we set ourselves up for failure if we believe we will have victory every moment of every single day over the temptations thrown at us. Yes, the blood of Jesus has cleansed us from all sin, and through the Holy Spirit we can daily walk in the victory Jesus has granted by His grace. But no matter how pure our motives and focused our efforts we will sometimes fail. Today the spiritual battle was particularly tough and I look back on the day with clear knowledge of my failures. I feel like Satan ambushed me a couple times and nailed me with a few cheap shots. Like the sharp metal, I was cut before I noticed. It seems there were more skirmishes lost than won. Satan would use this to encourage me to give up or give in. Never! I must run to Christ in repentance, for it is only in Him I have strength, protection, forgiveness, and power to glorify God.
On a normal day of work, we can expect fatigue. When I first started working in the trade, I was working 7 days a week 12 hours a day at the Chevron refinery in El Segundo. That meant waking up at 3am, picking up my brother, driving to El Segundo to be there for a 5:45am pick-up. We worked stripping asbestos in a boiler for at least 9 or 10 hours a day wearing a full-face respirator in containment in the heat of summer. At 6pm we were driven out, gassed up the truck, and arrived home by about 8:30pm. There was just enough time to eat a little dinner, kiss my newlywed wife goodnight, and go to sleep. 3am came EARLY the next morning and the cycle started again! Thankfully this schedule after a couple weeks was changed to 6 days a week 10 hours a day. I felt like a new man after Sunday! Well, for a while anyway. As work changes in scope and duration from day to day, Satan's bombardment of our minds is not always the same. Some times there are periods of rest from the shelling, but other times it can stretch into days seemingly without end.
Here is the point: where there is an open door, there are many adversaries. When we decide to live for Jesus Christ, Satan works overtime to cause us to stumble in sin. As we draw closer to God in prayer and devotion, the enemy of our souls seeks to disrupt us more than ever. He wants to beat down our resolve, and cause us to neglect the care and condition of our spiritual armor. What good is a misplaced shield of faith, or a cracked helmet of salvation? What does it profit to strap the boots of the preparation of the Gospel of peace on our feet if they are filled with holes? A rusty sword of the Spirit tends to be stuck dull and useless in the sheath. The spiritual battle can wear us down and can be overwhelming when we just do our best. We need to abide in Christ or we will fall prey to the devil's fiery darts.
The failures of today need not translate into failures tomorrow. Take every failure before the LORD, case by case. Spell out each fault: each profane thought, each time our hearts wandered and our eyes followed, every outburst of wrath, all judgments, and anything He reveals to us. It is in this confession and repentance where the victory is won. For all his skirmishes he has won, Satan remains a defeated foe. We can be valiant and stouthearted in Christ, knowing that we are more than conquerors through Him. No weapon fashioned against us shall stand because the battle belongs to the LORD. Claim the victory in Christ, and stand strong in the LORD and in the power of His might.
31 March 2010
30 March 2010
Road to Resurrection
Our church fellowship annually puts on an elaborate play detailing the arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Over the years I have had differing roles either on stage or behind the scenes. One year I was cast as Jesus. To say it was a challenge and a humbling experience would be an understatement. Aside from prayerfully approaching the role and delivering my lines verbatim, the thing I strove for more than anything was realism.
Before the opening scene, people are allowed to roam freely through the marketplace, taking in the sights, smells, and tastes of the city of Jerusalem. In years past there have been live animals, unleavened bread, and it is a perfect time to chat with Pharisees and even Roman guards. The chatter of the marketplace is broken by a narrator, and then the temple guards bring Jesus before Caiaphas. As I was being hauled up on stage, I could see the smiles and expectant looks of the people. In that scene, one of the Pharisees was directed to slap Jesus on the face. We worked time after time on it in practice because he struggled to bring himself to do it full-on. The year before me the man acting as Christ was wearing a false beard so direct impact could dislodge the beard and create a humorous mistake, spoiling the mood. Since my beard was real, I told the Pharisee to let me have it.
You would not believe the difference of the crowd from one year to the next. The fake slap had no real effect on the audience. But when the slap cracked full-force across my face, everyone's expressions in the audience changed. It went dead silent. We had their complete attention. In the hush their minds were saying, "Wow. That guy really got hit. That wasn't fake!" Over the nights of the performances people would ask about being scourged or slapped around. It seemed amazing to them that an actor would allow people to beat on him. Believe me, it was not severe at all. Not a drop of my blood was spilled. It could not even be compared to the brutal punishment that Christ actually endured. One has to balance the physical punishment with the fact there are three performances, with Jesus rising from the dead at the end. Jesus with black eyes and lips oozing blood would not be a comforting sight.
I admit I was incredulous by people's reactions. I was sorry that people focused on the actor who was slapped around with kid gloves when they should have considered the implications of what Jesus actually did. We were pretending while Jesus paid the ultimate price, once and for all. He was not play acting, and neither were the Pharisees and Roman guards who literally maimed and tortured Him to death. When the Romans would scourge a man, it was not uncommon for his internal organs to be exposed. Considering all Jesus did for me, I wanted to lay to waste all those hygienic, tasteful paintings of the crucifixion scene. The Passion of the Christ did well to do away with those misconceptions.
What is more surprising: that an actor would allow someone to hit him, or the God become flesh allowed men to kill Him? Instead of giving credit to a man for a realistic depiction, give glory to Jesus who endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. That's God's glory. Give Him all the glory now and forever!
Before the opening scene, people are allowed to roam freely through the marketplace, taking in the sights, smells, and tastes of the city of Jerusalem. In years past there have been live animals, unleavened bread, and it is a perfect time to chat with Pharisees and even Roman guards. The chatter of the marketplace is broken by a narrator, and then the temple guards bring Jesus before Caiaphas. As I was being hauled up on stage, I could see the smiles and expectant looks of the people. In that scene, one of the Pharisees was directed to slap Jesus on the face. We worked time after time on it in practice because he struggled to bring himself to do it full-on. The year before me the man acting as Christ was wearing a false beard so direct impact could dislodge the beard and create a humorous mistake, spoiling the mood. Since my beard was real, I told the Pharisee to let me have it.
You would not believe the difference of the crowd from one year to the next. The fake slap had no real effect on the audience. But when the slap cracked full-force across my face, everyone's expressions in the audience changed. It went dead silent. We had their complete attention. In the hush their minds were saying, "Wow. That guy really got hit. That wasn't fake!" Over the nights of the performances people would ask about being scourged or slapped around. It seemed amazing to them that an actor would allow people to beat on him. Believe me, it was not severe at all. Not a drop of my blood was spilled. It could not even be compared to the brutal punishment that Christ actually endured. One has to balance the physical punishment with the fact there are three performances, with Jesus rising from the dead at the end. Jesus with black eyes and lips oozing blood would not be a comforting sight.
I admit I was incredulous by people's reactions. I was sorry that people focused on the actor who was slapped around with kid gloves when they should have considered the implications of what Jesus actually did. We were pretending while Jesus paid the ultimate price, once and for all. He was not play acting, and neither were the Pharisees and Roman guards who literally maimed and tortured Him to death. When the Romans would scourge a man, it was not uncommon for his internal organs to be exposed. Considering all Jesus did for me, I wanted to lay to waste all those hygienic, tasteful paintings of the crucifixion scene. The Passion of the Christ did well to do away with those misconceptions.
What is more surprising: that an actor would allow someone to hit him, or the God become flesh allowed men to kill Him? Instead of giving credit to a man for a realistic depiction, give glory to Jesus who endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. That's God's glory. Give Him all the glory now and forever!
29 March 2010
The True Hero
Easter is the time of year when special attention is given to Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. There is no greater evidence of Christ's divinity, power over sin and death, and love for all people than the cross and the empty tomb three days later. It is easy to miss the miraculous in the mundane, and familiarity breeds complacency. We can become so used to hearing that Jesus died for our sins that we don't appreciate fully Christ's sacrifice. It would be one thing to be God and humble yourself to living in a human body: it is unthinkable God would become flesh and willingly submit His life to the curse man brought upon himself through rebellion against God. Jesus suffered not only the emotional anguish of betrayal and rejection, but intense physical pain. The word "excruciating" is borne out of the terrible agony of the crucifixion process. That was not the end. Jesus endured separation from God on man's account - on my account - and was forsaken so we might be reconciled.
When I was a kid, I had this recurring dream that I went into my elementary school library and saved classmates from a fire. I always survived and was pushed around in a wheelchair with my arms and legs wound with gauze. I was a hero...in my dreams! That is not far from how we each perceive ourselves. We are the ones who will stand up for the kids who is being bullied, we are the ones who will chase down the thief who grabbed the woman's purse, we would go into that building to save that crying baby. But the reality is unless we are completely convinced that job is for us alone, we'll leave it to others. We will be the one standing silently and avoiding eye contact when a friend of ours is being picked on. I remember once when I was an assistant coach for Zed's soccer team. One of the parents had soured towards the head coach and decided he would tell me what he thought. With parents standing around frozen like moose on a Canadian road, he stood within inches of my face literally spitting mad, shaking, cursing, foaming with rage. A minute after he stormed away, a parent who had been standing within three feet from me patted my shoulder and said with a laugh, "Well, I'm glad you were on the receiving end of that and not me." Thanks a lot, I thought to myself.
We are often unwilling to help others. There are also times when we are unable. Years ago a union brother of mine experienced a horrific ordeal. He was taking two of his nephews (boys, about 10) on a little hunting trip at the opening of dove season. He was riding as a passenger in a RV heading up the grade in Alpine, while the boys played in the back of the camper. As they sped merrily along, disaster stuck without warning. Somehow, one of the propane tanks ignited and a fire began to rage out of control in the back of the camper. By the time the danger was realized and the vehicle stopped on the shoulder, the boys were trapped and were unable to reach the door and escape. The black smoke billowed from windows. My friend tried to open the door but with the fire raging, the choking smoke, and the intense heat it was impossible. "I can still hear their screams," he told me years later. "I have flashbacks. There was nothing I could do." If he could have given his life for those boys, he would have done it. But even if he had made it into the vehicle, he never would have made it out again. This story breaks my heart even now.
Even if we are willing, we are unable to save one person from their sins. We are powerless over sin in our fallen condition. Jesus freely took the punishment I deserve and died so I might live. He did not shy away from the agony of the cross but embraced it. How great and good is our God, who would send His only begotten Son to die at the hands of sinful man that we might live! 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Jesus is my hero. Television and comic books glorify "superheros" because they have "superhuman" powers. They are all imposers and fabrications. Christ was fully human and fully divine. He alone has the power to save through His shed blood which cleanses those who repent and trust in His name from all unrighteousness.
Even if Superman was real, he would be nothing compared with Christ. Every person Superman "saved" from death only received a temporary reprieve. The natural course of life was fulfilled in every single one of them: death remained inevitable. All who trust in Jesus Christ will live eternally! Though the body will ultimately die, the souls of every Christian will endure forever! John 11:25-26 says, "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. [26] And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" Christians will never taste death. Our bodies will be corrupted, but our souls have put on incorruption and immortality through Jesus.
Romans 5:6-8 states: "For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. [7] For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. [8] But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Do you believe this? What have you done about it? Few are willing to stand up for others when death is not on the line, yet Jesus gave all. A majority of the people He died to save continue to reject Him. Let us give Him the reward due His suffering. May our lives fiercely proclaim through the ages, "LORD Jesus, your death has not been in vain! You have risen, and my life is bound up in yours! Please live your life through me."
When I was a kid, I had this recurring dream that I went into my elementary school library and saved classmates from a fire. I always survived and was pushed around in a wheelchair with my arms and legs wound with gauze. I was a hero...in my dreams! That is not far from how we each perceive ourselves. We are the ones who will stand up for the kids who is being bullied, we are the ones who will chase down the thief who grabbed the woman's purse, we would go into that building to save that crying baby. But the reality is unless we are completely convinced that job is for us alone, we'll leave it to others. We will be the one standing silently and avoiding eye contact when a friend of ours is being picked on. I remember once when I was an assistant coach for Zed's soccer team. One of the parents had soured towards the head coach and decided he would tell me what he thought. With parents standing around frozen like moose on a Canadian road, he stood within inches of my face literally spitting mad, shaking, cursing, foaming with rage. A minute after he stormed away, a parent who had been standing within three feet from me patted my shoulder and said with a laugh, "Well, I'm glad you were on the receiving end of that and not me." Thanks a lot, I thought to myself.
