My wife called me, feeling more than a little stressed because she could not find her engagement ring. She had anxiously been looking for it without success. She turned up the volume of her search by letting others know via the Internet, thinking she might have misplaced it in the ladies washroom at church. It was a burden on her spirit until she found it.
She told me that she found it but did not tell me where. I said to her, "I know where you found it. You found it at the last place you left it." She chuckled a bit and acknowledged, "Yes, that is right where I found it." And unless someone else has moved it or it grows legs and walks off, that is where you find everything you lose.
If, in your marriage, "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" as the Righteous Brothers crooned in the 1964 hit, you can find it where you last left it. Seriously. Any marriage counselor worth his/her salt will, at some point, direct you to go back to that time when you felt it most and begin again doing and saying those things that gave rise to and sustained that feeling. The feeling you had then can still be found in the place you left it before your relationship moved on to other pursuits than one another.
If you've lost the financial cushion you used to have in your savings account. Go back to the principles of financial management you used to live by. Reign in your spending, focusing on paying off debt instead of using credit, make paying yourself a priority by insisting that a portion of your income gets put into savings, make "tithing" or giving an indispensable part of your life, use a budget to tell your money where to go instead of wondering where it went. Go back to whatever it was you were doing when saving was more important than spending.
Is your faith waning? Is your prayer life slipping? If your fervor for the Lord growing faint? Do you look back to days when your Christian walk was so much clearer, bolder, better than it is now? The answer to reclaiming that pinnacle of faith is the same as the other things you've lost: "This is what the Lord says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls'" (Jer 6:16). Pause for a bit, look back to the place where it used to be, walk on that path again. Jus' Say'n.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Monday, February 27, 2017
Giving Up to Gain
"...[Jesus] called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?'" (Mk 8:34-36).
Seems counterintuitive to say that the way to gain life is to give it up but that is precisely what Jesus is saying. While we naturally cling to things in order to possess them, believing that maintaining personal control is the key to insuring continuity. However, in the words of Dr. Phil, "How has that been working for you?"
For instance, when one hoards his/her money instead of investing it, how well does it that work against the rising tide of inflation and the cost of living? Investors, despite some loses, are the ones who gain. If you jealously control your wife, keeping her close not allowing her freedom to be herself, what is the end result of that intense possessiveness?
The question is when you focus on yourself in a selfish way, what do you gain? You don't! You lose! And when you continue in that self-focus, eventually you lose yourself. Imagine a farmer jealously holding on to his grain instead of planting it. What would be the outcome? Imagine a teacher jealously holding on to her knowledge. What would be the outcome? The answer to both is that both would lose.
The ultimate loss comes when we jealously hold on to this physical life and the world in which we live to the point we lose our spiritual life and the world to come. The path to life is turning away from self-seeking, self-interests and self-determination so that we can turn to Jesus, laying down the control of our lives at his feet so that he can raise us up in his presence, gaining glory and life everlasting. Jus' Say'n.
Seems counterintuitive to say that the way to gain life is to give it up but that is precisely what Jesus is saying. While we naturally cling to things in order to possess them, believing that maintaining personal control is the key to insuring continuity. However, in the words of Dr. Phil, "How has that been working for you?"
For instance, when one hoards his/her money instead of investing it, how well does it that work against the rising tide of inflation and the cost of living? Investors, despite some loses, are the ones who gain. If you jealously control your wife, keeping her close not allowing her freedom to be herself, what is the end result of that intense possessiveness?
The question is when you focus on yourself in a selfish way, what do you gain? You don't! You lose! And when you continue in that self-focus, eventually you lose yourself. Imagine a farmer jealously holding on to his grain instead of planting it. What would be the outcome? Imagine a teacher jealously holding on to her knowledge. What would be the outcome? The answer to both is that both would lose.
The ultimate loss comes when we jealously hold on to this physical life and the world in which we live to the point we lose our spiritual life and the world to come. The path to life is turning away from self-seeking, self-interests and self-determination so that we can turn to Jesus, laying down the control of our lives at his feet so that he can raise us up in his presence, gaining glory and life everlasting. Jus' Say'n.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Uncovering Lights
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Mt 5:14-16).
So, go out and get your light shining, right? Wrong! Wrong? Right! Uh, maybe I should turn a light on this thought. The passage above is not a command to produce light. It is not saying that we need to do something or say something or give something in order to cause our light to begin to shine. Rather it is a command to resist doing or saying things in such a way that covers our light.
We, like the moon, are reflected light for Jesus is "The true light that gives light to everyone..." (Jn 1:9), just as the sun gives light to the moon. And what does the moon need to do to reflect that light? Nothing! The only thing that prevents the moon from shining is an eclipse - something that covers it.
