As I write my article for my blog, a number of issues are prominent in the news. On an international level, Muslims are lobbying for the UN to pass a resolution making it a criminal offense to speak against their faith (which by definition includes witnessing for Christ).
In Wichita KS, a pastor and his people were arrested for passing out Gospels of John on a public street near a mosque.
In the state of Oklahoma, a federal judge has issued a judicial stay on a state amendment which expressly upholds the Constitution of the US as the rule of law. The issue is Muslim’s in that state want Sharia law to be added to the court system. Ibrahim Hooper stating that it was his hopes that “America’s Government would be Islamic sometime in the future,” And Omar Ahmed adding that he wanted “the Koran to be the highest authority in America.”
In a suburb of Detroit, a federal court ordered a Christian church to stop ringing it’s bells at noon, since the tunes were distinctly Christian, while a week later that same court ruled that the Muslim Mosque was within their rights to broadcast over a PA system their noon prayers for all to hear.
The Ground Zero Mosque continues to be a great debate. Some argue that it is not actually on the site of the World Trade Center complex but we must remember that the reason this is so important to the Muslim community is because in Muslim tradition, Mosques are built to commemorate great victories. That is the real issue here–more than actual location. That aside, what we are not hearing in these diatribes is that a large portion of the funding for the Mosque is our federal tax-dollars at work.
I could go on and on, mentioning the Isalmic public school in Minnesota (totally funded by our tax dollars,) or the myriad of school systems across our Country who, while forbidding Christian prayers on campus allow and promote Islamic public praying in cafeterias and classrooms.
As we approach this Christmas season, we do so with the awareness that these two great world religions–Christianity with the Manger and Islam with their Mosques–are on a collision course. No, there can be no peace between them; no, there is no happy medium. History has proven that where Islam goes, Islam must prevail. Erwin Lutzer tells of visiting Istanbul where the church of Holy Wisdom was quickly turned into a Mosque after the Muslim conquest of 1453. His guide informed him that this act proved the great triumph of Allah over Christianity.
What are we to do? First, we must always remember that we are representatives of Christ and has such must always act in a Christ-like, God honoring way.
Second, we must proclaim the message of truth clearly and unashamedly. God has brought these Muslims into our midst so they can hear and perhaps respond to the gospel without fear of death. Let us use the time we have wisely.
Thirdly, at Christmas time, let us point to the manger, where God chose to come to us rather than requiring that we go to Him. The truth of the matter is, had He not come to us, we could never get to Him.
The manger stands in stark contrast to every world religion. All these religions require that we try our best to get to God, but in the manger, we see God Himself coming to us! That is the glory of the Christmas message. Let’s proclaim it for all to hear!
From my house to yours, Merry Christmas and should He delay His return, may you have a happy New Year as well!
Pastor John
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Made with Eternity in Mind
“We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.” (Psalm 33:20-21 NIV).
At the risk of sounding pessimistic (I’m not trying to get your day off to a bad start, really), life at times is tough. In fact, if this life is all there is, Solomon was right when he wrote, “So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people to do in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them.” (Ecclesiastes 8:15 NLT).
Now that is good advice as long as we keep it in proper perspective. I do believe God desires us to have fun, and I do believe that He graciously gives us those times of refreshment as we need them. But I also know that sometimes life is hard work. That is the result of the fall. In this life we struggle and suffer and eventually die. “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.” (1 Corinthians 15:19 NIV). Or, as The Message puts it, “If all we get out of Christ is a little inspiration for a few short years, we’re a pretty sorry lot.” But our hope is not only for this life. The Bible says, “11 God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 Nlt–emphasis mine).
We were not made for this temporary fallen existence. We were not made for death, we were made for life. The rebellion of Adam brought death. The obedience of Christ brings life. It may be tough at times but, “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.” Hang in there dear friend. This life is just the beginning.
At the risk of sounding pessimistic (I’m not trying to get your day off to a bad start, really), life at times is tough. In fact, if this life is all there is, Solomon was right when he wrote, “So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people to do in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them.” (Ecclesiastes 8:15 NLT).
Now that is good advice as long as we keep it in proper perspective. I do believe God desires us to have fun, and I do believe that He graciously gives us those times of refreshment as we need them. But I also know that sometimes life is hard work. That is the result of the fall. In this life we struggle and suffer and eventually die. “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.” (1 Corinthians 15:19 NIV). Or, as The Message puts it, “If all we get out of Christ is a little inspiration for a few short years, we’re a pretty sorry lot.” But our hope is not only for this life. The Bible says, “11 God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 Nlt–emphasis mine).
We were not made for this temporary fallen existence. We were not made for death, we were made for life. The rebellion of Adam brought death. The obedience of Christ brings life. It may be tough at times but, “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.” Hang in there dear friend. This life is just the beginning.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Where's Your Trust?
“16 No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. 17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. 18 But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, 19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.” (Psalm 33:16-19 NIV).
In whom or in what have you placed your trust today? Far too many believers give lip service to God but are looking to the things of this world to bring security, comfort and happiness. These things cannot save. The happiness and fulfillment they bring are temporary at best. Solomon wrote, “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIV). Neither money or men are a safe bet for personal safety.
God on the other hand is a safe bet. He who spoke the worlds into existence cares about you immensely! He does have the power to protect, deliver and give you purpose and meaning. Notice that the Psalmist is careful to point out that “the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.” While God sees everything (Yesterday’s TFTD), He only watches (with the intent of personal care) those who put their faith in Him. Are you under His care today? Have you put your faith in Him? I pray that you have.
In whom or in what have you placed your trust today? Far too many believers give lip service to God but are looking to the things of this world to bring security, comfort and happiness. These things cannot save. The happiness and fulfillment they bring are temporary at best. Solomon wrote, “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIV). Neither money or men are a safe bet for personal safety.
God on the other hand is a safe bet. He who spoke the worlds into existence cares about you immensely! He does have the power to protect, deliver and give you purpose and meaning. Notice that the Psalmist is careful to point out that “the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.” While God sees everything (Yesterday’s TFTD), He only watches (with the intent of personal care) those who put their faith in Him. Are you under His care today? Have you put your faith in Him? I pray that you have.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
God is Watching--He is Aware of What is Going On
“13 From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; 14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth— 15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.” (Psalm 33:13-15 NIV).
During the founding of this country, deism was the popular philosophical/religious thought of the day. Despite the claims of revisionist historians, the founding fathers were not deists. One cannot read what they wrote and believe that. Certainly they were influenced by this philosophy, but having been influenced by the philosophy and being a deist are two different things. Only after 1962 did this country start claiming that George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and others were not Christians but deists. It is interesting that this claim came hand in hand with the movement that removed prayer from the public classroom. John Dunphy, speaking on the role of the teacher in our educational system stated, “I am convinced that the battle for humankind’s future must be waged and won in the public school classrooms by teachers who correctly perceive their role as the proselytizers of a new faith; a religion of humanity . . . the classroom must and will become an arena of conflict between the old and the new -- the rotting corpse of Christianity, together with all its adjacent evils and misery, and the new faith of humanism.” The removal of prayer and Bible reading from our schools removed the final barrier to the “new faith” of humanism. Don’t think for one minute that our children are not learning religion in the public school classrooms, they are being indoctrinated in it every day.
Now, in the process of this shift, prayer and Bible reading had to be removed and nearly 200 years of history had to be rewritten. It was at this same time when our children began to be taught (following the philosophy of Dr. William James, one of the crafters of the new creed, that “Nothing is so absurd that if you repeat it long enough and loud enough people will believe”), that our founding fathers were not Christian but deists. Today that is assumed even by men who should no better. Dr. James was right and the mantra of our educators effective, we have come to believe an absurdity despite the clear indications of history!
All of this sets the stage for today’s devotional. Deism teaches that God is the cosmic watch-maker, who wound up the universe and has now stepped away and is uninvolved until the cosmic watch runs down, at which time He will step in and judge the world. A popular song caught the idea well a few years back, “God is watching us, God is watching us, God is watching us, from a distance.” That is deism put to music.
Our text and the entire Bible teaches us that God is indeed watching us but contrary to the erroneous philosophy of deism, the Bible teaches us that He is intimately involved in His creation. Our text says, “He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.” The Living Bible puts it, He has made their hearts and closely watches everything they do.” (Emphasis mine). He is not the “deus abscondetis” (absent God) of deism but the personal God of the Scriptures. He cares about you. This God who rules the universe, cares about every detail of your life! Do you question that? Let me ask you a question, what are the number of hairs on your head (including eyelashes and eyebrows for those who are follicually challenged)? Don’t know? God does (See Matthew 10:30). Even though this number changes daily, God cares about you so much that He keeps tab of even this, one of the smallest details, of our lives!
One final thought. This God who “watches closely everything (we) do.” One day is going to call us into account–every one of us. Christians sometimes forget this. We realize of course that there is coming a final judgment, but we think we are immune from it. In one sense of course we are, but let us not forget that the Bible says of believers, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10 NIV).
What is it that you do that you would not do if you knew someone was watching? Someone is. The Great Someone. The Ultimate Someone, before whom someday everything will be exposed, even the secret sins of our hearts. God is watching. We better live like it.
During the founding of this country, deism was the popular philosophical/religious thought of the day. Despite the claims of revisionist historians, the founding fathers were not deists. One cannot read what they wrote and believe that. Certainly they were influenced by this philosophy, but having been influenced by the philosophy and being a deist are two different things. Only after 1962 did this country start claiming that George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and others were not Christians but deists. It is interesting that this claim came hand in hand with the movement that removed prayer from the public classroom. John Dunphy, speaking on the role of the teacher in our educational system stated, “I am convinced that the battle for humankind’s future must be waged and won in the public school classrooms by teachers who correctly perceive their role as the proselytizers of a new faith; a religion of humanity . . . the classroom must and will become an arena of conflict between the old and the new -- the rotting corpse of Christianity, together with all its adjacent evils and misery, and the new faith of humanism.” The removal of prayer and Bible reading from our schools removed the final barrier to the “new faith” of humanism. Don’t think for one minute that our children are not learning religion in the public school classrooms, they are being indoctrinated in it every day.
Now, in the process of this shift, prayer and Bible reading had to be removed and nearly 200 years of history had to be rewritten. It was at this same time when our children began to be taught (following the philosophy of Dr. William James, one of the crafters of the new creed, that “Nothing is so absurd that if you repeat it long enough and loud enough people will believe”), that our founding fathers were not Christian but deists. Today that is assumed even by men who should no better. Dr. James was right and the mantra of our educators effective, we have come to believe an absurdity despite the clear indications of history!
All of this sets the stage for today’s devotional. Deism teaches that God is the cosmic watch-maker, who wound up the universe and has now stepped away and is uninvolved until the cosmic watch runs down, at which time He will step in and judge the world. A popular song caught the idea well a few years back, “God is watching us, God is watching us, God is watching us, from a distance.” That is deism put to music.
Our text and the entire Bible teaches us that God is indeed watching us but contrary to the erroneous philosophy of deism, the Bible teaches us that He is intimately involved in His creation. Our text says, “He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.” The Living Bible puts it, He has made their hearts and closely watches everything they do.” (Emphasis mine). He is not the “deus abscondetis” (absent God) of deism but the personal God of the Scriptures. He cares about you. This God who rules the universe, cares about every detail of your life! Do you question that? Let me ask you a question, what are the number of hairs on your head (including eyelashes and eyebrows for those who are follicually challenged)? Don’t know? God does (See Matthew 10:30). Even though this number changes daily, God cares about you so much that He keeps tab of even this, one of the smallest details, of our lives!
One final thought. This God who “watches closely everything (we) do.” One day is going to call us into account–every one of us. Christians sometimes forget this. We realize of course that there is coming a final judgment, but we think we are immune from it. In one sense of course we are, but let us not forget that the Bible says of believers, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10 NIV).
What is it that you do that you would not do if you knew someone was watching? Someone is. The Great Someone. The Ultimate Someone, before whom someday everything will be exposed, even the secret sins of our hearts. God is watching. We better live like it.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Of False Hopes and Real Saviors
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.” (Psalm 33:12 NIV).
Certainly we recognize that this verse is a direct reference to Israel. Israel has a special place in redemptive history and we must never forget that. We are commanded to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” (Psalm 122:6 NIV). We recognize, however, that there will be no peace in Jerusalem until Jerusalem recognizes their Prince of Peace. That Jews today worship the One True God is subject to question. Jesus stated emphatically that if they really knew and recognized The Father, then they would know and recognize Him (see John 8:39-59), that fact that this is not the case is proof that not everyone who claim to call even on the God of the Bible is truly calling on the God of the Bible. Even Jesus said, “Not everyone who says ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 7:21 NIV). There are many today who have their custom designed Savior but have not bowed the knee to the One True Savior. We come to Christ on His terms, any other terms are insignificant. Do you know Him?
While Psalm 33:12 is a reference to the nation of Israel, I believe that it applies by extension to any nation or individual who make the God of the Scriptures, the God who is revealed in the written Word (the Bible) and through the Living Word (Jesus) the Lord of their lives, that person and nation of such people, will be blessed of God. Everyone who is a believer in Christ is a person God has chosen “for his inheritance.”
