19 Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19 ESV
Over the past 30 years in education, I have looked at untold numbers of test scores. Benchmarks, unit tests, state assessment, and formal and informal assessments are just some of the many data sources I have examined. While there are other measures of a student's progress or lack of, test results are one widely accepted data piece to determine student learning.
Since there are no written tests administered by God, no heavenly ACT or SAT, it can be difficult to measure spiritual growth. It is important to have some idea of our personal spiritual growth for two very important reasons.
First evidence of growth is encouraging. When a teacher shares academic growth with a student, it is often times a great motivator for that student to continue to work and strive to do even better. The same can be said for all areas of our lives. Weight loss can spur even more gym dedication. Paying off that last credit card is often times an impetus for greater fiscal responsibility. When we are aware of God moving in our lives, that realization can prompt more fervent prayer and deeper Bible study.
Second evident of lack of growth in a particular should renew our efforts to become a victor with God's help in that area. Multiplication facts a problem? Make some flash cards. Still not shedding those pounds? Join Weight Watchers. Still the office gossip? Memorize some name and claim verses.
Although there are no spiritual Scantron sheets, it is possible to measure spiritual growth. Keeping a daily journal is one of the best ways to do this. Each day reflect on how the day went and make some notes. If there is a particular area of conviction, make sure to address that area in the journal each day.
"Today, I a saved $5.00 when I skipped that Starbucks and $7.00 by taking my lunch to work. Thank you, God."
"This afternoon I resisted the temptation to tell Doug about what I heard in the break room about Donna."
Record other spiritual victories but make sure to note a win in those areas of conviction. Not only will this provide you with encouragement on those days when we falter, if we know there will be a daily reckoning on paper each day for those areas, it can help push through those times of temptation that occur throughout the day.
God is working in the lives of his children, but do we perceive it? Are we aware of personal spiritual growth? Making spiritual reflection a part of each day and recording those reflections is one powerful way to note God's hand in our lives.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Just Go December 28, 2016
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 ESV
The Bible is filled with many promises. Promises of eternal life. Promises of guidance. Promises of protection. But perhaps most needed in today's world is a promise of rest. Repose. Respite.
The promise of rest is to ALL who are burdened. I cannot imagine too many people who are not feeling some of life's burdens. Health concerns. Employment worries. Financial challenges. Persecution fears. In fact, among those Biblical promises is also a guarantee of hardship.
We must do only one thing to achieve this rest- go to Christ. No sacrifice. No incense. No ceremony. Just allow yourself to walk to Jesus Christ.
Just go to Him. His rest is waiting.
Matthew 11:28 ESV
The Bible is filled with many promises. Promises of eternal life. Promises of guidance. Promises of protection. But perhaps most needed in today's world is a promise of rest. Repose. Respite.
The promise of rest is to ALL who are burdened. I cannot imagine too many people who are not feeling some of life's burdens. Health concerns. Employment worries. Financial challenges. Persecution fears. In fact, among those Biblical promises is also a guarantee of hardship.
We must do only one thing to achieve this rest- go to Christ. No sacrifice. No incense. No ceremony. Just allow yourself to walk to Jesus Christ.
Just go to Him. His rest is waiting.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Benefits December 27, 2016
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good
Psalm 103:2-5 ESV
Yesterday I was speaking with a former construction supervisor from Los Angeles. He worked closely with the construction trade union as part of his job. When negotiating a new contract he said that the benefits were as important as the hourly pay. Retirement, sick days, health insurance were all considered when a new contract was up for a union vote.
David reminds his readers to call to mind the benefits God affords his children. Christianity is more than just eternal life. Sure that is the eternal reward, but look at David's list of the here-and-now benefits.
Forgiveness- past, present, and future sin.
Healing- physical, emotional, spiritual.
Redemption- no punishment for our sin.
Love and mercy- constant, irrevocable.
Satisfaction- contentment.
Sure dental, vision, and a 401K are nice components of a benefits package, but pale in comparison to the benefits package offered by our Heavenly Father. Can't think of a better employer with which to work.
Monday, December 26, 2016
Sweet Slumber December 26, 2016
5 I lay down and slept;
I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.
Psalm 3:5 ESV
David wrote the third chapter of Psalm while he was being pursued by his son Absalom. Absalom was leading a revolt against his father David and wished him dead so he could ascend to the throne. With his entire household, David escaped through the wilderness to Mount Olivet. From the throne to the rocky crags. From splendor to survival.
