Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Colossians 1: 9 – 14
People sometimes move to a new location and have to let their friends and family that they have changed their address. As for me, I really dislike moving, I don’t mind it once I get there and have put everything away, but the packing, unpacking, and the moving itself drives me crazy. The few times that I have moved have been bad experiences, at least one thing ends up broken, friendships and relationships with loved ones become strained, I always end up feeling as if I’ve been put through the wringer, but when it gets to the bottom line, the change in address is usually worth it.
9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully.
12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,
14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
God calls us to change our address. We were living in the kingdom of darkness, and if truth be told, we were pretty comfortable with our lives. Then, we heard about this new place to live called the kingdom of heaven, it sounded so inviting that we decided to move there right away. When we saw how beautiful the new kingdom is we knew we wanted to be there ASAP, and we signed up with great excitement. Then, as we moved to our new address, we found out just how difficult moving is. Life didn’t get any better right away, and in some cases it got a little worse as friends and acquaintances tried to keep us from moving, and forces we can’t see, conspired to make the move difficult. Yet, the move is worth it, the benefits far outweigh the problems we encountered, and even though a few relationships may have gotten damaged, these things can always be repaired. Turning our lives over to the care of our loving God is something that cannot be fully explained, but experienced.
When Jesus comes into a life, He changes everything
Friday, August 29, 2008
RUST NEVER SLEEPS
1 TIMOTHY 6: 11 – 16
Oswald Chambers said: “The intellect works with the greatest intensity when it works continuously; the more you do, the more you can do. We must work hard to keep in trim for God. Clean off the rust and keep bright by use.”
Ozzie can be a little wordy when he talks, to me he could have easily said; “Use it or lose it.” But then that leaves the question; Lose what?
Paul is talking to Timothy, telling him not to rest on his laurels, that he needed to keep vigilant always working to keep away from evil things like the love of money, until Jesus returns. This command had no expiration date attached to it. The spiritual disciplines require continued attention throughout our lives. If rest becomes our goal, then rust is right behind. Spiritual inactivity corrodes the soul like moisture acting on metal
11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
When I first came to know God, I thought that my life was now complete. But, I let go of my beliefs, I just walked away one day and can’t explain why. I just closed my Bible and didn’t pick it up for a awhile and during that period of time I felt completely soul sick, I was alone and the relationships that I had started to develop ended. To those people in the church I was attending I didn’t exist, I was a fading memory that held no weight. I was amazed at how quickly most of my old habits resurfaced.
Thankfully, I found my way back and will, with prayer, stay here until christ’s return
13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you
14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords,
16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no-one has seen or can see. To him be honour and might for ever. Amen.
Our capabilities may vary with age, but pursuing the righteous life to which God has called us should never end. Don’t rust out!
Oswald Chambers said: “The intellect works with the greatest intensity when it works continuously; the more you do, the more you can do. We must work hard to keep in trim for God. Clean off the rust and keep bright by use.”
Ozzie can be a little wordy when he talks, to me he could have easily said; “Use it or lose it.” But then that leaves the question; Lose what?
Paul is talking to Timothy, telling him not to rest on his laurels, that he needed to keep vigilant always working to keep away from evil things like the love of money, until Jesus returns. This command had no expiration date attached to it. The spiritual disciplines require continued attention throughout our lives. If rest becomes our goal, then rust is right behind. Spiritual inactivity corrodes the soul like moisture acting on metal
11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
When I first came to know God, I thought that my life was now complete. But, I let go of my beliefs, I just walked away one day and can’t explain why. I just closed my Bible and didn’t pick it up for a awhile and during that period of time I felt completely soul sick, I was alone and the relationships that I had started to develop ended. To those people in the church I was attending I didn’t exist, I was a fading memory that held no weight. I was amazed at how quickly most of my old habits resurfaced.
Thankfully, I found my way back and will, with prayer, stay here until christ’s return
13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you
14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords,
16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no-one has seen or can see. To him be honour and might for ever. Amen.
Our capabilities may vary with age, but pursuing the righteous life to which God has called us should never end. Don’t rust out!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
COMFORT FOOD
Romans 15: 1 – 7
I love the term comfort food. It makes me feel that if I eat it everything will be all right. I’m not even sure what the term means, I think it just sounds good.
Real comfort is not the byproduct of specific foods any more than it is the result of alcohol or drugs or money or pleasure or power. It is a much deeper need that requires a much deeper solution
Paul tells us that we should consider the comfort of others before we think of ourselves.
1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
I’m not built that way. I always think of my comfort first, I love my chair and my TV; I even love my tea and sweets. I want them before I consider giving comfort to others. We are all born selfish. I think the first word we learn as kids is “Mine”. So imagine the great influence it takes for us to read those words take them to heart, come together in unity, and act upon them.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,
6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God
Paul told the church at Rome that the search for comfort can begin in the pages of the Bible. He wrote, “Whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4).
God has given us His Word to draw us to Himself. Through a relationship with Him, He provides the comfort we need to live in a broken world.
Think of lifting others as you would like to have done for yourself. Bring experience, strength, and hope to someone who needs it.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
AN AUDIENCE OF ONE
Mathew 6: 1 – 6
I saw this movie years ago about a group of young people trying to raise money to save an orphanage by having a concert, and no it wasn’t the Blues Brothers.
They rented this huge arena and got all the acts they could together, and advertized the appearance of the agoraphobic performer for the first time in twenty years to put the money over the top.
Group after group went on stage performing all different styles of music from punk to classic rock, but the recluse didn’t show up. Finally after the show was long over and the kids were cleaning up, the recluse, played by Lou Reed, came onto the stage, and played a song for just one young woman called “I’ll Always Love my Baby Sister. It was the best and most memorable song in a movie that I can’t remember the name of, and nobody heard it but this one person. (And us the movie audience of course.)
God wants to hear and see our most memorable performances done for an audience of one, Him. He tells us that the people who stand on the street corner praying loudly and making a scene, are doing this for themselves only and not for God.
5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full.
6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
According to Jesus, it’s what God thinks of us that matters, not what others think. Jesus instructed us to pray in a closed room, where no one could see us, rather than in a public place where we might get credit for being spiritual. In other words, live for God and not others. How would our lives differ if we truly played to an audience of One? Certainly our sense of ego and rivalry would fade, because we would no longer need to worry about proving ourselves to others. We could concentrate instead on pleasing God by living in a way that would attract people to Jesus.
Hi!
I saw this movie years ago about a group of young people trying to raise money to save an orphanage by having a concert, and no it wasn’t the Blues Brothers.
They rented this huge arena and got all the acts they could together, and advertized the appearance of the agoraphobic performer for the first time in twenty years to put the money over the top.
Group after group went on stage performing all different styles of music from punk to classic rock, but the recluse didn’t show up. Finally after the show was long over and the kids were cleaning up, the recluse, played by Lou Reed, came onto the stage, and played a song for just one young woman called “I’ll Always Love my Baby Sister. It was the best and most memorable song in a movie that I can’t remember the name of, and nobody heard it but this one person. (And us the movie audience of course.)
God wants to hear and see our most memorable performances done for an audience of one, Him. He tells us that the people who stand on the street corner praying loudly and making a scene, are doing this for themselves only and not for God.
5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full.
6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
According to Jesus, it’s what God thinks of us that matters, not what others think. Jesus instructed us to pray in a closed room, where no one could see us, rather than in a public place where we might get credit for being spiritual. In other words, live for God and not others. How would our lives differ if we truly played to an audience of One? Certainly our sense of ego and rivalry would fade, because we would no longer need to worry about proving ourselves to others. We could concentrate instead on pleasing God by living in a way that would attract people to Jesus.
Hi!
I'm back doing these posts on a daily basis. Our attempts to go wireless have gone terribly wrong, and we are taking the router back to the store today. That means that even though I am back to blogging, there will be another gap shortly.
Thank you for your patience.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
UPDATING STUFF
Ifeel obligatted to let people know that if they come to this page over the next few days, that there may be no new posts.
I will be moving things to my new laptop 'puter.
to some this may be good news, to others bad, either way I'm excited by the prospect of the new toy.
May God bless you.
I CAN DO ALL THINGS
Philippians 4: 4 – 13
I read this in ODB this morning and thought it was cool and wanted to share it with you.
Blaise Pascal, the brilliant 17th-century intellectual, made significant contributions in the fields of science and mathematics. He established the groundwork for the development of mechanical calculators and modern hydraulic operations. As a young man, Pascal had a profound encounter with Jesus Christ. This life-changing experience motivated him to refocus his study from science and math to theology. Pascal wrote a remarkable prayer that can help each believer in facing the tasks of life. He prayed:
I read this in ODB this morning and thought it was cool and wanted to share it with you.
