.
"At dusk, dawn, and noon I sigh deep sighs --He hears; He rescues." (Psalm 55:17, The Message).
Have you ever sighed?
Of course you have. It’s a dumb question. We each sigh all the time. The struggle has ended…..and so we sigh. The deal fell through…. and so we sigh. Our team won…. and so we sigh. Our team lost…. and so we sigh. The movie ended happily ever after…and so we sigh.
A sigh is part of the vocabulary of dreamers and lovers alike.
A sigh gathers up our deepest longings, our faintest hopes, and our most treasured dreams and carries them where words cannot go. Yes, we may feel a set back from the momentary loss of hope, or the superficial dash of a great expectation. And so we sigh. And in that sigh is an unspoken prayer; a faint blush of hope -- for tomorrow may bring it in after all.
A sigh lets go of the disappointment and breathes in a fresh faith for another run at the prize. A sigh vents out of our emotional store the tepid air of failure, and makes room for optimism’s mysterious power.
God has given us an invitation to walk through the door of faith into His presence and commune at the most intimate level – just beyond the bridge of sighs. The apostle put it this way, “with groanings too deep to be uttered.”
What if there was a way to speak words we’ve never learned, in a vocabulary known only to God? And what if a sigh were the means of transporting those words beyond the veil that separates earth from heaven? Who in their right mind would refuse to sigh?
The wicked; that’s who.The wicked do not sigh. They huff and puff, and (dare I say it?) -- blow their house down. Or, at least they try. That’s it. They try, but they do not sigh. Hard hearts and shallow lungs are often found in the same place.
But for childlike souls the wide world over, this bridge of sighs provides safe passage above and beyond the limitations of land-locked trivialities, and carries us into the presence of the Lord where we are filled afresh with new mercies every day.
OK...so take a deep breath and slowly let it out. Sigh. Now didn't that just feel right? Keep it up and you just might cross that bridge into the Lord's presence!
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Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
The King's Own Word
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The king said, "Go home, and I'll take care of this for you." (2 Samuel 14:8).
Once your petition has been set before the King, and He has given you His assurance that it will be handled by Him personally, and in your best interest -- well, to linger any longer in earnest angst would be most insulting to His majesty. Yet we do it all the time!
"Lord, when? Lord, why? Lord, how long?"
These, and many other hassling questions too often constitute the bulk of our prayer life. Our hearts flood with dark thoughts which spill from our lips in mournful pleas, as we seek His reply to our unanswerable questions.
Perhaps our hearts have been broken by the hammer of relentless disappointments, our minds bewildered by unfulfilled hopes, our eyes blurred by tears that never cease -- and we hasten to the Lord with our woeful complaints.
And He says, "Go home, and I'll take care of this for you."
But we linger in our lamentations, stating our case once again in pitiful details, rehearsing the matter over and over, as though He had not yet heard it. It seems in such moments that we are more in awe of our sorrows than we are of our Savior.
"Go home," the Lord says, "and I'll take care of this for you."
There is a faith, noble and true, that leaves the prayer chamber and enters into the day in utter confidence that the Lord will take care of things in a perfect way -- if we would only let Him do it.
As children bring their broken toys with tears, for us to mend;
I brought my broken dreams to God, because He is my friend.
But then, instead of leaving Him in peace to work alone;
I hung around and tried to help in ways that were my own.
He didn't do at all the things I thought that He should do;
He didn't mend my broken dreams; He didn't make them new.
In fact He seemed quite nonchalant, as though He didn’t care.
So, I increased with holy zeal my intercessory prayer.
Watching, waiting for His hand to do what I had prayed;
but nothing I could say or do helped Him on His way!
At last I snatched them back and cried, "How can you be so slow?"
"My child," He lovingly replied, "you never did let go!"
Oh, hear the Lord's word to you today -- "Go home," the Lord says, "and I'll take care of this for you."
.
The king said, "Go home, and I'll take care of this for you." (2 Samuel 14:8).
Once your petition has been set before the King, and He has given you His assurance that it will be handled by Him personally, and in your best interest -- well, to linger any longer in earnest angst would be most insulting to His majesty. Yet we do it all the time!
"Lord, when? Lord, why? Lord, how long?"
These, and many other hassling questions too often constitute the bulk of our prayer life. Our hearts flood with dark thoughts which spill from our lips in mournful pleas, as we seek His reply to our unanswerable questions.
Perhaps our hearts have been broken by the hammer of relentless disappointments, our minds bewildered by unfulfilled hopes, our eyes blurred by tears that never cease -- and we hasten to the Lord with our woeful complaints.
And He says, "Go home, and I'll take care of this for you."
But we linger in our lamentations, stating our case once again in pitiful details, rehearsing the matter over and over, as though He had not yet heard it. It seems in such moments that we are more in awe of our sorrows than we are of our Savior.
"Go home," the Lord says, "and I'll take care of this for you."
There is a faith, noble and true, that leaves the prayer chamber and enters into the day in utter confidence that the Lord will take care of things in a perfect way -- if we would only let Him do it.
As children bring their broken toys with tears, for us to mend;
I brought my broken dreams to God, because He is my friend.
But then, instead of leaving Him in peace to work alone;
I hung around and tried to help in ways that were my own.
He didn't do at all the things I thought that He should do;
He didn't mend my broken dreams; He didn't make them new.
In fact He seemed quite nonchalant, as though He didn’t care.
So, I increased with holy zeal my intercessory prayer.
Watching, waiting for His hand to do what I had prayed;
but nothing I could say or do helped Him on His way!
At last I snatched them back and cried, "How can you be so slow?"
"My child," He lovingly replied, "you never did let go!"
Oh, hear the Lord's word to you today -- "Go home," the Lord says, "and I'll take care of this for you."
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Thursday, October 29, 2009
The God Who Makes Things Happen
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"You're the God who makes things happen; you showed everyone what you can do -- You pulled your people out of the worst kind of trouble, rescued the children of Jacob and Joseph." (Psalm 77:14,15, The Message).
The great epic event of the Old Testament was the Exodus -- the day God delivered His people out of bondage in Egypt. They were in the worst kind of trouble, and God brought them out of it.
They were up against the impassable Red Sea, and God brought them through it on dry ground. He made a way where there was no way. The armies of Pharaoh were pressing down upon them, but they escaped -- while the horse and the rider were drowned in the sea.
God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The things that were written in ancient times are alive and relevant for us today. We are filled with hope in our times of difficulty as we gaze back upon what God has done in the past for His people.
And we know that even unto this very day, He is the God who makes things happen. He will make a way where there seems to be no way possible.
No matter how crazy things get in your world, and no matter how distant God may seem to be from you in your moment of need -- He has not forsaken you, nor will He abandon you. He is the God who makes things happen.
He can, and He will, pull you out of the worst kind of trouble. But, of course, that means you have to be IN the worst kind of trouble to begin with! So, take heart, my friend -- when the trouble comes, then know that Deliverance is also on the way.
We serve the God who makes things happen!
.
"You're the God who makes things happen; you showed everyone what you can do -- You pulled your people out of the worst kind of trouble, rescued the children of Jacob and Joseph." (Psalm 77:14,15, The Message).
The great epic event of the Old Testament was the Exodus -- the day God delivered His people out of bondage in Egypt. They were in the worst kind of trouble, and God brought them out of it.
They were up against the impassable Red Sea, and God brought them through it on dry ground. He made a way where there was no way. The armies of Pharaoh were pressing down upon them, but they escaped -- while the horse and the rider were drowned in the sea.
God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The things that were written in ancient times are alive and relevant for us today. We are filled with hope in our times of difficulty as we gaze back upon what God has done in the past for His people.
And we know that even unto this very day, He is the God who makes things happen. He will make a way where there seems to be no way possible.
No matter how crazy things get in your world, and no matter how distant God may seem to be from you in your moment of need -- He has not forsaken you, nor will He abandon you. He is the God who makes things happen.
He can, and He will, pull you out of the worst kind of trouble. But, of course, that means you have to be IN the worst kind of trouble to begin with! So, take heart, my friend -- when the trouble comes, then know that Deliverance is also on the way.
We serve the God who makes things happen!
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Wednesday, October 28, 2009
The Man Who Became God's Friend
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“And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God's friend.” (James 2:23, NIV).
His story began with a whisper, some say. One night while he was standing near a grove a mulberry trees with a group of friends, a strange breeze rushed in from nowhere and rustled the leaves a bit. Some say that’s all it was – just a strange wind. But he heard the Voice. The look on his face didn’t go unnoticed by the others, for it seemed as though he had seen a ghost. No, he didn’t see one – he only heard one. And it was a Holy Ghost.
The Voice, tender and befriending, called him by name – “Abram.” We know him today as Abraham. And the Voice that spoke to him that night we now know as the God of Abraham.
They were friends, you see.
Their friendship began when Abraham believed. And what was it exactly that Abraham believed? Simply put, he believed God. Whatever God said to him, no matter how impossible or unlikely it seemed or sounded – Abraham believed that the One who spoke was true, and able to do what He had said.
Listen to how Paul puts it in his letter to the Romans:
“When everything was hopeless, Abraham believed anyway, deciding to live not on the basis of what he saw he couldn't do but on what God said he would do. And so he was made father of a multitude of peoples. God himself said to him, ‘You're going to have a big family, Abraham!’ Abraham didn't focus on his own impotence and say, ‘It's hopeless. This hundred-year-old body could never father a child.’ Nor did he survey Sarah's decades of infertility and give up. He didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said.” (Romans 4:18-21, The Message).
What crazy, insane, impossible, and most unlikely thing has God promised you? And now does it all seem hopeless; certain never to happen?
Well, you are on the brink of becoming friends with God! Just believe!!
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“And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God's friend.” (James 2:23, NIV).
His story began with a whisper, some say. One night while he was standing near a grove a mulberry trees with a group of friends, a strange breeze rushed in from nowhere and rustled the leaves a bit. Some say that’s all it was – just a strange wind. But he heard the Voice. The look on his face didn’t go unnoticed by the others, for it seemed as though he had seen a ghost. No, he didn’t see one – he only heard one. And it was a Holy Ghost.
The Voice, tender and befriending, called him by name – “Abram.” We know him today as Abraham. And the Voice that spoke to him that night we now know as the God of Abraham.
