In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:4 ESV
31 This was how he died, leaving his death as an example of nobility and a record of virtue not only for the young but for the greater part of the nation. 2 Maccabees 6:31
Two different sources came together today for an morning time. The first verse above was the "Verse of the Day" from biblegateway.com. The second verse was today's reading from Daily Bread for Daily Needs. It is from the book of 2 Maccabees. First and Second Maccabbes are not books in the canonized Bible used by Protestant faiths, but is still used in the Catholic church. I do not profess to have the slightest idea of why the Maccabees are not part of "my" Bible, but today's reading aligns so well with the verse from Psalm, I wanted to use it.
David writes in Psalm 56, "What can flesh do to me?" Well in the verses leading up to 2 Maccabees 6:31, we see some of the things flesh can do to a person.
2 Macabees was written at a time when the Greeks were trying to get Jews to "violate their ancestral customs and live no longer by the laws of God." 2 Maccabees 6:1 In the verses in Chapter 6 are two frightening examples of what flesh can do to a person.
10 For example, two women were charged with having
circumcised their children. They were paraded publicly round the town,
with their babies hung at their breasts, and then hurled over the city
wall.
11 Other people, who had assembled in
some near-by caves to keep the seventh day without attracting attention,
were denounced to Philip, and were then all burnt to death together. . . 2 Macabees 6:10-11
Oh were I to have the strength of David, the disciples, missionaries, and indeed, Jesus Christ to fully realize what human beings are able to do to others, but still boldly live out my Christian life.
I shirk at giving that extra $100 a month to a worthy ministry because I worry about retirement. I shy away from speaking that word of witness to a lost friend out of a fear of making him uncomfortable.
David's question in Psalm 56:4 was rhetorical. He knew full well what flesh could to do another person. The real challenge is to forge ahead with God's plan with full knowledge of what earthly consequences may befall us.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Grandparents 5/29/2014
But the steadfast love of the Lord is
from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his
righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and
remember to do his commandments. Psalm 103:17-18 ESV
Lately there have been a spate of shows on Christian radio about the importance of Christian parenting. Hosts relate their child-rearing successes and humorous gaffs. There is no doubt of the importance of these topics and anecdotes. But the role of grandparents may often be overlooked.
Psalm 103 reminds us of the lasting affect a person's Christian walk can have for multiple generations. I read somewhere years ago, that a parent and grandparent can give the same advice to a child. The parent may be rewarded with an eye-roll, while the grandparent gets a look of thoughtful consideration.
Grandparents possess a lifetime of additional experiences, wisdom, and insight. I heard stories about the Great Depression, passenger trains, and Model A Fords They can be more objective when looking at issues that involve the child.
It is unfortunate that so many children must grow up miles from their grandparents. Weathered faces, gray hair, and family history are such an important part of my memories of summers, holidays, and birthdays.
I will never forget a conversation I had with Grandma Martin when I was going through my divorce. Near the end of the conversation she shared with me that were it not for God in her life, there were a few times early in her marriage to my grandfather, she was not sure their marriage would have survived. They ended up being married over 60 years. She did not share any specifics (my grandmother would never gossip), and I did not immediately fall on my knees as did Paul on the road to Damacus. But many years later when times got difficult, that particular conversation came to mind, and it reinforced my faith in God's providence.
A parents' role in child rearing does not stop with their own children. Caution and forbearance are a must, but so is a grandparents' presence in their grandchild's life.
Lately there have been a spate of shows on Christian radio about the importance of Christian parenting. Hosts relate their child-rearing successes and humorous gaffs. There is no doubt of the importance of these topics and anecdotes. But the role of grandparents may often be overlooked.
Psalm 103 reminds us of the lasting affect a person's Christian walk can have for multiple generations. I read somewhere years ago, that a parent and grandparent can give the same advice to a child. The parent may be rewarded with an eye-roll, while the grandparent gets a look of thoughtful consideration.
Grandparents possess a lifetime of additional experiences, wisdom, and insight. I heard stories about the Great Depression, passenger trains, and Model A Fords They can be more objective when looking at issues that involve the child.