Blaise Pascal, the brilliant 17th-century intellectual, made significant contributions in the fields of science and mathematics. He established the groundwork for the development of mechanical calculators and modern hydraulic operations. As a young man, Pascal had a profound encounter with Jesus Christ. This life-changing experience motivated him to refocus his study from science and math to theology. Pascal wrote a remarkable prayer that can help each believer in facing the tasks of life. He prayed:
“Lord, help me to do great things as though they were little, since I do them with Your power; and little things as though they were great, since I do them in Your name.”
I love that prayer.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
12 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.
13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
This is another one of those times this week that I am just dumbfounded. How can any opinion I have bring more clarity to what has already been written.
I love the verses from Paul to the Philippians, and found the information about Pascal fascinating.
I am humbled by the prayer. I pray that you are too.
Friday, August 22, 2008
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE?
1 CORINTIANS 13
I went to the Greek lexicon to help find the definition of love. What I found was interesting, but not quite what I wanted to say. I googled love in English and found nothing relative to what I wanted to say there either. Hebrew, fuggedaboudit didn’t even try.
Love is more important than definitions found in some obscure book of ancient languages. Chapter 13 in the book of first Corinthians shows us what love is.
We sometimes confuse love with lust, but, God’s kind of love is directed outward toward others not inward. Love is utterly unselfish.
Example: when I do something for another person there can be several reasons why I do it. I can do it for personal gain( money or recognition of other people), I can do it quid pro quo (I wash your back you wash mine), or I can do it not because I have to, but, because I want to, without thought of obligation or gain in mind.
Love is also what we are not just how we feel or how we should act.
Verses 4 – 7 say it best, I think, now there’s a definition I can live with.
Paul also talks about maturation when he says when I was a child I talked and thought like a child, but when I became a man I put away childish things. When we I see a poor reflection in the mirror, he means through the weak eyes of an older person, that we shall know through our growth if we have truly learned the meaning of love.
In Corinth, love had become mixed up and was of little meaning, today we are still confused.
Love is the greatest of human qualities; it is an attribute of God himself.
I went to the Greek lexicon to help find the definition of love. What I found was interesting, but not quite what I wanted to say. I googled love in English and found nothing relative to what I wanted to say there either. Hebrew, fuggedaboudit didn’t even try.
Love is more important than definitions found in some obscure book of ancient languages. Chapter 13 in the book of first Corinthians shows us what love is.
We sometimes confuse love with lust, but, God’s kind of love is directed outward toward others not inward. Love is utterly unselfish.
Example: when I do something for another person there can be several reasons why I do it. I can do it for personal gain( money or recognition of other people), I can do it quid pro quo (I wash your back you wash mine), or I can do it not because I have to, but, because I want to, without thought of obligation or gain in mind.
Love is also what we are not just how we feel or how we should act.
Verses 4 – 7 say it best, I think, now there’s a definition I can live with.
Paul also talks about maturation when he says when I was a child I talked and thought like a child, but when I became a man I put away childish things. When we I see a poor reflection in the mirror, he means through the weak eyes of an older person, that we shall know through our growth if we have truly learned the meaning of love.
In Corinth, love had become mixed up and was of little meaning, today we are still confused.
Love is the greatest of human qualities; it is an attribute of God himself.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
AWESOME
Psalm 8
Years ago, a few friends of mine and I went to Duxbury beach at around midnight to watch the Pleiades meteor shower. As we lay in the sand looking up, seeing one shooting star after another streaking across the backdrop of the stars, all I could think of was how insignificant are we in this magnificent universe.
At the time I did this, I did not have a relationship with God, in fact, I was very angry with God at the time, yet I was awed at the work of his hands.
There are times when we just have to take a step back and marvel at His creation and realize that we are included in it, and that God loves us enough to have done so.
Give you chills don’t it?
1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.
2 From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet:
7 all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Read the word of God; let it sink into your very being.
I once read that for some people the word is like a sauce, while for others it’s like a marinade.
Huh?
Some take the word and spread it over their lives, like a sauce, just thick enough to give it flavor and nuance. Others let it soak in so that the word changes the flavor of their lives.
Once you marinate in the word, go out tonight and look up, enjoy the work of God’s hand.
God’s glory shines through His creation.
Years ago, a few friends of mine and I went to Duxbury beach at around midnight to watch the Pleiades meteor shower. As we lay in the sand looking up, seeing one shooting star after another streaking across the backdrop of the stars, all I could think of was how insignificant are we in this magnificent universe.
At the time I did this, I did not have a relationship with God, in fact, I was very angry with God at the time, yet I was awed at the work of his hands.
There are times when we just have to take a step back and marvel at His creation and realize that we are included in it, and that God loves us enough to have done so.
Give you chills don’t it?
1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.
2 From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet:
7 all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Read the word of God; let it sink into your very being.
I once read that for some people the word is like a sauce, while for others it’s like a marinade.
Huh?
Some take the word and spread it over their lives, like a sauce, just thick enough to give it flavor and nuance. Others let it soak in so that the word changes the flavor of their lives.
Once you marinate in the word, go out tonight and look up, enjoy the work of God’s hand.
God’s glory shines through His creation.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
WHO’S SIDE ARE YOU ON?
2 Chronicles 15: 1 – 15
I do not boast that God is on my side,” wrote Abraham Lincoln. “I humbly pray that I am on God’s side.”
Lincoln’s words paraphrase the thoughts Azariah expressed to King Asa of Judah. After the Spirit of God came upon Azariah, he said, “The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you”.
There was a time in my early walk when I selfishly thought that because I was saved that God was on my side, and I could continue to go to gentlemen’s clubs and serial date. Hey God will forgive me right? I’m saved; he’s on my side isn’t he? I go to church every Sunday that makes it alright. I get my cake and get to eat it too. This being saved thing is the greatest thing since indoor plumbing!
Every Sunday as I sat in the sanctuary, feeling guilty of everything I had done during the week, I could sense the grace of God come over me and I would begin to feel forgiven, and that God had my back. By the time I left the church, I was ready to start up again. Then one Sunday, as I sat in the sanctuary, that sense of God’s grace didn’t come. I shrugged it off, and the next week the same thing happened, no feeling of forgiveness.
I was scared. I didn’t know what to do. I felt that God had spoken to me saying that if I wanted His presence in my life, that I better prove that I was willing to walk with Him.
2 He went out to meet Asa and said to him, "Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.
There are times of conviction like this popping up from time to time in my life. They always produce life changing effects that bring me closer to God and more willing to seek Him out in everything that I do. If I listed all these times, I could fill a book and become rich like Max Lucado with all the lessons learned. I stopped all the things that I thought were standing between me and God, and I began to feel his presence once again.
4 But in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought him, and he was found by them.
7 But as for you, be strong and do not
12 They entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul. Give up, for your work will be rewarded."
15 All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side
I do not boast that God is on my side,” wrote Abraham Lincoln. “I humbly pray that I am on God’s side.”
Lincoln’s words paraphrase the thoughts Azariah expressed to King Asa of Judah. After the Spirit of God came upon Azariah, he said, “The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you”.
There was a time in my early walk when I selfishly thought that because I was saved that God was on my side, and I could continue to go to gentlemen’s clubs and serial date. Hey God will forgive me right? I’m saved; he’s on my side isn’t he? I go to church every Sunday that makes it alright. I get my cake and get to eat it too. This being saved thing is the greatest thing since indoor plumbing!
Every Sunday as I sat in the sanctuary, feeling guilty of everything I had done during the week, I could sense the grace of God come over me and I would begin to feel forgiven, and that God had my back. By the time I left the church, I was ready to start up again. Then one Sunday, as I sat in the sanctuary, that sense of God’s grace didn’t come. I shrugged it off, and the next week the same thing happened, no feeling of forgiveness.
I was scared. I didn’t know what to do. I felt that God had spoken to me saying that if I wanted His presence in my life, that I better prove that I was willing to walk with Him.
2 He went out to meet Asa and said to him, "Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.
There are times of conviction like this popping up from time to time in my life. They always produce life changing effects that bring me closer to God and more willing to seek Him out in everything that I do. If I listed all these times, I could fill a book and become rich like Max Lucado with all the lessons learned. I stopped all the things that I thought were standing between me and God, and I began to feel his presence once again.
