.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
Nothing would be more incongruous than for a follower of Jesus to be found groveling at the footstool of Caesar. And Paul wanted to make sure that Timothy knew exactly where and how he himself stood as he prepared to enter the High Roman courts to be sentenced to death.
Was Paul filled with fear? Was he on the threshold of buckling before the threats of the Roman Emperor? Was he second-guessing his actions? Was he having regrets about the decisions he had made in following Jesus?
NOT IN THE LEAST!
In the face of imperial intimidation he was standing with power, love, and a sound mind.
The Message puts the verse this way: “God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible” (2 Timothy 1:7, The Message). Paul's encouragement to Timothy, and to us, is that we can do the same in whatever we are facing.
Power, Love, and a Sound Mind.
POWER assures us that we have all that is necessary to triumph, and thereby makes us bold in the face of intimidating circumstances. LOVE insures that we will use our power in ways that are constructive and redemptive. And a SOUND MIND secures us with clarity in the face of confusion, and marks us with sensibility in times of insanity.
Power, Love, and a Sound Mind -- these three keep us focused upon the opportune moment for action and make us decisive when that moment comes.
If you are facing difficulty at work or home, with friends or neighbors who intimidate you, or circumstances that seem to back you down from being who God has gifted and called you to be -- this verse is for you!
If you feel yourself inwardly cowering into silence and passivity -- then this verse is for you. It is packed with power to change you from the inside out.
Stir up your gifts! You can be what you are meant to be. You can shine like the sun in its race across the sky if you stay within the gifting the Lord has placed in your life. Be who you were created to be -- bold and loving and sensible -- and that will silence the critics and nay-sayers every time!
That is the triumph of a gifted life!
.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
So Say the Experts
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“They set themselves up as experts on religious issues, but haven't the remotest idea of what they're holding forth with such imposing eloquence” (1Timothy 1:7, The Message).
The experts don't always get it right. Sometimes their learning impedes their looking -- that is, they cannot see past what they have been taught, because their opinions are set accordingly.
Job ran into this with his friends who came to comfort him, but only ending up condemning him for his unwillingness to submit to their opinions about what they thought caused his woes. “I’m sure you speak for all the experts,” he said, “and when you die there'll be no one left to tell us how to live” (Job 12:2, The Message).
Jesus said, “Don't set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. Save that authority for God” (Matthew 23:9, The Message).
That's exactly what Job was doing, and we should do the same today.
And we have plenty of opportunities to do so, for there is never a shortage in our world of people ready to express their religious opinions.
There will always be people who are quick to tell you that you are wrong and to criticize your every word and move. Their expertise in matters of doctrine and duty somehow compel them to correct you even when they have no real right to do so. They neither know you, nor love you; and therefore transgress when they openly criticize you.
The irony is that none are so blind to the error of this abhorrent behavior than those who are most guilty of it. The experts don't always get it right. After all, it was the builders who rejected the Cornerstone; it was the Authorities in Law and Prophecy who were the very ones that completely missed the Messiah!
And today those who know most about the Bible sometimes seem to know least about what it means to actually live according to its teachings.
The celebrated preacher of Westminster Chapel, G. Campbell Morgan, said, “It is possible to be biblically correct, doctrinally pure, theologically sound, morally impeccable, and spiritually useless!”
Oh may such a thing never be true of you, nor me!
·
“They set themselves up as experts on religious issues, but haven't the remotest idea of what they're holding forth with such imposing eloquence” (1Timothy 1:7, The Message).
The experts don't always get it right. Sometimes their learning impedes their looking -- that is, they cannot see past what they have been taught, because their opinions are set accordingly.
Job ran into this with his friends who came to comfort him, but only ending up condemning him for his unwillingness to submit to their opinions about what they thought caused his woes. “I’m sure you speak for all the experts,” he said, “and when you die there'll be no one left to tell us how to live” (Job 12:2, The Message).
Jesus said, “Don't set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. Save that authority for God” (Matthew 23:9, The Message).
That's exactly what Job was doing, and we should do the same today.
And we have plenty of opportunities to do so, for there is never a shortage in our world of people ready to express their religious opinions.
There will always be people who are quick to tell you that you are wrong and to criticize your every word and move. Their expertise in matters of doctrine and duty somehow compel them to correct you even when they have no real right to do so. They neither know you, nor love you; and therefore transgress when they openly criticize you.
The irony is that none are so blind to the error of this abhorrent behavior than those who are most guilty of it. The experts don't always get it right. After all, it was the builders who rejected the Cornerstone; it was the Authorities in Law and Prophecy who were the very ones that completely missed the Messiah!
And today those who know most about the Bible sometimes seem to know least about what it means to actually live according to its teachings.
The celebrated preacher of Westminster Chapel, G. Campbell Morgan, said, “It is possible to be biblically correct, doctrinally pure, theologically sound, morally impeccable, and spiritually useless!”
Oh may such a thing never be true of you, nor me!
·
Saturday, November 28, 2009
When Miracles Come from Mud Balls
.
“One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:25).
It’s one of those strange moments in Scripture – Jesus makes a pair of mud balls and places them over the empty eye sockets of a man who was born blind, telling him to go wash his face at the pool. The man does so and – bam! – he can see!
It is at this point that the story gets really bizarre.
The religious leaders become so agitated by this man’s excitement and his confession of faith in Jesus, that they ultimately toss him out of the Temple! How ironic -- a blind man sees, and sighted men are blinded by their self-righteousness.
William Yeats said, “All empty souls tend to extreme opinion.”
Such were the religious leaders in Jesus’ day – empty, and extreme. And such are those who prefer religion over relationship with Christ in our own day.
Matthew Henry, the great Bible Commentator, wrote, “There is none so blind as those who will not see.”
It is uncanny how quickly religious minded people fall into the snare of their own opinions. An extraordinary miracle took place right before their very eyes, but they couldn’t see it because their minds were already made up about something completely different.
They were dead set against Jesus – and therefore nothing He did could possibly be legitimate. Rather than acknowledge the miracle, they excommunicated the man whom Jesus had healed.
When miracles come from mud balls we each may be faced with similar challenges – especially if our opinions are so set that we cannot see what the Lord is doing in spite of us.
Henry Ward Beecher described a highly opinionated religious opponent thus -- “He is the human owl, vigilant in darkness and blind to light, mousing for vermin and never seeing noble game.”
Don’t let religious opinions blind you to the miracles that come from mud balls. Otherwise, you just may be the one who ends up sitting in the dark.
.
“One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:25).
It’s one of those strange moments in Scripture – Jesus makes a pair of mud balls and places them over the empty eye sockets of a man who was born blind, telling him to go wash his face at the pool. The man does so and – bam! – he can see!
It is at this point that the story gets really bizarre.
The religious leaders become so agitated by this man’s excitement and his confession of faith in Jesus, that they ultimately toss him out of the Temple! How ironic -- a blind man sees, and sighted men are blinded by their self-righteousness.
William Yeats said, “All empty souls tend to extreme opinion.”
Such were the religious leaders in Jesus’ day – empty, and extreme. And such are those who prefer religion over relationship with Christ in our own day.
Matthew Henry, the great Bible Commentator, wrote, “There is none so blind as those who will not see.”
It is uncanny how quickly religious minded people fall into the snare of their own opinions. An extraordinary miracle took place right before their very eyes, but they couldn’t see it because their minds were already made up about something completely different.
They were dead set against Jesus – and therefore nothing He did could possibly be legitimate. Rather than acknowledge the miracle, they excommunicated the man whom Jesus had healed.
When miracles come from mud balls we each may be faced with similar challenges – especially if our opinions are so set that we cannot see what the Lord is doing in spite of us.
Henry Ward Beecher described a highly opinionated religious opponent thus -- “He is the human owl, vigilant in darkness and blind to light, mousing for vermin and never seeing noble game.”
Don’t let religious opinions blind you to the miracles that come from mud balls. Otherwise, you just may be the one who ends up sitting in the dark.
.
Friday, November 27, 2009
The Light of an Ignited Life
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“He was a burning and a shining light” (John 5:35).
This lasting tribute was said of John the Baptist, by none other than Jesus Himself. Indeed, Jesus also said, “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matthew 11:11). This means that each one of us may, like John, be a burning and shining light.
But there is a price to be paid. Years ago I heard the great revival preacher, Leonard Ravenhill, say, “The cost of shining is burning.”
Many want the glow without the heat, but there can be no sparkle where there are not sparks. And, there can be no sparks where the hammer of God's word does not strike the anvil of our souls as the Holy Spirit forges Christ-like character in the metal of our lives.
The cost of shining is burning.
The disciples said, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us along the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?” (Luke 24:32). In yet another place the Bible asks, “Does not My word burn like fire?” says the LORD. “Is it not like a mighty hammer that smashes a rock to pieces?” (Jeremiah 23:29).
As we open ourselves to the igniting power of God's word, all within us that is wood, hay or stubble is consumed by its tireless flame. And then, whatever yet remains that is hardened and unresponsive deep in our hearts is busted loose by the mighty blow of God's hammer -- His living word unleashed in our yielded lives.
Will you let the truth of God's unchanging Word have its way in your life? In your thoughts, your hopes, and your aspirations? In your opinions, your attitudes, and your behavior? In your family, your friendships, and your associations?
If you say yes, you will become a burning and shining light; and you will be counted great in the Kingdom of God.
On the other hand, you can light your own fire and burn out in no time -- with nothing to show for the one life you have lived. Surely you can see the better choice is to yield your heart to Christ and let Him be honored by the light of your ignited life.
And He will say of you on that day, “This one was a burning and shining light.”
.
“He was a burning and a shining light” (John 5:35).
This lasting tribute was said of John the Baptist, by none other than Jesus Himself. Indeed, Jesus also said, “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matthew 11:11). This means that each one of us may, like John, be a burning and shining light.
But there is a price to be paid. Years ago I heard the great revival preacher, Leonard Ravenhill, say, “The cost of shining is burning.”
Many want the glow without the heat, but there can be no sparkle where there are not sparks. And, there can be no sparks where the hammer of God's word does not strike the anvil of our souls as the Holy Spirit forges Christ-like character in the metal of our lives.
