5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others.
7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.
Matthew 6:5,7 ESV
Since March, my blog entries have been spotty at best. There was a minor rally in summer, but even those few months saw little consistency. As I have reflected on this I have had to admit two things.
First, I got lazy. It was easier to flick on the t.v. or lay on the sofa with a book than to spend time alone with my "friend who sticks closer than a brother." I can remember many times I would be prompted to write, but chose not to fire up the p.c.
The second barrier was an attitude of hubris and pride. On several occasions I sat down at the computer fully intending to make an entry. But either nothing came to me right away or my "insights" were not blog-worthy. It was not going to be of a high enough caliber to meet some self-imposed standard. What a laugh!
Am I typing for publication? Is there an editor waiting for quality material? Will my readership rebel if my entries are not up to snuff? How prideful and foolish an attitude.
To begin with, my readership consists of one, and he is a pretty forgiving fellow. His feedback has been kind and thought-provoking. But more important is the fact that I should not be writing with a mind to please anyone. This time is an opportunity to be alone with God and to record any whisperings of His still, small voice.
As with all life's endeavors, our focus should be on our Heavenly Father. Will this please Abba? Is what I am going (or not doing) acceptable to Yahweh? If the answer is "yes", then it is the right thing to do. He is our audience. His reviews are all that matter. "Well done, good and faithful servant," is the only feedback we should crave.
Monday, November 28, 2016
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
It Should Be Easy November 22, 2016
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15 ESV
"Rule: verb- the exercise of authority or control."
The peace of Christ is to "rule" in our hearts. Not to just reside there, coming out when things are going well or we are with people we like. No, Christ's peace is to be in charge of our lives during sickness, health, wealth, and poverty.
When we are blessed with abundance, which so many of us are, it is easy to be a peace. Sitting around a Thanksgiving table that is bowing under the weight of turkey, ham, stuffing, potatoes and two kinds of bread peace abounds. But what about when a spouse is unfaithful? The doctor utters the "C" word? Or the latest pay check includes a pink slip? What rules in our hearts then? Anger? Fear?
I have lived a life of blessing beyond belief. Idyllic childhood. Steady employment. Continual health. Yet there have still been seasons where I have not allowed Christ's peace to hold sway in my heart. It is amazing with all that I have, my heart is still not ruled by Christ's peace. I worry. I fret. I criticize. Sitting here I am ashamed of how often I allow the minor things in life to rob me of peace.
I wonder what would rule my heart if God allowed more trial and tempering to enter my life. Should God "Job" me would I find any peace at all. If today's hiccups cause me sleepless nights, I don't stand a chance when life really gets hard.
Blogging is a world away from applying. I hope that when the seasons of challenge enter my live, I will allow peace to rule my heart. I had better make it a practice now so I am ready for those seasons of trial.
Colossians 3:15 ESV
"Rule: verb- the exercise of authority or control."
The peace of Christ is to "rule" in our hearts. Not to just reside there, coming out when things are going well or we are with people we like. No, Christ's peace is to be in charge of our lives during sickness, health, wealth, and poverty.
When we are blessed with abundance, which so many of us are, it is easy to be a peace. Sitting around a Thanksgiving table that is bowing under the weight of turkey, ham, stuffing, potatoes and two kinds of bread peace abounds. But what about when a spouse is unfaithful? The doctor utters the "C" word? Or the latest pay check includes a pink slip? What rules in our hearts then? Anger? Fear?
I have lived a life of blessing beyond belief. Idyllic childhood. Steady employment. Continual health. Yet there have still been seasons where I have not allowed Christ's peace to hold sway in my heart. It is amazing with all that I have, my heart is still not ruled by Christ's peace. I worry. I fret. I criticize. Sitting here I am ashamed of how often I allow the minor things in life to rob me of peace.
I wonder what would rule my heart if God allowed more trial and tempering to enter my life. Should God "Job" me would I find any peace at all. If today's hiccups cause me sleepless nights, I don't stand a chance when life really gets hard.
