Isn't it interesting the judgements we make about people . . . judgements that we are pretty sure we're correct about, only to find out later how wrong we were? I was thinking about that this morning, as I reflected regarding an individual I heard speak recently. I was prepared to be underwhelmed and found myself, quite frankly, overwhelmed with their depth of heart and passion, our shared values and theological positions, and teaching styles. The more I heard, the better I felt about this previously somewhat rejected individual; and the more I heard the more I realized how wrong I was to form an opinion, such as I had, in the first place.
I began to think about the things I heard . . . these statements which influenced and "colored" my thinking about the person. I asked myself questions like "what did the teller know first hand, if anything, that would have caused them to feel sure enough to share such inflamatory remarks about another persons character. It was in that moment of reflection, that the Holy Spirit nudged me, and reminded me that there are those out there, who hold or, have held certain inflammatory judgements regarding me, that were based on intangible, obsecure and incorrect facts; rumors, and gossip. I remembered how that felt to me to be judged on such things. And here I had done the same thing! I was contaminated by an evil report! Armed with wrong information, I formed a judgement, and made a conscience decision to distanced myself from a creative, insightful and Godly person . . . and all because of an evil report.
You know those evil reports, right? In a nut shell, an evil report is a "distortion of facts; incomplete facts; or false information, which is usually given with wrong motives, causing the hearer to come to an inaccurate conclusion, and to respond with unscriptural solutions." Now, that's a mouthful isn't it! But, it's a wealth of truth to pay attention to.
Numbers 3:32 & 33 says "And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight."
Now, that's an evil report . . . and, it was the kind of report that swayed opinons, discounted trust in God, and was based on anything but truth! Instead of faith rising up in the face of challenge, fear rose up. Satan will always try to thwart the victory of God in our lives. 10 spies went into the land, 8 came back with evil reports. It took the faith of two men to convince the people to trust and obey God for the victory. Whose report will you believe? Will you believe an evil report or the report of the Lord?
After this period of reflection, I asked God to forgive me for my small mindedness and my sin of believing an evil report. I was the loser in this deal. I could have had relationship with this one, but instead I lost out on their counsel, guidance, influence and wisdom. "O, Lord keep me from being infected with evil reports in the future" I cry! I pray I remember this moment, and ask the appropriate questions next time, like: "What is your reason for telling me?" And, "where did you get your information." And, "Have you personally checked out all the facts?" Finally, "Can I quote you if I check this out?" Had I asked those, I bet I would have had a heads up and not responded so foolishly! I could have been one of the two whose faith and right response swayed the multitude. Instead, sadly enough . . . I was one of the eight who passed on the same evil report I had been given. Sharing an evil report, once contaminated by it (believing it is true) is just plain gossip, slander and sin! What if . . . what if we all quit believing so quickly the things we hear, and we took them to the Lord and responded out of trust and honor? What if!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
I've been humming the hymn "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" all day. It was written by Thomas Obediah Chisholm in 1923 after one of his many, many seasons of illness. Chisholm had been sickly all his life . . . so sick in fact that he was on his death bed more than once! Because of this he had a real appreciation for good health, and he didn't take it for granted. Chisholm so believed in God's faithfulness, that it wasn't based on any current life situation such as sickness or health; poverty or wealth; or any other conditions that we tend to base our well-being on. It was out of this tremendous belief in God's faithfulness that he was able to pen the words to this song. Look at how powerful just the first verse alone is:
Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father; there is no
shadow of turning with thee; thou changest not, thy compassions
they fail not; as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.
Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! Morning
by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed thy hand hath
provided; great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Thou changest not . . . thy compassions they fail not . . . as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be. WOW! These words need to sink deep into my heart, and soul, and mind.
I examine my own faith journey and I must admit that there have been times when I have said things like "God told me . . . or God directed me . . . or, God led me." And, at that moment I believe it. But, for one reason or another some of those have sort of fallen by the way side . . . and forgotten too quickly. I'm not alone, I see it all the time in other Christians around me. We're all just so fickle. We change our mind as fast as we change our underwear! But, God doesn't change like that, and He's NOT fickle. So what does that say about me? Did God speak or didn't He? If He did, why on earth do I let anything get in my way of accomplishing the thing or direction He led me in the first place? Why am I not more like Abraham who, when God spoke about taking his only son Isaac to the mountain to offer him as a sacrifice; he didn't wait to hear for more clarification from heaven, he acted; he didn't pray for a sign or handwriting on the wall for confirmation before moving; and he didn't try to figure out what God meant before responding . . . instead, he believed he heard God's voice and he obeyed! One thing is for sure, that is faithfulness!
In contrast to that, I find myself allowing my humanity to bleed through my Christianity, spilling into my actions as doubt and fear; hesitation and fickleness; and questions regarding what I believe to be a word from God. There are times when I allow my current life situations, to direct my actions instead of my God, directing my actions. What a sad truth for so many of us.
Ahhh, but the blessedness of the hymn "Great Is Thy faithfulness," is that it is based on Lamentations 3:22-23 that says "His compassions they fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness." And for me, this is surely something to rejoice over. For me, this means that despite my doubt and fear; God is faithful to me! Regardless of my hesitation and fickleness; God's mercy (His forgivess of my sin of doubt, fear, and lack of action) are new (I get a clean slate) every morning! That grace helps me to take those steps of action when I question if I've heard from God at all; it helps me to respond to the hard things I think I hear God say; and it helps me to know that I don't have to have all the answers before I begin being obedient to His direction, voice, or path. Selah! (a Hebrew word used in the Psalms that means to reflect, pause, and ponder) So, I take a moment and realize . . . "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" Lord, unto me!
Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father; there is no
shadow of turning with thee; thou changest not, thy compassions
they fail not; as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.
Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! Morning
by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed thy hand hath
provided; great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Thou changest not . . . thy compassions they fail not . . . as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be. WOW! These words need to sink deep into my heart, and soul, and mind.
I examine my own faith journey and I must admit that there have been times when I have said things like "God told me . . . or God directed me . . . or, God led me." And, at that moment I believe it. But, for one reason or another some of those have sort of fallen by the way side . . . and forgotten too quickly. I'm not alone, I see it all the time in other Christians around me. We're all just so fickle. We change our mind as fast as we change our underwear! But, God doesn't change like that, and He's NOT fickle. So what does that say about me? Did God speak or didn't He? If He did, why on earth do I let anything get in my way of accomplishing the thing or direction He led me in the first place? Why am I not more like Abraham who, when God spoke about taking his only son Isaac to the mountain to offer him as a sacrifice; he didn't wait to hear for more clarification from heaven, he acted; he didn't pray for a sign or handwriting on the wall for confirmation before moving; and he didn't try to figure out what God meant before responding . . . instead, he believed he heard God's voice and he obeyed! One thing is for sure, that is faithfulness!
In contrast to that, I find myself allowing my humanity to bleed through my Christianity, spilling into my actions as doubt and fear; hesitation and fickleness; and questions regarding what I believe to be a word from God. There are times when I allow my current life situations, to direct my actions instead of my God, directing my actions. What a sad truth for so many of us.
Ahhh, but the blessedness of the hymn "Great Is Thy faithfulness," is that it is based on Lamentations 3:22-23 that says "His compassions they fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness." And for me, this is surely something to rejoice over. For me, this means that despite my doubt and fear; God is faithful to me! Regardless of my hesitation and fickleness; God's mercy (His forgivess of my sin of doubt, fear, and lack of action) are new (I get a clean slate) every morning! That grace helps me to take those steps of action when I question if I've heard from God at all; it helps me to respond to the hard things I think I hear God say; and it helps me to know that I don't have to have all the answers before I begin being obedient to His direction, voice, or path. Selah! (a Hebrew word used in the Psalms that means to reflect, pause, and ponder) So, I take a moment and realize . . . "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" Lord, unto me!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Micah 6:8
If I had a nickle for every time that I asked the Lord what He wanted me to do, what direction He wanted me to take or, what He expected of me . . . I'd be rich!! Those are valid questions for a Christian who wants to walk in God's will. A Christian who wants to live a life that is pleasing to God, asks those kinds of questions.
However, God has already made it abundantly clear what He wants from me. And those instructions are written in Micah 6:8 "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God."
Whew! That is a pretty tall order isn't it? But, at first blush I have to admit, reading this verse still leaves me with some of those same questions. I mean, what does that really mean for how I live . . . daily? Do justice, love kindness and walk humbly . . . sounds pretty standard, but what does it mean when applied to real life?
Doing justice isn't just hearing about an injustice and saying a prayer; it's more than just feeling bad about anothers plight; and just sending a check to ease our conscience as though that would be enough, just doesn't cut it for Godly living. Instead its all about seeing an injustice and doing something to make it right. It's about seeing a need and meeting it, and it's about getting personally engaged in being the hands and feet of Christ, in spite of our own level of comfort regarding the matter.