They were friends, you see.
Their friendship began when Abraham believed. And what was it exactly that Abraham believed? Simply put, he believed God. Whatever God said to him, no matter how impossible or unlikely it seemed or sounded – Abraham believed that the One who spoke was true, and able to do what He had said.
Listen to how Paul puts it in his letter to the Romans:
“When everything was hopeless, Abraham believed anyway, deciding to live not on the basis of what he saw he couldn't do but on what God said he would do. And so he was made father of a multitude of peoples. God himself said to him, ‘You're going to have a big family, Abraham!’ Abraham didn't focus on his own impotence and say, ‘It's hopeless. This hundred-year-old body could never father a child.’ Nor did he survey Sarah's decades of infertility and give up. He didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said.” (Romans 4:18-21, The Message).
What crazy, insane, impossible, and most unlikely thing has God promised you? And now does it all seem hopeless; certain never to happen?
Well, you are on the brink of becoming friends with God! Just believe!!
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Tuesday, October 27, 2009
The Anchored Life
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“The lines of purpose in your lives never grow slack, tightly tied as they are to your future in heaven, kept taut by hope” (Colossians 1:5, The Message).
How well is your life anchored in this shifting, titling world?
Some are carried about by every wind, and tossed about by every wave. The changing tides affect their ups and downs, and their ins and outs. But there is a better way to live; a way that is much less flimsy and unstable. You and I can live an Anchored Life.
When we are tethered to Truth, and full of a hope that goes beyond this world into eternity, we can face whatever comes our way with unflinching resolve. Each day is filled with purpose and revitalizing energy. Such is the power of Hope.
Morrison wrote, “Hope is the kindly instrument of God for rescuing mankind from inactivity and stagnation.” What a gift God has given us! There is nothing more empowering to the human soul than hope; and, conversely, nothing more destructive than hopelessness.
Thomas Carlyle observed, “In idleness there is perpetual despair.” The hopeless man is foever idle.
You and I were created by God for a purpose that fulfills us; but this purpose can only reach its full potential when we are anchored by Hope that stretches beyond this world. A man or woman with Heaven on their mind is not easily impressed or distracted with the things of this fallen world. They live with a purpose that never grows slack; and the engine of their lives burns with a fuel that is supplied from God Himself -- a supply that never runs out.
May God fill you with hope! May you live Today in hope of a better Tomorrow. May you work, play, rest, and live in the unshakable assurance that the Lord Jesus has vouchsafed your future in the Kingdom of Heaven, and even now extends the benefits of that inheritance into your world her on earth!
May you live the Anchored Life!
.
“The lines of purpose in your lives never grow slack, tightly tied as they are to your future in heaven, kept taut by hope” (Colossians 1:5, The Message).
How well is your life anchored in this shifting, titling world?
Some are carried about by every wind, and tossed about by every wave. The changing tides affect their ups and downs, and their ins and outs. But there is a better way to live; a way that is much less flimsy and unstable. You and I can live an Anchored Life.
When we are tethered to Truth, and full of a hope that goes beyond this world into eternity, we can face whatever comes our way with unflinching resolve. Each day is filled with purpose and revitalizing energy. Such is the power of Hope.
Morrison wrote, “Hope is the kindly instrument of God for rescuing mankind from inactivity and stagnation.” What a gift God has given us! There is nothing more empowering to the human soul than hope; and, conversely, nothing more destructive than hopelessness.
Thomas Carlyle observed, “In idleness there is perpetual despair.” The hopeless man is foever idle.
You and I were created by God for a purpose that fulfills us; but this purpose can only reach its full potential when we are anchored by Hope that stretches beyond this world. A man or woman with Heaven on their mind is not easily impressed or distracted with the things of this fallen world. They live with a purpose that never grows slack; and the engine of their lives burns with a fuel that is supplied from God Himself -- a supply that never runs out.
May God fill you with hope! May you live Today in hope of a better Tomorrow. May you work, play, rest, and live in the unshakable assurance that the Lord Jesus has vouchsafed your future in the Kingdom of Heaven, and even now extends the benefits of that inheritance into your world her on earth!
May you live the Anchored Life!
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Monday, October 26, 2009
Where Have You Pitched Your Tent?
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“I'm glad from the inside out, ecstatic; I've pitched my tent in the land of hope” (Act 2:26, The Message).
The power of this scripture is best discovered in its poetry. Peter is quoting the Psalmist, who is talking about being buried in the grave. Shakespeare would call this a “grave situation.”
The “tent” the Psalmist refers to is his body. The tomb is viewed as “the land of hope.” What power there is in a faith that does not flinch at even death itself. Rather than fearing death to be the end of all things, the Psalmist sees it instead as the land of hope – the passage by which we enter greater Glory.
Peter uses the reference in his sermon to testify to the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, but the fact is that the verse was written in faith centuries before the Crucifixion ever happened. And now, all these centuries later after the fact -- we too, because of Jesus, can “pitch our tents in the land of hope.”
In other words, even in the face of death we can have a prevailing hope of something yet better. This clearly signals to us that all other trivial troubles are also well covered within the claims of this staggering promise.
What difficulties are you now facing? What perils threaten to undo your peaceful world? What calamities taunt in this dark day?
Pitch your tent in the land of hope, my friend! For Jesus has risen from the dead. And if the Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwell in you -- then He will also quicken your mortal body in even the most hopeless moment. If death itself is not the end, then these paltry attempts by the devil to thwart your faith and spoil your life will fall powerless to the ground.
Be glad! Yes, be ecstatic from the inside out -- for the Lord of Life is your dearest friend; and He holds you in the palm of His hand....even now.
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“I'm glad from the inside out, ecstatic; I've pitched my tent in the land of hope” (Act 2:26, The Message).
The power of this scripture is best discovered in its poetry. Peter is quoting the Psalmist, who is talking about being buried in the grave. Shakespeare would call this a “grave situation.”
The “tent” the Psalmist refers to is his body. The tomb is viewed as “the land of hope.” What power there is in a faith that does not flinch at even death itself. Rather than fearing death to be the end of all things, the Psalmist sees it instead as the land of hope – the passage by which we enter greater Glory.
Peter uses the reference in his sermon to testify to the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, but the fact is that the verse was written in faith centuries before the Crucifixion ever happened. And now, all these centuries later after the fact -- we too, because of Jesus, can “pitch our tents in the land of hope.”
In other words, even in the face of death we can have a prevailing hope of something yet better. This clearly signals to us that all other trivial troubles are also well covered within the claims of this staggering promise.
What difficulties are you now facing? What perils threaten to undo your peaceful world? What calamities taunt in this dark day?
Pitch your tent in the land of hope, my friend! For Jesus has risen from the dead. And if the Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwell in you -- then He will also quicken your mortal body in even the most hopeless moment. If death itself is not the end, then these paltry attempts by the devil to thwart your faith and spoil your life will fall powerless to the ground.
Be glad! Yes, be ecstatic from the inside out -- for the Lord of Life is your dearest friend; and He holds you in the palm of His hand....even now.
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Sunday, October 25, 2009
The Mere Sound of His Name
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Jesus – “the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even among far-off unbelievers”(Mat 12:21, The Message).
Only those who have in some way faced a hopeless moment know the truth in this single verse of Scripture. There is hope when we know that Jesus is near, and that He knows what is going on in our hopeless, darkened corner -- even if we are far from those who know us and love us most.
A soldier alone on a battlefield, a missionary lost in the wild, a daughter off in some distant college surrounded with immorality, a son struggling to find his way in a dog eat dog world -- in each of these scenarios, and 10,000 more besides, Jesus brings hope to the hopeless.
JESUS: “the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even among far-off unbelievers.”
He is help to the helpless, and hope to the hopeless. He cares for those who live in a careless world. He lifts up those who are fallen down, and brings in those who have been cast out. He heals the broken, empowers the faint, enriches the poor, and sets the captive free.
They say the darkest hour is just before the dawn. Certainly this is true when Jesus steps into the story. For His presence is like the sunrise, that scatters the shadows of night away. His bright favor brings warmth that thaws the chill of a long and troubled winter. Yes, “the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even among far-off unbelievers.”
Here, let me show you what I mean. Take a moment and simply say His name out loud, especially in the face of whatever hopeless thing you may be facing right now.
Jesus.
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Jesus – “the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even among far-off unbelievers”(Mat 12:21, The Message).
Only those who have in some way faced a hopeless moment know the truth in this single verse of Scripture. There is hope when we know that Jesus is near, and that He knows what is going on in our hopeless, darkened corner -- even if we are far from those who know us and love us most.
A soldier alone on a battlefield, a missionary lost in the wild, a daughter off in some distant college surrounded with immorality, a son struggling to find his way in a dog eat dog world -- in each of these scenarios, and 10,000 more besides, Jesus brings hope to the hopeless.
JESUS: “the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even among far-off unbelievers.”
He is help to the helpless, and hope to the hopeless. He cares for those who live in a careless world. He lifts up those who are fallen down, and brings in those who have been cast out. He heals the broken, empowers the faint, enriches the poor, and sets the captive free.
They say the darkest hour is just before the dawn. Certainly this is true when Jesus steps into the story. For His presence is like the sunrise, that scatters the shadows of night away. His bright favor brings warmth that thaws the chill of a long and troubled winter. Yes, “the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even among far-off unbelievers.”
Here, let me show you what I mean. Take a moment and simply say His name out loud, especially in the face of whatever hopeless thing you may be facing right now.
Jesus.
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Saturday, October 24, 2009
Merchants of Hope
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"Honor Christ and let him be the Lord of your life. Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope." (1Peter 3:15).
We have been justified by faith, and have peace with God through Jesus Christ. We now stand in grace and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. But as Paul contended, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (1 Co.15:19).
Christ has risen from the dead and thereby given us full assurance of our hope. Now our lives can be everything God intends while we are on this earth, and our future in heaven holds only the brightest of possibilities. Our hope is eternal!
John the Beloved put it this way, “ Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” He then added, “And every man that hath this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure” (1 John 3:2,3).
Our hope of Christ’s return, and of eternal blessing in Heaven, should have a clear and comprehensive influence in our lives while we live on this earth. So much so that others find themselves compelled to ask us why we are so hopeful.
When was the last time someone asked you that?