It is unfortunate that so many children must grow up miles from their grandparents. Weathered faces, gray hair, and family history are such an important part of my memories of summers, holidays, and birthdays.
I will never forget a conversation I had with Grandma Martin when I was going through my divorce. Near the end of the conversation she shared with me that were it not for God in her life, there were a few times early in her marriage to my grandfather, she was not sure their marriage would have survived. They ended up being married over 60 years. She did not share any specifics (my grandmother would never gossip), and I did not immediately fall on my knees as did Paul on the road to Damacus. But many years later when times got difficult, that particular conversation came to mind, and it reinforced my faith in God's providence.
A parents' role in child rearing does not stop with their own children. Caution and forbearance are a must, but so is a grandparents' presence in their grandchild's life.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Lack of Tragedy 5/28/2014
This week's Sunday school lesson uses Acts 3:1-10 as its focus passage. The title of the lesson is "Hope Shared". The passage from Acts recounts the episode in Peter's and John's life where they were entering the temple and a "man who was lame from birth" was begging at the temple gate.
Peter tells the beggar "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” The man "stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God."
Today's reading from Acts highlights a struggle I am currently having with my role in the homeless ministry. While the ministry is certainly a worthwhile ministry, and I believe it has God's hand on it, is what I/we do really effective? Not only do I not have "silver or gold" as Peter and John, but I lack even the faith to speak a word of physical healing.
Sure I go down on a semiregular basis and speak of Jesus' miracles, David's failings, and God's love, but my words ring hollow even in my ears. My connection to their reality is so surface as to be laughable. I have heard the tales of woe. Seen the world weary faces. Held the street-scarred hands. But to what effect?
My white-bread, middle-class life has no basis for relating. When I talk of what God has done for me, it in no way connects to their lives.
God was able to guide me into the right major in college. (But I still had a great apartment and plenty to eat when He was guiding.)
God protected me on the road countless times when I used to drink. (Oh yeah, I had a car, money, and a place to drive home to.)
I write this with hesitancy because I don't want to seem unappreciative of God's provision. I am amazed that He has allowed me to be blessed at such a level considering how many times I have turned my back on His direction, correction, and love. But I have so little to offer our downtown friends. Pancakes. Sure. A 10-minute Bible story. Can do. But do those thing really matter? Do they change lives? Not likely.
Peter tells the beggar "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” The man "stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God."
Today's reading from Acts highlights a struggle I am currently having with my role in the homeless ministry. While the ministry is certainly a worthwhile ministry, and I believe it has God's hand on it, is what I/we do really effective? Not only do I not have "silver or gold" as Peter and John, but I lack even the faith to speak a word of physical healing.
Sure I go down on a semiregular basis and speak of Jesus' miracles, David's failings, and God's love, but my words ring hollow even in my ears. My connection to their reality is so surface as to be laughable. I have heard the tales of woe. Seen the world weary faces. Held the street-scarred hands. But to what effect?
My white-bread, middle-class life has no basis for relating. When I talk of what God has done for me, it in no way connects to their lives.
God was able to guide me into the right major in college. (But I still had a great apartment and plenty to eat when He was guiding.)
God protected me on the road countless times when I used to drink. (Oh yeah, I had a car, money, and a place to drive home to.)
I write this with hesitancy because I don't want to seem unappreciative of God's provision. I am amazed that He has allowed me to be blessed at such a level considering how many times I have turned my back on His direction, correction, and love. But I have so little to offer our downtown friends. Pancakes. Sure. A 10-minute Bible story. Can do. But do those thing really matter? Do they change lives? Not likely.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Friday, May 23, 2014
Construction Site 5/23/2014
Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. Romans 15:2 ESV
Most of us would acknowledge the power of a word of encouragement or praise. An atta' girl or boy can be just what a coworker or family member needs to get through a rough day. We recognize that a small favor for or going the extra mile for someone is a good thing. But Paul eludes to something much deeper than this.
In today's verse, the word "build" caught my attention. At some time in our lives, most of us have been impressed by all the goings on at a construction site. Whether it is the stories-high crane, the size of the earth movers being used, or the question "I wonder what that is going to be? They should have to put up a sign that tells us.", we all take note of new construction.