Loving kindness means to embrace it with heart and soul. That kind of kindness is catchy, its quite frankly, unexpected these days! Kindness is more than just being nice . . . it's more than doing sweet things for those you love . . . it's actually doing kind things when you don't feel like it, when you don't care for the person your encountering and when the last thing you want to do, is look beyond yourself to another. To love kindness is something you do because you can't not do it! Kindness is about attitude, actions, words . . . it's like having a heart-a-tude! I like that, a heart-a-tude bypass that bridges over my own self centeredness and prefers to do for others first.
Finally, the "walking humbly with my God" part is really interesting. We go about our daily lives doing our own thing, and seldom do we think about God. To walk humbly means to respect with reverence and awe the justice of God, the righteousness of God and the power of God. It means to be in a conscience state of awareness how small we really are, and how big our God really is. Walking humbly has to do with honoring God in all I do, since it is God who holds my future in His hands! I said it was interesting because I'm very aware how little thought I actually give to God in my daily living. Yet, there isn't a breath I draw that isn't given to me by God. There isn't a sight I see that isn't a gift from God. There isn't a thing I have that doesn't come from God . . . reasons to humble myself to the one who is supreme in my life . . . not me . . . but Thee!
However, God has already made it abundantly clear what He wants from me. And those instructions are written in Micah 6:8 "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God."
Whew! That is a pretty tall order isn't it? But, at first blush I have to admit, reading this verse still leaves me with some of those same questions. I mean, what does that really mean for how I live . . . daily? Do justice, love kindness and walk humbly . . . sounds pretty standard, but what does it mean when applied to real life?
Doing justice isn't just hearing about an injustice and saying a prayer; it's more than just feeling bad about anothers plight; and just sending a check to ease our conscience as though that would be enough, just doesn't cut it for Godly living. Instead its all about seeing an injustice and doing something to make it right. It's about seeing a need and meeting it, and it's about getting personally engaged in being the hands and feet of Christ, in spite of our own level of comfort regarding the matter.
Loving kindness means to embrace it with heart and soul. That kind of kindness is catchy, its quite frankly, unexpected these days! Kindness is more than just being nice . . . it's more than doing sweet things for those you love . . . it's actually doing kind things when you don't feel like it, when you don't care for the person your encountering and when the last thing you want to do, is look beyond yourself to another. To love kindness is something you do because you can't not do it! Kindness is about attitude, actions, words . . . it's like having a heart-a-tude! I like that, a heart-a-tude bypass that bridges over my own self centeredness and prefers to do for others first.
Finally, the "walking humbly with my God" part is really interesting. We go about our daily lives doing our own thing, and seldom do we think about God. To walk humbly means to respect with reverence and awe the justice of God, the righteousness of God and the power of God. It means to be in a conscience state of awareness how small we really are, and how big our God really is. Walking humbly has to do with honoring God in all I do, since it is God who holds my future in His hands! I said it was interesting because I'm very aware how little thought I actually give to God in my daily living. Yet, there isn't a breath I draw that isn't given to me by God. There isn't a sight I see that isn't a gift from God. There isn't a thing I have that doesn't come from God . . . reasons to humble myself to the one who is supreme in my life . . . not me . . . but Thee!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Measure This!
I heard a long time ago, that if you truly want to measure your growth in the Lord, that you should measure . . . not so much your actions (good, just not good enough) you should instead measure your REACTIONS! Measuring your reactions is a much better gauge for how you've grown in the Lord. It's the "good that you can do the right things when you think about it, but what do you do when you're not thinking about it," thing.
With that in mind, and I re-read James 1:2-3 I realized that James is making clear that those unexpected afflictions and trouble, that we call trials, are to be received as though a joyful thing has come upon us. We should be joyful, because its just one more opportunity to develop endurance. James knew that endurance was equal in essence to patience.
The problem for me comes when I looked up the meaning of the words patience and encounter. To be patient is to bear without provocation (something that instigates, irritates or angers), without complaint, loss of temper, or irritation . . . yeah right! The word encounter are those times when something comes upon you without expectation. You know those various trials that you didn't pencil into your schedule.
Seldom, do I encounter an irritating moment and NOT complain about it. When was the last time I experienced a various trial (those that come when you least expect it) and wasn't irritated or didn't loose my temper? When was the last time I acknowledged that to be provoked is to surrender my will, to an other's challenging attitude?
And yet, God our Father, desires that we be complete. That we lack nothing in this life to live successfully and rightly before Him. And as James, the brother of Jesus is saying here, we can! But its all about our attitude, and all about our reactions! We need to give ourselves an attitude adjustment the next time we encounter a various trial. We need to set aside our aggravation, our anger, our irritation and face it with joy!
Facing trials with joy requires faith . . . sheer trust that God has it all under control, so we don't have to!!
With that in mind, and I re-read James 1:2-3 I realized that James is making clear that those unexpected afflictions and trouble, that we call trials, are to be received as though a joyful thing has come upon us. We should be joyful, because its just one more opportunity to develop endurance. James knew that endurance was equal in essence to patience.
The problem for me comes when I looked up the meaning of the words patience and encounter. To be patient is to bear without provocation (something that instigates, irritates or angers), without complaint, loss of temper, or irritation . . . yeah right! The word encounter are those times when something comes upon you without expectation. You know those various trials that you didn't pencil into your schedule.
Seldom, do I encounter an irritating moment and NOT complain about it. When was the last time I experienced a various trial (those that come when you least expect it) and wasn't irritated or didn't loose my temper? When was the last time I acknowledged that to be provoked is to surrender my will, to an other's challenging attitude?
And yet, God our Father, desires that we be complete. That we lack nothing in this life to live successfully and rightly before Him. And as James, the brother of Jesus is saying here, we can! But its all about our attitude, and all about our reactions! We need to give ourselves an attitude adjustment the next time we encounter a various trial. We need to set aside our aggravation, our anger, our irritation and face it with joy!
Facing trials with joy requires faith . . . sheer trust that God has it all under control, so we don't have to!!
Monday, August 24, 2009
The Surrender of Baptism
There we were singing "Onward Christian Soldiers" every night of Vacation Bible School at the Baptist Church we attended in Yuma, Arizona somewhere around 1961. I asked Jesus to come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior!
Then of course, on the last night of Bible School there was a baptismal service. It was an incredible spiritual moment for me. They placed me in a white robe and put a wreath of small velvet flowers that had red bead like anthers atop the filament. They gave me instructions on what to expect and how to hold my nose when I went under the water. I was afraid! Then, when the baptism was over, there were ladies waiting in the wings with towels to help dry me off, and I was shivering as much from the cold water and air, as I was this moment of death that I just experienced.
As a five-year-old I didn't fully understand all the symbolism attached to baptism, but I full well understood that Jesus died on a cross to save me from my sins! In our Bible School room, there was a picture of Jesus on the Cross with blood spilling down His face from the crown of thorns on his head. I looked at it intently every night that week!
As I got back to the room to change into dry clothes, I reached up to wipe away some of the wet that was starting to run from my head and hair, into my eyes. Instinctively, I looked at the wet in my hand which was full of a red liquid, I thought was blood. I asked one of the ladies if I was going to die like Jesus . . . and at that moment, I was recalling what the pastor said as he put me under the water about dying.
Come to find out, the red liquid was the dye in the little bead-like part of the flowers in the wreath on my head mingled with water. But, as I look back on it now it represented exactly what was required during that baptism . . . that I die so that Christ in me can live! And wow . . . that is not as easy as being baptised! John Wesley called the grace with which we live after baptism "sanctifying grace," which is the work of the Holy Spirit helping us to live a life that is sanctified with Christ. It's that grace that helps us lay down the flesh and live into faithfulness and righteousness. This requires nothing more . . . than surrender! Absolute surrender of our will to the will of the Lord! And surrender like that requires a conscience decision many times a day! Would it be that we would all surrender and serve Christ like that . . . Yes?
Then of course, on the last night of Bible School there was a baptismal service. It was an incredible spiritual moment for me. They placed me in a white robe and put a wreath of small velvet flowers that had red bead like anthers atop the filament. They gave me instructions on what to expect and how to hold my nose when I went under the water. I was afraid! Then, when the baptism was over, there were ladies waiting in the wings with towels to help dry me off, and I was shivering as much from the cold water and air, as I was this moment of death that I just experienced.
As a five-year-old I didn't fully understand all the symbolism attached to baptism, but I full well understood that Jesus died on a cross to save me from my sins! In our Bible School room, there was a picture of Jesus on the Cross with blood spilling down His face from the crown of thorns on his head. I looked at it intently every night that week!
As I got back to the room to change into dry clothes, I reached up to wipe away some of the wet that was starting to run from my head and hair, into my eyes. Instinctively, I looked at the wet in my hand which was full of a red liquid, I thought was blood. I asked one of the ladies if I was going to die like Jesus . . . and at that moment, I was recalling what the pastor said as he put me under the water about dying.