Certainly we recognize that this verse is a direct reference to Israel. Israel has a special place in redemptive history and we must never forget that. We are commanded to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” (Psalm 122:6 NIV). We recognize, however, that there will be no peace in Jerusalem until Jerusalem recognizes their Prince of Peace. That Jews today worship the One True God is subject to question. Jesus stated emphatically that if they really knew and recognized The Father, then they would know and recognize Him (see John 8:39-59), that fact that this is not the case is proof that not everyone who claim to call even on the God of the Bible is truly calling on the God of the Bible. Even Jesus said, “Not everyone who says ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 7:21 NIV). There are many today who have their custom designed Savior but have not bowed the knee to the One True Savior. We come to Christ on His terms, any other terms are insignificant. Do you know Him?
While Psalm 33:12 is a reference to the nation of Israel, I believe that it applies by extension to any nation or individual who make the God of the Scriptures, the God who is revealed in the written Word (the Bible) and through the Living Word (Jesus) the Lord of their lives, that person and nation of such people, will be blessed of God. Everyone who is a believer in Christ is a person God has chosen “for his inheritance.”
Thursday, November 18, 2010
God's Plans are Sure
“6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. 9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. 10 The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” (Psalm 33:6-11 NIV).
Don’t worry–my soap box was put up yesterday. We did look at verses 6-9 yesterday and focused on their importance. Today, we use these early verses as the backdrop/context of today’s thought. Verses 6-9 remind us that the visible universe is a result of the creative utterance of God. Everything that is came when God spoke. Theologically we call this fiat Creation–God created by the spoken word ex nihilo (out of nothing).
Why look at this today? Because it sets the stage for our text: 10 The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” The Living Bible renders verses 10-11: “And with a breath he can scatter the plans of all the nations who oppose him, but his own plans stands forever. His intentions are the same for every generation.” Now taking that verse 10 we can easily see the link between these two verses and verses 6-9. Just in case you missed it, let me summarize with a loose translation, “With a breath He created and with a breath He can scatter the plans of all who stand in opposition to Him.” Such is the awesome power of God.
Those who know Jesus Christ are in the hands of that awesome God. He loves you and cares for you as His own! What a comfort that should be when times get tough!
One final thought. Look again at the first part of verse 11, “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever.” Many times people will ask me, “Do you think I’ve missed God’s will for my life?” All we have to do to answer that is look at Psalm 33:11, God’s plans are not thwarted, and the last time I checked, my strength is not more powerful than His! Is it possible to stray from God’s pathway? Absolutely. That’s what sin is at its very root. But the promise of God is that “He (the one whose word brought everything into being) “who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6 NIV–emphasis mine). God’s will is not dependant upon my response. His plans “stand firm forever” and no matter how powerful the man may be, he is not going to thwart those plans. Neither are you nor am I. Relax.
Don’t worry–my soap box was put up yesterday. We did look at verses 6-9 yesterday and focused on their importance. Today, we use these early verses as the backdrop/context of today’s thought. Verses 6-9 remind us that the visible universe is a result of the creative utterance of God. Everything that is came when God spoke. Theologically we call this fiat Creation–God created by the spoken word ex nihilo (out of nothing).
Why look at this today? Because it sets the stage for our text: 10 The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” The Living Bible renders verses 10-11: “And with a breath he can scatter the plans of all the nations who oppose him, but his own plans stands forever. His intentions are the same for every generation.” Now taking that verse 10 we can easily see the link between these two verses and verses 6-9. Just in case you missed it, let me summarize with a loose translation, “With a breath He created and with a breath He can scatter the plans of all who stand in opposition to Him.” Such is the awesome power of God.
Those who know Jesus Christ are in the hands of that awesome God. He loves you and cares for you as His own! What a comfort that should be when times get tough!
One final thought. Look again at the first part of verse 11, “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever.” Many times people will ask me, “Do you think I’ve missed God’s will for my life?” All we have to do to answer that is look at Psalm 33:11, God’s plans are not thwarted, and the last time I checked, my strength is not more powerful than His! Is it possible to stray from God’s pathway? Absolutely. That’s what sin is at its very root. But the promise of God is that “He (the one whose word brought everything into being) “who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6 NIV–emphasis mine). God’s will is not dependant upon my response. His plans “stand firm forever” and no matter how powerful the man may be, he is not going to thwart those plans. Neither are you nor am I. Relax.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
The Effects of Evolution
“6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. 9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.” (Psalm 33:6-9 NIV).
Today’s devotional is a little different, I’m going to get on my soap-box for just a moment. I don’t think anyone would disagree with me when I state that our world is in pretty sad shape these days. Here in Atlanta, for the last two weeks the headlines on the news every day has been one child shooting another. One in a drive by, one at a birthday party, another after an altercation, and the list goes on and on. It’s scary.
I also doubt that most who read this daily devotional would disagree that the church seems too helpless to effectively respond. We are spiritually emaciated. What has brought us to this condition? At the risk of sounding too simplistic, what has brought the world to its current state of heartlessness and the church to its current state of helplessness is the godless philosophy which disguises itself (very poorly I might add) as science, the philosophy of evolution.
Evolution is not an interesting side item. It is taught as fact in our schools and believed as fact by millions. The result is exactly what we are seeing in society today: hopeless kids trying to better their status by eliminating the weaker members of society. If you don’t think there is a link, you are willfully blind. (Look at the facts on the Columbine massacre or the more recent Minnesota killings). Here’s a synopsis of the major losses of each generation post WW II. The generations of the 50's lost their innocense, the generation of the 60's lost their authority, the generation of the 70's lost their love, the generations of the 80's lost their hope, the generation of the 90's lost their heart and, as I see it and the Bible reveals, the problem is going to continue to get worse. Here’s the interesting thing: each of those losses are directly linked to the growth of acceptance of evolutionary theory.
The reason by the way the church is helpless, is she has, by and large, compromised herself in regard to this important issue. There are those who actively support evolution on the mistaken belief that it is scientific and that the evidence that is suppose to be there is there (in other words they simply have believed the lie without looking at the facts) and there are those who don’t necessarily support evolution, but don’t think it’s important to discuss in a faith setting. As a pastor, I know that 90% of the people I talk with who have walked away from faith cite evolution as one of the key foundations for their abandonment of belief. This is not a simple side issue.
By the way, just for the “what it’s worth department” I’ve studied this subject fairly extensively I believe, and what I have found is that every few years the evolutionist has to change or modify his story in some form or fashion. I, as a Bible believing Creationist, have never had to change my story! Not once.
The Psalmist sees the created world as evidence of God’s creative power and calls mankind to humble reverence of the Creator. It is this direct link of realization and responsibility that chafes fallen man’s heart. Darwin expressed his desire to be done with such beliefs, and evolutionists and atheists everywhere have embraced evolutionary beliefs not because they make sense or have solid support, but rather because they have a desired end to be free from responsibility. The Psalmist saw the link. It’s amazing that we who profess to have a “higher understanding of things.” have failed to see that link. It is this truth that is the true missing link of evolutionary teachings.
Today’s devotional is a little different, I’m going to get on my soap-box for just a moment. I don’t think anyone would disagree with me when I state that our world is in pretty sad shape these days. Here in Atlanta, for the last two weeks the headlines on the news every day has been one child shooting another. One in a drive by, one at a birthday party, another after an altercation, and the list goes on and on. It’s scary.
I also doubt that most who read this daily devotional would disagree that the church seems too helpless to effectively respond. We are spiritually emaciated. What has brought us to this condition? At the risk of sounding too simplistic, what has brought the world to its current state of heartlessness and the church to its current state of helplessness is the godless philosophy which disguises itself (very poorly I might add) as science, the philosophy of evolution.
Evolution is not an interesting side item. It is taught as fact in our schools and believed as fact by millions. The result is exactly what we are seeing in society today: hopeless kids trying to better their status by eliminating the weaker members of society. If you don’t think there is a link, you are willfully blind. (Look at the facts on the Columbine massacre or the more recent Minnesota killings). Here’s a synopsis of the major losses of each generation post WW II. The generations of the 50's lost their innocense, the generation of the 60's lost their authority, the generation of the 70's lost their love, the generations of the 80's lost their hope, the generation of the 90's lost their heart and, as I see it and the Bible reveals, the problem is going to continue to get worse. Here’s the interesting thing: each of those losses are directly linked to the growth of acceptance of evolutionary theory.
The reason by the way the church is helpless, is she has, by and large, compromised herself in regard to this important issue. There are those who actively support evolution on the mistaken belief that it is scientific and that the evidence that is suppose to be there is there (in other words they simply have believed the lie without looking at the facts) and there are those who don’t necessarily support evolution, but don’t think it’s important to discuss in a faith setting. As a pastor, I know that 90% of the people I talk with who have walked away from faith cite evolution as one of the key foundations for their abandonment of belief. This is not a simple side issue.
By the way, just for the “what it’s worth department” I’ve studied this subject fairly extensively I believe, and what I have found is that every few years the evolutionist has to change or modify his story in some form or fashion. I, as a Bible believing Creationist, have never had to change my story! Not once.
The Psalmist sees the created world as evidence of God’s creative power and calls mankind to humble reverence of the Creator. It is this direct link of realization and responsibility that chafes fallen man’s heart. Darwin expressed his desire to be done with such beliefs, and evolutionists and atheists everywhere have embraced evolutionary beliefs not because they make sense or have solid support, but rather because they have a desired end to be free from responsibility. The Psalmist saw the link. It’s amazing that we who profess to have a “higher understanding of things.” have failed to see that link. It is this truth that is the true missing link of evolutionary teachings.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
What Perspective Do You View God From?
“The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.” (Psalm 33:5 NIV).
In a world wracked by sin, it is sometimes too easy to dwell on the negative. Our news shows and newspapers are filled with bad news and it seems to be getting worse everyday.
But there is good news. Our text reminds us “the earth is full of his unfailing love.” Everywhere we turn we see evidence of God’s love, mercy and grace at work.
In times of tragedy there are those who are quick to implicate God, “Where was He when that event was happening?” is the common question/accusation. I am convinced that the reason we don’t see God in our times of tragedy is because we don’t see Him in our times of joy! C.S. Lewis went as far as to suggest that when things are going good in our lives instead of seeing His unfailing love which fills the earth we view Him “as an interruption.” Yet we become upset if He seems silent or absent in our times of need. We can’t have it both ways.
Instead of stressing over the negative things in your life today, focus on the blessings. See the good that is all around us; the quiet works of those who seek after justice and righteousness.
In a world wracked by sin, it is sometimes too easy to dwell on the negative. Our news shows and newspapers are filled with bad news and it seems to be getting worse everyday.
But there is good news. Our text reminds us “the earth is full of his unfailing love.” Everywhere we turn we see evidence of God’s love, mercy and grace at work.
In times of tragedy there are those who are quick to implicate God, “Where was He when that event was happening?” is the common question/accusation. I am convinced that the reason we don’t see God in our times of tragedy is because we don’t see Him in our times of joy! C.S. Lewis went as far as to suggest that when things are going good in our lives instead of seeing His unfailing love which fills the earth we view Him “as an interruption.” Yet we become upset if He seems silent or absent in our times of need. We can’t have it both ways.
Instead of stressing over the negative things in your life today, focus on the blessings. See the good that is all around us; the quiet works of those who seek after justice and righteousness.
Monday, November 15, 2010
God's Word is Truth
“For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.” (Psalm 33:4 NIV)
“For the word of the Lord holds true, and everything he does is worthy of our trust.” (Psalm 33:4 NLT).
“For all God’s words are right, and everything he does is worthy of our trust.” (Psalm 33:4 TLB emphasis mine).
A number of years ago I heard of a family who loved to work on Jigsaw puzzles together. They became quite good at it, completing the most difficult of puzzles sometimes in one evening.
One night the father brought home a new puzzle. On the scale of things, this puzzle should have been a simple one, quickly assembled. But something was wrong. Try as they might, the family could not seem to complete it. They worked on it for a week. Frustration began to set in and their normally joyful activity became to them a seeming action of futility. What could possibly be wrong?
With their frustration level at its peak the father finally revealed his deception. He had bought two puzzles but before getting home he switched their lids! The family was trying to construct a picture that didn’t exist! When the proper lid was produced, the puzzle was quickly completed.
There are millions of people like this family. They are trying desperately to put their lives together, to “get it right,” only to fail again and again. The problem? They are looking at the wrong picture!
Our text reminds us, “For all God’s words are right, and everything he does is worthy of our trust.” Notice by the way that word “all,” supplied by the author of The Living Bible. That is a good addition. It is not most of God’s Word that is right, nor is it the majority of God’s Word that is right but all of God’s Word that is right. As long as you and I tamper with that Word, we will experience failure and frustration. Trying to “pick and choose” the parts of it I like is like Ford trying to assemble a car without all the parts–it might look good on the surface but driving it (if it will even move) would be a hazard.
Have you discovered the faithfulness of God through following His Word that is “right and true.” Let me close with my own paraphrase of Psalm 33:4: “For the entire Bible is true, you can count on everything it says, and you can be sure that God knows exactly what He is doing in every circumstance and you can bank on it being right.” (Pearrell Expanded Translation).
“For the word of the Lord holds true, and everything he does is worthy of our trust.” (Psalm 33:4 NLT).
“For all God’s words are right, and everything he does is worthy of our trust.” (Psalm 33:4 TLB emphasis mine).
