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“You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors.” (James 1:3, The Message).
During a pregame talk with the Colorado Buffaloes some years ago I asked the question, “What do you get when you squeeze a lemon?” Of course the standard answer fired back from coaches and players alike, “Lemon juice!”
But what nobody knew that morning was that I had filled the lemon with ketchup. When I squeezed it tight and the red liquid oozed over my hand, they were all taken back.
“You’re wrong,” I then said. “The actual answer is that you get whatever is inside it.”
At that point I had them right where I wanted them, and then asked, “So, what’s inside you? What are we going to see when pressure puts the squeeze on you?” The answer is the same to the lemon question; we will see whatever is in you.
The great C. S. Lewis said, “A sudden provocation does not make me an ill-tempered man. It shows what an ill-tempered man I am.” James tells us in his letter that “under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors.” Maybe this is why the Lord provides so many wonderful opportunities for us to be squeezed.
The origin of the phrase “true colors” comes from naval parlance back in the days when pirates sailed the high seas. Vessels would always fly on their topmast the flag of their country of origin. But pirates were notorious for hoisting the flags of different nations so as to gain an advantage against unsuspecting vessels. However, under no circumstance would any honorable Captain ever fly false colors. Thus, the phrase “true colors” indicates authenticity in both motive and manner.
The Lord wants to make us truly authentic men and women, but to get us there He has to squeeze out the other stuff – and He will do so with unrelenting pressure until there is nothing left to ooze.
So, you been feeling squeezed lately?
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Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Out of Step
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"I've been out of step with you for a long time" (Psalm 51:5, The Message).
OK, so let me tell you something childlike I did as a boy. Whenever I saw someone walking along that I really admired, I would actually try to walk in step with them, stride for stride -- even from a distance. In my mind it was as if I would be like them if I could walk in step with them.
Silly, I know, but don't we all do that in one form or another? We dress like, talk like, think like, walk like, and act like those we admire most. Is it in hopes that be will actually in someway be like them? Of course. Why else would we do it?
That brings me to the point of today's thought -- walking in step with Jesus.
The Psalmist confessed, "I've been out of step with you for a long time." I can relate to this all too well. The Lord turns right, and I go wrong. He walks upward, I turn downward. He slows down, and I hurry up; He picks up the pace and I lag a bit behind. He says Hello; and I say Good-bye. And so on.
Occasionally, however, I do manage to get it right somehow; I walk in step with Jesus. And in those moments, rare as they are, I am actually somewhat like Him. Or at least am aiming to be. Lord, have mercy and be patient with me.
How about you? Do you see Him walking by anywhere throughout your busy day? Do you sense His presence, hear His voice, follow His leading, and keep in step with Him? Aren't you, in the words of the apostle Paul, becoming "conformed to His image?"
Oh, but don't you want to be? I do.
So let's give it another shot; let's see if today we can walk in step with Jesus. Who knows, we just might be able to pull it off this time, and end up becoming more and more like Him day by day.
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"I've been out of step with you for a long time" (Psalm 51:5, The Message).
OK, so let me tell you something childlike I did as a boy. Whenever I saw someone walking along that I really admired, I would actually try to walk in step with them, stride for stride -- even from a distance. In my mind it was as if I would be like them if I could walk in step with them.
Silly, I know, but don't we all do that in one form or another? We dress like, talk like, think like, walk like, and act like those we admire most. Is it in hopes that be will actually in someway be like them? Of course. Why else would we do it?
That brings me to the point of today's thought -- walking in step with Jesus.
The Psalmist confessed, "I've been out of step with you for a long time." I can relate to this all too well. The Lord turns right, and I go wrong. He walks upward, I turn downward. He slows down, and I hurry up; He picks up the pace and I lag a bit behind. He says Hello; and I say Good-bye. And so on.
Occasionally, however, I do manage to get it right somehow; I walk in step with Jesus. And in those moments, rare as they are, I am actually somewhat like Him. Or at least am aiming to be. Lord, have mercy and be patient with me.
How about you? Do you see Him walking by anywhere throughout your busy day? Do you sense His presence, hear His voice, follow His leading, and keep in step with Him? Aren't you, in the words of the apostle Paul, becoming "conformed to His image?"
Oh, but don't you want to be? I do.
So let's give it another shot; let's see if today we can walk in step with Jesus. Who knows, we just might be able to pull it off this time, and end up becoming more and more like Him day by day.
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Monday, September 28, 2009
The Rapture of the Forward View
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"Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before" (Philippians 3:13).
Scripture encourages us to remember all the way that the Lord has brought us thus far, for in each memory is a meaningful look into the way He works, and the great love He bears for each one of us as He carries us through Life's many, many episodes.
Pity the one who has no memory of such Providential occurrences. Yet, to live too long in memory, and to over-dwell upon that which is past, may actually work against us -- if it is not balanced with the rapture of the forward view.
We have much to look forward to as we press onward and upward to Zion's Hill, where there is a City whose Builder and Maker is God; a place where there is no need of sun nor moon; for the Lord is the light of that blessed place.
There, just beyond the pearly gates, awaits a glory for each one of us that will indeed make whatever it is we are going through now on our journey fade into oblivion.
Paul said that "the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18).
And elsewhere he repeated himself just to make sure we didn't miss what he meant -- "For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
Have you sorrow and heartbreak? Disappointment, and setbacks? Ridicule and rejection? Questions with no answers? Have your labors gone seemingly unrewarded, your efforts continually unappreciated, and your victories apparently uncelebrated?
Then lift up your head and cast a glance by faith at what awaits you ere you reach the summit of your fondest longings.
There, in that exalted place of unending joy, we will surround the Throne with praise. There we shall see His face; and never, never sin! There, from the rivers of His grace, we will drink in limitless supplies of endless pleasures.
And, even now, the holy hill of Zion yields a thousand sacred sweets before we reach the heav’nly fields, or walk the golden streets! Thus, as we journey, let our songs abound and every tear be dry! For even now we are passing through Immanuel’s ground to fairer worlds on high!! (adapted from the old hymn, Marching to Zion)
Oh, the rapture of the forward view!
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"Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before" (Philippians 3:13).
Scripture encourages us to remember all the way that the Lord has brought us thus far, for in each memory is a meaningful look into the way He works, and the great love He bears for each one of us as He carries us through Life's many, many episodes.
Pity the one who has no memory of such Providential occurrences. Yet, to live too long in memory, and to over-dwell upon that which is past, may actually work against us -- if it is not balanced with the rapture of the forward view.
We have much to look forward to as we press onward and upward to Zion's Hill, where there is a City whose Builder and Maker is God; a place where there is no need of sun nor moon; for the Lord is the light of that blessed place.
There, just beyond the pearly gates, awaits a glory for each one of us that will indeed make whatever it is we are going through now on our journey fade into oblivion.
Paul said that "the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18).
And elsewhere he repeated himself just to make sure we didn't miss what he meant -- "For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
Have you sorrow and heartbreak? Disappointment, and setbacks? Ridicule and rejection? Questions with no answers? Have your labors gone seemingly unrewarded, your efforts continually unappreciated, and your victories apparently uncelebrated?
Then lift up your head and cast a glance by faith at what awaits you ere you reach the summit of your fondest longings.
There, in that exalted place of unending joy, we will surround the Throne with praise. There we shall see His face; and never, never sin! There, from the rivers of His grace, we will drink in limitless supplies of endless pleasures.
And, even now, the holy hill of Zion yields a thousand sacred sweets before we reach the heav’nly fields, or walk the golden streets! Thus, as we journey, let our songs abound and every tear be dry! For even now we are passing through Immanuel’s ground to fairer worlds on high!! (adapted from the old hymn, Marching to Zion)
Oh, the rapture of the forward view!
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Sunday, September 27, 2009
Disturb Us, Lord
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"Since they didn't bother to acknowledge God, God quit bothering them and let them run loose" (Romans 1:28, The Message).
May it never be said of anyone of us that God quit bothering us! Left to ourselves we will always settle for the least, not the best. Like a river unattended, we will take the path of least resistance, and suppose it had been the best route all along.
We so easily set our lives on cruise control and zip along merrily, merrily -- unaware that we are in fact drifting farther and farther away from God.
Disturb us, Lord!
The famous prayer by Sir Francis Drake would find good use upon our lips in these indifferent days; I offer it with an encouragement that you pray it in earnest until the Lord sets your feet on the higher way, the nobler way, the better way -- and that He never quits bothering you; never lets you run loose from His purpose for your life.
"Disturb us, Lord,
When we are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.
"Disturb us, Lord,
When, with the abundance of things we possess,
We have lost our thirst for the waters of life;
and, having fallen in love with life as we know it,
We have ceased to dream of eternity;
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision of the new Heaven to dim.
"Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery;
Where losing sight of land, we shall find the stars.
"We ask You to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push us into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.
"Sir Francis Drake -1577
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"Since they didn't bother to acknowledge God, God quit bothering them and let them run loose" (Romans 1:28, The Message).
May it never be said of anyone of us that God quit bothering us! Left to ourselves we will always settle for the least, not the best. Like a river unattended, we will take the path of least resistance, and suppose it had been the best route all along.
We so easily set our lives on cruise control and zip along merrily, merrily -- unaware that we are in fact drifting farther and farther away from God.
Disturb us, Lord!
The famous prayer by Sir Francis Drake would find good use upon our lips in these indifferent days; I offer it with an encouragement that you pray it in earnest until the Lord sets your feet on the higher way, the nobler way, the better way -- and that He never quits bothering you; never lets you run loose from His purpose for your life.
"Disturb us, Lord,
When we are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.
"Disturb us, Lord,
When, with the abundance of things we possess,
We have lost our thirst for the waters of life;
and, having fallen in love with life as we know it,
We have ceased to dream of eternity;
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision of the new Heaven to dim.
"Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery;
Where losing sight of land, we shall find the stars.
"We ask You to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push us into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.
"Sir Francis Drake -1577
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Saturday, September 26, 2009
A Storm is Coming
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"The east wind carrieth him away and he is gone; and as a storm it hurleth him out of his place." (Job 27:21, Darby).
The hope of the hypocrite is confronted by the parable of Job. "This is the portion of a wicked man," he says, "terrors shall take hold of him as waters, a tempest will steal him away in the night. The east wind will carry him away, and a storm will hurl him out of his place." (see Job 27:1-21).
You'll be sippin' tea on a hot summer day, enjoying the refreshment as you merrily go your way, when an unexpected shock changes everything. A storm is coming.
First will be what seems a simple rain, which will then turn to a downpour, and then -- as they say in Texas -- a gully washer. The hard rain will turn to hail; the kind that knocks holes in housetops. The temperature will drop dramatically, and the rain will turn to ice and sleet. Alarm will begin to seize the hearts of men -- and then a lull will come.
Sunshine will break through the clouds, and it will seem for the moment that the storm has passed. A haze will linger, lit up by the sunshine, making it difficult to see clearly what lays yet ahead -- just off the East Coast. The worst is yet to come.
A storm is coming from the East. And when it hits, there will be many things that simply will not matter anymore. Our petty squabbles, our cherished points of view, our heated debates with ignorant opponents, our blusterous speeches and pontifications, our sense of self-importance and enrichment -- none of these things will matter when the storm hits.
I suppose we ought to get prepared. Make sure you have good footwear, 'cause you're going to need it in order to walk through the aftermath of the coming storm. And even now, it might be a good idea for you to begin thinking about the things that really do matter; for it may be too late to do anything about it if you wait until the storm comes.