We are merchants of hope in a world desperately in need of it. Let's honor Christ by yielding our lives to His Lordship, and then we will be ever ready to deliver the goods of hope to all with whom we come in contact day by day.
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"Honor Christ and let him be the Lord of your life. Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope." (1Peter 3:15).
We have been justified by faith, and have peace with God through Jesus Christ. We now stand in grace and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. But as Paul contended, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (1 Co.15:19).
Christ has risen from the dead and thereby given us full assurance of our hope. Now our lives can be everything God intends while we are on this earth, and our future in heaven holds only the brightest of possibilities. Our hope is eternal!
John the Beloved put it this way, “ Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” He then added, “And every man that hath this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure” (1 John 3:2,3).
Our hope of Christ’s return, and of eternal blessing in Heaven, should have a clear and comprehensive influence in our lives while we live on this earth. So much so that others find themselves compelled to ask us why we are so hopeful.
When was the last time someone asked you that?
We are merchants of hope in a world desperately in need of it. Let's honor Christ by yielding our lives to His Lordship, and then we will be ever ready to deliver the goods of hope to all with whom we come in contact day by day.
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Friday, October 23, 2009
This Amazing Freedom We Have Been Given!
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"Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you." (Galatians 5:1, The Message).
Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." Why then is it that so many who preach and teach the truth seem so bound up with religious shackles? Not only that, they seem equally intent on seeing to it that others are as bound up as they are. What's that all about? It's about control.
There is something dreadful lurking in the hearts of men and women, which almost compels them to dominate and subjugate others to their will and whims. Be it political or religious, academic or economic, cultural or personal -- there is an evil at work in the affairs of men that causes some to advance themselves by putting others down.....and keeping them that way.
This is not what Jesus came to do to us, nor did He teach us to do this to one another. In fact, in one of the most forthright statement in Scripture, Jesus says he "hates the deeds of the Nicolaitanes" (Rev.2:6).
What does this mean? And who were these sorry people?
Their name comes from two Greek words; the first, nike, which means to conquer; and the second, laos, which means the people. Literally, it means to conquer the people. It means to dominate, intimidate, or manipulate; for the sake of holding control over them -- and Jesus hates it. That word means to detest; to regard as abhorrent.
My dear friends, be done once and for all with any group of any kind that tries to put a yoke of slavery on you; for Jesus has set us free! Take your stand in freedom -- even if you have to lay down your life to do it!
.
"Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you." (Galatians 5:1, The Message).
Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." Why then is it that so many who preach and teach the truth seem so bound up with religious shackles? Not only that, they seem equally intent on seeing to it that others are as bound up as they are. What's that all about? It's about control.
There is something dreadful lurking in the hearts of men and women, which almost compels them to dominate and subjugate others to their will and whims. Be it political or religious, academic or economic, cultural or personal -- there is an evil at work in the affairs of men that causes some to advance themselves by putting others down.....and keeping them that way.
This is not what Jesus came to do to us, nor did He teach us to do this to one another. In fact, in one of the most forthright statement in Scripture, Jesus says he "hates the deeds of the Nicolaitanes" (Rev.2:6).
What does this mean? And who were these sorry people?
Their name comes from two Greek words; the first, nike, which means to conquer; and the second, laos, which means the people. Literally, it means to conquer the people. It means to dominate, intimidate, or manipulate; for the sake of holding control over them -- and Jesus hates it. That word means to detest; to regard as abhorrent.
My dear friends, be done once and for all with any group of any kind that tries to put a yoke of slavery on you; for Jesus has set us free! Take your stand in freedom -- even if you have to lay down your life to do it!
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Thursday, October 22, 2009
Breaking Out of the Pack
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"Give yourself completely to these things, and everyone will see you are making great advances." (1 Timothy 4:15, paraphrase).
No one who saw it will ever forget it. June of 1973, thousands of fans crowded into the stands and sprawled across the infield lawn of Belmont Park for the third leg of the Triple Crown. They were there to see Secretariat, the fabled horse who had already won the Kentucky Derby in record time, and also the Preakness. Now he was running for the Triple Crown....and history.
The fans were not disappointed. The big red thoroughbred made his move in the middle of the backstretch and rounded the final turn with all the other horses fading into the background. He started like a locomotive, but he finished like a jet; setting a new track record, and beating the field by over thirty lengths.
The track announcer called it at 25 lengths, but later the official stats placed it higher. I still tear up when I think of it; it was one of the most remarkable displays of heart and power I've ever seen. Click here and watch it for yourself -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS4f6wiQJh4
As followers of Jesus, we also have the opportunity to do something great with our lives; to break out of the pack and leave others speechless with how God's glory and grace were made known to us...and, more importantly, through us.
Paul shows us how to do it in his timeless words to young Timothy, his protege.
"Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young", he wrote, "but be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Focus on reading the Scriptures, encouraging others, and teaching God's word. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you. Give yourself completely to these things, and everyone will see you are making great advances." (1 Timothy 4:12-14, paraphrase).
Isn't it time that you broke out of the pack?
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"Give yourself completely to these things, and everyone will see you are making great advances." (1 Timothy 4:15, paraphrase).
No one who saw it will ever forget it. June of 1973, thousands of fans crowded into the stands and sprawled across the infield lawn of Belmont Park for the third leg of the Triple Crown. They were there to see Secretariat, the fabled horse who had already won the Kentucky Derby in record time, and also the Preakness. Now he was running for the Triple Crown....and history.
The fans were not disappointed. The big red thoroughbred made his move in the middle of the backstretch and rounded the final turn with all the other horses fading into the background. He started like a locomotive, but he finished like a jet; setting a new track record, and beating the field by over thirty lengths.
The track announcer called it at 25 lengths, but later the official stats placed it higher. I still tear up when I think of it; it was one of the most remarkable displays of heart and power I've ever seen. Click here and watch it for yourself -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS4f6wiQJh4
As followers of Jesus, we also have the opportunity to do something great with our lives; to break out of the pack and leave others speechless with how God's glory and grace were made known to us...and, more importantly, through us.
Paul shows us how to do it in his timeless words to young Timothy, his protege.
"Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young", he wrote, "but be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Focus on reading the Scriptures, encouraging others, and teaching God's word. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you. Give yourself completely to these things, and everyone will see you are making great advances." (1 Timothy 4:12-14, paraphrase).
Isn't it time that you broke out of the pack?
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Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Outside the Camp
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"Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach." (Hebrews 13:13).
This world is a campy place, and people gravitate to the camp that suits them. This is true in may ways -- political, religious, economic, recreational, vocational, educational, or ideological. We find our niche and get our name, and learn the secret handshake.
We also learn why we are superior to those in other camps.
But Jesus is outside the camp. He is a Man with no labels. And the moment you link up with one group or another, and take unto yourself the labels and causes and agendas and issues of this or that group, then it is you cease following Jesus and begin following men. That will lead to pride, division, strife, and trouble.
Men love to build empires and fight enemies. But Jesus has called us to something better and higher. He has called us unto Himself.
We are in this world, but not of this world. Here we have no continuing city; for we seek a city whose builder and maker is God. Therefore, we are pilgrims passing through the many camps we come in contact with; exchanging greetings in the marketplace, dining in the restaurants, sunning on the beach, or playing in the fields -- but only for a while. For this is not our home; this is not our camp.
Jesus calls us onward, upward, and outward.
Onward insures that we will experience progress in our lives; upward insures we will reach our potential; and outward insures we will be misunderstood... and rejected. For the moment you leave the camp and go out to Jesus, the others campers will hold you in reproach -- just like they did to Him.
But while we may be reproached by the world, we are embraced by the Lord. Not such a bad trade off if you ask me!
See you outside the camp?
.
"Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach." (Hebrews 13:13).
This world is a campy place, and people gravitate to the camp that suits them. This is true in may ways -- political, religious, economic, recreational, vocational, educational, or ideological. We find our niche and get our name, and learn the secret handshake.
We also learn why we are superior to those in other camps.
But Jesus is outside the camp. He is a Man with no labels. And the moment you link up with one group or another, and take unto yourself the labels and causes and agendas and issues of this or that group, then it is you cease following Jesus and begin following men. That will lead to pride, division, strife, and trouble.
Men love to build empires and fight enemies. But Jesus has called us to something better and higher. He has called us unto Himself.
We are in this world, but not of this world. Here we have no continuing city; for we seek a city whose builder and maker is God. Therefore, we are pilgrims passing through the many camps we come in contact with; exchanging greetings in the marketplace, dining in the restaurants, sunning on the beach, or playing in the fields -- but only for a while. For this is not our home; this is not our camp.
Jesus calls us onward, upward, and outward.
Onward insures that we will experience progress in our lives; upward insures we will reach our potential; and outward insures we will be misunderstood... and rejected. For the moment you leave the camp and go out to Jesus, the others campers will hold you in reproach -- just like they did to Him.
But while we may be reproached by the world, we are embraced by the Lord. Not such a bad trade off if you ask me!
See you outside the camp?
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Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The King in the Cave
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"David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam" (1 Samuel 22:1).
Old King Saul has lost his mind, and in a jealous rage unleashed a murderous attack against not only David, God's anointed king, but also his extended family. He even went so far as to execute those in the priesthood who were loyal to David.
This historical moment serves as as chilling display of how both Religion and Politics are always dead set against those who are favored of God and destined for true greatness.
To the eyes of the mindless world the king was on the throne in Jerusalem, wearing the crown and royal robes, and serving the interests of the nation. But from God's point of view this was not the case. A fool sat upon the throne while the true King was forced into a cave until the madness passed.
And while David waited, trusting in the Lord to set things right, word spread throughout the beleaguered kingdom and a host of those who were distressed, in debt, and discontented slowly migrated to David until their numbers swelled -- making them a force to be reckoned with in the near future.
The Message says they were "losers and vagrants and misfits of all sorts." Yet once they joined with David, they were transformed and became mighty men of valor; men who did extraordinary exploits that are still talked about to this day.
That's what happens to us when we turn our back on the Political/Religious agendas of our world and go out to be with Jesus -- the King in the cave. He lifts us up and ennobles with His own greatness; and our lives become the stuff of legends.
Are you discontented, in debt, and distressed with the Religious and Political scene? There's a King in a Cave who is just waiting for you to arrive!
.