A reflected light needs do nothing to produce the light but everything to keep it from being blocked by inactivity or hypocrisy or distance or selfishness. If you are a child of God, you have divine light within you. But is your reflection clear to those in your community? Are you giving them a chance to see the Christ within? Is there something in your life that is blocking that light? Is there unforgiveness, discord, anger, greed, lust, some thing that is covering that light? Jus' Ask'n.
So, go out and get your light shining, right? Wrong! Wrong? Right! Uh, maybe I should turn a light on this thought. The passage above is not a command to produce light. It is not saying that we need to do something or say something or give something in order to cause our light to begin to shine. Rather it is a command to resist doing or saying things in such a way that covers our light.
We, like the moon, are reflected light for Jesus is "The true light that gives light to everyone..." (Jn 1:9), just as the sun gives light to the moon. And what does the moon need to do to reflect that light? Nothing! The only thing that prevents the moon from shining is an eclipse - something that covers it.
A reflected light needs do nothing to produce the light but everything to keep it from being blocked by inactivity or hypocrisy or distance or selfishness. If you are a child of God, you have divine light within you. But is your reflection clear to those in your community? Are you giving them a chance to see the Christ within? Is there something in your life that is blocking that light? Is there unforgiveness, discord, anger, greed, lust, some thing that is covering that light? Jus' Ask'n.
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Reconcile This
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke to discord saying, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift" (Mt 5:23-24).
His answer to our anger is to lay down the rod of reprisal and raise the bar of human conduct to the level of Divine redemption, which calls for more than simply resisting retribution that in itself may give rise to a begrudging spirit.
Instead, our Lord calls us to seek reconciliation so that both parties may blessed by applying a salve to the wound rather than allow it to remain open and fester through long-term neglect or indifference. The Divine aim is not simply to establish civility in the midst of discord, it is rather to re-establish the chords of mutual care and concern.
Perhaps there is someone you have not been able to forgive because of your frail humanity. Why not seek Divine forgiveness to be channeled through you, coming from the Father who loves us all to the individual you have trouble loving at all? It is His call for you, therefore He can cause it to happen through you. Jus' Say'n.
His answer to our anger is to lay down the rod of reprisal and raise the bar of human conduct to the level of Divine redemption, which calls for more than simply resisting retribution that in itself may give rise to a begrudging spirit.
Instead, our Lord calls us to seek reconciliation so that both parties may blessed by applying a salve to the wound rather than allow it to remain open and fester through long-term neglect or indifference. The Divine aim is not simply to establish civility in the midst of discord, it is rather to re-establish the chords of mutual care and concern.
Perhaps there is someone you have not been able to forgive because of your frail humanity. Why not seek Divine forgiveness to be channeled through you, coming from the Father who loves us all to the individual you have trouble loving at all? It is His call for you, therefore He can cause it to happen through you. Jus' Say'n.
Monday, February 20, 2017
Following Jesus
One might assume that as Jesus promised "I will be with you always...", he will follow us wherever we go. Doesn't he even go on to say, "I will never leave you as orphans" (Jn 14:18)? Surely these are solid proof texts that he will indeed follow us always and everywhere. Yes, they are wonderful "proof texts" but as so often with proof text that would be out of context.
Are the verses above really suggesting that Jesus will go with us into every venture we undertake? Do you suppose he will go with with you when you "go off" on someone else? Do you think he will come on over when we are "getting over" on the unsuspecting? Can you not think of some place you have gone that you doubt Jesus went, maybe even hope he wasn't present?
In the parable known as "The Prodigal Son," does the Father follow the son who chooses to leave his father behind and go to a far away land where he fills his days with drunkenness and sexual promiscuity? No. But did the father leave him? No. The father does not do the leaving and when the son chooses to return, the father welcomes him home (cf. Luke 15:11-31). But the father does not follow the wayward son in his sinful pursuits.
The context of Jesus never leaving us is in the following of him, not in him following us. The call of the Lord is not, "wait up, I'm right behind you!" The call of Jesus is "come follow me" (Mt 4:19). We are further challenged, "take up you cross and follow me" (Mt 16:24). Our call is to a course correction to turn around (repent) of going our way and begin to follow in his path. And, when we do, he will never go off and leave us behind, regardless of how we struggle and stumble along the way. He will wait for us, help us up, set our feet back on solid round. He will never go off and leave us, though we may well leave him behind as we follow ungodly paths. Jus' Say'n.
Are the verses above really suggesting that Jesus will go with us into every venture we undertake? Do you suppose he will go with with you when you "go off" on someone else? Do you think he will come on over when we are "getting over" on the unsuspecting? Can you not think of some place you have gone that you doubt Jesus went, maybe even hope he wasn't present?
In the parable known as "The Prodigal Son," does the Father follow the son who chooses to leave his father behind and go to a far away land where he fills his days with drunkenness and sexual promiscuity? No. But did the father leave him? No. The father does not do the leaving and when the son chooses to return, the father welcomes him home (cf. Luke 15:11-31). But the father does not follow the wayward son in his sinful pursuits.