Had I been in David's sandals, I can only imagine my state of mind. Anxiety. Worry. Insomnia. But not for David. His faith in Yehweh allowed him a good night's sleep. The simplicity of verse five paints a picture of a calm, trusting servant of God.
"I lay down and slept." 40 winks. Shut eye. Slept like a log. David was not a man beset with worry.
But David doesn't just tell us what he did, but why he was able to do so. . . "The Lord sustained me." David's ability to accept his situation was not due to the size of his army or the likelihood of a military victory. It was his faith in the sustaining power of the Lord that was responsible for his calm, confident attitude.
David was able to place his present situation and the future outcome in the hands of Jehovah-jireh and sleep. Rest accompanies faith. Sleep follows release. Lay down and sleep for the LORD sustains.
I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.
Psalm 3:5 ESV
David wrote the third chapter of Psalm while he was being pursued by his son Absalom. Absalom was leading a revolt against his father David and wished him dead so he could ascend to the throne. With his entire household, David escaped through the wilderness to Mount Olivet. From the throne to the rocky crags. From splendor to survival.
Had I been in David's sandals, I can only imagine my state of mind. Anxiety. Worry. Insomnia. But not for David. His faith in Yehweh allowed him a good night's sleep. The simplicity of verse five paints a picture of a calm, trusting servant of God.
"I lay down and slept." 40 winks. Shut eye. Slept like a log. David was not a man beset with worry.
But David doesn't just tell us what he did, but why he was able to do so. . . "The Lord sustained me." David's ability to accept his situation was not due to the size of his army or the likelihood of a military victory. It was his faith in the sustaining power of the Lord that was responsible for his calm, confident attitude.
David was able to place his present situation and the future outcome in the hands of Jehovah-jireh and sleep. Rest accompanies faith. Sleep follows release. Lay down and sleep for the LORD sustains.
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Angelic Electoral College December 25, 2016
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government
shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful
Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 ESV
There are times when a limited readership of one's blog is a good thing. This is one of them for tonight I delve into politics.
The verse from Isaiah is a favorite Christmas verse made even more famous by Handel's Messiah. The rousing chorus from "For Unto Us a Child is Born" has brought thousands to their feet either in worship or peer pressure. However, this year I am left wondering about phrase "the government shall be upon his shoulder."
I have no real idea of what that means, although most likely I have heard a sermon or two preached on it at one time or another. But after this year's election results, I choose to align it with Romans 13:1. "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
Although I have never been a student of politics, I am relatively well read. Our current President-elect, Donald Trump, is by far the most potentially disastrous president America has elected in my lifetime, perhaps in all history. His histrionics, lack of political experience, and egomania are frightening qualities for a man leading the most powerful country on the planet.
But both the verse from Isaiah and Romans should bring peace to the Believer. God has allowed Mr. Trump to be elected President. While this November's election results were an astonishing surprise to every pollster and politico, God was fully aware of the results long before Adam and Eve tasted the apple.
If we as individuals trust God's design for our day-to-day lives, with its joys and heartaches, we must also accept His direction for our country. His ways are not our ways. His thought not our thoughts. If we trust Him for the little things, how much more important is that trust for the big things at such as time.
Many people have protested with signs reading, "Not My President." That may be true. But Trump was God's president of choice for America.
Isaiah 9:6 ESV
There are times when a limited readership of one's blog is a good thing. This is one of them for tonight I delve into politics.
The verse from Isaiah is a favorite Christmas verse made even more famous by Handel's Messiah. The rousing chorus from "For Unto Us a Child is Born" has brought thousands to their feet either in worship or peer pressure. However, this year I am left wondering about phrase "the government shall be upon his shoulder."
I have no real idea of what that means, although most likely I have heard a sermon or two preached on it at one time or another. But after this year's election results, I choose to align it with Romans 13:1. "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
Although I have never been a student of politics, I am relatively well read. Our current President-elect, Donald Trump, is by far the most potentially disastrous president America has elected in my lifetime, perhaps in all history. His histrionics, lack of political experience, and egomania are frightening qualities for a man leading the most powerful country on the planet.
But both the verse from Isaiah and Romans should bring peace to the Believer. God has allowed Mr. Trump to be elected President. While this November's election results were an astonishing surprise to every pollster and politico, God was fully aware of the results long before Adam and Eve tasted the apple.