"David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam" (1 Samuel 22:1).
Old King Saul has lost his mind, and in a jealous rage unleashed a murderous attack against not only David, God's anointed king, but also his extended family. He even went so far as to execute those in the priesthood who were loyal to David.
This historical moment serves as as chilling display of how both Religion and Politics are always dead set against those who are favored of God and destined for true greatness.
To the eyes of the mindless world the king was on the throne in Jerusalem, wearing the crown and royal robes, and serving the interests of the nation. But from God's point of view this was not the case. A fool sat upon the throne while the true King was forced into a cave until the madness passed.
And while David waited, trusting in the Lord to set things right, word spread throughout the beleaguered kingdom and a host of those who were distressed, in debt, and discontented slowly migrated to David until their numbers swelled -- making them a force to be reckoned with in the near future.
The Message says they were "losers and vagrants and misfits of all sorts." Yet once they joined with David, they were transformed and became mighty men of valor; men who did extraordinary exploits that are still talked about to this day.
That's what happens to us when we turn our back on the Political/Religious agendas of our world and go out to be with Jesus -- the King in the cave. He lifts us up and ennobles with His own greatness; and our lives become the stuff of legends.
Are you discontented, in debt, and distressed with the Religious and Political scene? There's a King in a Cave who is just waiting for you to arrive!
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Monday, October 19, 2009
A Goose in the Chicken Coup
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"I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).
Kierkegaard, the Danish philosopher, told a story about a goose who was wounded and landed in a barnyard with some chickens. He played with the chickens and ate with the chickens. After a while, that goose thought he was a chicken.
One day a gaggle of geese flew overhead, migrating home. They gave a honk up in the sky, and the barnyard goose heard it. Kierkegaard said, "Something stirred within the breast of this goose. Something called him to the skies. He began to flap the wings he hadn't used, and he rose a few feet into the air. Then he stopped, and he settled back again into the mud of the barnyard. He heard the upward call, but he settled for less."
Is there a chance that this story is about you?
Are you settling for being less than you know in your heart God has called you and created you to be? It's not just for your sake that you must respond to God's call on your life -- it's also for all the other meaningful people in your life.
The longer you wait before answering, the more annoying your life becomes to those around you. There are few things as disruptive to the peace and well-being of other people than a person who is running from God. How many lives are being distressed because you won’t answer the call?
And besides, are you really that happy clucking with chickens?
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"I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).
Kierkegaard, the Danish philosopher, told a story about a goose who was wounded and landed in a barnyard with some chickens. He played with the chickens and ate with the chickens. After a while, that goose thought he was a chicken.
One day a gaggle of geese flew overhead, migrating home. They gave a honk up in the sky, and the barnyard goose heard it. Kierkegaard said, "Something stirred within the breast of this goose. Something called him to the skies. He began to flap the wings he hadn't used, and he rose a few feet into the air. Then he stopped, and he settled back again into the mud of the barnyard. He heard the upward call, but he settled for less."
Is there a chance that this story is about you?
Are you settling for being less than you know in your heart God has called you and created you to be? It's not just for your sake that you must respond to God's call on your life -- it's also for all the other meaningful people in your life.
The longer you wait before answering, the more annoying your life becomes to those around you. There are few things as disruptive to the peace and well-being of other people than a person who is running from God. How many lives are being distressed because you won’t answer the call?
And besides, are you really that happy clucking with chickens?
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Sunday, October 18, 2009
Praise, as We have Never Heard Before!
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"Then each one's praise will come from God." (1 Corinthians 4:5).
Everybody knows that the choir in Heaven is solid gold, and we know that the worship there is endless. But what most of us don’t realize is that our first days in glory are going to be filled with praise — praise, as we have never heard before.
It will not be the sound of our voices praising God. No. Rather, it will be the astounding sound of God — are you ready for this? — praising us!
You don’t believe me? Listen to what the Bible says: “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God” (1 Co.4:5, NKJV).
Only God really knows what is in a man’s heart; He alone sees and understands the deepest secrets, the fondest hopes, the truest motives — even when these are somewhat soiled by our own carnality. This is why we are expressly told to not judge one another.
The truth is we do not know what is in another man’s heart; we only know what is in our own. Our judgment of another, then, is the trumpeting aloud of our own hidden faults.
When you and I stand before the Lord in Heaven, He is going to bring out into the open all the undeveloped gifts, abilities, treasures, dreams, possibilities, and show what He had in mind all along when He created us. He is going to show how these things stirred our deepest imaginations and filled us with holy desire to live for Him — even if we did not fully realize it all.
And then He is going to publicly render His opinion, His judgment, about these things and then — here it comes — He will give us praise! Imagine it; the Lord Himself praising you for the way you lived your life in honor of His name!
He has seen each deed -- great or small -- which we have done for His glory. And on that Day when we stand before Him in the assembly of the Ages, we will hear Him openly declare for all to hear the depth of His Own great admiration for even the simplest moments of our faithful service!
What a day that will be! A Day filled with Praise, such as we have never heard before!
.
"Then each one's praise will come from God." (1 Corinthians 4:5).
Everybody knows that the choir in Heaven is solid gold, and we know that the worship there is endless. But what most of us don’t realize is that our first days in glory are going to be filled with praise — praise, as we have never heard before.
It will not be the sound of our voices praising God. No. Rather, it will be the astounding sound of God — are you ready for this? — praising us!
You don’t believe me? Listen to what the Bible says: “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God” (1 Co.4:5, NKJV).
Only God really knows what is in a man’s heart; He alone sees and understands the deepest secrets, the fondest hopes, the truest motives — even when these are somewhat soiled by our own carnality. This is why we are expressly told to not judge one another.
The truth is we do not know what is in another man’s heart; we only know what is in our own. Our judgment of another, then, is the trumpeting aloud of our own hidden faults.
When you and I stand before the Lord in Heaven, He is going to bring out into the open all the undeveloped gifts, abilities, treasures, dreams, possibilities, and show what He had in mind all along when He created us. He is going to show how these things stirred our deepest imaginations and filled us with holy desire to live for Him — even if we did not fully realize it all.
And then He is going to publicly render His opinion, His judgment, about these things and then — here it comes — He will give us praise! Imagine it; the Lord Himself praising you for the way you lived your life in honor of His name!
He has seen each deed -- great or small -- which we have done for His glory. And on that Day when we stand before Him in the assembly of the Ages, we will hear Him openly declare for all to hear the depth of His Own great admiration for even the simplest moments of our faithful service!
What a day that will be! A Day filled with Praise, such as we have never heard before!
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Saturday, October 17, 2009
The Genius of Good Grief
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"Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way." (1 Peter 4:1, The Message).
Remember the old country western classic -- "I beg your pardon; I never promised you a rose garden. Along with the sunshine, there's got to come a little rain some time." I can't help but wonder if there are times when Jesus pick up a trusted six string and belts this one out from the clouds of glory to His "naming-claiming-gabbing-grabbing kids."
"Oh hallelujah!" we say, when things are going great and good. The stock market is up and increasing everyday; blessings abound in every part of life; no problems, no worries, not setbacks, no struggles, no grief.
"Glory to God in the highest returns on my investments!"
But wait a minute. Didn't Jesus say that in this world we would have trouble? Yes, and that He would be with us through it all. Sometimes the Lord opens the back door on our happy estate and all sorts of things start going wrong. It's at that moment we discover where our faith and affections really stand.
Sometimes grief is a good thing. And the genius of good grief is that, once it trims away the fat and fluff of pretentious and superficial living, we become more able to live out our days free to pursue what God wants for us instead of being tyrannized by what we thought we wanted for ourselves.
Good grief!
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"Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way." (1 Peter 4:1, The Message).
Remember the old country western classic -- "I beg your pardon; I never promised you a rose garden. Along with the sunshine, there's got to come a little rain some time." I can't help but wonder if there are times when Jesus pick up a trusted six string and belts this one out from the clouds of glory to His "naming-claiming-gabbing-grabbing kids."
"Oh hallelujah!" we say, when things are going great and good. The stock market is up and increasing everyday; blessings abound in every part of life; no problems, no worries, not setbacks, no struggles, no grief.
"Glory to God in the highest returns on my investments!"
But wait a minute. Didn't Jesus say that in this world we would have trouble? Yes, and that He would be with us through it all. Sometimes the Lord opens the back door on our happy estate and all sorts of things start going wrong. It's at that moment we discover where our faith and affections really stand.
Sometimes grief is a good thing. And the genius of good grief is that, once it trims away the fat and fluff of pretentious and superficial living, we become more able to live out our days free to pursue what God wants for us instead of being tyrannized by what we thought we wanted for ourselves.
Good grief!
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Friday, October 16, 2009
Making the Most of Every Opportunity
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"...and make the most of every opportunity." (Colossians 4:5, New Living Translation).
A General and his chief aide, a handsome young Lieutenant, were traveling across the US on a civilian train. Sharing their compartment was a lovely young lady and her elderly grandmother.
At one point during the trip the train entered a long dark tunnel. Everyone was silent as the train sped through the darkness. Then two distinct sounds were heard. The first was a long romantic kiss, and the second was a loud resounding slap.
When the train exited the tunnel into daylight, the four passengers each had a different idea about what had just occurred.
The young lady thought, “How nice of that handsome young Lieutenant to kiss me, but why would my grandmother slap him?”
The grandmother thought, “How dare that young man kiss my granddaughter; but how proud I am that she slapped him!”
The General thought, “That was a bold move the young Lieutenant made in kissing that lovely young lady, but why did she slap me?”
The Lieutenant thought, “My, oh, my! What a day! First, I kissed a lovely young lady, then I slapped my General -- and I got away with doing both!”
Now that's what I'd call "making the most of every opportunity!"
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"...and make the most of every opportunity." (Colossians 4:5, New Living Translation).
A General and his chief aide, a handsome young Lieutenant, were traveling across the US on a civilian train. Sharing their compartment was a lovely young lady and her elderly grandmother.
At one point during the trip the train entered a long dark tunnel. Everyone was silent as the train sped through the darkness. Then two distinct sounds were heard. The first was a long romantic kiss, and the second was a loud resounding slap.
When the train exited the tunnel into daylight, the four passengers each had a different idea about what had just occurred.
The young lady thought, “How nice of that handsome young Lieutenant to kiss me, but why would my grandmother slap him?”
