38 “What
is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews
gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. 39 But
it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of
the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?”
40 They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising. John 18:38-41 ESV
Perhaps this would be better left for an Easter entry, but most likely if I wait until then I will have forgotten my point.
Today on the radio Ravi Zacharias was speaking of how the world is filled with evil and used this incident from the Bible as one example where evil trumped good. As I was thinking of the Jesus/Barabbas incident, I was struck with the timelessness of the story.
Two thousand years ago people were sacrificing good for evil. "Let us free Barabbas, murderer, insurrectionist. Murder what is good, pure, holy." How often in our own lives do we choose sin over righteousness? Evil over good? Tainted over pure? Whether it is how we use our time, money, or influence, we are all too often like the clamoring Jewish crowd, "Give us Barabbas! We don't want Jesus!"
We look back on the New Testament story with a lot of head scratching wondering, Why would they make such a choice? Well, friend, why do we? When given a choice between God's plan or the world's offering, why don't we choose God's plan 100% of the time? All too often we select Barabbas.
In Malachi 3:6, God tells the Israelites, "I the Lord do not change." For that I am ever so grateful. It would also seem that, left on its own, human nature does not change. It is only through the inner workings of the Holy Spirit can we begin to choose Jesus more and more over Barabbas.
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
But When? December 29, 2015
"My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have
told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go
and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me
that you also may be where I am. John 14:2-3 ESV
If my math is correct Jesus made this promise to his disciplines, his inner-circle, his closest of closest friends about 1,982 years ago (give or take a year or two). "I will come back and take you to be with me." Not you will be with me after you die a painful death and then join me in heaven. Not we will see each other after you have been imprisoned, beaten, and tortured. But "I will return and TAKE you with me." For a literal fulfillment of that promise, Jesus would have had to have returned within the disciples' lifetime and removed them from this earth.
34 AD, no return.
35 AD, still waiting.
45 AD, not yet.
90 AD, hmmm. . .
2015 AD, soon Jesus?
I can't help but think there were times the disciples questioned Jesus' declaration from that Passover meal. He promised. He said he was God. God can do all things. Where is he? We are being mocked, stoned, crucified. "Any time Jesus would be fine for that promise you made in the Upper Room."
How often do you get discouraged when God's promises are delayed? He promised you daily bread, but your child is hungry. He said He would meet all your needs, but you cannot find a job.
You won't always see God's wisdom and plan in the distant fulfillment of our prayers or His promises. Marriages still crumble. Illnesses linger. Loved ones die lost. There are reasons for His delays. A motive, a method for withholding a blessing until tomorrow He could have bestowed today. Faith requires you trust His timing even when it seems He is never going to "return and take you with Him."
Patience strengthens faith. Patience humbles. Patience deepens prayer. Patience is hard.
If my math is correct Jesus made this promise to his disciplines, his inner-circle, his closest of closest friends about 1,982 years ago (give or take a year or two). "I will come back and take you to be with me." Not you will be with me after you die a painful death and then join me in heaven. Not we will see each other after you have been imprisoned, beaten, and tortured. But "I will return and TAKE you with me." For a literal fulfillment of that promise, Jesus would have had to have returned within the disciples' lifetime and removed them from this earth.
34 AD, no return.
35 AD, still waiting.
45 AD, not yet.
90 AD, hmmm. . .
2015 AD, soon Jesus?
I can't help but think there were times the disciples questioned Jesus' declaration from that Passover meal. He promised. He said he was God. God can do all things. Where is he? We are being mocked, stoned, crucified. "Any time Jesus would be fine for that promise you made in the Upper Room."
How often do you get discouraged when God's promises are delayed? He promised you daily bread, but your child is hungry. He said He would meet all your needs, but you cannot find a job.
You won't always see God's wisdom and plan in the distant fulfillment of our prayers or His promises. Marriages still crumble. Illnesses linger. Loved ones die lost. There are reasons for His delays. A motive, a method for withholding a blessing until tomorrow He could have bestowed today. Faith requires you trust His timing even when it seems He is never going to "return and take you with Him."
Patience strengthens faith. Patience humbles. Patience deepens prayer. Patience is hard.
Monday, December 28, 2015
Like a Child December 28, 2015
3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3 ESV
This is my 30th year working with elementary-aged children, nine as a teacher and 21 as an administrator. Over this time, I have worked with thousands of children. Five-year olds first setting foot in a classroom. Twelve-year olds who think they already have life figured out. Children with IQs that far exceed mine. Others who struggle to read even two grade levels below their peers. So when I read today's verse, I wondered to which childlike traits Christ was referring.
Eagerness to learn? Excitement about life? Willingness to share with others their excitement? Openness to new ideas? Timidity? Reliance on their father (or other guardian)?
As I am pressed for time this morning, I am not able to read commentaries on this verse, but tonight I hope to have the time. I am curious as to what part of "childlike" will help us enter the kingdom of heaven.
This is my 30th year working with elementary-aged children, nine as a teacher and 21 as an administrator. Over this time, I have worked with thousands of children. Five-year olds first setting foot in a classroom. Twelve-year olds who think they already have life figured out. Children with IQs that far exceed mine. Others who struggle to read even two grade levels below their peers. So when I read today's verse, I wondered to which childlike traits Christ was referring.
Eagerness to learn? Excitement about life? Willingness to share with others their excitement? Openness to new ideas? Timidity? Reliance on their father (or other guardian)?
As I am pressed for time this morning, I am not able to read commentaries on this verse, but tonight I hope to have the time. I am curious as to what part of "childlike" will help us enter the kingdom of heaven.
Friday, December 25, 2015
End-all Gift December 25, 2015
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government
will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 ESV
Another Christmas morning in the bag. Pillsbury Orange Danish rolls hot from the oven. Sinless pastry coffee in the mug. Bing Crosby singing Christmas carols on Pandora. Perfect start to what looks like a perfect day.
As I looked over today's haul, I thought about how each gift was thoughtfully selected to serve a specific purpose. Domino racks to hold all the dominoes I have to draw when playing Mexican Train. MP3 compatible noise-reducing earmuffs to protect my hearing and allow me to listen to music when I mow. A sweater for when I am cold.
Contrast this to the most world-changing gift ever given- Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Isaiah tells us all our needs are met with this one magnificent gift. Need advice, guidance, direction- He is our Counselor. When we need strength- He is our Mighty God. Sweaters wear out, headphones need batteries. . .Jesus Christ is our Everlasting Father. Turmoil, distress, despair. . .He is our Prince of Peace.
He is the Gift that trumps all others. All we have to do is accept His offering to know peace, unconditional love, and complete forgiveness.
Happy Birthday, Jesus and Merry Christmas to all.
Isaiah 9:6 ESV
Another Christmas morning in the bag. Pillsbury Orange Danish rolls hot from the oven. Sinless pastry coffee in the mug. Bing Crosby singing Christmas carols on Pandora. Perfect start to what looks like a perfect day.
As I looked over today's haul, I thought about how each gift was thoughtfully selected to serve a specific purpose. Domino racks to hold all the dominoes I have to draw when playing Mexican Train. MP3 compatible noise-reducing earmuffs to protect my hearing and allow me to listen to music when I mow. A sweater for when I am cold.
Contrast this to the most world-changing gift ever given- Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Isaiah tells us all our needs are met with this one magnificent gift. Need advice, guidance, direction- He is our Counselor. When we need strength- He is our Mighty God. Sweaters wear out, headphones need batteries. . .Jesus Christ is our Everlasting Father. Turmoil, distress, despair. . .He is our Prince of Peace.
He is the Gift that trumps all others. All we have to do is accept His offering to know peace, unconditional love, and complete forgiveness.
Happy Birthday, Jesus and Merry Christmas to all.
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Conditional Gift December 23, 2015
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:13-14 ESV
If we grew up with the King James version of Christ's birth announcement, we remember the angels proclaiming "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." But several translations make a small, but significant change. That peace is reserved for those "with whom he is pleased." Click here for a sample.
This view of the proclamation makes it much more personal and requires action on our part. Christ's coming to earth did not guarantee an inner peace for all mankind. It was not a mist sprayed into the air that we all breathed in. It was not an additive to the world's water supply. In fact for many it did just the opposite. The Gospel story causes us to examine what we believe. It creates sleepless night for many unbelievers. Throughout history many have railed against that peace.
Jesus' birth did make peace possible. It created a pathway for reconcilation with God the Father from whom we are separated by our sin. But that peace is not a given. It comes at a price. We must sacrifice our will. We must accept His salvation. Self control becomes Christ control.
Peace was proclaimed, but only for those who accept.
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:13-14 ESV
If we grew up with the King James version of Christ's birth announcement, we remember the angels proclaiming "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." But several translations make a small, but significant change. That peace is reserved for those "with whom he is pleased." Click here for a sample.
This view of the proclamation makes it much more personal and requires action on our part. Christ's coming to earth did not guarantee an inner peace for all mankind. It was not a mist sprayed into the air that we all breathed in. It was not an additive to the world's water supply. In fact for many it did just the opposite. The Gospel story causes us to examine what we believe. It creates sleepless night for many unbelievers. Throughout history many have railed against that peace.
Jesus' birth did make peace possible. It created a pathway for reconcilation with God the Father from whom we are separated by our sin. But that peace is not a given. It comes at a price. We must sacrifice our will. We must accept His salvation. Self control becomes Christ control.
Peace was proclaimed, but only for those who accept.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Scratchin' My Head December 22, 2015
22 "And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith" Matthew 21:22 ESV
24 "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24 ESV
13 "Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it." John 13:13-14 ESV
These verses would lead a person to believe that if one makes a prayerful petition AND that request is in God's will, then it will happen. Seems pretty clear cut. Ask-get. Believe-receive. Of course the caveat is that the request must be in God's will. There is the rub. How do we ascertain God's will? We don't know the big picture. Many times we are unable to determine how happening A will affect person B which in turn will cause change C to happen. BUT. . .what about those things that scripture would seem to state are clearly in God's will for everyone? Hmmmm. . .
Ann, a teacher at Sunshine, is a born-again, spirit-led Christian. She is a very Christ-like person who lives out the fruit of the Spirit. Her mother is within days, if not hours, of death. Right before break, Ann and I were talking about her mother, and I asked if she (mom) was a Christian. Ann shared with me that she was not and in fact when Ann tried to share the Gospel messages several years back, she was rewarded with a few choice words from mom. Since that time, Ann has tested the waters again and, while her mom has not been as hostile, there is still a refusal to accept Christ as Savior.
Ann is praying. I am praying. Various small groups are praying. Ann's mother still remains lost, and time is running out. Herein lies my confusion. . .
4 (God) desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1Timothy 2:4 ESV
9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 ESV
The verses from Matthew and Mark at the first of this entry clearly state that prayers in God's will are answered. Timothy and Peter write that God wishes all to be saved, therefore salvation for all is in God's will. If both these sets of verses are true, then by extension any person who has the prayers of believers for salvation will accept Christ, but we know this is not true.
Thoughts?
