This morning I asked God to provide something for me to post on the blog, and today He saw fit to provide in a way I did not expect! God speaks through times of prayer and scripture reading, but He also reveals Himself in the mundane. When a man knows God, it changes his perspective of everything. Even in accidents God's grace and goodness is revealed. In a little booklet I read the other day written by Ken Ham, he stated all students of science use the same facts but their worldviews dictate how the facts are interpreted. It is God in a person who opens our eyes to His gracious benefits even when things "go wrong."
In between studies this morning, I went to the kitchen to prepare a coffee for myself. After tamping the grounds in the portafiller, I pulled the stainless steel milk frothing jug from the strainer. Unknown to me (at first!), the blade attachment for our blender was stealthily tucked inside! Before I even looked down or felt the sting, I knew what had happened: the blender attachment had fallen - face down - into my toe. It didn't bleed right away, but I kept my eye on it. It wouldn't be long...yep, oozing blood began to slowly outline the small incision. I grabbed a paper towel and spent the next few minutes looking through the house for Band-Aids!
As I cleaned the wound, I marveled how close the point of the blade came to hitting the leather strap on my Rainbow thongs. A couple of millimetres to the left and all the discomfort could have been avoided! But my mind did not settle on that point, because had the tip of the blade entered a couple millimetres to the right, I would have likely damaged the tendon on my big toe and also sliced through a vein! Given the situation, instead of lamenting the injury I praised God it was not more severe. As it was I would relegate the cut to a mild inconvenience and hardly worth mentioning. But it is worth mentioning that God is worthy of praise whether we manage to avoid injury or if a flying cleaver chops off an entire toe! Even should the body of a child of God be ruined or destroyed, we have been promised by God a new, resurrected, and glorified body we will use to dwell with God and praise and serve Him forever!
Keeping our eyes on God is a healthy perspective that leads to the grateful praise of God with all thankfulness. Psalm 118:28-29 concludes with, "You are my God, and I will praise You; You are my God, I will exalt You.
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Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." God's goodness and mercy does not hinge on the condition of my toe, but what grace He showed me today in protecting me and opening my eyes to see His providential hand for my God and His glory. Turn your eyes to God and praise the One worthy of all glory and praise for He is good, and His mercy endures forever!
18 November 2014
17 November 2014
Authority and Control
A follower of Jesus Christ has the assurance of scripture that God has authority over all and is in control. Matthew 28:18 records words Jesus said to His disciples: "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." Under Christ's authority, we can therefore go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptising, and teaching them to follow God's ways.
A funny thing happens when people are given positions of authority. It changes the way people think and relate to others - and often for the worse. Many become overbearing and harsh. In the words of Agur in Proverbs 30:21-23: "For three things the earth is perturbed, yes, for four it cannot bear up: 22 for a servant when he reigns, a fool when he is filled with food, 23 a hateful woman when she is married, and a maidservant who succeeds her mistress." A common worker without training would likely be unprepared for the responsibility of managing the business affairs of a global corporation, and probably struggle to efficiently manage employees at a local business. How much more difficult would it be to suddenly have free reign over a country! We have all witnessed people given authority without adequate preparation, and their newly acquired power is easily abused.
Regardless of the scope of your authority in a family, relationships, business, or ministry, the persuasive temptation is this: you have authority, so therefore you should be in control. The question is, can a man truly be "in control" when God sits on the throne? Self- control is a fruit of the Spirit, and therefore our flesh is simply incapable of the standard of self-control which only comes from God. If man cannot even control himself, how much less control does he wield over others! What great lengths people in authority take to seize control or maintain control! Much effort can be given to worry, schemes, fears, or labour to influence or manipulate to keep our grasp on even the illusion of control. Authority is inevitably abused when removed from God's guiding control.
Can we change the hearts of other people? Can we transform our own hearts? Can we through effort change our sinful, selfish ways? No! God has complete authority, but He gives us freedom to choose whether we will submit to Him or not. Isn't that amazing? God is indeed "in control" - as far as His plans will be brought to pass, even redeeming circumstances outside of His perfect will for good - yet He does not "control" us. There is a humility in His governance which requires faith in God for us to imitate. We must be careful not to fall into the trap of thinking because we have authority given by God, our efforts are wisely used in a vain attempt to control others. Jesus demonstrated love, gave abundant mercy and grace, and humbled himself. That was how Jesus utilised and revealed all the authority in heaven and earth given Him by the Father. For His glory may we exercise any authority we have in the same way: not through attempts to control others, but in submission and obedience to God!