The grandmother thought, “How dare that young man kiss my granddaughter; but how proud I am that she slapped him!”
The General thought, “That was a bold move the young Lieutenant made in kissing that lovely young lady, but why did she slap me?”
The Lieutenant thought, “My, oh, my! What a day! First, I kissed a lovely young lady, then I slapped my General -- and I got away with doing both!”
Now that's what I'd call "making the most of every opportunity!"
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Thursday, October 15, 2009
Now It is Our Turn
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"Men who hazarded their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 15:26).
The status quo requires no risk. Nothing ventured; nothing gained. But excellence, by its very nature, requires that you break out of the pack and pull away from the common and ordinary, shaking off the mundane and mediocre.
Hey, the only thing in the middle of the road is yellow stripes and dead armadillos!
It has been said many times, "If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” What this means, then, is if you want something that you’ve never had before, you must be willing to do something that you’ve never done before. And that is where RISK comes into the equation.
Noah built a boat in the middle of a desert —that was a risk. Abraham left his home and went out, not knowing where he was going – that was a risk. Moses forsook the security of Pharaoh’s palace, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God —that was a risk.
Daniel prayed to God though the king had decreed death to any who dared do so—that was a risk. David faced a giant in the open field of battle—that was a risk. John the Baptist confronted the sins of King Herod—that was a risk. Peter walked on water—that was a risk. Paul openly declared to Caesar himself that Jesus Christ is Lord—that was a risk.
These were men of whom the world was not worthy. These are the fathers of our Faith, and we are their sons and daughters. Now it is our turn. Now we have the opportunity and the abilities to not only follow in their steps, but to go beyond where they themselves were able to go. But it will require a definite dose of vision, passion, discipline and risk.
Are you willing to make that leap?
.
"Men who hazarded their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 15:26).
The status quo requires no risk. Nothing ventured; nothing gained. But excellence, by its very nature, requires that you break out of the pack and pull away from the common and ordinary, shaking off the mundane and mediocre.
Hey, the only thing in the middle of the road is yellow stripes and dead armadillos!
It has been said many times, "If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” What this means, then, is if you want something that you’ve never had before, you must be willing to do something that you’ve never done before. And that is where RISK comes into the equation.
Noah built a boat in the middle of a desert —that was a risk. Abraham left his home and went out, not knowing where he was going – that was a risk. Moses forsook the security of Pharaoh’s palace, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God —that was a risk.
Daniel prayed to God though the king had decreed death to any who dared do so—that was a risk. David faced a giant in the open field of battle—that was a risk. John the Baptist confronted the sins of King Herod—that was a risk. Peter walked on water—that was a risk. Paul openly declared to Caesar himself that Jesus Christ is Lord—that was a risk.
These were men of whom the world was not worthy. These are the fathers of our Faith, and we are their sons and daughters. Now it is our turn. Now we have the opportunity and the abilities to not only follow in their steps, but to go beyond where they themselves were able to go. But it will require a definite dose of vision, passion, discipline and risk.
Are you willing to make that leap?
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Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Wanted: Hazardous Men & Women (Part 3 of 3)
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“Men who have hazarded their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 15:26).
The noble spirit of true disciples does not seek the pampered, risk-free environment of a lifeless faith. No! It begs for challenge, and cries out for significance! You and I were created by God with an inner passion to live a life that makes a difference. But this will not happen until we “hand our lives over to Christ.”
Only in His hands will we find the eternal security that emboldens us in this world to dare to think the unthinkable, to dream the unimaginable, and to do the impossible.
Like the songwriter said, we are those who “dream the impossible dream, fight the unbeatable foe, bear with unbearable sorrow, and run where the brave dare not go.”
We are those who will always seek “to right the unrightable wrong, and to fight for the right without question or pause; to be willing to pass into hell for a heavenly cause!
"And the world will be better for this, that one man scorned and covered in scars, still strove with his last ounce of courage to reach the unreachable star—and to dream the impossible dream!” (from the Broadway Musical, Man of La Mancha, lyrics by Joe Darion).
Whether it be the fictional Don Quixote, or actual people that we ourselves know—we are faced daily with the stories of those who strive with all their heart to achieve the spectacular in life, or in sports, or in business, or in education, or in exploration. These individuals have hazarded their lives for the sake of career, wealth, fame, fashion, or glory.
Isn’t it time that we hazarded our lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ?
.
“Men who have hazarded their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 15:26).
The noble spirit of true disciples does not seek the pampered, risk-free environment of a lifeless faith. No! It begs for challenge, and cries out for significance! You and I were created by God with an inner passion to live a life that makes a difference. But this will not happen until we “hand our lives over to Christ.”
Only in His hands will we find the eternal security that emboldens us in this world to dare to think the unthinkable, to dream the unimaginable, and to do the impossible.
Like the songwriter said, we are those who “dream the impossible dream, fight the unbeatable foe, bear with unbearable sorrow, and run where the brave dare not go.”
We are those who will always seek “to right the unrightable wrong, and to fight for the right without question or pause; to be willing to pass into hell for a heavenly cause!
"And the world will be better for this, that one man scorned and covered in scars, still strove with his last ounce of courage to reach the unreachable star—and to dream the impossible dream!” (from the Broadway Musical, Man of La Mancha, lyrics by Joe Darion).
Whether it be the fictional Don Quixote, or actual people that we ourselves know—we are faced daily with the stories of those who strive with all their heart to achieve the spectacular in life, or in sports, or in business, or in education, or in exploration. These individuals have hazarded their lives for the sake of career, wealth, fame, fashion, or glory.
Isn’t it time that we hazarded our lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ?
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Wanted: Hazardous Men & Women (Part 2 of 3)
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“Men who have hazarded their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 15:26).
Paul and Barnabas hazarded their lives for the name and fame of Jesus. Contrary to what one may think this does not mean to be reckless or irresponsible. While there is unquestionable risk involved in “handing over your life to Christ,” it is in fact the ultimate act of personal responsibility.
Biblical endorsement comes from Jesus Himself. “Whoever loses his life for My sake will save it, but whoever insists on keeping his life will lose it” (Luke 9:24, Living Bible). If you hold on and try to keep it for yourself -- you lose it all. If you let go and place it in the hands of Jesus -- you gain everything.
So, what are you going to do?
Paul said, "So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life--your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life--and place it before God as an offering.
"Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out.
"Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." (Romans 12:1-2, The Message).
May your day be filled with God's presence as He leads you on the upward way!
.
“Men who have hazarded their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 15:26).
Paul and Barnabas hazarded their lives for the name and fame of Jesus. Contrary to what one may think this does not mean to be reckless or irresponsible. While there is unquestionable risk involved in “handing over your life to Christ,” it is in fact the ultimate act of personal responsibility.
Biblical endorsement comes from Jesus Himself. “Whoever loses his life for My sake will save it, but whoever insists on keeping his life will lose it” (Luke 9:24, Living Bible). If you hold on and try to keep it for yourself -- you lose it all. If you let go and place it in the hands of Jesus -- you gain everything.
So, what are you going to do?
Paul said, "So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life--your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life--and place it before God as an offering.
"Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out.
"Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." (Romans 12:1-2, The Message).
May your day be filled with God's presence as He leads you on the upward way!
.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Wanted: Hazardous Men & Women (Part 1 of 3)
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“Men who have hazarded their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 15:26).
Perhaps one of the greatest compliments ever paid one Christian by another occurred almost 2,000 years ago during a strategic meeting of the first disciples.
The spread of Christianity had been explosive, with new churches springing up all throughout the Roman Empire. The challenge of balancing dynamic growth with uncompromising quality was very real—and continues to be so today.
As the leaders in Jerusalem pondered how best to address this challenge, they chose two men to go forth with their blessings to represent Christ and His Gospel in the best possible way. They chose Barnabas and Paul, men who, as the record shows, “hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 15:26).
They “hazarded their lives.” O that such a thing could be said of you and me today!
The Greek meaning is “to surrender, i.e. to yield up, entrust, cast, commit, deliver up, give over.” Inherent to the word is the idea of risk, especially in the face of danger. It means that another is now in control; another is now calling all the shots.
May I ask when was the last time you took a risk for Christ? Can others tell by how you live that your life has been “handed over” to Jesus? Wouldn't that be something you would want them to know. And more importantly for their sakes, isn't that something you would want to inspire them to do for themselves by your own example?
Hand it over. Your life, hand it over to Jesus and watch what He does with it.
.
“Men who have hazarded their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 15:26).
Perhaps one of the greatest compliments ever paid one Christian by another occurred almost 2,000 years ago during a strategic meeting of the first disciples.
The spread of Christianity had been explosive, with new churches springing up all throughout the Roman Empire. The challenge of balancing dynamic growth with uncompromising quality was very real—and continues to be so today.
As the leaders in Jerusalem pondered how best to address this challenge, they chose two men to go forth with their blessings to represent Christ and His Gospel in the best possible way. They chose Barnabas and Paul, men who, as the record shows, “hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 15:26).
They “hazarded their lives.” O that such a thing could be said of you and me today!
The Greek meaning is “to surrender, i.e. to yield up, entrust, cast, commit, deliver up, give over.” Inherent to the word is the idea of risk, especially in the face of danger. It means that another is now in control; another is now calling all the shots.
May I ask when was the last time you took a risk for Christ? Can others tell by how you live that your life has been “handed over” to Jesus? Wouldn't that be something you would want them to know. And more importantly for their sakes, isn't that something you would want to inspire them to do for themselves by your own example?
Hand it over. Your life, hand it over to Jesus and watch what He does with it.
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Sunday, October 11, 2009
The Compelling Power of a Noble Purpose
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"For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:8).
There have been many great men and women throughout history, each shaping their world in significant ways that have lasted well beyond their time. In each and every one has been the indisputable presence of vision, passion, discipline and risk.
There was no mountain too high, no valley too low, no ocean too wide, and no challenge too great to withstand the prevailing effects of vision, passion, discipline and risk at work in each of their lives. Such is the compelling power of a noble purpose.
Of all the amazing figures who have passed through the Gates of Time into the Grand Hallway of human history, none is more singular and unsurpassed than Jesus of Nazareth, who is called Christ, the Son of the Living God.
