.
"If you knew that I was after the best, then why did you do less than the least?" (Matthew 25:26, The Message).
Sooner or later we each will have to face the moment of truth -- when our lives are measured in the light of eternity. There is an abiding reality within the depths of our souls that stirs us to pursue that which is good and true, that which is virtuous and noble. By divine instinct we shun death, disease, and destruction -- for we were not made for these things.
And though this fallen world is marred with the ever-encroaching presence of evil, our hearts are up-linked to more heavenly pursuits. We were not made for failure, but success. We were not designed to malfunction, but to excel. We are not at ease settling for that which we know is less than our best. But, then, why do so many seem so ready to surrender to mediocrity?
Maybe we've lost our vision -- our view of nobler things. Maybe our leaders have failed us, and thereby granted us license to sell our own selves short. Or maybe the friends with which we converse have inadvertently coaxed us into joining them in living a somewhat diminished life. After all, one of the easiest things in life to do is go along with the crowd.
Maybe we've become content to yawn our way to our journey's end.
Still, this doesn't change the sobering reality that one day we will stand in the Presence of Love Himself to answer for the loveless choices we have made along the way. "If you knew that I was after the best, then why did you do less than the least?"
Perhaps you are not in a place where you can give your best just yet -- but can't you at least do more than the least? It's a place to start.
And after all is said and done, you might end up not only surprising yourself with just how far and how high you go -- but, who knows, along the way you just also inspire the rest of us snozzing lugs.
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Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Every Time I Say Your Name in Prayer
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"Every time I say your name in prayer -- which is practically all the time -- I thank God for you." (2 Timothy 1:3, The Message).
Who do you pray for -- practically all the time? Notice the question is not "WHAT do you pray for, but WHO?"
Many people pray for a thousand different things practically all the time -- a new job, a new car, a new house; a breakthrough in finances (even if it means winning the Lottery). And the list grows infinitely larger with each passing day.
But WHO do you pray for? Your answer reveals who it is you truly love. Prayer is a very revealing thing in this regard. We love WHO we pray unto, and we love WHO it is we are praying for. We pray for our family, our friends, our neighbors, our pastors, our leaders -- and so on.
Try an experiment today. Rather than praying for THINGS, pray instead for PEOPLE.
Just for today. Open your heart to someone you know, someone you love -- and pray for them. Then watch and wait to see how God responds. You just might be so amazed that it becomes a regular exercise from today forward. So much so that indeed you may be able to say along with the apostle Paul, "Every time I say your name in prayer -- which is practically all the time -- I thank God for you."
One last bit of advice -- when you pray, for Heaven's sake do not come off sounding religious! Keep it real, for those are the only prayers that God listens to anyway.
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"Every time I say your name in prayer -- which is practically all the time -- I thank God for you." (2 Timothy 1:3, The Message).
Who do you pray for -- practically all the time? Notice the question is not "WHAT do you pray for, but WHO?"
Many people pray for a thousand different things practically all the time -- a new job, a new car, a new house; a breakthrough in finances (even if it means winning the Lottery). And the list grows infinitely larger with each passing day.
But WHO do you pray for? Your answer reveals who it is you truly love. Prayer is a very revealing thing in this regard. We love WHO we pray unto, and we love WHO it is we are praying for. We pray for our family, our friends, our neighbors, our pastors, our leaders -- and so on.
Try an experiment today. Rather than praying for THINGS, pray instead for PEOPLE.
Just for today. Open your heart to someone you know, someone you love -- and pray for them. Then watch and wait to see how God responds. You just might be so amazed that it becomes a regular exercise from today forward. So much so that indeed you may be able to say along with the apostle Paul, "Every time I say your name in prayer -- which is practically all the time -- I thank God for you."
One last bit of advice -- when you pray, for Heaven's sake do not come off sounding religious! Keep it real, for those are the only prayers that God listens to anyway.
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Saturday, August 29, 2009
There's a Miracle in Your Hand
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So the Lord said to him, "What is that in your hand?" (Exodus 4:2).
One thing that stands out about the early followers of Jesus is that they were ordinary men, doing ordinary things – but seeing extraordinary results.
One of the most compelling examples of this was when a young boy gave his small lunch to Jesus. What happened next is a miracle still talked about to this day -- a multitude was fed with two small fish, and five loaves of bread.
There are five great lessons we learn from this one amazing miracle.
First, never underestimate the Lord’s ability to meet a need. The place was a desert, and the time was late; the people were many, and the need was great. But Jesus not only met the need; He did it with abundance! And He can meet whatever need you are faced with today.
Second, never count yourself out when the Lord starts to work. A man seeing the news about disease, hunger, poverty, and sorrow in the world, turned to his wife and said, “Sometimes I just want to ask God why doesn’t He do something about all of this!” “What’s stopping you from asking Him?” his wife replied. “Because,” the man said, “I’m afraid He will ask me the same question!”
Jesus gave the loaves to the disciples, and they gave it to the people. In other words – the miracle happened in their hands, while they were passing the food out to the people. There is a miracle in your hands, too!
Third, never assume that what you have is too insignificant to matter. A boy with a sack lunch containing five loaves and two small fish – that’s all it took. One disciple asked, “But what is this among so many?” It is tragic how many count themselves out simply because they feel they do not measure up to the moment.
Fourth, never think that He will fail to meet your needs while using you to bless others. The Bible says that they did all eat, and were full. As for the disciples, they collected the fragments and filled twelve baskets – one for each of them. Your service to Him will never go unnoticed, nor unanswered.
Finally, never hold on to what the Lord is asking from you. What if the boy had kept his lunch for himself? Well, he would’ve had lunch – and that’s all. But, giving it to the Lord Jesus took that young man into history. And now, Jesus is asking you, “What do you have? Bring it to Me.”
Friend, there is a mircle in your hand, and Jesus is asking you to trust Him with it. History awaits your response.
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So the Lord said to him, "What is that in your hand?" (Exodus 4:2).
One thing that stands out about the early followers of Jesus is that they were ordinary men, doing ordinary things – but seeing extraordinary results.
One of the most compelling examples of this was when a young boy gave his small lunch to Jesus. What happened next is a miracle still talked about to this day -- a multitude was fed with two small fish, and five loaves of bread.
There are five great lessons we learn from this one amazing miracle.
First, never underestimate the Lord’s ability to meet a need. The place was a desert, and the time was late; the people were many, and the need was great. But Jesus not only met the need; He did it with abundance! And He can meet whatever need you are faced with today.
Second, never count yourself out when the Lord starts to work. A man seeing the news about disease, hunger, poverty, and sorrow in the world, turned to his wife and said, “Sometimes I just want to ask God why doesn’t He do something about all of this!” “What’s stopping you from asking Him?” his wife replied. “Because,” the man said, “I’m afraid He will ask me the same question!”
Jesus gave the loaves to the disciples, and they gave it to the people. In other words – the miracle happened in their hands, while they were passing the food out to the people. There is a miracle in your hands, too!
Third, never assume that what you have is too insignificant to matter. A boy with a sack lunch containing five loaves and two small fish – that’s all it took. One disciple asked, “But what is this among so many?” It is tragic how many count themselves out simply because they feel they do not measure up to the moment.
Fourth, never think that He will fail to meet your needs while using you to bless others. The Bible says that they did all eat, and were full. As for the disciples, they collected the fragments and filled twelve baskets – one for each of them. Your service to Him will never go unnoticed, nor unanswered.
Finally, never hold on to what the Lord is asking from you. What if the boy had kept his lunch for himself? Well, he would’ve had lunch – and that’s all. But, giving it to the Lord Jesus took that young man into history. And now, Jesus is asking you, “What do you have? Bring it to Me.”
Friend, there is a mircle in your hand, and Jesus is asking you to trust Him with it. History awaits your response.
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Friday, August 28, 2009
What Does the Lord Want Me to Do? (Part 3)
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“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8, NKJV).
The one question I most often hear people ask is, "What does the Lord want me to do?" While those who ask this question are typically is looking for some specific answer about some specific issue or decision -- the answer God gives tends to be more comprehensive.
Over the past two days we've looked at two of the three directives given by the prophet Micah in response to this question. Today we finish by looking at the third. The first was to do justly, the second was to love mercy, and now today we are told to.....
#3-- WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD
Pride has no place in the presence of the Lord, nor in the service we render unto His name. Pride will never do justice, for it only seeks its own. Pride will never show mercy, because it delights in oppression. Pride will never walk with God, for it sees itself to be equal to the Most High. Thus, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Humility is the God-given self assurance that eliminates the need to prove to others the worth of who you are, and the rightness of what you do. It is the freedom to be yourself before God, and before others.
Humility is the result of being in total agreement with the Lord. “Can two walk together except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3).
If you will agree with God and submit to His will for your life, He will make you a man or woman of justice and mercy; clothed with humility! And He will anoint you with His grace. His power and ability will use your limited resources in His unlimited ways. Even if all you have is two fish and five loaves of bread—there is going to a banquet in your sphere of influence!
Whatever you decide to do with your life, and wherever that decision may take you -- be sure that these three things are true of you in every place and situation -- you do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.
THAT is what the Lord wants you to do.
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“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8, NKJV).
The one question I most often hear people ask is, "What does the Lord want me to do?" While those who ask this question are typically is looking for some specific answer about some specific issue or decision -- the answer God gives tends to be more comprehensive.
Over the past two days we've looked at two of the three directives given by the prophet Micah in response to this question. Today we finish by looking at the third. The first was to do justly, the second was to love mercy, and now today we are told to.....
#3-- WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD
Pride has no place in the presence of the Lord, nor in the service we render unto His name. Pride will never do justice, for it only seeks its own. Pride will never show mercy, because it delights in oppression. Pride will never walk with God, for it sees itself to be equal to the Most High. Thus, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Humility is the God-given self assurance that eliminates the need to prove to others the worth of who you are, and the rightness of what you do. It is the freedom to be yourself before God, and before others.
Humility is the result of being in total agreement with the Lord. “Can two walk together except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3).
If you will agree with God and submit to His will for your life, He will make you a man or woman of justice and mercy; clothed with humility! And He will anoint you with His grace. His power and ability will use your limited resources in His unlimited ways. Even if all you have is two fish and five loaves of bread—there is going to a banquet in your sphere of influence!
Whatever you decide to do with your life, and wherever that decision may take you -- be sure that these three things are true of you in every place and situation -- you do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.
THAT is what the Lord wants you to do.
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Thursday, August 27, 2009
What Does the Lord Want Me to Do? (Part 2)
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“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8, NKJV).
Yesterday we looked at what the prophet Micah said, and highlighted the first of three comprehensive directives which the Lord has set before each one of us. The first was to do justly. Today we will look at the second.
#2 -- LOVE MERCY.
Solomon wrote, “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee” (Proverbs 3:3). Notice that mercy and truth must never be separated from one another. Truth without mercy is harsh; mercy without truth is irresponsible. Together they form the essence of godliness. Solomon went on to say that mercy and truth working together in our hearts and lives would bring us favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
Justice calls for action against that which is wrong; mercy requires patience in dealing with those who have been wronged. Together they accomplish God’s will in our sphere of influence. “God works powerfully,” wrote John Newton, “but for the most part He works gently and gradually.”