The successful construction of a structure takes planning, time, and materials. Much the same way we use our deeds and words to build up those in our sphere of influence. While the sporadic text of "have a great day" or voice mail "good luck with your test" are important, Paul's word choice "build" speaks to a long-term, intentional process.
Do I offer specific, consistent encouraging words to Seth? How often do I fold the laundry that I didn't put in the dryer? Do I celebrate Kristi's spiritual growth by engaging her in discussions and seeking her words of advice?
The Golden Gate Bridge took over four years to build. There are over 80,000 miles of cable suspending the roadway from the waters below. The two anchorage towers on each end, the Marin Tower and the San Francisco tower, each contain approximately 600,000 rivets.
Construction takes time. It is not the casual toss of a compliment every now and then. Construction is intentional and ongoing.
Most of us would acknowledge the power of a word of encouragement or praise. An atta' girl or boy can be just what a coworker or family member needs to get through a rough day. We recognize that a small favor for or going the extra mile for someone is a good thing. But Paul eludes to something much deeper than this.
In today's verse, the word "build" caught my attention. At some time in our lives, most of us have been impressed by all the goings on at a construction site. Whether it is the stories-high crane, the size of the earth movers being used, or the question "I wonder what that is going to be? They should have to put up a sign that tells us.", we all take note of new construction.
The successful construction of a structure takes planning, time, and materials. Much the same way we use our deeds and words to build up those in our sphere of influence. While the sporadic text of "have a great day" or voice mail "good luck with your test" are important, Paul's word choice "build" speaks to a long-term, intentional process.
Do I offer specific, consistent encouraging words to Seth? How often do I fold the laundry that I didn't put in the dryer? Do I celebrate Kristi's spiritual growth by engaging her in discussions and seeking her words of advice?
The Golden Gate Bridge took over four years to build. There are over 80,000 miles of cable suspending the roadway from the waters below. The two anchorage towers on each end, the Marin Tower and the San Francisco tower, each contain approximately 600,000 rivets.
Construction takes time. It is not the casual toss of a compliment every now and then. Construction is intentional and ongoing.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
EQ? 5/22/2014
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom
as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Galatians 5:13 ESV
I find it interesting, although not surprising, that so much of behavioral/sociological research that points to positive lifestyles, support Biblical premises.
In 1995, the concept of "emotional quotient" became the buzz word. In a nutshell, EQ is a measure of how well a person can recognize and control their emotions and emotional responses to situations. One oft-quoted measure of EQ involved a large group of children. All children were given one marshmallow and told that if they could eat the marshmallow any time they wished, but if they waited a set period of time to eat that marshmallow, they would be given another marshmallow.
It was noted that the children who waited long enough to get the second marshmallow were students who tended to do better in school, were better adjusted socially, and were generally more successful.
Galatians 5:13 eluded to this "breakthrough" 2000 years ago. When Paul wrote Galatians, he was writing to those who had been recently converted from Judiasm to Christianity. The freedom to which he refers was a freedom from the myrid of religious duties and restrictions of the Jewish faith. But Paul is admonishing them not to use this freedom for selfish gain. Don't gobble down the marshmallow just because you can.
The freedom we have in Christ enables us to serve each other.
Freedom from worry gives us the emotional strength to comfort others.
Freedom from financial worry gives the opportunity to give to others in need.
Freedom from ____________ gives us ____________________. (Other examples?)
Although the base word of freedom is "free". The freedom we have in Christ was certainly not free. Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Let's not allow that freedom to become an opportunity to become small and self-centered.
I find it interesting, although not surprising, that so much of behavioral/sociological research that points to positive lifestyles, support Biblical premises.
In 1995, the concept of "emotional quotient" became the buzz word. In a nutshell, EQ is a measure of how well a person can recognize and control their emotions and emotional responses to situations. One oft-quoted measure of EQ involved a large group of children. All children were given one marshmallow and told that if they could eat the marshmallow any time they wished, but if they waited a set period of time to eat that marshmallow, they would be given another marshmallow.
It was noted that the children who waited long enough to get the second marshmallow were students who tended to do better in school, were better adjusted socially, and were generally more successful.