We are often unwilling to help others. There are also times when we are unable. Years ago a union brother of mine experienced a horrific ordeal. He was taking two of his nephews (boys, about 10) on a little hunting trip at the opening of dove season. He was riding as a passenger in a RV heading up the grade in Alpine, while the boys played in the back of the camper. As they sped merrily along, disaster stuck without warning. Somehow, one of the propane tanks ignited and a fire began to rage out of control in the back of the camper. By the time the danger was realized and the vehicle stopped on the shoulder, the boys were trapped and were unable to reach the door and escape. The black smoke billowed from windows. My friend tried to open the door but with the fire raging, the choking smoke, and the intense heat it was impossible. "I can still hear their screams," he told me years later. "I have flashbacks. There was nothing I could do." If he could have given his life for those boys, he would have done it. But even if he had made it into the vehicle, he never would have made it out again. This story breaks my heart even now.
Even if we are willing, we are unable to save one person from their sins. We are powerless over sin in our fallen condition. Jesus freely took the punishment I deserve and died so I might live. He did not shy away from the agony of the cross but embraced it. How great and good is our God, who would send His only begotten Son to die at the hands of sinful man that we might live! 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Jesus is my hero. Television and comic books glorify "superheros" because they have "superhuman" powers. They are all imposers and fabrications. Christ was fully human and fully divine. He alone has the power to save through His shed blood which cleanses those who repent and trust in His name from all unrighteousness.
Even if Superman was real, he would be nothing compared with Christ. Every person Superman "saved" from death only received a temporary reprieve. The natural course of life was fulfilled in every single one of them: death remained inevitable. All who trust in Jesus Christ will live eternally! Though the body will ultimately die, the souls of every Christian will endure forever! John 11:25-26 says, "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. [26] And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" Christians will never taste death. Our bodies will be corrupted, but our souls have put on incorruption and immortality through Jesus.
Romans 5:6-8 states: "For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. [7] For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. [8] But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Do you believe this? What have you done about it? Few are willing to stand up for others when death is not on the line, yet Jesus gave all. A majority of the people He died to save continue to reject Him. Let us give Him the reward due His suffering. May our lives fiercely proclaim through the ages, "LORD Jesus, your death has not been in vain! You have risen, and my life is bound up in yours! Please live your life through me."
28 March 2010
Being a Donkey
We will never glean practical spiritual truth from the Bible until we make it personal. I can look back over the years and I remember several times God spoke to me directly through His Word. I remember the first time I saw myself as Simon of Cyrene, who had come out of his country and was compelled to carry the cross of Christ. I also remember when the LORD showed me that all men are as Barabas (including myself!). Though he was condemned to die for his wicked acts, Barabas was spared and Christ became his substitute. Today I saw myself for the first time as the donkey that carried Christ into Jerusalem during His triumphant entry.
God has been teaching me a lot lately about obeying His directives, not just automatically doing things to please people. It is an easy trap to do what everyone says you should do. As opportunities have presented themselves for me to serve at church of late, I have felt strangely restrained by God. It does not profit to please man if you displease God. King David wanted to build God a house and Nathan said immediately, "Do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you." (1 Chron. 17:2) Yet God appeared that night to tell Nathan the prophet to speak for Him the next day: "You shall not build Me a house to dwell in." King David was not permitted by God to build the temple, but he prepared for construction by gathering materials. There are times when God restrains His people so they can be released to perform God's will.
This morning we read Luke 19:29-34 during church service: "And it came to pass, when He [Jesus] came near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples, [30] saying, "Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here. [31] And if anyone asks you, 'Why are you loosing it?' thus you shall say to him, 'Because the Lord has need of it.' " [32] So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. [33] But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, "Why are you loosing the colt?" [34] And they said, "The Lord has need of him." Before the colt could be loosed, he must have first been restrained. The colt had been tied up and thus reserved for the Lord's purposes. It didn't matter what the other donkeys thought or what the owner of the colt had to say. The Lord had need of him, and Jesus had every right to direct his disciples to bring the colt to Him.
It's ironic that we know "The LORD owns the cattle on a thousand hills" but if we touches our donkey we ask, "Why are you loosening him?" People have asked me, "Why don't you do this or that?" "We need you to help here" or "You'd be perfect for this role." God has certainly restrained me from jumping back into full-time ministry at church since my return from Australia because I believe God has tied me up for a purpose according to His design to serve Him there. There will be a time when He will loose me to perform His will. There is a need He has prepared for me to meet by His grace according to the power of the Holy Spirit who works in me. A donkey is considered a humble animal because it is bred as a "beast of burden." Not a glamorous position being a blue-collar guy. But that little blue-collar donkey literally carried Jesus into Jerusalem. I rejoice in the prospect of carrying Christ wherever I go in the world.
Israel said of his son before he passed into eternity: Genesis 49:14-15 reads, "Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between two burdens; [15] He saw that rest was good, and that the land was pleasant; he bowed his shoulder to bear a burden, and became a band of slaves." It was a couple of months ago when someone I highly respect came up to me and said with intensity, "Never forget that you are a pastor." The calling of a pastor is a two-fold burden of caring for the flock of God as well as having a heart for the lost, and is a delicate balance of family and ministry. It takes the power of God to love sheep as well as wolves who are convinced they are sheep. It is a mistake to think a pastor's job is to serve men. A pastor, like every other believer, is to serve God first. Christians serve God by serving men, but we must never fall into the trap of serving men to serve God. He must have our allegiance and obedience.
When Jesus looses me to serve Him according to His perfect will in America, Australia, or wherever He should lead, I have decided to bear the burden of service He places upon me. My training, personality, work ethic, nor my mental or physical ability to handle stress will be sufficient to help me endure. As Esther had been brought into the kingdom of the Medes and Persians for such a time, so I have been prepared for this moment in time. It is a time of preparation and waiting on the LORD. Only He has the authority to say, "Loose him, and let him go!"
God has been teaching me a lot lately about obeying His directives, not just automatically doing things to please people. It is an easy trap to do what everyone says you should do. As opportunities have presented themselves for me to serve at church of late, I have felt strangely restrained by God. It does not profit to please man if you displease God. King David wanted to build God a house and Nathan said immediately, "Do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you." (1 Chron. 17:2) Yet God appeared that night to tell Nathan the prophet to speak for Him the next day: "You shall not build Me a house to dwell in." King David was not permitted by God to build the temple, but he prepared for construction by gathering materials. There are times when God restrains His people so they can be released to perform God's will.
This morning we read Luke 19:29-34 during church service: "And it came to pass, when He [Jesus] came near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples, [30] saying, "Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here. [31] And if anyone asks you, 'Why are you loosing it?' thus you shall say to him, 'Because the Lord has need of it.' " [32] So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. [33] But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, "Why are you loosing the colt?" [34] And they said, "The Lord has need of him." Before the colt could be loosed, he must have first been restrained. The colt had been tied up and thus reserved for the Lord's purposes. It didn't matter what the other donkeys thought or what the owner of the colt had to say. The Lord had need of him, and Jesus had every right to direct his disciples to bring the colt to Him.
It's ironic that we know "The LORD owns the cattle on a thousand hills" but if we touches our donkey we ask, "Why are you loosening him?" People have asked me, "Why don't you do this or that?" "We need you to help here" or "You'd be perfect for this role." God has certainly restrained me from jumping back into full-time ministry at church since my return from Australia because I believe God has tied me up for a purpose according to His design to serve Him there. There will be a time when He will loose me to perform His will. There is a need He has prepared for me to meet by His grace according to the power of the Holy Spirit who works in me. A donkey is considered a humble animal because it is bred as a "beast of burden." Not a glamorous position being a blue-collar guy. But that little blue-collar donkey literally carried Jesus into Jerusalem. I rejoice in the prospect of carrying Christ wherever I go in the world.
Israel said of his son before he passed into eternity: Genesis 49:14-15 reads, "Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between two burdens; [15] He saw that rest was good, and that the land was pleasant; he bowed his shoulder to bear a burden, and became a band of slaves." It was a couple of months ago when someone I highly respect came up to me and said with intensity, "Never forget that you are a pastor." The calling of a pastor is a two-fold burden of caring for the flock of God as well as having a heart for the lost, and is a delicate balance of family and ministry. It takes the power of God to love sheep as well as wolves who are convinced they are sheep. It is a mistake to think a pastor's job is to serve men. A pastor, like every other believer, is to serve God first. Christians serve God by serving men, but we must never fall into the trap of serving men to serve God. He must have our allegiance and obedience.
When Jesus looses me to serve Him according to His perfect will in America, Australia, or wherever He should lead, I have decided to bear the burden of service He places upon me. My training, personality, work ethic, nor my mental or physical ability to handle stress will be sufficient to help me endure. As Esther had been brought into the kingdom of the Medes and Persians for such a time, so I have been prepared for this moment in time. It is a time of preparation and waiting on the LORD. Only He has the authority to say, "Loose him, and let him go!"
27 March 2010
The Greatest Treasure
"Keep your treasures on the open palm of your hand. If you hold something tight clenched in your fist, God may have to hurt you in order to open your fingers and take it from you. but if it is offered on the open palm of your hand, you will hardly know when it is gone." Alice MacFarlane, quoted by Isobel Kuhn in her book, "In The Arena," page 97.
God desires to strip us of every worldly thing that we might have Him. It is not until we have relinquished our rights and possessions, even the possession of ourselves, before we will desire Him as we ought. He will never give us what we do not desire to receive. God does not force peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God upon men. He gives these things and more to those who seek Him with a whole heart in faith. As long as we dote upon earthly treasure, we will never recognize that God Himself is the greatest treasure.
How content are men to brood in greedy envy over perishable trifles while God, the most wonderful Being in the universe, remains available but unsought. The few who have found Him are often small in the eyes of the world. If you have encountered God, that is an occasion you will never forget. It will forever shape your focus while on earth and be a driving force behind your heavenly pursuits. Moses met God on Mt. Sinai, Saul on the road to Damascus, and the disciples on the road of Emmaus. When Christ opens our eyes to see Him in truth, we cannot help but run and tell what we have seen and heard.
Allow me to use a Bible passage as a parable: 2 Chron. 9:1-8 reads, "Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to Jerusalem to test Solomon with hard questions, having a very great retinue, camels that bore spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones; and when she came to Solomon, she spoke with him about all that was in her heart. [2] So Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing so difficult for Solomon that he could not explain it to her. [3] And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, [4] the food on his table, the seating of his servants, the service of his waiters and their apparel, his cupbearers and their apparel, and his entryway by which he went up to the house of the Lord, there was no more spirit in her. [5] Then she said to the king: "It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. [6] However I did not believe their words until I came and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half of the greatness of your wisdom was not told me. You exceed the fame of which I heard. [7] Happy are your men and happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom! [8] Blessed be the Lord your God, who delighted in you, setting you on His throne to be king for the Lord your God! Because your God has loved Israel, to establish them forever, therefore He made you king over them, to do justice and righteousness."
Read this passage again with Solomon representing Christ, the servants as His followers, and the Queen of Sheba is one who seeks Christ. The Queen of Sheba heard of the great wisdom and works of Solomon, but she did not believe until she experienced them firsthand. There was no question too difficult, no problem too great as she communed with him. As she saw the wealth, beauty, and prosperity of Solomon's kingdom, the queen of Sheba was breathless. It is not until we taste and see that we recognize the LORD is good, and blessed are the people whose God is the LORD. When we read of God's wonders and faithfulness in books written by believers and the great testimonies of those who KNOW God, when we meet Him for ourselves it far exceeds what we could have imagined. Take time to consider the depths of this insightful allegory.
If you read on in 2 Chronicles 9, you will read that Sheba brought many gifts to King Solomon: gold in abundance, spices, and precious stones. But though she brought so much, she left with more than she came with, for King Solomon was not only wealthy but generous. He gave her whatever she desired. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, God will grant us the desires of our heart because our desires have become His own. Whatever gifts of praise and obedience we bring to God we are richer for it, not poorer. Christ exhorts us to store up for ourselves treasures in heaven. He is the only treasure we need not hold on an open palm, but hold Him close in our hearts. The world will see this and marvel, and in this God is glorified. He gives great gifts to men, and He is the greatest treasure of all.