A number of years ago I heard of a family who loved to work on Jigsaw puzzles together. They became quite good at it, completing the most difficult of puzzles sometimes in one evening.
One night the father brought home a new puzzle. On the scale of things, this puzzle should have been a simple one, quickly assembled. But something was wrong. Try as they might, the family could not seem to complete it. They worked on it for a week. Frustration began to set in and their normally joyful activity became to them a seeming action of futility. What could possibly be wrong?
With their frustration level at its peak the father finally revealed his deception. He had bought two puzzles but before getting home he switched their lids! The family was trying to construct a picture that didn’t exist! When the proper lid was produced, the puzzle was quickly completed.
There are millions of people like this family. They are trying desperately to put their lives together, to “get it right,” only to fail again and again. The problem? They are looking at the wrong picture!
Our text reminds us, “For all God’s words are right, and everything he does is worthy of our trust.” Notice by the way that word “all,” supplied by the author of The Living Bible. That is a good addition. It is not most of God’s Word that is right, nor is it the majority of God’s Word that is right but all of God’s Word that is right. As long as you and I tamper with that Word, we will experience failure and frustration. Trying to “pick and choose” the parts of it I like is like Ford trying to assemble a car without all the parts–it might look good on the surface but driving it (if it will even move) would be a hazard.
Have you discovered the faithfulness of God through following His Word that is “right and true.” Let me close with my own paraphrase of Psalm 33:4: “For the entire Bible is true, you can count on everything it says, and you can be sure that God knows exactly what He is doing in every circumstance and you can bank on it being right.” (Pearrell Expanded Translation).
Friday, November 12, 2010
Evaluating Worship
“Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” (Psalm 33:1-3 NIV).
The Contemporary English Version reads, “You are the Lord’s people. Obey him and celebrate! He deserves your praise. Praise the Lord with harps! Use harps with ten strings to make music for him. Sing a new song. Shout! Play beautiful music.”
Nothing attracts attention like joy. Nothing disperses a crowd like sadness. Christians should be the most joyful people on the face of the earth! Our sins are forgiven, our futures are secure, and God promises His Holy presence with us in the present! We have a lot to be thankful for! Yet, many who profess Christ live life looking like they’ve been sucking on a lemon! Please do not take offense at that–I too have been (and at times will continue to be) guilty as charged. The people who have the most reason for joy seem at times to be the least joyful. At least that is how we act. We go to baseball games (or whatever sport we happen to enjoy) and shout our heads off. We go to parties and have a wonderful time. But then we go to church . . . . and Lord forbid that as we go through the motions of worship we show any emotion whatsoever. What’s wrong with that picture?
Let me make a number of quick observations from our text. First, God’s people should be a joyful people and worship is our celebration time. Is that how you view worship? Notice that the CEV puts the early part of verse one, “You are the Lord’s people. Obey him and celebrate!” If celebration in worship is a response of obedience then I can only conclude that those who want to throw cold water on celebrants are being disobedient. Think about it.
Second, notice that the Psalmist specifically refers to the latest instruments of the day being used in that celebration. Where some ever got the idea that there should be no instruments in church is beyond me. Where we ever got the idea that only certain instruments are appropriate for worship is also beyond me. The Bible refers to every conceivable kind of instrument being utilized in the worship of the Lord.
Finally verse 3 says, “Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” This tells us three things about worship. First, worship is to be creative, “Sing to him a new song.” Too many people today despise creativity in the church. We want only the “tried of true” which too often becomes tired and blue. The great hymns of the faith are sung in almost dirge-like fashion. Don’t misunderstand, we need those hymns, but let’s remember that when they were written, they were the contemporary music of the day and let’s not despise today’s music while longing for something we have no real understanding of.
Second, “play skillfully,” or as the CEV puts it “Play beautiful music.” God deserves our very best. Personally I think it is sinful when I hear someone say, “Oh, it doesn’t really matter how they sounded, they did it for the Lord and God does say, ‘Make a joyful noise.’” I use to buy that; I don’t any more. Such thinking is often a mere excuse for laziness on the performers part (“It’s only for the church”). Think for a minute back into history. The church was on the forefront of music. Many of the great masters (Beethoven, Handel, Bach) wrote music for the glory of God. When we write or perform for God it deserves to be the very best; half-efforts or “best efforts,” are out of place. I love to sing, I wish I could sing, and I do a decent job most of the time when I do sing, but I would never offer to sing a solo in church (even though I have had vocal lessons) because I know that my voice is too unpredictable. Frankly, I think Stuart Briscoe had it right when one Sunday he stood an announced, “We will now be favored with some mediocre music by . . . .”
Finally, verse 3 tells us that our celebration should be loud. The text says “shout for joy.” We want to sing softly for Jesus I guess so we won’t wake up those who have fallen asleep spiritually.
Bottom line: We need to re-evaluate our “style” of worship not against the back-drop of history but against the backdrop of Scripture.
The Contemporary English Version reads, “You are the Lord’s people. Obey him and celebrate! He deserves your praise. Praise the Lord with harps! Use harps with ten strings to make music for him. Sing a new song. Shout! Play beautiful music.”
Nothing attracts attention like joy. Nothing disperses a crowd like sadness. Christians should be the most joyful people on the face of the earth! Our sins are forgiven, our futures are secure, and God promises His Holy presence with us in the present! We have a lot to be thankful for! Yet, many who profess Christ live life looking like they’ve been sucking on a lemon! Please do not take offense at that–I too have been (and at times will continue to be) guilty as charged. The people who have the most reason for joy seem at times to be the least joyful. At least that is how we act. We go to baseball games (or whatever sport we happen to enjoy) and shout our heads off. We go to parties and have a wonderful time. But then we go to church . . . . and Lord forbid that as we go through the motions of worship we show any emotion whatsoever. What’s wrong with that picture?
Let me make a number of quick observations from our text. First, God’s people should be a joyful people and worship is our celebration time. Is that how you view worship? Notice that the CEV puts the early part of verse one, “You are the Lord’s people. Obey him and celebrate!” If celebration in worship is a response of obedience then I can only conclude that those who want to throw cold water on celebrants are being disobedient. Think about it.
Second, notice that the Psalmist specifically refers to the latest instruments of the day being used in that celebration. Where some ever got the idea that there should be no instruments in church is beyond me. Where we ever got the idea that only certain instruments are appropriate for worship is also beyond me. The Bible refers to every conceivable kind of instrument being utilized in the worship of the Lord.
Finally verse 3 says, “Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” This tells us three things about worship. First, worship is to be creative, “Sing to him a new song.” Too many people today despise creativity in the church. We want only the “tried of true” which too often becomes tired and blue. The great hymns of the faith are sung in almost dirge-like fashion. Don’t misunderstand, we need those hymns, but let’s remember that when they were written, they were the contemporary music of the day and let’s not despise today’s music while longing for something we have no real understanding of.
Second, “play skillfully,” or as the CEV puts it “Play beautiful music.” God deserves our very best. Personally I think it is sinful when I hear someone say, “Oh, it doesn’t really matter how they sounded, they did it for the Lord and God does say, ‘Make a joyful noise.’” I use to buy that; I don’t any more. Such thinking is often a mere excuse for laziness on the performers part (“It’s only for the church”). Think for a minute back into history. The church was on the forefront of music. Many of the great masters (Beethoven, Handel, Bach) wrote music for the glory of God. When we write or perform for God it deserves to be the very best; half-efforts or “best efforts,” are out of place. I love to sing, I wish I could sing, and I do a decent job most of the time when I do sing, but I would never offer to sing a solo in church (even though I have had vocal lessons) because I know that my voice is too unpredictable. Frankly, I think Stuart Briscoe had it right when one Sunday he stood an announced, “We will now be favored with some mediocre music by . . . .”
Finally, verse 3 tells us that our celebration should be loud. The text says “shout for joy.” We want to sing softly for Jesus I guess so we won’t wake up those who have fallen asleep spiritually.
Bottom line: We need to re-evaluate our “style” of worship not against the back-drop of history but against the backdrop of Scripture.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Suffering-God's Gracious Gift
“Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.” (Psalm 32:10 NIV)
“The wicked will have to suffer, but those who trust in the Lord are protected by his constant love.” (Psalm 32:10 TEV).
One of the greatest tragedies of sin is that the sinner does not recognize either the extent of their sin nor do they comprehend the consequences of such sin. In an episode of the Simpson’s (this is not an endorsement), Bart becomes a part of Lisa’s science experiment. Every time he touches her project he gets a shock. The mouse has learned after one shock not to touch the ball, but Bart stands there, touches it, gets shocked, yells “Ow, quit it,” and immediately reaches out and touches it again and again, each time getting the same result (shocked), and each time yelling “Ow, quit it.” That clip is a graphic illustration of the gracious truth of the first part of this Psalm, “The wicked will have to suffer.”
In the cartoon, Bart cannot see the correlation between his pain and his actions. Like those caught in sin’s grasp, he keeps doing the thing that keeps hurting him, but his response, “Ow, Quit it!” reveals that he associates the pain not with his action but with Lisa’s actions (she’s doing nothing). Those caught in the grip of sin suffer, but like Bart, instead of comprehending that their suffering is due to their own actions, instead they think their suffering is due to the correction of another. The sinner keeps getting shocked as it were because of their sin, but their rage is against the one (a person) or The One (God), who points out the cause of their pain! The Bible says in Proverbs 19:3, “Some people ruin themselves by their own stupid actions and then blame the Lord.” (TEV).
There is another side to this verse, it is the side of the person who “trusts in Him (the Lord).” The person who trusts God is the person who listens to Him; the person who obeys His Word. That person finds the protection of God’s love surrounding them. So, the question is, will you be like Bart, suffering repeatedly because of your insistence on doing it your way, or will you be blessed by God because of your submission to doing it His way?
One final thought. Above I referred to suffering as a “gracious truth.” Why? C.S. Lewis put it this way, “The human spirit will not even begin to try to surrender self-will as long as all seems to be will with it. Now error and sin both have this property, that the deeper they are the less their victim suspects their existence; they are a masked evil. Pain is unmasked unmistakable evil; every man knows that something is wrong when he is being hurt . . . And pain is not only immediately recognizable evil, but evil impossible to ignore. We can rest contentedly in our sins and in our stupidities . . . we can ignore even pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." (Lewis: The Problem of Pain).
Even suffering is the gift of a loving God. Were it not for suffering all of us would be like Bart Simpson. We’d never learn.
“The wicked will have to suffer, but those who trust in the Lord are protected by his constant love.” (Psalm 32:10 TEV).
One of the greatest tragedies of sin is that the sinner does not recognize either the extent of their sin nor do they comprehend the consequences of such sin. In an episode of the Simpson’s (this is not an endorsement), Bart becomes a part of Lisa’s science experiment. Every time he touches her project he gets a shock. The mouse has learned after one shock not to touch the ball, but Bart stands there, touches it, gets shocked, yells “Ow, quit it,” and immediately reaches out and touches it again and again, each time getting the same result (shocked), and each time yelling “Ow, quit it.” That clip is a graphic illustration of the gracious truth of the first part of this Psalm, “The wicked will have to suffer.”
In the cartoon, Bart cannot see the correlation between his pain and his actions. Like those caught in sin’s grasp, he keeps doing the thing that keeps hurting him, but his response, “Ow, Quit it!” reveals that he associates the pain not with his action but with Lisa’s actions (she’s doing nothing). Those caught in the grip of sin suffer, but like Bart, instead of comprehending that their suffering is due to their own actions, instead they think their suffering is due to the correction of another. The sinner keeps getting shocked as it were because of their sin, but their rage is against the one (a person) or The One (God), who points out the cause of their pain! The Bible says in Proverbs 19:3, “Some people ruin themselves by their own stupid actions and then blame the Lord.” (TEV).
There is another side to this verse, it is the side of the person who “trusts in Him (the Lord).” The person who trusts God is the person who listens to Him; the person who obeys His Word. That person finds the protection of God’s love surrounding them. So, the question is, will you be like Bart, suffering repeatedly because of your insistence on doing it your way, or will you be blessed by God because of your submission to doing it His way?
One final thought. Above I referred to suffering as a “gracious truth.” Why? C.S. Lewis put it this way, “The human spirit will not even begin to try to surrender self-will as long as all seems to be will with it. Now error and sin both have this property, that the deeper they are the less their victim suspects their existence; they are a masked evil. Pain is unmasked unmistakable evil; every man knows that something is wrong when he is being hurt . . . And pain is not only immediately recognizable evil, but evil impossible to ignore. We can rest contentedly in our sins and in our stupidities . . . we can ignore even pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." (Lewis: The Problem of Pain).
Even suffering is the gift of a loving God. Were it not for suffering all of us would be like Bart Simpson. We’d never learn.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Animosity Toward Religion Part 2
In my last article I began a discussion of the issue of religion and modern man’s distrust for it. I expressed my view that much of that distrust comes because of two factors: (1) the abuse of religion in general and at times Christianity in particular and (2) because of societies desire to be free from restriction. Like those who lobby for the removal of the motorcycle helmet laws, we do so to our own detriment. Or, to use another example, we want the freedom to use tobacco without consequence, but when the natural consequence of tobacco use occur, we want to blame the tobacco industry and make them pay for our own willful actions.