A storm is coming.
.
"The east wind carrieth him away and he is gone; and as a storm it hurleth him out of his place." (Job 27:21, Darby).
The hope of the hypocrite is confronted by the parable of Job. "This is the portion of a wicked man," he says, "terrors shall take hold of him as waters, a tempest will steal him away in the night. The east wind will carry him away, and a storm will hurl him out of his place." (see Job 27:1-21).
You'll be sippin' tea on a hot summer day, enjoying the refreshment as you merrily go your way, when an unexpected shock changes everything. A storm is coming.
First will be what seems a simple rain, which will then turn to a downpour, and then -- as they say in Texas -- a gully washer. The hard rain will turn to hail; the kind that knocks holes in housetops. The temperature will drop dramatically, and the rain will turn to ice and sleet. Alarm will begin to seize the hearts of men -- and then a lull will come.
Sunshine will break through the clouds, and it will seem for the moment that the storm has passed. A haze will linger, lit up by the sunshine, making it difficult to see clearly what lays yet ahead -- just off the East Coast. The worst is yet to come.
A storm is coming from the East. And when it hits, there will be many things that simply will not matter anymore. Our petty squabbles, our cherished points of view, our heated debates with ignorant opponents, our blusterous speeches and pontifications, our sense of self-importance and enrichment -- none of these things will matter when the storm hits.
I suppose we ought to get prepared. Make sure you have good footwear, 'cause you're going to need it in order to walk through the aftermath of the coming storm. And even now, it might be a good idea for you to begin thinking about the things that really do matter; for it may be too late to do anything about it if you wait until the storm comes.
A storm is coming.
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Friday, September 25, 2009
Standing Firm in a Tospy Turvy World
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“Without warning your life can turn upside-down, and who knows how or when it might happen?” (Proverbs 24:22, The Living Bible).
What can you do in a topsy-turvy world? Where can you turn when everything is turned upside down? When the lid blows off, and the bottom drops out, and the walls come crashing in -– all at the same time….how will you fare? Will you be able to find heaven when all hell breaks loose?
There is an accepted standard of civil behavior in our society; we all basically know how we are supposed to behave around one another. There are definite “dos and don’ts” – even though they are not written down anywhere. We just know them. And for the most part, we abide by them – and behave ourselves.
But sometimes there comes such a shock to the social system that all bets are off; it would seem that anything goes when everything is shaken.
It’s like what happens when you kick an anthill; the normal activity suddenly shifts, and the ground swarms with more ants than you can imagine; spilling out of the disrupted dirt pile like lava out of a volcano.
What if our anthill gets kicked? What if some colossal event rocks our world to the core, and an otherwise well ordered society goes abuzz with rash activity? What will you do? Where will you turn?
Or, take it to the personal level. Maybe the world goes on just fine, as it has now for indefinite days. But your world is crumbling around you. A great loss has ripped your soul apart, a dark loneliness has swept over your heart, a catastrophic fear has seized your thoughts, or an eroding doubts is stealing away your dreams.
What are you to do now?
Well, it might be helpful for you to know that others have go before you and left a trail that leads safely through these dark woods. Here is but one one example:
“I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and He saved me from my enemies. The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me. The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from His sanctuary; my cry to Him reached His ears." (Psa 18:3-6, New Living Translation)
The writer concludes by saying, “He stood me up on a wide-open field; I stood there saved -- surprised to be loved! GOD made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before Him. When I got my act together, He gave me a fresh start.” (Psa 18:19-20, The Message).
Call out to God, and He will answer you. Trust Him and do what He tells you – for a wide-open field is yet in your future!
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“Without warning your life can turn upside-down, and who knows how or when it might happen?” (Proverbs 24:22, The Living Bible).
What can you do in a topsy-turvy world? Where can you turn when everything is turned upside down? When the lid blows off, and the bottom drops out, and the walls come crashing in -– all at the same time….how will you fare? Will you be able to find heaven when all hell breaks loose?
There is an accepted standard of civil behavior in our society; we all basically know how we are supposed to behave around one another. There are definite “dos and don’ts” – even though they are not written down anywhere. We just know them. And for the most part, we abide by them – and behave ourselves.
But sometimes there comes such a shock to the social system that all bets are off; it would seem that anything goes when everything is shaken.
It’s like what happens when you kick an anthill; the normal activity suddenly shifts, and the ground swarms with more ants than you can imagine; spilling out of the disrupted dirt pile like lava out of a volcano.
What if our anthill gets kicked? What if some colossal event rocks our world to the core, and an otherwise well ordered society goes abuzz with rash activity? What will you do? Where will you turn?
Or, take it to the personal level. Maybe the world goes on just fine, as it has now for indefinite days. But your world is crumbling around you. A great loss has ripped your soul apart, a dark loneliness has swept over your heart, a catastrophic fear has seized your thoughts, or an eroding doubts is stealing away your dreams.
What are you to do now?
Well, it might be helpful for you to know that others have go before you and left a trail that leads safely through these dark woods. Here is but one one example:
“I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and He saved me from my enemies. The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me. The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from His sanctuary; my cry to Him reached His ears." (Psa 18:3-6, New Living Translation)
The writer concludes by saying, “He stood me up on a wide-open field; I stood there saved -- surprised to be loved! GOD made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before Him. When I got my act together, He gave me a fresh start.” (Psa 18:19-20, The Message).
Call out to God, and He will answer you. Trust Him and do what He tells you – for a wide-open field is yet in your future!
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Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Wait Training Room (Part 3)
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“He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.” (Psalm 40:2-3, New Living Translation).
What if the Lord had pulled the Psalmist out of the pit the very moment he first cried for help? Or, what if the Lord had prevented his steps from slipping into the pit in the first place? Well, to be sure, there would not be penned for us this wonderful testimony of deliverance.
And look at what the Lord has done for the man; for He will do the same for us today.
First, He lifted him out of the pit of despair – which is no small thing. Just ask anybody who has battled that hideous monster for more than a day. To be rescued from despair is indeed no small thing. But there is more.
Next, He brought him out of the mud and the mire. These are the very things that were meant to bury us in the bog; but see how their power is broken, and their mark upon our souls is washed away by the cleansing power of God’s Word. We are freed, and cleansed! But there is still more.
Finally, He set his feet on solid ground! Nothing is more secure than the solid ground of God’s blessings after a time when all we treasured seems to have slipped away. God restores the Psalmist, and in return the man breaks forth in new song – bringing praise to God and life to many others who themselves are crying out for deliverance.
Have you considered that the Lord is preparing you not only to receive a great blessing, but also to become a blessing to many others who need to hear the story of just how He delivered you?
You are in the Wait Training Room -- so, wait upon the Lord and watch with wonder how He works on your behalf. Also, keep your instrument tuned -- for in just a little while you will be giving a command performance on behalf of the Great King!
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“He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.” (Psalm 40:2-3, New Living Translation).
What if the Lord had pulled the Psalmist out of the pit the very moment he first cried for help? Or, what if the Lord had prevented his steps from slipping into the pit in the first place? Well, to be sure, there would not be penned for us this wonderful testimony of deliverance.
And look at what the Lord has done for the man; for He will do the same for us today.
First, He lifted him out of the pit of despair – which is no small thing. Just ask anybody who has battled that hideous monster for more than a day. To be rescued from despair is indeed no small thing. But there is more.
Next, He brought him out of the mud and the mire. These are the very things that were meant to bury us in the bog; but see how their power is broken, and their mark upon our souls is washed away by the cleansing power of God’s Word. We are freed, and cleansed! But there is still more.
Finally, He set his feet on solid ground! Nothing is more secure than the solid ground of God’s blessings after a time when all we treasured seems to have slipped away. God restores the Psalmist, and in return the man breaks forth in new song – bringing praise to God and life to many others who themselves are crying out for deliverance.
Have you considered that the Lord is preparing you not only to receive a great blessing, but also to become a blessing to many others who need to hear the story of just how He delivered you?
You are in the Wait Training Room -- so, wait upon the Lord and watch with wonder how He works on your behalf. Also, keep your instrument tuned -- for in just a little while you will be giving a command performance on behalf of the Great King!
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Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Wait Training Room (Part 2)
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“I waited and waited and waited for GOD. At last He looked; finally He listened.” (Psalm 40:1, The Message).
Sometimes, no matter how desperate things may seem, the only option you have is to wait. And while it may seem to take forever, the Lord will indeed look and listen to your plea.
“Well, why doesn’t He do it right now?” we ask in confusion.
Obviously He is up to something that is not only best for us, but is also far beyond our capacity to understand in the anxious moment.
In times like these we are in “The Wait Training Room.” The Lord is deepening our reserves of faith, strengthening our resolve in hope, and increasing our resources of grace.
When He turns things around for us, we will rejoice in great joy for all He has accomplished on our behalf – even though we were questioning His love and faithfulness in the process.
Remember, all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. He knows what He is doing, and not a moment is wasted in His plans of making us more and more like Jesus.
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“I waited and waited and waited for GOD. At last He looked; finally He listened.” (Psalm 40:1, The Message).
Sometimes, no matter how desperate things may seem, the only option you have is to wait. And while it may seem to take forever, the Lord will indeed look and listen to your plea.
“Well, why doesn’t He do it right now?” we ask in confusion.
Obviously He is up to something that is not only best for us, but is also far beyond our capacity to understand in the anxious moment.
In times like these we are in “The Wait Training Room.” The Lord is deepening our reserves of faith, strengthening our resolve in hope, and increasing our resources of grace.
When He turns things around for us, we will rejoice in great joy for all He has accomplished on our behalf – even though we were questioning His love and faithfulness in the process.
Remember, all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. He knows what He is doing, and not a moment is wasted in His plans of making us more and more like Jesus.
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Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The Wait Training Room (Part 1)
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“I waited patiently on the Lord, and He heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1).
I’ve been in my share of waiting rooms, and things never go according to schedule. Even when you arrive 20 minutes early, somehow the schedule is always off by at least thirty minutes – so you spend almost an hour before any thing happens.
There are assorted magazines and newspapers for the adults, and a smattering of gadgets for the kids to play with; and the receptionist stays intentionally occupied with stuff on her desk; only flashing an occasional smile of reassurance so everyone will know that everything is actually moving along quite nicely.
That’s all well and good – unless you are “crying.”
Waiting is never easy, but it is especially difficult when you are crying. And that is exactly the predicament we find the Psalmist in. If we read only the first line we might assume that he is sitting quietly, composed almost in a saintly glow, waiting for the Lord to act.
But that’s not the case at all. He tells us flat out -- “and He heard my cry.” This word cry in the Hebrew depicts an individual in bondage, crying aloud for reprieve and freedom. This is a desperate man ensnared in a situation from which he could not extricate himself. All he could do was wait....and cry out to God.
No, waiting is not easy; but often that is what we must do if we would experience the Lord's greater works.
I think of Mary and Martha sending word to Jesus, asking Him to come tend to their ailing brother Lazarus. And what was His reply? He tarried two days longer, during which time Lazarus died. I can only imagine the heightened sense of anxiety and hurt that Mary and Martha must’ve felt.
However, when Jesus did arrive -- He raised Lazarus from the dead! Well, there you go. I'm sure nobody saw that one coming!
Sometimes God delays longer than we think He should, in order to give us a far greater blessing.
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“I waited patiently on the Lord, and He heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1).
I’ve been in my share of waiting rooms, and things never go according to schedule. Even when you arrive 20 minutes early, somehow the schedule is always off by at least thirty minutes – so you spend almost an hour before any thing happens.