Like all the others, Jesus was mission-focused. He said, “For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Everything about Him — His teaching, His miracles, and His death — everything served this one purpose. John the Beloved, Jesus' best friend, wrote, "for this purpose the Son of God was manifested -- that He might destroy the works of the devil."
Jesus had a clear and compelling vision, evident even in His childhood. “I must be about My Father’s business,” he said at the young age of twelve. His passion, ever ablaze in His sermons and always abundant in His miracles, carried Him all the way to the old rugged Cross.
His discipline, which He cultivated in the dry depths of solitude and expressed in the flood-tides of uncompromising devotion, sustained Him through the agony of death. And there, on a hill far away, He risked absolutely everything just to save you and me.
Dwight D. Eisenhower wrote, “We succeed in life as in war, only as we are able to identify a single, over-riding objective and then bend all other considerations to that one thing.” May I ask, what is the “one thing” to which you bend all other considerations in your life?
What is the noble purpose which gives compelling power to the life your now live? What would your friends say it is?
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"For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:8).
There have been many great men and women throughout history, each shaping their world in significant ways that have lasted well beyond their time. In each and every one has been the indisputable presence of vision, passion, discipline and risk.
There was no mountain too high, no valley too low, no ocean too wide, and no challenge too great to withstand the prevailing effects of vision, passion, discipline and risk at work in each of their lives. Such is the compelling power of a noble purpose.
Of all the amazing figures who have passed through the Gates of Time into the Grand Hallway of human history, none is more singular and unsurpassed than Jesus of Nazareth, who is called Christ, the Son of the Living God.
Like all the others, Jesus was mission-focused. He said, “For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Everything about Him — His teaching, His miracles, and His death — everything served this one purpose. John the Beloved, Jesus' best friend, wrote, "for this purpose the Son of God was manifested -- that He might destroy the works of the devil."
Jesus had a clear and compelling vision, evident even in His childhood. “I must be about My Father’s business,” he said at the young age of twelve. His passion, ever ablaze in His sermons and always abundant in His miracles, carried Him all the way to the old rugged Cross.
His discipline, which He cultivated in the dry depths of solitude and expressed in the flood-tides of uncompromising devotion, sustained Him through the agony of death. And there, on a hill far away, He risked absolutely everything just to save you and me.
Dwight D. Eisenhower wrote, “We succeed in life as in war, only as we are able to identify a single, over-riding objective and then bend all other considerations to that one thing.” May I ask, what is the “one thing” to which you bend all other considerations in your life?
What is the noble purpose which gives compelling power to the life your now live? What would your friends say it is?
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Saturday, October 10, 2009
Smudges and Grudges, and Immature Judges
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“Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and -- good-bye, friend!” (Proverbs 17:9, The Message).
It takes humility to overlook an offense; and maturity to let go of a slight. A proud man will take offense quickly, especially if he perceives that someone has deliberately crossed him.
The Bible says, “Only by pride cometh contention”(Pro.13:10). When a man's pride is insulted, hurt, or in any way belittled -- he will blow his lid; especially if he esteems himself more highly than he ought.
There are some people who hold onto a grudge for years, and severe their friendships over things that have largely been blown way out of proportion. The Bible calls it a “slight.” The word means something trivial. Yet to the offended party -- it is no small thing at all. They feel neglected, regarded with indifference, and treated with humiliating discourtesy.
Now, if someone has in fact treated another with humiliating discourtesy, then they should certainly make amends. But if it is only perceived in the mind of the offended party, that's another matter. It is at this point that the friendship now stands in jeopardy. For the person who holds onto the slight does so at the cost of impugning the other with undeserved guilt and shame -- pushing them farther and farther away with each passing day of brooding silence.
The results are devastating; for only God truly knows the great value of relationships within the Kingdom, and the tremendous advances they offer to the cause of Christ. Could this be one of the reasons the devil is ever on the prowl, seeking to use the covert work of whispering to separate the chiefest of friends?
“Can you believe he treated you that way?” the serpent hisses into the wounded heart. “Why, you deserve much better than that. If I were you, I would have nothing to do with that person ever again. That'll teach him!”
My advice? Take the high road when you are offended; let you love for your friend cover the error. Hold onto your friend -- they are worth far more to you that the grudge the devil is trying to bury into your heart.
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“Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and -- good-bye, friend!” (Proverbs 17:9, The Message).
It takes humility to overlook an offense; and maturity to let go of a slight. A proud man will take offense quickly, especially if he perceives that someone has deliberately crossed him.
The Bible says, “Only by pride cometh contention”(Pro.13:10). When a man's pride is insulted, hurt, or in any way belittled -- he will blow his lid; especially if he esteems himself more highly than he ought.
There are some people who hold onto a grudge for years, and severe their friendships over things that have largely been blown way out of proportion. The Bible calls it a “slight.” The word means something trivial. Yet to the offended party -- it is no small thing at all. They feel neglected, regarded with indifference, and treated with humiliating discourtesy.
Now, if someone has in fact treated another with humiliating discourtesy, then they should certainly make amends. But if it is only perceived in the mind of the offended party, that's another matter. It is at this point that the friendship now stands in jeopardy. For the person who holds onto the slight does so at the cost of impugning the other with undeserved guilt and shame -- pushing them farther and farther away with each passing day of brooding silence.
The results are devastating; for only God truly knows the great value of relationships within the Kingdom, and the tremendous advances they offer to the cause of Christ. Could this be one of the reasons the devil is ever on the prowl, seeking to use the covert work of whispering to separate the chiefest of friends?
“Can you believe he treated you that way?” the serpent hisses into the wounded heart. “Why, you deserve much better than that. If I were you, I would have nothing to do with that person ever again. That'll teach him!”
My advice? Take the high road when you are offended; let you love for your friend cover the error. Hold onto your friend -- they are worth far more to you that the grudge the devil is trying to bury into your heart.
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Friday, October 09, 2009
How to Win Without Being Wicked (Part 4 of 4)
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“Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.” (Psa 37:8).
When we read today’s verse by itself alone, we may feel incapable of following its counsel. Especially if we have suffered the injustice of false accusation, or experienced the pain of an unprovoked attack against us.
But this verse does not stand alone; it comes as the fifth step in a series, and is in fact the inevitable result of our taking the first four steps by faith. In other words, if we will take steps one through four – step five will just happen almost effortlessly.
#5 Cease from Anger – The word means to “let it go.” More specifically, “to stop holding onto it.” This is how you win without being wicked.
There are some people who hold onto an offense, turning it over and over in their minds until it creates such a churning anger in their soul that they feel they must take measures into their own hands, and act in a manner that is destructive and extreme. Often the consequences are irreparable.
God has given us a choice; a way to escape from the path of anger and bitterness; a way to live in freedom and the fullness of His blessing. He says to us Trust, Delight, Commit, Rest, and Cease.
Say those words aloud the next time you’re faced with a flare-up; and see how the Lord redirects your steps to Life.
High in the Canadian Rockies is a rushing stream called Divide Creek. At one point in its course, the waters reach a large boulder. The water which travels to the left of the boulder rushes down into the Kicking Horse River and finally into the Pacific Ocean. The water which travels to the right of the large rock makes it down into the Bow River which empties into two more rivers and then into the Atlantic Ocean. Once the water divides at that boulder, its ultimate destiny is decided. Downstream from that great rock the course cannot be altered. The left side goes to the Pacific and the right side goes to the Atlantic.
This five step plan in Psalm 37:3-8 works my friend! It has made the difference in my own life, and I know it will do the same for you. May this be the Boulder that turns you on the right course!
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“Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.” (Psa 37:8).
When we read today’s verse by itself alone, we may feel incapable of following its counsel. Especially if we have suffered the injustice of false accusation, or experienced the pain of an unprovoked attack against us.
But this verse does not stand alone; it comes as the fifth step in a series, and is in fact the inevitable result of our taking the first four steps by faith. In other words, if we will take steps one through four – step five will just happen almost effortlessly.
#5 Cease from Anger – The word means to “let it go.” More specifically, “to stop holding onto it.” This is how you win without being wicked.
There are some people who hold onto an offense, turning it over and over in their minds until it creates such a churning anger in their soul that they feel they must take measures into their own hands, and act in a manner that is destructive and extreme. Often the consequences are irreparable.
God has given us a choice; a way to escape from the path of anger and bitterness; a way to live in freedom and the fullness of His blessing. He says to us Trust, Delight, Commit, Rest, and Cease.
Say those words aloud the next time you’re faced with a flare-up; and see how the Lord redirects your steps to Life.
High in the Canadian Rockies is a rushing stream called Divide Creek. At one point in its course, the waters reach a large boulder. The water which travels to the left of the boulder rushes down into the Kicking Horse River and finally into the Pacific Ocean. The water which travels to the right of the large rock makes it down into the Bow River which empties into two more rivers and then into the Atlantic Ocean. Once the water divides at that boulder, its ultimate destiny is decided. Downstream from that great rock the course cannot be altered. The left side goes to the Pacific and the right side goes to the Atlantic.
This five step plan in Psalm 37:3-8 works my friend! It has made the difference in my own life, and I know it will do the same for you. May this be the Boulder that turns you on the right course!
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Thursday, October 08, 2009
How to Win Without Being Wicked (Part 3 of 4)
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"Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil." (Psa 37:3-8).
Yesterday we looked at step #1 and #2 in a five step plan that moves us out of the stronghold of anger. Today we will look at what comes next.
#3 Commit -- The word picture suggests “the rolling of a stone from one place to another.” In other words – roll your burden over onto the Lord. His broad shoulders can carry the weight that will otherwise crush you and me. This is the ultimate act of “letting it go.”
Years back I came upon this little phrase, and I've never forgotten it -- "Worry is an old man with bended head, carrying a load of feathers which he thinks is lead." Sometimes we give more weight to what we hold onto, increasing the load we carry until it wears us down. If we would just let it go, it would blow away like feathers in the wind.
#4 Rest – The word means to be silent and still. It indicates the absence of emotional distress; the quieting of an inward churning that always stirs up strife. To rest is to be at peace. This is what empowers us to stand in the face of anything -- for we now have nothing to fear, nothing to prove, nothing to hide, and nothing to lose.
Again, as we saw yesterday with the first two steps, step #4 is the proof that you have done step #3. A person cannot and will not find rest until they commit their way unto the Lord.