You and I cannot change the world, but we can do something about what goes on where we live. And if we'll see to that, the Lord will take care of the rest. After all, the light that shines the farthest, shines brightest at home.
Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." Did you know that how you treat other people is a prayer you are praying, asking the Lord to treat you the same way? The one sure path you can walk is the Way of Mercy.
What does the Lord want you to do? He wants you to be a person who does justice, and who loves mercy. We will conclude this three part series tomorrow.
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“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8, NKJV).
Yesterday we looked at what the prophet Micah said, and highlighted the first of three comprehensive directives which the Lord has set before each one of us. The first was to do justly. Today we will look at the second.
#2 -- LOVE MERCY.
Solomon wrote, “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee” (Proverbs 3:3). Notice that mercy and truth must never be separated from one another. Truth without mercy is harsh; mercy without truth is irresponsible. Together they form the essence of godliness. Solomon went on to say that mercy and truth working together in our hearts and lives would bring us favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
Justice calls for action against that which is wrong; mercy requires patience in dealing with those who have been wronged. Together they accomplish God’s will in our sphere of influence. “God works powerfully,” wrote John Newton, “but for the most part He works gently and gradually.”
You and I cannot change the world, but we can do something about what goes on where we live. And if we'll see to that, the Lord will take care of the rest. After all, the light that shines the farthest, shines brightest at home.
Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." Did you know that how you treat other people is a prayer you are praying, asking the Lord to treat you the same way? The one sure path you can walk is the Way of Mercy.
What does the Lord want you to do? He wants you to be a person who does justice, and who loves mercy. We will conclude this three part series tomorrow.
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Wednesday, August 26, 2009
What Does the Lord Want Me to Do? (Part 1)
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“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8, NKJV).
As I travel and meet with people in a variety of settings, the one question I hear more than any other is, "What does the Lord want me to do?" While most people who ask this question are typically looking for some specific answer about some specific issue or decision -- the answer God gives tends to be more comprehensive.
The prophet Micah illustrates this better than anyone else. "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" In other words -- whatever you decide to do with your life, and wherever that decision may take you -- be sure it contains these three things.
#1 -- DO JUSTLY. This means that we are to see that justice is done, when it is within our power to do so.
Micah was a peasant prophet speaking up to the civil powers that ruled in Jerusalem. It is noteworthy that "the justice issue" is always raised from below, not from above. In other words, those in power never see a need to change anything—they like it the way it is.
The Bible says, “The Lord does what is right and fair for all who are oppressed” (Psalm 103:6). As followers of Jesus, we will do the same. What does the Lord want you to do? He wants you to see that justice is done in situations where you have a voice to speak, and power to exert.
There may be some things that are in fact beyond your reach, things you truly can do nothing about. But for those things that are before you, and within the scope of your influence -- there the Lord wants you to do what is just, right and fair.
That's one thing the Lord wants you to do; tomorrow we will look at another.
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“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8, NKJV).
As I travel and meet with people in a variety of settings, the one question I hear more than any other is, "What does the Lord want me to do?" While most people who ask this question are typically looking for some specific answer about some specific issue or decision -- the answer God gives tends to be more comprehensive.
The prophet Micah illustrates this better than anyone else. "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" In other words -- whatever you decide to do with your life, and wherever that decision may take you -- be sure it contains these three things.
#1 -- DO JUSTLY. This means that we are to see that justice is done, when it is within our power to do so.
Micah was a peasant prophet speaking up to the civil powers that ruled in Jerusalem. It is noteworthy that "the justice issue" is always raised from below, not from above. In other words, those in power never see a need to change anything—they like it the way it is.
The Bible says, “The Lord does what is right and fair for all who are oppressed” (Psalm 103:6). As followers of Jesus, we will do the same. What does the Lord want you to do? He wants you to see that justice is done in situations where you have a voice to speak, and power to exert.
There may be some things that are in fact beyond your reach, things you truly can do nothing about. But for those things that are before you, and within the scope of your influence -- there the Lord wants you to do what is just, right and fair.
That's one thing the Lord wants you to do; tomorrow we will look at another.
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Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The God Who Listens
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"I love God because He listened to me." (Psalm 116:1).
God knows everything and everybody; and everything about everybody. And He knows even that which is yet unknown to anybody. There is no thought, idea, invention, place, person, plan, or purpose which He does not know all there is to know about. Imagine, then, the wonder of His genuine attentiveness -- "He listened to me."
Have you ever tried to say something important or personal to someone who wasn't listening? Oh, sure, they held eye contact, only occasionally glancing away at some passing distraction. And they nodded at appropriate moments, and even muttered a muted grunt while you were speaking.
But, despite their feigned interest, the moment they get a chance to reply, they either fire back some trite response that has nothing whatsoever to do with what your were saying; or, they quickly excuse themselves with some pressing need that somehow suddenly came to their mind. Bye.
But God is not like this. He listens.
Obviously, it is not for what He may learn -- for He already knows. So why does He do it? Because it gives Him pleasure -- the pleasure of seeing, hearing and enjoying our learning process, and the passions that stir our hearts in life.
When you pray, therefore, do it with the awareness that He is the God who listens, and is delighted to do so. Your words matter; each one is carefully weighed by the Master of Words; each phrase is turned over and examined with artful care in His great heart. And He appreciates with Fatherly pride everything you think and say. And, having listened to you, He will also speak.
But here's the question -- do we then listen to Him?
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"I love God because He listened to me." (Psalm 116:1).
God knows everything and everybody; and everything about everybody. And He knows even that which is yet unknown to anybody. There is no thought, idea, invention, place, person, plan, or purpose which He does not know all there is to know about. Imagine, then, the wonder of His genuine attentiveness -- "He listened to me."
Have you ever tried to say something important or personal to someone who wasn't listening? Oh, sure, they held eye contact, only occasionally glancing away at some passing distraction. And they nodded at appropriate moments, and even muttered a muted grunt while you were speaking.
But, despite their feigned interest, the moment they get a chance to reply, they either fire back some trite response that has nothing whatsoever to do with what your were saying; or, they quickly excuse themselves with some pressing need that somehow suddenly came to their mind. Bye.
But God is not like this. He listens.
Obviously, it is not for what He may learn -- for He already knows. So why does He do it? Because it gives Him pleasure -- the pleasure of seeing, hearing and enjoying our learning process, and the passions that stir our hearts in life.
When you pray, therefore, do it with the awareness that He is the God who listens, and is delighted to do so. Your words matter; each one is carefully weighed by the Master of Words; each phrase is turned over and examined with artful care in His great heart. And He appreciates with Fatherly pride everything you think and say. And, having listened to you, He will also speak.
But here's the question -- do we then listen to Him?
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Monday, August 24, 2009
The Highest Expression of Faith
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"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1Thessalonians 5:18).
Perhaps you may be thinking, "In everything gives thanks? Are you crazy!? Some things are just too awful; how can I give thanks for everything?" Wait just a minute before you blow your gasket -- he did not say give thanks FOR everything....but IN everything. There is a difference.
Shall we thank God in the good and happy times only, and then question Him, or worse yet -- curse Him -- when bad and awful times befall us? Of course not! The Bible says IN everything give thanks -- for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. In other words, God wants us to trust Him even when things look completely hopeless. Indeed, to tust Him so much that even then we give thanks.
Thanksgiving is the highest expression of faith that exists, for it acknowledges the hand of God at work in everything -- even in the midst of things that are awful.
Faith looks past the obvious and see the actual; it goes beyond what is seen, and sees Him who is invisible working all things after the counsel of His will. Our difficulty comes from the fact that we tend to judge things from our limited perspective. God wants to lift our vision to a higher and broader place, where we may see things as He sees them.
Once this happens -- everything changes. We no longer gripe and complain, but rather give thanks. Our hearts are un-ncumbered with the cares of this world, our minds are free from anxiety and stress, and our conversation is filled with life and healing.
The words of Frances R. Havergal (1879) sum it up best --
Light after darkness; gain after loss.
Strength after weakness; crown after cross.
Sweet after bitter; hope after fears.
Home after wandering; praise after tears.
Sheaves after sowing; sun after rain.
Sight after mystery; peace after pain.
Joy after sorrow; calm after blast.
Rest after weariness; sweet rest at last.
Near after distant; gleam after gloom.
Love after loneliness; life after tomb.
After long agony, rapture of bliss –
Right was the pathway leading to this!
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"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1Thessalonians 5:18).
Perhaps you may be thinking, "In everything gives thanks? Are you crazy!? Some things are just too awful; how can I give thanks for everything?" Wait just a minute before you blow your gasket -- he did not say give thanks FOR everything....but IN everything. There is a difference.
Shall we thank God in the good and happy times only, and then question Him, or worse yet -- curse Him -- when bad and awful times befall us? Of course not! The Bible says IN everything give thanks -- for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. In other words, God wants us to trust Him even when things look completely hopeless. Indeed, to tust Him so much that even then we give thanks.
Thanksgiving is the highest expression of faith that exists, for it acknowledges the hand of God at work in everything -- even in the midst of things that are awful.
Faith looks past the obvious and see the actual; it goes beyond what is seen, and sees Him who is invisible working all things after the counsel of His will. Our difficulty comes from the fact that we tend to judge things from our limited perspective. God wants to lift our vision to a higher and broader place, where we may see things as He sees them.
Once this happens -- everything changes. We no longer gripe and complain, but rather give thanks. Our hearts are un-ncumbered with the cares of this world, our minds are free from anxiety and stress, and our conversation is filled with life and healing.
The words of Frances R. Havergal (1879) sum it up best --
Light after darkness; gain after loss.
Strength after weakness; crown after cross.
Sweet after bitter; hope after fears.
Home after wandering; praise after tears.
Sheaves after sowing; sun after rain.
Sight after mystery; peace after pain.
Joy after sorrow; calm after blast.
Rest after weariness; sweet rest at last.
Near after distant; gleam after gloom.
Love after loneliness; life after tomb.
After long agony, rapture of bliss –
Right was the pathway leading to this!
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Sunday, August 23, 2009
The Outer-Edge-Of-Things
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"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1John 2:15).
A few years ago I came across a delightful little book called The Uncrowned King, written in 1910 by American author Harold Bell Wright. It's a story about a young man named Hadji, who travels across the Desert of Facts to the Temple of Truth, located on the Outer-Edge-Of-Things; where an angelic Guardian named Thyself tells him a remarkable story about the Uncrowned King. If you can find a copy, it is well worth snagging.
Upon Hadji's arrival at the Temple, the Guardian gently inquires, "Is there anything you would ask Thyself?"
"Yes," Hadji answers, "Tell me why the journey is so long, and the Temple of Truth is here on the Outer-Edge-Of-Things."
And Thyself answered clearly, "He who lives always within Things can never worship in Truth. Eyes blinded by the fog of Things cannot see Truth. Ears deafened by the din of Things cannot hear Truth. Brains bewildered by the whirl of Things cannot think Truth. Hearts deadened by the weight of Things cannot feel Truth. Throats choked by the dust of Things cannot speak Truth. Therefore, O Hadji, is the Temple of Truth here on the Outer-Edge-Of-Things."