If we as individuals trust God's design for our day-to-day lives, with its joys and heartaches, we must also accept His direction for our country. His ways are not our ways. His thought not our thoughts. If we trust Him for the little things, how much more important is that trust for the big things at such as time.
Many people have protested with signs reading, "Not My President." That may be true. But Trump was God's president of choice for America.
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Treasure and Ponder December 24, 2016
19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
Luke 2:19 ESV
A group of smelly, rough-hewn shepherds are the first recorded visitors to worship at the feet of our Lord and Savior. After hearing the declaration from an angelic host that "a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" was born in Bethlehem, they "went with haste" to visit the newborn laying in the manger.
History does not record who they shared their angelic revelation with, but I would assume it was perhaps many of those they met on the way to Bethlehem. And most certainly to Mary and Joseph. Luke records that Mary "treasured" and "pondered" the shepherds' message.
I wonder how Mary would have reacted in 2016 to such news. Likely there would have been a selfie or two. Then a Facebook post. Perhaps a Tweet followed by an Instagram post. Soon CNN and People Magazine would have clamored for an interview. A fifteen-minute news sensation.
Luckily none of that was available 2000 years ago. Mary received news that reinforced the angelic message of nine months earlier. Her son was destined for greatness. Her baby was going to change the world. But she treasured and pondered.
Do we treasure and ponder God's Word? Perhaps during our quiet time we will reflect on a verse or two. We might pray over a verse or two. But treasuring and pondering?
We live in a day and time when it become increasingly difficult to shut our noise, information, and interruption. Phones are attached to our ears, news is 24/7, the Internet is a source of more information that any society could ever need. To find the time to really digest and plum the depth of God's words takes a very intentional effort. Take a walk WITHOUT the cell phone. Sit around a campfire WITHOUT a Bluetooth speaker. Relax on the deck WITHOUT a Kindle.
Take time in 2017 to "treasure and ponder" what the Lord want to reveal.
Luke 2:19 ESV
A group of smelly, rough-hewn shepherds are the first recorded visitors to worship at the feet of our Lord and Savior. After hearing the declaration from an angelic host that "a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" was born in Bethlehem, they "went with haste" to visit the newborn laying in the manger.
History does not record who they shared their angelic revelation with, but I would assume it was perhaps many of those they met on the way to Bethlehem. And most certainly to Mary and Joseph. Luke records that Mary "treasured" and "pondered" the shepherds' message.
I wonder how Mary would have reacted in 2016 to such news. Likely there would have been a selfie or two. Then a Facebook post. Perhaps a Tweet followed by an Instagram post. Soon CNN and People Magazine would have clamored for an interview. A fifteen-minute news sensation.
Luckily none of that was available 2000 years ago. Mary received news that reinforced the angelic message of nine months earlier. Her son was destined for greatness. Her baby was going to change the world. But she treasured and pondered.
Do we treasure and ponder God's Word? Perhaps during our quiet time we will reflect on a verse or two. We might pray over a verse or two. But treasuring and pondering?
We live in a day and time when it become increasingly difficult to shut our noise, information, and interruption. Phones are attached to our ears, news is 24/7, the Internet is a source of more information that any society could ever need. To find the time to really digest and plum the depth of God's words takes a very intentional effort. Take a walk WITHOUT the cell phone. Sit around a campfire WITHOUT a Bluetooth speaker. Relax on the deck WITHOUT a Kindle.
Take time in 2017 to "treasure and ponder" what the Lord want to reveal.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Right Now December 20, 2016
6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.
Mark 13:6-8 ESV
Russian ambassador assassinated by Turkish man. Twelve killed by truck-driving terrorist at a Berlin Christmas market. Syria decimated by civil war. Wars and rumors of war.
I have no doubt that with every season of global conflict people have quoted Mark 13 and the parallel verses in Matthew 24. Perhaps this is just one other false start to the "end of the age", but there are few geo-global reassurances this time around. A rising China. A muscle-flexing Russia. A divided America. A disintegrating European Union. The Middle East is. . . well, still the Middle East.
If Christians were to ever feel an urgency to be Jesus' "witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” it should be now. The world is a tinder box. Putin, Russia's president, is calling the act of one lone gunman a "provocation". America's President-elect is an isolationist. China's leadership gets upset over a phone call with Taiwan.