24 "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24 ESV
13 "Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it." John 13:13-14 ESV
These verses would lead a person to believe that if one makes a prayerful petition AND that request is in God's will, then it will happen. Seems pretty clear cut. Ask-get. Believe-receive. Of course the caveat is that the request must be in God's will. There is the rub. How do we ascertain God's will? We don't know the big picture. Many times we are unable to determine how happening A will affect person B which in turn will cause change C to happen. BUT. . .what about those things that scripture would seem to state are clearly in God's will for everyone? Hmmmm. . .
Ann, a teacher at Sunshine, is a born-again, spirit-led Christian. She is a very Christ-like person who lives out the fruit of the Spirit. Her mother is within days, if not hours, of death. Right before break, Ann and I were talking about her mother, and I asked if she (mom) was a Christian. Ann shared with me that she was not and in fact when Ann tried to share the Gospel messages several years back, she was rewarded with a few choice words from mom. Since that time, Ann has tested the waters again and, while her mom has not been as hostile, there is still a refusal to accept Christ as Savior.
Ann is praying. I am praying. Various small groups are praying. Ann's mother still remains lost, and time is running out. Herein lies my confusion. . .
4 (God) desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1Timothy 2:4 ESV
9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 ESV
The verses from Matthew and Mark at the first of this entry clearly state that prayers in God's will are answered. Timothy and Peter write that God wishes all to be saved, therefore salvation for all is in God's will. If both these sets of verses are true, then by extension any person who has the prayers of believers for salvation will accept Christ, but we know this is not true.
Thoughts?
Sunday, December 20, 2015
A Sledgehammer or Feather Pillow December 20, 2015
Recently a van had created a gate in our wood fence where none had previously existed, so we had the fence replaced. I asked the installer to leave some of the old fence posts behind for a project I had in mind. What I had neglected to factor in was that each post would have a LARGE chunk of concrete still attached. Before these posts would be useful, I had to remove the concrete. Enter the sledgehammer. SMASH! CLUNK! THUMP! After three or four full-swing strikes, the concrete base fell away in two large pieces, making the post useful once again.
God's word should be a sledgehammer in our lives. His word is not just a feather pillow designed to make our lives restful and relaxing. Yes, there are verses of comfort we can turn to in times of distress and sorrow, but in Hebrews we are reminded that the "word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 ESV
It is easy to get encased in the concrete of habit and complacency. Set in our ways. Rooted in ritual. We must be willing to allow the word of God to strike our souls like a sledgehammer and break away the weight that is keeping us from reaching our full potential in God's kingdom. Do we trust God enough to pray for that celestial sledge? Do we long for that spiritual sword to pierce us deeply? Until we allow God to break away the unnecessary and destructive, we will never know.
God's word should be a sledgehammer in our lives. His word is not just a feather pillow designed to make our lives restful and relaxing. Yes, there are verses of comfort we can turn to in times of distress and sorrow, but in Hebrews we are reminded that the "word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 ESV
It is easy to get encased in the concrete of habit and complacency. Set in our ways. Rooted in ritual. We must be willing to allow the word of God to strike our souls like a sledgehammer and break away the weight that is keeping us from reaching our full potential in God's kingdom. Do we trust God enough to pray for that celestial sledge? Do we long for that spiritual sword to pierce us deeply? Until we allow God to break away the unnecessary and destructive, we will never know.
Friday, December 18, 2015
Growth, Not Knowledge December 18, 2015
We shall find that the spheres God brings us into are not meant to teach us something but to make us something. --Oswald Chambers
God is about creating. He created the heavens and earth. He created the fish and fowl. He created Adam and Eve. The creation mindset continues in to the New Testament in Christ's work.
15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two. . . Ephesians 2:15 ESV
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
When we become a Child of God, we are a new creation. The old is wiped away and we become a new person. Yes, the old habits will still rear their ugly heads. We will still have the same internal and external battles. But in God's eyes we are spotless, righteous, and transformed.
However, since we are still imperfect humans living in a fallen world, our actions will not always be pleasing to our Savior. Our attitudes will still fall short. Our thoughts will stray from the holy and pure. That's why God continues to work in our lives. Paul recognized this in his epistles to the New Testament churches. Many of his writings are to redirect, encourage, and admonish individuals or congregations who were continuing to grow as a body of believers.
Each incident, happening, situation that God allows into our lives is designed with one purpose in mind--to bring us closer to a likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. Yes we will learn a lesson, but that lesson is not the purpose. An increased Christ-likeness is the purpose of all that takes place throughout our lives. It is up to us to allow life to move us toward Christ.
Example: At school we are to have a duck and cover drill each quarter. I failed to get in the 2nd quarter drill in time because I left it until the last week and school got very busy and it did not happen. Lesson learned- Don't leave things until the last week. But that is secondary to the greater truth found in Colossians 3:23-24 ESV 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Being a Christ-like employee was the goal of the lesson. The lesson taught a management technique, but goal was much higher than emergency drills.
God is not about teaching lessons. He is about transforming character.
God is about creating. He created the heavens and earth. He created the fish and fowl. He created Adam and Eve. The creation mindset continues in to the New Testament in Christ's work.
15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two. . . Ephesians 2:15 ESV
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
When we become a Child of God, we are a new creation. The old is wiped away and we become a new person. Yes, the old habits will still rear their ugly heads. We will still have the same internal and external battles. But in God's eyes we are spotless, righteous, and transformed.
However, since we are still imperfect humans living in a fallen world, our actions will not always be pleasing to our Savior. Our attitudes will still fall short. Our thoughts will stray from the holy and pure. That's why God continues to work in our lives. Paul recognized this in his epistles to the New Testament churches. Many of his writings are to redirect, encourage, and admonish individuals or congregations who were continuing to grow as a body of believers.
Each incident, happening, situation that God allows into our lives is designed with one purpose in mind--to bring us closer to a likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. Yes we will learn a lesson, but that lesson is not the purpose. An increased Christ-likeness is the purpose of all that takes place throughout our lives. It is up to us to allow life to move us toward Christ.
Example: At school we are to have a duck and cover drill each quarter. I failed to get in the 2nd quarter drill in time because I left it until the last week and school got very busy and it did not happen. Lesson learned- Don't leave things until the last week. But that is secondary to the greater truth found in Colossians 3:23-24 ESV 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Being a Christ-like employee was the goal of the lesson. The lesson taught a management technique, but goal was much higher than emergency drills.
God is not about teaching lessons. He is about transforming character.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
December 15, 2015
God's hand of protection. What does that mean? Only minor catastropies? Only small melinomas? Only short periods of unemployment? Only short recessions? Wars we win? Many are saying that the United States of America is or has lost any special favor in God's eyes. Some would argue that perhaps we never had it. I am of the opinion that God did allow our nation to prosper because were a nation of Christians. No, not everyone. No, we were not a perfect nation. But it cannot be argued that we have done more for the cause of Christianity than another nation on earth. Missionaries. Christian charities. Christian radio and television broadcasts that circle the globe.
It stands to reason that if God extended a special blessing, that blessing can also be lost. The Old Testament is replete with stories of Israel, God's covenant people. losing God's hand of protection and as a result suffering political and economic ruin. Would we be so arrogant to think we can avoid this same outcome?
Church attendance is continuing to decrease. The percentage of people who claim Christianity as their faith is at its lowest point ever in our country's history. Personal morality reflects little of Christian values. Are we at a tipping point? I believe so. Congress is largely ineffective. The nation is as racially divided at anytime since the Civil Rights movement. Personal feelings of entitlement are ingrained.
Pessimistic? Perhaps, but I prefer "realistic". I don't see any movement toward a reversal of the tack are on. Time to give up? Live in a hole? Quite the contrary.
These times should inspire, motivate, energize Christians. Christ's second coming is close that ever. The persecution of the Christian church will increase. That "next week" conversation with a lost coworker may never happen. Next month for the church invite for an unsaved neighbor might be too late.
Internally deepen your faith, knowledge, and resolve. Externally build relationships that open the door for the sharing of the Gospel story.
It stands to reason that if God extended a special blessing, that blessing can also be lost. The Old Testament is replete with stories of Israel, God's covenant people. losing God's hand of protection and as a result suffering political and economic ruin. Would we be so arrogant to think we can avoid this same outcome?
Church attendance is continuing to decrease. The percentage of people who claim Christianity as their faith is at its lowest point ever in our country's history. Personal morality reflects little of Christian values. Are we at a tipping point? I believe so. Congress is largely ineffective. The nation is as racially divided at anytime since the Civil Rights movement. Personal feelings of entitlement are ingrained.
Pessimistic? Perhaps, but I prefer "realistic". I don't see any movement toward a reversal of the tack are on. Time to give up? Live in a hole? Quite the contrary.
These times should inspire, motivate, energize Christians. Christ's second coming is close that ever. The persecution of the Christian church will increase. That "next week" conversation with a lost coworker may never happen. Next month for the church invite for an unsaved neighbor might be too late.
Internally deepen your faith, knowledge, and resolve. Externally build relationships that open the door for the sharing of the Gospel story.
Monday, December 14, 2015
Peace on Earth December 14, 2015
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 ESV
2 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. John 14:1 ESV
Never in scripture does Jesus talk about peace beyond individual peace. Not peaceful communities. Not a peaceful world. So often the "peace on earth" of which the angels spoke of has been misinterpreted to mean a world without trials and war. In many translations, "peace on earth" in Luke 2:14 is followed by the phrase "among those who please Him". This peace is for those who accept Jesus Christ as Savior.
What is promised is peace for the individual believer. Not a peaceful external life. Quite the opposite is in store for many Believers. But an internal peace. A "peace that surpasses all understanding."
Our world peace begins within. It is this peace, this joy, this love that will turn others toward Him. World peace makes for a nice Coca Cola commercial, but it will never happen before Christ's second coming. However, inner peace, that is a promise, a guarantee if we will but allow it into our lives.
2 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. John 14:1 ESV
Never in scripture does Jesus talk about peace beyond individual peace. Not peaceful communities. Not a peaceful world. So often the "peace on earth" of which the angels spoke of has been misinterpreted to mean a world without trials and war. In many translations, "peace on earth" in Luke 2:14 is followed by the phrase "among those who please Him". This peace is for those who accept Jesus Christ as Savior.
What is promised is peace for the individual believer. Not a peaceful external life. Quite the opposite is in store for many Believers. But an internal peace. A "peace that surpasses all understanding."
Our world peace begins within. It is this peace, this joy, this love that will turn others toward Him. World peace makes for a nice Coca Cola commercial, but it will never happen before Christ's second coming. However, inner peace, that is a promise, a guarantee if we will but allow it into our lives.
Saturday, December 12, 2015
It's Not Just About Hell December 12, 2015
As I was working in the yard this morning, I was think about the phrase "Lord and Savior". When people think of Jesus Christ as Savior, we most often think of eternal salvation. Salvation from hell. Salvation to an eternity in heaven. But He is also our more immediate Savior.
A right relation with God through Jesus Christ can save us from:
Anxiety: 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7 ESV
Broken relationships: 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:8 ESV
Loneliness: 24 but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 ESV
Saying stupid things: 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt. . . Colossians 4:6 ESV
With just a little bit of thought and research, I daresay that for any and all things that are problematic in life there is a verse(s) that addresses that area. By reconciling ourselves to God through the a saving faith in Jesus Christ, we are promised full access to His wisdom, His enlightenment, and His power. Jesus came not just to offer eternal salvation, but also immediate salvation. We don't have to wait until we are dead to be saved.