God desires to strip us of every worldly thing that we might have Him. It is not until we have relinquished our rights and possessions, even the possession of ourselves, before we will desire Him as we ought. He will never give us what we do not desire to receive. God does not force peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God upon men. He gives these things and more to those who seek Him with a whole heart in faith. As long as we dote upon earthly treasure, we will never recognize that God Himself is the greatest treasure.
How content are men to brood in greedy envy over perishable trifles while God, the most wonderful Being in the universe, remains available but unsought. The few who have found Him are often small in the eyes of the world. If you have encountered God, that is an occasion you will never forget. It will forever shape your focus while on earth and be a driving force behind your heavenly pursuits. Moses met God on Mt. Sinai, Saul on the road to Damascus, and the disciples on the road of Emmaus. When Christ opens our eyes to see Him in truth, we cannot help but run and tell what we have seen and heard.
Allow me to use a Bible passage as a parable: 2 Chron. 9:1-8 reads, "Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to Jerusalem to test Solomon with hard questions, having a very great retinue, camels that bore spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones; and when she came to Solomon, she spoke with him about all that was in her heart. [2] So Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing so difficult for Solomon that he could not explain it to her. [3] And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, [4] the food on his table, the seating of his servants, the service of his waiters and their apparel, his cupbearers and their apparel, and his entryway by which he went up to the house of the Lord, there was no more spirit in her. [5] Then she said to the king: "It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. [6] However I did not believe their words until I came and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half of the greatness of your wisdom was not told me. You exceed the fame of which I heard. [7] Happy are your men and happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom! [8] Blessed be the Lord your God, who delighted in you, setting you on His throne to be king for the Lord your God! Because your God has loved Israel, to establish them forever, therefore He made you king over them, to do justice and righteousness."
Read this passage again with Solomon representing Christ, the servants as His followers, and the Queen of Sheba is one who seeks Christ. The Queen of Sheba heard of the great wisdom and works of Solomon, but she did not believe until she experienced them firsthand. There was no question too difficult, no problem too great as she communed with him. As she saw the wealth, beauty, and prosperity of Solomon's kingdom, the queen of Sheba was breathless. It is not until we taste and see that we recognize the LORD is good, and blessed are the people whose God is the LORD. When we read of God's wonders and faithfulness in books written by believers and the great testimonies of those who KNOW God, when we meet Him for ourselves it far exceeds what we could have imagined. Take time to consider the depths of this insightful allegory.
If you read on in 2 Chronicles 9, you will read that Sheba brought many gifts to King Solomon: gold in abundance, spices, and precious stones. But though she brought so much, she left with more than she came with, for King Solomon was not only wealthy but generous. He gave her whatever she desired. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, God will grant us the desires of our heart because our desires have become His own. Whatever gifts of praise and obedience we bring to God we are richer for it, not poorer. Christ exhorts us to store up for ourselves treasures in heaven. He is the only treasure we need not hold on an open palm, but hold Him close in our hearts. The world will see this and marvel, and in this God is glorified. He gives great gifts to men, and He is the greatest treasure of all.
24 March 2010
Reading Aright
I heard a preacher say something that had me thinking. Likely recorded some time in the '60s or '70s, he referred to what he called "textualism." He defined this as people magnifying biblical text to such high degree that the God who wrote the text is forgotten. Instead of shedding light into our hearts and minds, the Bible can be used to obscure with blindness. The Bible becomes a god in the place of God. The preacher warned, "The Bible was given for a reason...instead of leading us to God, the Bible can become a substitute for God. The Bible should lead us to meet God and Jesus Christ in a clear, sharp encounter that burns itself upon our hearts forever!" Knowledge is a god many run after, and the church is not without this breed.
To people outside the church, the Bible is a book full of hard-to-pronounce names and places, is littered with genealogies, has an occasional interesting story, and offers moral advice. Those who have such a view of the Bible have likely not read it much, and certainly are in no danger of making the Bible an idol! Rote memorization of passages, names, and trivia is not supposed to be the end: the Bible is a window that allows us to see God for who He is and what He has done. It is an amplifier of His voice as He speaks to us through the prompting of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is a God-breathed masterpiece which reveals God to man in language he can understand. It would be silly to be enamored with a card but not the one who sent it. Loving the gift more than the Giver is nothing new, neither is worshiping creation rather than the Creator. That doesn't mean we should perpetuate this error in our lives.
Consider your motivation: why do you read the Bible? Because you have to? Because you want to find evidence that backs your beliefs? To improve your life or help you through personal struggles? So you can win arguments and discuss difficult theological questions? What are you seeking? What is your personal benefit or gain to this point? The Bible is intended to shine the light of God's truth upon a world filled with darkness and death. In it we learn who God is, what He is like, what He has done, does, and what He will do. It is filled with types and anti-types, examples good and bad, promises, curses, laws, praise, prophecy, and the wisdom of God. It is not a book of stories or tales: it is a reality our consciences agree with and proofs no historical evidence, scientific research, or skeptic can deny. Truth can bear examination, and no book has been more scrutinized than the Bible. Every day only adds to its impeccable credibility.
When you open the Word of God, seek to meet with the Author Himself. He wrote it to reveal His nature, character, love, and righteousness to all people. In construction, cooking, or many other tasks, it is best to use the "right tool" for the job. People think that reading the Bible will improve their lives. That is only a bi-product. The Bible glorifies God and reveals Him to man. May we never lose sight of that.
To people outside the church, the Bible is a book full of hard-to-pronounce names and places, is littered with genealogies, has an occasional interesting story, and offers moral advice. Those who have such a view of the Bible have likely not read it much, and certainly are in no danger of making the Bible an idol! Rote memorization of passages, names, and trivia is not supposed to be the end: the Bible is a window that allows us to see God for who He is and what He has done. It is an amplifier of His voice as He speaks to us through the prompting of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is a God-breathed masterpiece which reveals God to man in language he can understand. It would be silly to be enamored with a card but not the one who sent it. Loving the gift more than the Giver is nothing new, neither is worshiping creation rather than the Creator. That doesn't mean we should perpetuate this error in our lives.
Consider your motivation: why do you read the Bible? Because you have to? Because you want to find evidence that backs your beliefs? To improve your life or help you through personal struggles? So you can win arguments and discuss difficult theological questions? What are you seeking? What is your personal benefit or gain to this point? The Bible is intended to shine the light of God's truth upon a world filled with darkness and death. In it we learn who God is, what He is like, what He has done, does, and what He will do. It is filled with types and anti-types, examples good and bad, promises, curses, laws, praise, prophecy, and the wisdom of God. It is not a book of stories or tales: it is a reality our consciences agree with and proofs no historical evidence, scientific research, or skeptic can deny. Truth can bear examination, and no book has been more scrutinized than the Bible. Every day only adds to its impeccable credibility.
When you open the Word of God, seek to meet with the Author Himself. He wrote it to reveal His nature, character, love, and righteousness to all people. In construction, cooking, or many other tasks, it is best to use the "right tool" for the job. People think that reading the Bible will improve their lives. That is only a bi-product. The Bible glorifies God and reveals Him to man. May we never lose sight of that.
23 March 2010
Our Glorious God
When was the last time you were awed by the glory of God? I firmly believe our view of God is pathetic in light of reality. Our modern-day approach to God is often as flippant as when we turn on the TV or make our morning coffee. "Routine" would be a blunt way to put it. We have sterilized Jesus into a soft-spoken nice guy who always walked around in a white robe with a blue drape over His shoulder. His fire, passion, and glory have been reduced and simplified into something we think we understand very well.
After the children of Israel were delivered with a mighty hand from bondage in Egypt, they experienced the glory of God from afar. God commanded that all the people be sanctified and wash their clothes. On the third day, He descended upon Mt. Sinai. Exodus 19:16-18 reads, "Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. [17] And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. [18] Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly." This was the mighty God who had just visited fierce plagues upon the Egyptians and slaughtered their army in the Red Sea. Now He descends in fire upon the mountain with the sound of a trumpet blaring louder and louder! The people in the camp trembled before God. This is not a god who can be manipulated or controlled by man or any created thing. He must not be taken lightly.
We are content to have "unglorious" gods. We're happy for our god to "be a friend next to us" or something tangible we can enjoy. And even when our God is the great I AM, we see Him not as He is, but in a way we are comfortable with. We have a "love" filter, a "mercy" filter, a "grace" filter, and maybe even a "just" filter. But we often don't see God how the Israelites experienced Him on Sinai. This is not a rant aimed at making you feel bad about how you perceive God to be. I believe God is more glorious than we give Him credit for. I believe God is greater than our minds can grasp, more glorious than we can comprehend. If you think God can be described by words, it is a god which can be confined to words on a page or an idea in your head. No, my friends. When Moses asked God, "Show me your glory" God told him no man could see His face and live. Staring at the sun for a prolonged period of time can ruin your eyes: to catch a glimpse of the glory of God for a nanosecond would kill us dead. That's glory!
Another notable instance of God's glory is found in 2 Chron. 5:11-14 when King Solomon dedicated the temple. "And it came to pass when the priests came out of the Most Holy Place (for all the priests who were present had sanctified themselves, without keeping to their divisions), [12] and the Levites who were the singers, all those of Asaph and Heman and Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, stood at the east end of the altar, clothed in white linen, having cymbals, stringed instruments and harps, and with them one hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets-- [13] indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying: "For He is good, for His mercy endures forever," that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, [14] so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God." I love this passage because it parallels the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. As these sanctified priests were praising God as one, the house of the LORD was filled with a cloud "so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God."
These men were so overcome with the glory of God they had to get out of there! It was overwhelming to be in the presence of one so holy, righteous, and powerful. We should never allow ourselves to be casual about God. This is the God who in His wisdom saw fit to place His glory IN Christians! 2 Cor. 4:5-10 says, "For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake. [6] For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. [7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. [8] We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; [9] persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed-- [10] always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body." Unless we see God as glorious like the Israelites who trembled or the priests who praised, God's glory will be shrouded by our common flesh. Though we have been given the Holy Spirit without measure, we tend to measure out our service to God. We tell Him what we will do, and we tell Him what we will not do. Oh brothers and sisters, this ought not to be! The earthen vessel must be sanctified before it can be used, and it must be broken for the light of His glory to shine.
I would say "take a moment" and consider how great and glorious our God must be, but it would be better to spend our lives in such pursuit. We have the privilege of not only serving God, but knowing Him. May God reveal Himself to us so our faces might shine with divine radiance as Moses! Moses had to cover his face with a veil because of the time spent with God as a man speaks to a friend. Jesus calls us friends, but let us not rob Him of glory by making Him our peer. He is our God, Savior, and LORD. It would do us well to tremble before Him!
After the children of Israel were delivered with a mighty hand from bondage in Egypt, they experienced the glory of God from afar. God commanded that all the people be sanctified and wash their clothes. On the third day, He descended upon Mt. Sinai. Exodus 19:16-18 reads, "Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. [17] And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. [18] Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly." This was the mighty God who had just visited fierce plagues upon the Egyptians and slaughtered their army in the Red Sea. Now He descends in fire upon the mountain with the sound of a trumpet blaring louder and louder! The people in the camp trembled before God. This is not a god who can be manipulated or controlled by man or any created thing. He must not be taken lightly.
We are content to have "unglorious" gods. We're happy for our god to "be a friend next to us" or something tangible we can enjoy. And even when our God is the great I AM, we see Him not as He is, but in a way we are comfortable with. We have a "love" filter, a "mercy" filter, a "grace" filter, and maybe even a "just" filter. But we often don't see God how the Israelites experienced Him on Sinai. This is not a rant aimed at making you feel bad about how you perceive God to be. I believe God is more glorious than we give Him credit for. I believe God is greater than our minds can grasp, more glorious than we can comprehend. If you think God can be described by words, it is a god which can be confined to words on a page or an idea in your head. No, my friends. When Moses asked God, "Show me your glory" God told him no man could see His face and live. Staring at the sun for a prolonged period of time can ruin your eyes: to catch a glimpse of the glory of God for a nanosecond would kill us dead. That's glory!
Another notable instance of God's glory is found in 2 Chron. 5:11-14 when King Solomon dedicated the temple. "And it came to pass when the priests came out of the Most Holy Place (for all the priests who were present had sanctified themselves, without keeping to their divisions), [12] and the Levites who were the singers, all those of Asaph and Heman and Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, stood at the east end of the altar, clothed in white linen, having cymbals, stringed instruments and harps, and with them one hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets-- [13] indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying: "For He is good, for His mercy endures forever," that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, [14] so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God." I love this passage because it parallels the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. As these sanctified priests were praising God as one, the house of the LORD was filled with a cloud "so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God."
