Don't Be an Otis May 9, 2019

The Philippian Jailer Converted

²⁵ About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, ²⁶ and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. ²⁷ When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. ²⁸ But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.”  Acts 16:25-28 ESV

I am not second guessing Paul or Silas when they stayed in their prison cell even when the "bonds were unfastened" and the cell doors were opened.  As a result of this act, the jailer and his family were saved and believed in God.  Acts 16:34  However, I wonder how many of us stay in an emotional, mental, or spiritual prison after God has unfastened our sin bonds and opened the door to freedom.
  
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, the stain of sin is washed away, our guilt removed, and our sin is covered by his blood.  Yet so many Christians still live life in a prison cell of self-recrimination and shame.  Yes, we have sinned.  Yes, we have hurt others.  And there may be things from our past that have to be dealt with in the present, but we are declared righteous and sanctified in the eyes of God when we call out to Him for salvation.

I am reminded of Otis from the Andy Griffith Show.  Periodically he would stagger into the police station, get the key off the hook, and let himself into one of  the two cells in the Mayberry jail.  I am so like Otis at times.  I will make a mistake or think back to past times and, like Otis, put myself back into a jail cell.  Only my cell is made up of self-loathing and shame.  

The problem with this is that I am no longer a prisoner of my past.  Past sins have been forgiven.  Transgressions from a decade ago or a minute ago are wiped away.  Through Christ's sacrifice on the cross and my acceptance of his Lordship, I am declared righteous in the eyes of God.

Let's not keep returning to the prison of self-doubt and guilt.  We have been set free.  Bonds unfastened.  Cell doors opened.  Walk out and don't return.  Don't be an Otis. 

Not Their God May 3, 2019

As I was preparing a small group lesson for Sunday, I came across four words buried in the middle of the 12th verse of the 2nd chapter of Judges.  "God of their Fathers"  Four words that have been immortalized in the hymn, "God of our Fathers, Whose Almighty Hand".  There are many versions of this hymn on Youtube.  But when used in Judges 2:12, the phrase is more of a cautionary tale.

¹¹ And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals. ¹² And they abandoned the Lord, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt.  Judges 3:11,12 ESV  

In Judges we see the people of Israel, God's chosen people, engaged in a destructive pattern of disobedience, oppression, crying out for deliverance, deliverance, peace, then disobedience, oppression, so on and so forth.  I wonder if much of the blame for this cycle lies at the feet of the older generations.  There were no Bibles, no scrolls, no church camps.  If children and adolescents did not learn about Jehovah from their parents and grandparents, they were out of luck.

Their parents had seen the mighty deliverance of God.  They were witness to fire from heaven, parting of rivers, miraculous victories on the battle field, but how vivid were their recounting of these events to their children?  How often did they observe genuine praise and fervent prayer from a parent, aunt or uncle?  Was Bible study done at the kitchen table or in a closed-door study before the rug rats were up? 

Was God just a "God of their fathers"?  Was it ever made real to the up and coming generation?  If Jehovah remained just a God of the old people, it is no wonder Generation I fell away.

As parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, it is a spiritual imperative we help our God become just as real in the lives of our young charges as it is in ours.  I think this graphic points to the urgency of this mission.

Let's make sure the God of our fathers, becomes the God of our children.

March 29, 2019 Complete, Total, Irrevocable

"I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you.  
Joshua 7:12 ESV

Once again, we see the Israelite nation suffering defeat as a result of their disobedience.  God had made clear to them His expectations and there were some who thought they knew better.  Defeat was the result.


I had to do a little research about the phrase "devoted things".  Devoted things are those practices in our lives or even physical items that God has made clear his intention.  




"The Hebrew verb charam (חרם and its cognate noun חֵרֶם, cherem, pronounced with a guttural ch, as in loch) is a technical term in Hebrew. That is, it has a very narrow and specialized meaning, and does not easily translate into English. It has usually been translated as something like "put under the ban" or "devote to destruction." In some places it can simply mean "exterminate," and rarely has the much milder meaning of "ostracize" or 'excommunicate.'"  Reference

When we are under conviction from God about sin in our lives, He does not want a partial or lukewarm reaction to His position.  Our response to sin in our life needs to be total, complete annihilation and destruction.