A funny thing happens when people are given positions of authority. It changes the way people think and relate to others - and often for the worse. Many become overbearing and harsh. In the words of Agur in Proverbs 30:21-23: "For three things the earth is perturbed, yes, for four it cannot bear up: 22 for a servant when he reigns, a fool when he is filled with food, 23 a hateful woman when she is married, and a maidservant who succeeds her mistress." A common worker without training would likely be unprepared for the responsibility of managing the business affairs of a global corporation, and probably struggle to efficiently manage employees at a local business. How much more difficult would it be to suddenly have free reign over a country! We have all witnessed people given authority without adequate preparation, and their newly acquired power is easily abused.
Regardless of the scope of your authority in a family, relationships, business, or ministry, the persuasive temptation is this: you have authority, so therefore you should be in control. The question is, can a man truly be "in control" when God sits on the throne? Self- control is a fruit of the Spirit, and therefore our flesh is simply incapable of the standard of self-control which only comes from God. If man cannot even control himself, how much less control does he wield over others! What great lengths people in authority take to seize control or maintain control! Much effort can be given to worry, schemes, fears, or labour to influence or manipulate to keep our grasp on even the illusion of control. Authority is inevitably abused when removed from God's guiding control.
Can we change the hearts of other people? Can we transform our own hearts? Can we through effort change our sinful, selfish ways? No! God has complete authority, but He gives us freedom to choose whether we will submit to Him or not. Isn't that amazing? God is indeed "in control" - as far as His plans will be brought to pass, even redeeming circumstances outside of His perfect will for good - yet He does not "control" us. There is a humility in His governance which requires faith in God for us to imitate. We must be careful not to fall into the trap of thinking because we have authority given by God, our efforts are wisely used in a vain attempt to control others. Jesus demonstrated love, gave abundant mercy and grace, and humbled himself. That was how Jesus utilised and revealed all the authority in heaven and earth given Him by the Father. For His glory may we exercise any authority we have in the same way: not through attempts to control others, but in submission and obedience to God!
16 November 2014
King Eglon Must Die!
One of my favourite Bible passages growing up is found in Judges 3, when Ehud assassinated King Eglon of Moab. For 18 years the children of Israel had been oppressed by the corpulent Eglon, who rallied the people of Ammon and Amalek against them. God heard the cries of His people and raised up Ehud as a deliverer, a left-handed man. He fashioned a two-edged dagger - too short to be considered a sword - and smuggled it under his clothes. After giving a payment of tribute, Ehud sought an audience with King Eglon, saying he had a secret message for him. Judges 3:20-23 contains the gruesome details: "And Ehud came to him (now he was sitting upstairs in his cool private chamber). Then Ehud said, "I have a message from God for you." So he arose from his seat.
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Then Ehud reached with his left hand, took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly.
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Even the hilt went in after the blade, and the fat closed over the blade, for he did not draw the dagger out of his belly; and his entrails came out.
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Then Ehud went out through the porch and shut the doors of the upper room behind him and locked them." Ehud escaped, gathered the people together, and subdued the Moabites. God saved His people from their enemies, and they enjoyed peace for 80 years.
As a kid, I confess I wasn't looking for a spiritual application to this passage. Maybe I led a sheltered life (which I did, no doubt!), but it was exciting reading. There are many spiritual truths in this passage to glean and profit from. As the passage came to mind yesterday, it occurred to me Ehud knew who his enemy was and how to defeat him. This is huge. He wasn't content with attacks on a Moabite garrison, or to hurl insults from a distance. He would not be pleased to sabotage equipment or boast a large body count from his assaults: he had his sight set on the king! Ehud devised an effective strategy to defeat his enemy, and knew his weak spot. King Eglon was powerless to attack or resist after the sword was plunged home.
