One of the most dramatic stories in the Old Testament can be found in the 18th chapter of 1 Kings. Elijah has thrown down against the prophets of Baal and called them out to a burnt offering challenge. Each side is to call upon their god or God to consume a sacrificed bull with fire. Of course the prophets of Baal are tremendously disappointed when nothing happens after they pray to Baal; however, Elijah's faith is proven justified when fire from the heavens consume Elijah's sacrifice as well as the rocks that were used to construct the altar. (1 Kings 18 ESV)
As I reread the account of this Old Testament duel, I was struck by how my behavior has, at times, paralleled the behavior of the prophets of Baal. In verse 26, when the Baal is remaining silent the prophets "limped around the alter". This prompts Elijah to throw some shade at the Baal. Perhaps he may be thinking, on a trip, sleeping, or even "relieving himself". (1 Kings 18:27 ESV)
Did these taunts ever poke the bear! Upon hearing such derisive language being hurled at Baal the prophets worked themselves into a lather. They "cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them." (1 Kings 18:28 ESV) But regardless of the level of frenzied activity, nothing. No response. The sacrificed bull still lay on the alter dripping blood and attracting flies.
How many times do we act like the prophets of Baal in our Christian lives. I am not speaking in terms of worshipping a false God, but in thinking our activities can bring about a response from God. If I attend more services, God will be impressed. Maybe increased hours of volunteering for a Christian cause will cause God to bless my life. What if I join the choir? That surely will get me in God's favor.
But take a look at Elijah's actions in this Duel of the Deities. He prayed a two sentence prayer. "O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. 37 Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” (1 Kings 18:36,37 ESV)
Short, simple, sincere. Nothing showy. Nothing self-serving.
His prayer acknowledged God's supermency and Elijah's position as a servant. He also prayed that others turn their hearts to God through the answer to his prayer. A righteous, faithful servant of the Living God approaching his Heavenly Father and placing his needs on the altar.
What a marvelous example of how we should approach God. Confidently and calmy. No need for histrionics, busyness, or exhausting activity. As James reminds us, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16 KJV) And you know what? James just happened to be referencing Elijan when he wrote that verse.
Saturday, September 22, 2018
Thursday, September 20, 2018
September 20, 2018 Supply Chain
On September 18, NPR's Ari Shaprio reported that Boeing had nearly $10 billion worth of 737s, the most successful airliner in history, sitting unfinished due to a supply chain glitch. Because of an increase in demand, parts suppliers were unable to keep up with the current production needs. Since Boeing operated using a just-in-time supply chain, one bottleneck in that chain can be disastrous for the company.
One part, in particular, castings and forgings for turbine disks, was holding up the entire process for completion of the 737 engines. No castings and forgings, no functioning engines. The lack of this tiny part shut down the entire production of engines for these huge planes.
Often in our Christian life, it is the little things that keep us from realizing the blessings God has in store for us. Skipping morning quiet time for several days may not seem like a big deal, but that lack of time with God can affect our interactions with others.
Daily prayer taking too much time? "Just skip it. No big deal," we think. Until we make that bonehead decision at work because we had failed to seek God's guidance.
Just like the engine for the 737, our Christian lives only function as they should when all the parts and pieces are in place. None of the spiritual disciplines are indepensible with it comes to living a the Christian life.
One part, in particular, castings and forgings for turbine disks, was holding up the entire process for completion of the 737 engines. No castings and forgings, no functioning engines. The lack of this tiny part shut down the entire production of engines for these huge planes.
Often in our Christian life, it is the little things that keep us from realizing the blessings God has in store for us. Skipping morning quiet time for several days may not seem like a big deal, but that lack of time with God can affect our interactions with others.
Daily prayer taking too much time? "Just skip it. No big deal," we think. Until we make that bonehead decision at work because we had failed to seek God's guidance.
Just like the engine for the 737, our Christian lives only function as they should when all the parts and pieces are in place. None of the spiritual disciplines are indepensible with it comes to living a the Christian life.
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
September 18, 2018 Galatians 4:17
17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. (Gal. 4:17 ESV)
Nike shoes can make you run faster. Red Bull can give you unliminted energy. If you drive a Lincoln you will be as cool as Matthew Mcconaughey. Isn't it comforting to know that all these huge conglomerations are so concerned about little ol' you and me? They only want the best for us.
If you believe that, I have some ocean front property in Arizona I would love to sell you.
No matter how sincere Madison Avenue tries to make their clients appear, at the end of the day, what's best for the bottom line is the endgame. We are but pawns in that game. The early Christians in the churches in Galatia were being treated no differently.
The Judiazers were trying to corrupt the faith alone Gospel preached by Paul and steer the new converts back into the folds of Mosiac law. Perhaps there was some concern for the individual, but most likely it was to reestablish the temple practices and Mosiac law which had made the Pharasiees powerful and merchants wealthy.