A right relation with God through Jesus Christ can save us from:
Anxiety: 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7 ESV
Broken relationships: 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:8 ESV
Loneliness: 24 but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 ESV
Saying stupid things: 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt. . . Colossians 4:6 ESV
With just a little bit of thought and research, I daresay that for any and all things that are problematic in life there is a verse(s) that addresses that area. By reconciling ourselves to God through the a saving faith in Jesus Christ, we are promised full access to His wisdom, His enlightenment, and His power. Jesus came not just to offer eternal salvation, but also immediate salvation. We don't have to wait until we are dead to be saved.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
not done December 10, 2015
21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. 23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. Galatians 4:21 ESV
One man, two women, same result. Abraham "knew" both Hagar and Sarah. Both women had a son as a result of this union. But as Paul writes one was of the flesh, which alluded to the world and one "born through promise" which points to a spiritual birth and purpose.
Sarah's son was the father of a nation. Mentioned in the lineage of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. While Hagar's son, Ishmael, was the father of a faith of which many of the adherents remain in conflict with God's elect. Why did the same natural act have such vastly different spiritual results? In one word--obedience. Abraham stepped outside of God's perfect plan for his life when he slept with Hagar. He and Sarah thought God needed help. Yahweh was not moving quick enough for them. As a result, countless lives have been lost, families ruined, and nations toppled.
One man, two women, same result. Abraham "knew" both Hagar and Sarah. Both women had a son as a result of this union. But as Paul writes one was of the flesh, which alluded to the world and one "born through promise" which points to a spiritual birth and purpose.
Sarah's son was the father of a nation. Mentioned in the lineage of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. While Hagar's son, Ishmael, was the father of a faith of which many of the adherents remain in conflict with God's elect. Why did the same natural act have such vastly different spiritual results? In one word--obedience. Abraham stepped outside of God's perfect plan for his life when he slept with Hagar. He and Sarah thought God needed help. Yahweh was not moving quick enough for them. As a result, countless lives have been lost, families ruined, and nations toppled.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Walk Around the Puddle December 9, 2815
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
Over the past several years, I have made a small, but significant change in how I address students when a behavior issue pops up. In the past, I have told/reminded the child what not to do: "Don't hit Tommy." "Don't run in the hall." "Don't interrupt the teacher." Each time I addressed a child in this manner the focus was on the negative behavior.
I don't remember where I read it years ago, but a simple change brings the focus to the positive. "Remember to keep your hands to yourself." "Please walk in the hall." "You need to raise your hand when your teacher is talking." Now the correct behavior is called to the child's mind.
This morning, as I was discussing the upcoming workday with God, He impressed on me that my prayer life should mirror this approach. "Please help me to not (insert sin here)" can become "Please help me (insert Fruit of the Spirit here)".
Help me control my temper- negative focus. Help me be gentle today- positive focus. Protect my mind from lust today- negative focus. Allow only pure thought today- positive focus. Keep me from worrying today- negative. Guard my mind with Your peace- positive focus.
In addition to placing the focus on prayer, this type of positive-focused prayer also forces a Believer to recall scripture. Galatians 5:22-23 and Philippians 4:8 are two scripture that, when prayed, cover a multitude of attitudes and thought we should put into play each day.
Pray the positive.
Over the past several years, I have made a small, but significant change in how I address students when a behavior issue pops up. In the past, I have told/reminded the child what not to do: "Don't hit Tommy." "Don't run in the hall." "Don't interrupt the teacher." Each time I addressed a child in this manner the focus was on the negative behavior.
I don't remember where I read it years ago, but a simple change brings the focus to the positive. "Remember to keep your hands to yourself." "Please walk in the hall." "You need to raise your hand when your teacher is talking." Now the correct behavior is called to the child's mind.
This morning, as I was discussing the upcoming workday with God, He impressed on me that my prayer life should mirror this approach. "Please help me to not (insert sin here)" can become "Please help me (insert Fruit of the Spirit here)".
Help me control my temper- negative focus. Help me be gentle today- positive focus. Protect my mind from lust today- negative focus. Allow only pure thought today- positive focus. Keep me from worrying today- negative. Guard my mind with Your peace- positive focus.
In addition to placing the focus on prayer, this type of positive-focused prayer also forces a Believer to recall scripture. Galatians 5:22-23 and Philippians 4:8 are two scripture that, when prayed, cover a multitude of attitudes and thought we should put into play each day.
Pray the positive.
Monday, December 7, 2015
It's Not Always About Rainbows December 7, 2015
10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 ESV
Joy. Contentment. Felicity. While most Christians would agree that we will not walk around smiling like the Cheshire Cat all the time, we do think that there is to be an omnipresent joy and contentment in our lives. Today's verse would say otherwise.
Paul tells his readers that we will experience grief at times. Joy will be pushed out. Contentment replaced. Paul's letter to the church at Corinthians was the cause for godly grief.
(2 Corinthians 7:8,9 ESV) But that grief had a purpose. The sorrow served a greater good. This grief created an "earnestness", a "zeal", a "longing" in the members of the Corinthian church. Had the discomfort not been present, the efforts to eradicate that discomfort would not have manifest.
Change and growth come out of trials and challenges. Grief can bring about growth. Do we like it? No. Is it necessary? Yes.
Joy. Contentment. Felicity. While most Christians would agree that we will not walk around smiling like the Cheshire Cat all the time, we do think that there is to be an omnipresent joy and contentment in our lives. Today's verse would say otherwise.
Paul tells his readers that we will experience grief at times. Joy will be pushed out. Contentment replaced. Paul's letter to the church at Corinthians was the cause for godly grief.
(2 Corinthians 7:8,9 ESV) But that grief had a purpose. The sorrow served a greater good. This grief created an "earnestness", a "zeal", a "longing" in the members of the Corinthian church. Had the discomfort not been present, the efforts to eradicate that discomfort would not have manifest.
Change and growth come out of trials and challenges. Grief can bring about growth. Do we like it? No. Is it necessary? Yes.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
10,000 Hours December 2, 2015
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Philippians 3:12 ESV
"I am called to live in perfect relation to God so that my life produces a longing after God in other lives, not admiration for myself." (My Utmost. Chambers.)
My relationship to God is not about me. It is not about me becoming more Christ-like. It is not about me spending time in prayer. It is not about my time in Scripture. No, these are merely things I do in order to be a person who "produces a longing after God in other lives." I might the holiest person on earth, but if I am not leading others to Christ, what good am I? God may be revealing great truths to me on a daily basis, but if my speech is not causing others to think about Christ, then I am a waste of breath.
Malcolm Gladwell writes about the "10,000-hour Rule". This rule states that to achieve world-class expertise in any skill, one must put in 10,000 of correct practice on that skill. To make this 10,000 goal a reality, 4 hours of practice 7 days a week for 10 years would be required. Now for most of us, that amount devotion to any one endeavor is impractical, perhaps impossible, which is exactly why there are so few world-class experts. However, the 10,000-hour Rule does highlight an important principal. It is not the practice that is the end in and of itself. The practice is merely a pathway to greatness.
As Christians Bible study, meditation, prayer, etc. are not the goal. Even a closer relationship with God is not the reason we are put on earth. Our prayer, Bible study, even our relationship with God are all ultimately a vehicle to point others to Jesus Christ. We have no other purpose, no other reason for existence on this earth.
"I am called to live in perfect relation to God so that my life produces a longing after God in other lives, not admiration for myself." (My Utmost. Chambers.)
My relationship to God is not about me. It is not about me becoming more Christ-like. It is not about me spending time in prayer. It is not about my time in Scripture. No, these are merely things I do in order to be a person who "produces a longing after God in other lives." I might the holiest person on earth, but if I am not leading others to Christ, what good am I? God may be revealing great truths to me on a daily basis, but if my speech is not causing others to think about Christ, then I am a waste of breath.
Malcolm Gladwell writes about the "10,000-hour Rule". This rule states that to achieve world-class expertise in any skill, one must put in 10,000 of correct practice on that skill. To make this 10,000 goal a reality, 4 hours of practice 7 days a week for 10 years would be required. Now for most of us, that amount devotion to any one endeavor is impractical, perhaps impossible, which is exactly why there are so few world-class experts. However, the 10,000-hour Rule does highlight an important principal. It is not the practice that is the end in and of itself. The practice is merely a pathway to greatness.
As Christians Bible study, meditation, prayer, etc. are not the goal. Even a closer relationship with God is not the reason we are put on earth. Our prayer, Bible study, even our relationship with God are all ultimately a vehicle to point others to Jesus Christ. We have no other purpose, no other reason for existence on this earth.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Galatians 2:20 December 1, 2015
20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. Galatians 2:20 ESV
"The passion of Christianity is that I deliberately sign away my own rights and become a bond-slave of Jesus Christ." (Chambers. My Utmost for His Highest. Dec. 1)
Can you recall the exact moment of your salvation? Was it at a brush arbor meeting? A Sunday morning service? Perhaps on your sickbed or in the middle of a crisis? Many of us can recall that exact moment when Jesus Christ became our Lord and Savior. Others may not be able to pinpoint that specific time, but either way, for a true Born-again Believer, there has had to have been that time when a conscious decision was made to believe in one's sinful self, Christ's divinity, and His blood being the only way to redemption.
I wonder what percentage of us can remember the day, time, or events surrounding our salvation? My guess is that for many the specifics may be cloudy, but the assurance clear. While our salvation experience is a specific event, how many of us can say we "deliberately sign away (our) own rights" to Christ? Are we as deliberate in denying our self interest and individual rights and accepting God's lordship as we are in accepting the gift of salvation?
In Baptist churches alter calls used to be the norm. While not as prevalent as in years past, many churches still reserve a time at the end of the sermon for people to publicly profess their acceptance of Jesus Christ by walking to the front of the sanctuary into the arms of a pastor or deacon. I wonder what would happen if an alter call were issued for those who are willing to give up 100% of self, 100% of entitlement, and 100% of "my" rights. Would I be willing to respond to such an alter call? Would you?
"The passion of Christianity is that I deliberately sign away my own rights and become a bond-slave of Jesus Christ." (Chambers. My Utmost for His Highest. Dec. 1)
Can you recall the exact moment of your salvation? Was it at a brush arbor meeting? A Sunday morning service? Perhaps on your sickbed or in the middle of a crisis? Many of us can recall that exact moment when Jesus Christ became our Lord and Savior. Others may not be able to pinpoint that specific time, but either way, for a true Born-again Believer, there has had to have been that time when a conscious decision was made to believe in one's sinful self, Christ's divinity, and His blood being the only way to redemption.
I wonder what percentage of us can remember the day, time, or events surrounding our salvation? My guess is that for many the specifics may be cloudy, but the assurance clear. While our salvation experience is a specific event, how many of us can say we "deliberately sign away (our) own rights" to Christ? Are we as deliberate in denying our self interest and individual rights and accepting God's lordship as we are in accepting the gift of salvation?