The context of Jesus never leaving us is in the following of him, not in him following us. The call of the Lord is not, "wait up, I'm right behind you!" The call of Jesus is "come follow me" (Mt 4:19). We are further challenged, "take up you cross and follow me" (Mt 16:24). Our call is to a course correction to turn around (repent) of going our way and begin to follow in his path. And, when we do, he will never go off and leave us behind, regardless of how we struggle and stumble along the way. He will wait for us, help us up, set our feet back on solid round. He will never go off and leave us, though we may well leave him behind as we follow ungodly paths. Jus' Say'n.
Friday, February 17, 2017
Delegate and Defer
When Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, saw the great number of people who came daily for Moses to settle disputes, he wasn't impressed with the sacrifice of time and energy. Rather than extol how much Moses was willing to sacrifice for the people, he said instead, “What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone" (Ex 18:17-18).
Jethro went on saying that Moses should appoint reliable men over groups of 1,000s, 100s, 50s and 10s in order to divide out the labor for his own benefit and the benefit of the people who were waiting from morning to night for a very worn out leader to try and decide appropriately. Only the most difficult cases would be held over for Moses allowing the people to be attended to more expeditiously and Moses to judge more fairly.
And then Jethro added, "If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” (v. 23). The final and most important part of Jethro's plan was to defer it all to God. If Moses would delegate the work and defer the responsibility to God, then God, if so willing, would bless the efforts.
It wasn't just a matter of making the best decision and following said plan; success was found in taking that plan to God, laying it at his feet and following his will on the matter. Then all would be well with Moses and with the people for God will always do what is best and right.
Jethro went on saying that Moses should appoint reliable men over groups of 1,000s, 100s, 50s and 10s in order to divide out the labor for his own benefit and the benefit of the people who were waiting from morning to night for a very worn out leader to try and decide appropriately. Only the most difficult cases would be held over for Moses allowing the people to be attended to more expeditiously and Moses to judge more fairly.
And then Jethro added, "If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” (v. 23). The final and most important part of Jethro's plan was to defer it all to God. If Moses would delegate the work and defer the responsibility to God, then God, if so willing, would bless the efforts.
It wasn't just a matter of making the best decision and following said plan; success was found in taking that plan to God, laying it at his feet and following his will on the matter. Then all would be well with Moses and with the people for God will always do what is best and right.
Letting go and letting God, as the mantra goes, is not about taking a seat and letting God take care of everything. It is to choose to do the right thing and then leave the outcome in His hands. In Moses' case it was to entrust the work to others by delegation and then trust God by deferring to His Sovereign rule. We would all do well to listen to Jethro. Jus' Say'n.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Picture That
Jesus is called "...the image of the invisible God..." (Col 1:15). Image, from the Greek "icon," carries the meaning of an exact representation, which is where the name "Nikon" came for the popular camera suggesting that it will capture the exact image of what you are shooting on film (well, at least my Nikon did, yours today captures it digitally).
The point is that Jesus was referred to as the exact representation of God, who so perfectly reflected Him that he could rightly say, "Anyone who has seen me (Jesus) has seen the Father" (Jn 14:19). And, you might be thinking, "Of course, after all, he is the Son of God." True, but who is our Father? Is it not to "our Father in Heaven" (Mt 6:9) to whom we pray? Did not God "create mankind in his own image" (Gen 1:27)? So then, ought we not reflect that His image?
We should reflect His image but we will reflect the image that we hold most closely - that which makes the greatest impression on us, somewhat like "Silly Putty" that you could press on the newspaper and capture its image in the glob.
If money makes the greatest impression, we will reflect greed. If it is power, we will reflect control. If it is sex, we will reflect objectification. As someone once said, "That which we perceive is that which we believe and that which we believe is that which we become.
Like the film of a camera exposed to an image or Silly Putty pressed onto a page, whatever it is that we focus on or press in to the most, that is the image we will bear and others will see reflected. If it is God we hold closely in our hearts, we will bear his image and others will see reflected. And they will know, Christ followers, that "God is really among [us]" (1 Cor 14:25). Jus' Say'n.
The point is that Jesus was referred to as the exact representation of God, who so perfectly reflected Him that he could rightly say, "Anyone who has seen me (Jesus) has seen the Father" (Jn 14:19). And, you might be thinking, "Of course, after all, he is the Son of God." True, but who is our Father? Is it not to "our Father in Heaven" (Mt 6:9) to whom we pray? Did not God "create mankind in his own image" (Gen 1:27)? So then, ought we not reflect that His image?
We should reflect His image but we will reflect the image that we hold most closely - that which makes the greatest impression on us, somewhat like "Silly Putty" that you could press on the newspaper and capture its image in the glob.
