November 30, 2013

Why, my soul, are you downcast?
    Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise him,
    my Savior and my God.
Psalm 42:5 (NIV)

Every day deny yourself some satisfaction;—bearing all the inconveniences of life (for the love of God), cold, hunger, restless nights, ill health, unwelcome news, the faults of servants, contempt, ingratitude of friends, malice of enemies, calumnies, our own failings, lowness of spirits, the struggle in overcoming our corruptions;—bearing all these with patience and resignation to the will of God. Do all this as unto God, with the greatest privacy.

Thomas Wilson (1663-1755) Anglican Bishop of Sodor and Man 

Mary Tileston, author of Daily Strength for Daily Needs, had included three different excerpts with today's verse from Psalm.  I choose Mr. Wilson's for his last four words, "with the greatest privacy".

While I am not sure I agree with the opening of Wilson's statement, I do think that he has the right idea at the end.  A Christian's life, indeed the unbeliever's alike, will be fraught with all manner of trouble.  Some large, many small.  (Although "the faults of servants" is something I will never likely have to suffer through.)  These struggles are unavoidable, but it is how we choose to handled these times that can glorify God or glorify the individual.

We are called to "bear all these with patience" and to realize the perfect will of God is working in each Christian's life.  However, too often Christians like to wear the martyr's badge on their sleeve.  Whether it is announcing to the Sunday School class how they are the only righteous person at work or how they have overlooked the shocking sleight of a family member, there is little privacy involved.

I have been told I don't share enough about my innerworkings, but I would posit that it is better to err on the side of privacy than promulgation.  In scripture we find Christ retreating to private places to pray and commune with God.  While he did on rare occasion share with his disciples his fate, most of the angst and anguish was saved for the one-on-one times with his Father.

While there may be a time and place to share personal struggles and victories, every Sunday, every Facebook post, every Tweet is perhaps a bit over-the-top.

Work through struggles with God and perhaps one or two close spiritual advisers.  Let praise be your public pronouncements. 

P.S.  A word of caution. . . Even praise can be turned into a self-serving venue. 

"Praise to God for giving me the strength to be the only Christians at my heathen work place." 

"Thank you Jesus for allowing me to be the a bigger person than my argumentative spouse."  

"Only God could give me strength to tip that rude waiter 18%."

*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- November 30
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/8534/pg8534.html

November 29, 2013

¹¹ My sons, do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before him and serve him. . . 
2 Chronicles 29:11a (NIV)

There are many things that appear trifles, which greatly tend to enervate the soul, and hinder its progress in the path to virtue and glory. The habit of indulging in things which our judgment cannot thoroughly approve, grows stronger and stronger by every act of self-gratification, and we are led on by degrees to an excess of luxury which must greatly weaken our hands in the spiritual warfare. If we do not endeavor to do that which is right in every particular circumstance, though trifling, we shall be in great danger of letting the same negligence take place in matters more essential.

Margaret Woods

Once again, the Bible gets to meddlin' with my life! 

Just yesterday I was trying to justify some slick receipt sleight-of-hand in order to save some money in a previously purchased ladder and a Black Friday sale.  

"Well, I could. . ."

"Yeah, but. . ."

"They are such a big company. . ."

Bottom line, I was trying to rationalize a semi-shady deal in order to save a few dollars.  (Luckily I had decided against any under-the-table retail shenanigans before reading today's verse.)  Margaret Woods speaks to this type of behavior very eloquently.

"Indulging in things which our judgment cannot thoroughly approve. . ."  If you have to justify, rationalize or contort a decision, most likely it is not the correct path.

"Endeavor to do that which is right in every (emphasis mine) particular situation. . ."  Not just the easy ones.  Not just those that are beneficial to you.  But EVERY situation.  

But what if it costs me more money?  EVERY situation

But what if it means I have to admit I made a mistake?  EVERY situation

But what if it means I am not part of a certain group?  EVERY situation

But what if it means I have to (fill in the blank)?  EVERY situation

EVERY means EVERY. 