After a brief pause, Thyself then asked, "Found you no bones in the desert?"
Hadji replied, "I saw the desert white with bones."
"And the hands of the dead?" asked Thyself.
"The hands of the dead held fast to their treasures," Hadji replied, "held fast to their Wealth of Traditions, to their Holy Prejudices, to the Sacred Opinions, Customs, Favors and Honors of Men."
Then the Guardian stepped aside and Hadji, with head bowed in reverence, crossed the threshold and passed through the high arched doorway into the sacred corridors of the Temple of Truth.
Interesting, don't you think, that the question God asked Moses in the desert at the Burning Bush was, "What's that in your hand?" (Exodus 4:2). Are you holding on to any Thing that would keep you from worshipping in the Temple of Truth?
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"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1John 2:15).
A few years ago I came across a delightful little book called The Uncrowned King, written in 1910 by American author Harold Bell Wright. It's a story about a young man named Hadji, who travels across the Desert of Facts to the Temple of Truth, located on the Outer-Edge-Of-Things; where an angelic Guardian named Thyself tells him a remarkable story about the Uncrowned King. If you can find a copy, it is well worth snagging.
Upon Hadji's arrival at the Temple, the Guardian gently inquires, "Is there anything you would ask Thyself?"
"Yes," Hadji answers, "Tell me why the journey is so long, and the Temple of Truth is here on the Outer-Edge-Of-Things."
And Thyself answered clearly, "He who lives always within Things can never worship in Truth. Eyes blinded by the fog of Things cannot see Truth. Ears deafened by the din of Things cannot hear Truth. Brains bewildered by the whirl of Things cannot think Truth. Hearts deadened by the weight of Things cannot feel Truth. Throats choked by the dust of Things cannot speak Truth. Therefore, O Hadji, is the Temple of Truth here on the Outer-Edge-Of-Things."
After a brief pause, Thyself then asked, "Found you no bones in the desert?"
Hadji replied, "I saw the desert white with bones."
"And the hands of the dead?" asked Thyself.
"The hands of the dead held fast to their treasures," Hadji replied, "held fast to their Wealth of Traditions, to their Holy Prejudices, to the Sacred Opinions, Customs, Favors and Honors of Men."
Then the Guardian stepped aside and Hadji, with head bowed in reverence, crossed the threshold and passed through the high arched doorway into the sacred corridors of the Temple of Truth.
Interesting, don't you think, that the question God asked Moses in the desert at the Burning Bush was, "What's that in your hand?" (Exodus 4:2). Are you holding on to any Thing that would keep you from worshipping in the Temple of Truth?
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Saturday, August 22, 2009
When the Chips are Down
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"Did you teach hawks to fly south for the winter?" (Job 39:26).
There once was a bird that lived in Canada. One winter he announced to the other birds, “I’m not flying south for the winter. I’m staying right here!” All the other birds said he was crazy, but he answered, “You’re the ones that are crazy. You’ll get down south, turn around and fly right back up here again next year. What’s the point?!”
The other birds shook their heads, shrugged their shoulders, and took to flight; leavig him behind.
Wondering what winter in Canada would be like, the lone bird was pleasantly surprised at the stretch of Indian Summer that lingered long into the fall. “Aha!” he said to himself, “I was right to stay. This is wonderful!” But then, winter hit full force in the middle of December. Shuddering in the cold the silly bird finally realized, “I must hurry and leave before I freeze to death!”
He took to flight and made it as far as Montana. There, in mid-air, he froze up and tumbled to the ground; landing in a farmer’s barnyard. “Oh, what a stupid bird I am,” he moaned to himself. “I should’ve flown south with all the other birds, but now I am about to die.”
Just then a cow in the barnyard strolled past the fallen bird and without realizing it dropped a big cow-plop right on top of him! “Oh, this is just great,” mumbled the buried bird. “It’s not bad enough that I’m about to die; now I’m covered with cow manure!”
But then he noticed something he had not expected. The warmth of the plop actually began to thaw him out and restore him to life. “Why, what do you know about that?” said the bird. “This ain’t so bad after all!” Then he began chirping and singing under the pile of poop.
Meanwhile, the barnyard cat was passing by and heard the sound of singing coming from the pile. Curious as a cat can be, he pawed around in the pile and uncovered the thawed bird. Their eyes met, there was a silent moment of suspense, and then the cat ate the bird.
The moral of the story is three-fold. First, not everyone who dumps on you is your enemy. Second, not everyone who cleans it off is your friend. Third, when you do get dumped on, it is best to keep your mouth shut. The bottom line is this. When the chips are down, the Lord is up to something good. Take heart, and place your trust in Him. You’ll be blessed in every way.
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"Did you teach hawks to fly south for the winter?" (Job 39:26).
There once was a bird that lived in Canada. One winter he announced to the other birds, “I’m not flying south for the winter. I’m staying right here!” All the other birds said he was crazy, but he answered, “You’re the ones that are crazy. You’ll get down south, turn around and fly right back up here again next year. What’s the point?!”
The other birds shook their heads, shrugged their shoulders, and took to flight; leavig him behind.
Wondering what winter in Canada would be like, the lone bird was pleasantly surprised at the stretch of Indian Summer that lingered long into the fall. “Aha!” he said to himself, “I was right to stay. This is wonderful!” But then, winter hit full force in the middle of December. Shuddering in the cold the silly bird finally realized, “I must hurry and leave before I freeze to death!”
He took to flight and made it as far as Montana. There, in mid-air, he froze up and tumbled to the ground; landing in a farmer’s barnyard. “Oh, what a stupid bird I am,” he moaned to himself. “I should’ve flown south with all the other birds, but now I am about to die.”
Just then a cow in the barnyard strolled past the fallen bird and without realizing it dropped a big cow-plop right on top of him! “Oh, this is just great,” mumbled the buried bird. “It’s not bad enough that I’m about to die; now I’m covered with cow manure!”
But then he noticed something he had not expected. The warmth of the plop actually began to thaw him out and restore him to life. “Why, what do you know about that?” said the bird. “This ain’t so bad after all!” Then he began chirping and singing under the pile of poop.
Meanwhile, the barnyard cat was passing by and heard the sound of singing coming from the pile. Curious as a cat can be, he pawed around in the pile and uncovered the thawed bird. Their eyes met, there was a silent moment of suspense, and then the cat ate the bird.
The moral of the story is three-fold. First, not everyone who dumps on you is your enemy. Second, not everyone who cleans it off is your friend. Third, when you do get dumped on, it is best to keep your mouth shut. The bottom line is this. When the chips are down, the Lord is up to something good. Take heart, and place your trust in Him. You’ll be blessed in every way.
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Friday, August 21, 2009
The Clan of the Radiant Face
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"Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame" (Psalm 34:5).
God created us with faces that have the unique ability of reflecting to others the things that we cherish deepest in our hearts. Whatever holds your affections, and arouses your highest admiration; whatever it is that has captured your attention and become the focus of your desires -- it will be seen on your face.
Some people love money, and their faces are marred with greed and avarice. Others drool after sex, and walk about with faces reddened by lust. Other love only themselves and cast forth a countenance of arrogance and contempt for others.
And on and on it goes, for our world is filled with many, many faces.
But then there is the Clan of the Radiant Face. These are those who love the Lord Jesus -- truly, deeply, and fully. Their faces shine with His favor and blessing. They give off light in every dark place, and are attractive to all things good and noble. The Lord beautifies the meek with salvation, and fills their face with life and gladness.
Yet, even for them, there are times when something else catches their eye and they drift away their gaze from Jesus to other things. Then their faces slowly dim, as a dullness clouds their once radiant countenance. Perhaps you may be is such a drifted state even now, and remember fonder days when the light of the Lord was shed upon your way. All you need do is turn back your face to Him -- He will take care of the rest.
Let your identity come from how much the Lord loves you, rather than fixing your attention on how much the Lord is using you, or blessing you. For even these things, when they catch our eye, will become clouds that shade our faces from His glory.
You know the old song -- "Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."
So, what are you looking at? It's written all over your face.
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"Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame" (Psalm 34:5).
God created us with faces that have the unique ability of reflecting to others the things that we cherish deepest in our hearts. Whatever holds your affections, and arouses your highest admiration; whatever it is that has captured your attention and become the focus of your desires -- it will be seen on your face.
Some people love money, and their faces are marred with greed and avarice. Others drool after sex, and walk about with faces reddened by lust. Other love only themselves and cast forth a countenance of arrogance and contempt for others.
And on and on it goes, for our world is filled with many, many faces.
But then there is the Clan of the Radiant Face. These are those who love the Lord Jesus -- truly, deeply, and fully. Their faces shine with His favor and blessing. They give off light in every dark place, and are attractive to all things good and noble. The Lord beautifies the meek with salvation, and fills their face with life and gladness.
Yet, even for them, there are times when something else catches their eye and they drift away their gaze from Jesus to other things. Then their faces slowly dim, as a dullness clouds their once radiant countenance. Perhaps you may be is such a drifted state even now, and remember fonder days when the light of the Lord was shed upon your way. All you need do is turn back your face to Him -- He will take care of the rest.
Let your identity come from how much the Lord loves you, rather than fixing your attention on how much the Lord is using you, or blessing you. For even these things, when they catch our eye, will become clouds that shade our faces from His glory.
You know the old song -- "Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."
So, what are you looking at? It's written all over your face.
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Thursday, August 20, 2009
The Beauty of Midnight Brilliance
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“All who look to him will be radiant. Their faces will never be covered with shame.” (Psalm 34:5).
The moon is radiant only as it is in the right position to receive the light of the sun. That’s the way it is with us as well. Our lives are filled with light only as we are in right relationship with the Lord. When we look to Him, trusting Him to meet our needs, then our faces will be radiant.
There are some people who turn away from the Lord, and put their trust in man, or in money, or in methods -- only to be disappointed. They become like the moon in a lunar eclipse, caught in the shadow of the world with their faces covered in darkness. For them there is no radiance.
Still, there are others who look to themselves instead of the Lord, putting their trust in their own ability; self-righteousness they are, but still falling far short of the glory of God. These are like the moon during a solar eclipse, blocking the light of the sun as they usurp its orbit with their own. These are the type of people who brighten up a room by leaving.
Then there are those who do look to the Lord, trusting Him in all things at all times. These are like the full moon in its midnight brilliance. The light of the Lord shines upon them, making their faces radiant.
The Hebrew word translated as radiant means, “sparkles on the water.” It is a rich metaphor depicting a person who is overjoyed, and glowing with happiness.
The next time you see sparkles on the water, or a full moon in the night sky, let it remind you that the Lord wants your life to be like that for others. He wants to make your face radiant, so as to fill them with wonder – and thereby give you an opportunity to tell them the story of Jesus. When the world is in its darkest hour, there is a light from heaven that shines brighest for all to see -- it is the light of Christ reflected in you!
That, my friend, is the beauty of midnight brilliance!
.