If money makes the greatest impression, we will reflect greed. If it is power, we will reflect control. If it is sex, we will reflect objectification. As someone once said, "That which we perceive is that which we believe and that which we believe is that which we become.
Like the film of a camera exposed to an image or Silly Putty pressed onto a page, whatever it is that we focus on or press in to the most, that is the image we will bear and others will see reflected. If it is God we hold closely in our hearts, we will bear his image and others will see reflected. And they will know, Christ followers, that "God is really among [us]" (1 Cor 14:25). Jus' Say'n.
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Plumb Wrong
I haven't heard the expression in a while but I grew up hearing it and using it quite a bit: "That's just plumb wrong!" It refers to the use of a plumb line that suspends a "bob" from a down along a wall to determine if it is exactly vertical. Why bother? Why not just "eyeball" the wall and decide for yourself if it is vertically straight? Why must we go back to a standard of orthodoxy set so long ago?
Why? Because exactly straight is objective, not subjective. Straight is straight and level is level. The standard is used because it is actual and factual, not relative to individual interpretation or personal preference. If builders eyeballed walls, we'd have a lot of off-plumb and unsafe buildings because the naked eye is subject to individual interpretation, which is often off-plumb.
The apostle John wrote, "the one who does what is right is righteous (1 Jn 3:4) and "the one who does what is wrong is not a child of God" (v. 10). He is plainly saying that there is a plumb right and a plumb wrong in God's sight. God, despite how much we might want to waffle on right and wrong, "does not change like the shifting shadows" (Js 1:17).
Despite our fickle cultural mores, there is and always will be an actual right and wrong, good and evil, true and false. It is not up to us to determine those values but rather to discover them by searching the Word of God, seeking His Spirit, observing His Creation, and using the truth therein as a plumb line. Jus' Say'n.
Why? Because exactly straight is objective, not subjective. Straight is straight and level is level. The standard is used because it is actual and factual, not relative to individual interpretation or personal preference. If builders eyeballed walls, we'd have a lot of off-plumb and unsafe buildings because the naked eye is subject to individual interpretation, which is often off-plumb.
The apostle John wrote, "the one who does what is right is righteous (1 Jn 3:4) and "the one who does what is wrong is not a child of God" (v. 10). He is plainly saying that there is a plumb right and a plumb wrong in God's sight. God, despite how much we might want to waffle on right and wrong, "does not change like the shifting shadows" (Js 1:17).
Despite our fickle cultural mores, there is and always will be an actual right and wrong, good and evil, true and false. It is not up to us to determine those values but rather to discover them by searching the Word of God, seeking His Spirit, observing His Creation, and using the truth therein as a plumb line. Jus' Say'n.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Rule Keepers
Growing up I understood religion as more or less keeping rules. I saw thing in a setting of black and white "Thou Shalts" and "Thou Shalt Nots." As I grew into adolescence, I was taken by how many "Thou Shalt Nots" there were and began to think of the church as the "Thou Shalt Not Church." There is even a mantra that jokingly captures the sentiment: "We don't smoke and we don't chew, and we don't date girls that do."
The problem with reducing faith to rule-keeping is that rule keepers are drawn to becoming rule enforcers and rule enforcers find it difficult to love rule breakers, while God calls us to kingdom life that has as a cornerstone loving a world full of ruler breakers: "For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only begotten Son that whosoever believe on him shall not perish but have everlasting life" (Jn 3:16).
This "love over rule-keeping" is so paramount that the apostle Paul drove a spiritual stake in the ground saying, "The commandments, 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not covet,' and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law" (Rom 13:9-10).
The Christian Faith is not about discovering, defining and decreeing rules to keep and enforce; the Christian Faith is about discovering the love of God and living a life in which that love is reflected to the world about us: "Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us" (1 Jn 4:11-12).
The point is that God has not called us to be judges or lawyers or policemen - God has called us to be witnesses of his great love poured out into our lives. And love needs no rules, it naturally leads us to discovering and doing the right and best thing for the objects of our love, which are to be God and others.
When we love, we will not kill, steal, lie, etc. because we do not want to bring harm to those we love. We will worship, honor and follow in the steps of our Lord because we love and respect him. Love equally does not lead to judgment but rather to relationship that shares faith rather than enforces rules. Biblical faith causes us to value the sinners about us rather than resent them for being rule-breakers.
I'm not saying we should accept, embrace or even tolerate sins. What I am saying and know the Bible teaches is that we should love and accept the sinner, while trying to help free them from sin and its consequences calling them rather than condemning them. Jus' Say'n.
The problem with reducing faith to rule-keeping is that rule keepers are drawn to becoming rule enforcers and rule enforcers find it difficult to love rule breakers, while God calls us to kingdom life that has as a cornerstone loving a world full of ruler breakers: "For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only begotten Son that whosoever believe on him shall not perish but have everlasting life" (Jn 3:16).