Galatians 5:13 eluded to this "breakthrough" 2000 years ago. When Paul wrote Galatians, he was writing to those who had been recently converted from Judiasm to Christianity. The freedom to which he refers was a freedom from the myrid of religious duties and restrictions of the Jewish faith. But Paul is admonishing them not to use this freedom for selfish gain. Don't gobble down the marshmallow just because you can.
The freedom we have in Christ enables us to serve each other.
Freedom from worry gives us the emotional strength to comfort others.
Freedom from financial worry gives the opportunity to give to others in need.
Freedom from ____________ gives us ____________________. (Other examples?)
Although the base word of freedom is "free". The freedom we have in Christ was certainly not free. Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Let's not allow that freedom to become an opportunity to become small and self-centered.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Rest 5/19/2014
7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him. Psalm 37:7 (KJV)
Translations seem to be divided on "rest" vs. "be silent/still". Since I know no Hebrew whatsoever, I cannot attest to the best translation of Psalm 37. But my personal preference is "rest".
Rest in the Lord. Not read the Bible. Not write a blog. Not sing hymns. But simply rest. Relax. Recline.
I don't rest well. I work. I read. I write. But rest, not so much.
Rest implies so much that is lacking from many of our lives. Rest implies inactivity. Rest is quiet. Rest is solitude. Rest does not have an app.
When we rest we block out worry. We take the deepest of breaths, filling our lungs and allowing care to exit as we exhale.
Rest is silent. Rest is restorative. Rest is Biblical.
Rest in the Lord. Psalm 37:7
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence Psalm 62:5
But he (Jesus) would withdraw to desolate places and pray. Luke 5:15
Translations seem to be divided on "rest" vs. "be silent/still". Since I know no Hebrew whatsoever, I cannot attest to the best translation of Psalm 37. But my personal preference is "rest".
Rest in the Lord. Not read the Bible. Not write a blog. Not sing hymns. But simply rest. Relax. Recline.
I don't rest well. I work. I read. I write. But rest, not so much.
Rest implies so much that is lacking from many of our lives. Rest implies inactivity. Rest is quiet. Rest is solitude. Rest does not have an app.
When we rest we block out worry. We take the deepest of breaths, filling our lungs and allowing care to exit as we exhale.
Rest is silent. Rest is restorative. Rest is Biblical.
Rest in the Lord. Psalm 37:7
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence Psalm 62:5
But he (Jesus) would withdraw to desolate places and pray. Luke 5:15
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Friday, May 16, 2014
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Argue with God?! 5/15/2014
15 And he (Moses) said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. Exodus 33:14-15 (ESV)
This passage from Exodus shows the depth of trust and the strength of the relationship Moses had with God.
In the first three verses of Exodus 33, God tells Moses to lead the Israelite nation to the "a land flowing with milk and honey." (v 3) But, God also lets Moses know, "I will not go up among you, . . . for you are a stiff-necked people.” (v 2) God even promised to remove all obstacles to the move-- "I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanites, the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites." (v2)
When the nation of Israel heard the news that God was going to withdraw His hand from them, "they mourned". (v4) Too bad it took impending doom before God's people would return to Him. From stiff-necked to humble pie. Arrogant to repentant.
How many times in my life has my pride and self-sufficiency caused God to withdraw His hand of blessing from me? I can look back on times when God has allowed me "milk and honey", but His presence has been far from me. Those are some of the darkest, most regretful years of my life.
Luckily the Israelites had an intercessor in Moses. Verses 12-15 record an incredible conversation between Moses and God.
Moses tells God, "show me what I need to do to find your favor". Let me know God what is required of me. Obedience before relationship. (v 12-13)
In verse 15, Moses sums up what should be the guiding principal for every Christian. "And he (Moses) said to him (God), 'If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.'" This is an especially powerful statement from Moses considering the nation was camped out at the bottom of Mount Sinai at the time.
Without the presence of God, earthly riches and comforts meant nothing to Moses. Tents with God were preferred to cities without God. A God-filled life of poverty trumped a godless life of comfort.
God listened to and rewarded Moses' prayer of intercession for the nation of Israel. 14 And he (God) said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Obedience and intercession. Oh that I were better at both.