There are assorted magazines and newspapers for the adults, and a smattering of gadgets for the kids to play with; and the receptionist stays intentionally occupied with stuff on her desk; only flashing an occasional smile of reassurance so everyone will know that everything is actually moving along quite nicely.
That’s all well and good – unless you are “crying.”
Waiting is never easy, but it is especially difficult when you are crying. And that is exactly the predicament we find the Psalmist in. If we read only the first line we might assume that he is sitting quietly, composed almost in a saintly glow, waiting for the Lord to act.
But that’s not the case at all. He tells us flat out -- “and He heard my cry.” This word cry in the Hebrew depicts an individual in bondage, crying aloud for reprieve and freedom. This is a desperate man ensnared in a situation from which he could not extricate himself. All he could do was wait....and cry out to God.
No, waiting is not easy; but often that is what we must do if we would experience the Lord's greater works.
I think of Mary and Martha sending word to Jesus, asking Him to come tend to their ailing brother Lazarus. And what was His reply? He tarried two days longer, during which time Lazarus died. I can only imagine the heightened sense of anxiety and hurt that Mary and Martha must’ve felt.
However, when Jesus did arrive -- He raised Lazarus from the dead! Well, there you go. I'm sure nobody saw that one coming!
Sometimes God delays longer than we think He should, in order to give us a far greater blessing.
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Monday, September 21, 2009
A Puzzle in a Shoe Box
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"Where there is no vision, the people perish." (Proverbs 29:18).
Recently while clearing out a storage bin I discovered a curious thing: a puzzle in a shoe box. I have no idea how it got there, and no recollection of ever having seen it before. And I haven’t a clue as to what the puzzle actually is.
There is no picture on the box, so we have no idea what the puzzle is supposed to look like. And since there isn't any info about the puzzle we have no assurance that all the pieces are there. In fact, there is no way of even knowing how many pieces the puzzle actually has. It’s just a puzzle in a shoe box.
And that in itself is a puzzle.
"What’s this doing here?" I asked myself, but have no answer to give.
After thinking about all this I came to a simple conclusion. There is not much you can do with a puzzle in a shoe box. You can muse over it, but that leads nowhere. You can try to assemble it, but that doesn't last long, 'cause like I said -- you don't even know what your putting together.
You can shake it like a percussion instrument along to a song on the radio – but it has to be tuned to the Spanish station. Or, you can just sit and stare at it, and be "puzzled." Other than that, there is just not much else to do with it.
And then it struck me -- that's what life is like apart from God.
There is no vision; no clear and compelling picture of what your life is to become, once it is all put together. There is no purposeful plan where all things work together for good; revealing over time the beauty of God's design in making you who you are.
There are no borders; no defining boundaries that mark the measure of your life. It is just a jumbled collection of colorful possibilities, without any pattern or sense of direction. It is, in a sobering sense, a life with no point.
Solomon said, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." The word perish means "to cast off restraints." It means to live an undefined and undisciplined life; to have no boundaries, no restrictions – no purpose.
Such a person is nothing more that a puzzle in a shoe box.
.
"Where there is no vision, the people perish." (Proverbs 29:18).
Recently while clearing out a storage bin I discovered a curious thing: a puzzle in a shoe box. I have no idea how it got there, and no recollection of ever having seen it before. And I haven’t a clue as to what the puzzle actually is.
There is no picture on the box, so we have no idea what the puzzle is supposed to look like. And since there isn't any info about the puzzle we have no assurance that all the pieces are there. In fact, there is no way of even knowing how many pieces the puzzle actually has. It’s just a puzzle in a shoe box.
And that in itself is a puzzle.
"What’s this doing here?" I asked myself, but have no answer to give.
After thinking about all this I came to a simple conclusion. There is not much you can do with a puzzle in a shoe box. You can muse over it, but that leads nowhere. You can try to assemble it, but that doesn't last long, 'cause like I said -- you don't even know what your putting together.
You can shake it like a percussion instrument along to a song on the radio – but it has to be tuned to the Spanish station. Or, you can just sit and stare at it, and be "puzzled." Other than that, there is just not much else to do with it.
And then it struck me -- that's what life is like apart from God.
There is no vision; no clear and compelling picture of what your life is to become, once it is all put together. There is no purposeful plan where all things work together for good; revealing over time the beauty of God's design in making you who you are.
There are no borders; no defining boundaries that mark the measure of your life. It is just a jumbled collection of colorful possibilities, without any pattern or sense of direction. It is, in a sobering sense, a life with no point.
Solomon said, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." The word perish means "to cast off restraints." It means to live an undefined and undisciplined life; to have no boundaries, no restrictions – no purpose.
Such a person is nothing more that a puzzle in a shoe box.
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Sunday, September 20, 2009
The Emphasize Exercise
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"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1 Peter 5:7).
Yesterday we saw that sometimes you just need to hurl -- to unload upon the Lord the full weight of all that burdens you, and then find rest from your troubles in His strong and loving embrace. You can do this because, as Peter tells us, "He cares for you."
Let's look again at the word he uses for "care." It literally means "the distractions created by fear, worry, anxiety and dread; distractions that pull us in several directions at the same time."
So here is what you do. Take all these things -- fear, worry, anxiety, and dread -- bundle them together and throw them upon God; and keep throwing them over and over until they finally leave your hands and rest solidly upon His shoulders. Otherwise they will pull you apart; tear you to pieces!
And here is the singular truth that makes it all happen -- "He cares for you!"
Several years ago I discocvered a wonderful technique I call "the emphasize exercise." It works like this: I take a verse of scripture and read it over several times, emphasing only one word in the verse each time I read it; repeating the process until I have emphasized every word in the verse. The insights that open up are truly delightful. Let me take this phrase -- "He cares for you" -- and show you what I mean.
"HE cares for you." -- This is Almighty God we are talking about here; not some junior angel whose been handed your case. No, God Himself, the King of Glory, the Lord of Host, the Alpha and Omega; He who sustains all things by the word of His power; the Omnipotent God -- your Heavenly Father. HE cares for you."
He CARES for you." -- He is affectionate in His regard for your estate. He holds you in His heart, and looks with kind intentions upon your life, and good will toward your soul and well-being. He CARES!"
He cares FOR you." -- He is not passive, but active. He's not thinking about doing it when He gets around to it -- He's on top of it right now! He has already stepped in on your behalf and undertaken the cause of blessing you in bouldless ways. And He is doing it FOR you; so you don't have to try and do it for yourself!"
He cares for YOU!" -- Yeah, that's right -- YOU! Sure, He cares for all the saints and great champions of yore; and for all those who are serving Him mightily in today's world -- the spiritual news-makers and world-shakers, devil-busters, kingdom-builders, and soul-savers. But you're not overlooked in all this. NO! A thousand times NO! "He cares for YOU!"
Now, to put the cheery on the top, go ahead and say it all together -- emphasizing all the words: "HE CARES FOR YOU!!"
You can really drive it home by making it personal, and repeating this process until the burden has lifted: "YOU CARE FOR ME!!!" Right now in the midst of your burdens and in the face of that which taunts you most, let your ears hear your own words say it out loud to Jesus -- "You care for Me!"
.
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1 Peter 5:7).
Yesterday we saw that sometimes you just need to hurl -- to unload upon the Lord the full weight of all that burdens you, and then find rest from your troubles in His strong and loving embrace. You can do this because, as Peter tells us, "He cares for you."
Let's look again at the word he uses for "care." It literally means "the distractions created by fear, worry, anxiety and dread; distractions that pull us in several directions at the same time."
So here is what you do. Take all these things -- fear, worry, anxiety, and dread -- bundle them together and throw them upon God; and keep throwing them over and over until they finally leave your hands and rest solidly upon His shoulders. Otherwise they will pull you apart; tear you to pieces!
And here is the singular truth that makes it all happen -- "He cares for you!"
Several years ago I discocvered a wonderful technique I call "the emphasize exercise." It works like this: I take a verse of scripture and read it over several times, emphasing only one word in the verse each time I read it; repeating the process until I have emphasized every word in the verse. The insights that open up are truly delightful. Let me take this phrase -- "He cares for you" -- and show you what I mean.
"HE cares for you." -- This is Almighty God we are talking about here; not some junior angel whose been handed your case. No, God Himself, the King of Glory, the Lord of Host, the Alpha and Omega; He who sustains all things by the word of His power; the Omnipotent God -- your Heavenly Father. HE cares for you."
He CARES for you." -- He is affectionate in His regard for your estate. He holds you in His heart, and looks with kind intentions upon your life, and good will toward your soul and well-being. He CARES!"
He cares FOR you." -- He is not passive, but active. He's not thinking about doing it when He gets around to it -- He's on top of it right now! He has already stepped in on your behalf and undertaken the cause of blessing you in bouldless ways. And He is doing it FOR you; so you don't have to try and do it for yourself!"
He cares for YOU!" -- Yeah, that's right -- YOU! Sure, He cares for all the saints and great champions of yore; and for all those who are serving Him mightily in today's world -- the spiritual news-makers and world-shakers, devil-busters, kingdom-builders, and soul-savers. But you're not overlooked in all this. NO! A thousand times NO! "He cares for YOU!"
Now, to put the cheery on the top, go ahead and say it all together -- emphasizing all the words: "HE CARES FOR YOU!!"
You can really drive it home by making it personal, and repeating this process until the burden has lifted: "YOU CARE FOR ME!!!" Right now in the midst of your burdens and in the face of that which taunts you most, let your ears hear your own words say it out loud to Jesus -- "You care for Me!"
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Saturday, September 19, 2009
The Secret of the Unanxious Life
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"Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).
Anxiety can tear you apart, because it pulls you in many different directions at the same time. Once anxiety seizes your mind, you're not good for anything else until you break free from its grip. Here's how you do it.
Cast your cares upon the Lord.The word "cares" means anxiety. The word "cast" mean to hurl. In other words, the moment anxiety starts putting it squeeze on your mind, grab a hold of it and HURL it onto the Lord. Don't pitch it; don't toss it; don't lob it -- HURL IT. Remove it as far as possible away from you.
In other words, you have to let go of it. By holding onto anxiety you form a partnership that trumps your friendship with God. And you empower anxiety to be even stronger than it actually is. Let it go -- hurl it upon the Lord.
And here's the secret of why you can do this -- HE CARES FOR YOU!
How odd that we would think our care for ourselves exceeds the care which the Lord has for us. And how absurd when we conclude that our ability to take care of things is greater than God's power to do so. Yet that is exactly what anxiety cause us to do, over and over again.
So cast your anxieties upon the Lord BY CHANGING YOUR FOCUS from caring about yourself to realizing HE CARES FOR YOU. And He can do a much better job of it than you can.
Say it out loud to yourself and watch the cords begin to break away from your mind -- "He cares for me!" Say it over and over, in any and every anxious moment, and God will bless you with a care free mind and a liberated life.
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"Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).
Anxiety can tear you apart, because it pulls you in many different directions at the same time. Once anxiety seizes your mind, you're not good for anything else until you break free from its grip. Here's how you do it.
Cast your cares upon the Lord.The word "cares" means anxiety. The word "cast" mean to hurl. In other words, the moment anxiety starts putting it squeeze on your mind, grab a hold of it and HURL it onto the Lord. Don't pitch it; don't toss it; don't lob it -- HURL IT. Remove it as far as possible away from you.
In other words, you have to let go of it. By holding onto anxiety you form a partnership that trumps your friendship with God. And you empower anxiety to be even stronger than it actually is. Let it go -- hurl it upon the Lord.