“All who look to him will be radiant. Their faces will never be covered with shame.” (Psalm 34:5).
The moon is radiant only as it is in the right position to receive the light of the sun. That’s the way it is with us as well. Our lives are filled with light only as we are in right relationship with the Lord. When we look to Him, trusting Him to meet our needs, then our faces will be radiant.
There are some people who turn away from the Lord, and put their trust in man, or in money, or in methods -- only to be disappointed. They become like the moon in a lunar eclipse, caught in the shadow of the world with their faces covered in darkness. For them there is no radiance.
Still, there are others who look to themselves instead of the Lord, putting their trust in their own ability; self-righteousness they are, but still falling far short of the glory of God. These are like the moon during a solar eclipse, blocking the light of the sun as they usurp its orbit with their own. These are the type of people who brighten up a room by leaving.
Then there are those who do look to the Lord, trusting Him in all things at all times. These are like the full moon in its midnight brilliance. The light of the Lord shines upon them, making their faces radiant.
The Hebrew word translated as radiant means, “sparkles on the water.” It is a rich metaphor depicting a person who is overjoyed, and glowing with happiness.
The next time you see sparkles on the water, or a full moon in the night sky, let it remind you that the Lord wants your life to be like that for others. He wants to make your face radiant, so as to fill them with wonder – and thereby give you an opportunity to tell them the story of Jesus. When the world is in its darkest hour, there is a light from heaven that shines brighest for all to see -- it is the light of Christ reflected in you!
That, my friend, is the beauty of midnight brilliance!
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Wednesday, August 19, 2009
A Masterpiece in the Making
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“All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28).
"What exactly is God’s purpose for my life?" It is a question asked by every seeking soul through the ages. And our quest is not left unanswered. Paul tells us plainly in the following verse. God's purpose is that we “be conformed to the image of His Son” (ch.8:29), and to that end all things work together for our good.
In other words, God uses everything that happens in your life, in one way or another, to make you more and more like Jesus. That’s His purpose for you.
The Greek word Paul uses is prothesis, and it means “a setting forth in His presence.” It is a veiled reference to the Old Testament practice of placing the showbread on the altar in the Holy Place before the Curtain, allowing it to absorb the glory of God before being eaten by the priests. Our lives are to be like this in today’s world; so filled with the absorbed presence of the Lord that others experience Him for themselves when they are around us.
The classic poem by A.S. Wilson says it best, “Not merely in the words you say, not only in your deeds confessed; but in the most unconscious way is Christ expressed. Is it a beatific smile, a holy light upon your brow? Oh no; I felt His presence when you laughed just now.”
There was a hymn we sang during my childhood, “Let others see Jesus in you. Keep telling the story, be faithful and true; let others see Jesus in you.” Seeing that you love God and have been called accoring to His purpose, now make it your purpose to live your life today so that others may see Jesus in you.
For every day in some way God is using all things to make you more and more like Jesus in your character, your conduct, your conversation and your commerce in this world. Cooperate with Him by embracing with a thankful heart whatever His hand permits through the boundary of His protective love -- for there is a masterpiece in the making!
.
“All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28).
"What exactly is God’s purpose for my life?" It is a question asked by every seeking soul through the ages. And our quest is not left unanswered. Paul tells us plainly in the following verse. God's purpose is that we “be conformed to the image of His Son” (ch.8:29), and to that end all things work together for our good.
In other words, God uses everything that happens in your life, in one way or another, to make you more and more like Jesus. That’s His purpose for you.
The Greek word Paul uses is prothesis, and it means “a setting forth in His presence.” It is a veiled reference to the Old Testament practice of placing the showbread on the altar in the Holy Place before the Curtain, allowing it to absorb the glory of God before being eaten by the priests. Our lives are to be like this in today’s world; so filled with the absorbed presence of the Lord that others experience Him for themselves when they are around us.
The classic poem by A.S. Wilson says it best, “Not merely in the words you say, not only in your deeds confessed; but in the most unconscious way is Christ expressed. Is it a beatific smile, a holy light upon your brow? Oh no; I felt His presence when you laughed just now.”
There was a hymn we sang during my childhood, “Let others see Jesus in you. Keep telling the story, be faithful and true; let others see Jesus in you.” Seeing that you love God and have been called accoring to His purpose, now make it your purpose to live your life today so that others may see Jesus in you.
For every day in some way God is using all things to make you more and more like Jesus in your character, your conduct, your conversation and your commerce in this world. Cooperate with Him by embracing with a thankful heart whatever His hand permits through the boundary of His protective love -- for there is a masterpiece in the making!
.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
The Great and Unchangeable Truth
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"The Beast is no longer...and headed for Hell!" Revelation 17:11 (The Message).
What the devil cannot achieve in one disguise, he will attempt in another, and another, and another -- until he has gained his ground. He first arrived on the scene in the form of a serpent; here in John's Revelation we see him strutting about as an exalted king, and a beastly one at that. Indeed, over the course of human history the devil has been both serpent and king -- and many things in between.
But whatever he may feign to be in his vain imagination, we hold one thing certain and undeniable, unchanging and reliable -- he is doomed to destruction. He will not prevail. Indeed, he cannot. And, furthermore, he knows it.
That glorious Morning when death lost its grip upon our fallen Lord, the good news spread to all worlds everywhere -- heaven, earth, and hell -- that Satan's power was naught! Having already unleashed the full fury of his rage against Jesus on the Cross, he now pressed the total weight of his dark estate against that stone sealing our Savior's tomb -- desperate to prove God a liar.
But the promise of the Third Day held true, and (in the words of the old spiritual), "up from the grave He arose with triumph over all His foes! He arose the Victor from the dark domain; and He lives forever with His saints to reign! He arose! He arose! Hallelujah, Christ arose!"
Satan is defeated. He is disgraced. And he is damned. O shout it out loud, "The Beast is no longer; He is headed for Hell!"
Whipped by Jesus and put to an open shame, the devil now thrashes about in desperation -- especially against those who are followers of the Lamb. We, being flesh and blood, are indeed targets of his demented hatred. And should the Lord Christ grant that we receive a blow here, or a burn there, then we may indeed count ourselves doubly blessed.
First, for having been found in His sight as those permitted to share in the fellowship of His sufferings. And, second, for having been such a nuisance to the devil that his strike against us was targeted rather than random; specifically aimed with intent to take us out of the way, for we pose such a threat to his dark enterprises on earth.
Nevertheless, we know the certainty of this great and unchangeable truth -- the Beast is no longer, and is headed for Hell!
.
"The Beast is no longer...and headed for Hell!" Revelation 17:11 (The Message).
What the devil cannot achieve in one disguise, he will attempt in another, and another, and another -- until he has gained his ground. He first arrived on the scene in the form of a serpent; here in John's Revelation we see him strutting about as an exalted king, and a beastly one at that. Indeed, over the course of human history the devil has been both serpent and king -- and many things in between.
But whatever he may feign to be in his vain imagination, we hold one thing certain and undeniable, unchanging and reliable -- he is doomed to destruction. He will not prevail. Indeed, he cannot. And, furthermore, he knows it.
That glorious Morning when death lost its grip upon our fallen Lord, the good news spread to all worlds everywhere -- heaven, earth, and hell -- that Satan's power was naught! Having already unleashed the full fury of his rage against Jesus on the Cross, he now pressed the total weight of his dark estate against that stone sealing our Savior's tomb -- desperate to prove God a liar.
But the promise of the Third Day held true, and (in the words of the old spiritual), "up from the grave He arose with triumph over all His foes! He arose the Victor from the dark domain; and He lives forever with His saints to reign! He arose! He arose! Hallelujah, Christ arose!"
Satan is defeated. He is disgraced. And he is damned. O shout it out loud, "The Beast is no longer; He is headed for Hell!"
Whipped by Jesus and put to an open shame, the devil now thrashes about in desperation -- especially against those who are followers of the Lamb. We, being flesh and blood, are indeed targets of his demented hatred. And should the Lord Christ grant that we receive a blow here, or a burn there, then we may indeed count ourselves doubly blessed.
First, for having been found in His sight as those permitted to share in the fellowship of His sufferings. And, second, for having been such a nuisance to the devil that his strike against us was targeted rather than random; specifically aimed with intent to take us out of the way, for we pose such a threat to his dark enterprises on earth.
Nevertheless, we know the certainty of this great and unchangeable truth -- the Beast is no longer, and is headed for Hell!
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Monday, August 17, 2009
The Triumph of Trust
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“But I will trust in thee.” (Psalm 55:23).
It is one thing to boast of faith when all things are great and wonderful. But it is an entirely different matter when one can walk in the triumph of trust while things are desperate all about him.
The Psalmist here is a man whose prayers are not being answered; indeed, it would seem to him that his voice is not even being heard in heaven at all. And it’s not like he’s asking for vain things. No, quite the contrary; for all hell has broke loose and he’s fighting for his life! "The terrors of death are fallen upon me,” he says, “Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me!" It's a bad day.
Furthermore, he is painfully aware of his own powerlessness in the situation; he doesn’t even have the ability to run away and hide somewhere. He would gladly scamper if he could, but even that is beyond his supply. He is captive in a Philistine prison.
He’s stuck in a bad deal, and it’s only getting worse. For a friend, a dear friend; a treasured friend has betrayed him cruelly. A man he had worshipped with in the presence of the Lord, a man whose friendship he had never doubted and on whose loyalty he had staked his life – this man had proven to be false and broke David’s singing heart.
And in this downward spiral of sorrow he cried to God above -- and what did he hear? Nothing; no answer at all. It's a bad day; a real bad day.
Anybody would understand if at this moment David had decided to call it quits on God; after all, people do it all the time. “C’mon David,” they would say, “Join the rest of us who are done with childish things like faith and prayers, Bible verses and silly love longs. Welcome to the real world!”
But David was cut from another stock than that, and now in this darkening moment a single ray of light still remained -- it was the light of trust. He refused to regard God’s silence as indifference, or to consider God’s inactivity as impotence.
No, instead, he triumphed in trust.
“Heaven might be brass today, and God withdrawn and silent, but I will trust in Thee,” he said. “Winds may be howling and demons may be growling, and all things lovely to behold may be blown away, but I will trust in Thee. My heart is faint, my hopes are dim, and my power is gone, but I will trust in Thee. And though friends have fallen and turned to foes, and none can give solace to my deeper wounds, nevertheless I will trust in Thee.”
We know now that David's trust in the Lord paid off huge, for history holds him forth as one of the greatest of Israel's kings. And the Church holds him dear as one of God's great champions. Who knows but that a similar destiny awaits you on the other side of this ordeal?
Stay the course, my friend, and stand in the triumph of trust!
.
“But I will trust in thee.” (Psalm 55:23).
It is one thing to boast of faith when all things are great and wonderful. But it is an entirely different matter when one can walk in the triumph of trust while things are desperate all about him.
The Psalmist here is a man whose prayers are not being answered; indeed, it would seem to him that his voice is not even being heard in heaven at all. And it’s not like he’s asking for vain things. No, quite the contrary; for all hell has broke loose and he’s fighting for his life! "The terrors of death are fallen upon me,” he says, “Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me!" It's a bad day.