In Baptist churches alter calls used to be the norm. While not as prevalent as in years past, many churches still reserve a time at the end of the sermon for people to publicly profess their acceptance of Jesus Christ by walking to the front of the sanctuary into the arms of a pastor or deacon. I wonder what would happen if an alter call were issued for those who are willing to give up 100% of self, 100% of entitlement, and 100% of "my" rights. Would I be willing to respond to such an alter call? Would you?
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Best of Times, Worst of Times November 28, 2015
7 But
the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they
multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with
them. Exodus 1:7 ESV
12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. Exodus 1:12 ESV
Two verses. Same chapter. Same nation- Israel. Same era- living in Egypt. Same outcome- different circumstances.
After Joseph passed away in Egypt, the writer of Exodus reports that the Israelite people "multiplied and grew exceedingly strong." Things appeared to have been good for the Israelites. There is no mention of any conflict with or oppression by the Egyptian government. No doubt Joseph was still remembered, and perhaps, revered by many as having been the savior during the seven year famine. (Genesis 41)
However only 5 verses later, the situation takes a dramatic turn for the worse. "A new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph" (Exodus 1:8) came to power. Not a good turn of events. The new king said, "let us deal shrewdly with them. . .” 11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens." (Exodus 1:10,11 ESV)
In both instances we see God bless His chosen people. The nation of Israel grew stronger. But God allowed that growth in two very different circumstances. There is no record of the Israelites having strayed from their faith. No mention of their slip in to idolatry that created the need for punishment or discipline. The situation just changed according to God's plan.
It is easy when times get rough to withdraw, to pull back and hope/pray the season will pass. But in Exodus we see that God's people continue to grow. His elect prospered (at least in size) during the time of oppression. In fact, it appears the oppression was a stimulus for growth. More oppression led to more growth. (verse 12)
I am sure that there were those who questioned God's plan. Why? What did we do wrong? But history tells us that this time of persecution was necessary to fulfill God's plan. Without the oppression, no edict to kill the male babies. No edict meant no Moses in the bulrushes. The chain of events is clear right up to the release of the Israelite people where they "plundered the Egyptians." (Exodus 12:36 ESV)
Republicans/Democrats in power = growth. Good boss/horrible boss = growth. Healthy/cancer = growth. God will work His plan in your life through many situations. Your obedience is all that is needed, regardless of the external.
12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. Exodus 1:12 ESV
Two verses. Same chapter. Same nation- Israel. Same era- living in Egypt. Same outcome- different circumstances.
After Joseph passed away in Egypt, the writer of Exodus reports that the Israelite people "multiplied and grew exceedingly strong." Things appeared to have been good for the Israelites. There is no mention of any conflict with or oppression by the Egyptian government. No doubt Joseph was still remembered, and perhaps, revered by many as having been the savior during the seven year famine. (Genesis 41)
However only 5 verses later, the situation takes a dramatic turn for the worse. "A new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph" (Exodus 1:8) came to power. Not a good turn of events. The new king said, "let us deal shrewdly with them. . .” 11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens." (Exodus 1:10,11 ESV)
In both instances we see God bless His chosen people. The nation of Israel grew stronger. But God allowed that growth in two very different circumstances. There is no record of the Israelites having strayed from their faith. No mention of their slip in to idolatry that created the need for punishment or discipline. The situation just changed according to God's plan.
It is easy when times get rough to withdraw, to pull back and hope/pray the season will pass. But in Exodus we see that God's people continue to grow. His elect prospered (at least in size) during the time of oppression. In fact, it appears the oppression was a stimulus for growth. More oppression led to more growth. (verse 12)
I am sure that there were those who questioned God's plan. Why? What did we do wrong? But history tells us that this time of persecution was necessary to fulfill God's plan. Without the oppression, no edict to kill the male babies. No edict meant no Moses in the bulrushes. The chain of events is clear right up to the release of the Israelite people where they "plundered the Egyptians." (Exodus 12:36 ESV)
Republicans/Democrats in power = growth. Good boss/horrible boss = growth. Healthy/cancer = growth. God will work His plan in your life through many situations. Your obedience is all that is needed, regardless of the external.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Monday, November 23, 2015
Look Up November 23, 2015
To you I lift up my eyes,
O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
Psalm 123:1 ESV
Each morning I take Roxie for a walk. Many times the sky is still dark, or the morning sun just beginning to rise. All too often I view these walks as a chore. Something to just get through. However, on the mornings I remind myself to look up, I see the vastness of the stars or the beauty of the sunrise. It is during these times I am reminded of the power and greatness of our Lord and Savior.
Looking down, I see the finite. Looking up I see Eternity.
Looking down, I see decay. Looking up I see Perfection.
Looking down, I see struggle. Looking up I see Peace.
Looking down, I am weary. Looking up I see Strength.
Looking down, I see confusion. Looking up I see Clarity.
I have also come to realize that these times of "looking up" do not have to be outside. I don't even have to move my head or eyes to look up. It is as much a presence of mind, an attitude as it is a physical act. My spirit should always cast its gaze toward heaven.
If my eyes, heart, and mind are cast upward, there will I see the face of my Father. It is there I find peace and rest. Solutions and resolution. Guidance and clarity.
O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
Psalm 123:1 ESV
Each morning I take Roxie for a walk. Many times the sky is still dark, or the morning sun just beginning to rise. All too often I view these walks as a chore. Something to just get through. However, on the mornings I remind myself to look up, I see the vastness of the stars or the beauty of the sunrise. It is during these times I am reminded of the power and greatness of our Lord and Savior.
Looking down, I see the finite. Looking up I see Eternity.
Looking down, I see decay. Looking up I see Perfection.
Looking down, I see struggle. Looking up I see Peace.
Looking down, I am weary. Looking up I see Strength.
Looking down, I see confusion. Looking up I see Clarity.
I have also come to realize that these times of "looking up" do not have to be outside. I don't even have to move my head or eyes to look up. It is as much a presence of mind, an attitude as it is a physical act. My spirit should always cast its gaze toward heaven.
If my eyes, heart, and mind are cast upward, there will I see the face of my Father. It is there I find peace and rest. Solutions and resolution. Guidance and clarity.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Is there a Ram? November 17, 2015
15 And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16 and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, 18 and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”
Much has been written about this episode from Abraham's life. God instructed Abraham “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” (Genesis 22:2 ESV) Yet God had previously promised Abraham a great nation would arise through Isaac and "through Isaac shall your offspring be named." (Genesis 21:12 ESV)
We all have an Isaac. Something in our lives that we hold near and dear that perhaps God will ask us to give up for Him. My Isaac is my career as an elementary principal. For years that has defined me. Former students see me on the street and the greeting is, "Mr. Martin." Parents of current and former students offer the same greeting, "Mr. Martin." 7 a.m.-6 p.m. most days. Weekend time devoted to professional reading. Evenings spent at extracurricular events. Hugs from kids. Questions from teachers. Concerns from parents. For the past 30 years pubic school has been my career, my life, my Isaac.
Now I am in a season where God may be asking me to place my personal Isaac on the alter of retirement. I struggle with how to determine between the voice of God and my own worldly weariness. How do I know, that I know, that I know when God is speaking on life-changing, can't-be-undone types of decisions? Are my thought of retirement sparked by Kristi's imminent retirement or by that Still Small Voice? It is the difficult year driving these thoughts or the Holy Spirit?
I have said that I won't retire "from" administration, but will retire "to" something else. Right now that something else is not there. But when Isaac raised that knife, there was not a replacement sacrifice available. It was not until Isaac was on almost at the point of no return did God reveal the His full plan which did not involved the sacrifice of Isaac.
There are times we are instructed to step out more in faith than others. In certain situations God's whole plan for a situation may be revealed. Other times until step one is taken, step two won't be revealed. I am at a crossroads where if I take step one, I cannot untake that step and the repercussions will be long-reaching. How to I know when it is time to place "Isaac" on the alter realizing there may not be a ram in a thicket?
Much has been written about this episode from Abraham's life. God instructed Abraham “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” (Genesis 22:2 ESV) Yet God had previously promised Abraham a great nation would arise through Isaac and "through Isaac shall your offspring be named." (Genesis 21:12 ESV)
We all have an Isaac. Something in our lives that we hold near and dear that perhaps God will ask us to give up for Him. My Isaac is my career as an elementary principal. For years that has defined me. Former students see me on the street and the greeting is, "Mr. Martin." Parents of current and former students offer the same greeting, "Mr. Martin." 7 a.m.-6 p.m. most days. Weekend time devoted to professional reading. Evenings spent at extracurricular events. Hugs from kids. Questions from teachers. Concerns from parents. For the past 30 years pubic school has been my career, my life, my Isaac.
Now I am in a season where God may be asking me to place my personal Isaac on the alter of retirement. I struggle with how to determine between the voice of God and my own worldly weariness. How do I know, that I know, that I know when God is speaking on life-changing, can't-be-undone types of decisions? Are my thought of retirement sparked by Kristi's imminent retirement or by that Still Small Voice? It is the difficult year driving these thoughts or the Holy Spirit?
I have said that I won't retire "from" administration, but will retire "to" something else. Right now that something else is not there. But when Isaac raised that knife, there was not a replacement sacrifice available. It was not until Isaac was on almost at the point of no return did God reveal the His full plan which did not involved the sacrifice of Isaac.
There are times we are instructed to step out more in faith than others. In certain situations God's whole plan for a situation may be revealed. Other times until step one is taken, step two won't be revealed. I am at a crossroads where if I take step one, I cannot untake that step and the repercussions will be long-reaching. How to I know when it is time to place "Isaac" on the alter realizing there may not be a ram in a thicket?
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Friday, November 13, 2015
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Don't Know You Don't Know November 12, 2015
What idea have you of the salvation of your soul? The experience
of salvation means that in your actual life things are really altered,
you no longer look at things as you used to; your desires are new, old
things have lost their power. One of the touchstones of experience is —
Has God altered the thing that matters? If you still hanker after the
old things, it is absurd to talk about being born from above, you are
juggling with yourself. If you are born again, the Spirit of God makes
the alteration manifest in your actual life and reasoning, and when the
crisis comes you are the most amazed person on earth at the wonderful
difference there is in you. There is no possibility of imagining that you did it. It is this complete and amazing alteration that is the evidence that you are a saved soul.
What difference has my salvation and sanctification made? For instance, can I stand in the light of 1 Corinthians 13, or do I have to shuffle? The salvation that is worked out in me by the Holy Ghost emancipates me entirely, and as long as I walk in the light as God is in the light, He sees nothing to censure because His life is working out in every particular, not to my consciousness, but deeper than my consciousness.
Oswald Chambers
On November 9 I referenced Romans 8:26 where we are reminded that even when we don't know "what to pray for as we ought" the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with God the Father. Chambers last sentence in today's excerpt from My Utmost for His Highest, caused me to think about another working of the Holy Spirit.
God is working in all areas of my life. My speech, my actions, my thoughts, but Chambers His workings in my life even transcend my level of consciousness. He is working to conform things in my life of which I am unaware. Actions that offend of which I am unaware. Attitudes I may not know I possess. The very core of my being is up for transformation.