These men were so overcome with the glory of God they had to get out of there! It was overwhelming to be in the presence of one so holy, righteous, and powerful. We should never allow ourselves to be casual about God. This is the God who in His wisdom saw fit to place His glory IN Christians! 2 Cor. 4:5-10 says, "For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake. [6] For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. [7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. [8] We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; [9] persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed-- [10] always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body." Unless we see God as glorious like the Israelites who trembled or the priests who praised, God's glory will be shrouded by our common flesh. Though we have been given the Holy Spirit without measure, we tend to measure out our service to God. We tell Him what we will do, and we tell Him what we will not do. Oh brothers and sisters, this ought not to be! The earthen vessel must be sanctified before it can be used, and it must be broken for the light of His glory to shine.
I would say "take a moment" and consider how great and glorious our God must be, but it would be better to spend our lives in such pursuit. We have the privilege of not only serving God, but knowing Him. May God reveal Himself to us so our faces might shine with divine radiance as Moses! Moses had to cover his face with a veil because of the time spent with God as a man speaks to a friend. Jesus calls us friends, but let us not rob Him of glory by making Him our peer. He is our God, Savior, and LORD. It would do us well to tremble before Him!
21 March 2010
God Establishes
"This is the thing which I have spoken to Pharaoh. God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do. [29] Indeed seven years of great plenty will come throughout all the land of Egypt; [30] but after them seven years of famine will arise, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine will deplete the land. [31] So the plenty will not be known in the land because of the famine following, for it will be very severe. [32] And the dream was repeated to Pharaoh twice because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass."
Genesis 41:28-32
Joseph was pulled from an Egyptian prison and was made to stand before Pharaoh, ruler of Egypt, and interpret two dreams Pharaoh had during the night. Joseph was filled with wisdom from God and was able to discern not only the meaning of the dreams, but how to prepare for the seven years of plenty and the seven years of famine. He told Pharaoh the reason the dream was repeated: "...the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass." Whatever God speaks will happen as He has said. Think about that! When we make a claim or promise, we remain dependent on our health, mood, schedule, other people, transportation, and countless other things to fulfill our word. I received a text the other day from a friend who was scheduling a football game to be played on March 20th. A couple days before the date I received another text which stated the game was canceled because of schedule conflicts. When God schedules something, it will happen. Nothing has the power to override God's Word or the schedule He has ordained. To us there may appear to be twists and turns, surprises, and unforeseen difficulties in our lives. That's not how God sees them. They are part of His ultimate design.
Consider how the knowledge of God's establishing power, wisdom, and strength builds our faith in Him. If God has told you something, He will surely bring it to pass. He ordained David to be king of Israel and directed Samuel to anoint him when he still worked as a lad in the sheepfold. During the ten years David was an outcast and fled for his life from the face of Saul, it may have seemed like God had forgotten. God had not forgotten. God also chose Solomon, King David's son, to build for Him a house where He would place His name forever. Even though Solomon had older brothers, it was he who eventually became king of Israel. David gathered materials in abundance and directed Solomon how the temple should be built.
The other night our family was reading about the construction of the temple and came upon 2 Chron. 3:17: "Then he set up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand and the other on the left; he called the name of the one on the right hand Jachin, and the name of the one on the left Boaz." These names of these two large pillars were significant: Jachin means "He establishes" and Boaz means "in Him is strength." God established Jesus Christ as the Messiah and Savior of all who will repent and trust in Him. All who hear His Words and do them Jesus likens to the man who builds his house on a firm foundation of rock. Matthew 7:25 says, "...and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock." Those who establish their lives upon Jesus Christ will never taste death, for He is the resurrection and the life.
Because born-again Christians are the temple of the Holy Spirit, consider the spiritual application: God has established every believer, and in Him we find strength. Our current life and eternal future is established upon the firm promises of God. When Jesus said, "I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you to myself so where I am you may be also" we know what He has promised He is able to perform. The calling and gifts God has placed upon our lives are as certain as His unfailing word. No weapon fashioned against us will prosper, for God has spoken. It may appear sometimes that Satan's grip is strengthening and God's people wax weaker, but God will not be overcome by evil. When we are weak, He is strong. The temple Solomon built was razed to the ground and plundered, and sometimes the devil is permitted to steal, kill, and destroy. As Abraham looked to a heavenly city not made by the hands of men but by God, so we look for God to redeem and establish us by His holy hands.
What God has said, He will do. Jesus says in Rev. 3:12, "He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name." Never doubt what He has spoken to you either in the scriptures or in the prayer closet. When God gave Joseph two corresponding dreams of everyone bowing before him, I'm sure there were days in prison it seemed impossible. But God is always faithful to His word, and Joseph stayed faithful to God and reaped the abundant fruit of faith. Let's determine to follow his example.
19 March 2010
Free Grace
The cheapening of God's grace is not a new phenomenon. Just because God's grace is freely given does not mean it is cheap. The display of Christ's love on the cross cost Him His life, and carrying our cross will always come at a cost. If your Christianity has been obtained without cost, it is worthless. Many people every year buy tickets to sporting events from scalpers that are fake. Thousands of real dollars are spent on fake tickets that seem like the real thing. But when the tickets are scanned at the turnstile, the tickets are proved worthless. They came at a monetary cost but were not genuine. Many people believe they have obtained salvation and entrance into heaven, but it will not be until their end when the truth is revealed.
The Pharisees spent their entire lives working to fulfill the law through keeping it as best they could. Every aspect of daily living was carefully examined. Years were spent reading and memorizing the Torah. Everything revolved around public prayer, worship, sacrifice, and righteous outward conduct. Jesus says in John 5:39: "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me." In all of their labors the Pharisees remained filled with spiritual pride, confident that by their good deeds they would be accepted by God. They were wrong, and Jesus told them so. The scriptures point to Christ as Messiah and Savior. Because all have sinned, a sinless One would be sacrificed so those who repent and trust in Him would be saved.
Look at the men and women of scripture. David would not offer the LORD as a sacrifice what cost him nothing. Paul was physically and verbally assaulted many times by both Jew and Gentile, having lost the respect and honor his former role as a Pharisee commanded. Stephen was stoned to death, and James was beheaded. "Ah, but we need not suffer like that any more," some say. "We live in a day of tolerance and acceptance." Perhaps that is your view, but tell that to the Christians who suffer imprisonment, torture, and death in North Korea, China, Vietnam, and practically every Muslim country. There are many ways to suffer that do not include beheadings and imprisonment. People are vilified in America as well as in every "free" country in this world when they speak with the authority of Jesus Christ, because they will oppose the wickedness of this age. Careers are cut short, promotions are withheld, legal action is taken, homes and business vandalized, and many have suffered the rejection of friends and family.
So what is our payment for this grace freely given from God? Our lives. We will be led by God in faith to do things that are not comfortable to our flesh, because we are to deny ourselves daily and follow Christ. In 2 Cor. 11:23-28, Paul describes sacrifice and trials which remain common to the true Christian experience: "...in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; [27] in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness-- [28] besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches." Paul did not obtain grace because he endured these things. Because he endured these things that is strong evidence he freely received the grace of God.
One of my deepest concerns for the church today is people are deceived into believing they are born again but are not. They are comfortable with knowledge and blind to their own hypocrisy. They live vicariously through solid preaching, inspirational stories of missionaries and martyrs, cheer those who do sacrifice for God, but would never do it themselves. They sit on the sidelines when God has told them to get into the game. And when their days are done God will say to them, "Depart from me, I never knew you!" Many have turned the grace of God into lasciviousness and an excuse to do nothing. The Pharisees were concerned about outer appearances, but God looks at the heart. A repentant thief and murderer being strapped into an electric chair is closer to the Kingdom of God than most people who wake up early, dress in fine clothes, grab their heavily-marked Bibles, and go to church on Sunday.
At what cost have you received the grace of God? It is freely given, but to be received comes at a price. If it is genuine it has been costly. If it is costly it will be precious to you. You would never trade it for anything! All the sacrifice in the world is simply the dust on the scale in comparison to the weighty, infinite grace of God. God's grace is free, but not without cost. Search me O God, and know my heart. See if there be anything at all that will keep me from hearing you, keep me from loving you, keep me from knowing you, keep me from obeying you, keep me from serving you, dear LORD.
The Pharisees spent their entire lives working to fulfill the law through keeping it as best they could. Every aspect of daily living was carefully examined. Years were spent reading and memorizing the Torah. Everything revolved around public prayer, worship, sacrifice, and righteous outward conduct. Jesus says in John 5:39: "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me." In all of their labors the Pharisees remained filled with spiritual pride, confident that by their good deeds they would be accepted by God. They were wrong, and Jesus told them so. The scriptures point to Christ as Messiah and Savior. Because all have sinned, a sinless One would be sacrificed so those who repent and trust in Him would be saved.
Look at the men and women of scripture. David would not offer the LORD as a sacrifice what cost him nothing. Paul was physically and verbally assaulted many times by both Jew and Gentile, having lost the respect and honor his former role as a Pharisee commanded. Stephen was stoned to death, and James was beheaded. "Ah, but we need not suffer like that any more," some say. "We live in a day of tolerance and acceptance." Perhaps that is your view, but tell that to the Christians who suffer imprisonment, torture, and death in North Korea, China, Vietnam, and practically every Muslim country. There are many ways to suffer that do not include beheadings and imprisonment. People are vilified in America as well as in every "free" country in this world when they speak with the authority of Jesus Christ, because they will oppose the wickedness of this age. Careers are cut short, promotions are withheld, legal action is taken, homes and business vandalized, and many have suffered the rejection of friends and family.
So what is our payment for this grace freely given from God? Our lives. We will be led by God in faith to do things that are not comfortable to our flesh, because we are to deny ourselves daily and follow Christ. In 2 Cor. 11:23-28, Paul describes sacrifice and trials which remain common to the true Christian experience: "...in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; [27] in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness-- [28] besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches." Paul did not obtain grace because he endured these things. Because he endured these things that is strong evidence he freely received the grace of God.
One of my deepest concerns for the church today is people are deceived into believing they are born again but are not. They are comfortable with knowledge and blind to their own hypocrisy. They live vicariously through solid preaching, inspirational stories of missionaries and martyrs, cheer those who do sacrifice for God, but would never do it themselves. They sit on the sidelines when God has told them to get into the game. And when their days are done God will say to them, "Depart from me, I never knew you!" Many have turned the grace of God into lasciviousness and an excuse to do nothing. The Pharisees were concerned about outer appearances, but God looks at the heart. A repentant thief and murderer being strapped into an electric chair is closer to the Kingdom of God than most people who wake up early, dress in fine clothes, grab their heavily-marked Bibles, and go to church on Sunday.
At what cost have you received the grace of God? It is freely given, but to be received comes at a price. If it is genuine it has been costly. If it is costly it will be precious to you. You would never trade it for anything! All the sacrifice in the world is simply the dust on the scale in comparison to the weighty, infinite grace of God. God's grace is free, but not without cost. Search me O God, and know my heart. See if there be anything at all that will keep me from hearing you, keep me from loving you, keep me from knowing you, keep me from obeying you, keep me from serving you, dear LORD.
17 March 2010
MIGHT be Today?
I recently heard a song called, "Might be Today." It is a song of wistful desire, a heartfelt longing to be in the presence of Jesus Christ. "...Might be today I look into your eyes, might be today I see your face. Might be today you place your wounded hands on my tear-stained face - might be today." This song absolutely breaks my heart, but not in the way you might expect. It breaks my heart because for every person this CAN be the day you look into the face of Jesus, and you need not be caught up into the heavens physically for it to happen. But the devil would love us to pine for Jesus on earth remaining distant from Him, even when an intimate relationship with Jesus is available to all who believe in Christ, have repented, are born again, and filled with the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus told His disciples He would be leaving them, they were sad. Jesus says in John 16:5-7: "But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, 'Where are You going?' [6] But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. [7] Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you." Jesus reveals it is actually for the benefit of His followers that He go, for the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, would be sent. His physical separation from us would actually provide greater closeness. Instead of Jesus being confined to a physical body in one place on earth, He would send the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit who empowers Him, who actually dwells inside of each Christian.