But even with the state of global affairs in such chaos, it is still perhaps only the "beginning of birth pains". It is now we must spread Christ's message of reconciliation to a world full of hate and destruction. America's Christians are in a unique position of relative peace and financial security to continue to be the "light on the hill" for Jesus. If we do not use our place in the world at this time in history, God may very well remove His hand from our land. Either we use it or lose it.
I have a quote on my laptop that reads, "If not us, then who? If not now, then when?" Words for today's Church to live (or die) by.
Mark 13:6-8 ESV
Russian ambassador assassinated by Turkish man. Twelve killed by truck-driving terrorist at a Berlin Christmas market. Syria decimated by civil war. Wars and rumors of war.
I have no doubt that with every season of global conflict people have quoted Mark 13 and the parallel verses in Matthew 24. Perhaps this is just one other false start to the "end of the age", but there are few geo-global reassurances this time around. A rising China. A muscle-flexing Russia. A divided America. A disintegrating European Union. The Middle East is. . . well, still the Middle East.
If Christians were to ever feel an urgency to be Jesus' "witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” it should be now. The world is a tinder box. Putin, Russia's president, is calling the act of one lone gunman a "provocation". America's President-elect is an isolationist. China's leadership gets upset over a phone call with Taiwan.
But even with the state of global affairs in such chaos, it is still perhaps only the "beginning of birth pains". It is now we must spread Christ's message of reconciliation to a world full of hate and destruction. America's Christians are in a unique position of relative peace and financial security to continue to be the "light on the hill" for Jesus. If we do not use our place in the world at this time in history, God may very well remove His hand from our land. Either we use it or lose it.
I have a quote on my laptop that reads, "If not us, then who? If not now, then when?" Words for today's Church to live (or die) by.
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| Aleppo, Syria |
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| Ankara, Turkey |
Monday, December 19, 2016
We are John December 19, 2016
76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people
in the forgiveness of their sins,
78 because of the tender mercy of our God,
Luke 1:76-68 ESV
Peter writes that Christians are a "royal priesthood". In Philippians Paul refers to Christians as "saints". But do we think of ourselves as prophets along the lines of John the Baptist?
In the first chapter of Luke, Zechariah was "was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied" about John the Baptist. John was to "give knowledge of salvation to his people".
Too often we think of a prophet to foretells future events or brings forth some startling, awe-inspiring message from on high. And there were times this was the case, but prophets many times were the truth tellers of the day. In John's case, he told the people of the coming of Jesus.
This is exactly what we should be doing as Christians. We should be crying out in the wilderness that is our society, "Prepare the way of the Lord!" Our mouths should proclaim Christ's saving power to a lost world. We are the modern day prophets. It is incumbent on the collective Church and each individual the world know Christ came once as a Savior, but will return as a Judge. John the Baptist prepared the people for Christ's first visit, we must alert the world to His second.
Saint, priest, and prophet. Some pretty serious job titles for Christians. Are we up to the task?
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people
in the forgiveness of their sins,
78 because of the tender mercy of our God,
Luke 1:76-68 ESV
Peter writes that Christians are a "royal priesthood". In Philippians Paul refers to Christians as "saints". But do we think of ourselves as prophets along the lines of John the Baptist?
In the first chapter of Luke, Zechariah was "was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied" about John the Baptist. John was to "give knowledge of salvation to his people".
Too often we think of a prophet to foretells future events or brings forth some startling, awe-inspiring message from on high. And there were times this was the case, but prophets many times were the truth tellers of the day. In John's case, he told the people of the coming of Jesus.
This is exactly what we should be doing as Christians. We should be crying out in the wilderness that is our society, "Prepare the way of the Lord!" Our mouths should proclaim Christ's saving power to a lost world. We are the modern day prophets. It is incumbent on the collective Church and each individual the world know Christ came once as a Savior, but will return as a Judge. John the Baptist prepared the people for Christ's first visit, we must alert the world to His second.
Saint, priest, and prophet. Some pretty serious job titles for Christians. Are we up to the task?
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Many to Make One December 17, 2016
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105 ESV
Twice this past month at work, I have created a situation that caused some unnecessary friction at work. Nothing major. Situations now repaired. However, there were still at least two less than positive interactions. Apologies made. Relationships repaired.
The details of the incidents are not necessary except to say that in both instances I was influenced to act in a certain way by a colleague. In looking back at both instances, I can easily see where in one case inaction would have been best and in the other delayed/modified action was the path to take. But due to the input of a colleague, I reacted before thinking. I allowed a person to direct my path.