Before we wrap this up tomorrow, look first at the promises made for those who trust, delight, commit, and rest.
The Psalmist assures us that we shall dwell securely in the blessings of the Lord, watching with delight as He defends us from all attacks and gives us the desires of our heart. And, He will publicly vindicate us, clearing us of all accusations that have been brought against us.
How good is that?
See you tomorrow for the conclusion.
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"Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil." (Psa 37:3-8).
Yesterday we looked at step #1 and #2 in a five step plan that moves us out of the stronghold of anger. Today we will look at what comes next.
#3 Commit -- The word picture suggests “the rolling of a stone from one place to another.” In other words – roll your burden over onto the Lord. His broad shoulders can carry the weight that will otherwise crush you and me. This is the ultimate act of “letting it go.”
Years back I came upon this little phrase, and I've never forgotten it -- "Worry is an old man with bended head, carrying a load of feathers which he thinks is lead." Sometimes we give more weight to what we hold onto, increasing the load we carry until it wears us down. If we would just let it go, it would blow away like feathers in the wind.
#4 Rest – The word means to be silent and still. It indicates the absence of emotional distress; the quieting of an inward churning that always stirs up strife. To rest is to be at peace. This is what empowers us to stand in the face of anything -- for we now have nothing to fear, nothing to prove, nothing to hide, and nothing to lose.
Again, as we saw yesterday with the first two steps, step #4 is the proof that you have done step #3. A person cannot and will not find rest until they commit their way unto the Lord.
Before we wrap this up tomorrow, look first at the promises made for those who trust, delight, commit, and rest.
The Psalmist assures us that we shall dwell securely in the blessings of the Lord, watching with delight as He defends us from all attacks and gives us the desires of our heart. And, He will publicly vindicate us, clearing us of all accusations that have been brought against us.
How good is that?
See you tomorrow for the conclusion.
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Wednesday, October 07, 2009
How to Win Without Being Wicked (Part 2 of 4)
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"Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil." (Psalm 37:3-8).
We have in this scripture a simple and beautiful truth, which provides us with a powerful resource against the destructive forces of anger. Here is how the plan works.
When you find yourself caught in the throws of a raging onslaught, which stirs your heart to the boiling point of saying or doing something that will hurt those who have hurt you – take a few steps back and re-center your life with these five power-packed words.
#1 Trust – this is a verb signifying confidence. It expresses the feeling of safety and security that is comes when one can rely on someone or something else. When others have failed you miserably, and everything in you wants to get even – stop and remind yourself of how faithful the Lord has been in your life.
#2 Delight – this word means to take delight and pleasure in God; it has the sense of making merry, jesting at someone. It speaks of friendship at so deep a level that you can give and receive friendly banter. “Delight” is the light-hearted converse that distracts a heavy-hearted soul from the weight of its burdens.
Notice before we go any further that #2 is the proof that you have done #1.
You cannot and will not “delight” in someone that you do not “trust.” So, if you would cease from anger and break the stronghold it has on your heart and mind – start at step one and trust the Lord with the situation. Trust Him until you are distracted with delight in Him.
We will pick up here tomorrow….
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"Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil." (Psalm 37:3-8).
We have in this scripture a simple and beautiful truth, which provides us with a powerful resource against the destructive forces of anger. Here is how the plan works.
When you find yourself caught in the throws of a raging onslaught, which stirs your heart to the boiling point of saying or doing something that will hurt those who have hurt you – take a few steps back and re-center your life with these five power-packed words.
#1 Trust – this is a verb signifying confidence. It expresses the feeling of safety and security that is comes when one can rely on someone or something else. When others have failed you miserably, and everything in you wants to get even – stop and remind yourself of how faithful the Lord has been in your life.
#2 Delight – this word means to take delight and pleasure in God; it has the sense of making merry, jesting at someone. It speaks of friendship at so deep a level that you can give and receive friendly banter. “Delight” is the light-hearted converse that distracts a heavy-hearted soul from the weight of its burdens.
Notice before we go any further that #2 is the proof that you have done #1.
You cannot and will not “delight” in someone that you do not “trust.” So, if you would cease from anger and break the stronghold it has on your heart and mind – start at step one and trust the Lord with the situation. Trust Him until you are distracted with delight in Him.
We will pick up here tomorrow….
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Tuesday, October 06, 2009
How to Win Without Being Wicked (Part 1 of 4)
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“Treat one another justly. Love your neighbors. Be compassionate with each other.” (Zechariah 7:9, The Message).
There is a single phrase that helps me tremendously in every inter-personal relationship I encounter each day. “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.” (Philo of Alexandria, Jewish philosopher).
You may not realize it but a great war is being waged all around you today. The enemy has an arsenal replete with smart bombs, booby-traps, drones, land mines, and assorted missiles. And every person you meet is carefully battling their way through peril.
This is true of every person you meet, just as it is true of you. It is one of the paramount reasons the Lord has joined us inseparably to one another, for there is power in our fellowship – a supply that helps us face and fight through any and every battle. "Two are better than one," Solomon wrote, "for if the one falls down, the other is there to help"(Eccl.4:10, The Message).
Henry Ward Beecher, while walking down a street, passed a newsboy shivering in the cold. Being moved with compassion toward him, the great preacher bought up all his newspapers, and when he handed over the money to him, he said, “Surely you are cold?”
“I was,” replied the lad with a gulp, “till you passed, sir.”
Have you warmed anybody up lately? Everybody you meet is fighting a great battle – and too often they are left to struggle alone. This too often leads to conflict with others that escalates into unnecessary and unseemly behavior.Beginning today, and continuing for the next few days, I want to show you how to win without being wicked.
It starts with kindness.
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“Treat one another justly. Love your neighbors. Be compassionate with each other.” (Zechariah 7:9, The Message).
There is a single phrase that helps me tremendously in every inter-personal relationship I encounter each day. “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.” (Philo of Alexandria, Jewish philosopher).
You may not realize it but a great war is being waged all around you today. The enemy has an arsenal replete with smart bombs, booby-traps, drones, land mines, and assorted missiles. And every person you meet is carefully battling their way through peril.
This is true of every person you meet, just as it is true of you. It is one of the paramount reasons the Lord has joined us inseparably to one another, for there is power in our fellowship – a supply that helps us face and fight through any and every battle. "Two are better than one," Solomon wrote, "for if the one falls down, the other is there to help"(Eccl.4:10, The Message).
Henry Ward Beecher, while walking down a street, passed a newsboy shivering in the cold. Being moved with compassion toward him, the great preacher bought up all his newspapers, and when he handed over the money to him, he said, “Surely you are cold?”
“I was,” replied the lad with a gulp, “till you passed, sir.”
Have you warmed anybody up lately? Everybody you meet is fighting a great battle – and too often they are left to struggle alone. This too often leads to conflict with others that escalates into unnecessary and unseemly behavior.Beginning today, and continuing for the next few days, I want to show you how to win without being wicked.
It starts with kindness.
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Monday, October 05, 2009
Ceasing From Anger
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“Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil” (Psalm 37:8).
Have you ever been so angry that your thoughts turned dark and sinister? I have, on more than one occasion; and but for the grace of God I surely would have done some foolish thing that brought ruin and heartbreak to so many others – not just to the person I was angry at.
Our verse says, “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath.” The Hebrew word for cease means “to go limp.” Have you ever tried to pick up a two-year old who did not want to be picked up? They go limp, like an old dish rag. You’re left trying to pick up something that shifts its form like jello in a burlap bag.
That’s what the Lord wants us to do when anger tries to grab hold of our hearts – go limp. Don’t give it anything to grab and hold onto. The word forsake, on the other hand, means “to let go.”
What the Lord is helping us do here is break our partnership with rage. Don’t let it take you for a dance, and don’t hold onto it as though it is your friend. Go slack so it cannot hold you; and do not hold on to it. Let it go.
That sounds all very good and wonderful, but it is not so easy to do; especially for those who have been enraged by another’s trespass. But, nevertheless, the Lord provides us with a way to walk out of the storm.
Tomorrow, I will outline a great and simple plan that will help you face and overcome the variety of forces that stir your heart with anger. This plan was devised by the Lord, and it will help you win without being wicked.
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“Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil” (Psalm 37:8).
Have you ever been so angry that your thoughts turned dark and sinister? I have, on more than one occasion; and but for the grace of God I surely would have done some foolish thing that brought ruin and heartbreak to so many others – not just to the person I was angry at.
Our verse says, “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath.” The Hebrew word for cease means “to go limp.” Have you ever tried to pick up a two-year old who did not want to be picked up? They go limp, like an old dish rag. You’re left trying to pick up something that shifts its form like jello in a burlap bag.
That’s what the Lord wants us to do when anger tries to grab hold of our hearts – go limp. Don’t give it anything to grab and hold onto. The word forsake, on the other hand, means “to let go.”
What the Lord is helping us do here is break our partnership with rage. Don’t let it take you for a dance, and don’t hold onto it as though it is your friend. Go slack so it cannot hold you; and do not hold on to it. Let it go.
That sounds all very good and wonderful, but it is not so easy to do; especially for those who have been enraged by another’s trespass. But, nevertheless, the Lord provides us with a way to walk out of the storm.
Tomorrow, I will outline a great and simple plan that will help you face and overcome the variety of forces that stir your heart with anger. This plan was devised by the Lord, and it will help you win without being wicked.
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Sunday, October 04, 2009
The Trouble with a Warped Head (Part 2)
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“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:19-20, NIV).
Sometimes our relationship with the Lord is like Candid Camera -- when you least expect it, and always at a time when you would not want it to happen -- He walks right up to you, dressed is some clever disguise like a grease-stained mechanic at a car dealership, and says, “Mr. Ryle, you have a warped head.”
As the guy went on to explain the problem I was having with my Astro van, the Lord started talking to me about deeper issues in my own heart. Specifically –the issue of anger.
The mechanic told me that because the engine head was warped, it caused a break in the gasket seal, which in turn resulted in an oil leak and loss of power. The smoke was the result of oil burning on a hot head.
Did you get all that?
When we are warped in our thinking – nothing good can happen. And to make matter worse, we get all hot and bothered when something good doesn’t happen. When things go bad or wrong – we blow our lids. That’s the trouble with a warped head.