Don't get me wrong. It's not a bad song, and you're not a bad person if you love this song. But what I dislike is it reduces our relationship with Christ to the physical with an almost romantic tone. It likely supports and perpetuates the misunderstanding that a close relationship with God cannot really be obtained now. The song suggests we must wait until we are physically in heaven before we can actually get to know Jesus. What does the color of His eyes matter when He has shed His blood for us? Should I long for a caress from His hand when He has given peace to me that passes understanding today? Is it profitable for me to fantasize about how His voice sounds when His Holy Spirit speaks to me in a small, still voice whenever I am willing to stop and listen? Satan would love for our eyes to be tearfully staring after Christ into the clouds when He is in the midst of two or three who gather in His name on earth right now. Many wring their hands when they ought to rend their hearts.
Another song along the same lines: "I can only imagine what it will be like when I walk by your side. I can only imagine what my eyes will see when your face is before me. I can only imagine when all I will do is forever, forever worship you." Again, a well-known song. Shouldn't followers of Jesus Christ be engaged in these activities right now? Shouldn't we share a walk with Jesus today? We need not imagine. "And He walks with me and He talks with me and tells me I am His own. And the joy we share as we tarry there none other has ever known." David sought God's face. Psalm 27:8-9 says, "When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, Lord, I will seek." [9] Do not hide Your face from me; do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation." How about Paul's statement in 2 Cor. 4:6? "For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." God is seeking those who will worship Him in Spirit and in truth now. We don't need to stop worshiping God: forever for Christians includes today.
Closeness with God is not something to be longed for: it is something to be received and walked in today. As long as we think it is unobtainable, we cannot and will not receive it. But if we would lay down our idols, give ourselves wholly to God, and cry out to Him, He will hear and respond as He has promised in His Word. We should not have a "long-distance relationship" with God. Most of those physical long-distance relationships never work out among people on earth, and professing Christians who attempt this approach with God will be left unsatisfied and likely unsaved. If I could yell it out I would: with eyes of faith we see Christ even now, sitting at the right hand of God the Father! Stephen could see Him, even as the stones were hurled towards him. Stephen gave himself to God, and God gave him spiritual sight. We have not because we ask not, and when we ask we ask amiss that we might use God's riches for earthly benefit.
Do not be deceived! Intense closeness is God's will for us and Him right NOW. It is not for some distant time when you can trace Christ's wounds from Calvary as Believing Thomas. Listen to the words of Jesus in John 17:9-11: "I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. [10] And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. [11] Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are." When we fulfill our purpose of bringing God glory in our lives, we will find a closeness with God we could not have believed possible. As close as you are with God today, tomorrow that closeness can increase. You can never be too close to God. Instead of seeking physical sensation or feelings, seek Jesus Himself. Psalm 67:1 says, "God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us. Selah" Selah means that we should meditate on these things, and notice the lack of a period. We should not stop meditating upon this truth. God's face shines upon us and illuminates our hearts from within. It is in His strength we live, move, and have our being. Don't wait for heaven to get to know God. Today is the day.
When Jesus told His disciples He would be leaving them, they were sad. Jesus says in John 16:5-7: "But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, 'Where are You going?' [6] But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. [7] Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you." Jesus reveals it is actually for the benefit of His followers that He go, for the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, would be sent. His physical separation from us would actually provide greater closeness. Instead of Jesus being confined to a physical body in one place on earth, He would send the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit who empowers Him, who actually dwells inside of each Christian.
Don't get me wrong. It's not a bad song, and you're not a bad person if you love this song. But what I dislike is it reduces our relationship with Christ to the physical with an almost romantic tone. It likely supports and perpetuates the misunderstanding that a close relationship with God cannot really be obtained now. The song suggests we must wait until we are physically in heaven before we can actually get to know Jesus. What does the color of His eyes matter when He has shed His blood for us? Should I long for a caress from His hand when He has given peace to me that passes understanding today? Is it profitable for me to fantasize about how His voice sounds when His Holy Spirit speaks to me in a small, still voice whenever I am willing to stop and listen? Satan would love for our eyes to be tearfully staring after Christ into the clouds when He is in the midst of two or three who gather in His name on earth right now. Many wring their hands when they ought to rend their hearts.
Another song along the same lines: "I can only imagine what it will be like when I walk by your side. I can only imagine what my eyes will see when your face is before me. I can only imagine when all I will do is forever, forever worship you." Again, a well-known song. Shouldn't followers of Jesus Christ be engaged in these activities right now? Shouldn't we share a walk with Jesus today? We need not imagine. "And He walks with me and He talks with me and tells me I am His own. And the joy we share as we tarry there none other has ever known." David sought God's face. Psalm 27:8-9 says, "When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, Lord, I will seek." [9] Do not hide Your face from me; do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation." How about Paul's statement in 2 Cor. 4:6? "For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." God is seeking those who will worship Him in Spirit and in truth now. We don't need to stop worshiping God: forever for Christians includes today.
Closeness with God is not something to be longed for: it is something to be received and walked in today. As long as we think it is unobtainable, we cannot and will not receive it. But if we would lay down our idols, give ourselves wholly to God, and cry out to Him, He will hear and respond as He has promised in His Word. We should not have a "long-distance relationship" with God. Most of those physical long-distance relationships never work out among people on earth, and professing Christians who attempt this approach with God will be left unsatisfied and likely unsaved. If I could yell it out I would: with eyes of faith we see Christ even now, sitting at the right hand of God the Father! Stephen could see Him, even as the stones were hurled towards him. Stephen gave himself to God, and God gave him spiritual sight. We have not because we ask not, and when we ask we ask amiss that we might use God's riches for earthly benefit.
Do not be deceived! Intense closeness is God's will for us and Him right NOW. It is not for some distant time when you can trace Christ's wounds from Calvary as Believing Thomas. Listen to the words of Jesus in John 17:9-11: "I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. [10] And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. [11] Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are." When we fulfill our purpose of bringing God glory in our lives, we will find a closeness with God we could not have believed possible. As close as you are with God today, tomorrow that closeness can increase. You can never be too close to God. Instead of seeking physical sensation or feelings, seek Jesus Himself. Psalm 67:1 says, "God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us. Selah" Selah means that we should meditate on these things, and notice the lack of a period. We should not stop meditating upon this truth. God's face shines upon us and illuminates our hearts from within. It is in His strength we live, move, and have our being. Don't wait for heaven to get to know God. Today is the day.
16 March 2010
Why Do You Give?
"And Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before the Lord, which was at the tabernacle of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it. [7] On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, "Ask! What shall I give you?"
1 Chronicles 1:6-7
When I read this passage, the irony stood out to me as never before. It is ironic because it is in the opposite order of the typical "nominal" Christian. "Nominal" means, "existing or being something in name or form only." There are real Christians, and there are nominal ones. A nominal Christian asks for a thousand things from God in exchange for the promise of a single sacrifice. Solomon displays the true order demanded by faith. He made a thousand sacrifices without the guarantee of receiving anything from God. Those who know God recognize He is a gracious, generous giver. Sometimes our sacrifices add up to nothing more than bribes. Even genuine Christians can fall into this error.
Aladdin rubbed the lamp of the Genie and he received three wishes. Solomon willingly sacrificed to God and God appeared to Solomon. STOP right there! God, the Creator of all things, the Over and Above All One, the majestic King appeared to Solomon. That is a priceless treasure in itself. This is the God whose audience we desire in our prayers. God freely gives to those who freely give. He not only gives things, but He has given Himself. Jesus came to earth to seek and save the lost, offering Himself as a sacrifice for sin. I remember a birthday invitation which read, "Please do not bring presents. Your presence is the gift." This ought to be our attitude with God.
I have people in my life who seem to seek me out only when they want something from me. This deeply grieves my spirit. It saddens me to think people don't care about me as much as what I can give them. When this happened to Jesus (it must have been constant!), He kept giving. He kept grieving, but He kept giving. Notice God's excitement to grant King Solomon's request: "Ask! What shall I give you?" God asked Solomon to ask! God was so pleased with Solomon, not his sacrifices. God needs nothing from man, but He delights to receive praise, sacrifice, honor, and love from him. Because God delights in His people, He delights in granting their requests. In the Parable of the Son Who Returned, the Father grants his son the part of the inheritance he requested. Though he knew all his hard-earned money was squandered on harlots he rejoiced to wrap his son in his arms, placed a clean robe on him, put shoes on his feet, placed a ring on his finger, and ordered his servants to kill the fatted calf for a celebration. It was a celebration of gracious love. The focus was not on the wrong, indiscretion, or sin of the son, but the son himself. "My son has returned!" The presence of the son was the gift, and the father freely gave.
Repentance paves the way to restoration. Examine your motives in asking anything from God. Do you order God around as a man does a genie whose lamp he holds in his hands? Nothing can contain our God. The universe cannot contain His grace, love, or delight towards mankind. Give yourself wholly to God, and He will give Himself without measure to you.
14 March 2010
A Worthy War
Today I finished watching the PBS documentary, The War. Many of the soldiers in the seventh volume testified of the great atrocities they discovered in the concentration camps against Jews, Poles, and mentally infirm. To their horror and disgust soldiers came upon nude, dead, emaciated bodies "stacked like cordwood," a testimony to the wicked and barbaric Nazi regime which spread horror and death across the world. If you have seen pictures or footage of those hellish places, words are almost useless to convey the pitiful and tragic conditions through which any victims were miraculously able to endure. The human body can only survive so much starvation, torture, isolation, and merciless experimentation by twisted souls.
As I thought about what I had only seen of what millions experienced firsthand, my mind went through a progression. There are people today who say the holocaust never occurred. That would be as screwy as to say WWII never happened. As of 2008, there were 2.3 million living American veterans of World War II, eyewitnesses still living of the 16 million who served (http://www1.va.gov/opa/fact/amwars.asp). Many of those Americans who served lied to join the armed forces, anxious to see action. My dad's uncle, Bill Grisez, was 16 years old when he joined the Army as a paratrooper and was held as a POW in Italy. I'm always amazed and intrigued when I hear of people fearlessly join a fierce conflict. Either they are very brave and patriotic, have no idea of what they are getting themselves into, or a combination of both.
Many people are ignorant of the spiritual battle that rages for the souls of men today. If only the souls of men could be seen stacked like bodies in front of Hell's crematorium! The Germans used poisonous gas to kill, and Satan uses pornography, narcotics, intoxicating drink, greed, hate, pride, and every manner of evil. How quickly men run to embrace that which kills them! As much as the Internet has been used for good, people used it ten times more often to their own destruction. The devil seeks to enslave men to their own lusts, blind them to the truth of the Gospel, and consequently rob them of life.
I see myself poised on the brink of great struggle as I seek to plunge into ministry in Australia. It has been estimated 3 to 6 percent of the population of the country attend church, and from my meager experience many are not being fed the pure milk and meat of the Word of God. I feel like that sixteen-year-old who will do what it takes to see action and prove his worth. I am not saying I am reckless or will stoop to deceit, but there is that same determination to experience real spiritual war. This is what I have been trained for: not to kill or destroy, but to seek and save the lost. I want to be among the first who storm the strongholds in God's strength, feeding the emaciated, binding up wounds, and carrying the weak to safety. When the stench of death swirls around, I want to continue fighting the good fight. My fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers overcome by the blood of the Lamb.
Jesus says in Matthew 10:28, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Men have done horrible, unthinkable things during times of war and peace. The casualty statistics of WWII are tragic, but pale in comparison to the spiritual holocaust which has been perpetuated by sin. There is a time for war, and a time for peace. Peace will never come until the war is enjoined for souls of men in the power of Jesus Christ. This will take much prayer, sacrifice, service, and love. That is how Jesus fights. I would rather be slaughtered on the field of battle fighting for what is good and right than live in ease and comfort bound by fears, inaction, and regret. It is better to fight one day and perish under God's command than live 1000 years in opposition to Him. He has placed in every human being a living soul. It is the noblest effort of men to glorify God through saving souls. May every follower of Jesus Christ be of this mind.