That doesn't mean viewing R-rated web sites rather than X-rated ones.  Declaring more income than last year but still not all won't get it.  Allowing an emotional affair at work, but not "going all the way" is not destruction of the sin of lust.

If we accomocate 1% of a sin, we are being 100% disobedient and open the door to "defeat as a result of (our) disobedience".  God demands complete destruction of those "devoted things" in our lives.

Does this mean we must live a sin-free live to be in relationship with our Heavenly Father?  No.  During our time on earth, we will continue to sin.  But it is our attitude that is the true barometer of our spiritual health.  Is there a desire to destroy sin in our lives?  Do we confess our sin and renew our spirit?

Destruction means no compromise.  No bargaining with God for just a little bit of the forbidden.  While all "sin" is forbidden, for each of us there are certain strongholds which God makes a special focus for us individually. 

If God says "destroy", we had better get out the wrecking ball and get busy.

March 22, 2019 Thick Bark

I was recently cutting out some trails on a small piece of land we own.  Most of the land is forested and when finish I hope to have 3-4 meandering trails through the oaks and cedars. 

After I cut away the undergrowth and scrub trees, I then go in and attach some crude, homemade trail markers to the trees.  I am using short pieces of treated 1 x 2 lumber and 2" deck screws.  For the majority of markers, the screws will securely attach the markers to the trees.  However every so often, I find the marker will not tighten to the tree. 

At first I was perplexed as to why certain trees did not allow the marker to stay secure.  Then I realized it was because the bark on some of the trees was so thick that the screws were not long enough to penetrate to the surface below the bark.  The screws just kept turning in the crumbling exterior of the tree.  These trees were the older, larger trees and practically useless for my purpose. 

I wonder how many Christians have grown such a thick, rough layer of bark as to be almost worthless to any new purpose God may have for their lives.  Over the years we can become comfortable in our lives and resist any deviation from the routine.  Our thick bark shields of from any new revelation or direction from God. 

As we grow older, it is imperative we stay open to God's calling and direction.  New phases in our lives can bring opportunities to serve God in different ways.  Retirement frees up time.  Becoming a grandparent is a time for reevaluation of priorities.  The death of a spouse leave one wondering, "What now?" 

Be sensitive to God's voice during times of life change.  Don't allow the bark of growing older to keep us from realizing our full potential in God's kingdom here on earth.

March 13, 2019 Time Brings Clarity

Yesterday I wrote about situation where I had to make an important decision with a small window of time, no opportunity to "go to the Garden", and a lack of clear spiritual discernment.  A decision had to be made, but even early the next day, I still had not received the assurance I had done the right thing.

By noon of the day following my decision dilemma, I had the answer from God that I had indeed made the right decision the previous day.  A situation arose that I was able to help with because of my previous decision.  Although my presence during the situation was not a necessity, it did help to diffuse things.

As I wrote yesterday, I think there are times God-created/allowed situations where we will have to proceed without 100% certainty.  But I also believe that if we continue to pray after the fact, He will eventually provide us with the answers we require, or at least the peace to accept the ambiguity.

We can rest assured that not matter how God chooses to handle the situation, it will be what is best for our lives.

²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28 (KJV)

 

March 11, 2019 Growth through Ambiguity

In I Corinthians 14:33, Paul writes, ^". . .God is not a God of disorder but of peace."  Often times this verse is taken out of context and misapplied.  Paul is writing to the church at Corinth in regards to order in during church services.  Evidently speaking in tongues and people prophesying had become a distraction to worship.  I believe that there are times when God does obscure His voice and guidance from us.

I recently experienced an incident where I believe God chose to remain silent and that silence created ambiguity.  However, it was because of this lack of clarity I reflected more deeply on my decision and realized God won't always spoon feed us when we turn to Him.

The situation was one in which I had to make a decision in a just under 2.5 hours.  A decision that, while not life-altering, did have some short-term ramifications for myself and possibly others.  In addition, I was not in a position to spend an extended time of quiet prayer and meditation.  

When the window was closing, I made my decision not feeling 100% certain.  Had I decided the other way, I am not certain I would have felt any more confident.

For many hours after I struggled with the decision I had made.  Right?  Wrong?  Obedient?  Disobedient?  I still am not sure.

What I a sure about is that because of this situation, I have done more reflecting and soul-searching than would have happened if God had provided a crystal-clear answer.  In fact I find myself rehashing the situation even this morning, a day after the event.