The Word of God (the Bible) is called the sword of the Spirit in Ephesians 6:17. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 also says, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." Ehud was a man who carefully picked his shots. He was not going to attack lackeys, village elders, or servants when he could end oppression once and for all by killing the king! Eglon is a good representation of the flesh and its excesses. Too often we can wage war on symptoms and neglect to deal with the heart of the matter. Eglon had many servants, and to attempt a fight against them would have been fruitless and incited greater oppression. Making our personal battles focused on mere behaviour will lead to eventual and certain defeat. The enemy is enthroned within the stronghold and well-fortified! The sword of the Spirit is effective at revealing our motives, and the Holy Spirit is able to wield it masterfully to expose hidden sin in us. The razor-sharp cutting edge of the Word must be applied to our hearts and only when we repent will Eglon fall.
At this very moment, the Eglon in all of us is plotting his revenge. Silently and subtlety he rallies his forces so he once again can rule. Thankfully we have the wisdom of God and the sword of the Spirit to finish him off. The only way to defeat the flesh is to kill it, and Jesus was crucified so we might experience life abundant and everlasting. Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." When the sword of the Spirit is applied faithfully to our hearts, we experience the peace of God and fulness of joy. How good it is to be free!
As a kid, I confess I wasn't looking for a spiritual application to this passage. Maybe I led a sheltered life (which I did, no doubt!), but it was exciting reading. There are many spiritual truths in this passage to glean and profit from. As the passage came to mind yesterday, it occurred to me Ehud knew who his enemy was and how to defeat him. This is huge. He wasn't content with attacks on a Moabite garrison, or to hurl insults from a distance. He would not be pleased to sabotage equipment or boast a large body count from his assaults: he had his sight set on the king! Ehud devised an effective strategy to defeat his enemy, and knew his weak spot. King Eglon was powerless to attack or resist after the sword was plunged home.
The Word of God (the Bible) is called the sword of the Spirit in Ephesians 6:17. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 also says, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." Ehud was a man who carefully picked his shots. He was not going to attack lackeys, village elders, or servants when he could end oppression once and for all by killing the king! Eglon is a good representation of the flesh and its excesses. Too often we can wage war on symptoms and neglect to deal with the heart of the matter. Eglon had many servants, and to attempt a fight against them would have been fruitless and incited greater oppression. Making our personal battles focused on mere behaviour will lead to eventual and certain defeat. The enemy is enthroned within the stronghold and well-fortified! The sword of the Spirit is effective at revealing our motives, and the Holy Spirit is able to wield it masterfully to expose hidden sin in us. The razor-sharp cutting edge of the Word must be applied to our hearts and only when we repent will Eglon fall.
At this very moment, the Eglon in all of us is plotting his revenge. Silently and subtlety he rallies his forces so he once again can rule. Thankfully we have the wisdom of God and the sword of the Spirit to finish him off. The only way to defeat the flesh is to kill it, and Jesus was crucified so we might experience life abundant and everlasting. Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." When the sword of the Spirit is applied faithfully to our hearts, we experience the peace of God and fulness of joy. How good it is to be free!
12 November 2014
The Refinery of God's Word
God's ways are truly higher than man's ways, and His thoughts are beyond our wildest expectation, imagination, or explanation. The life of Joseph is a good example of this. As a young man, God revealed the future to Joseph through a couple of dreams. God showed him the end, but did not reveal the time frame or the process. His brothers hated Joseph because of the special treatment he received from his father Jacob. Fueled by bitterness and envy, they sold Joseph to traders heading to Egypt. If you think Joseph was at peace to be sold because "it was all in God's plan," you are incorrect. Tormented by guilt years later his brothers said to one another in Genesis 42:21, "We are truly guilty concerning our brother, for we saw the anguish of his soul when he pleaded with us, and we would not hear; therefore this distress has come upon us."
In anguish of soul, Joseph was brought to Egypt and sold as a slave. After being promoted in Potiphar's house, he was falsely accused of rape and imprisoned. As the years passed, I am sure at times Joseph questioned the reality of God's word given to him in his youth. He found favour with the warden in prison, and was placed in charge of the inmates. But was this role the fulfillment of those dreams? I am sure he wondered. Being an imprisoned slave in a foreign country because his brothers hated and sold him was no doubt a grievous trial. Yet Joseph continued to trust God and sought to be used by Him. A butler and baker were troubled by dreams they had on the same night, and with God's guidance gave them a true interpretation. When the butler was restored to serving Pharaoh, he forgot all about Joseph. Not only was Joseph imprisoned, but also forgotten!