This "love over rule-keeping" is so paramount that the apostle Paul drove a spiritual stake in the ground saying, "The commandments, 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not covet,' and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law" (Rom 13:9-10).
The Christian Faith is not about discovering, defining and decreeing rules to keep and enforce; the Christian Faith is about discovering the love of God and living a life in which that love is reflected to the world about us: "Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us" (1 Jn 4:11-12).
The point is that God has not called us to be judges or lawyers or policemen - God has called us to be witnesses of his great love poured out into our lives. And love needs no rules, it naturally leads us to discovering and doing the right and best thing for the objects of our love, which are to be God and others.
When we love, we will not kill, steal, lie, etc. because we do not want to bring harm to those we love. We will worship, honor and follow in the steps of our Lord because we love and respect him. Love equally does not lead to judgment but rather to relationship that shares faith rather than enforces rules. Biblical faith causes us to value the sinners about us rather than resent them for being rule-breakers.
I'm not saying we should accept, embrace or even tolerate sins. What I am saying and know the Bible teaches is that we should love and accept the sinner, while trying to help free them from sin and its consequences calling them rather than condemning them. Jus' Say'n.
Monday, February 13, 2017
Hardening Hearts
In reading the account of the plagues brought on Pharoah, we read that he hardened his heart but in Exodus 9:12, we read, "But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart and he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said to Moses." This statement has caused some to question God's judgment against Pharaoh: "One of you will say to me: 'Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?'" (Rom 9:19).
The apostle Paul did not give a defense for God's action, he simply said, "But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?' ” (v. 20). Paul asserted God's sovereignty in what he does. However, we also know that God is just. So, would a just God make someone do wrong and then punish him for it?
I believe He could if that were His choice but I don't believe he does or did in Pharaoh's case. I don't believe God took away his freedom of choice at all as evidenced by the 10 separate opportunities to obey. I believe that God hardened Pharaoh's heart by simply making the demand, "Let my people go!" By setting a positive command before him, God set in motion Pharaoh's negative response.
People are tempted to touch a bench with a sign reading "Don't touch, wet paint!" We are tempted to step over a line drawn in the sand. Just tell someone that they must or must not do something and watch the reaction. Being told what we must or must not do often motivates us to do just the opposite. In that sense our hearts have been hardened by the one making the demand.
However, God who created us has the sovereign right to make demands. He is just in making them and just in judging us when we bow up against His will or harden our hearts. God has no need to defend himself, but we have a need to understand God's justice and his sovereign will over our lives. Jus' Say'n.
The apostle Paul did not give a defense for God's action, he simply said, "But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?' ” (v. 20). Paul asserted God's sovereignty in what he does. However, we also know that God is just. So, would a just God make someone do wrong and then punish him for it?
I believe He could if that were His choice but I don't believe he does or did in Pharaoh's case. I don't believe God took away his freedom of choice at all as evidenced by the 10 separate opportunities to obey. I believe that God hardened Pharaoh's heart by simply making the demand, "Let my people go!" By setting a positive command before him, God set in motion Pharaoh's negative response.
People are tempted to touch a bench with a sign reading "Don't touch, wet paint!" We are tempted to step over a line drawn in the sand. Just tell someone that they must or must not do something and watch the reaction. Being told what we must or must not do often motivates us to do just the opposite. In that sense our hearts have been hardened by the one making the demand.
However, God who created us has the sovereign right to make demands. He is just in making them and just in judging us when we bow up against His will or harden our hearts. God has no need to defend himself, but we have a need to understand God's justice and his sovereign will over our lives. Jus' Say'n.
Friday, February 10, 2017
Attack or Adjustment
When things are going sideways for a child of God, one might assume they are under spiritual attack. And, that could be true as Satan can "sift you as wheat" (Lk 22:31). However, it could also be true that "God is disciplining you as a child" (Heb 12:4-13) or that you are simply "reaping what you have sown" Gal 6:7).
The point is that we cannot not afford to simply jump to conclusions about the trials or tribulations in our lives. Satan may being trying to restrain you from doing good or God could be trying to restrain you for your good. When we are facing trials, we need to take the time to discern whether it is an attack from Satan against which we must take a stand as described in Ephesians 6:10-20 or it is growth opportunity from God under which we should take a knee.
Challenging circumstances could be Satan's deed to stop you or it could be God saying you need to stop - it could be an attack or an adjustment. In response, we need to resist jumping to a conclusion and instead dive into the Word of God, taking time to pray, reflect and talk to trusted others in the faith to determine what our response ought to be to the trial - resist or repent. Jus' Say'n.
The point is that we cannot not afford to simply jump to conclusions about the trials or tribulations in our lives. Satan may being trying to restrain you from doing good or God could be trying to restrain you for your good. When we are facing trials, we need to take the time to discern whether it is an attack from Satan against which we must take a stand as described in Ephesians 6:10-20 or it is growth opportunity from God under which we should take a knee.