The Lord wants to set our minds right. And as He does so, the seal will hold and there will be no blown gaskets, nor any loss of power.
Next time you find yourself over-heating and getting ready to pop – just pull over to the side and ask the Lord to straighten out your thinking; to check the seals, and make sure your “oil level” is fine. Cool down, and only then proceed along the high way.
Tomorrow, I’ll show you how the Lord fixes a warped head.
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“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:19-20, NIV).
Sometimes our relationship with the Lord is like Candid Camera -- when you least expect it, and always at a time when you would not want it to happen -- He walks right up to you, dressed is some clever disguise like a grease-stained mechanic at a car dealership, and says, “Mr. Ryle, you have a warped head.”
As the guy went on to explain the problem I was having with my Astro van, the Lord started talking to me about deeper issues in my own heart. Specifically –the issue of anger.
The mechanic told me that because the engine head was warped, it caused a break in the gasket seal, which in turn resulted in an oil leak and loss of power. The smoke was the result of oil burning on a hot head.
Did you get all that?
When we are warped in our thinking – nothing good can happen. And to make matter worse, we get all hot and bothered when something good doesn’t happen. When things go bad or wrong – we blow our lids. That’s the trouble with a warped head.
The Lord wants to set our minds right. And as He does so, the seal will hold and there will be no blown gaskets, nor any loss of power.
Next time you find yourself over-heating and getting ready to pop – just pull over to the side and ask the Lord to straighten out your thinking; to check the seals, and make sure your “oil level” is fine. Cool down, and only then proceed along the high way.
Tomorrow, I’ll show you how the Lord fixes a warped head.
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Saturday, October 03, 2009
The Trouble with a Warped Head (Part 1)
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“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:19-20, NIV).
Several years ago we bought a Chevy Astro Van; with captain's seat from front to back, tinted windows, and a cassette deck. Belinda and I, along with our four kids, were stylin' in the Mile High City.
Our second car, which I drove, was a Volkswagen squareback; custom-painted a metallic cobalt blue, and fitted with silver tinted windows. Yeah, that's right -- it was cool.
But anyway -- one day as we are cruising in our Astro I noticed the meter indicating that the engine was running hot. Hmmmm. What could that mean, I wondered. Then it began to lose power, and felt like it was lurching along the road -- all the while continuing to over-heat even more. Then white smoke started billowing out everywhere -- and I managed to make it to the dealership just in the nick of time.
And for the record -- I made a scene once I got there. In fact, you might say that there was as much steam coming out of my ears as was previously coming out of my van. I was angry -- and it was all their fault!
They rolled the van into the bay and did a full exam, and brought the news to me in the waiting room -- where I was drinking car dealership coffee and scanning old copies of Reader's Digest for some news jokes to use on Sunday morning.
“Mr. Ryle,” the grease-stained fellow said with a polite smile, “You have a warped head.”
I don't really remember much else of what he said, or what we did to get it all corrected -- for in that otherwise ordinary moment, the Lord used the man's comment to speak to me about my problem with anger.
I'll tell you what He said tomorrow.
.
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:19-20, NIV).
Several years ago we bought a Chevy Astro Van; with captain's seat from front to back, tinted windows, and a cassette deck. Belinda and I, along with our four kids, were stylin' in the Mile High City.
Our second car, which I drove, was a Volkswagen squareback; custom-painted a metallic cobalt blue, and fitted with silver tinted windows. Yeah, that's right -- it was cool.
But anyway -- one day as we are cruising in our Astro I noticed the meter indicating that the engine was running hot. Hmmmm. What could that mean, I wondered. Then it began to lose power, and felt like it was lurching along the road -- all the while continuing to over-heat even more. Then white smoke started billowing out everywhere -- and I managed to make it to the dealership just in the nick of time.
And for the record -- I made a scene once I got there. In fact, you might say that there was as much steam coming out of my ears as was previously coming out of my van. I was angry -- and it was all their fault!
They rolled the van into the bay and did a full exam, and brought the news to me in the waiting room -- where I was drinking car dealership coffee and scanning old copies of Reader's Digest for some news jokes to use on Sunday morning.
“Mr. Ryle,” the grease-stained fellow said with a polite smile, “You have a warped head.”
I don't really remember much else of what he said, or what we did to get it all corrected -- for in that otherwise ordinary moment, the Lord used the man's comment to speak to me about my problem with anger.
I'll tell you what He said tomorrow.
.
Friday, October 02, 2009
The Wrath of Man
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"Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry?" (Jonah 4:4).
Anger. It is possibly the single most recognizable human emotion on the planet. There is no doubt when someone is angry. Other emotions can be misread -- like happiness, for example. A happy person may laugh or cry, even at the same time. So we might wonder if they are glad or sad.
But anger is never vague. It has a brooding presence and an defining scowl, a look in the eye that sends daggers across a room; it is the quiet before the storm, the tremor before the quake, the smoke before the volcanic eruption.
What most of us do not realize is that anger is a symptom of something deeper; there is a reason that a person gets angry.
So, where does anger come from?
Anger comes from one or more of these five factors -- hurt, fear, guilt, shame, and injustice.
When an person experiences pain they often react in such a way as to appear angry. Take for example a man hitting his thumb with a hammer. His immediate reaction will be explosive. Or accidentally brush against another person's wounded arm, and there will be an immediate self-defensive reaction packed in a brief flash of anger. The same happens when you brush against their wounded heart, or unwittingly stir some painful memory.
Fear also causes a person to feel anger. Back any man or woman into a corner, making them to feel trapped and threatened -- and you will see anger rise to fever pitch. It's part of our survival instinct. Like when George McFly knocked out Biff the Bully for messing with Loraine. Wham!
Guilt and shame each do their part as well in bringing anger to the surface, for a person can only bear these two destructive forces so long. Guilt has to do with you have done against others, and shame has to do with what has been done against you. Both feelings can cause anger to surface at any moment; especially when the situation seems too familiar with what caused the person to feel guilt and shame in the first place.
Finally we come to Injustice. When we see a wrong being done against another, who is defenseless -- an anger rises and compels us to act against those who are doing the wrong.
We will talk more along these lines tomorrow.
.
"Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry?" (Jonah 4:4).
Anger. It is possibly the single most recognizable human emotion on the planet. There is no doubt when someone is angry. Other emotions can be misread -- like happiness, for example. A happy person may laugh or cry, even at the same time. So we might wonder if they are glad or sad.
But anger is never vague. It has a brooding presence and an defining scowl, a look in the eye that sends daggers across a room; it is the quiet before the storm, the tremor before the quake, the smoke before the volcanic eruption.
What most of us do not realize is that anger is a symptom of something deeper; there is a reason that a person gets angry.
So, where does anger come from?
Anger comes from one or more of these five factors -- hurt, fear, guilt, shame, and injustice.
When an person experiences pain they often react in such a way as to appear angry. Take for example a man hitting his thumb with a hammer. His immediate reaction will be explosive. Or accidentally brush against another person's wounded arm, and there will be an immediate self-defensive reaction packed in a brief flash of anger. The same happens when you brush against their wounded heart, or unwittingly stir some painful memory.
Fear also causes a person to feel anger. Back any man or woman into a corner, making them to feel trapped and threatened -- and you will see anger rise to fever pitch. It's part of our survival instinct. Like when George McFly knocked out Biff the Bully for messing with Loraine. Wham!
Guilt and shame each do their part as well in bringing anger to the surface, for a person can only bear these two destructive forces so long. Guilt has to do with you have done against others, and shame has to do with what has been done against you. Both feelings can cause anger to surface at any moment; especially when the situation seems too familiar with what caused the person to feel guilt and shame in the first place.
Finally we come to Injustice. When we see a wrong being done against another, who is defenseless -- an anger rises and compels us to act against those who are doing the wrong.
We will talk more along these lines tomorrow.
.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Ever Wanted to Bite Somebody?
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“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:19-20, NIV).
There was this guy who had been bitten by a rabid dog and was advised by his physician that his prospects for recovery would be long and painful. The man grabbed a pen and began frantically writing on a piece of paper. The doctor responded by saying, "You're not going to die, so there's no need to write out your will in such a hurry."
"Will?" the guy replied, "I'm not writing my will; I making a list of all the people I'm going to bite!"
Have you ever wanted to bite somebody? Even been so angry you could take a chunk out of 'em? Maybe; maybe not. There are many around you who are feeling the squeeze; more than a few grinding their teeth. For there is a growing anger in our world today, fueled by any number of things, and headed for an unmistakable eruption. We are fast approaching the tipping point.
But how about you? How are you doing? Are you finding a way to handle our topsy-turvy world without blowing a gasket?
I think James gives us a good place to start when he advises – “everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” An old proverb says that God gave man two ears and one mouth, so that we would listen twice as much as we speak.
Why not cultivate this as a personal habit? Throughout today stop and deliberately listen – listen to those who want to talk to you. Listen to the music that you have playing in your car as you drive to work. Listen to the sounds of life happening around you. Listen to your thoughts. And, above all – listen to the Lord.
He will take the bite out of everything!
.
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:19-20, NIV).
There was this guy who had been bitten by a rabid dog and was advised by his physician that his prospects for recovery would be long and painful. The man grabbed a pen and began frantically writing on a piece of paper. The doctor responded by saying, "You're not going to die, so there's no need to write out your will in such a hurry."
"Will?" the guy replied, "I'm not writing my will; I making a list of all the people I'm going to bite!"
Have you ever wanted to bite somebody? Even been so angry you could take a chunk out of 'em? Maybe; maybe not. There are many around you who are feeling the squeeze; more than a few grinding their teeth. For there is a growing anger in our world today, fueled by any number of things, and headed for an unmistakable eruption. We are fast approaching the tipping point.
But how about you? How are you doing? Are you finding a way to handle our topsy-turvy world without blowing a gasket?
I think James gives us a good place to start when he advises – “everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” An old proverb says that God gave man two ears and one mouth, so that we would listen twice as much as we speak.
Why not cultivate this as a personal habit? Throughout today stop and deliberately listen – listen to those who want to talk to you. Listen to the music that you have playing in your car as you drive to work. Listen to the sounds of life happening around you. Listen to your thoughts. And, above all – listen to the Lord.
He will take the bite out of everything!
.
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