4 But in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought him, and he was found by them.
7 But as for you, be strong and do not
12 They entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul. Give up, for your work will be rewarded."
15 All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side
Being a Christian doesn’t guarantee that God is “on our side” any more than being an ancient Israelite guaranteed that God was on theirs. God is on the side of those who are on His side, who know His heart and mind and do His will, not those who insist on convincing God and others that their way is right.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
AS FOR ME AND MY FAMILY…
Joshua 24: 15 – 24
The bold statement made by Joshua in front of the nation of Israel; “As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord” has become a sort of family motto. It is unfortunate that not all of the members my family believe this statement as I do. Some have chosen to follow foreign gods, and even though it grieves me it is a situation that must be lived with. This does not mean that I have written off any family members, on the contrary,
I believe that our God will remedy this situation in his time not mine, so I pray with my wife for them and wait for God to act.
Just let the word of God sink in, decide for yourselves which god you will follow.
15 “If you decide that it’s a bad thing to worship GOD, then choose a god you’d rather serve, and do it today. Choose one of the gods your ancestors worshiped from the country beyond The River, or one of the gods of the Amorites, on whose land you’re now living. As for me and my family, we’ll worship GOD."
16 The people answered, "We’d never forsake GOD! Never! We’d never leave GOD to worship other gods.
17 “GOD is our God! He brought up our ancestors from Egypt and from slave conditions. He did all those great signs while we watched. He has kept his eye on us all along the roads we’ve traveled and among the nations we’ve passed through.
18 Just for us he drove out all the nations, Amorites and all, who lived in the land. "Count us in: We too are going to worship GOD. He’s our God."
19 Then Joshua told the people: "You can’t do it; you’re not able to worship GOD. He is a holy God. He is a jealous God. He won’t put up with your fooling around and sinning.
20 When you leave GOD and take up the worship of foreign gods, he’ll turn right around and come down on you hard. He’ll put an end to you—and after all the good he has done for you!"
21 But the people told Joshua: "No! No! We worship GOD!"
22 And so Joshua addressed the people: "You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen GOD for yourselves—to worship him." And they said, "We are witnesses."
23 Joshua said, "Now get rid of all the foreign gods you have with you. Say an unqualified Yes to GOD, the God of Israel."
24 The people answered Joshua, "We will worship GOD. What he says, we’ll do."
I am resolved to follow the Savior,
The bold statement made by Joshua in front of the nation of Israel; “As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord” has become a sort of family motto. It is unfortunate that not all of the members my family believe this statement as I do. Some have chosen to follow foreign gods, and even though it grieves me it is a situation that must be lived with. This does not mean that I have written off any family members, on the contrary,
I believe that our God will remedy this situation in his time not mine, so I pray with my wife for them and wait for God to act.
Just let the word of God sink in, decide for yourselves which god you will follow.
15 “If you decide that it’s a bad thing to worship GOD, then choose a god you’d rather serve, and do it today. Choose one of the gods your ancestors worshiped from the country beyond The River, or one of the gods of the Amorites, on whose land you’re now living. As for me and my family, we’ll worship GOD."
16 The people answered, "We’d never forsake GOD! Never! We’d never leave GOD to worship other gods.
17 “GOD is our God! He brought up our ancestors from Egypt and from slave conditions. He did all those great signs while we watched. He has kept his eye on us all along the roads we’ve traveled and among the nations we’ve passed through.
18 Just for us he drove out all the nations, Amorites and all, who lived in the land. "Count us in: We too are going to worship GOD. He’s our God."
19 Then Joshua told the people: "You can’t do it; you’re not able to worship GOD. He is a holy God. He is a jealous God. He won’t put up with your fooling around and sinning.
20 When you leave GOD and take up the worship of foreign gods, he’ll turn right around and come down on you hard. He’ll put an end to you—and after all the good he has done for you!"
21 But the people told Joshua: "No! No! We worship GOD!"
22 And so Joshua addressed the people: "You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen GOD for yourselves—to worship him." And they said, "We are witnesses."
23 Joshua said, "Now get rid of all the foreign gods you have with you. Say an unqualified Yes to GOD, the God of Israel."
24 The people answered Joshua, "We will worship GOD. What he says, we’ll do."
I am resolved to follow the Savior,
Faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth
He is the living way. —Hartsough
What you will be tomorrow depends on the choices you make today.
Monday, August 18, 2008
GOIN’ HOME
Philemon
From ODB;
For almost 100 years, a huge piece of flawed Carrara marble lay in the courtyard of a cathedral in Florence, Italy. Then, in 1501, a young sculptor was asked to do something with it. He measured the block and noted its imperfections. In his mind, he envisioned a young shepherd boy.
For 3 years, he chiseled and shaped the marble skillfully. Finally, when the 18-foot towering figure of David was unveiled, his student exclaimed to Michelangelo, “Master, it lacks only one thing—speech!”
From Roadblock;
Onesimus is like that piece of marble, flawed, yet in the right hands became a masterpiece of great worth. Onesimus was a runaway slave who came to know God and ended up apprenticing with Paul in Rome. As a changed man, he served God faithfully and was invaluable to Paul’s ministry.
It must have been hard on both men when Paul talked Onesimus into going back to the man that had enslaved him. Onesimus must have been angry and frightened by the whole prospect. As a former slave, he knew the punishment for runaways, so it must have been the strength given from God that gave him courage to follow through with this. When Paul sent him back to Philemon, he commended him as one “who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me”. He asked Philemon to receive Onesimus back as a brother
Paul knew what it meant to be given another chance after past wrongs. He knew personally the transformation God can accomplish. Now he saw it in the life of Onesimus. The Lord can chisel His image on our flawed lives and make us beautiful and useful too.
We are all flawed, and slaves to one thing or the other. Some may be addicted to drugs and alcohol, or gambling, food, pornography, the list goes on.
We are freed form our slavery and our imperfections overlooked when we come to know The Lord.
Christ takes each sin, each pain, each loss,
From ODB;
For almost 100 years, a huge piece of flawed Carrara marble lay in the courtyard of a cathedral in Florence, Italy. Then, in 1501, a young sculptor was asked to do something with it. He measured the block and noted its imperfections. In his mind, he envisioned a young shepherd boy.
For 3 years, he chiseled and shaped the marble skillfully. Finally, when the 18-foot towering figure of David was unveiled, his student exclaimed to Michelangelo, “Master, it lacks only one thing—speech!”
From Roadblock;
Onesimus is like that piece of marble, flawed, yet in the right hands became a masterpiece of great worth. Onesimus was a runaway slave who came to know God and ended up apprenticing with Paul in Rome. As a changed man, he served God faithfully and was invaluable to Paul’s ministry.
It must have been hard on both men when Paul talked Onesimus into going back to the man that had enslaved him. Onesimus must have been angry and frightened by the whole prospect. As a former slave, he knew the punishment for runaways, so it must have been the strength given from God that gave him courage to follow through with this. When Paul sent him back to Philemon, he commended him as one “who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me”. He asked Philemon to receive Onesimus back as a brother
Paul knew what it meant to be given another chance after past wrongs. He knew personally the transformation God can accomplish. Now he saw it in the life of Onesimus. The Lord can chisel His image on our flawed lives and make us beautiful and useful too.
We are all flawed, and slaves to one thing or the other. Some may be addicted to drugs and alcohol, or gambling, food, pornography, the list goes on.
We are freed form our slavery and our imperfections overlooked when we come to know The Lord.
Christ takes each sin, each pain, each loss,
And by the power of His cross
Transforms our brokenness and shame
So that our lives exalt His name. —D. De Haan
Our rough edges must be chipped away to bring out the image of Christ.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON.
Ephesians 5: 1 – 5
Ever watch a father and son having a day out together?
First off, they sort of look like Dr. Evil and Mini Me, I mean, they look alike, walk alike, and they talk alike. The son will inevitably imitate the father in everything he does.
The father teaches, the son learns.
This has been going on since time began. The father passes on skills and knowledge, then the son does the same with his children.
We are called to do the same thing with God.
1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children
2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
The easiest way for me to put it is; we are supposed to be God’s Mini Me!
Sounds simple enough, right? This is what Paul had in mind when he exhorted us to “be imitators of God”. So how come we all don’t follow Paul’s advice? Life has a way of making us anything but like God. We are often uncaring, short-tempered, grumpy, and unforgiving, flat-out too much like ourselves and not enough like Him!
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.
4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
The only possible explanation for this has to be free will. We have to make the choice to follow God.
I love what comedian Jeff Allen has to say; “God allows us to have children, so that we could know what it is like to create somebody in our own image who denies our existence.”
Like father, like “teenage” son.
I’ve always wanted to use that quote in a teaching, and whether it fits or not, I used it anyway.
Remember, we are saved to bear the Family resemblance, to become increasingly more like Jesus and less like ourselves.
Ever watch a father and son having a day out together?
First off, they sort of look like Dr. Evil and Mini Me, I mean, they look alike, walk alike, and they talk alike. The son will inevitably imitate the father in everything he does.