*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- November 28
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/8534/pg8534.html

November 27, 2013

November 26, 2013

^{8 "}The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”  Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

A portion of today's verse from Deuteronomy is oft quoted.  "He will never leave nor forsake you."  This portion is reprised in Hebrews 13:8.  And while that particular portion of the verse can be a comfort and encouragement, it becomes even more powerful when linked with the previous statement in the verse.

"The LORD himself goes before you."  

Last night the Wizard of Oz was playing for the upteenth time on some cable channel.  I arrived just as the Tin Man was receiving his "heart", but today's verse reminded me of an earlier part of the movie where the four (five if you count Toto) travelers were on the Yellow Brick Road.  It was on this road where they discovered many trials and tribulations.

The group of fearful travelers stuck together on the path, but none of them knew what was around the next bend.  Angry apple trees- surprise!  Sleep inducing poppies- shock!  Flying monkeys- stunner!  While we might have a spouse, friend or family member who is faithful and steadfast, each turn and twist in life is as new and unknown to them as it is to us.

Not so with our Lord and Savior.  He not only "goes before us" but He has also orchestrated to His perfect will the path we are on.  He knows about and allows the poppies, monkeys and fruit slinging elms.  There is nothing He does not already know and allow to come into our lives.  He is never surprised, shocked or stunned by what life has in store for His children.  This coupled with the knowledge that He only wants the very best for His children, both collectively and individually, provides the reassurance that truly "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him."  Romans 8:28 (NIV)  

Whatever today holds, God has been there.  Whatever trials come your way today, God already knows about them.  Whatever challenges you are faced with, God has allowed.  He has been there and knows exactly what is needed get through.  More than just "get through".  To be victorious!

He is beside each of us as we walk down the path of joys, trials, smiles and tribulation.  He will not allow His children to do life alone.

*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- November 25
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/8534/pg8534.html

November 22, 2013

⁸ Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:8 (NIV)

³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Matthew 6:33 (NIV) 

These two verses, especially 6:33, are often quoted stand alones; however without context one is left wondering 1.  who is the "them" we are not to be like and 2. what are "all these things" eluded to in verse 33?

The "them" we are not to be like are the "hypocrites" and "pagans" who babble when they pray and do good work for the public admiration it will engender. Not to defend the pagans, but sadly enough, there are many who fill a church pew each Sunday (many of those are most likely born again) who also babble prayers and expect praise for good works. This brings up a discussion I have had on more than one occasion. That is where is the line between sharing a praise in Sunday School about a conversation that lead to a profesion of faith and boasting that you were the one that had that conversation? When does sharing the good works God is doing in a ministry in which you are involved become a cry for public praise?

Verse 6 also highlights on of the many "head scratchers" for me.  If God knows what I need before I pray, and He is a God who provides His children with all their needs, then what is the purpose of prayer?  Will God withhold a need of we don't pray for it?  What if we don't know it is a need therefore we don't ask for it?  What if we are praying for the wrong thing, will God still provide us with the correct blessing?  I don't view these as "angels dancing on the head of a pin" questions, but basic prayer purpose questions. 

Verse 33 also needs to be read, quoted and understood in context.  The verses immediately prior to verse 33 discuss only clothing and food.  Nothing else is mentioned as a part of "all these other things".

³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things (clothing and food) will be given to you as well. 

So let's look at the list:
1.  His Kingdom- check
2.  His righteousness- check
3.  Clothing- check
4.  Food- check
5.  Dream job- not on the list
6.  A mate-  not there either
7.  A nice house- nuh-uh
8.  A bass boat- Starting to get the picture?

How much faith is required to be satisfied with only items 1-4?  What depth of trust in and love for God must be present to sleep at night knowing that 1-4 are all God might choose to give us?

As I type this entry, I am hesitant to utter such a prayer of faith for fear God might hold me to it.  I say I trust Him.  I sing songs that profess complete faith.  But in the dark of night, when it is just Him and me, do I dare tell Him- clothing, food, Your kingdom and Your righteousness are all I really need?

November 21, 2013

November 15, 2013

¹⁰ So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
¹³ For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
    I will help you. 
Isaiah 41:10, 13 (NIV)

How anyone gets through life without a personal, intimate relationship with God is hard to image.  Not only is my Father in Heaven omnipotent and omniscience, His timing is always perfect.