But Paul reminded the Galatians that the only requirement for salvation was faith in Jesus Christ, his diety, perfect life, death and resurrection. No works required. No cermonies necessary. Christ's gift was free for the asking.
The ultimate payoff for acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior is an eternity with Him in heaven. No more tears. No more death. No more worry. But the Christian life is so much more than just a waiting room for heaven.
Jesus told his followers, "I came that (you) may have life and have it abundantly." He not only wants to share an eternity with us, but also to live a joyful and fulfilled life while here on earth. There is no hidden agenda. No selfish plan in place.
People look out for themselves. Corporations are concerned with the bottom line. But Christ lived and died for us. He wants us to lie in green pastures and rest beside still waters. His life and death were for us, not a bunch of stockholders.
Nike shoes can make you run faster. Red Bull can give you unliminted energy. If you drive a Lincoln you will be as cool as Matthew Mcconaughey. Isn't it comforting to know that all these huge conglomerations are so concerned about little ol' you and me? They only want the best for us.
If you believe that, I have some ocean front property in Arizona I would love to sell you.
No matter how sincere Madison Avenue tries to make their clients appear, at the end of the day, what's best for the bottom line is the endgame. We are but pawns in that game. The early Christians in the churches in Galatia were being treated no differently.
The Judiazers were trying to corrupt the faith alone Gospel preached by Paul and steer the new converts back into the folds of Mosiac law. Perhaps there was some concern for the individual, but most likely it was to reestablish the temple practices and Mosiac law which had made the Pharasiees powerful and merchants wealthy.
But Paul reminded the Galatians that the only requirement for salvation was faith in Jesus Christ, his diety, perfect life, death and resurrection. No works required. No cermonies necessary. Christ's gift was free for the asking.
The ultimate payoff for acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior is an eternity with Him in heaven. No more tears. No more death. No more worry. But the Christian life is so much more than just a waiting room for heaven.
Jesus told his followers, "I came that (you) may have life and have it abundantly." He not only wants to share an eternity with us, but also to live a joyful and fulfilled life while here on earth. There is no hidden agenda. No selfish plan in place.
People look out for themselves. Corporations are concerned with the bottom line. But Christ lived and died for us. He wants us to lie in green pastures and rest beside still waters. His life and death were for us, not a bunch of stockholders.
Monday, September 17, 2018
September 17, 2018 Struggle
My retirement motto to date should be, "With more time comes more procrastination." Since July 1, with a few exceptions, I have had the luxury of being the master of my schedule. While I still have commitments, the when and how I fulfill those commitments is up to me. I can mow early morning or late afternoon. The few tasks I have for student teacher supervision can be done over coffee or sans libation. While I have managed to complete the necessary tasks in a timely manner, time alone with God has been more of a struggle to fit in than at any time I can remember.
I envisioned my retirement days being filled with a couple of side jobs, many volunteer hours, and long, deep journeys into God's word accompanied with insightful, almost Solomon-like additions to this blog. Yeah, right!
This lack of God time is not the result of not having enough time, resources, or even desire. At the end of the day, it is a spiritual battle that I am losing.
In Ephesians 6:12, Paul writes, " For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Eph. 6:12 ESV) This is most certainly the case in regards to my spiritual disciplines and use of time since retirement. And I have become painfully aware that I am woefully ill-equipped to fight this battle as the Lone Ranger.
Luckily Paul also realized that we are not able to stand up to this satanic attack alone. In the next 6 verses, he outlined the holy armor that allows us to be victorious.
Ephesians 6:13-19 is the only solution to where I currently find my spiritual walk. It will take the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and consistent prayer to overcome the spiritual doldrums in which I find myself. It may not be easy or quick, but the payoff will be worth any struggle.
I envisioned my retirement days being filled with a couple of side jobs, many volunteer hours, and long, deep journeys into God's word accompanied with insightful, almost Solomon-like additions to this blog. Yeah, right!
This lack of God time is not the result of not having enough time, resources, or even desire. At the end of the day, it is a spiritual battle that I am losing.
In Ephesians 6:12, Paul writes, " For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Eph. 6:12 ESV) This is most certainly the case in regards to my spiritual disciplines and use of time since retirement. And I have become painfully aware that I am woefully ill-equipped to fight this battle as the Lone Ranger.
Luckily Paul also realized that we are not able to stand up to this satanic attack alone. In the next 6 verses, he outlined the holy armor that allows us to be victorious.
Ephesians 6:13-19 is the only solution to where I currently find my spiritual walk. It will take the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and consistent prayer to overcome the spiritual doldrums in which I find myself. It may not be easy or quick, but the payoff will be worth any struggle.
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