The father teaches, the son learns.
This has been going on since time began. The father passes on skills and knowledge, then the son does the same with his children.
We are called to do the same thing with God.
1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children
2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
The easiest way for me to put it is; we are supposed to be God’s Mini Me!
Sounds simple enough, right? This is what Paul had in mind when he exhorted us to “be imitators of God”. So how come we all don’t follow Paul’s advice? Life has a way of making us anything but like God. We are often uncaring, short-tempered, grumpy, and unforgiving, flat-out too much like ourselves and not enough like Him!
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.
4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
The only possible explanation for this has to be free will. We have to make the choice to follow God.
I love what comedian Jeff Allen has to say; “God allows us to have children, so that we could know what it is like to create somebody in our own image who denies our existence.”
Like father, like “teenage” son.
I’ve always wanted to use that quote in a teaching, and whether it fits or not, I used it anyway.
Remember, we are saved to bear the Family resemblance, to become increasingly more like Jesus and less like ourselves.
Friday, August 15, 2008
GATHERING STICKS
Acts 28: 1 – 10
In English Comp., we were taught that we needed an opening statement, a premise, and a conclusion, to every paper we wrote.
Here’s my opening statement;
PAUL WAS THE MAN!
Premise;
He was the most significant author of the New Testament. No matter what his condition, he found comfort. He loved God and served him faithfully.
Conclusion;
His life is an example for us all to follow, and his words are divinely inspired.
In the book of Acts, we find the conversion of Paul and the effects of his early ministry. In chapter 28, we find him shipwrecked, a prisoner on his way to Rome for sentencing, and yet his first thoughts were not on his own situation, but on the comfort of the other people with him as he gathered sticks for the fire. No poor me’s for Paul, he was going to teach about the power and love of God mo matter what.
His example sometimes makes me feel inadequate. As I’ve said before, I suffer from arthritis, and often think that I am useless and an anchor around the necks of those I serve God with due to my physical limitations.
Funny the tricks our minds will play huh?
Satan and his minions love to stir the pot when we begin to feel this way, and will attack us in our weakness, re-enforcing these thoughts. I begin to feel sorry for myself, thinking there is nothing I can do for others;
Yet Paul gathered sticks for the fire.
SO WHY CAN’T I?
This is an example that we all need to burn into our hearts, that no matter what our conditions are, we can do what “we are” capable of to serve God.
Perhaps we’ve been set aside for a while due to difficult circumstances. Maybe we’ve reached the time in our life when vigorous activity is no longer possible. Don’t despair. Remember Paul’s example, and do what you can do, even if it’s simply “gathering sticks.”
In English Comp., we were taught that we needed an opening statement, a premise, and a conclusion, to every paper we wrote.
Here’s my opening statement;
PAUL WAS THE MAN!
Premise;
He was the most significant author of the New Testament. No matter what his condition, he found comfort. He loved God and served him faithfully.
Conclusion;
His life is an example for us all to follow, and his words are divinely inspired.
In the book of Acts, we find the conversion of Paul and the effects of his early ministry. In chapter 28, we find him shipwrecked, a prisoner on his way to Rome for sentencing, and yet his first thoughts were not on his own situation, but on the comfort of the other people with him as he gathered sticks for the fire. No poor me’s for Paul, he was going to teach about the power and love of God mo matter what.
His example sometimes makes me feel inadequate. As I’ve said before, I suffer from arthritis, and often think that I am useless and an anchor around the necks of those I serve God with due to my physical limitations.
Funny the tricks our minds will play huh?
Satan and his minions love to stir the pot when we begin to feel this way, and will attack us in our weakness, re-enforcing these thoughts. I begin to feel sorry for myself, thinking there is nothing I can do for others;
Yet Paul gathered sticks for the fire.
SO WHY CAN’T I?
This is an example that we all need to burn into our hearts, that no matter what our conditions are, we can do what “we are” capable of to serve God.
Perhaps we’ve been set aside for a while due to difficult circumstances. Maybe we’ve reached the time in our life when vigorous activity is no longer possible. Don’t despair. Remember Paul’s example, and do what you can do, even if it’s simply “gathering sticks.”
Thursday, August 14, 2008
FEED MY SHEEP
John 21: 15 – 17
15 After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Master, you know I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16 He then asked a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Master, you know I love you." Jesus said, "Shepherd my sheep."
17 Then he said it a third time: "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, "Do you love me?" so he answered, "Master, you know everything there is to know. You’ve got to know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. (The Message)
There has always been some debate as to why Jesus asked Peter the same thing three times. Some will say that he was asked once for each denial of Jesus, while others say that Jesus, knowing Peter, was drumming home his request, or, did He ask His questions to underscore the essential truth that only love for Christ would sustain Peter in the work that lay ahead, that arduous, demanding work of caring for people’s souls, perhaps the hardest work of all.
Remember that Jesus did not ask Peter if he loved his sheep, rather did he love Him. Affection for God’s people in itself will not sustain them. His sheep can be unresponsive, unappreciative, and harshly critical of efforts to love and to serve us. In the end, we will find ourselves defeated and discouraged.
The “love of Christ”, our love for Him, is the only sufficient motivation that will enable us to stay the course, to continue to feed the flock of God.
Do we love Him enough to feed his sheep; are we ready to take on that responsibility? Some of us may be like Peter, loving the Lord, frustrated by the questions of faith put to us, but not quite ready to shine. Peter didn’t really step up until Pentecost when he finally found his voice and began to minister to the people at large.
If we can answer questions put to us with; "Yes, Master, you know I love you.", then I think we will be okay no matter how frustrated we become, no matter how shy or fearful we may be, we will be able to reach out with our love for His sheep.
15 After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Master, you know I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16 He then asked a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Master, you know I love you." Jesus said, "Shepherd my sheep."
17 Then he said it a third time: "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, "Do you love me?" so he answered, "Master, you know everything there is to know. You’ve got to know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. (The Message)
There has always been some debate as to why Jesus asked Peter the same thing three times. Some will say that he was asked once for each denial of Jesus, while others say that Jesus, knowing Peter, was drumming home his request, or, did He ask His questions to underscore the essential truth that only love for Christ would sustain Peter in the work that lay ahead, that arduous, demanding work of caring for people’s souls, perhaps the hardest work of all.
Remember that Jesus did not ask Peter if he loved his sheep, rather did he love Him. Affection for God’s people in itself will not sustain them. His sheep can be unresponsive, unappreciative, and harshly critical of efforts to love and to serve us. In the end, we will find ourselves defeated and discouraged.
The “love of Christ”, our love for Him, is the only sufficient motivation that will enable us to stay the course, to continue to feed the flock of God.
Do we love Him enough to feed his sheep; are we ready to take on that responsibility? Some of us may be like Peter, loving the Lord, frustrated by the questions of faith put to us, but not quite ready to shine. Peter didn’t really step up until Pentecost when he finally found his voice and began to minister to the people at large.
If we can answer questions put to us with; "Yes, Master, you know I love you.", then I think we will be okay no matter how frustrated we become, no matter how shy or fearful we may be, we will be able to reach out with our love for His sheep.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
LISTEN
Exodus 15: 22 – 27
25 Then Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became sweet. There the LORD made a decree and a law for them, and there he tested them.
26 He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you."
He who has ears let him hear. I’m not sure how many times that particular phrase is written into the word of God, but, I know it’s more than once. We all go through tough times in our lives, and we have a tendency to complain about it, loudly and often, and the more we think about things the louder we get in our grievances.
The children of Israel had not gone far from the shore of the Red Sea when the realities of their new freedom began to register. They no longer enjoyed the ample food and water supply of Egypt. Now, after traveling 3 days into the wilderness, the large crowd had no water. And when they finally arrived at the oasis of Marah, the water was bitter.
Thus the children of Israel were compelled to rely on a miracle. So they cried out to Moses, and Moses cried out to the Lord. The Lord showed him a tree, which Moses cast into the water. Miraculously, the water turned sweet.
Like the Israelites, I grouse about my situation and try my own solutions before relying on God and searching for the miraculous.
Be honest now, and think, how often is the first thing you do when trouble comes is pray to God for a solution? I know we all get there eventually, but usually, we ask God the “Why does this always happen to me” question first, but, that is complaining and really doesn’t qualify as prayer.
We have to learn to use God as our first solution to our issues, not wait until things spiral out of control before crying out to him. The Israelites, only thinking about themselves and their problem, would have died of thirst if Moses hadn’t prayed to God for an answer.
If we have a seemingly impossible need today, remember that the hand that supplied our greatest need (forgiveness of sin) is the same hand that can adequately supply all your needs. Trust Him to accomplish things that seem impossible.