Furthermore, he is painfully aware of his own powerlessness in the situation; he doesn’t even have the ability to run away and hide somewhere. He would gladly scamper if he could, but even that is beyond his supply. He is captive in a Philistine prison.
He’s stuck in a bad deal, and it’s only getting worse. For a friend, a dear friend; a treasured friend has betrayed him cruelly. A man he had worshipped with in the presence of the Lord, a man whose friendship he had never doubted and on whose loyalty he had staked his life – this man had proven to be false and broke David’s singing heart.
And in this downward spiral of sorrow he cried to God above -- and what did he hear? Nothing; no answer at all. It's a bad day; a real bad day.
Anybody would understand if at this moment David had decided to call it quits on God; after all, people do it all the time. “C’mon David,” they would say, “Join the rest of us who are done with childish things like faith and prayers, Bible verses and silly love longs. Welcome to the real world!”
But David was cut from another stock than that, and now in this darkening moment a single ray of light still remained -- it was the light of trust. He refused to regard God’s silence as indifference, or to consider God’s inactivity as impotence.
No, instead, he triumphed in trust.
“Heaven might be brass today, and God withdrawn and silent, but I will trust in Thee,” he said. “Winds may be howling and demons may be growling, and all things lovely to behold may be blown away, but I will trust in Thee. My heart is faint, my hopes are dim, and my power is gone, but I will trust in Thee. And though friends have fallen and turned to foes, and none can give solace to my deeper wounds, nevertheless I will trust in Thee.”
We know now that David's trust in the Lord paid off huge, for history holds him forth as one of the greatest of Israel's kings. And the Church holds him dear as one of God's great champions. Who knows but that a similar destiny awaits you on the other side of this ordeal?
Stay the course, my friend, and stand in the triumph of trust!
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Sunday, August 16, 2009
Hold On Tight to Your Dreams
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“And Judah and his brethren came to Joseph's house; for he was yet there: and they fell before him on the ground.” (Genesis 44:14).
This short verse captures that defining moment when Joseph's dreams came true. Some thirty years earlier when he was still a boy at home Joseph had said, "Listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it."
His brothers said to him, "Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?" And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said. (see Gen 37:6-8).
And now, after an epic journey filled with betrayal and a sequence of severe injustices, the very thing Joseph had seen in his dream actually happens before his very eyes.
Dreams surely do come true. Though a man may be immature and unseasoned in the things of God when a dream first comes, and speaks beyond the boundaries of prudence, thereby stirring the hearts of others with disdain or envy; and though much trouble may arise over the course of time and challenge not only the validity of the dream, but also the sanity and credibility of the dreamer -- nevertheless, know that a dream from God will surely come true.
Therefore, wait for it; wait for the appointed time when the Lord brings to pass that which He promised in the tender days when you took your first fledgling steps of faith. Between the promise which God has made and the fulfillment of it in your life there may await a pit, a prosecutor, and a prison -- yet always the palace is indeed towering in the distance.
Stay the course, for you shall enter in and find full vindication from God, and satisfaction in the things He has ordained.“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19).
Hold on tight to your dreams.
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“And Judah and his brethren came to Joseph's house; for he was yet there: and they fell before him on the ground.” (Genesis 44:14).
This short verse captures that defining moment when Joseph's dreams came true. Some thirty years earlier when he was still a boy at home Joseph had said, "Listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it."
His brothers said to him, "Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?" And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said. (see Gen 37:6-8).
And now, after an epic journey filled with betrayal and a sequence of severe injustices, the very thing Joseph had seen in his dream actually happens before his very eyes.
Dreams surely do come true. Though a man may be immature and unseasoned in the things of God when a dream first comes, and speaks beyond the boundaries of prudence, thereby stirring the hearts of others with disdain or envy; and though much trouble may arise over the course of time and challenge not only the validity of the dream, but also the sanity and credibility of the dreamer -- nevertheless, know that a dream from God will surely come true.
Therefore, wait for it; wait for the appointed time when the Lord brings to pass that which He promised in the tender days when you took your first fledgling steps of faith. Between the promise which God has made and the fulfillment of it in your life there may await a pit, a prosecutor, and a prison -- yet always the palace is indeed towering in the distance.
Stay the course, for you shall enter in and find full vindication from God, and satisfaction in the things He has ordained.“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19).
Hold on tight to your dreams.
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Saturday, August 15, 2009
Stumbling Upon a Buried Treasure
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“And of the sons of Elam; Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi, and Jeremoth, and Eliah.” (Ezra 10:26 KJV).
This verse is buried twenty-six lines deep in the midst of a long list of laborious names. Very few people would even bother reading it. I guess I'm one of those few. You can see that seven names are listed; a father and his six sons. However, nothing is said about them -- who they were, what they did, how their lives mattered. Nothing; nada; zippo; not a word -- just their names.
But names are important. A name defines you, and a good name is to be desired above great riches.
So I did a curious thing with this verse of scripture. Using the Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary, the Easton Bible Dictionary, and the Hitchcock Bible Names Dictionary, I looked up the meaning of each of these names and what I uncovered is worthy of your consideration.
Elam -- a secret hidden by distance in the highlands
Mattaniah -- the gift of hope from the Lord; the hope laid up in heaven
Zechariah -- The renowned Lord has remembered
Jehiel -- God's life will be seen in me
Abdi -- serviceable, servant of the Lord
Jeremoth -- elevations; uplifted beyond the fear of death
Eliah -- The Mighty God, the Lord who works in wonder and power
Putting the meaning of these several names together in one continuous thought produced the following treasure:
“There was a secret hidden in the heavens, far away from the sight of man. It was a gift of hope, laid up in heaven for us by the Lord. At the perfect moment, in the fullness of time, the Lord remembered the gift and brought it forth for us to have and to behold. Because of this His name is now renowned throughout the whole earth. His life has now been made manifest in and through us, making us useful unto every good word and work, and lifting us far above the power of sin and death. He is the mighty God, who works wonders of love by His great power.”
Next time your whizzing through the Bible on your way to a place called Hurry Up and Get Here -- take a break. Slow down and read with an inquisitive mind, a curious soul, and an investigative hunger. You might just stumble upon a buried treasure or two.
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“And of the sons of Elam; Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi, and Jeremoth, and Eliah.” (Ezra 10:26 KJV).
This verse is buried twenty-six lines deep in the midst of a long list of laborious names. Very few people would even bother reading it. I guess I'm one of those few. You can see that seven names are listed; a father and his six sons. However, nothing is said about them -- who they were, what they did, how their lives mattered. Nothing; nada; zippo; not a word -- just their names.
But names are important. A name defines you, and a good name is to be desired above great riches.
So I did a curious thing with this verse of scripture. Using the Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary, the Easton Bible Dictionary, and the Hitchcock Bible Names Dictionary, I looked up the meaning of each of these names and what I uncovered is worthy of your consideration.
Elam -- a secret hidden by distance in the highlands
Mattaniah -- the gift of hope from the Lord; the hope laid up in heaven
Zechariah -- The renowned Lord has remembered
Jehiel -- God's life will be seen in me
Abdi -- serviceable, servant of the Lord
Jeremoth -- elevations; uplifted beyond the fear of death
Eliah -- The Mighty God, the Lord who works in wonder and power
Putting the meaning of these several names together in one continuous thought produced the following treasure:
“There was a secret hidden in the heavens, far away from the sight of man. It was a gift of hope, laid up in heaven for us by the Lord. At the perfect moment, in the fullness of time, the Lord remembered the gift and brought it forth for us to have and to behold. Because of this His name is now renowned throughout the whole earth. His life has now been made manifest in and through us, making us useful unto every good word and work, and lifting us far above the power of sin and death. He is the mighty God, who works wonders of love by His great power.”
Next time your whizzing through the Bible on your way to a place called Hurry Up and Get Here -- take a break. Slow down and read with an inquisitive mind, a curious soul, and an investigative hunger. You might just stumble upon a buried treasure or two.
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Friday, August 14, 2009
Heard From God Lately?
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Job's friend told him that, “God does speak; now one way, now another; though man may not perceive it.” (Job 33:14, NIV).
This scripture both fascinates and encourages me, for it shows how eager God is to speak to those of us who are more likely not to hear what He is saying. That doesn't stop Him. In fact, He speaks now one way, now another -- in whatever way necessary in order to reach my dull and indifferent heart.
God knows me, and He knows my language. He also knows how to bypass all the barriers I have set up against His approaching love -- fool that I am.
God speak "now one way, now another." How delightful is God's diversity. His vocabulary is vast, His understanding is unsearchable, His love is unfailing, and His resolve to reach my heart with His Word is unrelenting.
He will speak in whatever way suits His purpose to redeem my life. In church; outside of church -- it matters not. God speaks through the Bible, through nature, through circumstances, through other people, through dreams and visions, and even sometimes by supernatural means.
Charles Spurgeon wrote, “In the field we have a study hung round with texts for thought. From the cedar to the hyssop, from the soaring eagle down to the chirping grasshopper, from the blue expanse of heaven to a drop of dew, all things are full of teaching, and when the eye is divinely opened, that teaching flashes upon the mind far more vividly than from written books. Our little rooms are never so healthy, so suggestive, so agreeable, or so inspiring as the fields. Let us count nothing common or unclean, but feel that all created things point to their Maker, and the field will at once be hallowed.”
Notice, finally, that the verse adds this hopeful phrase, “though man may not perceive Him.” It does not say that man cannot perceive Him; rather, it says he may not. That means, on the other hand, that he also may perceive what God is saying and doing. And therein is hope for each one of us. It is possible that I may indeed hear God's voice today!
How about you? Heard from God lately?
.
Job's friend told him that, “God does speak; now one way, now another; though man may not perceive it.” (Job 33:14, NIV).
This scripture both fascinates and encourages me, for it shows how eager God is to speak to those of us who are more likely not to hear what He is saying. That doesn't stop Him. In fact, He speaks now one way, now another -- in whatever way necessary in order to reach my dull and indifferent heart.
God knows me, and He knows my language. He also knows how to bypass all the barriers I have set up against His approaching love -- fool that I am.
God speak "now one way, now another." How delightful is God's diversity. His vocabulary is vast, His understanding is unsearchable, His love is unfailing, and His resolve to reach my heart with His Word is unrelenting.
He will speak in whatever way suits His purpose to redeem my life. In church; outside of church -- it matters not. God speaks through the Bible, through nature, through circumstances, through other people, through dreams and visions, and even sometimes by supernatural means.
Charles Spurgeon wrote, “In the field we have a study hung round with texts for thought. From the cedar to the hyssop, from the soaring eagle down to the chirping grasshopper, from the blue expanse of heaven to a drop of dew, all things are full of teaching, and when the eye is divinely opened, that teaching flashes upon the mind far more vividly than from written books. Our little rooms are never so healthy, so suggestive, so agreeable, or so inspiring as the fields. Let us count nothing common or unclean, but feel that all created things point to their Maker, and the field will at once be hallowed.”