In this arena we call life, there is also no such thing as freedom without responsibility. Freedom for sexual expression has cost us dearly in physical and psychological disease. It seems we would rather live with the consequences of our desires than to submit to the rules of the Creator. When the rules of the Creator interfere with our desires we seem to be laboring under the delusion that all we have to do is remove the Creator and the consequences will somehow disappear!
Why is it that so many are willing to live with loneliness, emptiness, guilt and fear of death rather than recognize the claims of God upon their lives? We have in fact been guilty of cutting off our proverbial noses in spite of our proverbial faces. Like the nicotine addict, we know our habits are deadly, but we think we can escape their consequences. It is in this desire to escape the consequences of our own evil tendencies that has caused many to reject any and all claims of religion, or, if we don’t reject religion, we simply want to construct our own religion–a religion that says it’s okay to live the way we choose to live.
Experience shows the fallacy of such belief. Violent crime is something we are learning to live with. Sexual exploitation is for the most cases ignored (though we wonder why sexual perversion produces victims). We decry child pornography but defend the legal right of those promote it under the guise of “free speech” and the personal right of perverts by arguing that no one has the right to judge another–to say what is right or what is wrong. Most would rather spend an eternity in hell than admit such a place exists. Most would rather curse God for making one way out of our horrible predicament than thank him for making that way out. It is at this very point that the very religion we disdain is in fact our one true friend. Not religion in general, but Christianity in particular.
Religion is man’s attempt to reach God. The Bible describes such attempts as vain and misguided. In fact, in one place the Bible says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12 NIV). And the Bible reminds us over and over again that it is possible to have a misguided zeal for God–we seem to want God, but we refuse to accept what God says! Such a man will never find God. The Bible says, “Not all who sound religious are really godly people. They may refer to me as ‘Lord,’ but still won’t get to heaven. For the decisive question is whether they obey my Father in heaven. At the Judgment many will tell me, ‘Lord, Lord, we told others about you and used your name to cast out demons and to do many other great miracles.’ But I will reply, ‘You have never been mine. Go away, for your deeds are evil.’” (Matthew 7:21-23 TLB). So even some who claim to be “Christian” have missed the boat. I can claim to be a relative of George Washington, but that claim means nothing if I can’t show through the genealogical record that relationship. Similarly, a person may claim to be a Christian, but that claim means nothing if they don’t show the family resemblance or recognize the very basis of their claimed relationship. That basis is found in 1 John 5 by the way. It includes first and foremost a recognition of the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. That is basic. If you don’t recognize that, you are not a Christian and the only way around the 1 John 5 claims is to reject its claims and design your own definition of Christianity. It is this designer version of Christianity that has many rejecting the only real hope they have in this life. They look at the caricature of Christianity, reject that, and never take time to discover the love of God found in and through the person of Jesus Christ.
In this arena we call life, there is also no such thing as freedom without responsibility. Freedom for sexual expression has cost us dearly in physical and psychological disease. It seems we would rather live with the consequences of our desires than to submit to the rules of the Creator. When the rules of the Creator interfere with our desires we seem to be laboring under the delusion that all we have to do is remove the Creator and the consequences will somehow disappear!
Why is it that so many are willing to live with loneliness, emptiness, guilt and fear of death rather than recognize the claims of God upon their lives? We have in fact been guilty of cutting off our proverbial noses in spite of our proverbial faces. Like the nicotine addict, we know our habits are deadly, but we think we can escape their consequences. It is in this desire to escape the consequences of our own evil tendencies that has caused many to reject any and all claims of religion, or, if we don’t reject religion, we simply want to construct our own religion–a religion that says it’s okay to live the way we choose to live.
Experience shows the fallacy of such belief. Violent crime is something we are learning to live with. Sexual exploitation is for the most cases ignored (though we wonder why sexual perversion produces victims). We decry child pornography but defend the legal right of those promote it under the guise of “free speech” and the personal right of perverts by arguing that no one has the right to judge another–to say what is right or what is wrong. Most would rather spend an eternity in hell than admit such a place exists. Most would rather curse God for making one way out of our horrible predicament than thank him for making that way out. It is at this very point that the very religion we disdain is in fact our one true friend. Not religion in general, but Christianity in particular.
Religion is man’s attempt to reach God. The Bible describes such attempts as vain and misguided. In fact, in one place the Bible says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12 NIV). And the Bible reminds us over and over again that it is possible to have a misguided zeal for God–we seem to want God, but we refuse to accept what God says! Such a man will never find God. The Bible says, “Not all who sound religious are really godly people. They may refer to me as ‘Lord,’ but still won’t get to heaven. For the decisive question is whether they obey my Father in heaven. At the Judgment many will tell me, ‘Lord, Lord, we told others about you and used your name to cast out demons and to do many other great miracles.’ But I will reply, ‘You have never been mine. Go away, for your deeds are evil.’” (Matthew 7:21-23 TLB). So even some who claim to be “Christian” have missed the boat. I can claim to be a relative of George Washington, but that claim means nothing if I can’t show through the genealogical record that relationship. Similarly, a person may claim to be a Christian, but that claim means nothing if they don’t show the family resemblance or recognize the very basis of their claimed relationship. That basis is found in 1 John 5 by the way. It includes first and foremost a recognition of the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. That is basic. If you don’t recognize that, you are not a Christian and the only way around the 1 John 5 claims is to reject its claims and design your own definition of Christianity. It is this designer version of Christianity that has many rejecting the only real hope they have in this life. They look at the caricature of Christianity, reject that, and never take time to discover the love of God found in and through the person of Jesus Christ.
God's Guidance
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8 NIV).
I like the way the New Living Translation renders this verse: “The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’” The Living Bible (paraphrase) renders the last phrase of this verse, “I will watch your progress.”
Amazing! The God of the Universe cares enough to guide me along each day! I find the thought hard to even comprehend! It is not that He knows the general direction I’ve gone, He promises to guide each step of those who will respond to Him in faith.
There are times in life when the road is rough. I’ve been through many a dark day. There have been times when I was convinced I was on my own and, if I am honest, there were times when I was so mad at God I wished I was on my own–I thought that God had somehow really messed up certain things (Ah, the deception of the sinful heart!).
What I know is this: God doesn’t mess up, He never makes mistakes, and if, for one minute I can get my eyes off this temporary existence and realize that I was created for eternity, the temporary set-backs I think I’ve faced are really important detours along God’s “best pathway for (my) life.”
However, be careful. Let’s not forget that the setting of this verse is in the middle of a penitential Psalm. Do not make the mistake of thinking that sin is a part of that pathway. It is not. Sin will get you off the pathway, at which time God may bring you back kicking and screaming (see verse 9) on the other hand, He who controls the universe may elect just to take you out (see 1 Corinthians 11:30). Never presume upon the goodness of God.
I like the way the New Living Translation renders this verse: “The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’” The Living Bible (paraphrase) renders the last phrase of this verse, “I will watch your progress.”
Amazing! The God of the Universe cares enough to guide me along each day! I find the thought hard to even comprehend! It is not that He knows the general direction I’ve gone, He promises to guide each step of those who will respond to Him in faith.
There are times in life when the road is rough. I’ve been through many a dark day. There have been times when I was convinced I was on my own and, if I am honest, there were times when I was so mad at God I wished I was on my own–I thought that God had somehow really messed up certain things (Ah, the deception of the sinful heart!).
What I know is this: God doesn’t mess up, He never makes mistakes, and if, for one minute I can get my eyes off this temporary existence and realize that I was created for eternity, the temporary set-backs I think I’ve faced are really important detours along God’s “best pathway for (my) life.”
However, be careful. Let’s not forget that the setting of this verse is in the middle of a penitential Psalm. Do not make the mistake of thinking that sin is a part of that pathway. It is not. Sin will get you off the pathway, at which time God may bring you back kicking and screaming (see verse 9) on the other hand, He who controls the universe may elect just to take you out (see 1 Corinthians 11:30). Never presume upon the goodness of God.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Animosity Toward Religion Part 1
We live in an age where there is a definite distrust toward religion and in some cases outright animosity. Jean-Pierre Lehmann, in an article entitled, “The Dangers of Monotheism in an Age of Globalization” (The Globalist, 30 March 2006) writes, “I am a great believer that the progress of civilization requires the gradual eradication of all forms of established religion.” This is nothing new. Both the Humanist Manifesto I (1933) and II (1973) call for a similar eradication of religion.
Before you dismiss the above as extreme and this article as alarmist, think for a minute of the popular representation of religion in the media industry. Let anyone suggest a “right and wrong” notion and we are compared to fundamental extremist ready to enforce our beliefs by force given the chance. Those who agree with the political left are applauded, those who do not are demonized and warnings are broadcast alerting us of the religious right who are trying to hijack democracy. It seems that in our society everyone has a right to their opinion except conservative Christians. The majority applaud any group who wishes to impose their moral values on society but decry the right of groups who disagree with decadent views and seek, through the same political process to stop the proliferation of such views. So one group comes arguing for the right to publish pornography for example and if anyone dare oppose that “right” they are labeled extremist or worse–they are called “the religious right.” Then society is warned about their tendency to censure the rights of others. We forget that on a daily basis the rights of the majority are being censured by the outcry and frivolous lawsuits of the few who oppose religious expressions. For example millions have been spent in the Mount Soledad Cross issue alone, not only in defense of the Monument, but in fees paid through our tax dollar to the ACLU and fines imposed by the Courts on Cities should they fail to comply with such ridiculous demands.
Now my point is not to argue a political perspective, but rather support, by example, my thesis statement: that this is an age of distrust for religion and in some cases outrage against religion. The battle in our schools over the ability to continue to teach a totally non-scientific theory of origins as if it is legitimate science while decrying all opposing views as “religious propaganda” is an integral part in the battle to eradicate religion from the face of the earth. Make no mistake about it, that battle will mostly be won and if you want to read about what we can expect in such an “enlightened” world, read Revelation (the last book in the Bible) chapters 6-19.
I would not dare suggest that atrocities have not been committed in the name of religion. September 11, 2001 forbids such a contention and history records atrocities that have been committed in the name of Christianity as well. Sadly such atrocities are real (as in the Inquisition, Crusades, etc). Other times such tragedies are not real (for instance many claim that the Holocaust was carried out by men who believed in Christianity. We forget that Hitler was not a Christian, Hitler accepted both the theory of Darwinian Evolution and Nietzsche’s “God is dead” philosophy and used those beliefs to justify not only the murder of 6 million Jews but 7 million Christians as well–that is a story we forget. Hardly the actions of a “Christian.”) Erwin Lutzer observes, “We should remember that the number of people who died under the hands of an intolerant church is minute in comparison to the number of people who have died under the hands of intolerant humanistic states.” (Lutzer: “Exploding the Myths That Could Destroy America” Moody Press, 1986 pp. 19-20).
I am not arguing that the vast number of deaths inflicted upon mankind by those who have no religion ( a number in the millions), justify the deaths of those inflicted upon mankind inflicted upon mankind by the church (a number in the thousands). One death in the name of Christianity goes against the very tenants of Christ. I am not arguing that evil has not been done under the guise of Christianity, what I am arguing is that such acts are not Christian. I may commit a crime under an alias, but I promise you this: the laws of our land will not prosecute John Jones for my crime, though I may use his name. No! Mr. Jones’ will be cleared when it is proven that I acted in a way that he would neither agree with or participate in. Yet many are willing today to reject the name of Christ because of the criminal acts of individuals who dare use his name to support actions he would never condone.
Before you dismiss the above as extreme and this article as alarmist, think for a minute of the popular representation of religion in the media industry. Let anyone suggest a “right and wrong” notion and we are compared to fundamental extremist ready to enforce our beliefs by force given the chance. Those who agree with the political left are applauded, those who do not are demonized and warnings are broadcast alerting us of the religious right who are trying to hijack democracy. It seems that in our society everyone has a right to their opinion except conservative Christians. The majority applaud any group who wishes to impose their moral values on society but decry the right of groups who disagree with decadent views and seek, through the same political process to stop the proliferation of such views. So one group comes arguing for the right to publish pornography for example and if anyone dare oppose that “right” they are labeled extremist or worse–they are called “the religious right.” Then society is warned about their tendency to censure the rights of others. We forget that on a daily basis the rights of the majority are being censured by the outcry and frivolous lawsuits of the few who oppose religious expressions. For example millions have been spent in the Mount Soledad Cross issue alone, not only in defense of the Monument, but in fees paid through our tax dollar to the ACLU and fines imposed by the Courts on Cities should they fail to comply with such ridiculous demands.
Now my point is not to argue a political perspective, but rather support, by example, my thesis statement: that this is an age of distrust for religion and in some cases outrage against religion. The battle in our schools over the ability to continue to teach a totally non-scientific theory of origins as if it is legitimate science while decrying all opposing views as “religious propaganda” is an integral part in the battle to eradicate religion from the face of the earth. Make no mistake about it, that battle will mostly be won and if you want to read about what we can expect in such an “enlightened” world, read Revelation (the last book in the Bible) chapters 6-19.