When our problems overwhelm us,
25 Then Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became sweet. There the LORD made a decree and a law for them, and there he tested them.
26 He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you."
He who has ears let him hear. I’m not sure how many times that particular phrase is written into the word of God, but, I know it’s more than once. We all go through tough times in our lives, and we have a tendency to complain about it, loudly and often, and the more we think about things the louder we get in our grievances.
The children of Israel had not gone far from the shore of the Red Sea when the realities of their new freedom began to register. They no longer enjoyed the ample food and water supply of Egypt. Now, after traveling 3 days into the wilderness, the large crowd had no water. And when they finally arrived at the oasis of Marah, the water was bitter.
Thus the children of Israel were compelled to rely on a miracle. So they cried out to Moses, and Moses cried out to the Lord. The Lord showed him a tree, which Moses cast into the water. Miraculously, the water turned sweet.
Like the Israelites, I grouse about my situation and try my own solutions before relying on God and searching for the miraculous.
Be honest now, and think, how often is the first thing you do when trouble comes is pray to God for a solution? I know we all get there eventually, but usually, we ask God the “Why does this always happen to me” question first, but, that is complaining and really doesn’t qualify as prayer.
We have to learn to use God as our first solution to our issues, not wait until things spiral out of control before crying out to him. The Israelites, only thinking about themselves and their problem, would have died of thirst if Moses hadn’t prayed to God for an answer.
If we have a seemingly impossible need today, remember that the hand that supplied our greatest need (forgiveness of sin) is the same hand that can adequately supply all your needs. Trust Him to accomplish things that seem impossible.
When our problems overwhelm us,
God wants us to look to Him;
He provides the right solutions
Lighting paths that once were dim. —Sper
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
STRUCTURE
If you have noticed that I have posted two pictures that have nothing to do with the general tone of this blog, it's just that I am experimenting with Piccassa, seeing what it will do.
Please pardon this behavior.
Besides, what's wrong with having a little fun anyway?
READY TO ROCK AND ROLL?
1 Thessalonians 4: 13 – 17
Ever think about the rapture?
I think it’s going to be one heck of a day, there will be fear and confusion for those “left behind”, and those of us taken up to meet Jesus in the sky there will be the beginning of joy everlasting. I hope when that time comes, that I am riding my trike on a beautiful day, just moving into a turn in the road. One minute I’m on the road, then, whoa whats happening here? Next I’m meeting Jesus face to face.
Has anybody else had these thoughts? Am I the only one?
Marty Stuart has a song with this lyric: I’m ready when you call me, but give me just a little more time.
So, I’m not focusing on thoughts like this to the exclusion of others, I’m not morbid, and I’m not having suicidal thoughts. Just now and then, it comes to my head.
15 According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.
16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord for ever.
These thoughts apparently came to Paul as well, because if they didn’t, then we wouldn’t have teachings like this to prepare us and comfort us for the coming times. Whether we have experienced these feelings is not important. What is absolutely vital is that we know we are ready at any time for the Lord’s return. If we have received Jesus as our Savior, we will find ourselves anticipating with excitement His appearing, eager to “stir up love and good works” in one another as we “see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:24-25).
A little while—then Christ will come;
Ever think about the rapture?
I think it’s going to be one heck of a day, there will be fear and confusion for those “left behind”, and those of us taken up to meet Jesus in the sky there will be the beginning of joy everlasting. I hope when that time comes, that I am riding my trike on a beautiful day, just moving into a turn in the road. One minute I’m on the road, then, whoa whats happening here? Next I’m meeting Jesus face to face.
Has anybody else had these thoughts? Am I the only one?
Marty Stuart has a song with this lyric: I’m ready when you call me, but give me just a little more time.
So, I’m not focusing on thoughts like this to the exclusion of others, I’m not morbid, and I’m not having suicidal thoughts. Just now and then, it comes to my head.
15 According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.
16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord for ever.
These thoughts apparently came to Paul as well, because if they didn’t, then we wouldn’t have teachings like this to prepare us and comfort us for the coming times. Whether we have experienced these feelings is not important. What is absolutely vital is that we know we are ready at any time for the Lord’s return. If we have received Jesus as our Savior, we will find ourselves anticipating with excitement His appearing, eager to “stir up love and good works” in one another as we “see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:24-25).
A little while—then Christ will come;
The glorious hour draws nigh
When He will come to take His brideTo dwell
with Him on high. —Gilmore
Christ’s second coming is as certain as His first.
Are you ready to Rock and Roll?
Monday, August 11, 2008
ON YOUR MARK! GET SET,…
1 Corinthians 9: 19 – 27
There is an old saying in athletics; “Pain fades, Glory lasts forever, and Chicks dig scars.” This saying refers to the struggle involved in attempting to win the prize.
During this time of year, as we are all watching the Olympic Games, I think back to two of my favorite Olympians; Eddie the Eagle, and Ernie the Eel.
Eddie was an Englishman who one day decided that he would like to be a ski jumper, and being the only Englishman to attempt this, he made the team. Ernie was a proud African man (I forget from which country). His country was competing in the Games for the first time and sent only two athletes, one competing in track and Ernie who was to compete in men’s swimming events.
The one thing that both Eddie an Ernie had in common was that neither had any training in their sport of choice.
Every time Eddie got to the starting line, there was a good chance that he would crash and fall, thereby risking his life. Ernie could only manage to dog paddle his way through the events, nearly drowning every time.
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
There was no chance for either guy to win the prize of Olympic gold, they did, however, achieve Olympic glory. They put their all on the line and won the admiration of every competitor that witnessed their valiant efforts, their countrymen and to a small extent, the world.
25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last for ever.
Paul uses the example of sports so that all who hear would understand what he meant in trying to explain the kingdom of heaven, and how we should live our lives as an example of Christ.
19 Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law.
22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.
23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel that I may share in its blessings.
26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.
27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
We must train as best we can to be able to win others for the kingdom putting the example of our lives on the line every day.
Remember, we may be the only Bible that some people may read.
There is an old saying in athletics; “Pain fades, Glory lasts forever, and Chicks dig scars.” This saying refers to the struggle involved in attempting to win the prize.
During this time of year, as we are all watching the Olympic Games, I think back to two of my favorite Olympians; Eddie the Eagle, and Ernie the Eel.
Eddie was an Englishman who one day decided that he would like to be a ski jumper, and being the only Englishman to attempt this, he made the team. Ernie was a proud African man (I forget from which country). His country was competing in the Games for the first time and sent only two athletes, one competing in track and Ernie who was to compete in men’s swimming events.
The one thing that both Eddie an Ernie had in common was that neither had any training in their sport of choice.
Every time Eddie got to the starting line, there was a good chance that he would crash and fall, thereby risking his life. Ernie could only manage to dog paddle his way through the events, nearly drowning every time.
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
There was no chance for either guy to win the prize of Olympic gold, they did, however, achieve Olympic glory. They put their all on the line and won the admiration of every competitor that witnessed their valiant efforts, their countrymen and to a small extent, the world.
25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last for ever.
Paul uses the example of sports so that all who hear would understand what he meant in trying to explain the kingdom of heaven, and how we should live our lives as an example of Christ.
19 Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law.
22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.
23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel that I may share in its blessings.
26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.
27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
We must train as best we can to be able to win others for the kingdom putting the example of our lives on the line every day.
Remember, we may be the only Bible that some people may read.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Saturday, August 9, 2008
DONE IT AGAIN.
I was looking for a lesson to do with my motorcycle club at our meeting today, so going through my archives I stumbled upon this, and it really hit me again.
Hope it touches you as the word touched me.
Isaiah 53: 4 – 12
I must have started writing this teaching a dozen times trying to get my thoughts together and put them down on paper to send to you. There are days when the words flow freely, then there are days like today. My words are irrelevant. My thoughts cannot do justice to the reading. I feel that all we can do is absorb the amazing words of prediction written by Isaiah thousands of years ago pointing to a time in his future that he would have not be able to know, unless he was given a special power from God to prophesy.
Read his word, meditate on its meaning in you life.
4 But the fact is, it was our pains he carried—our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us. We thought he brought it on himself, that God was punishing him for his own failures.
5 But it was our sins that did that to him, that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healed.
6 We’re all like sheep who’ve wandered off and gotten lost. We’ve all done our own thing, gone our own way. And GOD has piled all our sins, everything we’ve done wrong, on him, on him.
7 He was beaten, he was tortured, but he didn’t say a word. Like a lamb taken to be slaughtered and like a sheep being sheared, he took it all in silence.
8 Justice miscarried, and he was led off—and did anyone really know what was happening? He died without a thought for his own welfare, beaten bloody for the sins of my people.