The realization of this should radically affect one's pray life. So much of my prayer life is based on what I see, hear, or know. This person for healing. That missionary for strength. Some improvement in this area. But do I dare ask God to reveal to me those things which are hidden? Do I have the faith and humility to beg God to reveal those dark, filthy corners of my heart which my conscious mind has kept hidden?
Our Heavenly Father already knows those areas. Why not join Him in that knowledge and allow Him to recast those areas also.
What difference has my salvation and sanctification made? For instance, can I stand in the light of 1 Corinthians 13, or do I have to shuffle? The salvation that is worked out in me by the Holy Ghost emancipates me entirely, and as long as I walk in the light as God is in the light, He sees nothing to censure because His life is working out in every particular, not to my consciousness, but deeper than my consciousness.
Oswald Chambers
On November 9 I referenced Romans 8:26 where we are reminded that even when we don't know "what to pray for as we ought" the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with God the Father. Chambers last sentence in today's excerpt from My Utmost for His Highest, caused me to think about another working of the Holy Spirit.
God is working in all areas of my life. My speech, my actions, my thoughts, but Chambers His workings in my life even transcend my level of consciousness. He is working to conform things in my life of which I am unaware. Actions that offend of which I am unaware. Attitudes I may not know I possess. The very core of my being is up for transformation.
The realization of this should radically affect one's pray life. So much of my prayer life is based on what I see, hear, or know. This person for healing. That missionary for strength. Some improvement in this area. But do I dare ask God to reveal to me those things which are hidden? Do I have the faith and humility to beg God to reveal those dark, filthy corners of my heart which my conscious mind has kept hidden?
Our Heavenly Father already knows those areas. Why not join Him in that knowledge and allow Him to recast those areas also.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
It Does Matter November 11, 2015
The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.
What can man do to me? Psalm 118:6 ESV
The fear of man lays a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. Proverbs 29:25 ESV
As Christians we are oft told that we are to strive to please God first, even if that means others may disagree, despise, or defame us. Stand for godly principles. Ignore the naysayers. "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31 ESV) If our faith is measured by these standards, then my faith will be found lacking.
Two days ago at work I had a minor, but obvious disagreement with one of my slight superiors. Not that the person is slight, but their authority over me is marginal, but they do report directly to one of the bigger fish in the SPS pond. After some self-reflection, I realized my response to the discussion had not been as measured as it should have been. I sent her an email apology with an explanation of why my response had not been quite as professional as I had hoped. This was mid morning.
Noon. . . no response.
Midafternoon. . . no response.
After school. . . no response.
Evening. . . no response.
Sitting in my in-box the next morning was a gracious reply which stated that she had not taken anything out of context, no damage was done to the working relationship, and that the discussion we had was about some of the very issues being worked out at other buildings in the district. Then and only then was I able to let go of the feelings of unease over the incident. So what does that have to do with faith?
1. We will make mistakes in dealing with other people. We will be short with people. Argumentative. Disagreeable.
2. Scripture tells us that if anyone has anything against us, it is our duty to reach out to that person and "if possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." (Romans 12:18 ESV)
3. As children of God, we are admonished to follow His dictates as laid out in scripture. At that point, it is in God's hands.
I had done this. I goofed. I took the appropriate steps to rectify and reconcile. Had my faith been grounded in the verses from Psalm and Proverbs, I would have not worried about a response, checked email less frequently, and slept soundly. But that was not the case.
I would be a liar if I said that only God's opinion mattered to me. It is embarrassing to admit that the opinion of others do matter to me, in fact perhaps more than God's at times. I do think there are areas of my life where I strive to go against the current of society, but not to the extent I am looked at as odd or different in a "bad" way. What coworkers, bosses, and friends think of my does matter.
Can their opinion affect my eternal standing with God? No. Can their opinion destroy my sonship with my Heavenly Father? No. If I am obedient to God's plan for my life, why then should it matter what John, Michael, or Susan thinks? Because I am human, my faith is weak, and, as the bumper sticker says,
What can man do to me? Psalm 118:6 ESV
The fear of man lays a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. Proverbs 29:25 ESV
As Christians we are oft told that we are to strive to please God first, even if that means others may disagree, despise, or defame us. Stand for godly principles. Ignore the naysayers. "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31 ESV) If our faith is measured by these standards, then my faith will be found lacking.
Two days ago at work I had a minor, but obvious disagreement with one of my slight superiors. Not that the person is slight, but their authority over me is marginal, but they do report directly to one of the bigger fish in the SPS pond. After some self-reflection, I realized my response to the discussion had not been as measured as it should have been. I sent her an email apology with an explanation of why my response had not been quite as professional as I had hoped. This was mid morning.
Noon. . . no response.
Midafternoon. . . no response.
After school. . . no response.
Evening. . . no response.
Sitting in my in-box the next morning was a gracious reply which stated that she had not taken anything out of context, no damage was done to the working relationship, and that the discussion we had was about some of the very issues being worked out at other buildings in the district. Then and only then was I able to let go of the feelings of unease over the incident. So what does that have to do with faith?
1. We will make mistakes in dealing with other people. We will be short with people. Argumentative. Disagreeable.
2. Scripture tells us that if anyone has anything against us, it is our duty to reach out to that person and "if possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." (Romans 12:18 ESV)
3. As children of God, we are admonished to follow His dictates as laid out in scripture. At that point, it is in God's hands.
I had done this. I goofed. I took the appropriate steps to rectify and reconcile. Had my faith been grounded in the verses from Psalm and Proverbs, I would have not worried about a response, checked email less frequently, and slept soundly. But that was not the case.
I would be a liar if I said that only God's opinion mattered to me. It is embarrassing to admit that the opinion of others do matter to me, in fact perhaps more than God's at times. I do think there are areas of my life where I strive to go against the current of society, but not to the extent I am looked at as odd or different in a "bad" way. What coworkers, bosses, and friends think of my does matter.
Can their opinion affect my eternal standing with God? No. Can their opinion destroy my sonship with my Heavenly Father? No. If I am obedient to God's plan for my life, why then should it matter what John, Michael, or Susan thinks? Because I am human, my faith is weak, and, as the bumper sticker says,
Monday, November 9, 2015
Shakespeare Not Required November 9, 2015
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26 ESV
I have been away to long, Lord. For these past several months, I have been on the outskirts of time with you. Fleeting prayers. Short quiet times. A nod here or there to spiritual growth. Just like an awkward meeting between two estranged friends, this morning's time has been hesitant, clumsy. Prayers halting, unsure.
Luckily in eternity past, God had prepared for just such moment. I don't have to have the words or phrases to reengage my Savior. Chambersesque language is not required to call on my Father. In fact, the verse from Romans reminds us that the Spirit is there for these exact times. The Holy Spirit will intercede for me. He will lift up my cares, my insecurities, my fears.
My duty is obedience in making myself available with a sincere, humble spirit. No ESPN. No Yahoo news. Just a quiet corner, a bowed head, and an open heart.
I have been away to long, Lord. For these past several months, I have been on the outskirts of time with you. Fleeting prayers. Short quiet times. A nod here or there to spiritual growth. Just like an awkward meeting between two estranged friends, this morning's time has been hesitant, clumsy. Prayers halting, unsure.
Luckily in eternity past, God had prepared for just such moment. I don't have to have the words or phrases to reengage my Savior. Chambersesque language is not required to call on my Father. In fact, the verse from Romans reminds us that the Spirit is there for these exact times. The Holy Spirit will intercede for me. He will lift up my cares, my insecurities, my fears.
My duty is obedience in making myself available with a sincere, humble spirit. No ESPN. No Yahoo news. Just a quiet corner, a bowed head, and an open heart.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
It is a Big Deal November 4, 2015
listen to my prayer:
from the end of the earth I call to you
when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against my enemy.
Psalm 61:1-3 ESV
I have never known hunger. I have never know fear. I have never known persecution. I have never known poverty. So why should passages such as Psalm 61:1-3 resonate with me? How dare I even align myself with so many of the Psalms where David is crying out to the LORD for strength, protection, and salvation. But Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:16 that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." So it must be okay for me to claim and cling to the refuge Psalms.
Many millions of Americans have never been hungry, homeless, or harassed. No guns to our heads or bombs in our streets. Our only view of prison is what we see on "America's Most Wanted". We have never lost a child to cancer or a spouse to a car accident. Yet we still have our spiritual battles, our inner conflict that can be just as real as external struggles and dangers.
Awake at 3 a.m. worrying over a decision made at work. Trying to relax on a long weekend only to be tormented by financial concerns. Yes, these are small, even laughable worries when compared to the beheadings in the Middle East, the imprisonment of political dissents in China, or the anguish felt by parents who have just learned their child's illness is terminal. But God's peace and protection for His children is not for only those "big" situations.
ANYTHING that robs us of our peace should be taken to God in prayer. That thought, that situation, that event which causes us to toss and turn is designed to turn us to God. It doesn't have to be life-threatening, career-ending, or fiscally-crippling. When our peace is disrupted- go to God. When sleep is elusive- pray. When the stomach is churning- read Scripture.
He is there for scraped knees as well as triple by-pass. His peace extends to any situation whether self-inflicted or outside of our control. We should not ever hesitate to cry out to our Father. He is never too busy with world events or catastrophic happenings to take the time to dry our tears and hold us in His arms.
I was reminded of this fact last week at school. A kindergarten student was upset and crying over having left her backpack in the car that morning. After ascertaining that there was no homework, lunchbox, or other necessary item in the backpack, I was able to reassure the student that she would survive the day without the blue, Frozen-themed backpack. As I reflected on the event, it occurred to me that while leaving an empty back in the car would seem inconsequential to most, to that child at that moment on that day, it was a big deal. She needed some extra time, reassurance, and attention before she could start her school day.
God is there for us whether we leave our empty backpack in the car or have to spend yet another night in a hospital waiting room. He has the time. He has the compassion. He has the love.
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 ESV
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
First Things First October 27, 2015
17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 18 And he (Jesus) said to them,. . . 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20 ESV
Jesus sent a contingent of 72 disciples ahead of him "into every town and place where he himself was about to go." The disciples had just returned full of excitement. I see them sitting around the table regaling each other with tales of exorcisms, baptisms, and conversions. Smiles. Congratulations. High fives. While I am sure Jesus is rejoicing with them, he also brings them back to earth.
"Hey, guys, talk about spiritual warfare. I was there when Lucifer and his multitude of followers were cast from heaven. I witnessed the heavenly mutiny. The divine rebellion. Ya'll ain't got nothing on me."
Jesus didn't remind them of this to be a killjoy. His intention was not to lessen what had taken place. However, Jesus was enough a student of human nature to realize the disciples' celebration was just one step away from hubris and self-aggrandisement. The deed would soon become the focus. Results would replace relationships.
Yes demons obeyed. Sure people were converted. But never forget our personal relationship with God. It is that relationship that is the key to all else we do. Our righteous acts, according to Isaiah, are but filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:10) There will be times when, because of our lack of faith, we will be powerless against the forces of evil. (Matthew 17:19-20) But our name inscribed in the Book of Life, now that is cause for celebration. Eternal life. A forever with God. There's the party. That is assurance, peace, rest. All else is possible because of our right relationship with God the Father. Without that, all else is meaningless.