The cost of shining is burning.
The disciples said, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us along the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?” (Luke 24:32). In yet another place the Bible asks, “Does not My word burn like fire?” says the LORD. “Is it not like a mighty hammer that smashes a rock to pieces?” (Jeremiah 23:29).
As we open ourselves to the igniting power of God's word, all within us that is wood, hay or stubble is consumed by its tireless flame. And then, whatever yet remains that is hardened and unresponsive deep in our hearts is busted loose by the mighty blow of God's hammer -- His living word unleashed in our yielded lives.
Will you let the truth of God's unchanging Word have its way in your life? In your thoughts, your hopes, and your aspirations? In your opinions, your attitudes, and your behavior? In your family, your friendships, and your associations?
If you say yes, you will become a burning and shining light; and you will be counted great in the Kingdom of God.
On the other hand, you can light your own fire and burn out in no time -- with nothing to show for the one life you have lived. Surely you can see the better choice is to yield your heart to Christ and let Him be honored by the light of your ignited life.
And He will say of you on that day, “This one was a burning and shining light.”
.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
With Money on Their Minds
.
“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Luke 16:13).
In the Old King James version, Jesus gives money a name -- Mammon.
In so doing He personifies the god of Materialism, which works to steal our affections away from the One true God. Barnes in his commentary writes, "Mammon is a Syriac word, a name given to an idol worshipped as the god of riches."
Did you know that there is a competition for your heart and soul?
It's a winner-take-all contest and you are the one who will cast the deciding vote. The Lord Jesus calls you to walk with Him in faith, trusting in His word and experiencing His presence daily in many personal and powerful ways.
Mammon, on the other hand, holds forth the false promises of security through riches, power through wealth, and influence through affluence.
Jesus and Mammon are incompatible. And both leave the mark of their interior work upon the lives of their worshippers.Five things will be unmistakably true of you if you serve Mammon.
1) You will live in constant anxiety over still unmet needs, no matter how much wealth you acquire.
2) You will live in dreadful fear about your financial future, which will cause you to hoard what riches you do possess.
3) You will live in constant doubt about the Lord's love and faithfulness, for your life will be disturbed with the piercing interference of Mammon's suspicious whispers.
4) You will live outside the circle of the Lord's blessing, in disobedience to His word, and will miss the miracle of His hand at work in your finances -- multiplying the bounty of your estate as you increase in generosity.
5) And, finally, your heart will become cynical and suspicious against anyone who says the kind of things I just wrote!
Such are they who spend their days with Money on their mind.
On the other hand, Jesus will fill your life with peace in His provisions, hope in the future, confidence in His love and faithfulness, blessings which abound in your obedience to His word, and a joyful outlook on life that sees the Hand of God at works in everything.
OK. It's time to cast your vote. Which God do you want to serve?
.
“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Luke 16:13).
In the Old King James version, Jesus gives money a name -- Mammon.
In so doing He personifies the god of Materialism, which works to steal our affections away from the One true God. Barnes in his commentary writes, "Mammon is a Syriac word, a name given to an idol worshipped as the god of riches."
Did you know that there is a competition for your heart and soul?
It's a winner-take-all contest and you are the one who will cast the deciding vote. The Lord Jesus calls you to walk with Him in faith, trusting in His word and experiencing His presence daily in many personal and powerful ways.
Mammon, on the other hand, holds forth the false promises of security through riches, power through wealth, and influence through affluence.
Jesus and Mammon are incompatible. And both leave the mark of their interior work upon the lives of their worshippers.Five things will be unmistakably true of you if you serve Mammon.
1) You will live in constant anxiety over still unmet needs, no matter how much wealth you acquire.
2) You will live in dreadful fear about your financial future, which will cause you to hoard what riches you do possess.
3) You will live in constant doubt about the Lord's love and faithfulness, for your life will be disturbed with the piercing interference of Mammon's suspicious whispers.
4) You will live outside the circle of the Lord's blessing, in disobedience to His word, and will miss the miracle of His hand at work in your finances -- multiplying the bounty of your estate as you increase in generosity.
5) And, finally, your heart will become cynical and suspicious against anyone who says the kind of things I just wrote!
Such are they who spend their days with Money on their mind.
On the other hand, Jesus will fill your life with peace in His provisions, hope in the future, confidence in His love and faithfulness, blessings which abound in your obedience to His word, and a joyful outlook on life that sees the Hand of God at works in everything.
OK. It's time to cast your vote. Which God do you want to serve?
.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The Sad Estate of the Selfish Man
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“I will build me bigger barns!” (Luke 12:18).
In the parable of the Rich Fool, Jesus shows us that one's life does not consist of the things he possesses and He warns us against one of the most insidious evils in the human heart -- covetousness.
“I have seen a grievous evil under the sun,” wrote Solomon, “wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner.” The Rich Fool was doing just that -- hoarding his riches, and harming himself.
That is the sad estate of the selfish man.
The Rich Fool ascribes the increase of his substance to himself, and deems them to be his own acquisitions, the results of his own diligence and efforts. His bigger barns would serve not only to hold his larger harvest, but also stand as a towering boast to his neighbors of just how successful he had become.
Or so he thought.
For that night an angel visited him and said, “You fool! This night shall your soul be required of thee; and now what shall become of all these things you have stored up?”
Jesus then delivered the punch line, “So it is with those who lay up treasures for themselves -- and are not rich toward God.”
The point for us is that as God blesses our lives, and increases our estate, we should always seek to honor Him by being generous with that which He has entrusted to us. If we will do so, our blessings will abound.
On the other hand, only shame awaits the selfish.
Sir Walter Scott, the prolific poet of the Highlands, summed it up best in this timeless lyric –
“High though his titles, proud his name,
Boundless his wealth as wish could claim;
Despite those titles, power, and pelf,
The wretch concentered all in self,
Living, shall forfeit fair renown,
And doubly dying shall go down
To the vile dust from whence he sprung
-- Unwept, unhonor’d and unsung.”
.
“I will build me bigger barns!” (Luke 12:18).
In the parable of the Rich Fool, Jesus shows us that one's life does not consist of the things he possesses and He warns us against one of the most insidious evils in the human heart -- covetousness.
“I have seen a grievous evil under the sun,” wrote Solomon, “wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner.” The Rich Fool was doing just that -- hoarding his riches, and harming himself.
That is the sad estate of the selfish man.
The Rich Fool ascribes the increase of his substance to himself, and deems them to be his own acquisitions, the results of his own diligence and efforts. His bigger barns would serve not only to hold his larger harvest, but also stand as a towering boast to his neighbors of just how successful he had become.
Or so he thought.
For that night an angel visited him and said, “You fool! This night shall your soul be required of thee; and now what shall become of all these things you have stored up?”
Jesus then delivered the punch line, “So it is with those who lay up treasures for themselves -- and are not rich toward God.”
The point for us is that as God blesses our lives, and increases our estate, we should always seek to honor Him by being generous with that which He has entrusted to us. If we will do so, our blessings will abound.
On the other hand, only shame awaits the selfish.
Sir Walter Scott, the prolific poet of the Highlands, summed it up best in this timeless lyric –
“High though his titles, proud his name,
Boundless his wealth as wish could claim;
Despite those titles, power, and pelf,
The wretch concentered all in self,
Living, shall forfeit fair renown,
And doubly dying shall go down
To the vile dust from whence he sprung
-- Unwept, unhonor’d and unsung.”
.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
One Way Jesus on a Two Way Street
.
“Give, and it shall be given to you” (Luke 6:38).
It is one of the many remarkable features of following Jesus, that you cannot give without receiving back even more than you gave. The other side is also true -- you cannot receive without giving. It's a two-way street that we walk with the One Way Jesus.
Jesus is only going one way -- but it is in every direction. He is building a kingdom, and has invited each of us to become a part of what He is doing. We become a part by giving whatever He has entrusted to us.
You cannot teach without being taught, and you cannot be taught without teaching others. You cannot lead without being a follower; and you cannot follow without being led. If you will look for opportunities to bless someone else, you yourself will be blessed.
Love, and you will be loved. Serve, and you will be served. Smile, and the world will smile with you. Sing, and folks will.....OK, they will probably ask you to keep that to yourself! At least for most of us, anyway.
So, instead of going through life as a taker, grabbing desperately at everything you can get your hands on, and then storing it up in secured bins of plenty -- open the flood gates of generosity and start being a giver. The truth be told, you cannot live until you give.
Give your heart to Christ and He will fill it with love. Give your mind to Christ, and He will fill it with truth. Give your dreams to Christ, and He will fill them with heavenly vision and power. Give your hands to Christ, and He will fill them with service; labor that is filled with laughter and significance. Give your time to Christ, and will be redeem it; making you timely in every word and deed.
If you will walk with One Way Jesus on this Two Way Street, everything in and about your life will abound with multiplied blessing.
Solomon said, “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).Take the Lord at His word and you will see that He is true – “Give, and it shall be given unto you.”
.
“Give, and it shall be given to you” (Luke 6:38).
It is one of the many remarkable features of following Jesus, that you cannot give without receiving back even more than you gave. The other side is also true -- you cannot receive without giving. It's a two-way street that we walk with the One Way Jesus.
Jesus is only going one way -- but it is in every direction. He is building a kingdom, and has invited each of us to become a part of what He is doing. We become a part by giving whatever He has entrusted to us.
You cannot teach without being taught, and you cannot be taught without teaching others. You cannot lead without being a follower; and you cannot follow without being led. If you will look for opportunities to bless someone else, you yourself will be blessed.
Love, and you will be loved. Serve, and you will be served. Smile, and the world will smile with you. Sing, and folks will.....OK, they will probably ask you to keep that to yourself! At least for most of us, anyway.
So, instead of going through life as a taker, grabbing desperately at everything you can get your hands on, and then storing it up in secured bins of plenty -- open the flood gates of generosity and start being a giver. The truth be told, you cannot live until you give.
Give your heart to Christ and He will fill it with love. Give your mind to Christ, and He will fill it with truth. Give your dreams to Christ, and He will fill them with heavenly vision and power. Give your hands to Christ, and He will fill them with service; labor that is filled with laughter and significance. Give your time to Christ, and will be redeem it; making you timely in every word and deed.