Blogging is a world away from applying. I hope that when the seasons of challenge enter my live, I will allow peace to rule my heart. I had better make it a practice now so I am ready for those seasons of trial.
Friday, November 18, 2016
No Real Point November 18, 2016
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
John 17:17 ESV
Sounds so simple. "Your word is truth." Period. The Bible is the first, middle, and final word on all things. God spoke, man wrote. End of story. But it is not that simple or clear.
Six "days" of creation. 24 hours? Geological epochs?
"Man of one wife." Divorced?
"Women cannot be ordained pastors."
Then there is the whole issue of homosexuality, same-sex marriage, etc.
There are very educated, spirit-filled men and women on both sides of these issues and more who can make a case for their opinion using scripture as support.
Were it that "truth" were as clear as some would have us believe.
Not some would say that these types of issues and debates are not important. That only the central truths of the Gospel message are worth a fight. But I believe that if we start to discount scripture in these "periphial" areas, the door is open to doubt in the "central" issues.
Did Jesus really claim his divinity? If Jesus is not divine, then why would belief in him be necessary for salvation? Does the Trinity really exist? Can we lose our salvation?
God's word is truth. The truth will set you free. What is "truth"?
John 17:17 ESV
Sounds so simple. "Your word is truth." Period. The Bible is the first, middle, and final word on all things. God spoke, man wrote. End of story. But it is not that simple or clear.
Six "days" of creation. 24 hours? Geological epochs?
"Man of one wife." Divorced?
"Women cannot be ordained pastors."
Then there is the whole issue of homosexuality, same-sex marriage, etc.
There are very educated, spirit-filled men and women on both sides of these issues and more who can make a case for their opinion using scripture as support.
Were it that "truth" were as clear as some would have us believe.
Not some would say that these types of issues and debates are not important. That only the central truths of the Gospel message are worth a fight. But I believe that if we start to discount scripture in these "periphial" areas, the door is open to doubt in the "central" issues.
Did Jesus really claim his divinity? If Jesus is not divine, then why would belief in him be necessary for salvation? Does the Trinity really exist? Can we lose our salvation?
God's word is truth. The truth will set you free. What is "truth"?
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
If Paul Can, So Can We November 16, 2016
3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience,
2 Timothy 1:3 ESV
Paul was writing this letter to his friend Timothy while chained in a cold, harsh jail cell. No more house arrest for this greatest of apostles. While his surroundings may have been filthy and bleak, he writes with a clear conscience. What makes this so remarkable is remembering Paul's life before his conversion.
Before Paul's reckoning with God on the road to Damascus, he was a hunter of Christians. Acts 9 describes Paul as "still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord." He "went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem." We don't know how many Christians had been imprisoned or put because of Paul's activities, but he had a very unfavorable reputation with the early church. "And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple." Acts 9:26 ESV
Even with his track record of death and persecution, near the end of life Paul writes that he has a clear conscience. He had accepted the forgiveness and cleansing of the blood of Christ. Paul realized that God's grace was greater than all his sins. The miracle of rebirth through a saving relationship with Christ obliterated all condemnation and guilt.
I imagine Paul spent many hours in prayer throughout his ministry fighting the temptation to wallow in the swamp of his past. No doubt Satan tried often to remind Paul of his evil, heinous career of tracking down Christians. But Paul emerged victorious because he allowed the promises of God to shatter the recriminations of Satan.
If Paul is able to look back on his life with a clear conscious, how much easier should that be for us to do. Few of us have been responsible for the death and imprisonment of innocents. Sure we have our list of sin, but just like for Paul, through Christ's sacrifice, God's grace and mercy release us from guilt. If God's no longer condemns us for our past, why should we?
2 Timothy 1:3 ESV
Paul was writing this letter to his friend Timothy while chained in a cold, harsh jail cell. No more house arrest for this greatest of apostles. While his surroundings may have been filthy and bleak, he writes with a clear conscience. What makes this so remarkable is remembering Paul's life before his conversion.