This passage from Exodus shows the depth of trust and the strength of the relationship Moses had with God.
In the first three verses of Exodus 33, God tells Moses to lead the Israelite nation to the "a land flowing with milk and honey." (v 3) But, God also lets Moses know, "I will not go up among you, . . . for you are a stiff-necked people.” (v 2) God even promised to remove all obstacles to the move-- "I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanites, the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites." (v2)
When the nation of Israel heard the news that God was going to withdraw His hand from them, "they mourned". (v4) Too bad it took impending doom before God's people would return to Him. From stiff-necked to humble pie. Arrogant to repentant.
How many times in my life has my pride and self-sufficiency caused God to withdraw His hand of blessing from me? I can look back on times when God has allowed me "milk and honey", but His presence has been far from me. Those are some of the darkest, most regretful years of my life.
Luckily the Israelites had an intercessor in Moses. Verses 12-15 record an incredible conversation between Moses and God.
Moses tells God, "show me what I need to do to find your favor". Let me know God what is required of me. Obedience before relationship. (v 12-13)
In verse 15, Moses sums up what should be the guiding principal for every Christian. "And he (Moses) said to him (God), 'If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.'" This is an especially powerful statement from Moses considering the nation was camped out at the bottom of Mount Sinai at the time.
Without the presence of God, earthly riches and comforts meant nothing to Moses. Tents with God were preferred to cities without God. A God-filled life of poverty trumped a godless life of comfort.
God listened to and rewarded Moses' prayer of intercession for the nation of Israel. 14 And he (God) said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Obedience and intercession. Oh that I were better at both.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Hope Expressed 5/14/2014
1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;
before the gods I sing your praise;
2 I bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.[a]
3 On the day I called, you answered me;
my strength of soul you increased.[b]
before the gods I sing your praise;
2 I bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.[a]
3 On the day I called, you answered me;
my strength of soul you increased.[b]
4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O Lord,
for they have heard the words of your mouth,
5 and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
for great is the glory of the Lord.
6 For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly,
but the haughty he knows from afar.
for they have heard the words of your mouth,
5 and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
for great is the glory of the Lord.
6 For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly,
but the haughty he knows from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
and your right hand delivers me.
8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
and your right hand delivers me.
8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Hope Expressed 5/12/2014
1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;
before the gods I sing your praise;
2 I bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.[a]
3 On the day I called, you answered me;
my strength of soul you increased.[b]
before the gods I sing your praise;
2 I bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.[a]
3 On the day I called, you answered me;
my strength of soul you increased.[b]
4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O Lord,
for they have heard the words of your mouth,
5 and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
for great is the glory of the Lord.
6 For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly,
but the haughty he knows from afar.
for they have heard the words of your mouth,
5 and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
for great is the glory of the Lord.
6 For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly,
but the haughty he knows from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
and your right hand delivers me.
8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
and your right hand delivers me.
8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Woo-hoo, I'm Suffering! 5/9/2014
21 and (Job) said: ". . .
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
may the name of the Lord be praised.”
Job 1:21 (ESV)
We are ready to praise when all shines fair; but when life is overcast, when all things seem to be against us, when we are in fear for some cherished happiness, or in the depths of sorrow, or in the solitude of a life which has no visible support, or in a season of sickness, and with the shadow of death approaching,—then to praise God; then to say, This fear, loneliness, affliction, pain, and trembling awe are as sure tokens of love, as life, health, joy, and the gifts of home: "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away;" on either side it is He, and all is love alike; "blessed be the name of the Lord,"—this is the true sacrifice of praise. What can come amiss to a soul which is so in accord with God? What can make so much as one jarring tone in all its harmony? In all the changes of this fitful life, it ever dwells in praise.
H.E. Manning
It is one thing to say, "All things work together for the good of those. . ." and "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away" and move on with a stoic acceptance. It is quite a different level of faith to say, "This fear, loneliness, affliction, pain, and trembling awe are as sure tokens of love, as life, health, joy, and the gifts of home."
Praise for pain? Songs for suffering? Cheers for calamity?