And here's the secret of why you can do this -- HE CARES FOR YOU!
How odd that we would think our care for ourselves exceeds the care which the Lord has for us. And how absurd when we conclude that our ability to take care of things is greater than God's power to do so. Yet that is exactly what anxiety cause us to do, over and over again.
So cast your anxieties upon the Lord BY CHANGING YOUR FOCUS from caring about yourself to realizing HE CARES FOR YOU. And He can do a much better job of it than you can.
Say it out loud to yourself and watch the cords begin to break away from your mind -- "He cares for me!" Say it over and over, in any and every anxious moment, and God will bless you with a care free mind and a liberated life.
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Friday, September 18, 2009
Let Go, and Let God
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“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1Peter 1:5, KJV).
I am no Daniel -- not by a long shot. Still, I have been many times kept by the power of God in the midst of the lion's den. I have been hidden in His hand and protected from those who would seek my ruin; made invisible to those who looked for ways to harm me. I can in some measure say with Paul, “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me....and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion” (2Ti 4:17).
I have been kept by the power of God. And I am not alone.
There are many in this world who can humbly and boldly declare the same. Just give a thoughtful review of your own life and you will find many examples where, if it were not for the unseen hand of God intervening and protecting you, you would not be who you are today. You might not even be here at all.
The keeping power of God is a theme that filled the hearts and minds of our elders in years past, and was the theme of many a song.
“Be not dismayed whate'er betide, God will take care of you; beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you. God will take care of you, through every day, o'er all the way; God will take care of you! Through days of toil when heart doth fail; when dangers fierce your path assail -- God will take care of you. All you may need he will provide; nothing you ask will be denied -- God will take care of you. No matter what may be the test, lean, weary one, upon his breast -- God will take care of you. (Civilla Martin, 1904)
Thus Peter tells us in the simplest and most direct manner, “Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you”(1 Pe.5:7). In other words -- let go, and let God.
Whatever else may fill your thoughts today let this one thing rise above them all -- You are being kept by the power of God through faith unto that Day when your salvation will be fully revealed!
.
“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1Peter 1:5, KJV).
I am no Daniel -- not by a long shot. Still, I have been many times kept by the power of God in the midst of the lion's den. I have been hidden in His hand and protected from those who would seek my ruin; made invisible to those who looked for ways to harm me. I can in some measure say with Paul, “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me....and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion” (2Ti 4:17).
I have been kept by the power of God. And I am not alone.
There are many in this world who can humbly and boldly declare the same. Just give a thoughtful review of your own life and you will find many examples where, if it were not for the unseen hand of God intervening and protecting you, you would not be who you are today. You might not even be here at all.
The keeping power of God is a theme that filled the hearts and minds of our elders in years past, and was the theme of many a song.
“Be not dismayed whate'er betide, God will take care of you; beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you. God will take care of you, through every day, o'er all the way; God will take care of you! Through days of toil when heart doth fail; when dangers fierce your path assail -- God will take care of you. All you may need he will provide; nothing you ask will be denied -- God will take care of you. No matter what may be the test, lean, weary one, upon his breast -- God will take care of you. (Civilla Martin, 1904)
Thus Peter tells us in the simplest and most direct manner, “Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you”(1 Pe.5:7). In other words -- let go, and let God.
Whatever else may fill your thoughts today let this one thing rise above them all -- You are being kept by the power of God through faith unto that Day when your salvation will be fully revealed!
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Thursday, September 17, 2009
Have You Taken a Token?
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“Show me a token for good, that those who hate me may see and be ashamed, O Lord, because You have helped me and comforted me” (Psa 86:17).
Someone wrote, “Be kind to people, for in some way everyone you meet is fighting some great battle.” They may never show it -- but still the burden is there.
I know a man with the weight of the world crushing his spirit; all familiar comforts fail to ease the great discomfort he feels in his soul; he lives each day tight-chested and short of breath; tired of eye and weary of hoping; still waiting for the Lord to come through and fulfill the promise of His Word -- such a fellow as this could do with a token for good. Just one token will do.
Perhaps you also are such a man, or woman. The career job you thought was yours for the duration has ended; the sense of purpose has gone, and your days ebb slowly from one to the next with petty and indifferent things -- and all the while you look for that one bright moment that signals a better day; a turn that changes everything and lifts your heart back to the high ground of passion and a sense of self-worth.
Yes, just one token will do; that’s all it takes. And God is just the One to give it to you. He is, after all, “the God of all comfort” – and He will not fail to comfort you.
Joseph, Jeremiah, Paul -- these three great champions of faith each endured long years of feeling lost and forsaken, yet still they held tightly to a hope that the world can neither give, nor take away. Joseph rose in Egypt to historical greatness, Jeremiah was proven true by God and is to this day beloved my millions, and Paul conquered Rome while writing letters from a prison cell.
Don't give in to dark feelings of doubt and dismay, my friend, and no matter what do not give up. Your days are not over; there is yet much for you to see and do in God's unfolding plan.
All things work together for good, even if you can't see it right now. The day will surely come when you stand once again to proclaim the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Take a Token….the Lord has spoken!
.
“Show me a token for good, that those who hate me may see and be ashamed, O Lord, because You have helped me and comforted me” (Psa 86:17).
Someone wrote, “Be kind to people, for in some way everyone you meet is fighting some great battle.” They may never show it -- but still the burden is there.
I know a man with the weight of the world crushing his spirit; all familiar comforts fail to ease the great discomfort he feels in his soul; he lives each day tight-chested and short of breath; tired of eye and weary of hoping; still waiting for the Lord to come through and fulfill the promise of His Word -- such a fellow as this could do with a token for good. Just one token will do.
Perhaps you also are such a man, or woman. The career job you thought was yours for the duration has ended; the sense of purpose has gone, and your days ebb slowly from one to the next with petty and indifferent things -- and all the while you look for that one bright moment that signals a better day; a turn that changes everything and lifts your heart back to the high ground of passion and a sense of self-worth.
Yes, just one token will do; that’s all it takes. And God is just the One to give it to you. He is, after all, “the God of all comfort” – and He will not fail to comfort you.
Joseph, Jeremiah, Paul -- these three great champions of faith each endured long years of feeling lost and forsaken, yet still they held tightly to a hope that the world can neither give, nor take away. Joseph rose in Egypt to historical greatness, Jeremiah was proven true by God and is to this day beloved my millions, and Paul conquered Rome while writing letters from a prison cell.
Don't give in to dark feelings of doubt and dismay, my friend, and no matter what do not give up. Your days are not over; there is yet much for you to see and do in God's unfolding plan.
All things work together for good, even if you can't see it right now. The day will surely come when you stand once again to proclaim the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Take a Token….the Lord has spoken!
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Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Lord is Thinking About You Right Now
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"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you" (Jeremiah 29:11).
Have you ever prayed something like this: "Lord, I know what you must be thinking about me right now," and then began to tell Him what you were actually thinking about yourself?
We all do this. We condemn ourselves for the mistakes we have made and resolve within ourselves that it must be what the Lord thinks of us. But, this is a wrong thing to do! We have got to stop "putting our words in the Lord's mouth." We must come to know the Lord as He really is. We must let Him put HIS words in our mouths.
Listen to what the Lord says about Himself in the words of Jeremiah, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11).
And in the writings of Isaiah, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8,9).
In other words - God thinks more highly of us than we think of ourselves. And God's plans for us are greater than the plans we would set for ourselves.
Yet something within us makes us believe that God is always angry with us, always ready to "smite us, yea, and that right early!" We tread softly in His presence and cower when we pray, for we dare not rouse Him from slumber lest He strike us with His rod of righteous judgement -- YIKES!!
Now I ask you honestly, how in the world can you have any kind of a meaningful relationship with someone like that? You CAN'T! And that's precisely why so few really know the Lord.
Why not right now reintroduce yourself to the Lord. And ask Him to reintroduce Himself to you. Start afresh and live in the delight of knowing that His thoughts of you are of peace, and not of evil. And then you will discover that your thoughts of Him will also be of peace -- and not evil.
And that single change will transform everything else in your world!
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"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you" (Jeremiah 29:11).
Have you ever prayed something like this: "Lord, I know what you must be thinking about me right now," and then began to tell Him what you were actually thinking about yourself?
We all do this. We condemn ourselves for the mistakes we have made and resolve within ourselves that it must be what the Lord thinks of us. But, this is a wrong thing to do! We have got to stop "putting our words in the Lord's mouth." We must come to know the Lord as He really is. We must let Him put HIS words in our mouths.
Listen to what the Lord says about Himself in the words of Jeremiah, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11).
And in the writings of Isaiah, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8,9).
In other words - God thinks more highly of us than we think of ourselves. And God's plans for us are greater than the plans we would set for ourselves.
Yet something within us makes us believe that God is always angry with us, always ready to "smite us, yea, and that right early!" We tread softly in His presence and cower when we pray, for we dare not rouse Him from slumber lest He strike us with His rod of righteous judgement -- YIKES!!
Now I ask you honestly, how in the world can you have any kind of a meaningful relationship with someone like that? You CAN'T! And that's precisely why so few really know the Lord.
Why not right now reintroduce yourself to the Lord. And ask Him to reintroduce Himself to you. Start afresh and live in the delight of knowing that His thoughts of you are of peace, and not of evil. And then you will discover that your thoughts of Him will also be of peace -- and not evil.
And that single change will transform everything else in your world!
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Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Have You Seen God Lately?
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"Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God" (Matt. 5:8).
Did you know that our eyes are connected to our hearts? It's true. Whatever your heart is set upon, your eyes will search out and find. Whatever your heart dismisses as meaningless will always be passed over by your gaze.
For example -- have you ever noticed when you buy a new car and start driving it around, you then start seeing it each time someone else is driving the same model? Why? Because it matters to you; and because your heart is set upon it, your eyes will seek it out.
Have you seen God lately? If not, the problem is not with your eyes.....it's with your heart.
In another place the Bible says, "To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled" (Titus 1:15). In other words, we do not see things as they are, we see things as we are. And if we are broken, then we will not see things right -- even if they are right in front of us.
This is why we must turn to the Lord for cleansing whenever we are defiled by the awful things that happen in a fallen world. Otherwise we will carry the defilement within our hearts and find ourselves unable to even receive the words of the Lord, much less believe them.
A corrupted and broken heart can distort the words of God in the same way that a defective radio receiver distorts a good signal. The signal from the station is perfectly clear but the message being heard in the living room is garbled and disturbing.
Let God purify your heart from its brokenness and wounds -- and in no time at all you will be seeing Him at work allaround you! And your life will never be the same!
.
"Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God" (Matt. 5:8).
Did you know that our eyes are connected to our hearts? It's true. Whatever your heart is set upon, your eyes will search out and find. Whatever your heart dismisses as meaningless will always be passed over by your gaze.
For example -- have you ever noticed when you buy a new car and start driving it around, you then start seeing it each time someone else is driving the same model? Why? Because it matters to you; and because your heart is set upon it, your eyes will seek it out.
Have you seen God lately? If not, the problem is not with your eyes.....it's with your heart.
In another place the Bible says, "To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled" (Titus 1:15). In other words, we do not see things as they are, we see things as we are. And if we are broken, then we will not see things right -- even if they are right in front of us.
This is why we must turn to the Lord for cleansing whenever we are defiled by the awful things that happen in a fallen world. Otherwise we will carry the defilement within our hearts and find ourselves unable to even receive the words of the Lord, much less believe them.