I would not dare suggest that atrocities have not been committed in the name of religion. September 11, 2001 forbids such a contention and history records atrocities that have been committed in the name of Christianity as well. Sadly such atrocities are real (as in the Inquisition, Crusades, etc). Other times such tragedies are not real (for instance many claim that the Holocaust was carried out by men who believed in Christianity. We forget that Hitler was not a Christian, Hitler accepted both the theory of Darwinian Evolution and Nietzsche’s “God is dead” philosophy and used those beliefs to justify not only the murder of 6 million Jews but 7 million Christians as well–that is a story we forget. Hardly the actions of a “Christian.”) Erwin Lutzer observes, “We should remember that the number of people who died under the hands of an intolerant church is minute in comparison to the number of people who have died under the hands of intolerant humanistic states.” (Lutzer: “Exploding the Myths That Could Destroy America” Moody Press, 1986 pp. 19-20).
I am not arguing that the vast number of deaths inflicted upon mankind by those who have no religion ( a number in the millions), justify the deaths of those inflicted upon mankind inflicted upon mankind by the church (a number in the thousands). One death in the name of Christianity goes against the very tenants of Christ. I am not arguing that evil has not been done under the guise of Christianity, what I am arguing is that such acts are not Christian. I may commit a crime under an alias, but I promise you this: the laws of our land will not prosecute John Jones for my crime, though I may use his name. No! Mr. Jones’ will be cleared when it is proven that I acted in a way that he would neither agree with or participate in. Yet many are willing today to reject the name of Christ because of the criminal acts of individuals who dare use his name to support actions he would never condone.
Thoughts on Prayer
“Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.” (Psalm 32:6-7 NIV).
Let us never presume upon God. Paul told us to “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NASB). The Psalmist says, “let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found.” That is both a profound and horrifying reminder! Let’s look at it.
First that phrase, “while you may be found,” reminds us that God is not obligated to be available to anyone! I chuckle and cry at the same time when I hear arguments to keep God out of the public sector and then hear those same voices asking “Where was God (when some tragedy befell us)?” Most recently, “Where was God” when the children at a Minnesota school were mercilessly gunned down? These same skeptics who want to point their accusing finger toward the heavens are the same skeptics who asked Him to leave them alone. What’s the problem? That is what He has done!
Second that phrase, “while you may be found,” reminds us that God is not obligated to hear the prayers of those who give sin, any sin, a safe harbor in their hearts. The Psalmist said, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” (Ps 66:18 NIV). And Isaian said, “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:1-2 NIV). Don’t think you can live any way you like and God is always going to be there to rescue you from the consequences of your sins.
Third, that phrase, “while you may be found,” when linked with the next thought, “surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him,” is both insightful and instructive. There are times when issues of life become so complicated and burdensome that it seems that God does not hear my prayers; my frantic cries for help. If I am not in the habit of communing with Him in the good times, it is unlikely that I will recognize His help in the bad times. Those who know what it is to “call upon God in the good times” know the peace that comes with calling upon Him in the bad times, even when our own cries deafen us to His still small voice.
Let us never presume upon God. Paul told us to “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NASB). The Psalmist says, “let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found.” That is both a profound and horrifying reminder! Let’s look at it.
First that phrase, “while you may be found,” reminds us that God is not obligated to be available to anyone! I chuckle and cry at the same time when I hear arguments to keep God out of the public sector and then hear those same voices asking “Where was God (when some tragedy befell us)?” Most recently, “Where was God” when the children at a Minnesota school were mercilessly gunned down? These same skeptics who want to point their accusing finger toward the heavens are the same skeptics who asked Him to leave them alone. What’s the problem? That is what He has done!
Second that phrase, “while you may be found,” reminds us that God is not obligated to hear the prayers of those who give sin, any sin, a safe harbor in their hearts. The Psalmist said, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” (Ps 66:18 NIV). And Isaian said, “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:1-2 NIV). Don’t think you can live any way you like and God is always going to be there to rescue you from the consequences of your sins.
Third, that phrase, “while you may be found,” when linked with the next thought, “surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him,” is both insightful and instructive. There are times when issues of life become so complicated and burdensome that it seems that God does not hear my prayers; my frantic cries for help. If I am not in the habit of communing with Him in the good times, it is unlikely that I will recognize His help in the bad times. Those who know what it is to “call upon God in the good times” know the peace that comes with calling upon Him in the bad times, even when our own cries deafen us to His still small voice.
Monday, November 8, 2010
“Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”— and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah.” (Psalm 32:1-5 NIV).
What a marvelous thing to know your sins are forgiven! On the other hand, what horrible consequences we face when we try to hide something from God. The Bible says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13 NIV).
If a person is a believer, the eternal consequences of sin have been tempered–that is, the believer does not have to worry about eternal damnation (Hell). The Bible says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1 NIV). Unfortunately the enemy of our souls has convinced many that since heaven is our destiny we shouldn’t concern ourselves with sin; that all that really matters is that we are going to heaven and therefore we can live safely sinful lives–as long as they aren’t big sins. Such thinking is a lie. A little sin is like a little cancer, both will kill you.
But what do I mean when I state that the eternal consequences of sin have only been tempered? Believers will face the judgment seat of Christ and at that time unconfessed sins, inactivity for Christ, any failure to comply with the Biblical standard will be used to determine the rewards or lack thereof we will receive from Christ (See 2 Corinthians 5:10). So even there we are not off ‘scot-free.’ How we live our lives after accepting Christ matters. It matters to you but more importantly, it may be the difference between eternal life or eternal damnation to those watching us. Think about it.
Now if that doesn’t motivate you to godly living, consider the immediate consequences of hidden sin in the believers life. First, unconfessed sin is unforgiven sin and it is this unforgiven sin that will meet us at Christ’s judgment seat. Second, unconfessed sin weighs down the heart; it breaks the spirit and can even harm our health!
Here’s what I know (from experience), God knows what He is talking about (in His Word). When I follow His instructions (though it may seem to go against everything I think I know), I succeed. When I tamper with those instructions, I fail.
One more thing: confession in the Biblical sense is not mere acknowledgment. Confession means that I “agree with God” on the issue; that I see the sin from His point of view. Confession, therefore, by its very nature involves repentance. Repentance means a 1800 turn. I am going one way away from God now I turn and go the opposite way toward God. I have a change of mind about the sin or issue that results in a change of heart over that issue (I lose the desire for it), which results in a change of behavior. The Bible reminds us to “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matthew 3:8 NIV).
If you really want the joy of salvation, live like one who has been saved.
What a marvelous thing to know your sins are forgiven! On the other hand, what horrible consequences we face when we try to hide something from God. The Bible says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13 NIV).
If a person is a believer, the eternal consequences of sin have been tempered–that is, the believer does not have to worry about eternal damnation (Hell). The Bible says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1 NIV). Unfortunately the enemy of our souls has convinced many that since heaven is our destiny we shouldn’t concern ourselves with sin; that all that really matters is that we are going to heaven and therefore we can live safely sinful lives–as long as they aren’t big sins. Such thinking is a lie. A little sin is like a little cancer, both will kill you.
But what do I mean when I state that the eternal consequences of sin have only been tempered? Believers will face the judgment seat of Christ and at that time unconfessed sins, inactivity for Christ, any failure to comply with the Biblical standard will be used to determine the rewards or lack thereof we will receive from Christ (See 2 Corinthians 5:10). So even there we are not off ‘scot-free.’ How we live our lives after accepting Christ matters. It matters to you but more importantly, it may be the difference between eternal life or eternal damnation to those watching us. Think about it.
Now if that doesn’t motivate you to godly living, consider the immediate consequences of hidden sin in the believers life. First, unconfessed sin is unforgiven sin and it is this unforgiven sin that will meet us at Christ’s judgment seat. Second, unconfessed sin weighs down the heart; it breaks the spirit and can even harm our health!
Here’s what I know (from experience), God knows what He is talking about (in His Word). When I follow His instructions (though it may seem to go against everything I think I know), I succeed. When I tamper with those instructions, I fail.
One more thing: confession in the Biblical sense is not mere acknowledgment. Confession means that I “agree with God” on the issue; that I see the sin from His point of view. Confession, therefore, by its very nature involves repentance. Repentance means a 1800 turn. I am going one way away from God now I turn and go the opposite way toward God. I have a change of mind about the sin or issue that results in a change of heart over that issue (I lose the desire for it), which results in a change of behavior. The Bible reminds us to “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matthew 3:8 NIV).
If you really want the joy of salvation, live like one who has been saved.
Be Strong
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24 NIV).
The Bible is full of admonitions to “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Let’s look at a few of them.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV).
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV).
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him.” (2 Chronicles 32:7 NIV).
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:3 NIV).
Then, one of my personal favorites is 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (NIV).
Wow! Aren’t you ready to face the day now?
The Bible is full of admonitions to “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Let’s look at a few of them.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV).
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV).
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him.” (2 Chronicles 32:7 NIV).
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:3 NIV).
Then, one of my personal favorites is 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (NIV).
Wow! Aren’t you ready to face the day now?
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Needed: Salty Christians
“Dear friends, you are foreigners and strangers on this earth. So I beg you not to surrender to those desires that fight against you. Always let others see you behaving properly, even though they may still accuse you of doing wrong. Then on the day of judgment, they will honor God by telling the good things they saw you do.” (1 Peter 2:11-12 CEV).
The old saying goes, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” That’s not entirely true. An old cowboy pointed out, “You can (make him drink) if you put salt in his oats!”
We live in an age where most seem to have little or no desire for God–despite what the Barna polls report. God is seen as an interruption on our time and in our lives–even among many professing Christians. In such a barren spiritual atmosphere, is there any hope for effective witnessing? I believe the answer is yes.
Now let me quickly state that I think many of the old tried-and-true methods that we keep trying to go back to are tired and mostly ineffective. Certainly there are those few who are still reached by cold contacts–door to door evangelism, a passed gospel tract, etc. Not that I am disparaging these methods, but the reason they are tired and ineffective for the most part is because they are leading satiated “horses” to the well of living water but the horses are not thirsty; they don’t recognize their need. The reason they don’t recognize their need is because the salt of the earth have been largely removed from society. Let me explain.
Barna polls report that a vast majority of Americans consider themselves “spiritual.” Yet, church attendance and baptisms are at an all-time low. Why? Most of these “spiritual” people, including many who consider themselves evangelical, believe that spirituality is a private thing. To use another common saying, most subscribe to the lie that we should “never discuss politics or religion.” (No wonder this country is going to hell in a handbasket as another saying goes.)
The concept of never discussing politics or religion is not biblical. In fact, when it comes to faith, the opposite is true! Look again at our text, this time from the New International Version: “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:11-12 NIV--emphasis mine).
Jesus said of His followers, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” (Matthew 5:13 NIV). Now, herein (I believe) is the problem. The reason most people do not appear to be interested in the things of God is because the people of God have lost their saltiness. The only place we demonstrate our faith is in the confines of our places of worship. The rest of the time we live with the same ambitions, desires, fears, anxiety and unfortunately even vices as the world around us. Like Lot in Sodom, we have not only moved into the world but we have allowed the world to move into us! That has got to change! We who call ourselves believers must begin to live like believers! When we who call ourselves believers begin to live like believers (in action and word), a thirsty world will stand up and take notice, they will recognize their thirst and they will drink from the well of Living Water.
The old saying goes, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” That’s not entirely true. An old cowboy pointed out, “You can (make him drink) if you put salt in his oats!”
We live in an age where most seem to have little or no desire for God–despite what the Barna polls report. God is seen as an interruption on our time and in our lives–even among many professing Christians. In such a barren spiritual atmosphere, is there any hope for effective witnessing? I believe the answer is yes.
Now let me quickly state that I think many of the old tried-and-true methods that we keep trying to go back to are tired and mostly ineffective. Certainly there are those few who are still reached by cold contacts–door to door evangelism, a passed gospel tract, etc. Not that I am disparaging these methods, but the reason they are tired and ineffective for the most part is because they are leading satiated “horses” to the well of living water but the horses are not thirsty; they don’t recognize their need. The reason they don’t recognize their need is because the salt of the earth have been largely removed from society. Let me explain.
Barna polls report that a vast majority of Americans consider themselves “spiritual.” Yet, church attendance and baptisms are at an all-time low. Why? Most of these “spiritual” people, including many who consider themselves evangelical, believe that spirituality is a private thing. To use another common saying, most subscribe to the lie that we should “never discuss politics or religion.” (No wonder this country is going to hell in a handbasket as another saying goes.)
The concept of never discussing politics or religion is not biblical. In fact, when it comes to faith, the opposite is true! Look again at our text, this time from the New International Version: “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:11-12 NIV--emphasis mine).
Jesus said of His followers, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” (Matthew 5:13 NIV). Now, herein (I believe) is the problem. The reason most people do not appear to be interested in the things of God is because the people of God have lost their saltiness. The only place we demonstrate our faith is in the confines of our places of worship. The rest of the time we live with the same ambitions, desires, fears, anxiety and unfortunately even vices as the world around us. Like Lot in Sodom, we have not only moved into the world but we have allowed the world to move into us! That has got to change! We who call ourselves believers must begin to live like believers! When we who call ourselves believers begin to live like believers (in action and word), a thirsty world will stand up and take notice, they will recognize their thirst and they will drink from the well of Living Water.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Prayer
"Never stop praying." (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NLT)
The great Methodist theologian E.M. Bounds (1835-1913), stated, “Few Christians have anything but a vague idea of the power of prayer; fewer still have any experience of that power. The church seems almost wholly unaware of the power God puts into her hand; this spiritual carte blanche on the infinite resources of God’s wisdom and power is rarely, if ever, used — never used to the full measure of honoring God. It is astounding how poor the use, how little the benefits. Prayer is our most formidable weapon, but the one in which we are the least skilled, the most averse to its use.” Sad, but I fear all too true.