Notice, finally, that the verse adds this hopeful phrase, “though man may not perceive Him.” It does not say that man cannot perceive Him; rather, it says he may not. That means, on the other hand, that he also may perceive what God is saying and doing. And therein is hope for each one of us. It is possible that I may indeed hear God's voice today!
How about you? Heard from God lately?
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Thursday, August 13, 2009
Heaven Can Wait
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“And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.” (Revelation 21:16).
John the Revelator saw the Blessed City, and his inspiring description stirs our deepest longings and highest hopes. For there, in that Exalted Place, the Lord answers the human cry for equality.
There are no districts in heaven -- up town, down town; urban, suburbs; upper-class, middle-class, lower-class. While a proverbial train may take us to glory, there are no tracks in that blessed land; so no "wrong side of the tracks" for any one ever.
Equality. The word comes from the Latin term meaning level. We would say "a level playing field" meaning that it is fair for all participants. Nothing is slanted toward one over another; no unfair or unjust advantages. In heaven we all agree. In heaven we are equal -- we are like in quality, nature, and dignity. There we are free from extremes, tranquil in mind and mood; not vying for supremacy or dominance, nor beach-front property.
The size of the City is also wondrous. One mathematician calculated from John’s descriptions that it is three billion square miles in size! That means there is room for YOU!
It is interesting to note that this same measurement is applied to Christ’s love. Paul the Apostle prays that we may be able “to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Eph 3:16-19).
Heaven will be a place where we each experience the full measure of the vast love of God. Yet we don't have to wait for Heaven; God's love is ours NOW. Remember, Jesus taught us to pray -- "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is heaven."
We can live now in this place as Citizens of that Place, and bring its bright influence into all the dark and desperate places in our fallen world.
We’ve got work to do – Heaven can wait!
.
“And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.” (Revelation 21:16).
John the Revelator saw the Blessed City, and his inspiring description stirs our deepest longings and highest hopes. For there, in that Exalted Place, the Lord answers the human cry for equality.
There are no districts in heaven -- up town, down town; urban, suburbs; upper-class, middle-class, lower-class. While a proverbial train may take us to glory, there are no tracks in that blessed land; so no "wrong side of the tracks" for any one ever.
Equality. The word comes from the Latin term meaning level. We would say "a level playing field" meaning that it is fair for all participants. Nothing is slanted toward one over another; no unfair or unjust advantages. In heaven we all agree. In heaven we are equal -- we are like in quality, nature, and dignity. There we are free from extremes, tranquil in mind and mood; not vying for supremacy or dominance, nor beach-front property.
The size of the City is also wondrous. One mathematician calculated from John’s descriptions that it is three billion square miles in size! That means there is room for YOU!
It is interesting to note that this same measurement is applied to Christ’s love. Paul the Apostle prays that we may be able “to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Eph 3:16-19).
Heaven will be a place where we each experience the full measure of the vast love of God. Yet we don't have to wait for Heaven; God's love is ours NOW. Remember, Jesus taught us to pray -- "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is heaven."
We can live now in this place as Citizens of that Place, and bring its bright influence into all the dark and desperate places in our fallen world.
We’ve got work to do – Heaven can wait!
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Wednesday, August 12, 2009
"Bon Apetite!"
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"I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread." (Job 23:12).
There are those who would never think of going a full day without eating something -- anything. Yet many of these hefty hoofers slug though life without ever taking so much as a nibble of the one thing they truly need more than anything -- a word from God.
Jesus taught us to specifically pray, "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11).
Obviously, He is not speaking here about the floury stuff we buy at the Grocers. While we trust the Lord to meet our physical needs on a daily basis, what He is telling us to ask for -- and to expect -- is a word from God in our lives everyday.
I know this is true because Jesus elsewhere said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." Thus, we understand that "bread" and "word from God" are synonymous; alike in meaning or significance. Certainly we are to ask the Lord for our daily food which sustains our bodies, but how much more so are we to ask Him for a word from God -- that sustains our very lives?
It is porridge from the Palace; a bountiful supply of rich and empowering fodder. Yes, what we need more than anything else is a word from God. And when we treasure His words more than our necessary food, His voice will supply us with daily bread.
The Psalmist wrote, "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalm 119:103). The prophet Jeremiah expressed the same sentiment, "When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty" (Jeremiah 15:16). Jesus Himself enjoyed the porridge from the Palace -- "I have food to eat that you know nothing about" (John 4:32).
Don't you think, therefore, that you and I ought to lift our bowls heavenward, and receive our daily portion of this porridge from the Palace? Indeed!
Why not start right now by asking the Lord to speak to you today. He will, you know; and you will have a feast with what He says!
Bon apetite!
.
"I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread." (Job 23:12).
There are those who would never think of going a full day without eating something -- anything. Yet many of these hefty hoofers slug though life without ever taking so much as a nibble of the one thing they truly need more than anything -- a word from God.
Jesus taught us to specifically pray, "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11).
Obviously, He is not speaking here about the floury stuff we buy at the Grocers. While we trust the Lord to meet our physical needs on a daily basis, what He is telling us to ask for -- and to expect -- is a word from God in our lives everyday.
I know this is true because Jesus elsewhere said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." Thus, we understand that "bread" and "word from God" are synonymous; alike in meaning or significance. Certainly we are to ask the Lord for our daily food which sustains our bodies, but how much more so are we to ask Him for a word from God -- that sustains our very lives?
It is porridge from the Palace; a bountiful supply of rich and empowering fodder. Yes, what we need more than anything else is a word from God. And when we treasure His words more than our necessary food, His voice will supply us with daily bread.
The Psalmist wrote, "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalm 119:103). The prophet Jeremiah expressed the same sentiment, "When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty" (Jeremiah 15:16). Jesus Himself enjoyed the porridge from the Palace -- "I have food to eat that you know nothing about" (John 4:32).
Don't you think, therefore, that you and I ought to lift our bowls heavenward, and receive our daily portion of this porridge from the Palace? Indeed!
Why not start right now by asking the Lord to speak to you today. He will, you know; and you will have a feast with what He says!
Bon apetite!
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Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The Lord Will Take Care This For You
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The king said, "Go home, and I'll take care of this for you." (2 Samuel 14:8).
Once your petition has been set before the King, and He has given you His assurance that it will be handled by Him personally, and in your best interest -- well, to linger any longer in earnest angst would be most insulting to His majesty. Yet we do it all the time!
"Lord, when? Lord, why? Lord, how long?"
These, and many other hassling questions too often constitute the bulk of our prayer life. Our hearts flood with dark thoughts which spill from our lips in mournful pleas, as we seek His reply to our unanswerable questions. Our hearts have perhaps been broken by the hammer of relentless disappointments, our minds bewildered by unfulfilled hopes, our eyes blurred by tears that never cease -- and we hasten to the Lord with our woeful complaints.
And He says, "Go home, and I'll take care of this for you."
But we linger in our lamentations, stating our case once again in pitiful details, rehearsing the matter over and over, as though He had not yet heard it. It seems in such moments that we are more in awe of our sorrows than we are of our Savior.
"Go home," the Lord says, "and I'll take care of this for you."
There is a faith, noble and true, that leaves the prayer chamber and enters into the day in utter confidence that the Lord will take care of things in a perfect way -- if we would only let Him do it.
As children bring their broken toys with tears, for us to mend;
I brought my broken dreams to God, because He is my friend.
But then, instead of leaving Him in peace to work alone;
I hung around and tried to help in ways that were my own.
He didn't do at all the things I thought that He should do;
He didn't mend my broken dreams;
He didn't make them new.
In fact He seemed quite nonchalant, as though He didn’t care.
So, I increased with holy zeal my intercessory prayer.
Watching, waiting for His hand to do what I had prayed;
but nothing I could say or do helped Him on His way!
At last I snatched them back and cried, "How can you be so slow?"
"My child," He lovingly replied, "you never did let go!"
Oh, hear the Lord's word to you today --
"Go home," the Lord says, "and I'll take care of this for you."
.
The king said, "Go home, and I'll take care of this for you." (2 Samuel 14:8).
Once your petition has been set before the King, and He has given you His assurance that it will be handled by Him personally, and in your best interest -- well, to linger any longer in earnest angst would be most insulting to His majesty. Yet we do it all the time!
"Lord, when? Lord, why? Lord, how long?"
These, and many other hassling questions too often constitute the bulk of our prayer life. Our hearts flood with dark thoughts which spill from our lips in mournful pleas, as we seek His reply to our unanswerable questions. Our hearts have perhaps been broken by the hammer of relentless disappointments, our minds bewildered by unfulfilled hopes, our eyes blurred by tears that never cease -- and we hasten to the Lord with our woeful complaints.
And He says, "Go home, and I'll take care of this for you."
But we linger in our lamentations, stating our case once again in pitiful details, rehearsing the matter over and over, as though He had not yet heard it. It seems in such moments that we are more in awe of our sorrows than we are of our Savior.
"Go home," the Lord says, "and I'll take care of this for you."
There is a faith, noble and true, that leaves the prayer chamber and enters into the day in utter confidence that the Lord will take care of things in a perfect way -- if we would only let Him do it.
As children bring their broken toys with tears, for us to mend;
I brought my broken dreams to God, because He is my friend.
But then, instead of leaving Him in peace to work alone;
I hung around and tried to help in ways that were my own.
He didn't do at all the things I thought that He should do;
He didn't mend my broken dreams;
He didn't make them new.
In fact He seemed quite nonchalant, as though He didn’t care.
So, I increased with holy zeal my intercessory prayer.
Watching, waiting for His hand to do what I had prayed;
but nothing I could say or do helped Him on His way!
At last I snatched them back and cried, "How can you be so slow?"
"My child," He lovingly replied, "you never did let go!"
Oh, hear the Lord's word to you today --
"Go home," the Lord says, "and I'll take care of this for you."
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Monday, August 10, 2009
Your Future Starts Now!
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"What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven--and the future starts now!" (1 Peter 1:3-4, The Message).
When Jesus came to earth He brought heaven with Him. His mission was thereby half completed. When he died on the cross and rose from the dead, He finished the job and reconciled earth with Heaven. Mission accomplished!
This Good News, called in a more formal tongue The Gospel, has been preserved by God through the ages and preached in every nook and cranny throughout our world. Some believe; some do not. Where do you stand?
For those who do believe -- the future starts now.
The same Jesus who brought heaven to earth, and then reconciled us to God, now brings heaven into your life. And as a result, even though your feet are yet firmly planted upon the ground, your spirit soars to heights of glory as you hear God's voice, see His wonders, learn His Word, experience His power, and fulfill His purposes in your life.
So, what are you waiting for? Your future starts NOW!
.
"What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven--and the future starts now!" (1 Peter 1:3-4, The Message).
When Jesus came to earth He brought heaven with Him. His mission was thereby half completed. When he died on the cross and rose from the dead, He finished the job and reconciled earth with Heaven. Mission accomplished!
This Good News, called in a more formal tongue The Gospel, has been preserved by God through the ages and preached in every nook and cranny throughout our world. Some believe; some do not. Where do you stand?
For those who do believe -- the future starts now.