A corrupted and broken heart can distort the words of God in the same way that a defective radio receiver distorts a good signal. The signal from the station is perfectly clear but the message being heard in the living room is garbled and disturbing.
Let God purify your heart from its brokenness and wounds -- and in no time at all you will be seeing Him at work allaround you! And your life will never be the same!
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Monday, September 14, 2009
One Mouth, and Two Ears
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"Let every man be swift to hear, and slow to speak" (James 1:19).
On more than one occasion Jesus reprimanded His disciples for their dullness of hearing and slowness of heart. "Can't you understand?" He asked them. "Is your heart too hard to take it in? Your eyes are to see with - why don't you look? Why don't you open your ears and listen? Don't you remember anything at all?" (Mark 8:17-18, Living Bible).
The apostle James was moved of God to write in his epistle to the early Christians this familiar charge, "Let every man be swift to hear, and slow to speak" (James 1:19). And it is still the same today as it was in ancient Israel and with the first disciples in Galilee. A stupor lingers in the hearts of many believers, blocking their discernment and appreciation of spiritual things. As a result more than a few are slow to listen to the word of the Lord.
The hectic pace of our modern world seems to have made Listening a lost art and replaced it with "much ado about nothing." Take note of the next conversation you have and see how much of it consists of you actually listening to what the other has to say. Go a step further and watch individuals as they are absorbed in conversation. It should not surprise you to find that the majority of people would rather hear themselves than to contemplate what another has to say.
Indeed, to entertain some people all one needs to do is listen!
Permit me to slightly alter a familiar nursery rhyme: "Old Mac Donald loved to hear the sound of his own words, and if he ever caught your ear that's all you ever heard! With a yak-yak here, and a yak-yak there.....!" Now, repeat the verse over and over and over again.
Someone cleverly observed that God gave man two ears and one mouth that he might listen twice as much as he speaks. What a great idea.
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"Let every man be swift to hear, and slow to speak" (James 1:19).
On more than one occasion Jesus reprimanded His disciples for their dullness of hearing and slowness of heart. "Can't you understand?" He asked them. "Is your heart too hard to take it in? Your eyes are to see with - why don't you look? Why don't you open your ears and listen? Don't you remember anything at all?" (Mark 8:17-18, Living Bible).
The apostle James was moved of God to write in his epistle to the early Christians this familiar charge, "Let every man be swift to hear, and slow to speak" (James 1:19). And it is still the same today as it was in ancient Israel and with the first disciples in Galilee. A stupor lingers in the hearts of many believers, blocking their discernment and appreciation of spiritual things. As a result more than a few are slow to listen to the word of the Lord.
The hectic pace of our modern world seems to have made Listening a lost art and replaced it with "much ado about nothing." Take note of the next conversation you have and see how much of it consists of you actually listening to what the other has to say. Go a step further and watch individuals as they are absorbed in conversation. It should not surprise you to find that the majority of people would rather hear themselves than to contemplate what another has to say.
Indeed, to entertain some people all one needs to do is listen!
Permit me to slightly alter a familiar nursery rhyme: "Old Mac Donald loved to hear the sound of his own words, and if he ever caught your ear that's all you ever heard! With a yak-yak here, and a yak-yak there.....!" Now, repeat the verse over and over and over again.
Someone cleverly observed that God gave man two ears and one mouth that he might listen twice as much as he speaks. What a great idea.
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Sunday, September 13, 2009
Lend an Ear to a Love Song
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"If My people would but listen to Me..." (Psalm 81:13).
The Lord is looking for Listeners, those who will be both attentive and obedient to His revealed will. To such as these He will surely speak -- "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him" (2 Chronicles 16:9).
Although He is looking, He does not often find them. This is not merely a condition of modern times, but rather is a longstanding problem that has characterized the people of God throughout history.
The Lord lamented Israel's indifference to His Word, revealing that their defeats in battle were directly tied to their neglect of listening to His voice. "If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways, how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!" (Psalm 81:13-14).
Charles H. Spurgeon, the distinguished prince of preachers, once commented on this verse, saying, "Our enemies find their greatest weapons against us in the stockpile of our own disobedience. They could not defeat us were we not first to defeat ourselves" (The Treasury of David, Vol. IV, pg. 30).
The foremost cause of our many defeats is failure to listen to what the Lord is saying to us, and to do what He is telling us. Oh, how much grief do we experience in our lives simply because we do not lend an ear to a Love Song!
Imagine what a difference it would make in your life today if you listened for the Lord to speak to you, and then did what He wants you to do. Why, the results would be so wonderful that you would lift you voice to heaven and sing your own love song back to Him!
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"If My people would but listen to Me..." (Psalm 81:13).
The Lord is looking for Listeners, those who will be both attentive and obedient to His revealed will. To such as these He will surely speak -- "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him" (2 Chronicles 16:9).
Although He is looking, He does not often find them. This is not merely a condition of modern times, but rather is a longstanding problem that has characterized the people of God throughout history.
The Lord lamented Israel's indifference to His Word, revealing that their defeats in battle were directly tied to their neglect of listening to His voice. "If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways, how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!" (Psalm 81:13-14).
Charles H. Spurgeon, the distinguished prince of preachers, once commented on this verse, saying, "Our enemies find their greatest weapons against us in the stockpile of our own disobedience. They could not defeat us were we not first to defeat ourselves" (The Treasury of David, Vol. IV, pg. 30).
The foremost cause of our many defeats is failure to listen to what the Lord is saying to us, and to do what He is telling us. Oh, how much grief do we experience in our lives simply because we do not lend an ear to a Love Song!
Imagine what a difference it would make in your life today if you listened for the Lord to speak to you, and then did what He wants you to do. Why, the results would be so wonderful that you would lift you voice to heaven and sing your own love song back to Him!
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Saturday, September 12, 2009
God Speaks When Kings Die
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“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord!” (Isaiah 6:1)
Young minds are always highly impressionable, especially by men or women of great charismatic influence. Certainly Isaiah had to be effected by the fame and flair of King Uzziah, a man anointed and used by God in many significant ways.
Perhaps Uzziah’s swashbuckling approach to life would be all the natural inspiration a young man like Isaiah would need to move him to dare great things for himself. We can only surmise these things from the little evidence we have to work with.
We know that Isaiah prophesied before the death of King Uzziah, and a careful reading of his sobering denouncements shows the fiery passion of untempered youth. No less than eight times in the first five chapters of Isaiah’s writing we find the phrase, “Woe unto you!”
In his opening volley he likens Judah and Jerusalem to Sodom and Gomorrah. He likens the nation to a diseased body, stricken with wounds, bruises, and putrefying sores throughout. And he blasts the people as being dumber than an ox, and more stubborn than a jackass.
Yep, I’ve known some young preachers who were like that. In fact, I was one of them!
In Isaiah's case, a defining moment occurs at the death of King Uzziah. Something so rocked Isaiah’s world that he entered the temple to seek God in silence and humility. It was then that he received his legendary vision.
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord!” he tells us. “He was high and lifted up, and His robes filled the Temple.” Though an earthly king has passed from the temporal throne of his empire, the Lord reigns as King upon the throne of Heaven -- forever!
And suddenly a shift happens in Isaiah’s heart. Listen to his own words – “Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts” (Isa 6:5).
It was this singular act of brokenness and true humility that opened the door for his anointing, making Isaiah one of the greatest prophetic voices ever.
Among his “all-time hits” we find these headliners: the Virgin Birth (ch.7:14), The Savior’s Character (ch.9:6), The Ministry of Jesus (ch.61:1-3), The Crucifixion (ch.52:13-53:12), The Redemption of the Gentiles (ch.60:1-3), The Second Coming of Christ (ch.63:1-5, and 64:1-5), and The New Heavens and Earth (ch.66:22).
The point is simple -- if your world seems to be caving in around you find that place where you can meet with God, seeing Him as the King who is on the Throne. Hear Him speak, and then receive the power to do whatever it is that He calls you to do.
And who knows -- maybe history will reverberate once again with the ways that He uses you!
.
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord!” (Isaiah 6:1)
Young minds are always highly impressionable, especially by men or women of great charismatic influence. Certainly Isaiah had to be effected by the fame and flair of King Uzziah, a man anointed and used by God in many significant ways.
Perhaps Uzziah’s swashbuckling approach to life would be all the natural inspiration a young man like Isaiah would need to move him to dare great things for himself. We can only surmise these things from the little evidence we have to work with.
We know that Isaiah prophesied before the death of King Uzziah, and a careful reading of his sobering denouncements shows the fiery passion of untempered youth. No less than eight times in the first five chapters of Isaiah’s writing we find the phrase, “Woe unto you!”
In his opening volley he likens Judah and Jerusalem to Sodom and Gomorrah. He likens the nation to a diseased body, stricken with wounds, bruises, and putrefying sores throughout. And he blasts the people as being dumber than an ox, and more stubborn than a jackass.
Yep, I’ve known some young preachers who were like that. In fact, I was one of them!
In Isaiah's case, a defining moment occurs at the death of King Uzziah. Something so rocked Isaiah’s world that he entered the temple to seek God in silence and humility. It was then that he received his legendary vision.
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord!” he tells us. “He was high and lifted up, and His robes filled the Temple.” Though an earthly king has passed from the temporal throne of his empire, the Lord reigns as King upon the throne of Heaven -- forever!
And suddenly a shift happens in Isaiah’s heart. Listen to his own words – “Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts” (Isa 6:5).
It was this singular act of brokenness and true humility that opened the door for his anointing, making Isaiah one of the greatest prophetic voices ever.
Among his “all-time hits” we find these headliners: the Virgin Birth (ch.7:14), The Savior’s Character (ch.9:6), The Ministry of Jesus (ch.61:1-3), The Crucifixion (ch.52:13-53:12), The Redemption of the Gentiles (ch.60:1-3), The Second Coming of Christ (ch.63:1-5, and 64:1-5), and The New Heavens and Earth (ch.66:22).
The point is simple -- if your world seems to be caving in around you find that place where you can meet with God, seeing Him as the King who is on the Throne. Hear Him speak, and then receive the power to do whatever it is that He calls you to do.
And who knows -- maybe history will reverberate once again with the ways that He uses you!
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Friday, September 11, 2009
“Do Not Open!”
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“King Uzziah had leprosy until the day he died. He lived in a separate house — leprous, and excluded from the temple of the LORD.” (2 Chronicles 26:21).
King Uzziah was one of the great and beloved leaders of history. He was an inventive genius, blessed by God was great success in everything he set his hand to do. But somewhere along the way he crossed the line. His heart grew proud and he became an impatient and presumptuous man. The results were tragic.
His story now stands as a warning to leaders everywhere -- there are some doors that are not to be opened; some powers that are not to be assumed; and some lines that must never be crossed.
On that fateful day when Uzziah angrily pushed past the priests and entered the Temple in violation of God’s decree, wrongfully assuming that his kingly rank entitled him to do so, he was struck instantly with leprosy -- and never recovered. In that impetuous moment he lost everything.
He himself was rushed by the priest out of the Temple, never to enter again. He was also removed from the palace, never to enter again. And he was placed in a separated house, never to leave.
Furthermore, Uzziah’s mysterious leprosy was serious enough that even after he died, was placed in a specific grave apart from the royal tombs.
In 1931 Professor E. I. Sukenik of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered an artifact in a Russian Convent collection. The Aramaic inscription read, “Hither we brought the bones of Uzziah, do not open.” The stone now can be seen in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. But the grave of Uzziah itself cannot be found.