9 They buried him with the wicked, threw him in a grave with a rich man, Even though he’d never hurt a soul or said one word that wasn’t true.
10 Still, it’s what GOD had in mind all along, to crush him with pain. The plan was that he give himself as an offering for sin so that he’d see life come from it—life, life, and more life. And GOD’s plan will deeply prosper through him.
11 Out of that terrible travail of soul, he’ll see that it’s worth it and be glad he did it. Through what he experienced, my righteous one, my servant, will make many "righteous ones," as he himself carries the burden of their sins.
12 Therefore I’ll reward him extravagantly—the best of everything, the highest honors—because he looked death in the face and didn’t flinch, because he embraced the company of the lowest. He took on his own shoulders the sin of the many; he took up the cause of all the black sheep. (The message)
Numbers 6:
24 “‘"The LORD bless you and keep you;
25 the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
26 the LORD turn his face towards you and give you peace."’
(NIV)
I must have started writing this teaching a dozen times trying to get my thoughts together and put them down on paper to send to you. There are days when the words flow freely, then there are days like today. My words are irrelevant. My thoughts cannot do justice to the reading. I feel that all we can do is absorb the amazing words of prediction written by Isaiah thousands of years ago pointing to a time in his future that he would have not be able to know, unless he was given a special power from God to prophesy.
Read his word, meditate on its meaning in you life.
4 But the fact is, it was our pains he carried—our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us. We thought he brought it on himself, that God was punishing him for his own failures.
5 But it was our sins that did that to him, that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healed.
6 We’re all like sheep who’ve wandered off and gotten lost. We’ve all done our own thing, gone our own way. And GOD has piled all our sins, everything we’ve done wrong, on him, on him.
7 He was beaten, he was tortured, but he didn’t say a word. Like a lamb taken to be slaughtered and like a sheep being sheared, he took it all in silence.
8 Justice miscarried, and he was led off—and did anyone really know what was happening? He died without a thought for his own welfare, beaten bloody for the sins of my people.
9 They buried him with the wicked, threw him in a grave with a rich man, Even though he’d never hurt a soul or said one word that wasn’t true.
10 Still, it’s what GOD had in mind all along, to crush him with pain. The plan was that he give himself as an offering for sin so that he’d see life come from it—life, life, and more life. And GOD’s plan will deeply prosper through him.
11 Out of that terrible travail of soul, he’ll see that it’s worth it and be glad he did it. Through what he experienced, my righteous one, my servant, will make many "righteous ones," as he himself carries the burden of their sins.
12 Therefore I’ll reward him extravagantly—the best of everything, the highest honors—because he looked death in the face and didn’t flinch, because he embraced the company of the lowest. He took on his own shoulders the sin of the many; he took up the cause of all the black sheep. (The message)
Numbers 6:
24 “‘"The LORD bless you and keep you;
25 the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
26 the LORD turn his face towards you and give you peace."’
(NIV)
GOOD DAY SUNSHINE!
Ephesians 5: 8 – 14
I love learning new things, especially things that are new to me spiritually.
Today in ODB, I read about this man named; Samuel Rutherford.
Rutherford, a member of the council that wrote the Westminster Confession, was imprisoned because of his beliefs. While in prison, he wrote this soul-strengthening letter expressing the joy that sustained him through his trials: “If God had told me some time ago that He was about to make me as happy as I could be in this world, and then had told me that He should begin by crippling me in all my limbs, and removing me from all my usual sources of enjoyment, I should have thought it a very strange mode of accomplishing His purpose. And yet, how is His wisdom manifest even in this! For if you should see a man shut up in a closed room, idolizing a set of lamps and rejoicing in their light, and you wished to make him truly happy, you would begin by blowing out all his lamps; and then throw open the shutters to let in the light of heaven.”
I don’t know about you, but I don’t know if I would have the strength to find joy and happiness in a situation like this, at least not at first. One of the many character defects that I am working on, since coming to the Lord, is that I can be very self centered and have used the phrase in the past; “If it happens to you, it’s a peccadillo, if it happens to me, it’s devastating.”
I have grown considerably since I used that phrase, and I am prayerful that I would be able to bring the light of Christ into the darkness of prison.
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light
9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
10 and find out what pleases the Lord.
11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.
13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible,
14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
The word of God is why I am so hopeful and prayerful that I would be able to bring this light where ever I would go.
God was able to change my life. All I knew was darkness, it followed me everywhere. I clung to the shadows of life hoping to go unnoticed by others until I needed them, so that I could exploit them for my needs, and to feed my addictions.
Oh, how my life has changed! Oh, my soul, how I love The Lord!
Psalm 40:
1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.
How blessed and happy am I. How about you? Can we all bring light to darkness?
I love learning new things, especially things that are new to me spiritually.
Today in ODB, I read about this man named; Samuel Rutherford.
Rutherford, a member of the council that wrote the Westminster Confession, was imprisoned because of his beliefs. While in prison, he wrote this soul-strengthening letter expressing the joy that sustained him through his trials: “If God had told me some time ago that He was about to make me as happy as I could be in this world, and then had told me that He should begin by crippling me in all my limbs, and removing me from all my usual sources of enjoyment, I should have thought it a very strange mode of accomplishing His purpose. And yet, how is His wisdom manifest even in this! For if you should see a man shut up in a closed room, idolizing a set of lamps and rejoicing in their light, and you wished to make him truly happy, you would begin by blowing out all his lamps; and then throw open the shutters to let in the light of heaven.”
I don’t know about you, but I don’t know if I would have the strength to find joy and happiness in a situation like this, at least not at first. One of the many character defects that I am working on, since coming to the Lord, is that I can be very self centered and have used the phrase in the past; “If it happens to you, it’s a peccadillo, if it happens to me, it’s devastating.”
I have grown considerably since I used that phrase, and I am prayerful that I would be able to bring the light of Christ into the darkness of prison.
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light
9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
10 and find out what pleases the Lord.
11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.
13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible,
14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
The word of God is why I am so hopeful and prayerful that I would be able to bring this light where ever I would go.
God was able to change my life. All I knew was darkness, it followed me everywhere. I clung to the shadows of life hoping to go unnoticed by others until I needed them, so that I could exploit them for my needs, and to feed my addictions.
Oh, how my life has changed! Oh, my soul, how I love The Lord!
Psalm 40:
1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.
How blessed and happy am I. How about you? Can we all bring light to darkness?
Friday, August 8, 2008
LOVE
1 Corinthians 13
This is one of those times when God’s word needs no comment.
1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
11 When I was a child, I talked like a child; I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
O for a love that knows no end,
This is one of those times when God’s word needs no comment.
1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
11 When I was a child, I talked like a child; I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
O for a love that knows no end,
A love that is strong and pure,
Reaching afar to both foe and friend,
So deep it will always endure. —R. De Haan
Love enables us to walk fearlessly, to run confidently, and to live victoriously.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
ADOPTED
Romans 8: 12 – 18
I had a dream the other night that I had grown and matured to the age that I am now, and found out that I was adopted by my mother and father, and was being introduced to my biological mother for the first time. With my parents dead, I had a lot of questions that went unanswered, so I spent the rest of the dream looking for my true father.
I’m not sure, what the dream is supposed to mean, but I think it is a reflection of my life as it is today. Paul tells us that we are adopted and that we are free from our previous lives as slaves to fear.
15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
The phrase “slave to fear” really hit home for me. In the past my life was fear based, I lived everyday fearful that I would be found out to be who I really was.
The great relief I discovered having read that verse the first time was incredible. My life changed over night. I found out that I was adopted spiritually into the family of God, and I have been spending my life searching for a better relationship with my heavenly father.
17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs, heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Whoa, dude, how cool is that? I can’t wait to see the glory revealed in us, even though there may be suffering along the way.
My earthly father always told me that nothing of value comes without suffering, so I guess we have to expect the bad times and be ready to take them on without fear.
13 There’s nothing in it for us, nothing at all. The best thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life.
14 God’s Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go! (The Message)
Sometimes I feel like the message translation says it pretty good. We do have things to do and places to go, we have to train ourselves for this journey that God calls us to. So it’s time to get into shape.
Start doing those spiritual pushups, get that aerobic prayer going, strengthen the muscles that hold back fear, run a few laps to strengthen those legs.
I’M PUMPED AND JACKED!
Let’s go proclaim our adoption into royalty. Praise God and bring the message to our families and neighborhoods.
I had a dream the other night that I had grown and matured to the age that I am now, and found out that I was adopted by my mother and father, and was being introduced to my biological mother for the first time. With my parents dead, I had a lot of questions that went unanswered, so I spent the rest of the dream looking for my true father.