As I reflected on the instances I should have allowed God to direct my actions/reactions. His word promises He will guide our feet and light our path. This applies to both long journeys and short walks. He is there to guide us through a work day as well as through multi-year decisions.
Psalm 119:105 is often applied to those life journeys- careers, marriages, relocation, child rearing. But it is just as applicable to conversations, interactions, and emails. All the "big" things in life's journey are made up of a thousand little walks. If we want the "bigs" to please God, we have to get the "littles" right.
The Great Wall of China, constructed around 210 B.C., stretches 13,170 miles and has an average height of 25.6 feet. It is made up of 3,873,000,000 individual bricks. It is the only man-made structure that can be seen by the naked eye from outer space. When viewed from outer space, it is the totality of the wall that is seen. But if a viewer stands at the base of the wall, the individual bricks are apparent.
Our life is made up of millions of individual actions, reactions, thoughts, and words. If we want our life's work to please God, we must allow Him to guide and direct construction and placement of each individual brick.
and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105 ESV
Twice this past month at work, I have created a situation that caused some unnecessary friction at work. Nothing major. Situations now repaired. However, there were still at least two less than positive interactions. Apologies made. Relationships repaired.
The details of the incidents are not necessary except to say that in both instances I was influenced to act in a certain way by a colleague. In looking back at both instances, I can easily see where in one case inaction would have been best and in the other delayed/modified action was the path to take. But due to the input of a colleague, I reacted before thinking. I allowed a person to direct my path.
As I reflected on the instances I should have allowed God to direct my actions/reactions. His word promises He will guide our feet and light our path. This applies to both long journeys and short walks. He is there to guide us through a work day as well as through multi-year decisions.
Psalm 119:105 is often applied to those life journeys- careers, marriages, relocation, child rearing. But it is just as applicable to conversations, interactions, and emails. All the "big" things in life's journey are made up of a thousand little walks. If we want the "bigs" to please God, we have to get the "littles" right.
The Great Wall of China, constructed around 210 B.C., stretches 13,170 miles and has an average height of 25.6 feet. It is made up of 3,873,000,000 individual bricks. It is the only man-made structure that can be seen by the naked eye from outer space. When viewed from outer space, it is the totality of the wall that is seen. But if a viewer stands at the base of the wall, the individual bricks are apparent.
Our life is made up of millions of individual actions, reactions, thoughts, and words. If we want our life's work to please God, we must allow Him to guide and direct construction and placement of each individual brick.
Friday, December 16, 2016
It's a Small Thing December 16, 2016
For many days this year, I have been very deliberately, intentionally disobedient to God. Stiff-necked would be the Old Testament. There have been many mornings or evenings when God reminded me to take the time to write a blog entry. Unfortunately there were also many mornings or evenings when my actions said, "No."
Did I lose my job as a result of my refusal? No. Was cancer an outcome of my disobedience? No. Any locust, frogs, or boils? Not a one. Did I miss out on some blessings? Most assuredly.
Maybe those blessings weren't tangible, but the loss of peace that comes with obedience was absent on many of those mornings. Also, I will never know how many spiritual insights were lost as a result of my sin.
Since November 28, my entries have become more regular. Has a bag of money appeared in our kitchen? Nope. Have I had a spiritual epiphany that has transformed my life? Still waiting. So why spend the time with these 20-minute, one-reader blog entries? Honestly, it just feels better to please God than dodge His direction.
Christianity is not about feeling good, but it is certainly not forbidden either. Knowing that I have pleased Abba, is reason enough to get up 20 minutes earlier. The realization that He is pleased with me is all the justification I need for 30 minutes less television time in evening. When I hit the "Publish" button on a blog entry, I know He has smiled and nodded in affirmation. That is plenty.
Did I lose my job as a result of my refusal? No. Was cancer an outcome of my disobedience? No. Any locust, frogs, or boils? Not a one. Did I miss out on some blessings? Most assuredly.
Maybe those blessings weren't tangible, but the loss of peace that comes with obedience was absent on many of those mornings. Also, I will never know how many spiritual insights were lost as a result of my sin.
Since November 28, my entries have become more regular. Has a bag of money appeared in our kitchen? Nope. Have I had a spiritual epiphany that has transformed my life? Still waiting. So why spend the time with these 20-minute, one-reader blog entries? Honestly, it just feels better to please God than dodge His direction.