Before Paul's reckoning with God on the road to Damascus, he was a hunter of Christians. Acts 9 describes Paul as "still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord." He "went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem." We don't know how many Christians had been imprisoned or put because of Paul's activities, but he had a very unfavorable reputation with the early church. "And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple." Acts 9:26 ESV
Even with his track record of death and persecution, near the end of life Paul writes that he has a clear conscience. He had accepted the forgiveness and cleansing of the blood of Christ. Paul realized that God's grace was greater than all his sins. The miracle of rebirth through a saving relationship with Christ obliterated all condemnation and guilt.
I imagine Paul spent many hours in prayer throughout his ministry fighting the temptation to wallow in the swamp of his past. No doubt Satan tried often to remind Paul of his evil, heinous career of tracking down Christians. But Paul emerged victorious because he allowed the promises of God to shatter the recriminations of Satan.
If Paul is able to look back on his life with a clear conscious, how much easier should that be for us to do. Few of us have been responsible for the death and imprisonment of innocents. Sure we have our list of sin, but just like for Paul, through Christ's sacrifice, God's grace and mercy release us from guilt. If God's no longer condemns us for our past, why should we?
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Carried Along November 15, 2016
21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
2 Peter 1:21 ESV
Peter is referring to the prophecy spoken/written by the men and women of the Bible. Yes, man spoke, but God inspired. He uses the verb phrase "carried along" to describe how the Holy Spirit prompted men of old to speak prophecy. It is the same "carried along" that Luke uses to describe how the wind moves a sailing vessel along the water. (Luke 27: 15, 17)
The odds of me prophesying today are slim. I don't envision myself standing up at this afternoon's faculty meeting and proclaiming a prophetic truth or vision from God. I can only imagine the fallout from such an utterance. Even though the Holy Spirit won't likely move me toward a great public revelation any time soon, I can still be "carried along" as I complete today's appointed activities.
Just as the Holy Spirit would prompt the prophets of the Testaments, I can allow it to direct my conversation. The Holy Spirit can lead me to that person at work who needs some extra compassion. It can help me temper my opinion of a person or situation. The same Holy Spirit that descended on Christ at his baptism is there to guide and direct me in 2016.
There won't be a burning bush, a talking donkey, or a flame of fire hovering over my head, but the direct involvement of the Holy Spirit in my life today is no less real or relevant. It is my choice to listen or ignore. I can obey or oppose. Will I allow the Holy Spirit or the world to carry me along today?
2 Peter 1:21 ESV
Peter is referring to the prophecy spoken/written by the men and women of the Bible. Yes, man spoke, but God inspired. He uses the verb phrase "carried along" to describe how the Holy Spirit prompted men of old to speak prophecy. It is the same "carried along" that Luke uses to describe how the wind moves a sailing vessel along the water. (Luke 27: 15, 17)
The odds of me prophesying today are slim. I don't envision myself standing up at this afternoon's faculty meeting and proclaiming a prophetic truth or vision from God. I can only imagine the fallout from such an utterance. Even though the Holy Spirit won't likely move me toward a great public revelation any time soon, I can still be "carried along" as I complete today's appointed activities.
Just as the Holy Spirit would prompt the prophets of the Testaments, I can allow it to direct my conversation. The Holy Spirit can lead me to that person at work who needs some extra compassion. It can help me temper my opinion of a person or situation. The same Holy Spirit that descended on Christ at his baptism is there to guide and direct me in 2016.
There won't be a burning bush, a talking donkey, or a flame of fire hovering over my head, but the direct involvement of the Holy Spirit in my life today is no less real or relevant. It is my choice to listen or ignore. I can obey or oppose. Will I allow the Holy Spirit or the world to carry me along today?