Come to find out, the red liquid was the dye in the little bead-like part of the flowers in the wreath on my head mingled with water. But, as I look back on it now it represented exactly what was required during that baptism . . . that I die so that Christ in me can live! And wow . . . that is not as easy as being baptised! John Wesley called the grace with which we live after baptism "sanctifying grace," which is the work of the Holy Spirit helping us to live a life that is sanctified with Christ. It's that grace that helps us lay down the flesh and live into faithfulness and righteousness. This requires nothing more . . . than surrender! Absolute surrender of our will to the will of the Lord! And surrender like that requires a conscience decision many times a day! Would it be that we would all surrender and serve Christ like that . . . Yes?
Friday, August 21, 2009
A Soul That Is Composed and Quieted
I remember when I was a little girl, we had a dog named "Taco." Taco was a small black dog with the largest body and smallest head you ever saw! She grew that way after giving birth to litter after litter of pups until she couldn't have anymore. But, it seemed that Taco was always expecting puppies! It was so sweet to watch those little helpless babes rooting around looking for a source of nourishment. They would crawl around, digging with their noses, their eyes still sealed tight, pushing other puppies off the "food chain," just struggling to get enough for themselves!
Psalm 131:2 says "Surely, I have composed and quited my soul; like a weaned child rests against his mother, my soul is like a weaned child within me."
The psalmist is saying that he learned not to be driven like a baby who is always "rooting" and searching; smelling out their next meal, as a means of finding contentment. Contentment is a learned product of peace, but it does NOT come naturally. These are the words of one who has learned to relax so that contentment could abound, in the midst of calamity, chaos and pain.
I visited with a precious friend today who is the midst of chaos, calamity and pain, and the thing she desires more than anything else in her life, is to have a spirit that is composed and quited, in the presence of her Heavenly Father. Don't we all want to be able to understand what it takes to be truly content? To be truly content in the midst of any circumstance. This kind of contentment is a difficult concept to understand, but even a more difficult concept to live.
It isn't difficult because it's hard to acheive, but because it's easy. Charles Spurgeon, a preacher from the 1800's said "It is not our littleness that hinders Christ; but our bigness. Not our weakness but our strength. It is not our darkness, but our own light that holds back the hand of God."
All it takes is remembering God's promises; believing them; and allowing God to fill us . . . rather than all the time we waste thinking we are big enough, strong enough and able in our own power to create some false sense of quiet. It's like we're rooting around, and constantly searching to fill the God size hole in our lives, that can only be filled with God!
So, I realize that contentment grows out of peace and peace flows from quieting our soul. Quieting our soul is a decision we make to mature in the Spirit. We need to get off of breast milk, and be nourished on the solid food of the Word of God.
Psalm 131:2 says "Surely, I have composed and quited my soul; like a weaned child rests against his mother, my soul is like a weaned child within me."
The psalmist is saying that he learned not to be driven like a baby who is always "rooting" and searching; smelling out their next meal, as a means of finding contentment. Contentment is a learned product of peace, but it does NOT come naturally. These are the words of one who has learned to relax so that contentment could abound, in the midst of calamity, chaos and pain.
I visited with a precious friend today who is the midst of chaos, calamity and pain, and the thing she desires more than anything else in her life, is to have a spirit that is composed and quited, in the presence of her Heavenly Father. Don't we all want to be able to understand what it takes to be truly content? To be truly content in the midst of any circumstance. This kind of contentment is a difficult concept to understand, but even a more difficult concept to live.
It isn't difficult because it's hard to acheive, but because it's easy. Charles Spurgeon, a preacher from the 1800's said "It is not our littleness that hinders Christ; but our bigness. Not our weakness but our strength. It is not our darkness, but our own light that holds back the hand of God."
All it takes is remembering God's promises; believing them; and allowing God to fill us . . . rather than all the time we waste thinking we are big enough, strong enough and able in our own power to create some false sense of quiet. It's like we're rooting around, and constantly searching to fill the God size hole in our lives, that can only be filled with God!
So, I realize that contentment grows out of peace and peace flows from quieting our soul. Quieting our soul is a decision we make to mature in the Spirit. We need to get off of breast milk, and be nourished on the solid food of the Word of God.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Rivers In The Desert
One of the first people to walk in the door at church today, the first day of opening our food pantry, was a woman a few years younger than I, with two of her grandchildren in tow. She could hardly make eye contact, and through tear filled eyes she said "this is the first time in my life, I've ever asked for help." She had recently been laid off from a job she had worked for years. Her daughter is going through a divorce, so her daughter and two grandchildren live with her; so she could help THEM out . . . and now, she is without a job.
I remember a moment like that myself, and suddenly it didn't seem as though it were that many years ago. I was a single mother with two children living for many years on a salary that paid below the poverty level. I was proud. I couldn't imagine asking anyone for help. I prayed and prayed and then one day . . . I was out of money, out of food and out of answers. I drove to an office to seek help for the first time in my life and oh, how nervous, anxious and broken I felt.
Today, watching this woman . . . who I can relate to so well . . . I was reminded of a song by Don Moen called "God Will Make A Way." The verse says "like a roadway in the wilderness, He leads me." And, I recalled the passage of scripture in Isaiah 43:19b where this is found. As I turned back to it tonight to examine it again, I found the neatest thing. God is saying in this verse that He is a spring in the desert! Just imagine it, a spring in the desert where the parched come to drink. A spring in the desert where the weary traveler is refreshed. A spring in the desert where the fearful find hope.
Today, this woman found hope. Today, many found hope, but for sure . . . this one found a place of refreshment. I may never see her again, but I can't tell you how good it feels to be used by God to be an oasis in someones desert! Thank you God for the opportunity to serve.
I remember a moment like that myself, and suddenly it didn't seem as though it were that many years ago. I was a single mother with two children living for many years on a salary that paid below the poverty level. I was proud. I couldn't imagine asking anyone for help. I prayed and prayed and then one day . . . I was out of money, out of food and out of answers. I drove to an office to seek help for the first time in my life and oh, how nervous, anxious and broken I felt.
Today, watching this woman . . . who I can relate to so well . . . I was reminded of a song by Don Moen called "God Will Make A Way." The verse says "like a roadway in the wilderness, He leads me." And, I recalled the passage of scripture in Isaiah 43:19b where this is found. As I turned back to it tonight to examine it again, I found the neatest thing. God is saying in this verse that He is a spring in the desert! Just imagine it, a spring in the desert where the parched come to drink. A spring in the desert where the weary traveler is refreshed. A spring in the desert where the fearful find hope.
Today, this woman found hope. Today, many found hope, but for sure . . . this one found a place of refreshment. I may never see her again, but I can't tell you how good it feels to be used by God to be an oasis in someones desert! Thank you God for the opportunity to serve.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Oh, To Be Betrothed!
Many mornings (when we are not running off to an early appointment) my husband and I share breakfast together and always, quiz each other with Bible Trivia cards. We read the easy blue card first and then the hard white card. It helps to keep our brains in tune to names, places and stories that are often (white cards) obscure.
This mornings card asked a question about Hosea the prophet's wife and I couldn't remember her name. She didn't have a pretty name like Rachel, Rebeccah, Sarah or Mary . . .no, her name is Gomer . . . no wonder I couldn't remember it. So, naturally I had to go look it up and read a little in Hosea. I got so caught up in the story that I had read the whole book. It only has 14 chapters, so that wasn't hard to do.
What caught my eye was the passage from chapter 2 verse 19. It says:
"And I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice, in lovingkindness and in compassion, and I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the Lord."
I am still marveling after reading that. I mean, really! God's people had been unfaithful to Him for generation after generation. His people turned away to do their own thing, they played the harlot, so to speak, meaning they declared they loved God, then in a flash turned their backs and worshipped other gods. And yet, here God is saying "I will be married to you anyway. I will love you wholeheartedly and singleheartedly forever! In MY justice and MY righteousness and MY love and kindness, and in MY compassion . . . and then when I've loved you like that . . . with total and complete devotion . . . you will know that I am Lord."
The thought of this brings me to tears, I am so moved by the thought of how much my God; the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, loves ME! I consider myself a good Christian, a moral person, and an upstanding citizen. And still, I fail! I too, play the harlot! Knowing that just breaks my heart and I'm sure it breaks the heart of God too. How do I play the harlot? Well, when I fail to come to Him in prayer about a particular thing and go about handling it on my own. I play the harlot when I don't spend time building relationship with God daily, all the while, declaring how hard I work for Him. And yet, in spite of myself, God is there to embrace me; He's there to reconcile me back to Himself, because He loves me that much! Now that is love!!
This mornings card asked a question about Hosea the prophet's wife and I couldn't remember her name. She didn't have a pretty name like Rachel, Rebeccah, Sarah or Mary . . .no, her name is Gomer . . . no wonder I couldn't remember it. So, naturally I had to go look it up and read a little in Hosea. I got so caught up in the story that I had read the whole book. It only has 14 chapters, so that wasn't hard to do.