Jesus sent a contingent of 72 disciples ahead of him "into every town and place where he himself was about to go." The disciples had just returned full of excitement. I see them sitting around the table regaling each other with tales of exorcisms, baptisms, and conversions. Smiles. Congratulations. High fives. While I am sure Jesus is rejoicing with them, he also brings them back to earth.
"Hey, guys, talk about spiritual warfare. I was there when Lucifer and his multitude of followers were cast from heaven. I witnessed the heavenly mutiny. The divine rebellion. Ya'll ain't got nothing on me."
Jesus didn't remind them of this to be a killjoy. His intention was not to lessen what had taken place. However, Jesus was enough a student of human nature to realize the disciples' celebration was just one step away from hubris and self-aggrandisement. The deed would soon become the focus. Results would replace relationships.
Yes demons obeyed. Sure people were converted. But never forget our personal relationship with God. It is that relationship that is the key to all else we do. Our righteous acts, according to Isaiah, are but filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:10) There will be times when, because of our lack of faith, we will be powerless against the forces of evil. (Matthew 17:19-20) But our name inscribed in the Book of Life, now that is cause for celebration. Eternal life. A forever with God. There's the party. That is assurance, peace, rest. All else is possible because of our right relationship with God the Father. Without that, all else is meaningless.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Just a Spoonful Octobe 22, 2015
23 A word in season, how good it is! Proverbs 15:23a ESV
A growth area for me this year has been to provide more consistent, timely atta' boys/girls' to faculty and staff at school. For years I have focused more on improvement areas than the positives. Today's verse emphasized the importance of that, but it also reminded me of two other things.
"A word"- Often times just to note when a teacher has put in extra work, handled a certain child in a masterful way, or completed a report on time can be what a teacher needs to get through the day. My feedback does not have to be a long-detailed submissive. Specific, yes. Lengthy, not necessairly.
"In season"- With today's technology I can send an email to a teacher as soon as I note a positive. I can place a Post-it note on their desk before leaving the room If I wait too often I forget. There is also a timing element to "in season". During those stressful times of the school year, throughout a year with a stressful class, when trying something new in the classroom are all some times when a positive word is more needed.
A growth area for me this year has been to provide more consistent, timely atta' boys/girls' to faculty and staff at school. For years I have focused more on improvement areas than the positives. Today's verse emphasized the importance of that, but it also reminded me of two other things.
"A word"- Often times just to note when a teacher has put in extra work, handled a certain child in a masterful way, or completed a report on time can be what a teacher needs to get through the day. My feedback does not have to be a long-detailed submissive. Specific, yes. Lengthy, not necessairly.
"In season"- With today's technology I can send an email to a teacher as soon as I note a positive. I can place a Post-it note on their desk before leaving the room If I wait too often I forget. There is also a timing element to "in season". During those stressful times of the school year, throughout a year with a stressful class, when trying something new in the classroom are all some times when a positive word is more needed.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
The Stove Burned Me October 20, 2015
At Sunday School several months ago, two questions came up.
A. Does God forget our sin after our salvation?
B. Is it possible for us to accept His forgiveness at such a level that we forget our sin?
The class was divided on question A. But on question B, we were unanimous in our opinion of "no". However, there was some disagreement as to the source of those memories when they popped up in our mind.
Some were of the opinion that our remembrances of sin past were strictly the work of our sinful self. Satan uses our memories to rob us of joy and sense of self-worth. While I agree that that is most often the case, I also contend that there are times when God either allows or perhaps actively activates memories of past sin for two reasons. First it is to remind us of the incredible truth of Romans 5:8- "8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." If we forget the levels of evil, sin, and corruption from which many of us have come, it is easy to also forget the depth of His love for us.
The second reason I believe that sin remembrance is sometimes a God-thing is to warn us away from certain situations. A recollection of drunken nights might be the motivator to keep away from that cash bar at a wedding reception. In a perfect world, our only motivation not to sin would be pain sin causes our Father and the damage it does to our relationship with Him. But our world is not perfect and some, more than others, need other motivators to stay on the straight and narrow.
Of course the danger is to allow our remembrance of past sin to become a source of self-incrimination and self-loathing. When the mind starts to dwell on mistakes of yore check to see if you are in danger of committing that same transgression, thank God for His forgiveness, then "take captive every thought" (2 Corinthians 10:5) for something uplifting and move on.
A. Does God forget our sin after our salvation?
B. Is it possible for us to accept His forgiveness at such a level that we forget our sin?
The class was divided on question A. But on question B, we were unanimous in our opinion of "no". However, there was some disagreement as to the source of those memories when they popped up in our mind.
Some were of the opinion that our remembrances of sin past were strictly the work of our sinful self. Satan uses our memories to rob us of joy and sense of self-worth. While I agree that that is most often the case, I also contend that there are times when God either allows or perhaps actively activates memories of past sin for two reasons. First it is to remind us of the incredible truth of Romans 5:8- "8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." If we forget the levels of evil, sin, and corruption from which many of us have come, it is easy to also forget the depth of His love for us.
The second reason I believe that sin remembrance is sometimes a God-thing is to warn us away from certain situations. A recollection of drunken nights might be the motivator to keep away from that cash bar at a wedding reception. In a perfect world, our only motivation not to sin would be pain sin causes our Father and the damage it does to our relationship with Him. But our world is not perfect and some, more than others, need other motivators to stay on the straight and narrow.
Of course the danger is to allow our remembrance of past sin to become a source of self-incrimination and self-loathing. When the mind starts to dwell on mistakes of yore check to see if you are in danger of committing that same transgression, thank God for His forgiveness, then "take captive every thought" (2 Corinthians 10:5) for something uplifting and move on.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Rub-a-dub October 19, 2015
36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” John 18:36 ESV
The great enemy to the Lord Jesus Christ in the present day is the conception of practical work that has not come from the New Testament, but from the Systems of the world in which endless energy and activities are insisted upon, but no private life with God. The emphasis is put on the wrong thing. Jesus said, “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation;…for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you,” a hidden, obscure thing. An active Christian worker too often lives in the shop window. It is the innermost of the innermost that reveals the power of the life.
We have to get rid of the plague of the spirit of the religious age in which we live. In Our Lord’s life there was none of the press and rush of tremendous activity that we regard so highly, and the disciple is to be as His Master. The central thing about the kingdom of Jesus Christ is a personal relationship to Himself, not public usefulness to men. It is not its practical activities that are the strength of this Bible Training College, its whole strength lies in the fact that here you are put into soak before God. You have no idea of where God is going to engineer your circumstances, no knowledge of what strain is going to be put on you either at home or abroad, and if you waste your time in over-active energies instead of getting into soak on the great fundamental truths of God’s Redemption, you will snap when the strain comes; but if this time of soaking before God is being spent in getting rooted and grounded in God on the un-practical line, you will remain true to Him whatever happens.
My Utmost for His Highest. Chambers, Oswald
I was lucky to have fond memories of visits to by my sets of grandparents. They were reminiscent of the old city mouse v country mouse story. My paternal grandparents lived in Lockwood, a small Missouri town of barely 800 inhabitants, while the other set lived in Springfield, MO which, at that time, had a population of over 120,000. I could enumerate on the differences for several paragraphs, but today's passage from Chambers bring one memory to mind. At Lockwood the nightly cleansing process involved climbing into the world's smallest shower that my grandfather had installed himself. However, cleanliness at Springfield was achieved by climbing to a 5' long bathtub, complete with stopper hanging from a beaded chain attached to the faucet.
I had not thought of the contract between the two until this morning. The shower was built for speed. Let the water head up, dash in, soap down, rinse, and reappear dripping, but clean. The term, "take a quick shower" made sense. But take a "quick" bath. That is an oxymoron. Wait for the hot water to flow. Stop the tub. Allow the tub to fill. Climb in. Use a cup to wash you hair. Then soap down the rest. Splash water up or dunk down to rinse. After drying off you have to wait for the tub to drain so you could rinse the tub before leaving the bathroom.
Lately my time with God has been more reminiscent of a shower than a soak in the tub. Jump in, soap down, rinse off, towel dry, then head out for the day. How marked a contrast from a bath. There has been no soaking. No sitting and pondering. No soaking in His word. No resting in His presence.
Showers are about activity, speed. Baths allow you to soak, relax, reflect. Time with God should be a resemble a long, hot bath, not a get-it-done-and-move-on shower.
The great enemy to the Lord Jesus Christ in the present day is the conception of practical work that has not come from the New Testament, but from the Systems of the world in which endless energy and activities are insisted upon, but no private life with God. The emphasis is put on the wrong thing. Jesus said, “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation;…for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you,” a hidden, obscure thing. An active Christian worker too often lives in the shop window. It is the innermost of the innermost that reveals the power of the life.
We have to get rid of the plague of the spirit of the religious age in which we live. In Our Lord’s life there was none of the press and rush of tremendous activity that we regard so highly, and the disciple is to be as His Master. The central thing about the kingdom of Jesus Christ is a personal relationship to Himself, not public usefulness to men. It is not its practical activities that are the strength of this Bible Training College, its whole strength lies in the fact that here you are put into soak before God. You have no idea of where God is going to engineer your circumstances, no knowledge of what strain is going to be put on you either at home or abroad, and if you waste your time in over-active energies instead of getting into soak on the great fundamental truths of God’s Redemption, you will snap when the strain comes; but if this time of soaking before God is being spent in getting rooted and grounded in God on the un-practical line, you will remain true to Him whatever happens.
My Utmost for His Highest. Chambers, Oswald
I was lucky to have fond memories of visits to by my sets of grandparents. They were reminiscent of the old city mouse v country mouse story. My paternal grandparents lived in Lockwood, a small Missouri town of barely 800 inhabitants, while the other set lived in Springfield, MO which, at that time, had a population of over 120,000. I could enumerate on the differences for several paragraphs, but today's passage from Chambers bring one memory to mind. At Lockwood the nightly cleansing process involved climbing into the world's smallest shower that my grandfather had installed himself. However, cleanliness at Springfield was achieved by climbing to a 5' long bathtub, complete with stopper hanging from a beaded chain attached to the faucet.
I had not thought of the contract between the two until this morning. The shower was built for speed. Let the water head up, dash in, soap down, rinse, and reappear dripping, but clean. The term, "take a quick shower" made sense. But take a "quick" bath. That is an oxymoron. Wait for the hot water to flow. Stop the tub. Allow the tub to fill. Climb in. Use a cup to wash you hair. Then soap down the rest. Splash water up or dunk down to rinse. After drying off you have to wait for the tub to drain so you could rinse the tub before leaving the bathroom.
Lately my time with God has been more reminiscent of a shower than a soak in the tub. Jump in, soap down, rinse off, towel dry, then head out for the day. How marked a contrast from a bath. There has been no soaking. No sitting and pondering. No soaking in His word. No resting in His presence.