What do you face today? Will you try to tackle it alone, or will you seek God’s help? Even those who believe in prayer have the sinful tendency to utilize it only when all else has failed. We shouldn’t turn to prayer as a last recourse, prayer should be our first resort; that was what our Lord did. Everything He did He did only after first checking with the Father! (See John 8:28). We on the other hand tend to make our plans and then ask the Lord to bless them.
Let us neither forget nor squander the awesome power that God has made available to us, His children. May we not only know but experience the awesome power of prayer in our daily lives.
The great Methodist theologian E.M. Bounds (1835-1913), stated, “Few Christians have anything but a vague idea of the power of prayer; fewer still have any experience of that power. The church seems almost wholly unaware of the power God puts into her hand; this spiritual carte blanche on the infinite resources of God’s wisdom and power is rarely, if ever, used — never used to the full measure of honoring God. It is astounding how poor the use, how little the benefits. Prayer is our most formidable weapon, but the one in which we are the least skilled, the most averse to its use.” Sad, but I fear all too true.
What do you face today? Will you try to tackle it alone, or will you seek God’s help? Even those who believe in prayer have the sinful tendency to utilize it only when all else has failed. We shouldn’t turn to prayer as a last recourse, prayer should be our first resort; that was what our Lord did. Everything He did He did only after first checking with the Father! (See John 8:28). We on the other hand tend to make our plans and then ask the Lord to bless them.
Let us neither forget nor squander the awesome power that God has made available to us, His children. May we not only know but experience the awesome power of prayer in our daily lives.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Two Common Misconceptions
I would like to use this week’s column to dispel two misconceptions that prevail in Christianity.
Myth 1 is the misconception that the Bible is a fluid document that is subject to individual interpretation. You know the argument, “Well, that’s just how you interpret it! My interpretation is different!”
If it is true that the Bible is merely a book of subjective interpretation, no one can ever really be sure of what it has to say. The Bible says, "The main thing to keep in mind here is that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private opinion. And why? Because it’s not something concocted in the human heart. Prophecy resulted when the Holy Spirit prompted men and women to speak God’s Word." (2 Peter 1:20-21, The Message).
While I understand that these words from Peter (recorded immediately above) is referring to how we got our Scripture, I do believe they have application in how we interpret Scripture. When all is said and done, there is only one correct interpretation for any given verse of Scripture. One correct interpretation, but many applications.
The reason we get different interpretations at times has to do with our own theological bent and the method we use in our interpretation. This does not mean that correct interpretation of a passage changes. It simply means that the reason we sometimes interpret things differently is because we are either forcing the interpretation through the lens of our particular tradition or we are using faulty interpretive methods to make the passage fit what we have already determined to be truth.
I believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. It is his self-revelation to us. If that is the case, we must assume that it is objective truth not truth based upon one’s own interpretation. If the latter is the case, you might as well throw the whole thing out because it’s pretty useless. However, if the former is the case, it becomes imperative that we submit ourselves to its teachings. More importantly, that we submit ourselves to the person of Jesus Christ who claimed to be God in the flesh and who died for our sins and rose again so that we can have life. If the Bible is true, we have to deal with passages like Acts 4:12 with all seriousness. Acts 4:12 says, "Jesus is the only One who can save people. No one else in the world is able to save us.”" (Acts 4:12, NCV). You may not like that statement, but you have to deal with it someway. If the Bible is God’s truth, you have to make a decision about where you are going to place your faith. If the Bible is not God’s truth, you can simply dismiss the claim as absurd.
Myth 2 is the misconception that all Christians should look, act and think alike. Believing as I do that the Bible is the infallible and inerrant revelation of God, I am compelled to believe that in Jesus Christ there is true freedom (see John 8:36 and Galatians 5:1). Let me put this another way: there is no cookie-cutter Christian. God has created us all unique and different, that doesn’t change when we are born by faith into his forever family.
The hardest thing for Christians to do it seems is to recognize that we don’t have to act, look, or talk the same. Other than some essentials regarding faith, we don’t even all have to necessarily believe the same. (See Romans 14-15 for a discussion of that). We who are members of God’s forever family desperately need to learn how to respond to those who disagree with us graciously and not judgmentally. We need to remember the truth of Romans 14:4, "What right do you have to criticize someone else’s servants? Only their Lord can decide if they are doing right, and the Lord will make sure that they do right." (Romans 14:4, CEV).
I understand that I write some difficult things from time to time in this column. I understand that people may not always agree with me. What I need you to understand is that is okay. I write these things for your consideration only, but be aware of the fact that no matter how strongly I may write on an issue, I am acutely aware that I am not the judge (thank goodness). Because of that those who choose to disagree with me, please be aware that while we may choose to disagree I will never stand in judgment against you; I will never “write you off” as the saying goes. That is not my place.
Myth 1 is the misconception that the Bible is a fluid document that is subject to individual interpretation. You know the argument, “Well, that’s just how you interpret it! My interpretation is different!”
If it is true that the Bible is merely a book of subjective interpretation, no one can ever really be sure of what it has to say. The Bible says, "The main thing to keep in mind here is that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private opinion. And why? Because it’s not something concocted in the human heart. Prophecy resulted when the Holy Spirit prompted men and women to speak God’s Word." (2 Peter 1:20-21, The Message).
While I understand that these words from Peter (recorded immediately above) is referring to how we got our Scripture, I do believe they have application in how we interpret Scripture. When all is said and done, there is only one correct interpretation for any given verse of Scripture. One correct interpretation, but many applications.
The reason we get different interpretations at times has to do with our own theological bent and the method we use in our interpretation. This does not mean that correct interpretation of a passage changes. It simply means that the reason we sometimes interpret things differently is because we are either forcing the interpretation through the lens of our particular tradition or we are using faulty interpretive methods to make the passage fit what we have already determined to be truth.
I believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. It is his self-revelation to us. If that is the case, we must assume that it is objective truth not truth based upon one’s own interpretation. If the latter is the case, you might as well throw the whole thing out because it’s pretty useless. However, if the former is the case, it becomes imperative that we submit ourselves to its teachings. More importantly, that we submit ourselves to the person of Jesus Christ who claimed to be God in the flesh and who died for our sins and rose again so that we can have life. If the Bible is true, we have to deal with passages like Acts 4:12 with all seriousness. Acts 4:12 says, "Jesus is the only One who can save people. No one else in the world is able to save us.”" (Acts 4:12, NCV). You may not like that statement, but you have to deal with it someway. If the Bible is God’s truth, you have to make a decision about where you are going to place your faith. If the Bible is not God’s truth, you can simply dismiss the claim as absurd.
Myth 2 is the misconception that all Christians should look, act and think alike. Believing as I do that the Bible is the infallible and inerrant revelation of God, I am compelled to believe that in Jesus Christ there is true freedom (see John 8:36 and Galatians 5:1). Let me put this another way: there is no cookie-cutter Christian. God has created us all unique and different, that doesn’t change when we are born by faith into his forever family.
The hardest thing for Christians to do it seems is to recognize that we don’t have to act, look, or talk the same. Other than some essentials regarding faith, we don’t even all have to necessarily believe the same. (See Romans 14-15 for a discussion of that). We who are members of God’s forever family desperately need to learn how to respond to those who disagree with us graciously and not judgmentally. We need to remember the truth of Romans 14:4, "What right do you have to criticize someone else’s servants? Only their Lord can decide if they are doing right, and the Lord will make sure that they do right." (Romans 14:4, CEV).
I understand that I write some difficult things from time to time in this column. I understand that people may not always agree with me. What I need you to understand is that is okay. I write these things for your consideration only, but be aware of the fact that no matter how strongly I may write on an issue, I am acutely aware that I am not the judge (thank goodness). Because of that those who choose to disagree with me, please be aware that while we may choose to disagree I will never stand in judgment against you; I will never “write you off” as the saying goes. That is not my place.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Failure for God
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’ He said, ‘Go and tell this people: ‘‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ 1Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.’ 1Then I said, ‘For how long, O Lord?’ And he answered: ‘Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant, until the houses are left deserted and the fields ruined and ravaged, 1until the LORD has sent everyone far away and the land is utterly forsaken.” (Isaiah 6:8-12 NIV).
These may seem like strange verses to begin a daily devotional with, but we must never forget that the Bible contains hard messages as well as easy ones. Isaiah was not promised prosperity, popularity, or even great success when he was called. Now remember, most likely this man is being called from success (he was a royal scribe in the palace which would be akin to a White House reporter today) to failure for all intents and purposes.
Somehow we have gotten the idea that when a person becomes a true believer or moves into a closer walk with God, everything will be roses; he or she will experience great success and be wonderfully blessed wherever they turn. There are a lot of confused and discouraged Christians today because they are wondering what happened!
In Isaiah’s case, God told him in effect, “Look I going to send you with a message no one wants to hear and they’re not going to listen to you.” Isaiah is so thrilled with this prospect that he asks a legitimate question, “Lord, how long before things turn around for me?” His heart must of sunk when he received his answer, “Never (this side of eternity) Isaiah.” Whoa! Send me in coach! No I don’t think that would have been my response. The amazing thing is, Isaiah did it! Isaiah carried out a consistent, faithful ministry even though there was very little (if any) positive response. Actually there would have been some who responded, because God always has His remnant, but verse 13 of our passage lets us know that this was a minuscule group of people and even they found themselves in dire straits.
Two lessons to be learned here. First, the early part of this chapter reveals that no one can truly serve God until we know God; until we see Him as He is in all His glory, in all His splendor, in all His holiness. Second, from today’s verses we learn that no one can truly serve God until that one is willing and ready to be a failure for God.
We are at a crossroads. The question before us is this: will we let the hostility of this world scare us into becoming diplomats on good terms with the world, the flesh and the devil, instead of flaming witnesses in a head-on collision with a godless age?
These may seem like strange verses to begin a daily devotional with, but we must never forget that the Bible contains hard messages as well as easy ones. Isaiah was not promised prosperity, popularity, or even great success when he was called. Now remember, most likely this man is being called from success (he was a royal scribe in the palace which would be akin to a White House reporter today) to failure for all intents and purposes.
Somehow we have gotten the idea that when a person becomes a true believer or moves into a closer walk with God, everything will be roses; he or she will experience great success and be wonderfully blessed wherever they turn. There are a lot of confused and discouraged Christians today because they are wondering what happened!
In Isaiah’s case, God told him in effect, “Look I going to send you with a message no one wants to hear and they’re not going to listen to you.” Isaiah is so thrilled with this prospect that he asks a legitimate question, “Lord, how long before things turn around for me?” His heart must of sunk when he received his answer, “Never (this side of eternity) Isaiah.” Whoa! Send me in coach! No I don’t think that would have been my response. The amazing thing is, Isaiah did it! Isaiah carried out a consistent, faithful ministry even though there was very little (if any) positive response. Actually there would have been some who responded, because God always has His remnant, but verse 13 of our passage lets us know that this was a minuscule group of people and even they found themselves in dire straits.
Two lessons to be learned here. First, the early part of this chapter reveals that no one can truly serve God until we know God; until we see Him as He is in all His glory, in all His splendor, in all His holiness. Second, from today’s verses we learn that no one can truly serve God until that one is willing and ready to be a failure for God.
We are at a crossroads. The question before us is this: will we let the hostility of this world scare us into becoming diplomats on good terms with the world, the flesh and the devil, instead of flaming witnesses in a head-on collision with a godless age?
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Instant Mashed Potatoes
John Pearrell
Psalm 19:7-11 reads, “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” (Psalm 19:7-11 NIV).
Our modern world is racked with uncertainty. Drunk drivers, road rage, terrorism, violent crimes, and the list goes on. Many are living in fear. This fear is fueled not only by the sinful acts of sinful men but also by the sinful philosophies of our sinful age. Post-modernism (the defining thought of Western thinking) has removed any sense of certainty. Truth is both relative and individual. The postmodernist theme is “Whatever.” So if you happen to be a moral person, that’s right for you but don’t force your morality on me. If you happen to be an immoral person, that’s alright also. Like Israel of old, each man does what is right in his own eyes. For the post-modernist that’s the way it should be.
In the midst of all this uncertainty and in stark contrast to it stands the certainty of the Word of God. Is your life spiraling out of control? “The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together.” Do you need direction in your life? Our opening verse in The Message translation reads, “The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road.” Are you looking for happiness? Verse 8 in The Message says, “The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy.” On and on the list goes.
You might say, “That’s easy to say, but my reality is different! I’ve tried it and it’s not been that way for me!” There is an interesting verse in Proverbs 19:3, in the Living Bible it goes like this: “A man may ruin his chances by his own foolishness and then blame it on the Lord.” I have found that the certainty of God’s Word is everything it claims to be. I have also found that millions of people who struggle with unfulfilled expectations in this area actually are not being entirely true when they proclaim “I’ve tried it. It doesn’t work!”