As I thought about what I had only seen of what millions experienced firsthand, my mind went through a progression. There are people today who say the holocaust never occurred. That would be as screwy as to say WWII never happened. As of 2008, there were 2.3 million living American veterans of World War II, eyewitnesses still living of the 16 million who served (http://www1.va.gov/opa/fact/amwars.asp). Many of those Americans who served lied to join the armed forces, anxious to see action. My dad's uncle, Bill Grisez, was 16 years old when he joined the Army as a paratrooper and was held as a POW in Italy. I'm always amazed and intrigued when I hear of people fearlessly join a fierce conflict. Either they are very brave and patriotic, have no idea of what they are getting themselves into, or a combination of both.
Many people are ignorant of the spiritual battle that rages for the souls of men today. If only the souls of men could be seen stacked like bodies in front of Hell's crematorium! The Germans used poisonous gas to kill, and Satan uses pornography, narcotics, intoxicating drink, greed, hate, pride, and every manner of evil. How quickly men run to embrace that which kills them! As much as the Internet has been used for good, people used it ten times more often to their own destruction. The devil seeks to enslave men to their own lusts, blind them to the truth of the Gospel, and consequently rob them of life.
I see myself poised on the brink of great struggle as I seek to plunge into ministry in Australia. It has been estimated 3 to 6 percent of the population of the country attend church, and from my meager experience many are not being fed the pure milk and meat of the Word of God. I feel like that sixteen-year-old who will do what it takes to see action and prove his worth. I am not saying I am reckless or will stoop to deceit, but there is that same determination to experience real spiritual war. This is what I have been trained for: not to kill or destroy, but to seek and save the lost. I want to be among the first who storm the strongholds in God's strength, feeding the emaciated, binding up wounds, and carrying the weak to safety. When the stench of death swirls around, I want to continue fighting the good fight. My fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers overcome by the blood of the Lamb.
Jesus says in Matthew 10:28, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Men have done horrible, unthinkable things during times of war and peace. The casualty statistics of WWII are tragic, but pale in comparison to the spiritual holocaust which has been perpetuated by sin. There is a time for war, and a time for peace. Peace will never come until the war is enjoined for souls of men in the power of Jesus Christ. This will take much prayer, sacrifice, service, and love. That is how Jesus fights. I would rather be slaughtered on the field of battle fighting for what is good and right than live in ease and comfort bound by fears, inaction, and regret. It is better to fight one day and perish under God's command than live 1000 years in opposition to Him. He has placed in every human being a living soul. It is the noblest effort of men to glorify God through saving souls. May every follower of Jesus Christ be of this mind.
13 March 2010
Occupied or Preoccupied?
Today I saw something that took me way back. My son, Abel, planned for a friend to come by to play at 3pm today. From 11am on, there was virtually a minute by minute countdown until his friend's arrival. Twenty minutes to three I saw Abel's face glued to the front windows, scanning the street for his buddy. What struck me funny was the fact I had waited at that window about 28 years ago for my friends Jeremy and Donovan, two brothers from our church. They were older than me and were the coolest guys with the greatest toys.
As I watched Abel monitor the street, I considered how preoccupied he had been all day. He seemed to struggle to find much interest in anything because at 3pm Paul was coming over. No matter the age, when people are preoccupied they lose focus on other things. A man preoccupied with his impending divorce finds it hard to concentrate on anything else. Girls are preoccupied with prom outfits, and guys are preoccupied with the girl. Jesus has told us to be watchful because His return is soon. As Christ's followers stared up after Him into the clouds following His ascension, two men in white rebuked them gently. Acts 1:10-11 reads, "And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, [11] who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven." Jesus had physically departed, but He would be returning. In the meantime, they were to be about His business.
I am reminded of a parable Jesus told His disciples in Luke 19:11-13: "And as they heard these things, He added and spake a parable, because He was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. [12] He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. [13] And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come." (KJV) The disciples thought Jesus would set up His kingdom at that present time, before His crucifixion. Jesus corrected their understanding by explaining He would leave them, put resources under their authority, and later return. The nobleman would settle accounts with all his servants, and every servant would have to justify his conduct during the master's absence. In the same way, Jesus ascended to the Father and granted the Holy Spirit without measure to all who are born again by faith in Him. The Holy Spirit graciously empowers and gifts us. Instead of milling around with our faces staring up in the heavens preoccupied with Christ's return, we ought to occupy ourselves until He comes. It is good to lift your hands in worship to God, but better still to use those hands outside the sanctuary for God's service.
Jesus is coming and His reward is with Him. It is wisdom that asks, how am I occupying myself using the gifts God has given me for the glory of God? He has given many talents that lie buried in the ground moldering away. When we are preoccupied with things of this life we will not be occupied with our heavenly calling. Whom the devil cannot derail he will work to distract. Let us occupy ourselves with activities that bring glory and honor to God.
As I watched Abel monitor the street, I considered how preoccupied he had been all day. He seemed to struggle to find much interest in anything because at 3pm Paul was coming over. No matter the age, when people are preoccupied they lose focus on other things. A man preoccupied with his impending divorce finds it hard to concentrate on anything else. Girls are preoccupied with prom outfits, and guys are preoccupied with the girl. Jesus has told us to be watchful because His return is soon. As Christ's followers stared up after Him into the clouds following His ascension, two men in white rebuked them gently. Acts 1:10-11 reads, "And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, [11] who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven." Jesus had physically departed, but He would be returning. In the meantime, they were to be about His business.
I am reminded of a parable Jesus told His disciples in Luke 19:11-13: "And as they heard these things, He added and spake a parable, because He was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. [12] He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. [13] And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come." (KJV) The disciples thought Jesus would set up His kingdom at that present time, before His crucifixion. Jesus corrected their understanding by explaining He would leave them, put resources under their authority, and later return. The nobleman would settle accounts with all his servants, and every servant would have to justify his conduct during the master's absence. In the same way, Jesus ascended to the Father and granted the Holy Spirit without measure to all who are born again by faith in Him. The Holy Spirit graciously empowers and gifts us. Instead of milling around with our faces staring up in the heavens preoccupied with Christ's return, we ought to occupy ourselves until He comes. It is good to lift your hands in worship to God, but better still to use those hands outside the sanctuary for God's service.
Jesus is coming and His reward is with Him. It is wisdom that asks, how am I occupying myself using the gifts God has given me for the glory of God? He has given many talents that lie buried in the ground moldering away. When we are preoccupied with things of this life we will not be occupied with our heavenly calling. Whom the devil cannot derail he will work to distract. Let us occupy ourselves with activities that bring glory and honor to God.
12 March 2010
Learning to Wait
There is nothing as exciting as serving Jesus Christ. It is the hardest thing I have ever done, but it is by far the best thing. It is not me who has done anything, but Christ in me. One of my favorite verses concerning service is found in Luke 17:9-10: "Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. [10] So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do." I can say the first part, but my duties stretch out before me for the unforeseeable future. There is nothing more untamed and wild than the path of faith. It makes the biggest roller coasters in the world seem as childish as a carousel. Crazier than trying to stay on a bull for 8 seconds, following Jesus Christ is a lifetime of voluntary slave labor. At the same time, there's nothing crazy about trusting in Jesus as Savior. I could spend an eternity telling you the reasons why being a born-again Christian is totally worth it!
Lately my family and I have been on a wild ride of faith, with the slow ascent and breathtaking drops, experiencing twists and turns, and looking at each other at the end and saying, "Let's do that again!" I remember when Laura and I took Zed on "California Screaming" at Disneyland a few years back. Halfway through the ride I looked over my shoulder to see Zed yelling with his eyes closed, "I don't like it! I don't like it!" I'm not sure he has quite recovered! To be honest, there have been parts of this ride I haven't liked. To be more specific, the walk of faith takes us way beyond our comfort zones. I like to plan. I prefer to be prepared. Just like nothing can prepare you for the realities of marriage or having kids until you have personal experience, our flesh can never be prepared for a walk of faith in Christ. We must be empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring our bodies, minds, and hearts into submission to God. One can be mentally prepared to obey, but actual obedience is a new frontier every time.
In the last two weeks, our house has been sold twice. The first buyers experienced "cold feet" days into escrow and decided they would pass on purchasing the house. We determined the property could be improved by some minor cosmetic fixes. Our agent suggested we pull the house off the listing, perform the repairs, then re-list it in a month's time to have a new listing again. We were resigned to the fact the house might not sell as quick as we hoped. But while the house was being withdrawn from the market, several buyers expressed interest. An offer was immediately submitted at a price higher than the range we were asking! Laura and I signed the agreement yesterday and today we are back in escrow. Funny how things change. We are not counting our chickens just yet, seeing as the eggs are newly laid.
A hitter in baseball must always be ready for the "off-speed" pitch. A hard thing to develop is patience at the plate: not only must a batter be selective, but wait on that curve or change-up and hit it to the opposite field. God is teaching us patience right now through our circumstances. Paul said in Philip. 4:11: "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content..." Contentment is not a natural virtue which all possess. It is learned. Patience is taught to those who will abide in Christ. Remember, "Love is patient, love is kind..." This kind of patience on the path of faith springs only from the natural source: God. Whenever God sees us "sitting on a pitch" (for you non-baseball players, this means you are expecting a certain pitch at a certain time in a certain place), I guarantee He'll throw something your way to keep you off-balance. It is only then we recognize and confess we have been telling God what to do, rather than responding to His Word and leading.
Are you content in your current situation? This is a loaded question! We must be content with the things God has given us and with the calling upon our lives. But we never should be content with our level of maturity, service, faith, or love. We all have room to grow as we pursue Christ. Let us wait upon Him as we faithfully glorify Him until our days upon this earth are completed. Then we can say, "I am an unprofitable servant. I have only done what was my duty to do." Praise God He brings profit from debt!
Lately my family and I have been on a wild ride of faith, with the slow ascent and breathtaking drops, experiencing twists and turns, and looking at each other at the end and saying, "Let's do that again!" I remember when Laura and I took Zed on "California Screaming" at Disneyland a few years back. Halfway through the ride I looked over my shoulder to see Zed yelling with his eyes closed, "I don't like it! I don't like it!" I'm not sure he has quite recovered! To be honest, there have been parts of this ride I haven't liked. To be more specific, the walk of faith takes us way beyond our comfort zones. I like to plan. I prefer to be prepared. Just like nothing can prepare you for the realities of marriage or having kids until you have personal experience, our flesh can never be prepared for a walk of faith in Christ. We must be empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring our bodies, minds, and hearts into submission to God. One can be mentally prepared to obey, but actual obedience is a new frontier every time.
In the last two weeks, our house has been sold twice. The first buyers experienced "cold feet" days into escrow and decided they would pass on purchasing the house. We determined the property could be improved by some minor cosmetic fixes. Our agent suggested we pull the house off the listing, perform the repairs, then re-list it in a month's time to have a new listing again. We were resigned to the fact the house might not sell as quick as we hoped. But while the house was being withdrawn from the market, several buyers expressed interest. An offer was immediately submitted at a price higher than the range we were asking! Laura and I signed the agreement yesterday and today we are back in escrow. Funny how things change. We are not counting our chickens just yet, seeing as the eggs are newly laid.
A hitter in baseball must always be ready for the "off-speed" pitch. A hard thing to develop is patience at the plate: not only must a batter be selective, but wait on that curve or change-up and hit it to the opposite field. God is teaching us patience right now through our circumstances. Paul said in Philip. 4:11: "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content..." Contentment is not a natural virtue which all possess. It is learned. Patience is taught to those who will abide in Christ. Remember, "Love is patient, love is kind..." This kind of patience on the path of faith springs only from the natural source: God. Whenever God sees us "sitting on a pitch" (for you non-baseball players, this means you are expecting a certain pitch at a certain time in a certain place), I guarantee He'll throw something your way to keep you off-balance. It is only then we recognize and confess we have been telling God what to do, rather than responding to His Word and leading.
Are you content in your current situation? This is a loaded question! We must be content with the things God has given us and with the calling upon our lives. But we never should be content with our level of maturity, service, faith, or love. We all have room to grow as we pursue Christ. Let us wait upon Him as we faithfully glorify Him until our days upon this earth are completed. Then we can say, "I am an unprofitable servant. I have only done what was my duty to do." Praise God He brings profit from debt!