Two years after interpreting the butler's dream, Pharaoh had a series of dreams which troubled him. There was none in Egypt who was able to interpret them. The butler was reminded of Joseph and recommended him to come before Pharaoh. After crediting God for any ability to interpret dreams, Joseph proceeded to give a correct interpretation and offer counsel concerning the future. That same day Joseph was permanently released from prison and made second in command to Pharaoh. The life of Joseph was far more than a fortuitous series of events, but a life God ordained from the beginning. Joseph was instrumental in saving the nation of Egypt from starvation, and also providing food for his family who later came to stay in Egypt during the famine.
Hundreds of years later, it was written in Psalm 105:17-19 from God's perspective: "He sent a man before them-- Joseph--who was sold as a slave. 18 They hurt his feet with fetters, he was laid in irons. 19 Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him." What Joseph's brothers intended for evil, God intended for good and to save many people from death. Joseph being sold was God's way of sending. His time in prison was not pleasant, nor should we think it was not a time of suffering and affliction. His feet hurt from the iron leggings he wore as a prisoner. But God's Word - spoken to him through a dream and no doubt confirmed through solitary talks with God - tested and tried the faith of Joseph. In the dungeon a man was prepared for the palace, and God's Word was ultimately fulfilled.
Do you know that it is the same for all who trust in God? Perhaps God has revealed something of your future to you, yet at the moment it seems impossible! We can be easily tempted to doubt that we heard God in the first place and it was wishful thinking. During the trials and difficulties, in spite of unexpected turns and apparent setbacks, God's word is being fulfilled. Do you believe that? Are you willing to trust God no matter your situation? Many faithful followers of God were proved by God's Word long before they were promoted. God uses the difficult situations of this life to refine us for future use according to His divine plans. What man intends for evil, God redeems for our good and the good of others. Give glory to God for His marvelous works!
In anguish of soul, Joseph was brought to Egypt and sold as a slave. After being promoted in Potiphar's house, he was falsely accused of rape and imprisoned. As the years passed, I am sure at times Joseph questioned the reality of God's word given to him in his youth. He found favour with the warden in prison, and was placed in charge of the inmates. But was this role the fulfillment of those dreams? I am sure he wondered. Being an imprisoned slave in a foreign country because his brothers hated and sold him was no doubt a grievous trial. Yet Joseph continued to trust God and sought to be used by Him. A butler and baker were troubled by dreams they had on the same night, and with God's guidance gave them a true interpretation. When the butler was restored to serving Pharaoh, he forgot all about Joseph. Not only was Joseph imprisoned, but also forgotten!
Two years after interpreting the butler's dream, Pharaoh had a series of dreams which troubled him. There was none in Egypt who was able to interpret them. The butler was reminded of Joseph and recommended him to come before Pharaoh. After crediting God for any ability to interpret dreams, Joseph proceeded to give a correct interpretation and offer counsel concerning the future. That same day Joseph was permanently released from prison and made second in command to Pharaoh. The life of Joseph was far more than a fortuitous series of events, but a life God ordained from the beginning. Joseph was instrumental in saving the nation of Egypt from starvation, and also providing food for his family who later came to stay in Egypt during the famine.
Hundreds of years later, it was written in Psalm 105:17-19 from God's perspective: "He sent a man before them-- Joseph--who was sold as a slave. 18 They hurt his feet with fetters, he was laid in irons. 19 Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him." What Joseph's brothers intended for evil, God intended for good and to save many people from death. Joseph being sold was God's way of sending. His time in prison was not pleasant, nor should we think it was not a time of suffering and affliction. His feet hurt from the iron leggings he wore as a prisoner. But God's Word - spoken to him through a dream and no doubt confirmed through solitary talks with God - tested and tried the faith of Joseph. In the dungeon a man was prepared for the palace, and God's Word was ultimately fulfilled.
Do you know that it is the same for all who trust in God? Perhaps God has revealed something of your future to you, yet at the moment it seems impossible! We can be easily tempted to doubt that we heard God in the first place and it was wishful thinking. During the trials and difficulties, in spite of unexpected turns and apparent setbacks, God's word is being fulfilled. Do you believe that? Are you willing to trust God no matter your situation? Many faithful followers of God were proved by God's Word long before they were promoted. God uses the difficult situations of this life to refine us for future use according to His divine plans. What man intends for evil, God redeems for our good and the good of others. Give glory to God for His marvelous works!
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