Challenging circumstances could be Satan's deed to stop you or it could be God saying you need to stop - it could be an attack or an adjustment. In response, we need to resist jumping to a conclusion and instead dive into the Word of God, taking time to pray, reflect and talk to trusted others in the faith to determine what our response ought to be to the trial - resist or repent. Jus' Say'n.
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Content
With all the marching, protesting and even rioting going on, one thing seems certain: There are a good number of discontent and disgruntled people in this country, which I find interesting considering we are the envy of the world and people are daily risking their lives to get here.
I suspect that what we complain about would cause a very puzzled reaction to much of the globe. For instance, do you suppose women in Islamic states understand American women complaining about women's rights in a country where women are doctors, lawyers, CEOs, Senators and such? Do you suppose that third world poor understand our unskilled workers complaining about making more money than their doctors? Do you suppose a world that largely has no opportunity for education understands our complaints about not having free college?
Even when things are difficult as sometime difficulties will befall us, is complaining the answer? Is registering our discontent the solution to raising our quality of life? Is there not a better way to address life than to wallow in self-pity and rail against the challenges it deposits in our laps? Let me share the biblical alternative of a winning outlook over a whining attitude:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:4-7).
Don't rail; rejoice! Don't be grumpy; be gentle. Don't be anxious; be asking God in prayer for His peace. While you pray for answers and work to overcome adversity, learn to be content with what God allows for now, looking to Christ for the blessings he has in store rather than focus on the unpleasant or difficult passages you endure for a season.
Listen to how the apostle Paul faced all of life:: "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength" (vv. 12-13). Regardless of what stared him down, he kept his eyes on Jesus, who is the source of joy and strength. He challenges us to do the same. Jus' Say'n.
I suspect that what we complain about would cause a very puzzled reaction to much of the globe. For instance, do you suppose women in Islamic states understand American women complaining about women's rights in a country where women are doctors, lawyers, CEOs, Senators and such? Do you suppose that third world poor understand our unskilled workers complaining about making more money than their doctors? Do you suppose a world that largely has no opportunity for education understands our complaints about not having free college?
Even when things are difficult as sometime difficulties will befall us, is complaining the answer? Is registering our discontent the solution to raising our quality of life? Is there not a better way to address life than to wallow in self-pity and rail against the challenges it deposits in our laps? Let me share the biblical alternative of a winning outlook over a whining attitude:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:4-7).
Don't rail; rejoice! Don't be grumpy; be gentle. Don't be anxious; be asking God in prayer for His peace. While you pray for answers and work to overcome adversity, learn to be content with what God allows for now, looking to Christ for the blessings he has in store rather than focus on the unpleasant or difficult passages you endure for a season.
Listen to how the apostle Paul faced all of life:: "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength" (vv. 12-13). Regardless of what stared him down, he kept his eyes on Jesus, who is the source of joy and strength. He challenges us to do the same. Jus' Say'n.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Steps
In Romans 14:23, the apostle Paul wrote, "But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin." This passage obviously teaches that to do things you don't believe to be right or from truth is sin. However, there is a deeper message yet when we interpret it in context.
The context is found in verses that precede, which read in part, "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble" (vv. 19-20).
Did you notice the "therefore" following the imperative "let us"? In chapter 14, Paul was dealing with the controversy of eating meat sacrificed to idols. To some it was just fine, to others it was just foul. The question became a point of contention causing division in the body of Christ. Though Paul was on the side of freedom to consume such meat, he was opposed to causing division on a non-essential matter: whether you ate this meat or not was unimportant so don't make it an issue.
The greater point is that we ought to make life choices that stem from our faith and trust in God, and with deference to his kingdom. To act out of personal choice alone, disregarding what our faith in God's righteous will is sinful. To indulge in something not sinful in itself but hurtful to the weaker members of the body of Christ is wrong and therefore sinful.
The overall context is how one chooses to live not simply personal choices about doctrine or ritual. For instance forgiveness over retribution, encouragement over discouragement, acceptance over judgment are all matters of acting in faith rather than reacting from feeling. That which comes from our selfish base desires rather than our selfless desire to serve God is sin. Following in the steps of Jesus is faith; stepping out following our base nature is sin. Jus' Say'n.
The context is found in verses that precede, which read in part, "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble" (vv. 19-20).
Did you notice the "therefore" following the imperative "let us"? In chapter 14, Paul was dealing with the controversy of eating meat sacrificed to idols. To some it was just fine, to others it was just foul. The question became a point of contention causing division in the body of Christ. Though Paul was on the side of freedom to consume such meat, he was opposed to causing division on a non-essential matter: whether you ate this meat or not was unimportant so don't make it an issue.