I’m not sure, what the dream is supposed to mean, but I think it is a reflection of my life as it is today. Paul tells us that we are adopted and that we are free from our previous lives as slaves to fear.
15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
The phrase “slave to fear” really hit home for me. In the past my life was fear based, I lived everyday fearful that I would be found out to be who I really was.
The great relief I discovered having read that verse the first time was incredible. My life changed over night. I found out that I was adopted spiritually into the family of God, and I have been spending my life searching for a better relationship with my heavenly father.
17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs, heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Whoa, dude, how cool is that? I can’t wait to see the glory revealed in us, even though there may be suffering along the way.
My earthly father always told me that nothing of value comes without suffering, so I guess we have to expect the bad times and be ready to take them on without fear.
13 There’s nothing in it for us, nothing at all. The best thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life.
14 God’s Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go! (The Message)
Sometimes I feel like the message translation says it pretty good. We do have things to do and places to go, we have to train ourselves for this journey that God calls us to. So it’s time to get into shape.
Start doing those spiritual pushups, get that aerobic prayer going, strengthen the muscles that hold back fear, run a few laps to strengthen those legs.
I’M PUMPED AND JACKED!
Let’s go proclaim our adoption into royalty. Praise God and bring the message to our families and neighborhoods.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
THE APPRENTICE
Joshua 1: 1 – 7
Today we have TV shows called; “I Want to Work for Diddy” and
“The Apprentice”, that are very popular. We imagine that we have a window into what makes a millionaire by watching a group of young people go through a series of stunts, and phony jobs while vying for a pot of prize money, usually quite a hefty amount, going to the last one standing.
These are not real examples of apprenticeship.
My father was an upholsterer. He learned his craft starting at an early age, around 12 years old, working after school at a shop of another upholsterer. He began by sweeping the floors, and then was given more responsibility as he mastered each task, until, after years of hard work; he was able to do the work of a master craftsman.
There was a time when all jobs had this process. Young men and women would learn their craft at the feet of a teacher, taking years to hone their skills. This is the process that Joshua went through with Moses.
We remember Joshua for marching around the wall of Jericho. He also had some important responsibilities as a spy (Num. 13:16) and as a warrior (Ex. 17:10). But he was often in the shadow of someone else—Moses. For 40 years, Joshua served as Moses’ assistant, aide, and apprentice (Ex. 24:13).
God takes His own time to prepare us for service. Sometimes that period of waiting is as valuable as learning all the needed strategies and goals. Joshua observed Moses’ faith in God. He learned what it meant to be humble (Num. 12:3), how to take instruction (Ex. 17:10), and how to be a true servant of God (Josh. 1:1; 24:29). Even a display of Moses’ temper (Num. 20:7-12) was an opportunity to watch and learn. By spending time with Moses, Joshua learned things that couldn’t be learned from a book.
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant:
2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.
5 No-one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
6 “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.
7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
Today we have TV shows called; “I Want to Work for Diddy” and
“The Apprentice”, that are very popular. We imagine that we have a window into what makes a millionaire by watching a group of young people go through a series of stunts, and phony jobs while vying for a pot of prize money, usually quite a hefty amount, going to the last one standing.
These are not real examples of apprenticeship.
My father was an upholsterer. He learned his craft starting at an early age, around 12 years old, working after school at a shop of another upholsterer. He began by sweeping the floors, and then was given more responsibility as he mastered each task, until, after years of hard work; he was able to do the work of a master craftsman.
There was a time when all jobs had this process. Young men and women would learn their craft at the feet of a teacher, taking years to hone their skills. This is the process that Joshua went through with Moses.
We remember Joshua for marching around the wall of Jericho. He also had some important responsibilities as a spy (Num. 13:16) and as a warrior (Ex. 17:10). But he was often in the shadow of someone else—Moses. For 40 years, Joshua served as Moses’ assistant, aide, and apprentice (Ex. 24:13).
God takes His own time to prepare us for service. Sometimes that period of waiting is as valuable as learning all the needed strategies and goals. Joshua observed Moses’ faith in God. He learned what it meant to be humble (Num. 12:3), how to take instruction (Ex. 17:10), and how to be a true servant of God (Josh. 1:1; 24:29). Even a display of Moses’ temper (Num. 20:7-12) was an opportunity to watch and learn. By spending time with Moses, Joshua learned things that couldn’t be learned from a book.
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant:
2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.
5 No-one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
6 “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.
7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
People who become great leaders
Sometimes need to learn
How to serve and follow others
Then they’ll get their turn. —Sper
A person who is not willing to follow is not prepared to lead.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
BANG! ZOOM!
Psalm 88
1985 was a bad year for me, my first marriage broke up, my addictions were reaching their peak, my father died, and I went to war with God.
I felt that God was causing me pain on purpose. I had just re-established a relationship with my father that had been strained for many years, and now God was taking him away from me. I felt as if my first marriage had finally leveled out when I found out my wife was having sex with men I considered friends. I was so lost in my use and abuse of drugs and alcohol that I lost all sense of dignity. How could anyone tell me that God loved me when I felt that he was doing all this to me?
Don’t tell me that I’m the only one that has ever been angry with or disappointed with God. If you try to tell me that you haven’t had similar feelings, I won’t believe you.
Why?
Because many people in the Bible like Job and Moses had it out with God, and so did Jeremiah, some of the other prophets and psalmists.
6 You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths.
7 Your wrath lies heavily upon me; you have overwhelmed me with all your waves. Selah
8 You have taken from me my closest friends and have made me repulsive to them. I am confined and cannot escape;
This sample of from Psalm 88 does not show a happy camper. Some folks may find this odd as we have a tendency to think that the Bible is all love and peace.
It seems strange for sacred writings to include scenes of spiritual failure, but this reflects an important principle. A marriage therapist will warn couples, “Your relationship may get worse before it gets better.” Misunderstandings must be exposed before true understanding can flourish. The psalmists do not rationalize anger or give abstract advice about pain; rather, they express emotions vividly and loudly, directing their feelings primarily at God. The anguished conclusion of Psalm 88 provides ample evidence of this.
The psalms present a mosaic of spiritual therapy in process. Doubt, paranoia, giddiness, delight, hatred, joy, praise, vengefulness, betrayal—you find it all in the psalms. From them I learn to bring to God whatever I feel about Him. I don’t need to paper over my failures; far better to bring my weaknesses to Him, who alone has the power to heal.
Just like when we get mad with those closest to us then get over it by working it out, we have to be able to do the same thing with God.
1985 was a bad year for me, my first marriage broke up, my addictions were reaching their peak, my father died, and I went to war with God.
I felt that God was causing me pain on purpose. I had just re-established a relationship with my father that had been strained for many years, and now God was taking him away from me. I felt as if my first marriage had finally leveled out when I found out my wife was having sex with men I considered friends. I was so lost in my use and abuse of drugs and alcohol that I lost all sense of dignity. How could anyone tell me that God loved me when I felt that he was doing all this to me?
Don’t tell me that I’m the only one that has ever been angry with or disappointed with God. If you try to tell me that you haven’t had similar feelings, I won’t believe you.
Why?
Because many people in the Bible like Job and Moses had it out with God, and so did Jeremiah, some of the other prophets and psalmists.
6 You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths.
7 Your wrath lies heavily upon me; you have overwhelmed me with all your waves. Selah
8 You have taken from me my closest friends and have made me repulsive to them. I am confined and cannot escape;
This sample of from Psalm 88 does not show a happy camper. Some folks may find this odd as we have a tendency to think that the Bible is all love and peace.
It seems strange for sacred writings to include scenes of spiritual failure, but this reflects an important principle. A marriage therapist will warn couples, “Your relationship may get worse before it gets better.” Misunderstandings must be exposed before true understanding can flourish. The psalmists do not rationalize anger or give abstract advice about pain; rather, they express emotions vividly and loudly, directing their feelings primarily at God. The anguished conclusion of Psalm 88 provides ample evidence of this.
The psalms present a mosaic of spiritual therapy in process. Doubt, paranoia, giddiness, delight, hatred, joy, praise, vengefulness, betrayal—you find it all in the psalms. From them I learn to bring to God whatever I feel about Him. I don’t need to paper over my failures; far better to bring my weaknesses to Him, who alone has the power to heal.
Just like when we get mad with those closest to us then get over it by working it out, we have to be able to do the same thing with God.
Monday, August 4, 2008
IF I HAD A HAMMER
1 Corinthians 3: 10 – 15
I used to work as a safety officer for a construction company that specialized in building and repairing power plants and paper mills up and down the east coast and Puerto Rico.