A situation has arisen at work that is cause for concern.  It could be one of those sleep-robbing, joy-stripping episodes that dominate every waking hour.  I do have a knack for awfulizing.  (Awfulizing--To assume the worst possible outcome from any negative situation; to allow possible negative outcomes become a constant mental companion.)

This morning, God chose to wake me up a bit earlier than usual.  I made coffee, read some news, had a short time of prayer, and almost skipped updating this blog.  (You see, I had already prayed a bit and one must be careful about overdoing time with God.  [sarcasm intended])

Am I thankful I did not skip today's blog entry.

A few days ago, I decided to align the date of my blog entries with the dates from Daily Strength for Daily Needs.  Low and behold--Look at the verses for November 15, 2013!

I cannot think of a better pair of verses  for this morning than the ones from today's study.  D.S.D.N was written in 1896 and the Book of Isaiah around 760-715 B.C.  I am sitting in front of a computer in 2013.  Yet Jehovah Jireh, took all these pieces and put them together to provide EXACTLY the reassurance and peace I need for today's journey.

I could have skipped today's blog.  Mary Tileston could have rearranged her entries by a single day.   Isaiah could have reordered his writings.  But none of that happened.  My God, My Lord and Protector, My Compassionate Companion, My Savior masterfully brought all these things together in perfection to meet my needs.

All Praise to Him!

*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- November 15
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/8534/pg8534.html

November 13, 2013

^26b "let him do to me whatever seems good to him.” 2 Samuel 15:26b (NIV)

Dare to look up to God, and say, "Make use of me for the future as Thou wilt. I am of the same mind; I am one with Thee. I refuse nothing which seems good to Thee. Lead me whither Thou wilt, clothe me in whatever dress Thou wilt. Is it Thy will that I should be in a public or a private condition, dwell here, or be banished, be poor or rich? Under all these circumstances, I will testify unto Thee before men."
Epictetus, 4th century Bishop of Centumcellæ*


How many Christians sincerely, consistently, fervently pray that God's would do WHATEVER He deems best in our individual lives.  Not the collective "we", but the individual "me".  Whatever job.  Whatever financial level.  Whatever ministry.  Whomever for a spouse?  I would guess a small percentage of Believers pray whatever-is-Your-will prayers and are sincere in that prayer.

If not, then why not?  I would postulate it is out of fear of what God might require.  What if He asks me to remain single?  What if He asks me to change jobs AND take a pay cut?  What if He asks me to (fill in your greatest God-request fear)?

(Muddle Warning:  This next section is clear in my head, but might not be so much when put in writing.)

If you believe that:
A.  God is a personal God that hears your individual prayers.
AND
B.  God is willing to provide unique, personal answers to your prayers.
THEN
C.  Why don't we believe He will only require what is ultimately best for us?
AND
D.  Why don't we believe He is in control of all aspects of our individual lives and the world around us?

It is as if we believe in a personal, loving Heavenly Father when it comes to His willingness to listen to and respond to our prayers, but we have a lack of belief in so many of His other attributes.

Let's not pick and choose what we believe about God.  Either He is all the Bible purports Him to be, or He possesses none of those attributes.

"Lord I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief."  Mark 9:24 (NIV)
 

*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- November 13
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/8534/pg8534.html

November 12, 2013

Don't breathe a word of this to the top brass at the Southern Baptist Church I attend, but Muslims have one tradition that perhaps Christians would be wise to emulate.  Prayers throughout the day.  Perhaps not simultaneous, facing-the-qibla, work-stopping prayer, but prayer none-the-less.

Paul tells us to "pray without ceasing". 1 Thessalonians 5:17  Throughout the day, many Christians will utter a quick, open-eyed prayer about a particular situation at work, a calming prayer in traffic, or a guidance prayer for a quick decision.  But what if we took a page from a Muslim playbook and actually went into our office or closed-door classroom or our car and took 3-5 minutes of concerted, focused time alone with God two to three times each day?