Showers are about activity, speed. Baths allow you to soak, relax, reflect. Time with God should be a resemble a long, hot bath, not a get-it-done-and-move-on shower.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
October 14, 2015
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[b] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
October 13, 2015
11 One day, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and looked on their burdens, and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people. 12 He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. Exodus 2:11 ESV
Moses saw the oppression of his people and felt certain that he was the one to deliver them, and in the righteous indignation of his own spirit he started to right their wrongs. After the first strike for God and for the right, God allowed Moses to be driven into blank discouragement, He sent him into the desert to feed sheep for forty years. At the end of that time, God appeared and told Moses to go and bring forth His people, and Moses said — “Who am I, that I should go?” In the beginning Moses realized that he was the man to deliver the people, but he had to be trained and disciplined by God first. He was right in the individual aspect, but he was not the man for the work until he had learned communion with God.
We may have the vision of God and a very clear understanding of what God wants, and we start to do the thing; then comes something equivalent to the forty years in the wilderness, as if God had ignored the whole thing, and when we are thoroughly discouraged God comes back and revives the call, and we get the quaver in and say — “Oh, who am I?” We have to learn the first great stride of God — “I AM THAT I AM…hath sent me.” We have to learn that our individual effort for God is an impertinence; our individuality is to be rendered incandescent by a personal relationship to God (see Matthew 3:11). We fix on the individual aspect of things; we have the vision — “This is what God wants me to do”; but we have not got into God’s stride. If you are going through a time of discouragement, there is a big personal enlargement ahead.
http://utmost.org/classic/individual-discouragement-and-personal-enlargement-classic/
Moses saw the oppression of his people and felt certain that he was the one to deliver them, and in the righteous indignation of his own spirit he started to right their wrongs. After the first strike for God and for the right, God allowed Moses to be driven into blank discouragement, He sent him into the desert to feed sheep for forty years. At the end of that time, God appeared and told Moses to go and bring forth His people, and Moses said — “Who am I, that I should go?” In the beginning Moses realized that he was the man to deliver the people, but he had to be trained and disciplined by God first. He was right in the individual aspect, but he was not the man for the work until he had learned communion with God.
We may have the vision of God and a very clear understanding of what God wants, and we start to do the thing; then comes something equivalent to the forty years in the wilderness, as if God had ignored the whole thing, and when we are thoroughly discouraged God comes back and revives the call, and we get the quaver in and say — “Oh, who am I?” We have to learn the first great stride of God — “I AM THAT I AM…hath sent me.” We have to learn that our individual effort for God is an impertinence; our individuality is to be rendered incandescent by a personal relationship to God (see Matthew 3:11). We fix on the individual aspect of things; we have the vision — “This is what God wants me to do”; but we have not got into God’s stride. If you are going through a time of discouragement, there is a big personal enlargement ahead.
http://utmost.org/classic/individual-discouragement-and-personal-enlargement-classic/
Saturday, October 3, 2015
If a tree falls in the forest. . . October 3, 2015
Oh, faithful reader. (Notice not a plural.) Or at least faithful checker of blog, I appreciate your checking back periodically. As you can see, I have been negligent in my posts. At first I was making attempts, excuses, etc. as to why I was not posting, but for the last week or so, it has not entered my mind. Please pray for my return to a regular, daily schedule. Not that these postings will ever be gathered into a collection for mass printing, or that they will even be saved for posterity, but it was during the times of regular, daily entries did I experience growth, peace, wisdom. . .all things promised if we are faithful in spending time with our Father.
Yesterday two things happened that have caused me to really consider the practical application of this slow drift from the blog. Both involved the expenditure of money. Which if you know me, is always a concern/focus of mine. The first purchase was $400 for a handgun. The second was a $50 purchase for a pipe. In and of themselves, neither of these purchases was problematic, but. . .
I had prayed about each purchase and when time came to whip out the charge card, there was no conviction that I was going against God's will. No sweaty palms. No rationalizations. No "I am gonna' do it anyway" attitude. So naturally I assumed both purchases were God-sanctioned. All was good until I was walking Roxie this morning and talking to God. It was then the following began to roll around in my head. Was the lack of fiscal conviction a result of God's "okay" on the purchases, or was it the lack of my faulty, clogged receptors due to a slow drift from Him? Just because a television set is not picking up a signal does not mean the station has ceased to broadcast. If you are not home to answer the door that does not mean a visitor did not stop by.
Since both items cannot be returned and neither purchase will cause us to go hungry, no permanent damage has been done. Even if the purchases were or were not green lighted by Him, the lesson taught is invaluable. Just praying does not guarantee every decision will be in God's perfect plan for our lives. The relationship must be strong and the reception clear so the message can be received.
Yesterday two things happened that have caused me to really consider the practical application of this slow drift from the blog. Both involved the expenditure of money. Which if you know me, is always a concern/focus of mine. The first purchase was $400 for a handgun. The second was a $50 purchase for a pipe. In and of themselves, neither of these purchases was problematic, but. . .
I had prayed about each purchase and when time came to whip out the charge card, there was no conviction that I was going against God's will. No sweaty palms. No rationalizations. No "I am gonna' do it anyway" attitude. So naturally I assumed both purchases were God-sanctioned. All was good until I was walking Roxie this morning and talking to God. It was then the following began to roll around in my head. Was the lack of fiscal conviction a result of God's "okay" on the purchases, or was it the lack of my faulty, clogged receptors due to a slow drift from Him? Just because a television set is not picking up a signal does not mean the station has ceased to broadcast. If you are not home to answer the door that does not mean a visitor did not stop by.
Since both items cannot be returned and neither purchase will cause us to go hungry, no permanent damage has been done. Even if the purchases were or were not green lighted by Him, the lesson taught is invaluable. Just praying does not guarantee every decision will be in God's perfect plan for our lives. The relationship must be strong and the reception clear so the message can be received.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
September 23, 2015
13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. John 13:13 ESV
To have a master and to be mastered is not the same thing. To have a master means that there is one who knows me better than I know myself, one who is closer than a friend, one who fathoms the remotest abyss of my heart and satisfies it, one who has brought me into the secure sense that he has met and solved every perplexity and problem of my mind. To have a master is this and nothing less — “One is your Master, even Christ.”
Our Lord never enforces obedience; He does not take means to make me do what He wants. At certain times I wish God would master me and make me do the thing, but He will not; in other moods I wish He would leave me alone, but He does not.
“Ye call me Master and Lord” — but is He? Master and Lord have little place in our vocabulary, we prefer the words Saviour, Sanctifier, Healer. The only word to describe mastership in experience is love, and we know very little about love as God reveals it. This is proved by the way we use the word obey. In the Bible obedience is based on the relationship of equals, that of a son with his father. Our Lord was not God’s servant, He was His Son. “Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience….” If our idea is that we are being mastered, it is a proof that we have no master; if that is our attitude to Jesus, we are far away from the relationship He wants. He wants us in the relationship in which He is easily Master without our conscious knowledge of it, all we know is that we are His to obey.
Utmost- Chambers
As I was mulling over today's entry from Chambers, I was impressed with the thought of just how much restraint and forbearance God demonstrates to humanity. Chambers writes, "He does not take means to make me do what He wants." The level of restraint God exhibits is incredible. God allowed Hitler. God allowed the Inquisition. God allowed ISIS God does not enforce obedience. He allows evil, both large and small.
How great must be His wisdom, how unlimited his restraint, how unfathomable His plan to allow the Stalins and Pol Pots of the world.
To have a master and to be mastered is not the same thing. To have a master means that there is one who knows me better than I know myself, one who is closer than a friend, one who fathoms the remotest abyss of my heart and satisfies it, one who has brought me into the secure sense that he has met and solved every perplexity and problem of my mind. To have a master is this and nothing less — “One is your Master, even Christ.”
Our Lord never enforces obedience; He does not take means to make me do what He wants. At certain times I wish God would master me and make me do the thing, but He will not; in other moods I wish He would leave me alone, but He does not.
“Ye call me Master and Lord” — but is He? Master and Lord have little place in our vocabulary, we prefer the words Saviour, Sanctifier, Healer. The only word to describe mastership in experience is love, and we know very little about love as God reveals it. This is proved by the way we use the word obey. In the Bible obedience is based on the relationship of equals, that of a son with his father. Our Lord was not God’s servant, He was His Son. “Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience….” If our idea is that we are being mastered, it is a proof that we have no master; if that is our attitude to Jesus, we are far away from the relationship He wants. He wants us in the relationship in which He is easily Master without our conscious knowledge of it, all we know is that we are His to obey.
Utmost- Chambers
As I was mulling over today's entry from Chambers, I was impressed with the thought of just how much restraint and forbearance God demonstrates to humanity. Chambers writes, "He does not take means to make me do what He wants." The level of restraint God exhibits is incredible. God allowed Hitler. God allowed the Inquisition. God allowed ISIS God does not enforce obedience. He allows evil, both large and small.
How great must be His wisdom, how unlimited his restraint, how unfathomable His plan to allow the Stalins and Pol Pots of the world.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
It Ain't Rocket Science September 16, 2015
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. James 3:13 ESV
The Trinity. Six-days of creation. Predestination. There have been countless book written, seminary classes taught, and sermons preached on the loftier, heavy-weight questions concerning the Christian faith. Things that perhaps only the truly elite thinkers even begin to fully understand.
But what about James 3:13? James asks "who is wise and understanding?" He seems to be cautioning against a steady diet of studying the lofty. Spending too much time on the philosophical peaks can cause us to forget that a large part of the Christian walk is simply exhibiting "good conduct" and having a spirit of meekness. At this point we could stray down a bird path by discussing what the world considers good vs what is good in God's eyes, or debate Christian meekness vs Godly strength, but a simplier view of the Christian walk is sometimes needed.
While we may never have the answers to some questions this side of heaven (and in heaven we most likely won't care), for much of what our day holds we know what would please God. Just be good.
I have heard countless parents admonish their children to, "Be good today." or "Have a good day." as they drop them off at school. There is not a discussion to define good, or a 5-step program to "have a good day". Even a 6-year old knows the basics of "being good" at school.
Today let's be good. Be kind. Be meek. Save the lofty for another time.
The Trinity. Six-days of creation. Predestination. There have been countless book written, seminary classes taught, and sermons preached on the loftier, heavy-weight questions concerning the Christian faith. Things that perhaps only the truly elite thinkers even begin to fully understand.
But what about James 3:13? James asks "who is wise and understanding?" He seems to be cautioning against a steady diet of studying the lofty. Spending too much time on the philosophical peaks can cause us to forget that a large part of the Christian walk is simply exhibiting "good conduct" and having a spirit of meekness. At this point we could stray down a bird path by discussing what the world considers good vs what is good in God's eyes, or debate Christian meekness vs Godly strength, but a simplier view of the Christian walk is sometimes needed.
While we may never have the answers to some questions this side of heaven (and in heaven we most likely won't care), for much of what our day holds we know what would please God. Just be good.
I have heard countless parents admonish their children to, "Be good today." or "Have a good day." as they drop them off at school. There is not a discussion to define good, or a 5-step program to "have a good day". Even a 6-year old knows the basics of "being good" at school.
Today let's be good. Be kind. Be meek. Save the lofty for another time.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Thankful for Light Bulbs September 12, 2015
A.C.T.S. A prayer acronym. Adoration-Confession-Thanksgiving-Supplication.