If you will walk with One Way Jesus on this Two Way Street, everything in and about your life will abound with multiplied blessing.
Solomon said, “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).Take the Lord at His word and you will see that He is true – “Give, and it shall be given unto you.”
.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Delivered into Delight!
.
"He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me." (Psalm 18:19, KJV).
The Psalmist is overwhelmed with wonder at not only how the Lord acted on his behalf -- but why.
When we read about how the Lord dramatically delivered him from his enemies we are stirred more deeply than any action-movie could ever do. For he portrays the Lord as a Mighty Warrior unleashing His dreadful wrath against His enemies --
"Then the earth quaked and trembled. The foundations of the mountains shook; they quaked because of His anger. Smoke poured from His nostrils; fierce flames leaped from His mouth. Glowing coals blazed forth from Him. He opened the heavens and came down; dark storm clouds were beneath His feet. Mounted on a mighty angelic being, He flew, soaring on the wings of the wind. He shrouded Himself in darkness, veiling His approach with dark rain clouds. Thick clouds shielded the brightness around Him and rained down hail and burning coals. The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded amid the hail and burning coals. He shot His arrows and scattered His enemies; His lightning flashed, and they were greatly confused." (Psalm 18:7-14, The Living Translation).
This is HOW the Lord delivered the Psalmist -- but here is WHY. "He delivered me because He delighted in me."
Did you know that God loves you so much that when the enemy messes with you to the point that in your distress you cry out to God -- He goes on the warpath just for you! He brings you out of the distress into the delight of His presence and shows you the pleasure He has over your life.
Wow. How delightful is that?
.
"He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me." (Psalm 18:19, KJV).
The Psalmist is overwhelmed with wonder at not only how the Lord acted on his behalf -- but why.
When we read about how the Lord dramatically delivered him from his enemies we are stirred more deeply than any action-movie could ever do. For he portrays the Lord as a Mighty Warrior unleashing His dreadful wrath against His enemies --
"Then the earth quaked and trembled. The foundations of the mountains shook; they quaked because of His anger. Smoke poured from His nostrils; fierce flames leaped from His mouth. Glowing coals blazed forth from Him. He opened the heavens and came down; dark storm clouds were beneath His feet. Mounted on a mighty angelic being, He flew, soaring on the wings of the wind. He shrouded Himself in darkness, veiling His approach with dark rain clouds. Thick clouds shielded the brightness around Him and rained down hail and burning coals. The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded amid the hail and burning coals. He shot His arrows and scattered His enemies; His lightning flashed, and they were greatly confused." (Psalm 18:7-14, The Living Translation).
This is HOW the Lord delivered the Psalmist -- but here is WHY. "He delivered me because He delighted in me."
Did you know that God loves you so much that when the enemy messes with you to the point that in your distress you cry out to God -- He goes on the warpath just for you! He brings you out of the distress into the delight of His presence and shows you the pleasure He has over your life.
Wow. How delightful is that?
.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
The Sheer Gift
.
"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides." (James 1:2, The Message).
By now you've discovered that God doesn't do things our way. "My ways are not your ways," He tells us, "and My thoughts are not your thoughts." Often you will find that things in the Kingdom are the opposite to things in this world.
For example, he that puts himself first will be last; he that would be great, must becomes the servant. And so on and so on.
In this world of ours, trouble is TROUBLE. But not so in the Kingdom. There, trouble is a GIFT. A sheer gift. Pure and unmixed, complete and all inclusive -- like sheer joy. So the Bible tells us to count it all joy when we are hammered by trouble!
Why? Because God is up to something so extraordinarily wonderful that once we see what it is we will be beside ourselves with unspeakable delight!
Here's what James goes on to tell us -- "You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way" (James 1:3-4, The Message).
So while everybody around you may be wringing their hands in dismay, and moaning over losing this or that -- lift your vision higher and see the Lord's hand at work in your affairs; making you everything you ever dreamed of becoming -- and more!
Now that's a sheer gift!
.
"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides." (James 1:2, The Message).
By now you've discovered that God doesn't do things our way. "My ways are not your ways," He tells us, "and My thoughts are not your thoughts." Often you will find that things in the Kingdom are the opposite to things in this world.
For example, he that puts himself first will be last; he that would be great, must becomes the servant. And so on and so on.
In this world of ours, trouble is TROUBLE. But not so in the Kingdom. There, trouble is a GIFT. A sheer gift. Pure and unmixed, complete and all inclusive -- like sheer joy. So the Bible tells us to count it all joy when we are hammered by trouble!
Why? Because God is up to something so extraordinarily wonderful that once we see what it is we will be beside ourselves with unspeakable delight!
Here's what James goes on to tell us -- "You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way" (James 1:3-4, The Message).
So while everybody around you may be wringing their hands in dismay, and moaning over losing this or that -- lift your vision higher and see the Lord's hand at work in your affairs; making you everything you ever dreamed of becoming -- and more!
Now that's a sheer gift!
.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
"I Don't Look Like What I've Been Through!"
.
"Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn't even smell of smoke!" (Daniel 3:27, New Living Translation).
The story of the three Hebrew children -- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego -- being thrown into the burning fiery furnace is legendary. They refused to bow down and worship the golden statue erected by King Nebuchadnezzar and as a result were bound in ropes and tossed into the fire.
But something happened that shocked the pagan world. The king jumped to his feet in astonishment and asked his soldiers -- "Did we not throw three men bound into the fire?"
"Yes, O King," they answered, in fear of their lives.
"Then how is it that I see FOUR men -- free, and walking about in the flames; feeling no harm! And the fourth man looks like the Son of God!!"
When the world binds you up and throws you into the furnace for refusing to worship its image of gold, the only thing the fire will burn away are the stocks and bonds which the world has placed upon you. And Jesus Himself will walk through the fire with you!
Nebuchadnezzar ordered the men to be brought forth from the fire. Upon examination it was found that "not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn't even smell of smoke!"
God will bring you through all kinds of fiery trials with no harm whatsoever done to you. You will come forth without even the smell of smoke! Thus, you can say to the dumbfounded kings of this world, "I don't look like what I've been through!"
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"Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn't even smell of smoke!" (Daniel 3:27, New Living Translation).
The story of the three Hebrew children -- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego -- being thrown into the burning fiery furnace is legendary. They refused to bow down and worship the golden statue erected by King Nebuchadnezzar and as a result were bound in ropes and tossed into the fire.
But something happened that shocked the pagan world. The king jumped to his feet in astonishment and asked his soldiers -- "Did we not throw three men bound into the fire?"
"Yes, O King," they answered, in fear of their lives.
"Then how is it that I see FOUR men -- free, and walking about in the flames; feeling no harm! And the fourth man looks like the Son of God!!"
When the world binds you up and throws you into the furnace for refusing to worship its image of gold, the only thing the fire will burn away are the stocks and bonds which the world has placed upon you. And Jesus Himself will walk through the fire with you!
Nebuchadnezzar ordered the men to be brought forth from the fire. Upon examination it was found that "not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn't even smell of smoke!"
God will bring you through all kinds of fiery trials with no harm whatsoever done to you. You will come forth without even the smell of smoke! Thus, you can say to the dumbfounded kings of this world, "I don't look like what I've been through!"
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Friday, November 20, 2009
"O Nobody Knows the Trouble I Seen"
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"Keep you guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith." (1 Peter 5:9, The Message).
There are few things the devil likes more than to get you believing that you're the only one going through a tough time. He wants you to feel alone, forsaken, and forgotten. If he can pull it off -- you will drop your guard, lower your shied of faith and be wide open for his more assiduous assaults. Don't let him win -- keep a firm grip on your faith.
Peter goes on to say, "The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ -- eternal and glorious plans they are! -- will have you put together and on your feet for good." (1 Peter 5:10).
So the next time you're feeling all alone, and deep down inside you hear the rumblings of that old song -- "O nobody knows the trouble I seen" -- stop right there. EVERYBODY knows!
We are all going through it with you. Stop your whining; it's embarrassing.
Paul and Silas were in a dungeon chained to the wall and surrounded by rats. They started singing praise to God and the devil started shaking in his boots. He shook so hard that an earthquake happened, which broke the chains and opened up the prison doors -- setting Paul and Silas free.
Instead of moaning about your troubles, start singing praise to God -- you just might be the one that causes a prison break for the rest of us!
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"Keep you guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith." (1 Peter 5:9, The Message).
There are few things the devil likes more than to get you believing that you're the only one going through a tough time. He wants you to feel alone, forsaken, and forgotten. If he can pull it off -- you will drop your guard, lower your shied of faith and be wide open for his more assiduous assaults. Don't let him win -- keep a firm grip on your faith.
Peter goes on to say, "The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ -- eternal and glorious plans they are! -- will have you put together and on your feet for good." (1 Peter 5:10).
So the next time you're feeling all alone, and deep down inside you hear the rumblings of that old song -- "O nobody knows the trouble I seen" -- stop right there. EVERYBODY knows!
We are all going through it with you. Stop your whining; it's embarrassing.
Paul and Silas were in a dungeon chained to the wall and surrounded by rats. They started singing praise to God and the devil started shaking in his boots. He shook so hard that an earthquake happened, which broke the chains and opened up the prison doors -- setting Paul and Silas free.
Instead of moaning about your troubles, start singing praise to God -- you just might be the one that causes a prison break for the rest of us!
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Thursday, November 19, 2009
Glory Just Around the Corner
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"Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner." (1 Peter 4:12-13. The Message).
Sometimes things can get so difficult that even the most ardent believers look heavenward with serious questions about whether or not God is involved in our affairs anymore.
Even Jesus Himself cried out on the cross, "My God, why have you forsaken me?"
Sometimes God pulls just far enough away to awaken and alarm us by His absence. Perhaps we may have grown so accustomed to His blessings and benefits, that we inadvertently began taking them for granted; failing to humbly acknowledge His presence and His provisions in our daily lives. Living presumptously, without showing our gratitude to God for who He is and what He does.
Nothing snaps us out of that indifferent daze more quickly that a good dose of real difficulty, with a side order of God's perceived absence. When all hell breaks loose, and heaven is no where to be found -- that will get your attention!