Christianity is not about feeling good, but it is certainly not forbidden either. Knowing that I have pleased Abba, is reason enough to get up 20 minutes earlier. The realization that He is pleased with me is all the justification I need for 30 minutes less television time in evening. When I hit the "Publish" button on a blog entry, I know He has smiled and nodded in affirmation. That is plenty.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Bookends of Blessing December 15, 2016
30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God."
Luke 1:20 ESV
Even without the rest of this message concerning the birth of Jesus, this verse would have been cause for celebration for Mary. "You have found favor." God has taken notice of you. The Creator of the universe is pleased with you.
In the hierarchy of blessings, this has to be at the top. Long life? Not a bad blessing. The father of a nation? Pretty cool. But the mother of the Savior of the world! Can't top that one. Or can you?
Think about the favor we receive when we place God on the throne of our heart. Forgiveness of sin. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Promises of comfort and guidance. A guarantee of the strength to withstand the worst of times. Peace. Love. Joy.
Now those are some amazing blessings. As Christians we too have found favor with God. And just as in Mary's case, this favor is not earned. It is not a result of anything we did. Jesus death and resurrection make it possible.
Mary's favor revolved around the birth of Christ. Our favor is a result of the death of Christ. One person blessed with a birth. All mankind blessed with a death.
Thank you God for your blessings.
What is just as amazing is that we too have the same message from God that we "have found favor with God."
Luke 1:20 ESV
Even without the rest of this message concerning the birth of Jesus, this verse would have been cause for celebration for Mary. "You have found favor." God has taken notice of you. The Creator of the universe is pleased with you.
In the hierarchy of blessings, this has to be at the top. Long life? Not a bad blessing. The father of a nation? Pretty cool. But the mother of the Savior of the world! Can't top that one. Or can you?
Think about the favor we receive when we place God on the throne of our heart. Forgiveness of sin. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Promises of comfort and guidance. A guarantee of the strength to withstand the worst of times. Peace. Love. Joy.
Now those are some amazing blessings. As Christians we too have found favor with God. And just as in Mary's case, this favor is not earned. It is not a result of anything we did. Jesus death and resurrection make it possible.
Mary's favor revolved around the birth of Christ. Our favor is a result of the death of Christ. One person blessed with a birth. All mankind blessed with a death.
Thank you God for your blessings.
What is just as amazing is that we too have the same message from God that we "have found favor with God."
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Wait December 14, 2016
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 ESV
49 Behold, I send out the promise of my Father on you. But wait in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high.”
Luke 24:49 WEB
Wait. Pretty clear directive but many unanswered questions. How long? What should I do when I wait? How will I know when to stop waiting?
Waiting is very difficult for me. I get an idea, I want to move, go, make progress. In looking back over my life, I cannot honestly think of any times when waiting has caused me loss or grief. But my history is replete with self-imposed disasters and heart ache of not waiting.
Wait for what? Sometimes it will be for a clear word from God as to the action to take place. Other times it will be for additional information to be collected. Another time it might be for the right timing. Regardless of why God says, "Wait," obedience dictates we wait.
Waiting may be so we receive an even bigger blessing. It might be to avoid a ruinous decision. Perhaps a waiting period is needed to let emotions calm down.
But waiting is not to be a time of inactivity. We are to be active waiters. We are not sitting in God's earthly waiting room mindlessly flipping through the pages of an old issue of Car and Driver. Life goes on when we wait. Prayer continues when we stand by. We may be instructed to sit tight, but continue to seek God's guidance.
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 ESV
49 Behold, I send out the promise of my Father on you. But wait in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high.”
Luke 24:49 WEB
Wait. Pretty clear directive but many unanswered questions. How long? What should I do when I wait? How will I know when to stop waiting?
Waiting is very difficult for me. I get an idea, I want to move, go, make progress. In looking back over my life, I cannot honestly think of any times when waiting has caused me loss or grief. But my history is replete with self-imposed disasters and heart ache of not waiting.
Wait for what? Sometimes it will be for a clear word from God as to the action to take place. Other times it will be for additional information to be collected. Another time it might be for the right timing. Regardless of why God says, "Wait," obedience dictates we wait.
Waiting may be so we receive an even bigger blessing. It might be to avoid a ruinous decision. Perhaps a waiting period is needed to let emotions calm down.