The greater point is that we ought to make life choices that stem from our faith and trust in God, and with deference to his kingdom. To act out of personal choice alone, disregarding what our faith in God's righteous will is sinful. To indulge in something not sinful in itself but hurtful to the weaker members of the body of Christ is wrong and therefore sinful.
The overall context is how one chooses to live not simply personal choices about doctrine or ritual. For instance forgiveness over retribution, encouragement over discouragement, acceptance over judgment are all matters of acting in faith rather than reacting from feeling. That which comes from our selfish base desires rather than our selfless desire to serve God is sin. Following in the steps of Jesus is faith; stepping out following our base nature is sin. Jus' Say'n.
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Night Songs
Job wrote, "People cry out under a load of oppression; they plead for relief from the arm of the powerful. But no one says, 'Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night'" (35:9-10). The gist of his words is that while people cry out to God in their struggles, they tend to cry out questioning why He would allow their calamity and plead with Him to bring an end to it, rather than seek God in the struggle.
There is a distinct difference in crying out to God and crying out for God. In the one case, we assume that our problem is misplaced and needs to be fixed or we need to be removed from it. In the next case, we assume that God has something in store for us that comes as we endure the hardship and travel down that stretch of bad road.
The second notion is that of James the brother of Jesus who said, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (1:2-4).
The biblical reality that both Job and James are teaching is that God being in control can control the outcome of adversity. And, even in situations where we can see nothing good arising, we are promised that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Rom 8:28).
Looking back, I can see how God has been walking with me, providing me strength, giving me wisdom, developing my faith, increasing me as disciple of Christ, not in spite of the challenges but through and in the challenges.
Your financial difficulty may be an opportunity to develop your trust in God. Your loss may enrich your appreciation of what you have. Your pain may increase your perseverance. The very obstacles you are facing right now may be stepping stones to a better you.
God does provide songs in the night - melodies that bring us increase in and through a dark time. Rather than cry out for relief from the struggle, why not try crying out for release in the struggle - release of the power of the Spirit to cover you and cause you to lift up your head knowing that God's got this and that He has you, that He can bless you in the middle of the storm. Jus' Say'n.
There is a distinct difference in crying out to God and crying out for God. In the one case, we assume that our problem is misplaced and needs to be fixed or we need to be removed from it. In the next case, we assume that God has something in store for us that comes as we endure the hardship and travel down that stretch of bad road.
The second notion is that of James the brother of Jesus who said, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (1:2-4).
The biblical reality that both Job and James are teaching is that God being in control can control the outcome of adversity. And, even in situations where we can see nothing good arising, we are promised that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Rom 8:28).
Looking back, I can see how God has been walking with me, providing me strength, giving me wisdom, developing my faith, increasing me as disciple of Christ, not in spite of the challenges but through and in the challenges.
Your financial difficulty may be an opportunity to develop your trust in God. Your loss may enrich your appreciation of what you have. Your pain may increase your perseverance. The very obstacles you are facing right now may be stepping stones to a better you.
God does provide songs in the night - melodies that bring us increase in and through a dark time. Rather than cry out for relief from the struggle, why not try crying out for release in the struggle - release of the power of the Spirit to cover you and cause you to lift up your head knowing that God's got this and that He has you, that He can bless you in the middle of the storm. Jus' Say'n.
Monday, February 6, 2017
Power For What?
Ephesians 3:20 tells us that God "can do more than we can ask or imagine." However, have you every wondered "Do what about what?" Does this verse reveal an unqualified source of power or is there some kind of qualifier on its use and purpose?
Actually, there is a very specific purpose: that "He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts..." (Eph 3:16, 17). In order for the Spirit of Christ to live in us, we need power from on high.
One cannot study enough, pray enough, give enough, teach enough or whatever enough to become good enough to be a Sanctuary for the Holy Spirit - only the power of God, through Christ can make that happen - only GRACE: God's Redemption At Christ's Expense, can make one holy.
What is more than we can ask or imagine is to become as holy as Christ himself. And the only power that can make that possible is the very Spirit of God, who dwells within the body of Christ, which is the church made up of the spirit-filled children of God: "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?" (1 Cor 3:16).
The power is meant for so much more than getting what we want or doing what we desire, it is the power to become what we need to be: One with Christ! Jus' Say'n.
Actually, there is a very specific purpose: that "He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts..." (Eph 3:16, 17). In order for the Spirit of Christ to live in us, we need power from on high.
One cannot study enough, pray enough, give enough, teach enough or whatever enough to become good enough to be a Sanctuary for the Holy Spirit - only the power of God, through Christ can make that happen - only GRACE: God's Redemption At Christ's Expense, can make one holy.
What is more than we can ask or imagine is to become as holy as Christ himself. And the only power that can make that possible is the very Spirit of God, who dwells within the body of Christ, which is the church made up of the spirit-filled children of God: "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?" (1 Cor 3:16).