The same Jesus who brought heaven to earth, and then reconciled us to God, now brings heaven into your life. And as a result, even though your feet are yet firmly planted upon the ground, your spirit soars to heights of glory as you hear God's voice, see His wonders, learn His Word, experience His power, and fulfill His purposes in your life.
So, what are you waiting for? Your future starts NOW!
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Sunday, August 09, 2009
With Laughter and Singing
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"You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don't see him, yet you trust him--with laughter and singing." (1Peter 1:8, The Message).
Imagine Peter's delight in watching a generation rise up of those who never saw Jesus -- but yet loved and believed in Him. Not only that, but they believed in the face of great difficulties and strong opposition; they loved and trusted Jesus without seeing any evidence of His presence. And furthermore -- they did all this with laughter and singing!
Their behavior proved their belief. Something far greater than this world held their hearts, and as a result their lives were unleashed with joy and praise -- even though their world was falling apart!
It is indeed a mysterious thing that the Lord does when He lifts the loads we carry through life, and enables us to then lift our heads and see life from His point of view. Yes, we may have to put up with all kinds of aggravations, but we do so realizing that pure gold put in the fire comes out proved pure.
In the same manner, genuine faith put through suffering comes out of it proved genuine. And after all, isn't that what you really want? To be proven pure and genuine?
So whatever is going on is this topsy-turvy world, filled with strife created by greed, lift your vision higher and look unto Jesus. And let your life be marked by laughter and singing -- knowing that God has His eyes on you, and is committed to proving you true.
.
"You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don't see him, yet you trust him--with laughter and singing." (1Peter 1:8, The Message).
Imagine Peter's delight in watching a generation rise up of those who never saw Jesus -- but yet loved and believed in Him. Not only that, but they believed in the face of great difficulties and strong opposition; they loved and trusted Jesus without seeing any evidence of His presence. And furthermore -- they did all this with laughter and singing!
Their behavior proved their belief. Something far greater than this world held their hearts, and as a result their lives were unleashed with joy and praise -- even though their world was falling apart!
It is indeed a mysterious thing that the Lord does when He lifts the loads we carry through life, and enables us to then lift our heads and see life from His point of view. Yes, we may have to put up with all kinds of aggravations, but we do so realizing that pure gold put in the fire comes out proved pure.
In the same manner, genuine faith put through suffering comes out of it proved genuine. And after all, isn't that what you really want? To be proven pure and genuine?
So whatever is going on is this topsy-turvy world, filled with strife created by greed, lift your vision higher and look unto Jesus. And let your life be marked by laughter and singing -- knowing that God has His eyes on you, and is committed to proving you true.
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Saturday, August 08, 2009
In the Midst of Regular Work
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"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."
.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Numbering Our Days
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"So teach us to number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, NASB).
I once heard a comedian say, "Life is like a roll of toilet paper -- the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes!"
Perhaps you have noticed how the pace of Life has picked up over the past few years; things seem to be moving faster and faster; Time seems to be turning into a blur. It was just yesterday, wasn't it, that the big Y2K scare had people building bunkers and stocking up with beans and bullets? And here we are now -- already pushing to the close of 2009.
With the upgraded pace of Life comes multiple choices of how we will spend our Time -- and our lives. What will we do with what has been given to us? How will we steward our talents, resources, and opportunities. What will be the end of all our labors?
Shortly before his death, George Bernard Shaw was asked a most curious question by a eager young reporter. “Mr. Shaw,” he began, “you have visited with some of the world’s most famous people. You’ve known royalty, renowned authors, great artists, brilliant teachers, and admired dignitaries from every part of the world. You have conversed with scientists and celebrities alike. If you could live your life over and be anybody you’ve ever known – who would you choose to be?”
Shaw answered with hardly a hesitation, “I would choose to be the man George Bernard Shaw could have been – but never was.”
Shaw died one month later – died as a man bound within the limitations of a life that did not reach its full potential, that did not achieve its highest purpose.
May you so number you days, even in the midst of this blistering pace, so that you have no regrets as your turn the final corner on this thing called Life. May you exit this world and enter the next with a heart of wisdom and a life well-lived.
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"So teach us to number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, NASB).
I once heard a comedian say, "Life is like a roll of toilet paper -- the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes!"
Perhaps you have noticed how the pace of Life has picked up over the past few years; things seem to be moving faster and faster; Time seems to be turning into a blur. It was just yesterday, wasn't it, that the big Y2K scare had people building bunkers and stocking up with beans and bullets? And here we are now -- already pushing to the close of 2009.
With the upgraded pace of Life comes multiple choices of how we will spend our Time -- and our lives. What will we do with what has been given to us? How will we steward our talents, resources, and opportunities. What will be the end of all our labors?
Shortly before his death, George Bernard Shaw was asked a most curious question by a eager young reporter. “Mr. Shaw,” he began, “you have visited with some of the world’s most famous people. You’ve known royalty, renowned authors, great artists, brilliant teachers, and admired dignitaries from every part of the world. You have conversed with scientists and celebrities alike. If you could live your life over and be anybody you’ve ever known – who would you choose to be?”
Shaw answered with hardly a hesitation, “I would choose to be the man George Bernard Shaw could have been – but never was.”
Shaw died one month later – died as a man bound within the limitations of a life that did not reach its full potential, that did not achieve its highest purpose.
May you so number you days, even in the midst of this blistering pace, so that you have no regrets as your turn the final corner on this thing called Life. May you exit this world and enter the next with a heart of wisdom and a life well-lived.
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Thursday, August 06, 2009
The Directed Path
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"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Jeb Magruder, assistant to President Nixon during the infamous Watergate scandal of the '70s, stood before Judge John Sirica to be sentenced for his part in the crime.
“Do you have anything to say,” the Judge asked.
Magruder replied, “I know what I have done, and your Honor knows what I have done. Somewhere between my ambition and my ideals, I lost my ethical compass."
Whether it be a ship on the high seas, a plane jetting through the sky, a hiker in the Rocky Mountains, or a man trying to make his way through life – nothing but disaster can come when we lose our compass.
Edmund Burke, famed British Statesman (1729-1797), said, “When ancient opinions and rules of life are taken away, the loss cannot possibly be estimated. From that moment, we have no compass to govern us, nor can we know distinctly to what port to steer."
No one can anticipate all the situations you will encounter in life, or all the specific answers you will need for your journey ahead. But what we can do is avail ourselves to the guiding principles of life found in the Bible -- principles that will help you set your soul to the course God has charted out for you.
Open your heart to God's Word and He will fill you with understanding of such clarity that you will be able to navigate the course of your life no matter how dark the night, thick the fog, or long the trek – be it filled with calm or strife.
He will guide you along the Directed Path.
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"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Jeb Magruder, assistant to President Nixon during the infamous Watergate scandal of the '70s, stood before Judge John Sirica to be sentenced for his part in the crime.
“Do you have anything to say,” the Judge asked.
Magruder replied, “I know what I have done, and your Honor knows what I have done. Somewhere between my ambition and my ideals, I lost my ethical compass."
Whether it be a ship on the high seas, a plane jetting through the sky, a hiker in the Rocky Mountains, or a man trying to make his way through life – nothing but disaster can come when we lose our compass.
Edmund Burke, famed British Statesman (1729-1797), said, “When ancient opinions and rules of life are taken away, the loss cannot possibly be estimated. From that moment, we have no compass to govern us, nor can we know distinctly to what port to steer."
No one can anticipate all the situations you will encounter in life, or all the specific answers you will need for your journey ahead. But what we can do is avail ourselves to the guiding principles of life found in the Bible -- principles that will help you set your soul to the course God has charted out for you.
Open your heart to God's Word and He will fill you with understanding of such clarity that you will be able to navigate the course of your life no matter how dark the night, thick the fog, or long the trek – be it filled with calm or strife.
He will guide you along the Directed Path.
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Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Uncovering Lost Secrets of True Success
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"For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Joshua 1:8).
Nordstrom’s, one of the most successful retail companies in the world, hosted the top executives from J.C. Penny’s at a business luncheon held in the Nordstrom corporate offices. Penny’s, a company once at the forefront of commercial success, but whose profit margin had now been in steady decline for years, was in desperate need of some sound business advice.
During the lunch one of the execs from J.C. Penny asked his Nordstrom counterpart, “What is the secret of your company’s success?” It was an awkward moment, to say the least; for it is not always prudent to share company secrets with your potential competitors.
Nevertheless, after a slight pause and without saying a word, the Nordstrom executive got up from the table and walked out of the room. Moments later he returned with a large, old book and placed it on the table in front of his counterpart.
“This is the secret of our success,” he said. The Penney’s executive was dumbfounded when he saw that the book before him was a 100-year-old copy of the Franchise Manual for J.C. Penny’s!
Nordstrom was simply doing well what Penny’s had once done – but somewhere along the way had stopped doing. Nordstrom had found and followed the values and guidelines that Penny’s had lost.
When Joshua was divinely chosen to succeed Moses in leading the children of Israel into their Promised Land, God charged him with a single responsibility -- "Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it."
The charge was then followed by a powerful promise, which holds true even to this very day -- "For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success."
That’s the bottom line every man and woman seeks.
There is an ancient, time-tested and time-proven manual for success in life. It is the Bible, and we can advance our lives in ways that are pleasing to God and prosperous to ourselves by following the teaching of this Book -- just as others have done who have gone before us.
Why not give it a shot and see what happens?
.
"For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Joshua 1:8).
Nordstrom’s, one of the most successful retail companies in the world, hosted the top executives from J.C. Penny’s at a business luncheon held in the Nordstrom corporate offices. Penny’s, a company once at the forefront of commercial success, but whose profit margin had now been in steady decline for years, was in desperate need of some sound business advice.
During the lunch one of the execs from J.C. Penny asked his Nordstrom counterpart, “What is the secret of your company’s success?” It was an awkward moment, to say the least; for it is not always prudent to share company secrets with your potential competitors.
Nevertheless, after a slight pause and without saying a word, the Nordstrom executive got up from the table and walked out of the room. Moments later he returned with a large, old book and placed it on the table in front of his counterpart.
“This is the secret of our success,” he said. The Penney’s executive was dumbfounded when he saw that the book before him was a 100-year-old copy of the Franchise Manual for J.C. Penny’s!
Nordstrom was simply doing well what Penny’s had once done – but somewhere along the way had stopped doing. Nordstrom had found and followed the values and guidelines that Penny’s had lost.
When Joshua was divinely chosen to succeed Moses in leading the children of Israel into their Promised Land, God charged him with a single responsibility -- "Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it."
The charge was then followed by a powerful promise, which holds true even to this very day -- "For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success."
That’s the bottom line every man and woman seeks.
There is an ancient, time-tested and time-proven manual for success in life. It is the Bible, and we can advance our lives in ways that are pleasing to God and prosperous to ourselves by following the teaching of this Book -- just as others have done who have gone before us.
Why not give it a shot and see what happens?
.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Crowding Out the Things that Matter
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"What! Could you not watch with Me one hour?" (Matthew 26:40).
A few years ago National Geographic magazine did a report on Yosemite National Park, and featured a story about Carl Sharsmith, an 81 year old guide at the historic site.