But, God is not absent, nor is He distant. He's just silent; watching and waiting for how we handle the situation.
Will we bellow in unbelief like those who know not God at all? Or will we, like Job of old, trust Him though He slay us. The truth is that the difficulty you are facing is a spiritual refining process; God is separating the gold from the dross in your life. And if you will quietly trust Him through the ordeal you will soon discover it was worth it all -- for glory is just around the corner.
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"Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner." (1 Peter 4:12-13. The Message).
Sometimes things can get so difficult that even the most ardent believers look heavenward with serious questions about whether or not God is involved in our affairs anymore.
Even Jesus Himself cried out on the cross, "My God, why have you forsaken me?"
Sometimes God pulls just far enough away to awaken and alarm us by His absence. Perhaps we may have grown so accustomed to His blessings and benefits, that we inadvertently began taking them for granted; failing to humbly acknowledge His presence and His provisions in our daily lives. Living presumptously, without showing our gratitude to God for who He is and what He does.
Nothing snaps us out of that indifferent daze more quickly that a good dose of real difficulty, with a side order of God's perceived absence. When all hell breaks loose, and heaven is no where to be found -- that will get your attention!
But, God is not absent, nor is He distant. He's just silent; watching and waiting for how we handle the situation.
Will we bellow in unbelief like those who know not God at all? Or will we, like Job of old, trust Him though He slay us. The truth is that the difficulty you are facing is a spiritual refining process; God is separating the gold from the dross in your life. And if you will quietly trust Him through the ordeal you will soon discover it was worth it all -- for glory is just around the corner.
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Genius of Good Grief
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"Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way." (1 Peter 4:1, The Message).
Remember the old country western classic -- "I beg your pardon; I never promised you a rose garden. Along with the sunshine, there's got to come a little rain some time." I can't help but wonder if there are times when Jesus picks up a trusted six string and belts this one out from the clouds of glory to His "naming-claiming-gabbing-grabbing kids."
"Oh hallelujah!" we say, when things are going great and good. The stock market is up and increasing everyday; blessings abound in every part of life; no problems, no worries, not setbacks, no struggles, no grief.
"Glory to God in the highest returns on my investments!"
But wait a minute. Didn't Jesus say that in this world we would have trouble. Yes, and that He would be with us through it all. Sometimes the Lord opens the back door on our happy estate and all sorts of things start going wrong. It's at that moment we discover where our faith and affections really stand.
Sometimes grief is a good thing. And the genius of good grief is that, once it trims away the fat and fluff of pretentious and superficial living, we become more able to live out our days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what we thought we wanted.
Good grief!
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"Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way." (1 Peter 4:1, The Message).
Remember the old country western classic -- "I beg your pardon; I never promised you a rose garden. Along with the sunshine, there's got to come a little rain some time." I can't help but wonder if there are times when Jesus picks up a trusted six string and belts this one out from the clouds of glory to His "naming-claiming-gabbing-grabbing kids."
"Oh hallelujah!" we say, when things are going great and good. The stock market is up and increasing everyday; blessings abound in every part of life; no problems, no worries, not setbacks, no struggles, no grief.
"Glory to God in the highest returns on my investments!"
But wait a minute. Didn't Jesus say that in this world we would have trouble. Yes, and that He would be with us through it all. Sometimes the Lord opens the back door on our happy estate and all sorts of things start going wrong. It's at that moment we discover where our faith and affections really stand.
Sometimes grief is a good thing. And the genius of good grief is that, once it trims away the fat and fluff of pretentious and superficial living, we become more able to live out our days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what we thought we wanted.
Good grief!
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Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The Last Word on Everything and Everyone
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"Jesus has the last word on everything and everyone, from angels to armies. He's standing right alongside God, and what he says goes." (1 Peter 3:22, The Message).
Sooner or later the last word will be spoken. All debate will cease, and arguments will come to an end. Somebody somehow in someway will be able to sum it all up and put everything and everyone in their place. That somebody is Jesus.
Until then we are surrounded by a hurricane of opinions, ideas, suggestions, postulations, pontifications, exaggerations, exclamations, theories, concepts, notions, imaginations, vanities, snippets, and a host of other verbal squalls that wreck lives and strew debris across the landscape.
The wind blows faster and faster, the swirl moves more and more quickly -- gathering speed and force. The vortex of the man-made Blow Cloud sucks virtually everything and everyone into it spin. Soon it will reach such velocity that one will hardly be able to put a clear thought on the table for discussion.
BOOM! That's when a trumpet blast will call the whole thing to a screeching halt and we will find ourselves dizzy with nonsense as we stand before the Lord. He will look us over, and His gaze will humble us one and all.
And then He will speak -- and what He says goes. He will have the final word on everything and everyone. It would be a good idea to become friends with Him now, don't you think?
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"Jesus has the last word on everything and everyone, from angels to armies. He's standing right alongside God, and what he says goes." (1 Peter 3:22, The Message).
Sooner or later the last word will be spoken. All debate will cease, and arguments will come to an end. Somebody somehow in someway will be able to sum it all up and put everything and everyone in their place. That somebody is Jesus.
Until then we are surrounded by a hurricane of opinions, ideas, suggestions, postulations, pontifications, exaggerations, exclamations, theories, concepts, notions, imaginations, vanities, snippets, and a host of other verbal squalls that wreck lives and strew debris across the landscape.
The wind blows faster and faster, the swirl moves more and more quickly -- gathering speed and force. The vortex of the man-made Blow Cloud sucks virtually everything and everyone into it spin. Soon it will reach such velocity that one will hardly be able to put a clear thought on the table for discussion.
BOOM! That's when a trumpet blast will call the whole thing to a screeching halt and we will find ourselves dizzy with nonsense as we stand before the Lord. He will look us over, and His gaze will humble us one and all.
And then He will speak -- and what He says goes. He will have the final word on everything and everyone. It would be a good idea to become friends with Him now, don't you think?
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Monday, November 16, 2009
The Pot of Boiling Acid
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"For God does speak—now one way, now another— though man may not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men as they slumber in their beds, he may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings, to turn man from wrongdoing and keep him from pride, to preserve his soul from the pit, his life from perishing by the sword." (Job 33:14-18, NIV).
In a dream I saw an angel standing with a large vat in his hands. The vat was filled with what appeared to be boiling acid. A man came and stood before the angel, who then began to pour the acid upon the man's head!
"What are you doing?!" I exclaimed.
The angel continued pouring as he looked at me and solemnly said, "These are the curses with which he has cursed others, now being poured out upon his own head!"
The sight was so riveting that I woke up and lay still in my bed. I wondered first if I was the man in the dream, and quickly started blessing everybody I could think of!
Next, I questioned if what I had seen in the dream could even be true, for it seemed so sinister. And yet it also had a sobering sense of Divine justice about it. I found the sight to be deeply disturbing. I got up and began searching through the Scripture for an answer. My search was not fruitless.
"He loved to pronounce a curse - may it come on him; he found no pleasure in blessing - may it be far from him. He wore cursing as his garment; it entered into his body like water, into his bones like oil" (Psalm 109:17-18).
I clearly saw the lesson that Lord was illustrating through this dream: The man who curses others will himself be cursed. Jesus said, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Matthew 7:1-2).
As it applies to cursing, so also does it apply to blessing. The man who blesses others will himself be blessed. Whatever measure you mete out will be measured back to you. In yet another text Jesus said "bless those who curse you!" (Matthew 5:44).
Could it be that the blessing we speak to those who are cursing us is for the purpose of keeping us from coming into the place of cursing ourselves? I think so. How solemn to think that cursing another person actually postures you to receive that very curse upon yourself!
But then, how wonderful to believe that by blessing another you inevitably inherit the blessing yourself! Despite the bewildering images of this night vision, one thing is certain: Since having this dream I have been very careful with my words.
As for me and my house -- we are going to BLESS others; that we might inherit a blessing.
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"For God does speak—now one way, now another— though man may not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men as they slumber in their beds, he may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings, to turn man from wrongdoing and keep him from pride, to preserve his soul from the pit, his life from perishing by the sword." (Job 33:14-18, NIV).
In a dream I saw an angel standing with a large vat in his hands. The vat was filled with what appeared to be boiling acid. A man came and stood before the angel, who then began to pour the acid upon the man's head!
"What are you doing?!" I exclaimed.
The angel continued pouring as he looked at me and solemnly said, "These are the curses with which he has cursed others, now being poured out upon his own head!"
The sight was so riveting that I woke up and lay still in my bed. I wondered first if I was the man in the dream, and quickly started blessing everybody I could think of!
Next, I questioned if what I had seen in the dream could even be true, for it seemed so sinister. And yet it also had a sobering sense of Divine justice about it. I found the sight to be deeply disturbing. I got up and began searching through the Scripture for an answer. My search was not fruitless.
"He loved to pronounce a curse - may it come on him; he found no pleasure in blessing - may it be far from him. He wore cursing as his garment; it entered into his body like water, into his bones like oil" (Psalm 109:17-18).
I clearly saw the lesson that Lord was illustrating through this dream: The man who curses others will himself be cursed. Jesus said, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Matthew 7:1-2).
As it applies to cursing, so also does it apply to blessing. The man who blesses others will himself be blessed. Whatever measure you mete out will be measured back to you. In yet another text Jesus said "bless those who curse you!" (Matthew 5:44).
Could it be that the blessing we speak to those who are cursing us is for the purpose of keeping us from coming into the place of cursing ourselves? I think so. How solemn to think that cursing another person actually postures you to receive that very curse upon yourself!
But then, how wonderful to believe that by blessing another you inevitably inherit the blessing yourself! Despite the bewildering images of this night vision, one thing is certain: Since having this dream I have been very careful with my words.
As for me and my house -- we are going to BLESS others; that we might inherit a blessing.
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Sunday, November 15, 2009
Your New Job Description -- BLESS!
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"This goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless--that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing." (1 Peter 3:9, The Message).
We have been called to live exemplary lives -- the kind that inspire others to do the same. This is our assignment from Jesus. The challenge is that we have been placed in a world filled with un-exemplary conduct.