09 March 2010
Blessings Limit
When I was a kid, my folks would sometimes take the family to Lake Cuyamaca as a special outing. We had many memorable experiences on the water, like me dropping the brand-new net overboard and watching it slowly float out of sight (and then seeing the expression on my dad's face!), my mom catching all the fish and laughing hysterically, and the time it was so freezing cold we left after an hour to warm up over breakfast in Julian. Our chief goal as a family was to "catch our limit." At Lake Cuyamaca, each person has a limit of five trout. With five people in our family, we could catch 25 trout! I don't know that we ever managed that number, but on one occasion we were very close (thanks to Mom - she was unstoppable that day!).
Tonight after dinner I read a passage from 1 Chronicles 26 and we have been nightly wading through lists of names and positions of service. Every night the LORD has shown us new things as we read, even in the genealogies. I read something I hadn't noticed before: 1 Chron. 26:4-6 says, "Moreover the sons of Obed-Edom were Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sacar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth, [5] Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth; for God blessed him." Obed-Edom didn't have the most kids of anyone in the Bible, but the passage clearly states he had these children because "God blessed him." My dad hails from a family with eight kids. Whether you have 18 kids or are without children altogether, God has blessed you in more ways than can be counted. Obed-Edom was blessed by God, and giving him children was a way God expressed this in his life.
As I read this, my mind went suddenly to a common practice of many people today who are medically sterilized so they will no longer be able to make babies. Now understand, I am not making a case against this practice or do I condemn it in any way. If you know me at all, you know how my mind works in that I see a physical thing and consider the spiritual application. For the sake of consideration, let's say God desires to bless me with eight kids and after three I decide I've had enough. Would I be limiting the blessings of God? Regardless, this will always remain a hypothetical question. Now for the real question: CAN I limit the blessings of God in my life? I can say with certainty: absolutely.
God desires to bless His people with wisdom, knowledge, forgiveness, victory, and peace through Jesus Christ. I can choose to walk according to my own wisdom. I can choose to refuse to forgive others and deny myself forgiveness from God. I can choose to walk in sin and forfeit the victory which is my birthright as a child of God. I can choose to allow worry and doubt to rule my decisions and reject the peace which God has offered me. How sad it would be to receive three gifts from God when He has eight in store! The truth is God has an infinite amount of temporal and eternal blessings already granted to all who walk this earth.
Let us decide today that we will not place a blessings limit on God. God grants us blessings that we might glorify Him. The more we receive the more capacity we have to give. Let's receive the limit God would have for us! No one limits out sitting on the couch. If Jesus could use five loaves and two fish to feed over five thousand men, their wives, and children, He can use what little we possess - after it is handed over to Him - to do miraculous things for His praise, glory, and honor. Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." That is a promise and a blessing!
Tonight after dinner I read a passage from 1 Chronicles 26 and we have been nightly wading through lists of names and positions of service. Every night the LORD has shown us new things as we read, even in the genealogies. I read something I hadn't noticed before: 1 Chron. 26:4-6 says, "Moreover the sons of Obed-Edom were Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sacar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth, [5] Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth; for God blessed him." Obed-Edom didn't have the most kids of anyone in the Bible, but the passage clearly states he had these children because "God blessed him." My dad hails from a family with eight kids. Whether you have 18 kids or are without children altogether, God has blessed you in more ways than can be counted. Obed-Edom was blessed by God, and giving him children was a way God expressed this in his life.
As I read this, my mind went suddenly to a common practice of many people today who are medically sterilized so they will no longer be able to make babies. Now understand, I am not making a case against this practice or do I condemn it in any way. If you know me at all, you know how my mind works in that I see a physical thing and consider the spiritual application. For the sake of consideration, let's say God desires to bless me with eight kids and after three I decide I've had enough. Would I be limiting the blessings of God? Regardless, this will always remain a hypothetical question. Now for the real question: CAN I limit the blessings of God in my life? I can say with certainty: absolutely.
God desires to bless His people with wisdom, knowledge, forgiveness, victory, and peace through Jesus Christ. I can choose to walk according to my own wisdom. I can choose to refuse to forgive others and deny myself forgiveness from God. I can choose to walk in sin and forfeit the victory which is my birthright as a child of God. I can choose to allow worry and doubt to rule my decisions and reject the peace which God has offered me. How sad it would be to receive three gifts from God when He has eight in store! The truth is God has an infinite amount of temporal and eternal blessings already granted to all who walk this earth.
Let us decide today that we will not place a blessings limit on God. God grants us blessings that we might glorify Him. The more we receive the more capacity we have to give. Let's receive the limit God would have for us! No one limits out sitting on the couch. If Jesus could use five loaves and two fish to feed over five thousand men, their wives, and children, He can use what little we possess - after it is handed over to Him - to do miraculous things for His praise, glory, and honor. Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." That is a promise and a blessing!
07 March 2010
A Legacy of Love
I received word this morning my dear Aunt Lynn passed into eternity today at 3:32am. This came as no surprise to family and friends, but no amount of preparation diffuses the reality separation that death brings. For most of my lifetime Lynn has suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, emphysema, diabetes, and a variety of other ailments. But through all the hardship and struggle I cannot remember a single time she complained. Love and selflessness are Aunt Lynn's legacy, a shining example for our family to cherish and honor. For the last two weeks we had been prepared by doctors she did not have long to live. Every day she talked, smiled, and laughed among us was a tremendous gift.
Last Friday I was driving home and I received a call from my mom. She said, "If you want to see Aunt Lynn, now would be the time." I continued to her house and met with a group of friends and family who gathered to give her comfort, company, and return a little bit of the love she had freely given to us. I arrived to see what would be the last couple of hours Aunt Lynn remained conscious and responsive, a true gift from God. What I experienced and observed at her bedside was something I will never forget.
If you know Aunt Lynn, you would know she has a great-grandson Zac because she talks about him all the time. Zac is beyond precious to her, so dear to her you might think he was her only child. "He's really what keeps me going," she shared with me at the family Thanksgiving celebration this year. I arrived at the moment six-year-old Zac would be seeing his dear granny for the last time. It was one of the most sorrowful and heart-wrenching things I have ever seen. As he approached her bedside, she lit up with a radiant smile and was overjoyed. But even in his youth he could not escape the finality of the moment, understanding that granny's sickness was beyond the care of medicine or treatment. Tears welled up in his eyes and his face turned red, not sure what to do or say. Aunt Lynn, seeing his tears began to cry as well, reaching out to him. "It's just so sad," the boy managed to choke out. Everyone in the room was seeing through tears.
My mind drifted to the words of Juliet: "...Parting is such sweet sorrow." There was little sweetness in that sorrow. There was much sweetness between the love of child and great-granny, not to be undone by death. Zac was quickly whisked away and the hospice nurse helped Lynn with additional oxygen. The emotion that welled up inside left her unable to breathe. Within a couple of hours Lynn was asleep and would never again regain consciousness. Because of Jesus Christ and her trust in Him, Lynn will never see spiritual death. Though her body lost the battle to illness, her soul has gained the victory. She can say with the saints gone before her: "So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." [55] "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" [56] The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. [57] But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Cor. 15:54-57)
What occurred to me after that sad moment of parting between Aunt Lynn and Zac is a follower of Jesus Christ will never be separated from God the Father even in physical death. There will be no heart-breaking bedside parting between God and His children. Jesus is going to prepare a place for us so where He is we may be there also. He will never leave us or forsake us. Death may separate us from loved ones on earth, but nothing shall separate us from the love of God found in Christ Jesus. My Aunt Lynn has left our family a legacy of love which I will never forget, and Jesus has revealed His love for all by His death on the cross. When I was still a sinner, He died for me. It is Him that I find hope in the face of sorrow. How good it is to know you have been loved, and how much greater to know you are loved still!
Last Friday I was driving home and I received a call from my mom. She said, "If you want to see Aunt Lynn, now would be the time." I continued to her house and met with a group of friends and family who gathered to give her comfort, company, and return a little bit of the love she had freely given to us. I arrived to see what would be the last couple of hours Aunt Lynn remained conscious and responsive, a true gift from God. What I experienced and observed at her bedside was something I will never forget.
If you know Aunt Lynn, you would know she has a great-grandson Zac because she talks about him all the time. Zac is beyond precious to her, so dear to her you might think he was her only child. "He's really what keeps me going," she shared with me at the family Thanksgiving celebration this year. I arrived at the moment six-year-old Zac would be seeing his dear granny for the last time. It was one of the most sorrowful and heart-wrenching things I have ever seen. As he approached her bedside, she lit up with a radiant smile and was overjoyed. But even in his youth he could not escape the finality of the moment, understanding that granny's sickness was beyond the care of medicine or treatment. Tears welled up in his eyes and his face turned red, not sure what to do or say. Aunt Lynn, seeing his tears began to cry as well, reaching out to him. "It's just so sad," the boy managed to choke out. Everyone in the room was seeing through tears.
My mind drifted to the words of Juliet: "...Parting is such sweet sorrow." There was little sweetness in that sorrow. There was much sweetness between the love of child and great-granny, not to be undone by death. Zac was quickly whisked away and the hospice nurse helped Lynn with additional oxygen. The emotion that welled up inside left her unable to breathe. Within a couple of hours Lynn was asleep and would never again regain consciousness. Because of Jesus Christ and her trust in Him, Lynn will never see spiritual death. Though her body lost the battle to illness, her soul has gained the victory. She can say with the saints gone before her: "So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." [55] "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" [56] The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. [57] But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Cor. 15:54-57)
What occurred to me after that sad moment of parting between Aunt Lynn and Zac is a follower of Jesus Christ will never be separated from God the Father even in physical death. There will be no heart-breaking bedside parting between God and His children. Jesus is going to prepare a place for us so where He is we may be there also. He will never leave us or forsake us. Death may separate us from loved ones on earth, but nothing shall separate us from the love of God found in Christ Jesus. My Aunt Lynn has left our family a legacy of love which I will never forget, and Jesus has revealed His love for all by His death on the cross. When I was still a sinner, He died for me. It is Him that I find hope in the face of sorrow. How good it is to know you have been loved, and how much greater to know you are loved still!
06 March 2010
A Wound to Remember
This morning I had intended to post on a completely different subject (which I will soon), but was derailed during my Bible reading this morning. I was reading over the passage in Genesis 32 when Jacob wrestles with a man until daybreak. This man is pre-incarnate Christ, who speaks and acts with the authority of God. Genesis 32:25 says, "Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob's hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him." My typical morning starts with prayer and reading a chapter of the Bible, focusing on a verse or theme. The following is my first meditations on this verse which I write in a notebook:
When a man wrestles with God, he will be forever altered. From that day forward, Jacob walked with a limp. But with the limp came a blessing and promise. His name was changed from Jacob to Israel, from "supplanter" to "God strives." There is no wound sweeter or more cherished than when God does the wounding. A man having survived a fierce gun fight will gladly show the scars from the bullets which passed through him; a war veteran recounts a battle where shrapnel tore through his leg and neck with enthusiasm to his wide-eyed grandchildren. But a man who has been wounded by God can scarce describe the event with words when he was broken. Though he may show no physical scar, his soul will never be the same.
God is the Good Shepherd who wounds His own sheep when it is good for them, and will never destroy His own. Jacob's limp was a testimony of God's grace, love, and unshakable promises. When the finger of God touches us we tread upon holy ground. From that day forward out of reverence for God and His promise towards Israel and his children, the Israelites did not eat the sinew that shrank. Genesis 32:32 says, "Therefore to this day the children of Israel do not eat the muscle that shrank, which is on the hip socket, because He touched the socket of Jacob's hip in the muscle that shrank." Jacob hobbled on his lame leg for the rest of his life.
To unbelievers, the touch of God seems a curse, not a blessing. Yet to those who know God and have been touched, they would never trade that wound for all the earthly riches of kings. Jesus too was wounded, wounded at the hands of man by the will of God. He showed His scars to the disciples and that is how they recognized Him. You know a man by his wounds: they distinguish him. They identify him truer than a rectangular of plastic with his name stamped in embossed letters complete with hologram that he carries in a wallet. Many people can have brown hair or blue eyes, but to have a particular scar in a certain area is living proof.
God knows us just the same, having put His name upon us. He knows our afflictions, prayers, loves, and desires. As a cattle rancher brands his cows, God marks His men. He knows them and they follow Him. "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me," Jesus says. Thomas looked upon the wounds of Jesus and said, "My Lord and my God." When God looked upon our wounds He says, "My beloved! I am yours and you are Mine!" Wrestle with the LORD, and refuse to let go except He bless you. And after He has blessed you, cling closer still.
04 March 2010
Feasting or Fasting?