Prayers of praise or confession.  Prayers for peace, guidance or wisdom.  These would not replace the "prayer without ceasing" prayers, but add an additional dimension to our daily walk with God.

The Pew Research Center recently reported that 91% of American adults have a cell phone and 56% of American adults have smart phones.*  All smart phones and the majority of other cell phones allow the user to set multiple alarms.  Since we don't live in a society that sounds a public prayer horn use modern technology to be your individual prayer horn.


Find some times (even if it is just a short part of your lunch break) to draw the shades, silence the cell phone, put the computer to sleep, and "Be still and know that (He) is God." Psalm 46:10  Jesus took time alone with God during his work day. Luke 6:12 Luke 11:1  Let's follow his example.


*http://pewinternet.org/Commentary/2012/February/Pew-Internet-Mobile.aspx

November 11, 2013

^{4 "}I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do."  John 7:4 (NIV)

⁸ "She did what she could." Mark 14:8a (NIV) 
 

Cheered by the presence of God, I will do at each moment, without anxiety, according to the strength which He shall give me, the work that His Providence assigns me. I will leave the rest without concern; it is not my affair. I ought to consider the duty to which I am called each day, as the work that God has given me to do, and to apply myself to it in a manner worthy of His glory, that is to say, with exactness and in peace. I must neglect nothing; I must be violent about nothing.

Francois De La Methe Fenelon (1651-1715)  French Roman Catholic archbishop*

All God requires of us is what He requires of us.  Not all problems can be fixed in a day.  Not all relationships mended with one phone call.  Not all bad habits reversed over night.  Not all projects completed forthwith.  Most often we are called to daily, minute-by-minute obedience, not miraculous, astounding, world-changing acts.  God will give us the strength we need to live each day for Him.  Tomorrow's strength is waiting for us tomorrow.

When the Israelites were in the wilderness, God provided them manna from heaven.  In Genesis the Bible tells us that any manna collected for the next day would be filled with maggots in the morning.  Exodus 16

What God calls us to do today is all we are called to do.  What prayers He instructs to pray--pray. What acts of service he calls us to perform--get to it.  What words of encouragement He puts on our heart--speak them.  Then in the evening, thank Him for the strength and guidance He provided and find rest knowing that, to the best of your ability, you did what you were called to do.  

Tomorrow's tasks, tomorrow's strength, tomorrow's guidance will be there. . . tomorrow. 

 

*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- November 11
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/8534/pg8534.html

November 8, 2013

²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³     he refreshes my soul.  Psalm 23:2,3 (NIV)


Out of obedience and devotion arises an habitual faith, which makes Him, though unseen, a part of all our life. He will guide us in a sure path, though it be a rough one: though shadows hang upon it, yet He will be with us. He will bring us home at last. Through much trial it may be, and weariness, in much fear and fainting of heart, in much sadness and loneliness, in griefs that the world never knows, and under burdens that the nearest never suspect. Yet He will suffice for all. By His eye or by His voice He will guide us, if we be docile and gentle; by His staff and by His rod, if we wander or are wilful (sic): any how, and by all means, He will bring us to His rest.
H.E. Manning (1865-1892) Archbishop of Westminster*

"Arises an habitual faith. . .a part of all our life."  Kristi, my lovely wife, is attending a Tuesday night Bible study and last week the topic of scripture memorization was discussed.  She said a portion of the discussion focused on scripture memorization vs living scripture.


Scripture memorization is a useful spiritual discipline and should not be neglected.  Whether witnessing, fighting a particularly strong temptation or offering Christian advice, having a plethora of memorized scripture on hand can be vital.  However, living scripture is a different level altogether.

When one lives scripture, all our actions, decisions and conversation are guided by Biblical principles.  The principles, axioms and guidance offered in the Holy Bible have become second nature.

H.E. Manning seems to be referring to this level of living.   Through "obedience and devotion" arises that scriptural life.  Faith is habitual.  Right thinking a daily pattern.  Godly wisdom is second nature.  But this level of Christian living is ONLY achieved through "obedience and devotion."