Years ago I decided to surprise my wife with a wonderful dinner. I’m your basic meat and potatoes guy, so that’s what I decided to make. Grilled steak, broccoli, instant mashed potatoes and brown gravy. I got everything started before I realized I had no milk! No problem, all I have to do is find a can of condensed milk and un-condense it. A trip to the pantry resulted in exactly what I needed (or so I thought). One can of Carnation’s Sweet and Condensed milk. I was in business!
Outwardly everything looked fine. But when we tasted the potatoes, the changed ingredient became immediately recognizable.
When I talk to people about the security of God’s Word and discover that they have not discovered that security, I know one thing: they have messed with the ingredients. Maybe they do 99% of things according to God’s Word, but it only takes 1% to mess up the whole mashed potatoes!
If you are looking for something certain in life, if you need direction, your life put back together again, wisdom, guidance, emotional healing, joy, etc., take God at His Word. You will discover a wonderful freedom and joy and peace.
Psalm 19:7-11 reads, “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” (Psalm 19:7-11 NIV).
Our modern world is racked with uncertainty. Drunk drivers, road rage, terrorism, violent crimes, and the list goes on. Many are living in fear. This fear is fueled not only by the sinful acts of sinful men but also by the sinful philosophies of our sinful age. Post-modernism (the defining thought of Western thinking) has removed any sense of certainty. Truth is both relative and individual. The postmodernist theme is “Whatever.” So if you happen to be a moral person, that’s right for you but don’t force your morality on me. If you happen to be an immoral person, that’s alright also. Like Israel of old, each man does what is right in his own eyes. For the post-modernist that’s the way it should be.
In the midst of all this uncertainty and in stark contrast to it stands the certainty of the Word of God. Is your life spiraling out of control? “The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together.” Do you need direction in your life? Our opening verse in The Message translation reads, “The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road.” Are you looking for happiness? Verse 8 in The Message says, “The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy.” On and on the list goes.
You might say, “That’s easy to say, but my reality is different! I’ve tried it and it’s not been that way for me!” There is an interesting verse in Proverbs 19:3, in the Living Bible it goes like this: “A man may ruin his chances by his own foolishness and then blame it on the Lord.” I have found that the certainty of God’s Word is everything it claims to be. I have also found that millions of people who struggle with unfulfilled expectations in this area actually are not being entirely true when they proclaim “I’ve tried it. It doesn’t work!”
Years ago I decided to surprise my wife with a wonderful dinner. I’m your basic meat and potatoes guy, so that’s what I decided to make. Grilled steak, broccoli, instant mashed potatoes and brown gravy. I got everything started before I realized I had no milk! No problem, all I have to do is find a can of condensed milk and un-condense it. A trip to the pantry resulted in exactly what I needed (or so I thought). One can of Carnation’s Sweet and Condensed milk. I was in business!
Outwardly everything looked fine. But when we tasted the potatoes, the changed ingredient became immediately recognizable.
When I talk to people about the security of God’s Word and discover that they have not discovered that security, I know one thing: they have messed with the ingredients. Maybe they do 99% of things according to God’s Word, but it only takes 1% to mess up the whole mashed potatoes!
If you are looking for something certain in life, if you need direction, your life put back together again, wisdom, guidance, emotional healing, joy, etc., take God at His Word. You will discover a wonderful freedom and joy and peace.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Manufacturer Recall
This is different. It was sent to me by Robert Loden and is worth passing on.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.
DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention!
GOD
P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'!
Because He Lives
RECALL NOTICE:
The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.
Some of the symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.
The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required. The number to call for repair in all areas is:
P-R-A-Y-E-R.
Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.
DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention!
GOD
P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'!
Because He Lives
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
One Step Away from Failure
“Love the Lord, all his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:23-24 NIV).
“Love God, all you saints; God takes care of all who stay close to him, But he pays back in full those arrogant enough to go it alone. Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon.” (Psalm 31:23-24 MSG).
Strange that saints would have to be reminded to love the Lord isn’t it? Jeremiah reminds us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 NKJV). That is the heart that beats in everyone of Adam’s fallen race. It beats in my breast and it beats in yours. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23 NKJV).
Every so often someone will come into my office devastated. They’ll sob, “I try so hard, but I just can’t do it! I’m unworthy of God’s forgiveness.” To which I’ll respond. “That’s right.” The shock is immediate (as it may have been for some of you who read those words). Then I’ll explain, “We are all unworthy, that’s why we need Christ and that’s why it’s called grace (unmerited favor). We’re all in that boat! I use to try to argue with the devil when he would fill my mind with such thoughts. I never won. Now, the minute that thought enters my mind, I simply say, ‘Yes, that’s right. That’s why I need Christ.’ And I promise you, that battle is over.”
All of that to remind those of us who are believers never to forget that we are who we are not because of who we are but because of who He is and what He did! Everyone of us is one step away from spiritual failure, that is why we have to be reminded over and over again to love the Lord. I make my living proclaiming His grace and glory, yet even I have to be reminded daily that I need to love the Lord personally; I need to love Him just as much in private as I do in public. That is a battle all believers face, and the minute we forget that, we are doomed for spiritual disaster. The minute we think we are something is the minute of our spiritual demise! “God takes care of all who stay close to him, But he pays back in full those arrogant enough to go it alone.”
“Love God, all you saints; God takes care of all who stay close to him, But he pays back in full those arrogant enough to go it alone. Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon.” (Psalm 31:23-24 MSG).
Strange that saints would have to be reminded to love the Lord isn’t it? Jeremiah reminds us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 NKJV). That is the heart that beats in everyone of Adam’s fallen race. It beats in my breast and it beats in yours. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23 NKJV).
Every so often someone will come into my office devastated. They’ll sob, “I try so hard, but I just can’t do it! I’m unworthy of God’s forgiveness.” To which I’ll respond. “That’s right.” The shock is immediate (as it may have been for some of you who read those words). Then I’ll explain, “We are all unworthy, that’s why we need Christ and that’s why it’s called grace (unmerited favor). We’re all in that boat! I use to try to argue with the devil when he would fill my mind with such thoughts. I never won. Now, the minute that thought enters my mind, I simply say, ‘Yes, that’s right. That’s why I need Christ.’ And I promise you, that battle is over.”
All of that to remind those of us who are believers never to forget that we are who we are not because of who we are but because of who He is and what He did! Everyone of us is one step away from spiritual failure, that is why we have to be reminded over and over again to love the Lord. I make my living proclaiming His grace and glory, yet even I have to be reminded daily that I need to love the Lord personally; I need to love Him just as much in private as I do in public. That is a battle all believers face, and the minute we forget that, we are doomed for spiritual disaster. The minute we think we are something is the minute of our spiritual demise! “God takes care of all who stay close to him, But he pays back in full those arrogant enough to go it alone.”
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
When God Seems Absent
“In my alarm I said, ‘I am cut off from your sight!’ Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.” (Psalm 31:22 NIV).
Difficulties come, troubles arise, and even God’s most faithful saints succumb to fear and panic. You are not alone. In His darkest hour even the sinless Son of God cried out, “My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). So if you find yourself in a period of darkness and doubt, take heart, you are in good company!
Blameless and upright Job (Job 1:1) of whom even God said, “There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” (Job 1:8 NIV), even this man laments, “ Then Job replied: ‘Even today my complaint is bitter; his hand is heavy in spite of my groaning. If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling! . . . But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him.’” (Job 23:1-3; 8-9 NIV). I think at some time in our Christian lives, most of us are familiar with such feelings. Job however goes on to remind us of an important theological truth: “ But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10 NIV). We don’t have to always see where God is or understand how He is leading, but we do need to remember that even when we lose sight of Him, He never loses sight of us! He hears our cries and dispatches mercy!
What is it that you struggle with today? What fear? What insecurity? What problem? God knows all about it and you can be sure that He who rules the universe is at work both for your good and His glory. Trust Him. Surrender to Him.
Difficulties come, troubles arise, and even God’s most faithful saints succumb to fear and panic. You are not alone. In His darkest hour even the sinless Son of God cried out, “My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). So if you find yourself in a period of darkness and doubt, take heart, you are in good company!
Blameless and upright Job (Job 1:1) of whom even God said, “There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” (Job 1:8 NIV), even this man laments, “ Then Job replied: ‘Even today my complaint is bitter; his hand is heavy in spite of my groaning. If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling! . . . But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him.’” (Job 23:1-3; 8-9 NIV). I think at some time in our Christian lives, most of us are familiar with such feelings. Job however goes on to remind us of an important theological truth: “ But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10 NIV). We don’t have to always see where God is or understand how He is leading, but we do need to remember that even when we lose sight of Him, He never loses sight of us! He hears our cries and dispatches mercy!
What is it that you struggle with today? What fear? What insecurity? What problem? God knows all about it and you can be sure that He who rules the universe is at work both for your good and His glory. Trust Him. Surrender to Him.
Monday, June 14, 2010
God is Good--All the Time!
“How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. 20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.” (Psalm 31:19-20 NIV)
“What a stack of blessing you have piled up for those who worship you, Ready and waiting for all who run to you to escape an unkind world. 20 You hide them safely away from the opposition. As you slam the door on those oily, mocking faces, you silence the poisonous gossip.” (Psalm 31:19-20 MSG).
In the early fall of 2004 the Gateway Praise Team and I ministered in Trinidad. We had a wonderful time. One of the things our host churches proclaimed over and over again was these words: (Pastor): “God is good!” (People responded): “All the time.”
Those words would never be more powerful or affect me in a greater way then when one of our team members, Kim Garvey, uttered them from her hospital bed. Kim almost did not come on the trip. She had been ill, fighting what she thought was a serious sinus infection. She came a day late, ministered powerfully and faithfully (although we knew she did not feel well), and at the end of our tour, she became very ill and had to be rushed to a local hospital.
Out of respect for her (I did seek permission for this thought) and HIPPA rules, I will not go into any of the details of her illness, but I will say that she was in serious medical trouble. After transferring from the public hospital to a private one near where we were staying, she looked up at us and said, “God is good.” Then she shared how her illness had given her opportunities to witness for Him.
God is good. Even in our difficulties God is good, and if we will run to Him we can experience that goodness. He is a wonderful shelter for those who seek refuge in Him.
“What a stack of blessing you have piled up for those who worship you, Ready and waiting for all who run to you to escape an unkind world. 20 You hide them safely away from the opposition. As you slam the door on those oily, mocking faces, you silence the poisonous gossip.” (Psalm 31:19-20 MSG).
In the early fall of 2004 the Gateway Praise Team and I ministered in Trinidad. We had a wonderful time. One of the things our host churches proclaimed over and over again was these words: (Pastor): “God is good!” (People responded): “All the time.”
Those words would never be more powerful or affect me in a greater way then when one of our team members, Kim Garvey, uttered them from her hospital bed. Kim almost did not come on the trip. She had been ill, fighting what she thought was a serious sinus infection. She came a day late, ministered powerfully and faithfully (although we knew she did not feel well), and at the end of our tour, she became very ill and had to be rushed to a local hospital.
Out of respect for her (I did seek permission for this thought) and HIPPA rules, I will not go into any of the details of her illness, but I will say that she was in serious medical trouble. After transferring from the public hospital to a private one near where we were staying, she looked up at us and said, “God is good.” Then she shared how her illness had given her opportunities to witness for Him.
God is good. Even in our difficulties God is good, and if we will run to Him we can experience that goodness. He is a wonderful shelter for those who seek refuge in Him.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
When Lies are Told
“ I have heard many insults. Terror is all around me. They make plans against me and want to kill me. Lord, I trust you. I have said, ‘You are my God.’ My life is in your hands. Save me from my enemies and from those who are chasing me. Show your kindness to me, your servant. Save me because of your love. Lord, I called to you, so do not let me be disgraced. Let the wicked be disgraced and lie silent in the grave. With pride and hatred they speak against those who do right. So silence their lying lips.” (Psalm 31:13-18 NCV).
David is in trouble. But the trouble he is in does not appear to be military trouble but personal trouble–rumors are being spread about him, lies are being told, and, as you read this chapter you discover that those lies have separated him from friends and family. Slander will do that. People may not really believe what they hear, but well, let’s just say they have their questions; their doubts, and so they distance themselves just to stay above the fray. Never do they stop to realize the isolation--the horrible feeling of aloneness; abandonment–that the victim, their “friend” is undergoing. David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, marvelously catches and verbalizes what such experiences are like.
We don’t know the circumstances of this particular Psalm. Experience leads me to believe that there was some kernel of truth in the cornfield of lies. That’s the way it usually is. I feel for David. As a pastor I know what it is to suffer when someone gets upset and begins to spread lies. The desire to defend myself is there, but the knowledge that to do so would require me to divulge confidential information prevents it. Over my years of ministry I am convinced that those who spread the lies count on such integrity.
I recall one such incident where I was in deep trouble because of the lies of one individual. I called a meeting of my leaders to deal with the problem, and this individual proceeded to attack me in front of them all. The scary thing for me is that I could tell they believed the individual!
Now I had dealt with the craftiness and deceit of this particular individual before and been harmed by it. This particular time I asked my source if I could use her name if it became necessary. She graciously granted her permission. After a tirade of thirty minutes or so when it was obvious that the individual had succeeded in swaying my leaders to their side, the individual smugly smirked, “If what you were saying were true, you’d be able to give me the name of your source.” The thrill of victory was evident on the individual’s face. I was done for. There was no way I could break such a confidence and undermine this individual’s story.