From Main Street to the Back Streets; from Broadway to the Belt-Way; from Wall Street to the Waysides -- name calling, finger pointing, blame-fixing, sass and sarcasm are the standard fare. We are living in a grown up school yard -- but no one seems to have grown up.
So the Lord has given us a job.
"BLESS," He says to each one of us, "That's your job -- to bless."
And then He adds this wonderful promise: "You will BE and blessing, and will also GET a blessing."
This reminds me of a very graphic dream I had a few years ago. Be sure to read tomorrow's post, for I'll pass the dream along to you. Then you can decide for yourself what kind of job performance you will commit to in this assignment the Lord has given us.
See you tomorrow.
.
"This goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless--that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing." (1 Peter 3:9, The Message).
We have been called to live exemplary lives -- the kind that inspire others to do the same. This is our assignment from Jesus. The challenge is that we have been placed in a world filled with un-exemplary conduct.
From Main Street to the Back Streets; from Broadway to the Belt-Way; from Wall Street to the Waysides -- name calling, finger pointing, blame-fixing, sass and sarcasm are the standard fare. We are living in a grown up school yard -- but no one seems to have grown up.
So the Lord has given us a job.
"BLESS," He says to each one of us, "That's your job -- to bless."
And then He adds this wonderful promise: "You will BE and blessing, and will also GET a blessing."
This reminds me of a very graphic dream I had a few years ago. Be sure to read tomorrow's post, for I'll pass the dream along to you. Then you can decide for yourself what kind of job performance you will commit to in this assignment the Lord has given us.
See you tomorrow.
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Saturday, November 14, 2009
Every Name in the Book?
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"They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right." (1 Peter 2:23, The Message).
Like most anyone, I have been called a few names over the course of my journey -- but I'm sure I've never been called "every name in the book." I didn't even know there was a book. And, are the names listed alphabetically? If so -- Jesus has been called everyone of those names.
A lesser man would have gone to war by now. All it took to set Marty McFly off was for Biff Tannen to call him, "Chicken." (You'll find that listed in the Book under C). It means someone who is so afraid of facing up to a challenge that they stand there quivering until.....they lay an egg.
Think of any name you can come up with -- it's in the Book. And then consider how Jesus responded when they called Him that. The Bible tells us that He did not answer back. Rather, He was content to let God set things right.
One translation puts it this way: "He kept on delivering all into the keeping of the One who judges righteously."
That's what we are to do also. Rather than handle it on our own, going tit for tat; blow for blow; escalating the conflict to war, or worse -- let's give Jesus the opportunity to handle the situation IN US the way He handled it for Himself.
Let's do what He did -- "keep on delivering into the hands of Him who judges all things rightly" -- knowing that once His verdict is in, that will be the final word.
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"They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right." (1 Peter 2:23, The Message).
Like most anyone, I have been called a few names over the course of my journey -- but I'm sure I've never been called "every name in the book." I didn't even know there was a book. And, are the names listed alphabetically? If so -- Jesus has been called everyone of those names.
A lesser man would have gone to war by now. All it took to set Marty McFly off was for Biff Tannen to call him, "Chicken." (You'll find that listed in the Book under C). It means someone who is so afraid of facing up to a challenge that they stand there quivering until.....they lay an egg.
Think of any name you can come up with -- it's in the Book. And then consider how Jesus responded when they called Him that. The Bible tells us that He did not answer back. Rather, He was content to let God set things right.
One translation puts it this way: "He kept on delivering all into the keeping of the One who judges righteously."
That's what we are to do also. Rather than handle it on our own, going tit for tat; blow for blow; escalating the conflict to war, or worse -- let's give Jesus the opportunity to handle the situation IN US the way He handled it for Himself.
Let's do what He did -- "keep on delivering into the hands of Him who judges all things rightly" -- knowing that once His verdict is in, that will be the final word.
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Friday, November 13, 2009
The Exemplary Life
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"Live an exemplary life." (1 Peter 2:12, The Message).
The word exemplary means "serving as a commendable pattern to be imitated." No pressure here, but may I ask what about your life as a follower of Jesus would others say is exemplary? If the question leaves you a bit unsettled that's a good thing. Because it shows that you at least care.
Some of us squirm out of false humility. "Aw shucks," we reply, "why, golly, there's nothing in me that even comes close to being like Jesus." Oh, grow up!
Others of us squirm for more substantial reasons. We know two things. One, we are called to something better. And two, we are settling for less.
Peter said, "Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul." (1 Peter 2:11).
Jesus wants to fill us each with His spirit, thereby making our lives exemplary. He wants us to be good friends, good parents, good neighbors, good employees, good employers, good people. So good, in fact, that even those who otherwise oppose us cannot help but commend our lives.
This is do-able. So. let's do it!
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"Live an exemplary life." (1 Peter 2:12, The Message).
The word exemplary means "serving as a commendable pattern to be imitated." No pressure here, but may I ask what about your life as a follower of Jesus would others say is exemplary? If the question leaves you a bit unsettled that's a good thing. Because it shows that you at least care.
Some of us squirm out of false humility. "Aw shucks," we reply, "why, golly, there's nothing in me that even comes close to being like Jesus." Oh, grow up!
Others of us squirm for more substantial reasons. We know two things. One, we are called to something better. And two, we are settling for less.
Peter said, "Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul." (1 Peter 2:11).
Jesus wants to fill us each with His spirit, thereby making our lives exemplary. He wants us to be good friends, good parents, good neighbors, good employees, good employers, good people. So good, in fact, that even those who otherwise oppose us cannot help but commend our lives.
This is do-able. So. let's do it!
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Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Night-and-Day Difference
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"Tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you-- from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted." (1 Peter 2:9,10, The Message).
Jesus doesn't merely clean us up, dust us off, and patch up a few dings here and there -- He performs a total overhaul. His grace transformation of our lives is not cosmetic -- it's cosmic!
"I once was blind but now I see."
That's the kind of testimony people have after Jesus gets hold of them. He takes us from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted. He calls us to a position way above our pay-grade and introduces us to the high calling of telling others of the night-and-day difference Jesus makes in our lives -- and in theirs.
So, if you are ready for a change -- call upon the name of Jesus.
Perhaps the words of this old hymn may sum up the deepest longings of your heart today...
Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night,
into Thy freedom, gladness, and light,
Jesus, I come to Thee;
Out of my sickness into Thy health,
Out of my want and into Thy wealth,
Out of my sin and into Thyself,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of my shameful failure and loss,
Into the glorious gain of Thy cross,
Jesus, I come to Thee;
Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm,
Out of life’s storms and into Thy calm,
Out of distress to jubilant psalm,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of unrest and arrogant pride,
into Thy blessed will to abide,
Jesus, I come to Thee;
Out of myself to dwell in Thy love,
Out of despair into raptures above,
Upward for aye on wings like a dove,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Make that call, my friend -- and He will make a night-and-day difference in your life!
.
"Tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you-- from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted." (1 Peter 2:9,10, The Message).
Jesus doesn't merely clean us up, dust us off, and patch up a few dings here and there -- He performs a total overhaul. His grace transformation of our lives is not cosmetic -- it's cosmic!
"I once was blind but now I see."
That's the kind of testimony people have after Jesus gets hold of them. He takes us from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted. He calls us to a position way above our pay-grade and introduces us to the high calling of telling others of the night-and-day difference Jesus makes in our lives -- and in theirs.
So, if you are ready for a change -- call upon the name of Jesus.
Perhaps the words of this old hymn may sum up the deepest longings of your heart today...
Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night,
into Thy freedom, gladness, and light,
Jesus, I come to Thee;
Out of my sickness into Thy health,
Out of my want and into Thy wealth,
Out of my sin and into Thyself,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of my shameful failure and loss,
Into the glorious gain of Thy cross,
Jesus, I come to Thee;
Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm,
Out of life’s storms and into Thy calm,
Out of distress to jubilant psalm,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of unrest and arrogant pride,
into Thy blessed will to abide,
Jesus, I come to Thee;
Out of myself to dwell in Thy love,
Out of despair into raptures above,
Upward for aye on wings like a dove,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Make that call, my friend -- and He will make a night-and-day difference in your life!
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Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The God Who Helps
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"You call out to God for help and He helps -- He's a good Father that way. But don't forget, He's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living. Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God." (1 Peter 1:17, The Message).
Some knuckle head somewhere back in time coined the phrase, "God helps those who help themselves."
I suppose the guy was a dad, and he was trying to motivate a sluggish child to get with the program. Or more likely a parish priest trying to get his congregation up off their butts. But whoever it was, and whatever their motivation -- the statement is false.
The truth of the matter is this -- God does NOT help those who help themselves. He helps the helpless. He helps those who call out to Him.
God is not interested in helping us do our own thing with His assistance -- for it will still be "our own thing." And apart from the perfunctory acknowledgement to The Man Upstairs -- He receives little or no glory for our achievements. We keep it all for ourselves.
God helps those who want His help, need His help, and ask for His help.
But, being responsible, He expects us to take the help He provides and become the best we can be in whatever it is we are doing. Knowing at all times, and in all things, that all the glory belongs to Him.
Need some help today? Ask God....and just watch what happens! And then be sure to give Him all the glory!
.
"You call out to God for help and He helps -- He's a good Father that way. But don't forget, He's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living. Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God." (1 Peter 1:17, The Message).
Some knuckle head somewhere back in time coined the phrase, "God helps those who help themselves."
I suppose the guy was a dad, and he was trying to motivate a sluggish child to get with the program. Or more likely a parish priest trying to get his congregation up off their butts. But whoever it was, and whatever their motivation -- the statement is false.
The truth of the matter is this -- God does NOT help those who help themselves. He helps the helpless. He helps those who call out to Him.
God is not interested in helping us do our own thing with His assistance -- for it will still be "our own thing." And apart from the perfunctory acknowledgement to The Man Upstairs -- He receives little or no glory for our achievements. We keep it all for ourselves.
God helps those who want His help, need His help, and ask for His help.
But, being responsible, He expects us to take the help He provides and become the best we can be in whatever it is we are doing. Knowing at all times, and in all things, that all the glory belongs to Him.
Need some help today? Ask God....and just watch what happens! And then be sure to give Him all the glory!
.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Bloom Where You are Planted
.