Thus, even the final resting place of his infectious bones is sealed off forever.
And that is best, for surely somebody today would presumptuously open that tomb in the name of science, or in a vain quest for fame, and unleash into our world whatever it was that killed the king. Something so bad that the stone reads, “Do Not Open!”
See in all this the sobering finality of Uzziah’s daring behavior. The suddenness and severity with which he passed from royalty to ruin leaves a lasting legacy for all who follow after him. What door has the Lord closed to you? What warnings are posted by the Holy Spirit as you approach the point of no return? Do you nevertheless proceed, or does wisdom and humility prevail as you back away and leave well enough alone?
Isaiah said, “In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.” (Isa.6:1). Sometimes it takes the falling of an earthly king to lift our sights higher to the King of Heaven.
.
“King Uzziah had leprosy until the day he died. He lived in a separate house — leprous, and excluded from the temple of the LORD.” (2 Chronicles 26:21).
King Uzziah was one of the great and beloved leaders of history. He was an inventive genius, blessed by God was great success in everything he set his hand to do. But somewhere along the way he crossed the line. His heart grew proud and he became an impatient and presumptuous man. The results were tragic.
His story now stands as a warning to leaders everywhere -- there are some doors that are not to be opened; some powers that are not to be assumed; and some lines that must never be crossed.
On that fateful day when Uzziah angrily pushed past the priests and entered the Temple in violation of God’s decree, wrongfully assuming that his kingly rank entitled him to do so, he was struck instantly with leprosy -- and never recovered. In that impetuous moment he lost everything.
He himself was rushed by the priest out of the Temple, never to enter again. He was also removed from the palace, never to enter again. And he was placed in a separated house, never to leave.
Furthermore, Uzziah’s mysterious leprosy was serious enough that even after he died, was placed in a specific grave apart from the royal tombs.
In 1931 Professor E. I. Sukenik of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered an artifact in a Russian Convent collection. The Aramaic inscription read, “Hither we brought the bones of Uzziah, do not open.” The stone now can be seen in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. But the grave of Uzziah itself cannot be found.
Thus, even the final resting place of his infectious bones is sealed off forever.
And that is best, for surely somebody today would presumptuously open that tomb in the name of science, or in a vain quest for fame, and unleash into our world whatever it was that killed the king. Something so bad that the stone reads, “Do Not Open!”
See in all this the sobering finality of Uzziah’s daring behavior. The suddenness and severity with which he passed from royalty to ruin leaves a lasting legacy for all who follow after him. What door has the Lord closed to you? What warnings are posted by the Holy Spirit as you approach the point of no return? Do you nevertheless proceed, or does wisdom and humility prevail as you back away and leave well enough alone?
Isaiah said, “In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.” (Isa.6:1). Sometimes it takes the falling of an earthly king to lift our sights higher to the King of Heaven.
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Thursday, September 10, 2009
God Knows What He is Doing
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“Who could ever have told GOD what to do or taught him his business?” (Isaiah 40:13, The Message).
On the first day, God created the dog and said: “Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years.” The dog said: “That’s a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I’ll give you back the other ten?”
So God agreed..
On the second day, God created the monkey and said: “Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span.” The monkey said: “Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the Dog did?”
And God agreed.
On the third day, God created the cow and said: “You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and labor under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years.” The cow said: “That’s kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I’ll give back the other forty?”
And God agreed again.
On the fourth day, God created man and said: “Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I’ll give you twenty years.” But man said: “Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?”
“Okay,” said God, “You asked for it; you got it.” So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we labor in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.
The moral of the story is: It’s best to let God do His own work in His own way. He knows what He is doing. When we interject our own ideas into the process, we only mess things up royally!
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“Who could ever have told GOD what to do or taught him his business?” (Isaiah 40:13, The Message).
On the first day, God created the dog and said: “Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years.” The dog said: “That’s a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I’ll give you back the other ten?”
So God agreed..
On the second day, God created the monkey and said: “Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span.” The monkey said: “Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the Dog did?”
And God agreed.
On the third day, God created the cow and said: “You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and labor under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years.” The cow said: “That’s kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I’ll give back the other forty?”
And God agreed again.
On the fourth day, God created man and said: “Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I’ll give you twenty years.” But man said: “Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?”
“Okay,” said God, “You asked for it; you got it.” So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we labor in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.
The moral of the story is: It’s best to let God do His own work in His own way. He knows what He is doing. When we interject our own ideas into the process, we only mess things up royally!
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Wednesday, September 09, 2009
The First Five
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“Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he said, ‘Behold the Lamb of God!’ And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.” (John 1:35-37).
When we look at those who first came to be followers of Jesus, we discover a most interesting thing. We see the diverse way in which the Lord brings us to Himself. And in these early disciples, we discover at least five ways that God’s Spirit works to influence us today as followers of Jesus.
The first two disciples, Andrew and John, represent the first two ways the Holy Spirit works in our hearts today – the Scripture, and the Preaching of the Word. They heard John preach, and followed Jesus. It stil happens this way today. Some respond because they read a passage of Scripture that ignites their hearts with faith. Others hear a sermon that moves them to repentance.
Peter, the third to follow, represents those who come to Christ through the influence in the home; it was Andrew, Peter’s brother, who brought him to Jesus. Perhaps someone in your family has helped you find your way into the Savior’s arms.
Philip follows as the fourth. We are told that Jesus found him, and said “Follow Me.” Philip represents those who mysteriously, and unmistakably hear the voice of the Lord calling to them in the depths of their own soul – and they respond.
Finally, we come to Nathaniel, a devout man of faith who was brought to Jesus when Philip went and found him, saying, “Come and see.” Nathaniel represents those who come to Jesus through the influence of friends who care about them.
As you reflect upon your own story – how did Jesus bring you to Himself? To be sure, once we fully follow the Lord we will have rich experience in all these many ways that He speaks to our hearts; but which one was the first for you?
For me, it was the mysterious, unmistakable hearing of God’s voice speaking personally to my heart. Yes, I had read many Bible stories and heard multiple sermons – but yet I was not moved by these things to become a follower of Jesus.
There was no family influence for me either, for my family was broken and scattered. Nor was there any friend who sought me out with the glad news of a Savior’s love. Still, I am a follower of Jesus today – because He sought me out and called me to Himself.
And you know, He is doing the same for you – one way, or another!
.
“Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he said, ‘Behold the Lamb of God!’ And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.” (John 1:35-37).
When we look at those who first came to be followers of Jesus, we discover a most interesting thing. We see the diverse way in which the Lord brings us to Himself. And in these early disciples, we discover at least five ways that God’s Spirit works to influence us today as followers of Jesus.
The first two disciples, Andrew and John, represent the first two ways the Holy Spirit works in our hearts today – the Scripture, and the Preaching of the Word. They heard John preach, and followed Jesus. It stil happens this way today. Some respond because they read a passage of Scripture that ignites their hearts with faith. Others hear a sermon that moves them to repentance.
Peter, the third to follow, represents those who come to Christ through the influence in the home; it was Andrew, Peter’s brother, who brought him to Jesus. Perhaps someone in your family has helped you find your way into the Savior’s arms.
Philip follows as the fourth. We are told that Jesus found him, and said “Follow Me.” Philip represents those who mysteriously, and unmistakably hear the voice of the Lord calling to them in the depths of their own soul – and they respond.
Finally, we come to Nathaniel, a devout man of faith who was brought to Jesus when Philip went and found him, saying, “Come and see.” Nathaniel represents those who come to Jesus through the influence of friends who care about them.
As you reflect upon your own story – how did Jesus bring you to Himself? To be sure, once we fully follow the Lord we will have rich experience in all these many ways that He speaks to our hearts; but which one was the first for you?
For me, it was the mysterious, unmistakable hearing of God’s voice speaking personally to my heart. Yes, I had read many Bible stories and heard multiple sermons – but yet I was not moved by these things to become a follower of Jesus.
There was no family influence for me either, for my family was broken and scattered. Nor was there any friend who sought me out with the glad news of a Savior’s love. Still, I am a follower of Jesus today – because He sought me out and called me to Himself.
And you know, He is doing the same for you – one way, or another!
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Tuesday, September 08, 2009
When I Need a Word From God
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“I sat down utterly baffled” (Ezra 9:3, Living Bible)
When Ezra learned that the leaders had defaulted to the pagan mindset of the surrounding nations, and had by their example permitted the people to believe and behave in manners that were directly opposed to God's Word – “he sat down utterly baffled.”
As indeed he should have. For they were in the midst of a historic move of God; a great revival of epic proportions. And now, their indifference to the ways of God threatened the entire thing!
Have you ever been faced with a situation that left you utterly baffled? I have; many times over the course of my life. Most recently I encountered a real dilemma; a personal challenge that, despite my best efforts to sort it out, nothing worked. I was gut-punched and heart-broken....and “utterly baffled.”
In times like these I go to the only source of life and love I know to be sure and unchanging -- I go to the Lord. And I seek from Him a word that will enlighten my darkness, and empower me through the darkness of any situation. And God is faithful -- He speaks, and the entrance of His words bring light and hope.
I thought it would be of benefit to you for me to tell you the steps I take when ever I need a word from God.
First, I get quiet. By shutting out all other voices, I can zero in on the one Voice that truly matters.
Then, I get alone. Often the distractions of familiar things can preoccupy my thoughts and prevent me from actually listening for the still, small voice of the Lord.
Next, I open the Bible. It is the Great Lexicon of God's language, a complete panorama of His astounding Vocabulary. Somewhere in these worn and proven pages there awaits for my searching eye a life-impacting word from the Lord.
Then I open my heart. God speaks to our heart far more clearly than He speaks to our heads. It is not knowledge that I am seeking; it is revelation. And that can only happen when the eyes of my heart are opened.
The next thing I do is look and listen as I read. I am in no hurry, and I take in all the sights as I stroll through the passage of Scripture. I pay close attention to every word, pondering both its obvious and deeper meaning; ever waiting for that flash that comes when the Lord turns on the lights.
Then, I write what I see and hear. This is important; for the Lord may indeed have much to say to me, and if I trust all to my feeble memory I will do a great dis-service to my soul.
Afterwards, I reflect upon it. I mull it over and over in my mind; and as I do so, each pass seems to unpack even more insights than I at first had gleaned.
And then I tell it to others. This is one of the great secret of the Kingdom -- if you want to keep something that the Lord has given to you, give it away to others! For by doing so you not only bless them with fresh bread from heaven, but you solidify the word in the depths of your own soul as well.
This process has served me well now for over forty years of following Jesus. I encourage you to try it for yourself, and you will find that it works for you also!
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“I sat down utterly baffled” (Ezra 9:3, Living Bible)
When Ezra learned that the leaders had defaulted to the pagan mindset of the surrounding nations, and had by their example permitted the people to believe and behave in manners that were directly opposed to God's Word – “he sat down utterly baffled.”
As indeed he should have. For they were in the midst of a historic move of God; a great revival of epic proportions. And now, their indifference to the ways of God threatened the entire thing!
Have you ever been faced with a situation that left you utterly baffled? I have; many times over the course of my life. Most recently I encountered a real dilemma; a personal challenge that, despite my best efforts to sort it out, nothing worked. I was gut-punched and heart-broken....and “utterly baffled.”
In times like these I go to the only source of life and love I know to be sure and unchanging -- I go to the Lord. And I seek from Him a word that will enlighten my darkness, and empower me through the darkness of any situation. And God is faithful -- He speaks, and the entrance of His words bring light and hope.