The power is meant for so much more than getting what we want or doing what we desire, it is the power to become what we need to be: One with Christ! Jus' Say'n.
Friday, February 3, 2017
Giving and Receiving
The apostle Paul wrote, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:19). This passage has become a catch phrase for many. It catches their attention and they latch on to the promise but often do not catch the full meaning.
We tend to catch the part about God meeting all our needs without latching on to the fact that the conjunction "and" precedes the promise. So often the premise connected to the promise is simply overlooked. We catch hold of the part where God meets his children's needs but miss the part where they had been supplying Paul in his mission.
Paul was acknowledging how much they had helped him and was assuring them that God would not forget their generosity and in turn would ensure they were fully supplied as well. His words are reminiscent of the promise Jesus made, "I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward" (Mk 9:41).
The point being is that God wants us to be generous because he is generous and as we live out this life of generosity, he will supply all our needs so that we do not suffer loss from sharing with others. When the Spirit places a need upon our heart, we can respond generously to,that need knowing that God will not fail to, in turn, meet our needs.
God does care and he will provide but he does not want us to just be on the receiving end as that would diminish us and rob us of the grace of meeting the needs of others, missing the truth that "it is more blessed to give than receive" (Acts 20:35).
One additional point is that God is not teaching us to give so that we can receive, rather that what we receive from him is provided so that we may give. Remember, the real blessing is not in the getting but in the getting. Jus' Say'n.
We tend to catch the part about God meeting all our needs without latching on to the fact that the conjunction "and" precedes the promise. So often the premise connected to the promise is simply overlooked. We catch hold of the part where God meets his children's needs but miss the part where they had been supplying Paul in his mission.
Paul was acknowledging how much they had helped him and was assuring them that God would not forget their generosity and in turn would ensure they were fully supplied as well. His words are reminiscent of the promise Jesus made, "I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward" (Mk 9:41).
The point being is that God wants us to be generous because he is generous and as we live out this life of generosity, he will supply all our needs so that we do not suffer loss from sharing with others. When the Spirit places a need upon our heart, we can respond generously to,that need knowing that God will not fail to, in turn, meet our needs.
God does care and he will provide but he does not want us to just be on the receiving end as that would diminish us and rob us of the grace of meeting the needs of others, missing the truth that "it is more blessed to give than receive" (Acts 20:35).
One additional point is that God is not teaching us to give so that we can receive, rather that what we receive from him is provided so that we may give. Remember, the real blessing is not in the getting but in the getting. Jus' Say'n.
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Leaving Behind
Speaking of the call God had upon him, the apostle Paul wrote: "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:13-14).
Paul was encouraging us to, as he did, leave behind our former lives outside of Christ, to not rest on our former accomplishments and to not allow our former failures to hold us back. We are new in Christ and what came before is not only unimportant but can hold us back or tie us down. Pride of past accomplishments and regret of past failures can equally become stumbling blocks. Our sights should be squarely on Jesus and the path he lays out before us.
As important as leaving behind the achievements and failures are to following Christ, there is one other, even more important leaving behind: Leave behind your personal dreams of how things ought to go and are to be. If you have your life all mapped out, how can you follow the path God has laid before you?
Why would one even look for road markers if he is following his personal GPS to a pre-determined place or outcome? How is there to be room for God's direction if your life is self-directed? God may indeed lead you to a life of which you dreamed, but if you are taking yourself there, how can you be sure it is the life or the calling that comes from God?
My point is that part of the leaving behind Paul speaks of is that of self-rule, which disallows accepting the rule of God. If you have planned out your life in full, where is there room for God's plan? So, from a biblical perspective, leaving behind includes abandoning what you may have sat out ahead in order to reach what God has sat before you. Jus' Say'n.
Paul was encouraging us to, as he did, leave behind our former lives outside of Christ, to not rest on our former accomplishments and to not allow our former failures to hold us back. We are new in Christ and what came before is not only unimportant but can hold us back or tie us down. Pride of past accomplishments and regret of past failures can equally become stumbling blocks. Our sights should be squarely on Jesus and the path he lays out before us.
As important as leaving behind the achievements and failures are to following Christ, there is one other, even more important leaving behind: Leave behind your personal dreams of how things ought to go and are to be. If you have your life all mapped out, how can you follow the path God has laid before you?
Why would one even look for road markers if he is following his personal GPS to a pre-determined place or outcome? How is there to be room for God's direction if your life is self-directed? God may indeed lead you to a life of which you dreamed, but if you are taking yourself there, how can you be sure it is the life or the calling that comes from God?
My point is that part of the leaving behind Paul speaks of is that of self-rule, which disallows accepting the rule of God. If you have planned out your life in full, where is there room for God's plan? So, from a biblical perspective, leaving behind includes abandoning what you may have sat out ahead in order to reach what God has sat before you. Jus' Say'n.
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