What caught my eye was the passage from chapter 2 verse 19. It says:
"And I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice, in lovingkindness and in compassion, and I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the Lord."
I am still marveling after reading that. I mean, really! God's people had been unfaithful to Him for generation after generation. His people turned away to do their own thing, they played the harlot, so to speak, meaning they declared they loved God, then in a flash turned their backs and worshipped other gods. And yet, here God is saying "I will be married to you anyway. I will love you wholeheartedly and singleheartedly forever! In MY justice and MY righteousness and MY love and kindness, and in MY compassion . . . and then when I've loved you like that . . . with total and complete devotion . . . you will know that I am Lord."
The thought of this brings me to tears, I am so moved by the thought of how much my God; the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, loves ME! I consider myself a good Christian, a moral person, and an upstanding citizen. And still, I fail! I too, play the harlot! Knowing that just breaks my heart and I'm sure it breaks the heart of God too. How do I play the harlot? Well, when I fail to come to Him in prayer about a particular thing and go about handling it on my own. I play the harlot when I don't spend time building relationship with God daily, all the while, declaring how hard I work for Him. And yet, in spite of myself, God is there to embrace me; He's there to reconcile me back to Himself, because He loves me that much! Now that is love!!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
The Law of Kinship
I love the verse in the Bible that says "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so." (Psalm 107:1) But, what I like best about that verse, is the fact that the psalmist goes on in the following verses to define who the redeemed are, and, what they've been redeemed from.
Back in the day when this was written, the reader understood what the word redeemed meant. They knew there was a provisional law that enabled a family member to buy back a relative, or a piece of property. It was known as the "law of kinship." The Law of Kinship has less to do with being set-free by an owner, and more to do with the reclaiming of a thing or person, by a family member.
As I read this I asked myself who the redeemed were and what they needed to be redeemed (bought back) from. So who are the redeemed? According to the following verses, they are those who have been delivered from the hand of the enemy; those who are outcasts; the lonely and alone; the parched and dry; the depressed, They make up the population of those who were between a rock and a hard place; persons who have dwelt in darkenss; folks who are prisoners of their own making; people who have ignored good counsel; the ones who are distressed; shattered and foolish. And the list goes on. They are the rebellious, those who act without reason and all those who need to be ransomed. But, it is clear in this passage that in order to get ransomed, one must be willing to humble themselves, cry out to the Lord (Psa. 107:13)and be prepared to be redeemed!
Be prepared . . . hmmm, I realize that preparation requires something on my part. It is not only a stand I take, it is decision to accept change; a decision to participate with God in the excitement of being redeemed, as a person would seeing someone coming to their rescue. We need to be prepared to be redeemed from ourselves; redeemed from our wrong decisions; and redeemed from being prisoners of our own sin. Redeemed by your nearest kinsman . . . and who is that? No one else but your Heavenly Father! He loves us so much, there is no length that He won't go, to reach us. So remember, there are some things God does NOT know! That's right. He doesn't know a life He can redeem. He doesn't know a marriage He can't mend. He doesn't know a sin He can't forgive, or a darkness He can't bring light to!!
Back in the day when this was written, the reader understood what the word redeemed meant. They knew there was a provisional law that enabled a family member to buy back a relative, or a piece of property. It was known as the "law of kinship." The Law of Kinship has less to do with being set-free by an owner, and more to do with the reclaiming of a thing or person, by a family member.
As I read this I asked myself who the redeemed were and what they needed to be redeemed (bought back) from. So who are the redeemed? According to the following verses, they are those who have been delivered from the hand of the enemy; those who are outcasts; the lonely and alone; the parched and dry; the depressed, They make up the population of those who were between a rock and a hard place; persons who have dwelt in darkenss; folks who are prisoners of their own making; people who have ignored good counsel; the ones who are distressed; shattered and foolish. And the list goes on. They are the rebellious, those who act without reason and all those who need to be ransomed. But, it is clear in this passage that in order to get ransomed, one must be willing to humble themselves, cry out to the Lord (Psa. 107:13)and be prepared to be redeemed!
Be prepared . . . hmmm, I realize that preparation requires something on my part. It is not only a stand I take, it is decision to accept change; a decision to participate with God in the excitement of being redeemed, as a person would seeing someone coming to their rescue. We need to be prepared to be redeemed from ourselves; redeemed from our wrong decisions; and redeemed from being prisoners of our own sin. Redeemed by your nearest kinsman . . . and who is that? No one else but your Heavenly Father! He loves us so much, there is no length that He won't go, to reach us. So remember, there are some things God does NOT know! That's right. He doesn't know a life He can redeem. He doesn't know a marriage He can't mend. He doesn't know a sin He can't forgive, or a darkness He can't bring light to!!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Unimpaired Integrity
Websters dictionary defines integrity as "unimpaired moral principles." I wonder what life would be like if I had unimpaired moral principles. You know the kind I'm talking about, right? Moral principles that are always, always, always consistent! Moral principles that don't waiver, despite ever eroding cultural values. Moral principles that don't shift to suit my many "reasons" for doing, or better yet, not doing a particular thing.
There is a story in Genesis 20:1-18 that displays the opposite of unimpaired moral principle. This is a story of Abraham who is acting in "some" truth, but not complete truth . . . and he does so out of fear for his own life. His first concern is NOT that of his wife Sarah. Instead, it's as if he says "so what if she is taken to the bed of some foreign king, just so long as the king doesn't kill me in order to have my beautiful wife, as his own. Abraham didn't trust God to protect him. He didn't trust God to be big enough to take care of all of his life situations . . . and so often . . . neither do I. As much as I'd like to think otherwise, I know it's true, that my moral principles are impaired. No, not all the time, and, not even most of the time. But, certainly there ARE times when I don't obey the speed limit; times when I justify my actions because my actions weren't Godly; and times when I am quick to look down my nose at one of God's creation! I can be judgement, critical and inhospitable. I can be closed-minded, self centered and like Abraham, I can be . . . much afraid!!
Taking our life situations into our own hands is the first step away from integrity and into impairment. Our judgements are impaired; our decisions are impaired and our results are impaired! They are NOT whole, they are not undivided and they are NOT sound. Sound decisions come from operating out of integrity and integrity grows out of trusting God for EVERYTHING! What a concept . . . yes?
Ahhh, but the grace of God in this story, as in my own story, is that in spite of myself, God intervenes and changes the outcome, so that what could have been turns out to be what should have been! Sarah was not compromised; Abraham wasn't killed and Abimelech wasn't cursed. Read the story, it is a beautiful testimony of how God turns events around for us; His terribly flawed; incredibly impaired; and all but trusting, people. One thing is for sure, one may not be able to count on me . . . but one can always count on God!
There is a story in Genesis 20:1-18 that displays the opposite of unimpaired moral principle. This is a story of Abraham who is acting in "some" truth, but not complete truth . . . and he does so out of fear for his own life. His first concern is NOT that of his wife Sarah. Instead, it's as if he says "so what if she is taken to the bed of some foreign king, just so long as the king doesn't kill me in order to have my beautiful wife, as his own. Abraham didn't trust God to protect him. He didn't trust God to be big enough to take care of all of his life situations . . . and so often . . . neither do I. As much as I'd like to think otherwise, I know it's true, that my moral principles are impaired. No, not all the time, and, not even most of the time. But, certainly there ARE times when I don't obey the speed limit; times when I justify my actions because my actions weren't Godly; and times when I am quick to look down my nose at one of God's creation! I can be judgement, critical and inhospitable. I can be closed-minded, self centered and like Abraham, I can be . . . much afraid!!
Taking our life situations into our own hands is the first step away from integrity and into impairment. Our judgements are impaired; our decisions are impaired and our results are impaired! They are NOT whole, they are not undivided and they are NOT sound. Sound decisions come from operating out of integrity and integrity grows out of trusting God for EVERYTHING! What a concept . . . yes?
Ahhh, but the grace of God in this story, as in my own story, is that in spite of myself, God intervenes and changes the outcome, so that what could have been turns out to be what should have been! Sarah was not compromised; Abraham wasn't killed and Abimelech wasn't cursed. Read the story, it is a beautiful testimony of how God turns events around for us; His terribly flawed; incredibly impaired; and all but trusting, people. One thing is for sure, one may not be able to count on me . . . but one can always count on God!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Peace Making vs. Peace Keeping
"And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace" (James 3:18).
If you're like me, then you've said more than once . . . "why do I have to be the person to make things right, and apologize." Oh brother, how many times have I said that, and if I've not audibly said it, then how many times have I thought it? Oh, I usually go on ahead and do the right thing, simply because it is the right thing . . . well, that, and the fact that I have an over active conscience that demands, even insists, on humbling myself and doing what is right.