I thought it would be of benefit to you for me to tell you the steps I take when ever I need a word from God.
First, I get quiet. By shutting out all other voices, I can zero in on the one Voice that truly matters.
Then, I get alone. Often the distractions of familiar things can preoccupy my thoughts and prevent me from actually listening for the still, small voice of the Lord.
Next, I open the Bible. It is the Great Lexicon of God's language, a complete panorama of His astounding Vocabulary. Somewhere in these worn and proven pages there awaits for my searching eye a life-impacting word from the Lord.
Then I open my heart. God speaks to our heart far more clearly than He speaks to our heads. It is not knowledge that I am seeking; it is revelation. And that can only happen when the eyes of my heart are opened.
The next thing I do is look and listen as I read. I am in no hurry, and I take in all the sights as I stroll through the passage of Scripture. I pay close attention to every word, pondering both its obvious and deeper meaning; ever waiting for that flash that comes when the Lord turns on the lights.
Then, I write what I see and hear. This is important; for the Lord may indeed have much to say to me, and if I trust all to my feeble memory I will do a great dis-service to my soul.
Afterwards, I reflect upon it. I mull it over and over in my mind; and as I do so, each pass seems to unpack even more insights than I at first had gleaned.
And then I tell it to others. This is one of the great secret of the Kingdom -- if you want to keep something that the Lord has given to you, give it away to others! For by doing so you not only bless them with fresh bread from heaven, but you solidify the word in the depths of your own soul as well.
This process has served me well now for over forty years of following Jesus. I encourage you to try it for yourself, and you will find that it works for you also!
.
Monday, September 07, 2009
When the Big Dawg Barks
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"Whoever does not obey the law of your God and the law of the king must surely be punished by death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment." (Ezra 7:26).
We have read how Cyrus the Great was moved by God to act boldly and generously on behalf of God's people, who had been held captive for seventy years in Babylon; setting them free, and empowering them with both his royal decree and his supply of resources from the royal treasury, to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple of the Lord.
We can only imagine the wonder that surely must've swept through the liberated community as they marched back to their homeland and began the process of recovery.
But, despite Cyrus' support, these returning Jews were not without opposition. There were many local lords who so hated God's people that they would interfere in any way possible, seeking to prevent them from having any success or happiness in life at all. And that is still going on in the world to this very day.
When news of this opposition reached the ears of Cyrus, he pulled rank on all these puny politicians and roared like a lion with his imperial power. He shot forth a royal decree that left no doubt about the high price of rebellion against his policies. Here is an excerpt of that decree, issued to those who were trying to thwart the work of God:
"Whatever the God of heaven has prescribed, let it be done with diligence for the temple of the God of heaven. Why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and of his sons?
"You are also to know that you have no authority to impose taxes, tribute or duty on any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants or other workers at this house of God.
"And you, Ezra, in accordance with the wisdom of your God, which you possess, appoint magistrates and judges to administer justice to all the people of Trans-Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach any who do not know them. Whoever does not obey the law of your God and the law of the king must surely be punished by death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment." (Ezra 7:23-26).
I guess we might say, "The big dawg barked, and all the yapping little dogs headed for cover."
We read that four devastating judgements attend those who rebel against the king's decree -- death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment. If this be true of those who oppose earthly powers, then what shall become of those who refuse to honor the Lord of Heaven and Earth?
"Yield now and be at peace with Him; thereby good will come to you. Please receive instruction from His mouth and establish His words in your heart." (Job 22:21-22, NASB). God's Word is tried and true; and the safest, surest, and most secure thing you can do with your life is to anchor it upon this solid rock!
Seek God's face, hear God's Voice, and do God's will. And the big dawg will neither bark nor bite when you come around!
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"Whoever does not obey the law of your God and the law of the king must surely be punished by death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment." (Ezra 7:26).
We have read how Cyrus the Great was moved by God to act boldly and generously on behalf of God's people, who had been held captive for seventy years in Babylon; setting them free, and empowering them with both his royal decree and his supply of resources from the royal treasury, to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple of the Lord.
We can only imagine the wonder that surely must've swept through the liberated community as they marched back to their homeland and began the process of recovery.
But, despite Cyrus' support, these returning Jews were not without opposition. There were many local lords who so hated God's people that they would interfere in any way possible, seeking to prevent them from having any success or happiness in life at all. And that is still going on in the world to this very day.
When news of this opposition reached the ears of Cyrus, he pulled rank on all these puny politicians and roared like a lion with his imperial power. He shot forth a royal decree that left no doubt about the high price of rebellion against his policies. Here is an excerpt of that decree, issued to those who were trying to thwart the work of God:
"Whatever the God of heaven has prescribed, let it be done with diligence for the temple of the God of heaven. Why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and of his sons?
"You are also to know that you have no authority to impose taxes, tribute or duty on any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants or other workers at this house of God.
"And you, Ezra, in accordance with the wisdom of your God, which you possess, appoint magistrates and judges to administer justice to all the people of Trans-Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach any who do not know them. Whoever does not obey the law of your God and the law of the king must surely be punished by death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment." (Ezra 7:23-26).
I guess we might say, "The big dawg barked, and all the yapping little dogs headed for cover."
We read that four devastating judgements attend those who rebel against the king's decree -- death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment. If this be true of those who oppose earthly powers, then what shall become of those who refuse to honor the Lord of Heaven and Earth?
"Yield now and be at peace with Him; thereby good will come to you. Please receive instruction from His mouth and establish His words in your heart." (Job 22:21-22, NASB). God's Word is tried and true; and the safest, surest, and most secure thing you can do with your life is to anchor it upon this solid rock!
Seek God's face, hear God's Voice, and do God's will. And the big dawg will neither bark nor bite when you come around!
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Sunday, September 06, 2009
A Child of the King
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"If you run short of money for the construction of the Temple or for any similar needs, you may requisition funds from the royal treasury" (Ezra 7:20, Living Bible).
An old familiar song goes, "My Father is rich in houses and lands; He holdeth the wealth of the world in His hands. Of rubies and diamonds, of silver and gold; His treasury is full, He has riches untold. I'm a child of the King, a child of the King; with Jesus my Savior -- I'm a child of the King!"
There is a Royal Treasury, greater by far than any earthly kingdom affords, open for all God's children. "Come boldly to the throne of grace," He tells us, "that you may obtain mercy and find grace to help you in your time of need"(Hebrews 4:16). Even Paul the Apostle reassures us that "God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory, by Christ Jesus!" (Philippians 4:19)
And remember the renown Psalm of David? "The Lord is my Shepherd," he writes, "I shall not want." A few verses later he says, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runneth over."(Psalm 23)
And then there is this great Scripture, one of my all time favorite -- "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all time having all that you need, you will abound to every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8).
Sure, we live in a time when money is tight and stress is high. But this has no effect upon God's economy. He is not wringing His hands in Heaven. There are no shortages in His Kingdom, no corruption in His courts, nor bankruptcy in His economy.
Have you asked Him to meet your needs? You should, you know. Moreover, you may! You have His permission; He is waiting to hear from you! Indeed, as the Bible says, you may requisition funds from the Royal Treasury -- for you are a child of the King.
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"If you run short of money for the construction of the Temple or for any similar needs, you may requisition funds from the royal treasury" (Ezra 7:20, Living Bible).
An old familiar song goes, "My Father is rich in houses and lands; He holdeth the wealth of the world in His hands. Of rubies and diamonds, of silver and gold; His treasury is full, He has riches untold. I'm a child of the King, a child of the King; with Jesus my Savior -- I'm a child of the King!"
There is a Royal Treasury, greater by far than any earthly kingdom affords, open for all God's children. "Come boldly to the throne of grace," He tells us, "that you may obtain mercy and find grace to help you in your time of need"(Hebrews 4:16). Even Paul the Apostle reassures us that "God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory, by Christ Jesus!" (Philippians 4:19)
And remember the renown Psalm of David? "The Lord is my Shepherd," he writes, "I shall not want." A few verses later he says, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runneth over."(Psalm 23)
And then there is this great Scripture, one of my all time favorite -- "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all time having all that you need, you will abound to every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8).
Sure, we live in a time when money is tight and stress is high. But this has no effect upon God's economy. He is not wringing His hands in Heaven. There are no shortages in His Kingdom, no corruption in His courts, nor bankruptcy in His economy.
Have you asked Him to meet your needs? You should, you know. Moreover, you may! You have His permission; He is waiting to hear from you! Indeed, as the Bible says, you may requisition funds from the Royal Treasury -- for you are a child of the King.
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Saturday, September 05, 2009
The God Who is Watching
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"But God was watching over the Jewish leaders...." (Ezra 5:5, Good News Bible).
A great controversy stirred among people of opposing views, with accusations flying and condemnations mounting. Sounds like a few churches we know today. But this was way back in the time of Ezra.
God was on the move and change was in the air, but some people who liked things the way they were, tried to prevent the revival from spreading any further. But their attempts to discourage the people of God, and derail the revival were woefully inadequate, because "God was watching."
The Living Bible says, "the Lord was over-seeing the entire situation."
Doesn't that put everything else into perspective? It helps to know that God sees everything that is going on, especially in a time of confusion; in a time of disruption and opposition; in a time when alliances break down and friendships seem to fade away, as arrows of accusation fly and blows of blame lay heavy upon the broken heart.
The Lord is over-seeing the entire situation.
He can subdue the foe, silence the critic, and stay the hand of the executioner. He can thwart the most ingenious of schemes, and bring to nothing the counsel of the even the wisest of men. When we are seeking His face, hearing His voice, and doing His will -- no plan of man or devils can stop us from finishing our work.
There is no need to defend yourself whenever you are falsely accused, no need to advance yourself when you are unduly held back, and no need to justify yourself when you are unjustly condemned -- for the Lord is over-seeing the entire situation. He will see to it that truth prevails over opinions, and that mercy triumphs over judgement.
As for you, just keep your head down and move steadily onward in the direction of obedience -- for God is watching; even if no one else seems to be.
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"But God was watching over the Jewish leaders...." (Ezra 5:5, Good News Bible).
A great controversy stirred among people of opposing views, with accusations flying and condemnations mounting. Sounds like a few churches we know today. But this was way back in the time of Ezra.
God was on the move and change was in the air, but some people who liked things the way they were, tried to prevent the revival from spreading any further. But their attempts to discourage the people of God, and derail the revival were woefully inadequate, because "God was watching."
The Living Bible says, "the Lord was over-seeing the entire situation."
Doesn't that put everything else into perspective? It helps to know that God sees everything that is going on, especially in a time of confusion; in a time of disruption and opposition; in a time when alliances break down and friendships seem to fade away, as arrows of accusation fly and blows of blame lay heavy upon the broken heart.
The Lord is over-seeing the entire situation.
He can subdue the foe, silence the critic, and stay the hand of the executioner. He can thwart the most ingenious of schemes, and bring to nothing the counsel of the even the wisest of men. When we are seeking His face, hearing His voice, and doing His will -- no plan of man or devils can stop us from finishing our work.
There is no need to defend yourself whenever you are falsely accused, no need to advance yourself when you are unduly held back, and no need to justify yourself when you are unjustly condemned -- for the Lord is over-seeing the entire situation. He will see to it that truth prevails over opinions, and that mercy triumphs over judgement.
As for you, just keep your head down and move steadily onward in the direction of obedience -- for God is watching; even if no one else seems to be.
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Friday, September 04, 2009
Setting Your Heart Upon God's Word
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"For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel" (Ezra 7:10, NASB).