Carl was in his tent after a long afternoon with tourists. His nose was flaked white and red with sunburn; his eyes were watery, partly from age but also from hearing again an old question after a half century of summers in California's Yosemite National Park.
"I've only got an hour to spend at Yosemite," a lady tourist declared, "What should I do? Where should I go?"
Carl sighed. “Ah, lady, only an hour?" he asked; and then softly added, “I suppose that if I had only an hour to spend at Yosemite, I'd just walk over there by the river and sit down and cry."
The same could be said for those who have such little time to give to reading and reflecting upon the Word of God. Oh, what treasures we forfeit; what loss we incur – simply because we imagine ourselves too busy to take the time.
But, out of curiosity, just how much time do you think it would take to read from Genesis to Revelation? Well, if you would read the Bible out loud slow enough to be heard and understood, the full reading time would be seventy one hours.
If you break that down into minutes and divide it into 365 days, you could easily read the entire Bible in one year by taking only twelve minutes each day.
The treasures you will find are of inestimable value. Here's but one fine example -- a prayer taken from the Psalms:
“Train me in Your ways of wise living. I'll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from Your mouth; I delight far more in what You tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches. I ponder every morsel of wisdom from You, I attentively watch how you've done it. I relish everything You've told me of life, I won't forget a word of it. Be generous with me and I'll live a full life; not for a minute will I take my eyes off Your road. Open my eyes so I can see what You show me of your miracle-wonders. I'm a stranger in these parts; give me clear directions.” (see Psalms 119:12-19, The Message).
.
"What! Could you not watch with Me one hour?" (Matthew 26:40).
A few years ago National Geographic magazine did a report on Yosemite National Park, and featured a story about Carl Sharsmith, an 81 year old guide at the historic site.
Carl was in his tent after a long afternoon with tourists. His nose was flaked white and red with sunburn; his eyes were watery, partly from age but also from hearing again an old question after a half century of summers in California's Yosemite National Park.
"I've only got an hour to spend at Yosemite," a lady tourist declared, "What should I do? Where should I go?"
Carl sighed. “Ah, lady, only an hour?" he asked; and then softly added, “I suppose that if I had only an hour to spend at Yosemite, I'd just walk over there by the river and sit down and cry."
The same could be said for those who have such little time to give to reading and reflecting upon the Word of God. Oh, what treasures we forfeit; what loss we incur – simply because we imagine ourselves too busy to take the time.
But, out of curiosity, just how much time do you think it would take to read from Genesis to Revelation? Well, if you would read the Bible out loud slow enough to be heard and understood, the full reading time would be seventy one hours.
If you break that down into minutes and divide it into 365 days, you could easily read the entire Bible in one year by taking only twelve minutes each day.
The treasures you will find are of inestimable value. Here's but one fine example -- a prayer taken from the Psalms:
“Train me in Your ways of wise living. I'll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from Your mouth; I delight far more in what You tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches. I ponder every morsel of wisdom from You, I attentively watch how you've done it. I relish everything You've told me of life, I won't forget a word of it. Be generous with me and I'll live a full life; not for a minute will I take my eyes off Your road. Open my eyes so I can see what You show me of your miracle-wonders. I'm a stranger in these parts; give me clear directions.” (see Psalms 119:12-19, The Message).
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Monday, August 03, 2009
Friendship for a Lifetime
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"The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray." (Proverbs 12:26).
The friends we choose shape our lives in ways that determine the quality of life we end up having -- or not. Solomon said, "Stop being gullible. Leave the company of foolish people, and live. Follow the way of knowledge; walk in the way of insight and understanding." (Proverbs 9:6, pastor's paraphrase).
Paul echoes this in the New Testament. "Don't fool yourselves,” he writes, “Bad friends will destroy you. If you hang around and associate with evil people, your good character will become corrupted and your good morals depraved. Don't let anyone deceive you about this. Associating with bad people will ruin decent people. Wicked friends lead to evil ends" (1Corinthians 15:33, pastor's paraphrase).
There is a clear connection between the quality of life we live, and the type of friends we choose. We have all heard the old idiom that goes, “Birds of a feather flock together.” Another way of putting this is eagles fly with eagles, and turkeys stay with turkeys.
While the animal kingdom may be set by its fur and feathers, man is afforded a higher option. In other words, you can choose the sort of people you want to associate with; the kind of people you want to be around. But realize this – those you spend your time with will shape your thoughts, your character, and your future. Choose wisely.
“Treasure above all else in the world those who love you and wish you well.” (Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn).
.
"The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray." (Proverbs 12:26).
The friends we choose shape our lives in ways that determine the quality of life we end up having -- or not. Solomon said, "Stop being gullible. Leave the company of foolish people, and live. Follow the way of knowledge; walk in the way of insight and understanding." (Proverbs 9:6, pastor's paraphrase).
Paul echoes this in the New Testament. "Don't fool yourselves,” he writes, “Bad friends will destroy you. If you hang around and associate with evil people, your good character will become corrupted and your good morals depraved. Don't let anyone deceive you about this. Associating with bad people will ruin decent people. Wicked friends lead to evil ends" (1Corinthians 15:33, pastor's paraphrase).
There is a clear connection between the quality of life we live, and the type of friends we choose. We have all heard the old idiom that goes, “Birds of a feather flock together.” Another way of putting this is eagles fly with eagles, and turkeys stay with turkeys.
While the animal kingdom may be set by its fur and feathers, man is afforded a higher option. In other words, you can choose the sort of people you want to associate with; the kind of people you want to be around. But realize this – those you spend your time with will shape your thoughts, your character, and your future. Choose wisely.
“Treasure above all else in the world those who love you and wish you well.” (Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn).
.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
LOVE is a Person
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"God is Love." (1 John 4:8).
For the past few days we have examined briefly the three great Virtues -- Faith, Hope, and Love. The Scripture tells us that the greatest of these three is Love. The reason is clear -- Faith is a Power, Hope is a Promise, and Love is a Person. That Person is the Lord Himself.
Jesus said, "He that has seen Me, has seen the Father." Christ came to reveal to each one of us the God that nobody knew. There are the fiery gods of the pagans, demanding the sacrifice of children to appease their demands. There are the brooding gods of the Hindus, leaving man in a never-ending-circle of searching -- only to worship a cow.
There are the capricious gods of the Greeks, who leave man in doubt and dismay at the unpredictable twists and turns of life. And, of course, there is the angry god of Muslims, who evidently requires that his devotees slay all infidels to prove their faith, and then kill themselves in an unholy holy act to insure themselves 70 virgins in heaven.
By the way, did anyone bother to ask the virgins how they feel about this? Is that heaven to them?
And even the Christian Faith is filled with mixed images and vain imaginations about the One True God -- leaving most of us motivated out of guilt, shame, or fear.
But God is Love -- and we need only look into the face of Jesus and all our confusion about God is dispelled. So, now abides faith, hope and love -- and the greatest of these is Love. For faith is a power, hope is a promise, but Love is a Person.
And once this Person befriends you and walks with you day by day -- your faith will soar to heights unknown, and your hope will be securely fixed like an anchor in heaven as you sail the high seas of this spinning world.
.
"God is Love." (1 John 4:8).
For the past few days we have examined briefly the three great Virtues -- Faith, Hope, and Love. The Scripture tells us that the greatest of these three is Love. The reason is clear -- Faith is a Power, Hope is a Promise, and Love is a Person. That Person is the Lord Himself.
Jesus said, "He that has seen Me, has seen the Father." Christ came to reveal to each one of us the God that nobody knew. There are the fiery gods of the pagans, demanding the sacrifice of children to appease their demands. There are the brooding gods of the Hindus, leaving man in a never-ending-circle of searching -- only to worship a cow.
There are the capricious gods of the Greeks, who leave man in doubt and dismay at the unpredictable twists and turns of life. And, of course, there is the angry god of Muslims, who evidently requires that his devotees slay all infidels to prove their faith, and then kill themselves in an unholy holy act to insure themselves 70 virgins in heaven.
By the way, did anyone bother to ask the virgins how they feel about this? Is that heaven to them?
And even the Christian Faith is filled with mixed images and vain imaginations about the One True God -- leaving most of us motivated out of guilt, shame, or fear.
But God is Love -- and we need only look into the face of Jesus and all our confusion about God is dispelled. So, now abides faith, hope and love -- and the greatest of these is Love. For faith is a power, hope is a promise, but Love is a Person.
And once this Person befriends you and walks with you day by day -- your faith will soar to heights unknown, and your hope will be securely fixed like an anchor in heaven as you sail the high seas of this spinning world.
.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Hope is a Promise
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"And this hope is what saves us. But if we already have what we hope for, there is no need to keep on hoping." (Romans 8:24).
Faith is a power, and Hope is a promise. For Hope is always about that which is yet to come; never about what we currently possess.
Faith reaches into the future and brings into the present a borrowed power that enables us to live today in the strength of tomorrow; to posses this earth with heaven in mind; to live in the presence of the "not yet."
But Hope differs in this regard: it knows what is promised, even though it cannot see it, and though it will never lay hold of it until the day it actually arrives -- Hope holds firm without wavering. Faith is for this world; Hope is for the next. There will be no need for Faith in Heaven once we are there, so we should spend all that we have while we are here.
But our Hope will pay off huge on That Day when we cross the threshold of Time into Eternity and see what our hearts have only imagined. Hope is a promise that holds our hearts forward to a better day, that lifts us above the present darkness of a bad stretch and keeps us buoyant in the midst of turbulence and trouble.
But sometimes Hope flags in the face of delays; and Hope deferred can make the heart sick. Thus weakened with soul-sickness, our hearts may lose their grip on what is promised; our Hope may fade and our passion to keep a forward view can diminish in the dusk of uncertain turns.
That's when Love steps in to lift Hope back on its feet -- for Love never fails.
Love is a Person. We'll meet this Person tomorrow.
.
"And this hope is what saves us. But if we already have what we hope for, there is no need to keep on hoping." (Romans 8:24).
Faith is a power, and Hope is a promise. For Hope is always about that which is yet to come; never about what we currently possess.
Faith reaches into the future and brings into the present a borrowed power that enables us to live today in the strength of tomorrow; to posses this earth with heaven in mind; to live in the presence of the "not yet."
But Hope differs in this regard: it knows what is promised, even though it cannot see it, and though it will never lay hold of it until the day it actually arrives -- Hope holds firm without wavering. Faith is for this world; Hope is for the next. There will be no need for Faith in Heaven once we are there, so we should spend all that we have while we are here.
But our Hope will pay off huge on That Day when we cross the threshold of Time into Eternity and see what our hearts have only imagined. Hope is a promise that holds our hearts forward to a better day, that lifts us above the present darkness of a bad stretch and keeps us buoyant in the midst of turbulence and trouble.
But sometimes Hope flags in the face of delays; and Hope deferred can make the heart sick. Thus weakened with soul-sickness, our hearts may lose their grip on what is promised; our Hope may fade and our passion to keep a forward view can diminish in the dusk of uncertain turns.
That's when Love steps in to lift Hope back on its feet -- for Love never fails.
Love is a Person. We'll meet this Person tomorrow.
.
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