As I read the verse for today, I realized that Job is not praising God for the affliction. He is not joyous over the fact his children have just died. In fact, Job 1:20 tells us that Job displayed great grief and agony over all the calamity. He "tore his robe (and) shaved his head". Only after this display of grief did Job "fall to the ground in worship".
To dance, sing, and rejoice in tragedy is not natural or even possible for most of us. In fact, such behavior would most likely get us a visit from the men in white coats. Jesus wept. Jesus sweat drops of blood. Jesus grieved.
Job grieved, but he also worshiped. He lamented his loss, but did not blame God. Through the calamity, his faith in God remained steadfast.
Our humanity causes us to weep. But our divinity causes us to worship. Anguish and sorrow are inevitable, but through His power we can triumph.
In much the way we should hate the sin, not the sinner. We can hate the situation, but love the Savior.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
may the name of the Lord be praised.”
Job 1:21 (ESV)
We are ready to praise when all shines fair; but when life is overcast, when all things seem to be against us, when we are in fear for some cherished happiness, or in the depths of sorrow, or in the solitude of a life which has no visible support, or in a season of sickness, and with the shadow of death approaching,—then to praise God; then to say, This fear, loneliness, affliction, pain, and trembling awe are as sure tokens of love, as life, health, joy, and the gifts of home: "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away;" on either side it is He, and all is love alike; "blessed be the name of the Lord,"—this is the true sacrifice of praise. What can come amiss to a soul which is so in accord with God? What can make so much as one jarring tone in all its harmony? In all the changes of this fitful life, it ever dwells in praise.
H.E. Manning
It is one thing to say, "All things work together for the good of those. . ." and "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away" and move on with a stoic acceptance. It is quite a different level of faith to say, "This fear, loneliness, affliction, pain, and trembling awe are as sure tokens of love, as life, health, joy, and the gifts of home."
Praise for pain? Songs for suffering? Cheers for calamity?
As I read the verse for today, I realized that Job is not praising God for the affliction. He is not joyous over the fact his children have just died. In fact, Job 1:20 tells us that Job displayed great grief and agony over all the calamity. He "tore his robe (and) shaved his head". Only after this display of grief did Job "fall to the ground in worship".
To dance, sing, and rejoice in tragedy is not natural or even possible for most of us. In fact, such behavior would most likely get us a visit from the men in white coats. Jesus wept. Jesus sweat drops of blood. Jesus grieved.
Job grieved, but he also worshiped. He lamented his loss, but did not blame God. Through the calamity, his faith in God remained steadfast.
Our humanity causes us to weep. But our divinity causes us to worship. Anguish and sorrow are inevitable, but through His power we can triumph.
In much the way we should hate the sin, not the sinner. We can hate the situation, but love the Savior.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
It Ain't Rocket Science 5/6/2014
10 Love one another with brotherly affection.
Romans 12:10a (ESV)
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Proverbs 31:26 (ESV)
Sometimes the scripture is deep, heavy, and unfathomable. However, there are certain verses/passages that are pretty straightforward and simple.
Today's verses from Daily Strength for Daily Needs are in that straightforward category.
Just be nice. Plain, simple, basic. No hidden meaning. No parable to interpret. No pondering necessary. Just be nice.
Romans 12:10a (ESV)
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Proverbs 31:26 (ESV)
Sometimes the scripture is deep, heavy, and unfathomable. However, there are certain verses/passages that are pretty straightforward and simple.
Today's verses from Daily Strength for Daily Needs are in that straightforward category.
Just be nice. Plain, simple, basic. No hidden meaning. No parable to interpret. No pondering necessary. Just be nice.
Albert Barnes writes, "All usefulness and all comfort may be prevented by an unkind, a sour,
crabbed temper of mind,—a mind that can bear with no difference of opinion
or temperament. A spirit of fault-finding; an unsatisfied temper; a
constant irritability; little inequalities in the look, the temper, or the
manner; a brow cloudy and dissatisfied—your husband or your wife cannot
tell why—will more than neutralize all the good you can do, and render
life anything but a blessing."