There is nothing that makes me appreciate eating food more than fasting. Many years ago I began to periodically fast from food in obedience to God. Jesus was approached by the Pharisees who asked why His disciples did not fast and pray like John the Baptist's followers. Jesus answers in Luke 5:34-35: "And He said to them, "Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? [35] But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days." I am a friend of the Bridegroom (see John 15:13-15). Jesus was taken into heaven forty days after He rose from the dead. Interestingly, John the Baptist also refers to himself as a "friend of the bridegroom" in John 3:29: "He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled." We are living in the days when we should fast. How, when, and how often you fast is between you and God.
To put it bluntly, my flesh hates fasting. When I am hungry, I am always in the mood for eating food. So when I feel like I should fast I recognize this as being from God, because my stomach never feels like fasting. I have only heard one pastor on one occasion strongly emphasize the need for fasting from the pulpit. It was a message that God used to greatly deepen my reliance upon God and help me grow spiritually. I don't remember much that was said except the application for me was I should fast. When the subject of fasting comes up, people have a lot of questions. I believe this is the case because few have studied it, and fewer make a practice of it!
During work the other day a thought came to my mind: there are few who fast physically, but there are many who fast spiritually. People think it admirable to miss three straight meals in obedience to God, but think nothing about missing weeks worth of spiritual nourishment found by reading and meditating on God's Word. It feels like a big sacrifice to stay home when the rest of your family eats at a restaurant, but it is often seen as a relaxing break to miss morning devotions with regularity. Something is wrong with this picture! I was once convicted during a vacation from work because I also took a vacation from God's Word. I was enjoying sleeping in but was not feeding myself on the Word of God. Because of that choice I found myself spiritually asleep and easy prey for temptation.
Jeremiah 15:16 says, "Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts." When the body fasts from food and/or drink, there are clear physical signs: headache, joints ache, fatigue, dehydration, and other symptoms which vary person to person. The spiritual symptoms from fasting from God's Word and communion with Him in prayer are also clear: lack of focus, decreased discernment, spiritual drowsiness, confusion, and falling into sin. If feeding on God's Word provides joy and rejoicing for our heart, the lack of feeding of His words will have the opposite effect! And why did Jeremiah rejoice? "For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of Hosts." Jeremiah found his identity in God. He drew close to God in fellowship, he was able know God through His Word, and discovered he was precious in God's sight.
As no one needs to convince you to eat (we sometimes eat when our stomachs are full already!) when you are hungry, when you are born again through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ you will have a natural hunger for His Word. If His Word is not tantalizing and desireable, you may not be a new creation in Jesus! I ate some Kettle potato chips today and they were incredibly good. I had a hard time closing the bag! If you have the Holy Spirit living inside of you, it will be a challenge to keep the Bible shut. If you read the Bible because you feel guilty when you don't, allow God to examine your heart. When we fast in obedience to God from food or drink there is always blessing with strength. Yet when we fast from fellowship with God and His Word, we will wither spiritually. Let us always feast of the Word of God. It's impossible to eat too much!
To put it bluntly, my flesh hates fasting. When I am hungry, I am always in the mood for eating food. So when I feel like I should fast I recognize this as being from God, because my stomach never feels like fasting. I have only heard one pastor on one occasion strongly emphasize the need for fasting from the pulpit. It was a message that God used to greatly deepen my reliance upon God and help me grow spiritually. I don't remember much that was said except the application for me was I should fast. When the subject of fasting comes up, people have a lot of questions. I believe this is the case because few have studied it, and fewer make a practice of it!
During work the other day a thought came to my mind: there are few who fast physically, but there are many who fast spiritually. People think it admirable to miss three straight meals in obedience to God, but think nothing about missing weeks worth of spiritual nourishment found by reading and meditating on God's Word. It feels like a big sacrifice to stay home when the rest of your family eats at a restaurant, but it is often seen as a relaxing break to miss morning devotions with regularity. Something is wrong with this picture! I was once convicted during a vacation from work because I also took a vacation from God's Word. I was enjoying sleeping in but was not feeding myself on the Word of God. Because of that choice I found myself spiritually asleep and easy prey for temptation.
Jeremiah 15:16 says, "Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts." When the body fasts from food and/or drink, there are clear physical signs: headache, joints ache, fatigue, dehydration, and other symptoms which vary person to person. The spiritual symptoms from fasting from God's Word and communion with Him in prayer are also clear: lack of focus, decreased discernment, spiritual drowsiness, confusion, and falling into sin. If feeding on God's Word provides joy and rejoicing for our heart, the lack of feeding of His words will have the opposite effect! And why did Jeremiah rejoice? "For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of Hosts." Jeremiah found his identity in God. He drew close to God in fellowship, he was able know God through His Word, and discovered he was precious in God's sight.
As no one needs to convince you to eat (we sometimes eat when our stomachs are full already!) when you are hungry, when you are born again through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ you will have a natural hunger for His Word. If His Word is not tantalizing and desireable, you may not be a new creation in Jesus! I ate some Kettle potato chips today and they were incredibly good. I had a hard time closing the bag! If you have the Holy Spirit living inside of you, it will be a challenge to keep the Bible shut. If you read the Bible because you feel guilty when you don't, allow God to examine your heart. When we fast in obedience to God from food or drink there is always blessing with strength. Yet when we fast from fellowship with God and His Word, we will wither spiritually. Let us always feast of the Word of God. It's impossible to eat too much!
03 March 2010
A Closer Walk
Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
I am weak, but Thou art strong,
Jesus, keep me from all wrong,
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.
Jesus, keep me from all wrong,
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.
Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.
When my feeble life is o’er,
Time for me will be no more,
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom's shore, to Thy shore.
Time for me will be no more,
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom's shore, to Thy shore.
How much do you desire a closer walk with Jesus Christ? Sometimes as we pick up our cross daily to follow Jesus we can hardly see Him with all the dust the wind of life kicks up. It is likely if you do not urgently desire a closer walk with Jesus you will never have it. God makes our heart yearn for His presence, having tasted and seen that the LORD is good. How many of the activities of your life move you toward this goal? What priority does this desire have in your heart? If it is not your first desire, you will not obtain it. As the man who sold all he had to obtain the treasure in the field, we must be willing to trade all of our fleshly desires and goals so we might have Christ. Jesus will not join Himself to us when we disperse our fountains of love abroad through the streets, but only when we reserve ourselves as cisterns for His personal use. We are our Beloved's and He is ours. We cannot be too close to such a Savior and Lover of our souls.
02 March 2010
When things go wrong...
I've been told that moving house is one of the most stressful things people face, along with planning a wedding and changing careers. I'm inclined to agree. It is one thing to have a house in escrow: it is another thing entirely to finish the process successfully! Something always has to go wrong: people change their minds, finances fall through, dealing with misunderstandings between agents and sellers...there seems to be no end to potential snags and hiccups. Our house is sold, but we still must contend with the escrow gambit. A week in escrow generates a month's worth of problems.
I was contacted yesterday concerning the inspection report on the house by my realtor. He played a message from the buyer's agent that did not seem positive. Does the buyer have cold feet? Did the inspector exaggerate his findings? Could my house really be sitting on an aquifer? I should bottle the stuff and call it East County Perrier! From the way she was talking it seems potential deal breakers are prevalent as rattlesnakes in Arizona. As I went to bed I could not escape the weight on my mind. Worry crowded my thoughts. Jesus says, "Do not worry." How many times have I done what ought not be done? I may know I'm not supposed to worry, but how can quit doing it?
Since I'm a thinker, I thought it over. What have I to worry about? It doesn't take a miracle to sell a house. The God I serve is miraculous. It requires a miracle to raise the dead, heal lepers, bring sight to the blind, and spiritually regenerate a sinner. This morning Psalm 8:1 came to mind in song: "O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth, who have set Your glory above the heavens!" My God's glory extends beyond the heavens. Is anything too hard for Him? Did He not turn the counsel of Ahithophel to foolishness? As Daniel says, He raises up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. When Christ the Almighty King says "Peace be still!" even the wind and the sea obeys Him. Does escrow render God powerless? God's power roars forth in Jeremiah 32:27: "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?" The Hebrew word for "Lord" means self-existent, eternal. The word used for "God" here emphasizes His supremacy. Escrow? Please.
In the face of afflictions and imprisonment Paul says in Acts 20:24: "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." When we are overwhelmed with troubles and difficulties pound us like uppercuts to a boxer's chin, let us return to our foundation, Jesus Christ. He is unshakable, immovable. When we rest in Him no manner of difficulty or potential trouble will move us. It is because of this fact we are exhorted in 1 Cor. 15:57-58: "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. [58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
I was contacted yesterday concerning the inspection report on the house by my realtor. He played a message from the buyer's agent that did not seem positive. Does the buyer have cold feet? Did the inspector exaggerate his findings? Could my house really be sitting on an aquifer? I should bottle the stuff and call it East County Perrier! From the way she was talking it seems potential deal breakers are prevalent as rattlesnakes in Arizona. As I went to bed I could not escape the weight on my mind. Worry crowded my thoughts. Jesus says, "Do not worry." How many times have I done what ought not be done? I may know I'm not supposed to worry, but how can quit doing it?
Since I'm a thinker, I thought it over. What have I to worry about? It doesn't take a miracle to sell a house. The God I serve is miraculous. It requires a miracle to raise the dead, heal lepers, bring sight to the blind, and spiritually regenerate a sinner. This morning Psalm 8:1 came to mind in song: "O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth, who have set Your glory above the heavens!" My God's glory extends beyond the heavens. Is anything too hard for Him? Did He not turn the counsel of Ahithophel to foolishness? As Daniel says, He raises up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. When Christ the Almighty King says "Peace be still!" even the wind and the sea obeys Him. Does escrow render God powerless? God's power roars forth in Jeremiah 32:27: "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?" The Hebrew word for "Lord" means self-existent, eternal. The word used for "God" here emphasizes His supremacy. Escrow? Please.
In the face of afflictions and imprisonment Paul says in Acts 20:24: "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." When we are overwhelmed with troubles and difficulties pound us like uppercuts to a boxer's chin, let us return to our foundation, Jesus Christ. He is unshakable, immovable. When we rest in Him no manner of difficulty or potential trouble will move us. It is because of this fact we are exhorted in 1 Cor. 15:57-58: "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. [58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
01 March 2010
A Soft Answer
"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
Proverbs 15:1
Today I saved myself a little pain by obeying this principle. I was talking with a framing foreman and he inferred my crew had missed insulating two pipes. The truth is, while the pipes were still under test and had not been released for insulation, the framers covered my access with their track. The man's just doing his job, I thought, trying to shift the blame to someone else in front of the general contractor. Another thought sprung to my mind to say: this man's ignorance is only exceeded by his stupidity. Whoa! That's not something I should say, much less think!
Later I thanked God He kept my mouth shut. Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Prov. 18:21). Growing up I was often admonished to "think before you speak." We have the power to diffuse a situation with a gracious, kind answer. We need not mock or scorn as the fool, brag, or blame. Proverbs 26:4-5 teaches us, "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him. [5] Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes." Instead of these verses conflicting with one another, they compliment. There is no need to be drawn into a shouting match with cursing and personal cut-downs. But there is a time when foolish statements should be corrected with truth so the ignorant will not be smug in his ignorance. Jesus always contended for truth, and He did so in a way that instructed, edified the hearers, and glorified God.
Every day we will use our mouths to communicate with words. The words you use and how you use them is up to you. Proverbs 25:11-12: "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. [12] Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear." The art of rebuke and reproof is a rare quality these days. Opposition of falsehood is good. There is a way to speak to the heart of a matter which reaches beyond sentence structure and word choice. It takes the leading, power, and authority of the Holy Spirit. For Him to have His way in us, we must remain humble. We rebuke not because we are right and someone else is wrong, but because God is being robbed of glory. Instead of taking offense at harsh words spoken to us, let us turn away wrath with a soft answer. After being crucified for our sin Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Once our hearts are melted by the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of Jesus, our lips should be seasoned with these virtues.
Pray with me: "Father, my tongue is a world of iniquity. Purify my thoughts and mouth that I may worship you in Spirit and truth; enable me to rebuke, encourage, exhort, and bless others; empower me to thank and praise you for who you are and the wondrous things you have done. Help me to guard my heart, mind, and the fruit of my lips. May the words I say be yours as Christ lives in me. Amen!"
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