It was my job to enforce OSHA regulations on the jobsite to reduce injuries and keep the job running. On every job there was always a mixed bag of workers; there were electricians, pipe fitters, carpenters, laborers, and boilermakers. Each craft had their specific job to do build on the work of the other workers that at first seemed to be totally unrelated to each other until, at the end, the job came together and the plant worked properly.
Each man had to do his job the right way then his work had to pass inspection that would sometimes involve pressure and other times x-rays before it would either pass inspection or, if it failed, be ripped out and the job started again. This process is called zero tolerance testing, and is necessary for the plant to operate correctly. The job would continue until it was finished, and the employees who failed would not be fired, just placed with a more experienced worker until he learned more and was able to do the job better.
Paul uses this type of imagery when he was talking to the church in Corinth.
10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.
11 For no-one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw,
13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.
14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.
15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
Zero tolerance testing can be tough to go through but it is necessary.
Maybe it seems as if you are surrounded by the open waters of relationship problems, or money woes, or simply an inability to put your life in order. Perhaps you feel as if you are drowning in a sea of trials and trouble. May I suggest two things? First, find a fellow Christian or two who can come beside you and hold you up, pray for you, talk with you, and remind you that you are not alone. Then rest your feet on the only solid foundation in life: Jesus Christ Life’s troubles are too tough to take on alone. Get some help and find in Jesus a place to stand.
I used to work as a safety officer for a construction company that specialized in building and repairing power plants and paper mills up and down the east coast and Puerto Rico.
It was my job to enforce OSHA regulations on the jobsite to reduce injuries and keep the job running. On every job there was always a mixed bag of workers; there were electricians, pipe fitters, carpenters, laborers, and boilermakers. Each craft had their specific job to do build on the work of the other workers that at first seemed to be totally unrelated to each other until, at the end, the job came together and the plant worked properly.
Each man had to do his job the right way then his work had to pass inspection that would sometimes involve pressure and other times x-rays before it would either pass inspection or, if it failed, be ripped out and the job started again. This process is called zero tolerance testing, and is necessary for the plant to operate correctly. The job would continue until it was finished, and the employees who failed would not be fired, just placed with a more experienced worker until he learned more and was able to do the job better.
Paul uses this type of imagery when he was talking to the church in Corinth.
10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.
11 For no-one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw,
13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.
14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.
15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
Zero tolerance testing can be tough to go through but it is necessary.
Maybe it seems as if you are surrounded by the open waters of relationship problems, or money woes, or simply an inability to put your life in order. Perhaps you feel as if you are drowning in a sea of trials and trouble. May I suggest two things? First, find a fellow Christian or two who can come beside you and hold you up, pray for you, talk with you, and remind you that you are not alone. Then rest your feet on the only solid foundation in life: Jesus Christ Life’s troubles are too tough to take on alone. Get some help and find in Jesus a place to stand.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Saturday, August 2, 2008
HEY LOOK, OVER THERE…!
2 Corinthians 10: 12 – 18
Magicians ought to change their names to Charlatans. They can’t really create magic; they just use distraction to fool us, pointing with his right hand while doing something else with his left.
When residents in Grand Rapids, Michigan, were asked about the bad habits of drivers that made the highways unsafe, most felt that others caused more problems than they themselves. One woman said that she talked on her cell phone a little, but at least she didn’t dial the phone numbers while on the road. She concluded her comments by stating that others “aren’t following the rules of the road . . . . They put us all at risk.”
When I was lost in my addictions, I always looked down on the homeless bums that were drunk in the streets of Boston. After all, I had a job and a car that wasn’t my house. And all those junkies passed out in the corners of rooms, I had a job, I didn’t steal to get my drugs, I didn’t commit crimes to support my habits.
It’s our nature to point a finger at others. The apostle Paul talked about fellow teachers who avoided looking at their own behavior and instead attacked him.
12 Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!
13 We will not boast about things done outside our area of authority. We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given us, which includes our working with you.
14 We are not reaching beyond these boundaries when we claim authority over you, as if we had never visited you. For we were the first to travel all the way to Corinth with the Good News of Christ.
15 Nor do we boast and claim credit for the work someone else has done. Instead, we hope that your faith will grow so that the boundaries of our work among you will be extended.
16 Then we will be able to go and preach the Good News in other places far beyond you, where no one else is working. Then there will be no question of our boasting about work done in someone else’s territory.
17 As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.”
18 When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.
When we don’t look at our own actions but instead compare ourselves with others, we often come out looking good. But, as Paul said, it’s the Lord’s commendation that counts, not our own approval of ourselves.
If you must compare yourself with someone, compare yourself with Christ.
How’s that workin’ for ya?
Magicians ought to change their names to Charlatans. They can’t really create magic; they just use distraction to fool us, pointing with his right hand while doing something else with his left.
When residents in Grand Rapids, Michigan, were asked about the bad habits of drivers that made the highways unsafe, most felt that others caused more problems than they themselves. One woman said that she talked on her cell phone a little, but at least she didn’t dial the phone numbers while on the road. She concluded her comments by stating that others “aren’t following the rules of the road . . . . They put us all at risk.”
When I was lost in my addictions, I always looked down on the homeless bums that were drunk in the streets of Boston. After all, I had a job and a car that wasn’t my house. And all those junkies passed out in the corners of rooms, I had a job, I didn’t steal to get my drugs, I didn’t commit crimes to support my habits.
It’s our nature to point a finger at others. The apostle Paul talked about fellow teachers who avoided looking at their own behavior and instead attacked him.
12 Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!
13 We will not boast about things done outside our area of authority. We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given us, which includes our working with you.
14 We are not reaching beyond these boundaries when we claim authority over you, as if we had never visited you. For we were the first to travel all the way to Corinth with the Good News of Christ.
15 Nor do we boast and claim credit for the work someone else has done. Instead, we hope that your faith will grow so that the boundaries of our work among you will be extended.
16 Then we will be able to go and preach the Good News in other places far beyond you, where no one else is working. Then there will be no question of our boasting about work done in someone else’s territory.
17 As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.”
18 When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.
When we don’t look at our own actions but instead compare ourselves with others, we often come out looking good. But, as Paul said, it’s the Lord’s commendation that counts, not our own approval of ourselves.
If you must compare yourself with someone, compare yourself with Christ.
How’s that workin’ for ya?
Friday, August 1, 2008
SNEAKIN’ AROUND
John 3: 1 – 8
Just the other day, the National Enquirer caught former vice-presidential nominee, John Edwards, sneaking around in a hotel late at night with his mistress, and their love child. Things like this have been going on since the dawn of time. We believe that the cover of darkness will protect us from being seen, and nobody will find out where we went or what we did.
Indeed, nefarious deeds happen in the dark.
1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council.
2 He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no-one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."
Here is an example of something good happening in the dark of night. Nicodemus was afraid that people would see him with Jesus; they were officially at odds with each other after all, it would look bad for him to meet with Jesus in public. But he had this uncontrollable desire to hear what Jesus had to say, to learn at the feet of the master, to find out about the Holy Spirit.
5 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no-one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’
8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
In God’s kingdom, there is a spiritual Helper who produces new life. But His role is to bring about “second birth”. The Holy Spirit uses a variety of ways to accomplish this. He convicts the world of sin, empowers the gospel, regenerates us from within, and places believers into eternal union with Christ. Though He is invisible, His life-changing activity can be clearly seen. Jesus said of the Holy Spirit: “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit”. The Spirit desires to use us in sharing the gospel so others can experience that second birth.
The Holy Spirit is the Christian’s source of power.
Just the other day, the National Enquirer caught former vice-presidential nominee, John Edwards, sneaking around in a hotel late at night with his mistress, and their love child. Things like this have been going on since the dawn of time. We believe that the cover of darkness will protect us from being seen, and nobody will find out where we went or what we did.
Indeed, nefarious deeds happen in the dark.
1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council.
2 He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no-one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."
Here is an example of something good happening in the dark of night. Nicodemus was afraid that people would see him with Jesus; they were officially at odds with each other after all, it would look bad for him to meet with Jesus in public. But he had this uncontrollable desire to hear what Jesus had to say, to learn at the feet of the master, to find out about the Holy Spirit.
5 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no-one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’
8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
In God’s kingdom, there is a spiritual Helper who produces new life. But His role is to bring about “second birth”. The Holy Spirit uses a variety of ways to accomplish this. He convicts the world of sin, empowers the gospel, regenerates us from within, and places believers into eternal union with Christ. Though He is invisible, His life-changing activity can be clearly seen. Jesus said of the Holy Spirit: “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit”. The Spirit desires to use us in sharing the gospel so others can experience that second birth.
The Holy Spirit is the Christian’s source of power.
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