The Bible tells us that Ezra's trip from Babylon to Jerusalem, a journey of about 900 miles, took less than five months because "the gracious hand of his God was on him." And then adds, "This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the LORD and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel" (Ezra 7:9-10).
When we set our hearts upon studying and obeying God's Word, and add the desire to teach it to others -- God will prosper our steps with expedience and favor. "The path of the righteous is like the light of day, shining brighter and brighter" (Proverbs 4:18).
Ezra and his fellow footmen were protected from attacks by bandits, and were preserved in their supplies, both physically and emotionally. They left Babylon in high hopes, and arrived in Jerusalem refreshed and filled with wonder.
Elsewhere the Bible says, "Great peace have they who love Your Law; and nothing will offend them" (Psa.119:165). Set your heart upon God's Word, and watch how God begins to prosper your way; how He blesses you in business, in friendships, in breakthroughs, and in favor with others.
The bottom line is that God's Word is true and trustworthy, and by opening our hearts to its life-giving power, we can live everyday in the deep assurance that God will open His heart to us with blessing and favor.
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"For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel" (Ezra 7:10, NASB).
The Bible tells us that Ezra's trip from Babylon to Jerusalem, a journey of about 900 miles, took less than five months because "the gracious hand of his God was on him." And then adds, "This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the LORD and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel" (Ezra 7:9-10).
When we set our hearts upon studying and obeying God's Word, and add the desire to teach it to others -- God will prosper our steps with expedience and favor. "The path of the righteous is like the light of day, shining brighter and brighter" (Proverbs 4:18).
Ezra and his fellow footmen were protected from attacks by bandits, and were preserved in their supplies, both physically and emotionally. They left Babylon in high hopes, and arrived in Jerusalem refreshed and filled with wonder.
Elsewhere the Bible says, "Great peace have they who love Your Law; and nothing will offend them" (Psa.119:165). Set your heart upon God's Word, and watch how God begins to prosper your way; how He blesses you in business, in friendships, in breakthroughs, and in favor with others.
The bottom line is that God's Word is true and trustworthy, and by opening our hearts to its life-giving power, we can live everyday in the deep assurance that God will open His heart to us with blessing and favor.
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Thursday, September 03, 2009
The Unfailing Word of God
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"In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia -- this fulfilled the Message of GOD preached by Jeremiah -- GOD prodded Cyrus king of Persia to make an official announcement throughout his kingdom." (Ezra 1:1, The Message).
We saw yesterday how God used the words of Isaiah to prod the Great Cyrus into action. And today we will see that the action Cyrus took fulfilled the words of the prophet Jeremiah, spoken almost 100 years earlier. Though it seems to take forever, the words God has given will always come to pass!
"The whole landscape will be one vast wasteland," Jeremiah proclaimed. "These countries will be in subjection to the king of Babylon for seventy years"(Jer 25:11). And again, "This is GOD's Word on the subject: As soon as Babylon's seventy years are up and not a day before, I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home." (Jeremiah 29:10).
God did what Jeremiah said He would do. And note this -- God fulfilled Jeremiah's word in a most astounding way -- one that no man could have ever imagined. He moved upon the heart of a pagan king, the Great Cyrus of Persia (modern day Iran), to initiate and underwrite the return of God's people to Jerusalem for the specific purpose of rebuilding the Temple of the Lord!
Here are the words of Cyrus himself -- "From Cyrus king of Persia, a Proclamation: GOD, the God of the heavens, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has also assigned me to build him a Temple of worship in Jerusalem, Judah. Who among you belongs to his people? God be with you! Go to Jerusalem which is in Judah and build The Temple of GOD, the God of Israel, Jerusalem's God." (Ezra 1:1-3, The Message).
Don't think for a moment that God's Word will ever fail. No matter what may be happening in this world, no matter who may be ruling in the kingdoms of men, no matter what the economy of this world system may dictate, and no matter what people may say or think -- what God says will always prove true.
You can put your trust in Him!
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"In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia -- this fulfilled the Message of GOD preached by Jeremiah -- GOD prodded Cyrus king of Persia to make an official announcement throughout his kingdom." (Ezra 1:1, The Message).
We saw yesterday how God used the words of Isaiah to prod the Great Cyrus into action. And today we will see that the action Cyrus took fulfilled the words of the prophet Jeremiah, spoken almost 100 years earlier. Though it seems to take forever, the words God has given will always come to pass!
"The whole landscape will be one vast wasteland," Jeremiah proclaimed. "These countries will be in subjection to the king of Babylon for seventy years"(Jer 25:11). And again, "This is GOD's Word on the subject: As soon as Babylon's seventy years are up and not a day before, I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home." (Jeremiah 29:10).
God did what Jeremiah said He would do. And note this -- God fulfilled Jeremiah's word in a most astounding way -- one that no man could have ever imagined. He moved upon the heart of a pagan king, the Great Cyrus of Persia (modern day Iran), to initiate and underwrite the return of God's people to Jerusalem for the specific purpose of rebuilding the Temple of the Lord!
Here are the words of Cyrus himself -- "From Cyrus king of Persia, a Proclamation: GOD, the God of the heavens, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has also assigned me to build him a Temple of worship in Jerusalem, Judah. Who among you belongs to his people? God be with you! Go to Jerusalem which is in Judah and build The Temple of GOD, the God of Israel, Jerusalem's God." (Ezra 1:1-3, The Message).
Don't think for a moment that God's Word will ever fail. No matter what may be happening in this world, no matter who may be ruling in the kingdoms of men, no matter what the economy of this world system may dictate, and no matter what people may say or think -- what God says will always prove true.
You can put your trust in Him!
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Wednesday, September 02, 2009
"Hey, Just Exactly Who's in Charge Here?"
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"God prodded Cyrus" (Ezra 1:1, The Message).
Obviously, God is in charge; always has been, always will be. It is He who prods the kings of this world to do His will. It was the Lord who stirred up the spirit of Cyrus, inspired him with faith, and prompted him to action on behalf of God's people.
The question arises, How did God "prod" Cyrus?
Consider this as a most likely probability. Daniel the prophet served faithfully in the courts of Babylon and would have credible access to the Throne. He would obviously be very familiar with Scripture, and seek every sensible opportunity to share God's Word with those in leadership.
Imagine how long Daniel must have waited for the moment to come when he could speak to Cyrus, and tell him of the words written by Isaiah the prophet almost one hundred years earlier -- words that prophesied about Cyrus himself, by name!
And imagine what must've happened in Cyrus' heart when he heard these very words read from the sacred scroll.
"The Lord says of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.
Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron.
And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.
For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else." (Isaiah 44:28 thru 45:6).
God is in charge -- He always has been, and always will be. You can trust Him with you life in all things, at all times. Keep seeking His face, hearing His voice, and doing His will -- and things will be all right in your world.
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"God prodded Cyrus" (Ezra 1:1, The Message).
Obviously, God is in charge; always has been, always will be. It is He who prods the kings of this world to do His will. It was the Lord who stirred up the spirit of Cyrus, inspired him with faith, and prompted him to action on behalf of God's people.
The question arises, How did God "prod" Cyrus?
Consider this as a most likely probability. Daniel the prophet served faithfully in the courts of Babylon and would have credible access to the Throne. He would obviously be very familiar with Scripture, and seek every sensible opportunity to share God's Word with those in leadership.
Imagine how long Daniel must have waited for the moment to come when he could speak to Cyrus, and tell him of the words written by Isaiah the prophet almost one hundred years earlier -- words that prophesied about Cyrus himself, by name!
And imagine what must've happened in Cyrus' heart when he heard these very words read from the sacred scroll.
"The Lord says of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.
Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron.
And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.
For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else." (Isaiah 44:28 thru 45:6).
God is in charge -- He always has been, and always will be. You can trust Him with you life in all things, at all times. Keep seeking His face, hearing His voice, and doing His will -- and things will be all right in your world.
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Tuesday, September 01, 2009
It Happened in September
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"And when the seventh month had come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered together as one man to Jerusalem" (Ezra 3:1,NKJV).
It was the Seventh Month, September by our reckoning, and the Israelites were still filled with the wonder of all that God had done to return them from Babylonian capitivity back to Jerusalem -- charged by the king of Persia himself to rebuild the Temple of the Lord. This was truly astounding in every way.
We are told that they assembled "as one man." The New Living Translation says, "all the people assembled in Jerusalem with a unified purpose." This singluar moment not only harnessed the great potential of a vast assembly of focused indivifuals, but it unleashed a mighty revival in the city -- and ultimately in the nation.
As we read Ezra's account of what happened, three things stand out at the forefront of this historic move of God.
First, they rebuilt the altar, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians years ealier. This symbolizes "seeking first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness." The Altar is where we worship. It is where we experience God's presence, hear His voice, and find the power to do His will.
Second, they rekindled the fires of morning and evening offerings. This symbolizes prayer. They began their day, and ended it, in conversation with God. Obviously, the conversation lasted all day long. Did you know that God wants the same thing with you and me? He wants to walk with us, and talk with us as we move about the various affairs of our daily lives. He wants our lives to be ignited with the passion that comes from personal friendship with Him.
Third, they renewed their faithfulness to God's Word. This symbolizes obedience. They had long forsaken the ways of the Lord, but now were returned to true devotion and faithful allegiance. "You shall now the Truth," Jesus said, "and the Truth shall set you free." We can find the freedom Jesus gives by renewing our commitment to the Word of God -- seeking His face, hearing His voice, and doing His will.
This is the lesson we learn from Ezra's revival in ancient time; and it serves as a pattern and a promise for us today. They sought His face, heard His voice, and did His will -- and revival transformed their land. And it happend in September.
What will this September hold for you and me?
.
"And when the seventh month had come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered together as one man to Jerusalem" (Ezra 3:1,NKJV).
It was the Seventh Month, September by our reckoning, and the Israelites were still filled with the wonder of all that God had done to return them from Babylonian capitivity back to Jerusalem -- charged by the king of Persia himself to rebuild the Temple of the Lord. This was truly astounding in every way.
We are told that they assembled "as one man." The New Living Translation says, "all the people assembled in Jerusalem with a unified purpose." This singluar moment not only harnessed the great potential of a vast assembly of focused indivifuals, but it unleashed a mighty revival in the city -- and ultimately in the nation.
As we read Ezra's account of what happened, three things stand out at the forefront of this historic move of God.
First, they rebuilt the altar, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians years ealier. This symbolizes "seeking first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness." The Altar is where we worship. It is where we experience God's presence, hear His voice, and find the power to do His will.
Second, they rekindled the fires of morning and evening offerings. This symbolizes prayer. They began their day, and ended it, in conversation with God. Obviously, the conversation lasted all day long. Did you know that God wants the same thing with you and me? He wants to walk with us, and talk with us as we move about the various affairs of our daily lives. He wants our lives to be ignited with the passion that comes from personal friendship with Him.
Third, they renewed their faithfulness to God's Word. This symbolizes obedience. They had long forsaken the ways of the Lord, but now were returned to true devotion and faithful allegiance. "You shall now the Truth," Jesus said, "and the Truth shall set you free." We can find the freedom Jesus gives by renewing our commitment to the Word of God -- seeking His face, hearing His voice, and doing His will.
This is the lesson we learn from Ezra's revival in ancient time; and it serves as a pattern and a promise for us today. They sought His face, heard His voice, and did His will -- and revival transformed their land. And it happend in September.
What will this September hold for you and me?
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