But waiting is not to be a time of inactivity. We are to be active waiters. We are not sitting in God's earthly waiting room mindlessly flipping through the pages of an old issue of Car and Driver. Life goes on when we wait. Prayer continues when we stand by. We may be instructed to sit tight, but continue to seek God's guidance.
Monday, December 12, 2016
God is a Liar December 12, 2016
Did today's title get your attention? I hope so since it was designed to do just that.
As a Southern Baptist, I am surrounded by people who claim to believe every word of today's Bible. No allowance is made for transnational errors. No room for various interpretations. But for many of those staunch "inerrenitists" their lives do not reflect their supposed belief system. Six day of creation. Homosexuals are damned. Women deacons? Forget about it!
Do they truly life lives that rely completely on God's provision? The Bible promises all our needs will be provided by God, but we still greedily hoard stuff. Many scripture warns against the unbridled tongue, but the halls of churches are filled with hushed conversations. If a brother asks for your shirt, give him your coat as well?! No way.
To many the Bible is perfect except when it causes discomfort and sacrifice. Then perhaps, there is some wriggle room for interpretation.
If all scripture is 100% literal, then all scripture must be followed to the letter. Can't have it both ways.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Furniture People December 11, 2016
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33 ESV
It is said that men are like a chest of drawers and women a walk-in closet. Men compartmentalize. Work drawer. Husband drawer. Friend drawer. But with women, work, home, friends are all in one large, undivided space. (A waffle/spaghetti comparison is another good illustration.)
When it comes to our walk with God, we all need to be walk-in closets/spaghetti. I have found myself praying to be a better principal. They a prayer to be a better spouse. Need to be a better son? How about a prayer for that. While these are not "bad" goals, an even better goal would be to grow closer to God. Segmenting our lives out can create a sense of spiritual schizophrenia. Pray lists can become a check list.
The same spiritual growth that allows me to be a better coworker will also help me be a better son. A spiritual epiphany will benefit both the father and the husband. In Matthew God makes this clear. Our goal is to be seeking Him. In doing so we will see an improvement in all areas of our lives.
Matthew 6:33 ESV
It is said that men are like a chest of drawers and women a walk-in closet. Men compartmentalize. Work drawer. Husband drawer. Friend drawer. But with women, work, home, friends are all in one large, undivided space. (A waffle/spaghetti comparison is another good illustration.)
When it comes to our walk with God, we all need to be walk-in closets/spaghetti. I have found myself praying to be a better principal. They a prayer to be a better spouse. Need to be a better son? How about a prayer for that. While these are not "bad" goals, an even better goal would be to grow closer to God. Segmenting our lives out can create a sense of spiritual schizophrenia. Pray lists can become a check list.
The same spiritual growth that allows me to be a better coworker will also help me be a better son. A spiritual epiphany will benefit both the father and the husband. In Matthew God makes this clear. Our goal is to be seeking Him. In doing so we will see an improvement in all areas of our lives.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Sad Response December 1, 2016
This week we start a new book in our small group at church. As I started to prepare for Sunday's lesson, the first question posed in the lesson was, "What are some Christian beliefs or practices that cause us to stand out from the world today?" As I pondered this question a sadness of sort crept over me. For the Church as a whole, I was unable to generate many responses.
Maybe we have beliefs that cause us to stand out from the world, but practices? I am not too sure an observer could pick out a believer from the millions of "good people" who are not Christians.
To make matters even more desperate, more and more Christians do not even have a radically different set of beliefs from the world. Same-sex marriage? It's not too bad. Homosexuality is not really a sin. Sure we believe sex trafficking is wrong. So does the world. Few would agree with murder, but neither does the world.
As Christians we like to claim we have a higher set of standards, beliefs, and actions. But as individuals do we acknowledged these in the marketplace? How often does what we do and say label us as Christians? Is there really a marked difference? Sadly, I am not sure there is.
Maybe we have beliefs that cause us to stand out from the world, but practices? I am not too sure an observer could pick out a believer from the millions of "good people" who are not Christians.
To make matters even more desperate, more and more Christians do not even have a radically different set of beliefs from the world. Same-sex marriage? It's not too bad. Homosexuality is not really a sin. Sure we believe sex trafficking is wrong. So does the world. Few would agree with murder, but neither does the world.
As Christians we like to claim we have a higher set of standards, beliefs, and actions. But as individuals do we acknowledged these in the marketplace? How often does what we do and say label us as Christians? Is there really a marked difference? Sadly, I am not sure there is.
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