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm usually not liking it one bit and it certainly doesn't come any easier to me than it does to you! As I've heard before "I may be standing up on the outside, but I'm sitting down on the inside!" I have a feeling that this isn't really the attitude that I'm supposed to have, or that the Lord requires of a peace maker is it?
This verse from the book of James is clear that peace making is the fruit of the seed of righteousness. Therefore, if I want to be a righteous child of God, then I will be a peace maker, whether I like it or not!
Let me be clear about this however, peace making is not peace keeping. What do I mean by that? I know people who hate confrontation, and who would rather just ignore a situation, as though it doesn't exist, thinking that if they don't look at it, it will eventually just go away. And, I know others who think that trying to keep eveyone happy, exhausing themselves to keep the peace on all sides is the right way to go. When actually, neither of those two things are what we are called to do.
My mother used to that sometimes a "blow up, clears the air." I don't mean we are to stir up trouble, but I am saying that when trouble already abounds, we should face it, deal with it, and settle it. That is peace making, but it is not peace keeping. In order to be the kind of peace maker that God would have us to be, we first need to examine self. We need to take a good long look at our own agenda, our own wrong doing, or our own motives for who, and why, we are ready to confront. We need to spend sufficient time in prayer asking that God would resolve in us any selfish ambition regarding the situation. We need to pray long and hard that God would give us love for the person and understanding for their postion (right or wrong) of the others involved. It doesn't matter if we like the person or their behavior, we are still called to love even the unlovable. Then, when we are ready, and our heart is right, we humble ourselves and become a peace maker!
If you're like me, then you've said more than once . . . "why do I have to be the person to make things right, and apologize." Oh brother, how many times have I said that, and if I've not audibly said it, then how many times have I thought it? Oh, I usually go on ahead and do the right thing, simply because it is the right thing . . . well, that, and the fact that I have an over active conscience that demands, even insists, on humbling myself and doing what is right.
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm usually not liking it one bit and it certainly doesn't come any easier to me than it does to you! As I've heard before "I may be standing up on the outside, but I'm sitting down on the inside!" I have a feeling that this isn't really the attitude that I'm supposed to have, or that the Lord requires of a peace maker is it?
This verse from the book of James is clear that peace making is the fruit of the seed of righteousness. Therefore, if I want to be a righteous child of God, then I will be a peace maker, whether I like it or not!
Let me be clear about this however, peace making is not peace keeping. What do I mean by that? I know people who hate confrontation, and who would rather just ignore a situation, as though it doesn't exist, thinking that if they don't look at it, it will eventually just go away. And, I know others who think that trying to keep eveyone happy, exhausing themselves to keep the peace on all sides is the right way to go. When actually, neither of those two things are what we are called to do.
My mother used to that sometimes a "blow up, clears the air." I don't mean we are to stir up trouble, but I am saying that when trouble already abounds, we should face it, deal with it, and settle it. That is peace making, but it is not peace keeping. In order to be the kind of peace maker that God would have us to be, we first need to examine self. We need to take a good long look at our own agenda, our own wrong doing, or our own motives for who, and why, we are ready to confront. We need to spend sufficient time in prayer asking that God would resolve in us any selfish ambition regarding the situation. We need to pray long and hard that God would give us love for the person and understanding for their postion (right or wrong) of the others involved. It doesn't matter if we like the person or their behavior, we are still called to love even the unlovable. Then, when we are ready, and our heart is right, we humble ourselves and become a peace maker!
Silent Obedient Marching
Last night I had a conversation with a dear friend who was saying that she and her husband felt the Lord's leading to put their house on the market, down-size in their expenses, whereby lifting some of their financial burden. This move would enable them to do more with their family, instead of so often having to say "sorry kids, we don't have the money to do that. They followed God's leading, and while there have been a few "nibbles" on their property, nothing for them really, has changed. There are no clear signs that this is, in fact, God's will for them, despite what they had earlier believed. And, while they have worked through other issues regarding money, the burden is still the same, and in some ways it is even more difficult, since one of them is in business for themselves and their services are being cut back due to the current economy.
In response to this, I heard myself say "well, yes . . . but remember it was God's will for the walls of Jericho to fall (Joshua 6:1-27), but it took silent obedient marching around the city 7 times before they did!
All night in my sleep I had been thinking about this, and it was on my mind this morning when I awoke . . . "silent obedient marching . . . until God moves." So, I got up and read the passage again and found nuggets of gold from God, tucked away as little notations I had written to myself in the margins of my Bible, from another time of study. It was a "blast from the past" of sermon preparation from some years back. Six simple points that came forth, beginning in chapter five.
#1. When faced with any challenge; know who is on your side!
-When Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and noticed a man standing across from him, alarmed, Joshua grabbed his sword and basically said "friend or foe?" The man responded that heaven was on his side. We always need to remember, that if God be for us who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)
#2. -Respond with acknowledgement that God is at hand, by being quick to worship Him! (Joshua 5:14)
#3. -Take God with you through the plan (Joshua 6:6). Meaning, don't get your marching orders and then take off on "your" own journey. Keep the main thing, the main thing. And the main thing is GOD! Keep Him at the center of all that you do.
#4. -Keep your mouth shut! (Joshua 6:10) Don't complain about how long it is taking. Don't question how small the steps are, that you are taking. Just silently keep marching. Don't doubt, don't fret and don't re-think the plan.
#5. -Shout For The Goal. (Joshua 6:16)Interestingly, the victory of the walls of Jericho falling didn't happen on their own. Instead the shout came first and then the victory. That tells me that we need to declare God's victory BEFORE we SEE God's victory!
#6. -Don't covet anything from the victory and take no part of it for yourselves, that guarantees trouble will come! Don't keep any of the bounty, nor any of the victory. If you do, God's blessing, will become a curse to you. (Joshua 6:18)
So, If you believe God has spoken about a "battle plan," keep marching; be quiet for a time . . . and then shout for the victory, and watch those walls tumble!
In response to this, I heard myself say "well, yes . . . but remember it was God's will for the walls of Jericho to fall (Joshua 6:1-27), but it took silent obedient marching around the city 7 times before they did!
All night in my sleep I had been thinking about this, and it was on my mind this morning when I awoke . . . "silent obedient marching . . . until God moves." So, I got up and read the passage again and found nuggets of gold from God, tucked away as little notations I had written to myself in the margins of my Bible, from another time of study. It was a "blast from the past" of sermon preparation from some years back. Six simple points that came forth, beginning in chapter five.
#1. When faced with any challenge; know who is on your side!
-When Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and noticed a man standing across from him, alarmed, Joshua grabbed his sword and basically said "friend or foe?" The man responded that heaven was on his side. We always need to remember, that if God be for us who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)
#2. -Respond with acknowledgement that God is at hand, by being quick to worship Him! (Joshua 5:14)
#3. -Take God with you through the plan (Joshua 6:6). Meaning, don't get your marching orders and then take off on "your" own journey. Keep the main thing, the main thing. And the main thing is GOD! Keep Him at the center of all that you do.
#4. -Keep your mouth shut! (Joshua 6:10) Don't complain about how long it is taking. Don't question how small the steps are, that you are taking. Just silently keep marching. Don't doubt, don't fret and don't re-think the plan.
#5. -Shout For The Goal. (Joshua 6:16)Interestingly, the victory of the walls of Jericho falling didn't happen on their own. Instead the shout came first and then the victory. That tells me that we need to declare God's victory BEFORE we SEE God's victory!
#6. -Don't covet anything from the victory and take no part of it for yourselves, that guarantees trouble will come! Don't keep any of the bounty, nor any of the victory. If you do, God's blessing, will become a curse to you. (Joshua 6:18)
So, If you believe God has spoken about a "battle plan," keep marching; be quiet for a time . . . and then shout for the victory, and watch those walls tumble!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
In Jesus' Name
Today, one of the ladies from my church who I respect and love, shared with me a dream she had about me, last night. She said she saw a snake with two red dots on the back of his head, raise up and strike me on my ankle. She said my ankle swelled and swelled, but I just kept ignoring it. Finally, I allowed them to take me to the hospital, but on the way, I saw a yard sale and I insisted on stopping. Finally we ended up at the hospital . . . that's the point that she woke up.
As she related it to me, my spirit was quickened that this was not literal, but figurative. I believed at that moment that God was speaking to me a warning that I needed to take note of. Exactly what that means . . . I don't really know. I immediately thought of a few things that this could pertain to.
One, that since our church is just embarking on three huge ministries right now, this is the time that the enemy would want to strike, when God is moving in big ways, and if the enemy can remove or interrupt my leadership, how much damage can be done, stopping the flow of powerful ministry going out the doors of this church!
Secondly, I thought of my own health. I've been neglecting some things regarding my health, and God may be saying it's time to attend to those issues, and stop ignoring them as though they are not important, or as though they don't exist.