Perhaps that is what God wanted.  He knew I needed to trust the knowledge and guidance He has provided in the past.  He needed me to make a tough call and spend time with Him after the fact.

Many may disagree with me on this.  Many will say that God will always provide clear, timely guidance if we are in the center of His will.  After this recent event, I am not sure that I agree with "always".  Most often, sure.  99.99% of the time, yeah, I can support that.  But perhaps there will be those one-off events where He will choose to stand back and see how we get along when the training wheels are off.

February 22, 2019

 ²⁵ "And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”  Mark 11:25 (ESV)

Anything against anyone.  Anyone.  When asked to make a list of "anyones" most people would include coworker, family member, neighbor, friend.  I wonder how many people would include "self" in that list?  With work most of us can forgive those who we have something against.  Forgiveness of others can be difficult, but scripture is replete with verses that emphasize the importance of forgiving those people in our lives who have caused us inconvenience or pain.  But do we extend that same forgiveness to oneself?

God tells us that unforgiveness is not just a hinderance to our prayer life, but it is also a sin and separator from God.

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.  Matthew 6:14,15 (ESV)

Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.  Colossians 3:13 (ESV)

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;"  Luke 6:37 (ESV)

February 16, 2019 Three Steps

⁴⁷ Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: ⁴⁸ he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.  Luke 6:47,48 (ESV)

This winter has seen me put on more than my usual 3-5 hibernation pounds.  The scales and jeans are all telling me I have spent more couch time and had more cookie forays than usual this November, December and January.  It is time to make some changes.

Fitness articles, blogs, and books are all full of advice, diets, plans, and fads.  More protein.  Less carbs.  Mediterranean foods.  Sit-ups.  Planks.  Although the path to health varies, one things is consistent.  Getting healthy involves a multi-pronged attack.  Start eating good stuff.  Quit eating bad stuff.  Exercise.

Luke outlines for us a three-pronged plan for developing a rock-solid faith, a faith that can withstand the storms and ravages of life.

We must move toward God.  God is there.  He has not distanced himself from us.  We are the ones who through active and passive sin  have disrupted the relationship.  God is waiting, just as the father of the prodigal son, for  us to return to him.

 In the first chapter of James, we are reminded to be "quick to hear".  We should approach God not with a list of our wants, needs, and demands, but with an open heart anticipating what he has for us.  

Finally, after hearing and learning from Him, we must act.  Perhaps we will be instructed to tithe.  Maybe there will be a service opportunity presented.  His message may be to wait.  Regardless of the message, we are called to obedience to his guidance. 

Approach.  Listen.  Act.  A three-step plan to a strong faith.

February 6, 2019

¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.  Eph. 2:10 (CSB)

 Do you ever find yourself just waiting for that just-right ministry opportunity to present itself.  The perfect fit for your self-perceived talents.  VBS is almost it, but not quite.  Choir?  Like to sing, but not sure about the Wednesday might rehearsals.  

Maybe, just maybe, if you wait just long enough, a heavenly messenger will announce to you in a dream or burning bush where your invaluable talents and skills can further God's kingdom.

Paul tells a different story.  He reminds us we were created for good works.  Our reason for existence is to work for God's glory.  Not wait for that perfect fit.  

Also, God has already prepared those works for which we were created.  The occasions are there.  The volunteer opportunities are abundant. Waiting is an excuse.  A dodge.

If we are to fulfill our life's purpose we must involve ourselves in the good works that God has already prepared.  A life shared is a life fulfilled.

Not Just Puppies January 16, 2019

A little over a year ago Roxie, our wonderful canine companion of nine years, had an early morning stroke and passed away five hours later.  It was sudden, heart-wrenching, and left a dog-shaped hole in our lives.

As the cold, dreary days of winter rolled in, Kristi started to casually peruse some pet adoption web sites.  It wasn't long before she was posing the question, "Are we ready to get another dog?"  I wasn't.

The question kept popping up until it was obvious that Kristi's need to once again have a four-legged friend clicking around on our hardwood floors was deeply felt.    I relented and now we have Piper, a shelter dog from Osage Beach.  She is very shy and has many fears, but we are patiently working with her and seeing a lot of progress.