"I am writing to the exiles scattered to the four winds. Not one is missing, not one forgotten." (1 Peter 1:1, The Message).
From one point of view we see a national disaster -- hundreds of thousands of citizens uprooted from their homes by an occupying army, and driven like cattle into the highways and byways; scattered to the four winds, and now known only as exiles. That's a rather bleak picture.
But from another point of view we see something altogether glorious. The word for scattered in the Greek New Testament actually means "to be sown as seed." In other words, while they may be viewed by man as exiles from their country; they were seen by God as seeds planted in new fields of glory.
If we would learn to always see our shifting circumstances from God's point of view, we would not be caught up in the drift of a culture that stirs up strife and debate over things that inconvenience us.
Rather, we would live as thankful people, praising God for His faithfulness in all things at all times -- and we would bloom where we are planted.
God knows who you are, where you are, and what His plans for you are. If you will but humbly acknowledge that He is in control, a shift will occur in your heart and in your outlook -- sunshine will break through the dark clouds and your life will sprout with new purpose and great effectiveness.
Bloom where you are planted, mt friend; for there is much your life has to offer to those who are all around you.
.
"I am writing to the exiles scattered to the four winds. Not one is missing, not one forgotten." (1 Peter 1:1, The Message).
From one point of view we see a national disaster -- hundreds of thousands of citizens uprooted from their homes by an occupying army, and driven like cattle into the highways and byways; scattered to the four winds, and now known only as exiles. That's a rather bleak picture.
But from another point of view we see something altogether glorious. The word for scattered in the Greek New Testament actually means "to be sown as seed." In other words, while they may be viewed by man as exiles from their country; they were seen by God as seeds planted in new fields of glory.
If we would learn to always see our shifting circumstances from God's point of view, we would not be caught up in the drift of a culture that stirs up strife and debate over things that inconvenience us.
Rather, we would live as thankful people, praising God for His faithfulness in all things at all times -- and we would bloom where we are planted.
God knows who you are, where you are, and what His plans for you are. If you will but humbly acknowledge that He is in control, a shift will occur in your heart and in your outlook -- sunshine will break through the dark clouds and your life will sprout with new purpose and great effectiveness.
Bloom where you are planted, mt friend; for there is much your life has to offer to those who are all around you.
.
Monday, November 09, 2009
On Assignment by Jesus
.
"I, Peter, am an apostle on assignment by Jesus, the Messiah" (1 Peter 1:1 The Message).
Delightful thing this is, to be on assignment by Jesus. The word means to appoint a particular person to a specific use.
Os Guinness wrote, "Our passion is to know that we are fulfilling the purpose for which we are on earth. All other standards of success - wealth, power, position, knowledge, friendships - grow tiny and hollow if we do not satisfy this deeper longing."
Deep in every heart is the God-planted desire to live a life that makes a difference. Many spend their lives looking for that one things to which they can give their all. Somehow we human beings are never happier than when we are expressing the deepest gifts that are truly us. The truest way to fully express those gifts is by being on assignment by Jesus.
How wonderful it is to be able to say, "I am on assignment by Jesus."
All my talents, gifts, abilities, experiences, discoveries, longings, dreams, thoughts, and labors are focused on doing His bidding at this time, in this place, for this reason.
May the grace of God so work in your life to bring you to the place of your assignment!
.
"I, Peter, am an apostle on assignment by Jesus, the Messiah" (1 Peter 1:1 The Message).
Delightful thing this is, to be on assignment by Jesus. The word means to appoint a particular person to a specific use.
Os Guinness wrote, "Our passion is to know that we are fulfilling the purpose for which we are on earth. All other standards of success - wealth, power, position, knowledge, friendships - grow tiny and hollow if we do not satisfy this deeper longing."
Deep in every heart is the God-planted desire to live a life that makes a difference. Many spend their lives looking for that one things to which they can give their all. Somehow we human beings are never happier than when we are expressing the deepest gifts that are truly us. The truest way to fully express those gifts is by being on assignment by Jesus.
How wonderful it is to be able to say, "I am on assignment by Jesus."
All my talents, gifts, abilities, experiences, discoveries, longings, dreams, thoughts, and labors are focused on doing His bidding at this time, in this place, for this reason.
May the grace of God so work in your life to bring you to the place of your assignment!
.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
In the Midst of Regular Work
.
"It was their regular work." (Matthew 4:18, The Message).
Here we have two guys minding their own business, when suddenly, and unexpectedly they are interrupted by a preacher. We could finish the story fifty different ways, but none would be as astounding as what actually happened after this brief encounter.
For the two guys were Peter and Andrew; and the preacher passing by was Jesus.
"Follow Me," He said, "and I will make you fishers of men."
And get this -- "they dropped their nets immediately and followed Him."
Something is going on here which does not appear to the naked eye. Two guys quietly going about their regular work, day after day, net by net, catching fish after fish -- over and over and over again. They were no doubt considered successful by their competitors; their business was doing well. They've got it made; not a care in the world.
At least that's the surface reading. But Jesus read their hearts. He looked past the obvious and saw the actual. There was a longing in their labor for something more, something better, something meaningful. And Jesus tapped into that desire and opened the door to their future; and that's why they responded so immediately to His invitation.
Might He be doing the same for you today?
We were made for something more than regular work. Our lives are not meant to be relegated to the usual, the ordinary, and the average. This is why these things disturb us so when they seem to become the predicable course for our lives -- our spirit stirs for higher things.
And it is just there, in the midst of regular work, you can hear Jesus calling you to something truly significant and satisfying, something worth spending your life pursuing.
"Follow Me," He says, "and I will transform your labor into a calling -- filled with extraordinary promise and great purpose."
.
"It was their regular work." (Matthew 4:18, The Message).
Here we have two guys minding their own business, when suddenly, and unexpectedly they are interrupted by a preacher. We could finish the story fifty different ways, but none would be as astounding as what actually happened after this brief encounter.
For the two guys were Peter and Andrew; and the preacher passing by was Jesus.
"Follow Me," He said, "and I will make you fishers of men."
And get this -- "they dropped their nets immediately and followed Him."
Something is going on here which does not appear to the naked eye. Two guys quietly going about their regular work, day after day, net by net, catching fish after fish -- over and over and over again. They were no doubt considered successful by their competitors; their business was doing well. They've got it made; not a care in the world.
At least that's the surface reading. But Jesus read their hearts. He looked past the obvious and saw the actual. There was a longing in their labor for something more, something better, something meaningful. And Jesus tapped into that desire and opened the door to their future; and that's why they responded so immediately to His invitation.
Might He be doing the same for you today?
We were made for something more than regular work. Our lives are not meant to be relegated to the usual, the ordinary, and the average. This is why these things disturb us so when they seem to become the predicable course for our lives -- our spirit stirs for higher things.
And it is just there, in the midst of regular work, you can hear Jesus calling you to something truly significant and satisfying, something worth spending your life pursuing.
"Follow Me," He says, "and I will transform your labor into a calling -- filled with extraordinary promise and great purpose."
.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Enlarged in Distress
.
“Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress” (Psalm 4:1, KJV).
The poetry of this verse is too beautiful to overlook. David is deliberately placing two extremes side by side to demonstrate the profound difference that God's power makes in our lives when we call out to Him for mercy.
Distress means "a tight spot." Enlarged means "a spacious place."
From the very moment of our birth we have known that in order to get to a spacious place, we must first pass through a tight spot. Our mother's labor pains pushed us through the distress of delivery and ushered us into the largeness of Life itself.
Is it not the same when we are born again? Wasn't it some pressing weight of sorrow, some overbearing load of guilt and shame, some driving fear, or suffocating loneliness that distressed your soul sufficient enough for you to call upon the Name of the Lord? And didn't He answer in the day of your trouble and deliver you into a large place?
It is a law in the Kingdom of Heaven -- God always enlarges us when we are in distress. Therefore, when God wants to make us larger than we have settled for being, what do you suppose He does? He introduces distress into our comfortable lives, and thereby invites us to ascend to a larger place.
Charles Spurgeon wrote, “I must confess that all the grace I have got out of my comfortable and easy times and happy hours might almost lie on a penny. But the good that I have received from my sorrows and pains and griefs is altogether incalculable. What do I not owe to the hammer and the anvil, the fire and the file!”
If you are in a tight spot -- God is enlarging you my friend, and the best you can do right now is to thank Him for it.
.
“Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress” (Psalm 4:1, KJV).
The poetry of this verse is too beautiful to overlook. David is deliberately placing two extremes side by side to demonstrate the profound difference that God's power makes in our lives when we call out to Him for mercy.
Distress means "a tight spot." Enlarged means "a spacious place."
From the very moment of our birth we have known that in order to get to a spacious place, we must first pass through a tight spot. Our mother's labor pains pushed us through the distress of delivery and ushered us into the largeness of Life itself.
Is it not the same when we are born again? Wasn't it some pressing weight of sorrow, some overbearing load of guilt and shame, some driving fear, or suffocating loneliness that distressed your soul sufficient enough for you to call upon the Name of the Lord? And didn't He answer in the day of your trouble and deliver you into a large place?
It is a law in the Kingdom of Heaven -- God always enlarges us when we are in distress. Therefore, when God wants to make us larger than we have settled for being, what do you suppose He does? He introduces distress into our comfortable lives, and thereby invites us to ascend to a larger place.
Charles Spurgeon wrote, “I must confess that all the grace I have got out of my comfortable and easy times and happy hours might almost lie on a penny. But the good that I have received from my sorrows and pains and griefs is altogether incalculable. What do I not owe to the hammer and the anvil, the fire and the file!”
If you are in a tight spot -- God is enlarging you my friend, and the best you can do right now is to thank Him for it.
.
Friday, November 06, 2009
The Great Hand of God
.
“In the shadow of His hand hath He hid me” (Isaiah 49:2)
Too often in our happy charismatic world of blissful faith we fail to realize that shade is as necessary as sunshine. We want blue skies with only occasional puffy clouds, and the clouds should look like bunnies. No wind, at least not enough to mess with our hair; just a gentle breeze, please. Toss in a whole lot of flowers, and add some soothing worship music in the background -- and let's see now, um, oh yes, world peace.