Lastly, that this could be about "the lump." Tomorrow, I have the mammo and ultrasound . . . well, who knows where this will go except God.
But, one thing I do know, my Heavenly Father has a plan and it's up to me to seek His direction and guidance for my life. I rebuke satan in the name of Jesus Christ who died that His blood could be applied to my life and my situation, and in that name I bind the work of the enemy against me or Crimora United Methodist Church and the ministries going forth from there!! In the powerful name of Jesus I pray, Amen!!
As she related it to me, my spirit was quickened that this was not literal, but figurative. I believed at that moment that God was speaking to me a warning that I needed to take note of. Exactly what that means . . . I don't really know. I immediately thought of a few things that this could pertain to.
One, that since our church is just embarking on three huge ministries right now, this is the time that the enemy would want to strike, when God is moving in big ways, and if the enemy can remove or interrupt my leadership, how much damage can be done, stopping the flow of powerful ministry going out the doors of this church!
Secondly, I thought of my own health. I've been neglecting some things regarding my health, and God may be saying it's time to attend to those issues, and stop ignoring them as though they are not important, or as though they don't exist.
Lastly, that this could be about "the lump." Tomorrow, I have the mammo and ultrasound . . . well, who knows where this will go except God.
But, one thing I do know, my Heavenly Father has a plan and it's up to me to seek His direction and guidance for my life. I rebuke satan in the name of Jesus Christ who died that His blood could be applied to my life and my situation, and in that name I bind the work of the enemy against me or Crimora United Methodist Church and the ministries going forth from there!! In the powerful name of Jesus I pray, Amen!!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Do Overs
This summer we found ourselves in the beautiful Yellowstone National Park fishing with our grandkids. What a sight to see these four lined up on the beach, filled with excitement of catching the big one! And soon enough, I heard a squeal at which I turned to see one of the younger ones cranking as fast and hard as he could to pull up his fish. Now this fish wasn't all that large, but to him, you would have thought he just landed the whale that swallowed Jonah!
As I was reading this morning in the book of Jonah, I remembered the above story and I began thinking about the many, many lessons that are found in chapter one, alone! Now, I realize that there are many theologians who would argue whether in fact a big fish could have actually swallowed a human. But, as for me . . . I believe my big Creator God could see to it, that a whale could swallow a disobedient man such as Jonah. In fact, recent history has more than one story of sailors being swallowed by whales, and live to tell the tale! Albeit, I'm not making that case today.
I did however find a great deal of interest in three verses. The first is found in Jonah 1:5 that says "Then the sailors became afraid and every man cried to his god, and they threw the cargo which was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone below into the hold of the ship, lain down and fallen sound asleep." As a pastor I have witnessed what I call the "Jonah Syndrome" in more lives than I can count. Meaning those walking in disobedience to God seem to begin a process of falling asleep. They drop out of the ministries of the church, they become less and less engaged in their own lives, and the lives of others around them; and they become so complacent that their answer to life is just to go below and fall asleep. This sleep isn't just any kind of sleep. Look at the story! There is this terrible storm; a storm of epic proportions, so much so that the sailors thought they were going to die. They thought that the ship would over-turn any moment, and they went to work. But, where was Jonah? He wasn't helping to save the day. He was not engaged in being a part of the solution, instead he remained willfully a part of the problem, and slept through it all. He turned a deaf ear to the storm and allowed the effects of the storm to rock him into APATHY!!
The next thing I observed, was found in verse 12 "He said to them, "Pick me up and throw me into the sea. Then the sea will become calm for you, for I know that on account of me this great storm has come upon you." Those walking in disobedience always make statements like "I'm not hurting any one else." That is simply not true! Their actions hurt a lot of innocent victims; their apathy affects the unsuspecting; their running causes pain for others, whether guilty or not. The wake of destruction is much larger than the guilty party ever realizes!
BUT . . . I find peace in reading the last verse of this chapter. Jonah 1:17 which says "And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights." WOW! How incredible to know that even when we are disobedient; even when we are running from God; even when we are just plain asleep in our sin, God has already made provision for that very moment of repentence. The second Jonah admitted that he was the problem, God provided a big fish to swim by at just the right moment; gobbling Jonah up as a means of protecting him from his watery grave. Ok, so you're thinking . . . "yeah, right! You call being thrown over-board; swallowed by a whale; barfed up on the beach . . . provision?" YES! I mean, personally I think anything short of death is an opportunity for a do-over. Jonah then had the opportunity to turn his life around, make the right decision and because of that, in his obedience, thousands came to know the Lord! Now isn't that a tremendous thought! I love "do-over" stories . . . and this is one of the best!
As I was reading this morning in the book of Jonah, I remembered the above story and I began thinking about the many, many lessons that are found in chapter one, alone! Now, I realize that there are many theologians who would argue whether in fact a big fish could have actually swallowed a human. But, as for me . . . I believe my big Creator God could see to it, that a whale could swallow a disobedient man such as Jonah. In fact, recent history has more than one story of sailors being swallowed by whales, and live to tell the tale! Albeit, I'm not making that case today.
I did however find a great deal of interest in three verses. The first is found in Jonah 1:5 that says "Then the sailors became afraid and every man cried to his god, and they threw the cargo which was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone below into the hold of the ship, lain down and fallen sound asleep." As a pastor I have witnessed what I call the "Jonah Syndrome" in more lives than I can count. Meaning those walking in disobedience to God seem to begin a process of falling asleep. They drop out of the ministries of the church, they become less and less engaged in their own lives, and the lives of others around them; and they become so complacent that their answer to life is just to go below and fall asleep. This sleep isn't just any kind of sleep. Look at the story! There is this terrible storm; a storm of epic proportions, so much so that the sailors thought they were going to die. They thought that the ship would over-turn any moment, and they went to work. But, where was Jonah? He wasn't helping to save the day. He was not engaged in being a part of the solution, instead he remained willfully a part of the problem, and slept through it all. He turned a deaf ear to the storm and allowed the effects of the storm to rock him into APATHY!!
The next thing I observed, was found in verse 12 "He said to them, "Pick me up and throw me into the sea. Then the sea will become calm for you, for I know that on account of me this great storm has come upon you." Those walking in disobedience always make statements like "I'm not hurting any one else." That is simply not true! Their actions hurt a lot of innocent victims; their apathy affects the unsuspecting; their running causes pain for others, whether guilty or not. The wake of destruction is much larger than the guilty party ever realizes!
BUT . . . I find peace in reading the last verse of this chapter. Jonah 1:17 which says "And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights." WOW! How incredible to know that even when we are disobedient; even when we are running from God; even when we are just plain asleep in our sin, God has already made provision for that very moment of repentence. The second Jonah admitted that he was the problem, God provided a big fish to swim by at just the right moment; gobbling Jonah up as a means of protecting him from his watery grave. Ok, so you're thinking . . . "yeah, right! You call being thrown over-board; swallowed by a whale; barfed up on the beach . . . provision?" YES! I mean, personally I think anything short of death is an opportunity for a do-over. Jonah then had the opportunity to turn his life around, make the right decision and because of that, in his obedience, thousands came to know the Lord! Now isn't that a tremendous thought! I love "do-over" stories . . . and this is one of the best!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
A Lost Art
Thinking about yesterday's blog regarding God's goodness, I began to realize that a response about God's nature. . . is just that . . . a response. Thankfulness, period, is a response and, in fact, I believe it to be a lost art.
Years ago when I managed a lot of women in a medical office, one of the things I used to hear from them, was how much they appreciated my gratitude for the work they performed.
I too, want and quite frankly, need to hear that what I do is appreciated. A need that I think it is just plain human nature. Unfortunately, we live among a generation, or should I more correctly say, a few generations, who are ungrateful for much of anything. Instead there is this sense of entitlement that abounds. An attitude of "I deserve . . ." An air of superiority that outranks those we view as below us . . . since after all, we have rights! Right?! We are a people of demand, and we want it NOW!
And yet, I am no better! God gives me life, and every day of life is a gift. There are many who will die today and who would be so grateful for just one more! This daily life I live, I take for granted. My life is so filled with blessings, that who am I to want more? Who am I to expect more? Who am I to whine over the little? But, I do. And, I realize now, that I'm not as good as I used to be at letting others know how much I appreciate them . . . to say nothing of my Heavenly Father!
Today however, is a new day, and God's mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Hallelujah!! So, with renewed spirit and resolve, I declare this morning to be a day of thanksgiving. I will shout joyfully to the Lord! I will come before Him with gladness and joyful song, and I will enter His gates with thanksgiving! For He is GOOD and His lovingkindness is everlasting (Psalm 100)!! I will respond to God's goodness with a response of thanksgiving. A response demonstrated with the joy of the Lord on my face, and a song in my heart!
Years ago when I managed a lot of women in a medical office, one of the things I used to hear from them, was how much they appreciated my gratitude for the work they performed.