As I was walking Piper, God impressed on me that while agreeing to another dog, even though I was not 100% on board, was important for Kristi and a sacrifice of sorts on my part, it was not as important as the day-in and day-out, small-scale sacrifices I often over look.

Going to the basement to fold the laundry even though I am in an interesting part of a book.  Making sure the forks are turned the right way in the silverware drawer.  Asking for, then taking Kristi's advice.  Putting down the iPad when Kristi wants to tell me about her most recent plant purchase.  These are what show love every day.  These "small" things make her feel valued and cherished.

Diamonds, vacations, and even new puppies are visible, grand gestures of love.  But they should never replace washing dishes, warming up the car, and taking an interest in crochet.

Big love gets "oohs" and "ahhs", but small, consistent love strengthens and endures.

Never Too Old January 9, 2019

Recently while preparing to teach a small group lesson over Genesis 31, I did some background research and discovered that Jacob was around 80 years old when he arrived at his uncle's house in Haran.  Over the next 20 years he married two women, fathered 12 children, and amassed a fortune through selective stock breeding.  Not bad for a guy his age.  What is even more amazing and encouraging is the personal and spiritual growth we see in Jacob.

Jacob left his home in Beersheba in a hurry.  He had tricked his father in to giving away Esau's blessing and was under a death threat from his brother.  Jacob's mother concocted a story to deceive Isaac about why she was getting Jacob out of the country.

But after 20 years of hard work and being deceived and cheated himself, Jacob transforms into a man of integrity and faith.

In Genesis 30, Jacob asks his uncle, Laban, permission to return to his home in Beersheba.  Laban does not give that permission, but talks Jacob into another 6 years of work.  During these years Jacob becomes "exceedingly prosperous and came to own large flocks, and female and male servants, and camels and donkey" through astute animal husbandry and God's provision.  (Gen. 30:43)

Eventually God tells Jacob in a dream, "Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you."  (Gen. 31:3) At this point we see Jacob's spiritual growth.

Over the next six verses, Jacob repeatedly acknowledged God's protection and provision in his life.  The self-serving, self-sufficient man of his former days is gone.  He has become a man of faith who realized all he had become was a result of God's involvement in his life.  Jacob's conniving resulted in being run out of town.  His reliance on God resulted in prosperity and protection.

I have had several periods in my life where I was a "Jacob".  Self involved.  Manipulative.  During these times I was number one.  People were there to make my life better, to benefit me.  Satan loves to drag my mind back to those times.  Guilt about wasted years and damaged relationships can be tools he uses to create doubt, self-recrimination, and inaction.

But Jacob shows us that past does not determine future.  What was does not have to be what is.  God can, over time, change us.  His love and wisdom and guidance will create within us the growth He desires.  Jacob went from a fugitive to the father of a nation.  

Jacob was close to 80 years old when the transformation started.  He was pushing the century mark before he was ready.  But God got him there.  Through Jacob's obedience and God's love, he became the man he was destined to be.

It is never too late.  We are never too old.

Not For January 4, 2019

²⁹ Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. ³⁰ And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ ³¹ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”  (Mark 12:29-31, ESV)

A Post-it message on the mirror.  An unexpected morning Starbucks.  A single flower on the windshield.  All these things are quick little surprises that remind your wife you love, and are in love with them.  But what I have discovered from the 20 years of marriage, is that as important as these out-of-the-blue surprises are, for Kristi it is not so much what I purchase as what I do day in and day out.  Do I help with the laundry without being asked?  Is the trash taken out before it overflows on the floor?  How much clutter do I allow to NOT pile up on my end of the kitchen table?

As a Christian I am to love God with all my heart, mind, and soul.  I can show this love with my tithes and offerings.  Spending time in corporate worship, prayer, and Bible are all demonstrations of my love for Him.  But what about those times when I am not consciously focused on Him?  Do those thousands of decisions I make each day reflect my feelings for the Lord my God?

My love for God is not just demonstrated during the "God times", but also by how I spend the hours away from my Bible and prayer closet. 

Do I treat others in a way that demonstrate my love for Him?  What about the books I read or how I spend my downtime?  Every decision I make each day reflect my love, or lack thereof, my love for my Heavenly Father. 

Love is shown not by what we do for, but by what we do because of.  God doesn't need us to do things for Him, but because of our love for Him.