But the truth is that life is much more random than this; much more reckless.
There is simply something indiscriminate about the fickle world in which we live. It rains on the just, and the unjust – literally, and figuratively. Good things happen to bad people; and bad things happen to good people.
Bad people prosper, while good people struggle to get by. Those who do wrong seem to skate by without consequence, while those who do well are often falsely accused and unjustly punished.
Folks who have journeyed some miles along Life’s uneven road will tell you that it is one of the great works of faith to see the darker seasons of life as the shadow of God's hand. Rather than being far from us in those desperate moments, He is in fact so close that we are hidden in the shade caused by His nearness.
Sometimes God lifts us up to a great and noble purpose, wherein we find usefulness and fulfillment in virtually everything we touch. Other times He holds us back from high activities, even against our strong desires, and let’s light shine in other places while shadows pass over our own estate.
In the balance of things we may at length come to see and appreciate that these are truly the greater moments of life. For in these hidden moments a deeper work is being accomplished that means far more to God than anything we may achieve when the band is playing and the sun is shining.
Sometimes this is for our protection. For have you never lit a flame on a windy day? And did you not cup your hand in some manner to protect the flame from the fray? Might not God being doing the same with you? Once the fire is lit, and the fuel is supplied, and the flame strong -- then come, O wind and blow! For now you will but make the fire even bigger!
Yet, for the moment, until the time is right, I must hide the flame in the shadow of My hand.
There are mountains, and valleys.
There is daytime, and night.
There is laughter, and tears
in this thing we call Life.
There are moments of fame,
and seasons of quiet.
There is fire in our bones,
and chilling respite.
There are times when we fly,
and times when we fall.
And The Great Hand of God
is at work in them all.
.
“In the shadow of His hand hath He hid me” (Isaiah 49:2)
Too often in our happy charismatic world of blissful faith we fail to realize that shade is as necessary as sunshine. We want blue skies with only occasional puffy clouds, and the clouds should look like bunnies. No wind, at least not enough to mess with our hair; just a gentle breeze, please. Toss in a whole lot of flowers, and add some soothing worship music in the background -- and let's see now, um, oh yes, world peace.
But the truth is that life is much more random than this; much more reckless.
There is simply something indiscriminate about the fickle world in which we live. It rains on the just, and the unjust – literally, and figuratively. Good things happen to bad people; and bad things happen to good people.
Bad people prosper, while good people struggle to get by. Those who do wrong seem to skate by without consequence, while those who do well are often falsely accused and unjustly punished.
Folks who have journeyed some miles along Life’s uneven road will tell you that it is one of the great works of faith to see the darker seasons of life as the shadow of God's hand. Rather than being far from us in those desperate moments, He is in fact so close that we are hidden in the shade caused by His nearness.
Sometimes God lifts us up to a great and noble purpose, wherein we find usefulness and fulfillment in virtually everything we touch. Other times He holds us back from high activities, even against our strong desires, and let’s light shine in other places while shadows pass over our own estate.
In the balance of things we may at length come to see and appreciate that these are truly the greater moments of life. For in these hidden moments a deeper work is being accomplished that means far more to God than anything we may achieve when the band is playing and the sun is shining.
Sometimes this is for our protection. For have you never lit a flame on a windy day? And did you not cup your hand in some manner to protect the flame from the fray? Might not God being doing the same with you? Once the fire is lit, and the fuel is supplied, and the flame strong -- then come, O wind and blow! For now you will but make the fire even bigger!
Yet, for the moment, until the time is right, I must hide the flame in the shadow of My hand.
There are mountains, and valleys.
There is daytime, and night.
There is laughter, and tears
in this thing we call Life.
There are moments of fame,
and seasons of quiet.
There is fire in our bones,
and chilling respite.
There are times when we fly,
and times when we fall.
And The Great Hand of God
is at work in them all.
.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Is Not This the Carpenter? (Part 3 of 3)
.
“Is this not the Carpenter?” (Mark 6:3).
Previously we saw, in the words of G.H.Morrison, that “Every man learns certain lessons from the trade in which he is engaged.” And the question we posed was what are some of the things Jesus may have learned while working in the carpenter shop of Nazareth.
The first thing we considered was that Jesus would have learned how much may be hidden in a common thing. A simple piece of wood, handled with the right craft and care, may become any number of other things – remarkable to behold. The second lesson Jesus would have learned is the great pains it takes to transform a thing from what it is, to what it can be.
And now, to conclude; the third lesson we may consider as credible is that Jesus would’ve learned that the finest things are made of the hardest wood.
Very politely turn and tap someone near you on their head with the knuckle of your index finger. The harder the head, the more likely that person will be used for great things in the Kingdom!
Now, tap yourself on the head while you’re at it. Hopefully yours will not feel like a seed bag filled with mush! Soft heads don’t go far in any world.
Think of how hard a man Paul was before the Lord laid His hands upon him, transforming him into an Apostle. And now behold the wondrous power of the Lord's craft seen in the many books written by that one man, and the great reach of his influence down through the ages.
Don’t be too quick to dismiss what may seem to you to be a hopeless case – especially if you feel that way about yourself. The Lord often makes His finest things out of that which was deemed completely useless. Hard hearts are no challenge for Nail-scarred Hands.
He is working on you, and will take great pains to make the finest of things with what’s left of your life. And you will bear witness that yes, this is the Carpenter – Jesus of Nazareth who alone does wondrous works with otherwise worthless things!
.
“Is this not the Carpenter?” (Mark 6:3).
Previously we saw, in the words of G.H.Morrison, that “Every man learns certain lessons from the trade in which he is engaged.” And the question we posed was what are some of the things Jesus may have learned while working in the carpenter shop of Nazareth.
The first thing we considered was that Jesus would have learned how much may be hidden in a common thing. A simple piece of wood, handled with the right craft and care, may become any number of other things – remarkable to behold. The second lesson Jesus would have learned is the great pains it takes to transform a thing from what it is, to what it can be.
And now, to conclude; the third lesson we may consider as credible is that Jesus would’ve learned that the finest things are made of the hardest wood.
Very politely turn and tap someone near you on their head with the knuckle of your index finger. The harder the head, the more likely that person will be used for great things in the Kingdom!
Now, tap yourself on the head while you’re at it. Hopefully yours will not feel like a seed bag filled with mush! Soft heads don’t go far in any world.
Think of how hard a man Paul was before the Lord laid His hands upon him, transforming him into an Apostle. And now behold the wondrous power of the Lord's craft seen in the many books written by that one man, and the great reach of his influence down through the ages.
Don’t be too quick to dismiss what may seem to you to be a hopeless case – especially if you feel that way about yourself. The Lord often makes His finest things out of that which was deemed completely useless. Hard hearts are no challenge for Nail-scarred Hands.
He is working on you, and will take great pains to make the finest of things with what’s left of your life. And you will bear witness that yes, this is the Carpenter – Jesus of Nazareth who alone does wondrous works with otherwise worthless things!
.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Is Not This the Carpenter? (Part 2 of 3)
.
“Is this not the Carpenter?” (Mark 6:3).
Yesterday we saw, in the words of G.H.Morrison, that “Every man learns certain lessons from the trade in which he is engaged.” And the question we posed was what are some of the things Jesus may have learned while working in the carpenter shop of Nazareth.
The first thing we considered was that Jesus would have learned how much may be hidden in a common thing. A simple piece of wood, handled with the right craft and care, may become any number of other things – remarkable to behold.
Perhaps the second lesson Jesus would have learned is the great pains it takes to transform a thing from what it is, to what it can be.
If transforming a trunk of a tree into any number of useful implements for household and store require studied effort and patient skill – how much more so the reshaping of men’s character and lives.
Think of the fiery sons of thunder, James and John; what long hours must’ve been required of the Lord to slowly turn them into pastors who brought a message of love to the early church! And Simon Peter -- a rock that must be hewn repeatedly before any good thing could rise from the rubble of his selfish soul.
Or which tool was needed to change a doubting Thomas into a man of faith and hope? A selfish Matthew into a generous healer of the sick? A pensive Andrew into an unstoppable evangelist?
And what pains does the Lord now take with you, as He brings forth out of your timber a work of grace that will dazzle the world?
Hang in there, my friend; it may not yet be clear to you what the Lord is doing, but once He is done you will be blessed beyond words!
See you tomorrow for the conclusion…
.
“Is this not the Carpenter?” (Mark 6:3).
Yesterday we saw, in the words of G.H.Morrison, that “Every man learns certain lessons from the trade in which he is engaged.” And the question we posed was what are some of the things Jesus may have learned while working in the carpenter shop of Nazareth.
The first thing we considered was that Jesus would have learned how much may be hidden in a common thing. A simple piece of wood, handled with the right craft and care, may become any number of other things – remarkable to behold.
Perhaps the second lesson Jesus would have learned is the great pains it takes to transform a thing from what it is, to what it can be.
If transforming a trunk of a tree into any number of useful implements for household and store require studied effort and patient skill – how much more so the reshaping of men’s character and lives.
Think of the fiery sons of thunder, James and John; what long hours must’ve been required of the Lord to slowly turn them into pastors who brought a message of love to the early church! And Simon Peter -- a rock that must be hewn repeatedly before any good thing could rise from the rubble of his selfish soul.
Or which tool was needed to change a doubting Thomas into a man of faith and hope? A selfish Matthew into a generous healer of the sick? A pensive Andrew into an unstoppable evangelist?
And what pains does the Lord now take with you, as He brings forth out of your timber a work of grace that will dazzle the world?
Hang in there, my friend; it may not yet be clear to you what the Lord is doing, but once He is done you will be blessed beyond words!
See you tomorrow for the conclusion…
.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Is Not This the Carpenter? (Part 1 of 3)
.
“Is this not the Carpenter?” (Mark 6:3).
We know that Jesus grew up in Nazareth, and worked in Joseph’s carpentry shop. Thus, by trade, He was a carpenter. But what puzzles us is that He learned things as He was growing up. In one place the Scripture says, “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered” (Heb 5:8). See the enigma here?