Monday, November 14, 2016
Be a Live Lover November 14, 2016
10 For
“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
11 let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
11 let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
1 Peter 3:10-12 ESV
The first line of today's verse spoke to me. "Whoever desires to love life." What does it mean to "love life"? I see a life lover as a positive person. One who laughs easily. Smiles frequently. And loves everyone. A live lover revels in sunrises and stands in awe of an incoming thunderstorm. Life lovers giggle with babies, listen to the stories of great grandparents, and cry with the jilted high schooler. Life lovers feel deeply and live life with joy.
Being a life lover requires a certain mindset and is easier for some than others, but it also requires some restraint. Take a look at the requirements to be a life lover.
Avoid those conversations that can rob a day of its joy or come back down the road to become an issue. Not only seek peace, but "pursue it". Is peace a priority?
Life lovers are genuine, joyous, and attract others. Life lovers are a better witness for Christ than a gloom and doom sermon or self-righteous Sunday-only Christian.
Jesus Christ was a life lover. He attended weddings, feasts, picnics, and hung out with people. His message was one of love. His heart and arms open. If we are to emulate Christ in our daily lives, then all Christians should be live lovers. Our joy will attract far more people than tales of a final judgement.
Life lovers arise!!
Saturday, November 12, 2016
It's Not Complicated November 12, 2016
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray (italics mine) for you,
asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all
spiritual wisdom and understanding,
Colossians 1:9 ESV
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12 ESV
Pray without ceasing,
1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV
Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
Ephesians 6:18 ESV
The Model Prayer (The Lord's Prayer). Andrew Murray's Teach Me To Pray. Kingdom Prayer: Touching Heaven to Change Earth by Tony Evans. These are just three examples of people telling us how we should pray. I have no doubt that all of these contain many important elements of prayer. But the starting place of a prayer life is contained within today's verses.
Any prayer life starts with praying. Sure there are models and patterns on how to maximize our prayer life (whatever a "maximized" prayer life is). But before any maximization can occur, there has to be something to maximize.
In fact, one should be on guard against becoming too caught up in the how of praying. In the sixth chapter of Matthew, Jesus warned his disciples against prayer that lost it meaning due to pomp and circumstance. God is not concerned about posture, pronouns, and procedure. He just wants to hear from His children.
When your child or grandchild wants to tell you about his or her day, you don't require correct syntax, proper use of prepositions, and subject/verb agreement. You just rejoice in the conversation. Being a part of his or her life is more important than the words or phrases used.
Before we can learn how to pray, we have to start to pray. When it comes to prayer, Nike had it right, "Just Do It".
Colossians 1:9 ESV
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12 ESV
Pray without ceasing,
1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV
Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
Ephesians 6:18 ESV
The Model Prayer (The Lord's Prayer). Andrew Murray's Teach Me To Pray. Kingdom Prayer: Touching Heaven to Change Earth by Tony Evans. These are just three examples of people telling us how we should pray. I have no doubt that all of these contain many important elements of prayer. But the starting place of a prayer life is contained within today's verses.
Any prayer life starts with praying. Sure there are models and patterns on how to maximize our prayer life (whatever a "maximized" prayer life is). But before any maximization can occur, there has to be something to maximize.
In fact, one should be on guard against becoming too caught up in the how of praying. In the sixth chapter of Matthew, Jesus warned his disciples against prayer that lost it meaning due to pomp and circumstance. God is not concerned about posture, pronouns, and procedure. He just wants to hear from His children.
When your child or grandchild wants to tell you about his or her day, you don't require correct syntax, proper use of prepositions, and subject/verb agreement. You just rejoice in the conversation. Being a part of his or her life is more important than the words or phrases used.
Before we can learn how to pray, we have to start to pray. When it comes to prayer, Nike had it right, "Just Do It".
Monday, November 7, 2016
November 8 Novemer 7, 2016
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and
all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet
life, godly and dignified in every way.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV
Perhaps this verse should have been preached from every pulpit in the land yesterday.
Pray for our country.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV
Perhaps this verse should have been preached from every pulpit in the land yesterday.
Pray for our country.
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