I too, want and quite frankly, need to hear that what I do is appreciated. A need that I think it is just plain human nature. Unfortunately, we live among a generation, or should I more correctly say, a few generations, who are ungrateful for much of anything. Instead there is this sense of entitlement that abounds. An attitude of "I deserve . . ." An air of superiority that outranks those we view as below us . . . since after all, we have rights! Right?! We are a people of demand, and we want it NOW!
And yet, I am no better! God gives me life, and every day of life is a gift. There are many who will die today and who would be so grateful for just one more! This daily life I live, I take for granted. My life is so filled with blessings, that who am I to want more? Who am I to expect more? Who am I to whine over the little? But, I do. And, I realize now, that I'm not as good as I used to be at letting others know how much I appreciate them . . . to say nothing of my Heavenly Father!
Today however, is a new day, and God's mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Hallelujah!! So, with renewed spirit and resolve, I declare this morning to be a day of thanksgiving. I will shout joyfully to the Lord! I will come before Him with gladness and joyful song, and I will enter His gates with thanksgiving! For He is GOOD and His lovingkindness is everlasting (Psalm 100)!! I will respond to God's goodness with a response of thanksgiving. A response demonstrated with the joy of the Lord on my face, and a song in my heart!
Monday, August 10, 2009
God Is Good All The Time
"God is good" one person says, and the other replies "all the time." Then the cycle begins in reverse "and all the time," one echoes back, "God is good." It's such a statement of declaration! It declares our acknowledgement and belief that we serve a God who is good to us, and deals rightly with us.
Over the last few years, this has become quite a mantra among Christians. But, I wonder how much we believe it. I mean, do we believe it when helicopters collide with airplanes? Do we believe it when terrorists attack? How about when we've been given a report of cancer? Or, when we bury our children; can't pay our bills, find ourselves divorced, feel rejected, neglected and abandoned? Do we declare so quickly then that God is good? Oh, very likely we do . . . after all, we surely wouldn't want anyone to think we don't have it all together do we? (yes, that was sarcasm) But, in the depths of our heart do we believe it?
Or, are we angry when the God of the universe doesn't order our universe to suit us? Do we get dismayed with God's lack of response to our many prayers of instruction, on how He should respond? Is there an inward recoil of our spirit, but an outward display of our piousness?
Would God be angry with us if we admit to some of those feelings? Would God even disown us?? Would God "zap" us and . . . poof, that's the end of us?
No way!! Just look at David's words in Psalm 88. He isn't declaring how good God is, instead David declares that God has forsaken him . . . so much so, that God doesn't even remember HIM!! David has had it with life and just wants to die, and he is pretty sure his daily prayers have gone completely unheard by God. If you read the whole psalm, and you should, you'll likely think it's jut pitiful, loaded with doubt and confusion, and it doesn't end any better. There are no statements of faith, or any assurances that things are going to change. God didn't strike David down for those statements. Nor, did God punish David. Incredibly, something dramatic has happened in David's heart between Psalm 88, and Psalm 89. Because Psalm 89 is filled with declarations of God's goodness!
You see, God is good in spite of the bad things that happen in the world, or in our life. God is good in spite of what we think, or feel. God is good! His plans are perfect and His ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isa. 55:8-9). God knows we are human and our humanity leads us down paths of doubt, fear and confusion regarding our creator God who is beyond our comprehension.
So, when we admit those feelings and give them over to God, a transformation like none other can then begin, just as it did for David, as evidenced between the those two Psalms! Remember . . . confession IS good for the soul!
Over the last few years, this has become quite a mantra among Christians. But, I wonder how much we believe it. I mean, do we believe it when helicopters collide with airplanes? Do we believe it when terrorists attack? How about when we've been given a report of cancer? Or, when we bury our children; can't pay our bills, find ourselves divorced, feel rejected, neglected and abandoned? Do we declare so quickly then that God is good? Oh, very likely we do . . . after all, we surely wouldn't want anyone to think we don't have it all together do we? (yes, that was sarcasm) But, in the depths of our heart do we believe it?
Or, are we angry when the God of the universe doesn't order our universe to suit us? Do we get dismayed with God's lack of response to our many prayers of instruction, on how He should respond? Is there an inward recoil of our spirit, but an outward display of our piousness?
Would God be angry with us if we admit to some of those feelings? Would God even disown us?? Would God "zap" us and . . . poof, that's the end of us?
No way!! Just look at David's words in Psalm 88. He isn't declaring how good God is, instead David declares that God has forsaken him . . . so much so, that God doesn't even remember HIM!! David has had it with life and just wants to die, and he is pretty sure his daily prayers have gone completely unheard by God. If you read the whole psalm, and you should, you'll likely think it's jut pitiful, loaded with doubt and confusion, and it doesn't end any better. There are no statements of faith, or any assurances that things are going to change. God didn't strike David down for those statements. Nor, did God punish David. Incredibly, something dramatic has happened in David's heart between Psalm 88, and Psalm 89. Because Psalm 89 is filled with declarations of God's goodness!
You see, God is good in spite of the bad things that happen in the world, or in our life. God is good in spite of what we think, or feel. God is good! His plans are perfect and His ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isa. 55:8-9). God knows we are human and our humanity leads us down paths of doubt, fear and confusion regarding our creator God who is beyond our comprehension.
So, when we admit those feelings and give them over to God, a transformation like none other can then begin, just as it did for David, as evidenced between the those two Psalms! Remember . . . confession IS good for the soul!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
The Gift Of Godliness
As I was reflecting this morning on my devotional scripture in 2 Peter 1:1-11, I found myself thinking especially about verse 3 that says "seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness , through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence." I mean, come on . . . doesn't that just jazz you to think that God has already given us everything we need to live a life of Godliness? I laugh at myself when I think of the many times I have, with all earnestness cried out to God to make me godly. Now, I just think . . . duhhhh . . .well hello Gayle, you've had that all along.
So, if I've had everything I needed to live a godly life, why do I struggle so much in being godly????? Hmmm, I think the answer lies in the following verse that says by His promises I can be a partaker in a divine nature. Well, my nature isn't very divine. If I have any wonder about that I just need to examine my behavior in the long lines at Walmart, especially when I've finally made my way, in position, just behind the person currently checking out, and find they need a price check . . . Nope, the rolling of my eyes and tisking of my tongue surely are not signs of representing Christ well, in godliness!! Nor, are my displays of ungodliness that I demonstrate on the freeway . . . hmmm, so what is the answer? How can I actually live into that godliness that is apparently lurking somewhere inside?
Verse 5 says "Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in you moral excellence, knowledge . . ." UGH! Here's that diligence word again, and yep, therein lies my answer. In order to fully live into that godliness, I must exercise diligence in my faith supply. We each have a faith supply, always enough for whatever we will encounter in life. If I face each event in my life that requires faith, with diligence; meaning staying with it, pressing in through prayer, continually in faith UNTIL resolution comes, then, as the following verses show one tremendous attribute of godliness after another is added to my life. the last (vs 7) "love" the kind of love that Jesus demonstrated to all humanity in laying down His life for another. That kind of love is only achieved when we practice a life of diligence in our faith supply, and that we CAN do! Oh, it doesn't come easily, we have to work at it. We have to be intentional about being diligent.
I'm working at it, how about you!
So, if I've had everything I needed to live a godly life, why do I struggle so much in being godly????? Hmmm, I think the answer lies in the following verse that says by His promises I can be a partaker in a divine nature. Well, my nature isn't very divine. If I have any wonder about that I just need to examine my behavior in the long lines at Walmart, especially when I've finally made my way, in position, just behind the person currently checking out, and find they need a price check . . . Nope, the rolling of my eyes and tisking of my tongue surely are not signs of representing Christ well, in godliness!! Nor, are my displays of ungodliness that I demonstrate on the freeway . . . hmmm, so what is the answer? How can I actually live into that godliness that is apparently lurking somewhere inside?
Verse 5 says "Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in you moral excellence, knowledge . . ." UGH! Here's that diligence word again, and yep, therein lies my answer. In order to fully live into that godliness, I must exercise diligence in my faith supply. We each have a faith supply, always enough for whatever we will encounter in life. If I face each event in my life that requires faith, with diligence; meaning staying with it, pressing in through prayer, continually in faith UNTIL resolution comes, then, as the following verses show one tremendous attribute of godliness after another is added to my life. the last (vs 7) "love" the kind of love that Jesus demonstrated to all humanity in laying down His life for another. That kind of love is only achieved when we practice a life of diligence in our faith supply, and that we CAN do! Oh, it doesn't come easily, we have to work at it. We have to be intentional about being diligent.
I'm working at it, how about you!
Friday, August 7, 2009
God's Interceding Will
This morning a young man died in a fire at a Scout Camp in our area. It was tragic news, and my phone began ringing off the hook at about 8:30am. I jumped in my car and headed to the home of the Scout Chaplain (a member of my church) and his wife (who found the fire) to try to bring some comfort.