How can One is All-knowing learn anything? The mystery is solved once we realize that Jesus, when He became a Man, gave up the claim to all things that made Him Divine. He laid aside His omnipotence, His omnipresence, and His omniscience. As a Man, He was not all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present.
He was a Carpenter.
G.H.Morrison wrote, “Every man learns certain lessons from the trade in which he is engaged.” (Highways of the Heart, pg.40). Thus, Jesus learned things by working as a carpenter. The shop in which He worked was not simply filled with planks of wood and piles of saw-dust and wood chips – for Him it was full of parables and lessons. What are some things Jesus may have learned in that little Nazarene shop?
Here are three lessons suggested by Morrison years ago.
First, Jesus would have learned how much may be hidden in a common thing. Be there on that day when a shipment of trees arrived at the shop. After they were unloaded, the process would start by lopping off branches, stripping the bark, and cutting the timber into a variety of sizes and lengths.
Soon, after the skilled hands of the Workman applied His talents, that gnarled wood that once stood as but a tree in the forest was now turned into a plough, a bowl, a desk, a bed. If these are the things that can be seen in a piece of wood – what else can be seen if we but look around us?
Morrison observes, “Jesus saw the Kingdom in a mustard seed. He saw the citizen of heaven in a child. He saw, as no one else has ever seen, how much lays hidden in the human heart, and in the lives and characters of common men.”
What do you suppose it is that Jesus sees in you?
We continue this discussion tomorrow…
.
“Is this not the Carpenter?” (Mark 6:3).
We know that Jesus grew up in Nazareth, and worked in Joseph’s carpentry shop. Thus, by trade, He was a carpenter. But what puzzles us is that He learned things as He was growing up. In one place the Scripture says, “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered” (Heb 5:8). See the enigma here?
How can One is All-knowing learn anything? The mystery is solved once we realize that Jesus, when He became a Man, gave up the claim to all things that made Him Divine. He laid aside His omnipotence, His omnipresence, and His omniscience. As a Man, He was not all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present.
He was a Carpenter.
G.H.Morrison wrote, “Every man learns certain lessons from the trade in which he is engaged.” (Highways of the Heart, pg.40). Thus, Jesus learned things by working as a carpenter. The shop in which He worked was not simply filled with planks of wood and piles of saw-dust and wood chips – for Him it was full of parables and lessons. What are some things Jesus may have learned in that little Nazarene shop?
Here are three lessons suggested by Morrison years ago.
First, Jesus would have learned how much may be hidden in a common thing. Be there on that day when a shipment of trees arrived at the shop. After they were unloaded, the process would start by lopping off branches, stripping the bark, and cutting the timber into a variety of sizes and lengths.
Soon, after the skilled hands of the Workman applied His talents, that gnarled wood that once stood as but a tree in the forest was now turned into a plough, a bowl, a desk, a bed. If these are the things that can be seen in a piece of wood – what else can be seen if we but look around us?
Morrison observes, “Jesus saw the Kingdom in a mustard seed. He saw the citizen of heaven in a child. He saw, as no one else has ever seen, how much lays hidden in the human heart, and in the lives and characters of common men.”
What do you suppose it is that Jesus sees in you?
We continue this discussion tomorrow…
.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Code Word: Zebra
.
“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.” (1Co 1:27-29).
That no flesh should glory in His presence -- that is the specific reason why God works is such unusual ways; choosing foolish things to shame the wise things, and weak things to shame things that are mighty. While we may be dazzled here on earth by the physical looks and achievements of spectacular people -- Heaven is unimpressed.
And for those who follow Christ, it can sometimes be a real challenge to disconnect from the constant pull toward self-promotion is this “flesh exalting” world. Maybe this short story will help.
A friend of mine, Jack, is retired from a high-powered career that had him rubbing elbows with the high and mighty in Washington, DC. He was a shaker and a mover, overseeing a nationwide enterprise that employed thousands of people, and affected millions of lives. There was never a dull moment.
Back in those days Jack wore his power suit with his power tie; gold cufflinks, and designer shoes. He snapped his finger, and fifty associates jumped to attention, ready for action. The only problem was that Jack also brought this energy home with him, disrupting the peace of his house.
And his dear wife decided to set him straight on a few things.
“These are your children,” she contended, “not your employees. You need to find a way when you come home to change gears from being a boss to being a dad.”
“What do you have in mind?” Jack asked.
“Zebra,” his wife answered.
“Zebra?”
“Yes, Zebra. Whenever I see you doing that boss-thing, I will use the word zebra in a sentence; like, 'did you hear about that zebra at the zoo?' Or, 'I was watching a TV special about zebras today.' When you hear the word zebra – chill out.”
“That’s a great idea, Jack said; but I’m curious -- why did you decide on the word zebra?”
“Oh, that’s easy,” she replied, “a zebra is nothing but a jackass in a pinstripe suit!”
Jack chilled out – and peace came back into his home! Maybe each one of us can do the same, especially if we are strutting our stuff and trying to impress others with how powerful, how smart, how clever, how rich, or how knowlegeable we are.
Maybe we just might hear the Lord ask, "Did you hear about the Zebra at the zoo?"
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“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.” (1Co 1:27-29).
That no flesh should glory in His presence -- that is the specific reason why God works is such unusual ways; choosing foolish things to shame the wise things, and weak things to shame things that are mighty. While we may be dazzled here on earth by the physical looks and achievements of spectacular people -- Heaven is unimpressed.
And for those who follow Christ, it can sometimes be a real challenge to disconnect from the constant pull toward self-promotion is this “flesh exalting” world. Maybe this short story will help.
A friend of mine, Jack, is retired from a high-powered career that had him rubbing elbows with the high and mighty in Washington, DC. He was a shaker and a mover, overseeing a nationwide enterprise that employed thousands of people, and affected millions of lives. There was never a dull moment.
Back in those days Jack wore his power suit with his power tie; gold cufflinks, and designer shoes. He snapped his finger, and fifty associates jumped to attention, ready for action. The only problem was that Jack also brought this energy home with him, disrupting the peace of his house.
And his dear wife decided to set him straight on a few things.
“These are your children,” she contended, “not your employees. You need to find a way when you come home to change gears from being a boss to being a dad.”
“What do you have in mind?” Jack asked.
“Zebra,” his wife answered.
“Zebra?”
“Yes, Zebra. Whenever I see you doing that boss-thing, I will use the word zebra in a sentence; like, 'did you hear about that zebra at the zoo?' Or, 'I was watching a TV special about zebras today.' When you hear the word zebra – chill out.”
“That’s a great idea, Jack said; but I’m curious -- why did you decide on the word zebra?”
“Oh, that’s easy,” she replied, “a zebra is nothing but a jackass in a pinstripe suit!”
Jack chilled out – and peace came back into his home! Maybe each one of us can do the same, especially if we are strutting our stuff and trying to impress others with how powerful, how smart, how clever, how rich, or how knowlegeable we are.
Maybe we just might hear the Lord ask, "Did you hear about the Zebra at the zoo?"
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Sunday, November 01, 2009
The Three Taverns
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“Some of the followers in Rome heard about us and came to meet us at the Market of Appius and at the Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and was encouraged.” (Acts 28:15).
This is a delightful moment captured forever in the words of Luke, author of The Acts. What makes this moment so special was that, for Paul, it came at the end a long and arduous struggle against one thing after another.
Here's a recap of what Paul and his fellow travelers had encountered.
First, a mob of religious fanatics rushed upon Paul intending to stone him to death in Jerusalem. Being both a Jew and a Roman citizen, Paul appealed to a Roman jailer who secured him in the local prison. From there he was sent first to Festus, who then passed him up the food chain to Agrippa; who then put him on a ship headed for Rome to appear before Caesar.
The ship, despite Paul's warnings to the Captain, got caught in a horrific storm at sea; a storm of such force that all hope of their being saved was lost. Breaking apart upon a reef, they were able to make it to land, where Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake, but miraculously survived.
Finally they reached the shores of Italy and headed towards Rome -- the one City Paul had tried to visit so many times before, but was, in his words, “hindered by Satan” from doing so. And now he is on his way -- as a prisoner in chains.
That's when this happy scene unfolds.
Believers in Rome had somehow heard that Paul was enroute, and traveled almost fifty miles out of the City to not only meet him on the way at a place called The Three Taverns, but to escort him into the City as if he were a visiting dignitary.
When Paul saw them, he thanked God and was encouraged. One translation says, “his spirits rose.”
My friend, if the road you travel is beset with one blow after the other, and yet you are pressing on in faithfulness to the Lord -- take heart. The Three Taverns is yet ahead, and a band of brothers will greet you there, lifting your spirits and filling your heart with praise!
.
“Some of the followers in Rome heard about us and came to meet us at the Market of Appius and at the Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and was encouraged.” (Acts 28:15).
This is a delightful moment captured forever in the words of Luke, author of The Acts. What makes this moment so special was that, for Paul, it came at the end a long and arduous struggle against one thing after another.
Here's a recap of what Paul and his fellow travelers had encountered.
First, a mob of religious fanatics rushed upon Paul intending to stone him to death in Jerusalem. Being both a Jew and a Roman citizen, Paul appealed to a Roman jailer who secured him in the local prison. From there he was sent first to Festus, who then passed him up the food chain to Agrippa; who then put him on a ship headed for Rome to appear before Caesar.
The ship, despite Paul's warnings to the Captain, got caught in a horrific storm at sea; a storm of such force that all hope of their being saved was lost. Breaking apart upon a reef, they were able to make it to land, where Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake, but miraculously survived.
Finally they reached the shores of Italy and headed towards Rome -- the one City Paul had tried to visit so many times before, but was, in his words, “hindered by Satan” from doing so. And now he is on his way -- as a prisoner in chains.
That's when this happy scene unfolds.
Believers in Rome had somehow heard that Paul was enroute, and traveled almost fifty miles out of the City to not only meet him on the way at a place called The Three Taverns, but to escort him into the City as if he were a visiting dignitary.
When Paul saw them, he thanked God and was encouraged. One translation says, “his spirits rose.”
My friend, if the road you travel is beset with one blow after the other, and yet you are pressing on in faithfulness to the Lord -- take heart. The Three Taverns is yet ahead, and a band of brothers will greet you there, lifting your spirits and filling your heart with praise!
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