Obedience to the spiritual disciplines.  Devotion to God through an open mind and willing heart.  An "habitual faith" arises out of habitual obedience and devotion.  An "habitual faith" should be a goal for all of God's Adopted Sons and Daughters.

*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- November 8
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/8534/pg8534.html

November 7, 2013

*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- November 7
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/8534/pg8534.html

November 5, 2013

¹⁹ Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;  1 Corinthians 6:19 (NIV)


¹⁶ Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? ¹⁷ If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NIV)

This pearl of eternity is the church or temple of God within thee, the consecrated place of divine worship, where alone thou canst worship God in spirit and in truth. When once thou art well grounded in this inward worship, thou wilt have learned to live unto God above time and place. For every day will be Sunday to thee, and, wherever thou goest, thou wilt have a priest, a church, and an altar along with thee. For when God has all that He should have of thy heart, when thou art wholly given up to the obedience of the light and spirit of God within thee, to will only in His will, to love only in His love, to be wise only in His wisdom, then it is that everything thou dost is as a song of praise, and the common business of thy life is a conforming to God's will on earth as angels do in heaven.

Wm. Law (1868-1761) priest and theological writer*

Most often I have heard the "your body is a temple" verses preached as an admonishment to refrain from habits that damage our bodies-  smoking, over eating, lack of exercise, etc.  However, today's writing places those verses at a much higher level.

Our earthly temple still needs to be cared for in the physical realm, but it is so much more.  Worship, prayer, study of Holy scripture, communinon with God all took place in the temple.  The temple was where Jews would go to meet God, learn more about His word and receive cleansing from sin.  It was in the temple that worshippers could escape the worries and fears of life.  The temple was a place to lay one's burdens at the feed of God.

That temple is no longer a structure of bricks and mortar.  That temple is each individual Christian.  All of the relief, praise, wisdom and communion that used to take place withing the walls of a building can now occur within each Believer.

In the preChrist temple, the high priest would have to enter the Holy of Holies to commune with God on behalf of the people.  That is still true today.  But, Peter tells us that we, as Christians, are a royal priesthood. 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)  Therefore we have direct access to God through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.  We no longer need a human intercessor.

We do not have to seek out a place or priest.  No alter of stone is needed.  Lambs and calves for sacrifice are no longer necessary.

Christ is the ultimate sacrifice.  He is the High Priest that intercedes for us.  Our bodies are the temple, altar and Holy of Holies.  Just as God dwelt in the Temple of the Jewish people, He still resides in the temple.  But that temple is now the body of each believer.

Spend time today reflecting on the awesomeness of that reality!

*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- November 5
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/8534/pg8534.html

 

November 4, 2013

November 2, 2013

¹⁶ And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.  
Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)


¹¹ For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 1 John 3:11

Let the weakest, let the humblest remember, that in his daily course he can, if he will, shed around him almost a heaven. Kindly words, sympathizing attentions, watchfulness against wounding men's sensitiveness,—these cost very little, but they are priceless in their value. Are they not almost the staple of our daily happiness? From hour to hour, from moment to moment, we are supported, blest, by small kindnesses.

F.W. Robertson (1815-1863) English divine*

The world needs its Billy Grahams, Mother Teresas and Ravi Zachariases.  But perhaps even more it needs the Rachels who share "kindly words" at work, Carols to provide "sympathizing attentions" to her neighbors and Jeffs who are vigilant against "wounding men's sensitivities". 

Sermons are necessary.  Radio broadcasts needed.  Third-world volunteers a must.  Not all of us are called to preach, announce or move to India. However, each Christian is called to smile, listen and love.

Our day-to-day must be our witness.  Christ was there for those around Him.  Are we?  Christ made time for the hurting.  Do we?  

Can't preach?  Then love.  Can't move to New Delhi?  Then smile.  Can't host a radio ministry?  Then listen.

There was an article this week on the internet about a man who purchased 5,000 bitcoins, an electronic form of currency used on the internet.  He made his purchase four years ago for just under $27.00.  These bitcoins are now worth over $800,000.**  Kindness, sympathy and love have an even greater payoff.  Cost is minimal yet the return can be eternal.

*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- March 2
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/8534/pg8534.html 

**Bitcoin article