On my way there I began to pray in the Spirit, since I had no words in English that seemed appropriate. My heart and head were racing, and I knew there were no words of comfort that I could speak to ease the situation. So, I just kept saying "come, Holy Spirit, come!"
As I got out of my car at their home. . . I felt the comfort and presence of the Holy Spirit with me. I realize "I" didn't have to have answers. "I" didn't need to know what to do or even what to say. What this couple needed was simply my presence as a sign of love and friendship. I remembered that God would use me simply as a vehicle or conduit through which God would touch the world, and He would do the comforting, while using me to accomplish it!
I remembered this was no surprise to God. This situation did not take God unawares. And while this is a tragic shock for us humans . . . for our omnipotent God, it was NOT.
Romans 8:26-28 "For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982, S. Ro 8:26-28)
This passage confirms for me that the Holy Spirit interprets my prays of deep groans that come without words. And that He makes intercession for me according to His will. Not according to my often misguided, selfish or ignorant will . . . but His all knowing, always present, predestined will. WOW! What a tremendous thought!
On my way there I began to pray in the Spirit, since I had no words in English that seemed appropriate. My heart and head were racing, and I knew there were no words of comfort that I could speak to ease the situation. So, I just kept saying "come, Holy Spirit, come!"
As I got out of my car at their home. . . I felt the comfort and presence of the Holy Spirit with me. I realize "I" didn't have to have answers. "I" didn't need to know what to do or even what to say. What this couple needed was simply my presence as a sign of love and friendship. I remembered that God would use me simply as a vehicle or conduit through which God would touch the world, and He would do the comforting, while using me to accomplish it!
I remembered this was no surprise to God. This situation did not take God unawares. And while this is a tragic shock for us humans . . . for our omnipotent God, it was NOT.
Romans 8:26-28 "For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982, S. Ro 8:26-28)
This passage confirms for me that the Holy Spirit interprets my prays of deep groans that come without words. And that He makes intercession for me according to His will. Not according to my often misguided, selfish or ignorant will . . . but His all knowing, always present, predestined will. WOW! What a tremendous thought!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
God's Welfare Plan
In these turbulent times, what we all need more than anything else, is the reminder that God has a plan for us. Better yet, God has a plan that is specific!
I love the verse from Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope." Interestingly, the word "welfare" in Hebrew is the word "Shalom" meaning peace! God has specific plans alright, and what they are is to give us a future of peace.
There have been many times in my life when what I needed was peace . . . but what I had was calamity! The word calamity means "grevious affliction; great misfortune; disaster and adversity."
Calamity is not from God . . . Shalom is from God! And, God desires that we have Shalom in the midst of calamity. So, why did I experience so much calamity without Shalom in my life? Hands down, the answer lies in Jeremiah 29:12-14a "Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with your whole heart, and I will be found by you, declares the Lord!"
Most of the time I prayed, and when I prayed I usually expected God to answer my prayers . . . but seldom did I seek God with my whole heart. Whole hearted seeking, is the kind that requires diligence. You know, it's the "knock and keep on knocking; seek and keep on seeking" kind of diligence. And I dare say that I have been, more often than not, pretty lazy in my whole heartedness toward God. What do I mean by that? Well, let me explain. I have not searched for an answer from God as though I were searching for a lost diamond . . . and believe me, when I lost a diamond, I turned over heaven and earth to find it, and find it I did! But, it's not been with that same diligence, the same steadfastness or the same determination that I've sought God, when I was in the midst of calamity, so of course calamity had its reign.
So, I realize that calamity doesn't have to reign in my life, it's certainly not what God wants for me. No! God desires that I have peace . . . shalom. May I always remember that when those calamities come . . . Shalom will reign when I seek God with my whole heart!
I love the verse from Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope." Interestingly, the word "welfare" in Hebrew is the word "Shalom" meaning peace! God has specific plans alright, and what they are is to give us a future of peace.
There have been many times in my life when what I needed was peace . . . but what I had was calamity! The word calamity means "grevious affliction; great misfortune; disaster and adversity."
Calamity is not from God . . . Shalom is from God! And, God desires that we have Shalom in the midst of calamity. So, why did I experience so much calamity without Shalom in my life? Hands down, the answer lies in Jeremiah 29:12-14a "Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with your whole heart, and I will be found by you, declares the Lord!"
Most of the time I prayed, and when I prayed I usually expected God to answer my prayers . . . but seldom did I seek God with my whole heart. Whole hearted seeking, is the kind that requires diligence. You know, it's the "knock and keep on knocking; seek and keep on seeking" kind of diligence. And I dare say that I have been, more often than not, pretty lazy in my whole heartedness toward God. What do I mean by that? Well, let me explain. I have not searched for an answer from God as though I were searching for a lost diamond . . . and believe me, when I lost a diamond, I turned over heaven and earth to find it, and find it I did! But, it's not been with that same diligence, the same steadfastness or the same determination that I've sought God, when I was in the midst of calamity, so of course calamity had its reign.
So, I realize that calamity doesn't have to reign in my life, it's certainly not what God wants for me. No! God desires that I have peace . . . shalom. May I always remember that when those calamities come . . . Shalom will reign when I seek God with my whole heart!
Building Altars vs. Sizing Up The Damage
I love the story of Noah and the Flood. I mean, who wouldn't. There is nothing "ordinary" about this very ordinary man, Noah. Look at him. The Bible says he was a "righteous" man, blameless in his time. Wow! Blameless in his time . . . the kind of fella who did the right things, honored God in the right ways, and wasn't influenced to live, or accept the ways of the world around him. Instead, he swam against tide, persevered in the face of mocking or adversity. God used this unassuming man for the earths greatest "do-over" of all time. There are so many things that can be gleaned from this story. Things like realizing that God has a plan as noted in the very specific plans God gave Noah for building the ark. Or, realizing that with God, there is no retirement age . . . Noah was 600 years old when the floods came upon the earth (Gen. 7:6). Or even that God's plans don't always unfold right away . . . many times there is a lot of perseverance involved . . .150 days of floating with no word, no sign, no action from God (Gen. 7:24).
Oh . . . and there's more . . . much more. But the thought I take from this text today is this "don't size up the damage, until you've built an altar!" What a tremendous reality this is. Noah did a lot of waiting, and waiting, and waiting. He had no ability to steer the boat; in other words, he had no control over his circumstances. He couldn't see the direction he was going. He just had to do what God called him to do, and that was be faithful in the task at hand, and for Noah that was manure management! Then, when God caused the ark to rest on dry ground, there was even more waiting! Finally, God opens the door of the ark and what happens next is so extraordinary! That's heavy on the "extra" ordinary! The ordinary would be to examine the damage of the storm he and his family just survived. The ordinary would be to be upset over being the only ones left on the planet! The ordinary would be to figure out how to continue living in the face of destruction. The ordinary would be to complain, whine, and lash out in anger.
But that is not what the extraordinarily ordinary Noah did. He got out of the ark and built an altar to God. He worshipped God. He took his eyes off of his circumstances and worshipped God. He built an altar, prepared sacrifices and created a worship space in the midst of the aftermath of chaos and storm. Wow! What an incredible thought, eh? I realize that I am too quick to size up my "issues," which only keeps me stuck in manure management! And, manure management doesn't allow me to get outside of myself; my own self pity; my own narrow mindedness; my own judgementalness where God is concerned, and worship the very God who carries me safely through the storms of life.
So, let's build altars of worship, and stop being masters of manure management, shall we?
Oh . . . and there's more . . . much more. But the thought I take from this text today is this "don't size up the damage, until you've built an altar!" What a tremendous reality this is. Noah did a lot of waiting, and waiting, and waiting. He had no ability to steer the boat; in other words, he had no control over his circumstances. He couldn't see the direction he was going. He just had to do what God called him to do, and that was be faithful in the task at hand, and for Noah that was manure management! Then, when God caused the ark to rest on dry ground, there was even more waiting! Finally, God opens the door of the ark and what happens next is so extraordinary! That's heavy on the "extra" ordinary! The ordinary would be to examine the damage of the storm he and his family just survived. The ordinary would be to be upset over being the only ones left on the planet! The ordinary would be to figure out how to continue living in the face of destruction. The ordinary would be to complain, whine, and lash out in anger.
But that is not what the extraordinarily ordinary Noah did. He got out of the ark and built an altar to God. He worshipped God. He took his eyes off of his circumstances and worshipped God. He built an altar, prepared sacrifices and created a worship space in the midst of the aftermath of chaos and storm. Wow! What an incredible thought, eh? I realize that I am too quick to size up my "issues," which only keeps me stuck in manure management! And, manure management doesn't allow me to get outside of myself; my own self pity; my own narrow mindedness; my own judgementalness where God is concerned, and worship the very God who carries me safely through the storms of life.
So, let's build altars of worship, and stop being masters of manure management, shall we?
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