How painfully personal are his two sentences. I can recall far too many times when I have tarnished an evening, outing, or weekend with an "unsatisfied temper", "constant irritability", or "cloudy brow". No matter how kind I try to be after that, the cloud I have created still lingers. All compliments and niceties offered up and fall just a bit short.
Be nice. Be kind. What a great place to start each day.
Friday, May 2, 2014
WHATEVER we ask?! 5/2/2014
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask
anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears
us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have
asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15 (ESV)
These two verses make prayer seem like a pretty straightforward proposition. We ask in God's will, He hears. He hears, He grants. Simple.
"Dear God. Please heal grandma from cancer." If it is God's will, He hears. He hears, He grants.
"Dear God. Please let me get that job." If it is God's will, He hears. He hears, He grants.
"Dear God. Please provide meals for the homeless." If it is God's will, He hears. He hears, He grants.
"Dear God. . ."
But if prayer were this simple, then why would Christ pray until his "sweat became like drops of blood"? Luke 22:44 (ESV)
Why would we need "effectual fervent" prayer? James 5:16 (KJV)
Ask, receive. God's will means fulfilled requests. On one hand, prayer seems so straight forward. On the other hand, it appears that better prayer equals better results. For something so important in our relationship to God, others, and indeed, our whole life, there seems to be a lack of uniformity or clarity.
The model prayer, Christ's blueprint for heavenly conversation, is even open to interpretation.
"Lead us not into temptation." Does that imply that if we do not pray that prayer, that God Himself, might put temptation into our paths? If we do pray that prayer, will we be temptation free? "Forgive us our trespasses. . ." Are we not forgiven all our sins, past, present, and future, when we come to God for salvation?
Is prayer ultimately about changing our individual hearts, minds, and actions to conform to God's likeness? If all things work out according to God's will, can we expect our prayers to change God's will? Perhaps prayer is about changing the individual, not the circumstances.
These two verses make prayer seem like a pretty straightforward proposition. We ask in God's will, He hears. He hears, He grants. Simple.
"Dear God. Please heal grandma from cancer." If it is God's will, He hears. He hears, He grants.
"Dear God. Please let me get that job." If it is God's will, He hears. He hears, He grants.
"Dear God. Please provide meals for the homeless." If it is God's will, He hears. He hears, He grants.
"Dear God. . ."
But if prayer were this simple, then why would Christ pray until his "sweat became like drops of blood"? Luke 22:44 (ESV)
Why would we need "effectual fervent" prayer? James 5:16 (KJV)
Ask, receive. God's will means fulfilled requests. On one hand, prayer seems so straight forward. On the other hand, it appears that better prayer equals better results. For something so important in our relationship to God, others, and indeed, our whole life, there seems to be a lack of uniformity or clarity.
The model prayer, Christ's blueprint for heavenly conversation, is even open to interpretation.
"Lead us not into temptation." Does that imply that if we do not pray that prayer, that God Himself, might put temptation into our paths? If we do pray that prayer, will we be temptation free? "Forgive us our trespasses. . ." Are we not forgiven all our sins, past, present, and future, when we come to God for salvation?
Is prayer ultimately about changing our individual hearts, minds, and actions to conform to God's likeness? If all things work out according to God's will, can we expect our prayers to change God's will? Perhaps prayer is about changing the individual, not the circumstances.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Misplaced Faith? 5/1/2014
8 When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. 2 And behold, a leper[a] came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” 3 And Jesus[b] stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”
The Faith of a Centurion
5 When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” 7 And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant,[c] ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel[d] have I found such faith. 11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, 12 while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.Matthew 8:1-13 (ESV)
As I spent time studying for this week's Sunday school lesson, I had a thought. . .
The majority of Jesus' healing miracles were done to/with persons who did not faith in Him as Lord and Savior. The centurion came to Jesus because he had heard of Jesus' healing powers. The leper also. I don't think either one was looking for forgiveness and reconciliation.
This helps answer my oft asked question, does God answer the prayers of unbelievers.
Yet this flies in the face of what I was taught growing up in church. Over the years, I have been taught that a prayer for salvation was the only one God responded to for an nonChristian. These two episodes (along with other healing miracles) seem to refute that teaching.
Thoughts?
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