Thanksgiving. Giving thanks. Being thankful. A state of thankfulness. I find myself doing a pretty good job of thanking God for the big, the tangible, the spiritual. Health. Salvation. A wonderful wife. A solid job. A growing church. An idea about work!?
Thank God for an idea? Why not.
This year at work we have been bombarded with a new program that has several components. I have struggled with how to illustrate these various components in a graphic way to help not just myself, but everyone at school to see the interconnections of each piece. I have been praying, wondering, struggling with how to develop such an idea picture. This morning about 15 minutes before the alarm as I was starting to return from Slumberland, the graphic for which I had been searching appeared in my mind's eye. Eureka! The proverbial light bulb appeared in my mind's eye. He deserved thanks for that.
He deserved thanks for:
A- Providing the idea by placing it there independently of anything else
OR
B- Allowing me to have accessed the various articles, ideas, and conversations over the past several months that gave me the background knowledge which finally coallesed into a final product.
Creation or evolution--doesn't matter to me. Either way at the end of the day, it was God who brought me to that particular point in my thinking. He provided me with the image I needed.
That idea needs to be on my thanksgiving list. Was it peace in the Middle East? Did a loved one survive a major medical scare? No and no. But it was a good gift from God. So why not thank Him?
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights. . . James 1:17 ESV
Let's not forget to thank God for ideas, sleep, good conversation, and all those little things that might not warrant a Facebook post but are still a good and perfect gift from Him.
Thanksgiving. Giving thanks. Being thankful. A state of thankfulness. I find myself doing a pretty good job of thanking God for the big, the tangible, the spiritual. Health. Salvation. A wonderful wife. A solid job. A growing church. An idea about work!?
Thank God for an idea? Why not.
This year at work we have been bombarded with a new program that has several components. I have struggled with how to illustrate these various components in a graphic way to help not just myself, but everyone at school to see the interconnections of each piece. I have been praying, wondering, struggling with how to develop such an idea picture. This morning about 15 minutes before the alarm as I was starting to return from Slumberland, the graphic for which I had been searching appeared in my mind's eye. Eureka! The proverbial light bulb appeared in my mind's eye. He deserved thanks for that.
He deserved thanks for:
A- Providing the idea by placing it there independently of anything else
OR
B- Allowing me to have accessed the various articles, ideas, and conversations over the past several months that gave me the background knowledge which finally coallesed into a final product.
Creation or evolution--doesn't matter to me. Either way at the end of the day, it was God who brought me to that particular point in my thinking. He provided me with the image I needed.
That idea needs to be on my thanksgiving list. Was it peace in the Middle East? Did a loved one survive a major medical scare? No and no. But it was a good gift from God. So why not thank Him?
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights. . . James 1:17 ESV
Let's not forget to thank God for ideas, sleep, good conversation, and all those little things that might not warrant a Facebook post but are still a good and perfect gift from Him.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Arguments and Pretensions September 8, 2015
5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV
When I first read today's verse, "arguments and pretensions" weren't immediately clear to me. As I mulled it over, God revealed several arguments and pretensions in my own live that were set up against the knowledge of God.
I need/deserve 2 more snooze buttons this morning. Uh-oh, now it's too late for prayer time before work.
Three hours on a Sunday morning devoted to the knowledge of God. You've got to be kidding! I work hard all week, and I need Sunday to relax and nap.
This television show is just an hour, and it is the season finale. Guess I will have to study the Sunday School lesson after the show. Show's over, but I need to get to bed early.
So on and so on. Arguments and pretensions ad nauseam. When I inserted "excuses and rationales" into Paul's epistle, all too many things became clear. I allow many things in life to keep me from increasing my knowledge of God. At the end of the day it is about choices we make. Sure there will be those legitimate times when a Bible study has to be postponed or a quiet time delayed, but not with the consistency and frequency that has become habit in my life.
Time to do some demolishing. Some thought captive taking.
When I first read today's verse, "arguments and pretensions" weren't immediately clear to me. As I mulled it over, God revealed several arguments and pretensions in my own live that were set up against the knowledge of God.
I need/deserve 2 more snooze buttons this morning. Uh-oh, now it's too late for prayer time before work.
Three hours on a Sunday morning devoted to the knowledge of God. You've got to be kidding! I work hard all week, and I need Sunday to relax and nap.
This television show is just an hour, and it is the season finale. Guess I will have to study the Sunday School lesson after the show. Show's over, but I need to get to bed early.
So on and so on. Arguments and pretensions ad nauseam. When I inserted "excuses and rationales" into Paul's epistle, all too many things became clear. I allow many things in life to keep me from increasing my knowledge of God. At the end of the day it is about choices we make. Sure there will be those legitimate times when a Bible study has to be postponed or a quiet time delayed, but not with the consistency and frequency that has become habit in my life.
Time to do some demolishing. Some thought captive taking.
Friday, September 4, 2015
Because September 4, 2015
Last Sunday our small group lesson focused on becoming a church that was more accessible and more inviting to visitors and those not affiliated with another church. Using people's names, smiling, etc. The lesson presented several ways we can be a group of believers who make those outside of Ridgecrest's walls feel more comfortable. A worthwhile lesson. However the "why" was missing from the lesson.
As my mind has revisited the lesson this week, one word kept coming to the surface. . ."because".
Why do we want to be more inviting to the unchurched? Is it because we want to fill our pews? Gain more donors? Have a larger base from which to recruit Sunday school teachers? Overshadow our Catholic neighbors? See more people find Christ as their Savior? Help more people live a Christ-led life? The "why" of any project, proposal, program must begin with a why. Until that is answered, little else should be done.
The same should be said at the individual level.
Why should I spend more time in prayer?
Because. . .
Why should I spend more time in Bible reading?
Because. . .
Why should I attend worship services each week?
Because. . .
Perhaps the "why" is more important to me that most other people, but just to do to say I did, has never been much of a motivator to me. Unless there is an identified and articulated "why" I am hesitant and lukewarm about any project.
Take some time this week to make sure you have a why for your worship, your Bible study, your devotional times. Make sure your "becauses" are aligned with God's will and direction for your life.
As my mind has revisited the lesson this week, one word kept coming to the surface. . ."because".
Why do we want to be more inviting to the unchurched? Is it because we want to fill our pews? Gain more donors? Have a larger base from which to recruit Sunday school teachers? Overshadow our Catholic neighbors? See more people find Christ as their Savior? Help more people live a Christ-led life? The "why" of any project, proposal, program must begin with a why. Until that is answered, little else should be done.
The same should be said at the individual level.
Why should I spend more time in prayer?
Because. . .
Why should I spend more time in Bible reading?
Because. . .
Why should I attend worship services each week?
Because. . .
Perhaps the "why" is more important to me that most other people, but just to do to say I did, has never been much of a motivator to me. Unless there is an identified and articulated "why" I am hesitant and lukewarm about any project.
Take some time this week to make sure you have a why for your worship, your Bible study, your devotional times. Make sure your "becauses" are aligned with God's will and direction for your life.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Squish September 2, 2015
The Sacrament Of Sacrifice
Jesus did not say — “he that believeth in Me shall realize the
blessing of the fullness of God,” but — “he that believeth in Me out of
him shall escape everything he receives.” Our Lord’s teaching is always anti-self-realization.
His purpose is not the development of a man; His purpose is to make a
man exactly like Himself, and the characteristic of the Son of God is
self-expenditure. If we believe in Jesus, it is not what we gain, but
what He pours through us that counts. It is not that God makes us
beautifully rounded grapes, but that He squeezes the sweetness out of
us. Spiritually, we cannot measure our life by success, but only by what
God pours through us, and we cannot measure that at all.
When Mary of Bethany broke the box of precious ointment and poured it on Jesus’ head, it was an act for which no one else saw any occasion; the disciples said it was a waste. But Jesus commended Mary for her extravagant act of devotion, and said that wherever His gospel was preached “this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.” Our Lord is carried beyond Himself with joy when He sees any of us doing what Mary did, not being set on this or that economy, but being abandoned to Him. God spilt the life of His Son that the world might be saved; are we prepared to spill out our lives for Him?
“He that believeth in Me out of him shall flow rivers of living water” — hundreds of other lives will be continually refreshed. It is time now to break the life, to cease craving for satisfaction, and to spill the thing out. Our Lord is asking who of us will do it for Him?
When Mary of Bethany broke the box of precious ointment and poured it on Jesus’ head, it was an act for which no one else saw any occasion; the disciples said it was a waste. But Jesus commended Mary for her extravagant act of devotion, and said that wherever His gospel was preached “this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.” Our Lord is carried beyond Himself with joy when He sees any of us doing what Mary did, not being set on this or that economy, but being abandoned to Him. God spilt the life of His Son that the world might be saved; are we prepared to spill out our lives for Him?
“He that believeth in Me out of him shall flow rivers of living water” — hundreds of other lives will be continually refreshed. It is time now to break the life, to cease craving for satisfaction, and to spill the thing out. Our Lord is asking who of us will do it for Him?
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
September 1, 2015
Destiny Of Holiness
Continually restate to yourself what the purpose of your life is.
The destined end of man is not happiness, nor health, but holiness.
Nowadays we have far too many affinities, we are dissipated with them;
right, good, noble affinities which will yet have their fulfilment, but
in the meantime God has to atrophy them. The one thing that matters is
whether a man will accept the God Who will make him holy. At all costs a
man must be rightly related to God.
Do I believe I need to be holy? Do I believe God can come into me and make me holy? If by your preaching you convince me that I am unholy, I resent your preaching. The preaching of the gospel awakens an intense resentment because it must reveal that I am unholy; but it also awakens an intense craving. God has one destined end for mankind, viz., holiness. His one aim is the production of saints. God is not an eternal blessing-machine for men; He did not come to save men out of pity: He came to save men because He had created them to be holy. The Atonement means that God can put me back into perfect union with Himself, without a shadow between, through the Death of Jesus Christ.
Never tolerate through sympathy with yourself or with others any practice that is not in keeping with a holy God. Holiness means unsullied walking with the feet, unsullied talking with the tongue, unsullied thinking with the mind — every detail of the life under the scrutiny of God. Holiness is not only what God gives me, but what I manifest that God has given me.
http://utmost.org/classic/destiny-of-holiness-classic/
Do I believe I need to be holy? Do I believe God can come into me and make me holy? If by your preaching you convince me that I am unholy, I resent your preaching. The preaching of the gospel awakens an intense resentment because it must reveal that I am unholy; but it also awakens an intense craving. God has one destined end for mankind, viz., holiness. His one aim is the production of saints. God is not an eternal blessing-machine for men; He did not come to save men out of pity: He came to save men because He had created them to be holy. The Atonement means that God can put me back into perfect union with Himself, without a shadow between, through the Death of Jesus Christ.
Never tolerate through sympathy with yourself or with others any practice that is not in keeping with a holy God. Holiness means unsullied walking with the feet, unsullied talking with the tongue, unsullied thinking with the mind — every detail of the life under the scrutiny of God. Holiness is not only what God gives me, but what I manifest that God has given me.
http://utmost.org/classic/destiny-of-holiness-classic/
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