However, with the sources permission, I simply gave her name. The thrill of victory look quickly gave way to an agony of defeat expression, not only on the face of the individual but also on the faces of my leaders. The individual stammered, “She wasn’t suppose to tell you.”
That was an unusual occurrence. Normally I have to accept the criticism in silence because of confidentiality. I know that there have been times when my reputation and ministry has been damaged because of this. I identify with David. I am grateful that at such times I can run to God. He knows all the facts and there is tremendous comfort knowing that “my life is in (His) hands.” (v. 15a).
Do you have that confidence today? Perhaps you are stinging from the hateful stories of jealous co-workers or former friends. The stories have you jumpy; uneasy–anxious. Take it to the Lord. He understands, He cares and He has your life in His almighty hands.
Some of the best advice I’ve ever received comes from an unknown source who wrote, “When men speak ill of thee, live so no one will believe them.”
David is in trouble. But the trouble he is in does not appear to be military trouble but personal trouble–rumors are being spread about him, lies are being told, and, as you read this chapter you discover that those lies have separated him from friends and family. Slander will do that. People may not really believe what they hear, but well, let’s just say they have their questions; their doubts, and so they distance themselves just to stay above the fray. Never do they stop to realize the isolation--the horrible feeling of aloneness; abandonment–that the victim, their “friend” is undergoing. David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, marvelously catches and verbalizes what such experiences are like.
We don’t know the circumstances of this particular Psalm. Experience leads me to believe that there was some kernel of truth in the cornfield of lies. That’s the way it usually is. I feel for David. As a pastor I know what it is to suffer when someone gets upset and begins to spread lies. The desire to defend myself is there, but the knowledge that to do so would require me to divulge confidential information prevents it. Over my years of ministry I am convinced that those who spread the lies count on such integrity.
I recall one such incident where I was in deep trouble because of the lies of one individual. I called a meeting of my leaders to deal with the problem, and this individual proceeded to attack me in front of them all. The scary thing for me is that I could tell they believed the individual!
Now I had dealt with the craftiness and deceit of this particular individual before and been harmed by it. This particular time I asked my source if I could use her name if it became necessary. She graciously granted her permission. After a tirade of thirty minutes or so when it was obvious that the individual had succeeded in swaying my leaders to their side, the individual smugly smirked, “If what you were saying were true, you’d be able to give me the name of your source.” The thrill of victory was evident on the individual’s face. I was done for. There was no way I could break such a confidence and undermine this individual’s story.
However, with the sources permission, I simply gave her name. The thrill of victory look quickly gave way to an agony of defeat expression, not only on the face of the individual but also on the faces of my leaders. The individual stammered, “She wasn’t suppose to tell you.”
That was an unusual occurrence. Normally I have to accept the criticism in silence because of confidentiality. I know that there have been times when my reputation and ministry has been damaged because of this. I identify with David. I am grateful that at such times I can run to God. He knows all the facts and there is tremendous comfort knowing that “my life is in (His) hands.” (v. 15a).
Do you have that confidence today? Perhaps you are stinging from the hateful stories of jealous co-workers or former friends. The stories have you jumpy; uneasy–anxious. Take it to the Lord. He understands, He cares and He has your life in His almighty hands.
Some of the best advice I’ve ever received comes from an unknown source who wrote, “When men speak ill of thee, live so no one will believe them.”
Saturday, June 12, 2010
God's Mercy vs. Men's Demands
“O Lord, have mercy on me in my anguish. My eyes are red from weeping; my health is broken from sorrow. I am pining away with grief; my years are shortened, drained away because of sadness. My sins have sapped my strength; I stoop with sorrow and with shame. I am scorned by all my enemies and even more by my neighbors and friends. They dread meeting me and look the other way when I go by. I am forgotten like a dead man, like a broken and discarded pot. I heard the lies about me, the slanders of my enemies. Everywhere I looked I was afraid, for they were plotting against my life.” (Psalm 31:9-13 TLB).
We stated at the beginning of our study in this particular Psalm that the thing that makes this Psalm interesting is David’s plea for deliverance here is not from the foxhole but from the palace; the enemies he fears are not military generals but malicious gossips. How do we know that? Look again at verse 13, “I heard the lies about me, the slanders of my enemies. Everywhere I looked I was afraid, for they were plotting against my life.”
Experience tells me that physical wounds are far easier to heal than the emotional wounds caused by thoughtless words or the character assassination of unscrupulous gossips. It is much easier to defend ourselves against physical attacks than it is to protect ourselves against the character attacks of those unscrupulous people who spread rumors and lies. Look at the description David gives, “My eyes are red from weeping; my health is broken from sorrow. I am pining away with grief; my years are shortened, drained away because of sadness . . . I stoop with sorrow and with shame. 11I am scorned by all my enemies and even more by my neighbors and friends. They dread meeting me and look the other way when I go by. I am forgotten like a dead man, like a broken and discarded pot.” Sound familiar? When lies are spread, even close friends can be affected.
Did you notice the omission of the middle part of verse 10? That was on purpose. Let me give you those words now: “My sins have sapped my strength.” David was not totally innocent. There was truth to the rumors, and although David had dealt with his sin and found the forgiveness of God, the forgiveness of men is another thing! How sinfully proud it is of men to retain an accusing memory of another’s past failures and demand a ‘pound of flesh’ before we will be ‘satisfied’ that our brother or sister is ‘truly repentant.’ What a double standard we have when we demand mercy for ourselves but dispense ‘justice’ to others!
Perhaps you find yourself in a position like David. I urge you like David to cry, “O Lord, have mercy on me in my anguish.” Here’s is what you will find: “. . . you make your mercy new everyday. You change my life in so many ways You cradle me in your sweet grace, You fill me, yeah. Yesterday, today, forever more, there’s one thing I know for sure; fresh as the morning dew, You make your mercy new, every morning.” (From Philipps, Craig & Dean: New Mercy).
We stated at the beginning of our study in this particular Psalm that the thing that makes this Psalm interesting is David’s plea for deliverance here is not from the foxhole but from the palace; the enemies he fears are not military generals but malicious gossips. How do we know that? Look again at verse 13, “I heard the lies about me, the slanders of my enemies. Everywhere I looked I was afraid, for they were plotting against my life.”
Experience tells me that physical wounds are far easier to heal than the emotional wounds caused by thoughtless words or the character assassination of unscrupulous gossips. It is much easier to defend ourselves against physical attacks than it is to protect ourselves against the character attacks of those unscrupulous people who spread rumors and lies. Look at the description David gives, “My eyes are red from weeping; my health is broken from sorrow. I am pining away with grief; my years are shortened, drained away because of sadness . . . I stoop with sorrow and with shame. 11I am scorned by all my enemies and even more by my neighbors and friends. They dread meeting me and look the other way when I go by. I am forgotten like a dead man, like a broken and discarded pot.” Sound familiar? When lies are spread, even close friends can be affected.
Did you notice the omission of the middle part of verse 10? That was on purpose. Let me give you those words now: “My sins have sapped my strength.” David was not totally innocent. There was truth to the rumors, and although David had dealt with his sin and found the forgiveness of God, the forgiveness of men is another thing! How sinfully proud it is of men to retain an accusing memory of another’s past failures and demand a ‘pound of flesh’ before we will be ‘satisfied’ that our brother or sister is ‘truly repentant.’ What a double standard we have when we demand mercy for ourselves but dispense ‘justice’ to others!
Perhaps you find yourself in a position like David. I urge you like David to cry, “O Lord, have mercy on me in my anguish.” Here’s is what you will find: “. . . you make your mercy new everyday. You change my life in so many ways You cradle me in your sweet grace, You fill me, yeah. Yesterday, today, forever more, there’s one thing I know for sure; fresh as the morning dew, You make your mercy new, every morning.” (From Philipps, Craig & Dean: New Mercy).
Friday, June 11, 2010
When Grieving
“Hear me, Lord, and have mercy on me. Help me, O Lord. You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!” (Psalm 30:10-12 NLT).
Grief. We all face it eventually. Death is total in every generation,* and this fact assures us of grief. Jacob grieved over the (supposed) loss of Joseph for over 20 years. From the time Joseph was sold into slavery until he got word of him being alive and well in Egypt (Genesis 45:27). Even Jesus wept at the tomb of a friend (John 11:35). And Paul reminds us that Christians can grieve, but in our grief we should always recall the blessed hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
David was grieving. 70,000 men had died because of his sin. I am sure this tender-hearted king grieved not only over their loss but also for the plight of the 70,000 families that were left without husbands and fathers. In his grief he cried to the Lord for mercy and help. From our text, it is obvious that help came. “11 You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.”
Perhaps you are struggling with grief today. No human can help you. There are those who might be able to offer words of comfort, insights which may bring encouragement, but when all is said and done, the only one who can turn “mourning into joyful dancing” is God Himself. He is the God who can do the impossible! I link that “impossible” with the exchange of mourning for joy because that exchange is humanly impossible. We are not talking keeping a “stiff upper lip” here, we are talking about a real change, from grieving to gladness; from sorrow to real joy. Only Christ can produce such a change and He will if you will let Him.
*There is one exception to this statement. The generation of believers that experiences Christ’s glorious return will have the privilege of being transformed by God’s power without passing through the shadow of death. (See 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Corinthians 15:50-52).
Grief. We all face it eventually. Death is total in every generation,* and this fact assures us of grief. Jacob grieved over the (supposed) loss of Joseph for over 20 years. From the time Joseph was sold into slavery until he got word of him being alive and well in Egypt (Genesis 45:27). Even Jesus wept at the tomb of a friend (John 11:35). And Paul reminds us that Christians can grieve, but in our grief we should always recall the blessed hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
David was grieving. 70,000 men had died because of his sin. I am sure this tender-hearted king grieved not only over their loss but also for the plight of the 70,000 families that were left without husbands and fathers. In his grief he cried to the Lord for mercy and help. From our text, it is obvious that help came. “11 You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.”
Perhaps you are struggling with grief today. No human can help you. There are those who might be able to offer words of comfort, insights which may bring encouragement, but when all is said and done, the only one who can turn “mourning into joyful dancing” is God Himself. He is the God who can do the impossible! I link that “impossible” with the exchange of mourning for joy because that exchange is humanly impossible. We are not talking keeping a “stiff upper lip” here, we are talking about a real change, from grieving to gladness; from sorrow to real joy. Only Christ can produce such a change and He will if you will let Him.
*There is one exception to this statement. The generation of believers that experiences Christ’s glorious return will have the privilege of being transformed by God’s power without passing through the shadow of death. (See 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Corinthians 15:50-52).
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Are You Cutting a Swath of Destruction
“ When I felt secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.” O Lord, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.” (Psalm 30:6-7 NIV).
“When I was prosperous I said, “Nothing can stop me now!” Your favor, O Lord, made me as secure as a mountain. Then you turned away from me, and I was shattered.” (Psalm 30:6-7 NLT).
The setting of this passage is found in 1 Chronicles 21. God has blessed David with victory after victory. At this point of his life, David’s focus shifted from God to what he thought were his accomplishments (pride can slip so quickly into our hearts if we are not careful). “When I was prosperous I said, ‘Nothing can stop me now!’”(Psalm 30:6 NLT).
How often are we like this. We pray and pray and ask God for some coveted thing, and when it comes, suddenly we forget God and begin to congratulate ourselves for our accomplishments instead of thanking Him for His answers. That was David’s sin. God quickly gains his attention: “Your favor, O Lord, made me as secure as a mountain. Then you turned away from me, and I was shattered.” (Psalm 30:7 NLT).
70,000 die in a few days because of David’s pride. I want to drive this point home. No sin is private and no sin is innocent. Sin is lethal–always. In this particular case, David himself escapes the death penalty, but his actions result in the death of 70,000 men.
Sometimes we manage to blunder through life oblivious to the destructive path we are leaving behind. David was at least sensitive enough to realize his responsibility and face it squarely. I think of the Christian woman who was having a feud with her non-Christian neighbor. I don’t know who might have been in the right or wrong in that situation, but the Christian was clearly in the wrong in demonstrating a bitter, vindictive attitude toward this neighbor. So hostile was the situation that the neighbor simply moved; left without a word.
Later, the Christian woman came under conviction. Recognizing her culpability, she asked God to forgive her and give her a chance to make things right, even though she had no idea where her neighbor had gone. God answered her prayer and in a chance meeting in a grocery store, she came face to face with her former neighbor. The tension was palpable, until the Christian asked forgiveness for her sinful behavior. The neighbor stood silent for a minute and then began to weep. Recently she had learned she had terminal cancer. She told of wanting to find some hope, but reasoning that Christianity was not an option based upon her experience with this former Christian neighbor. To make a long story short, had this Christian lady been unwilling to change, chances are that lady would have died without Christ. As it turned out, the Christian neighbor was able to lead her former neighbor to faith once the barrier had been removed.
I wonder how many of us are cutting swaths of destruction and going blissfully on our own way satisfied that we are in the right and everyone else must be wrong? Eternity is at stake. Like David’s situation our sin may not directly seem to effect us, but it devastates others. It might be pride. It might be a critical spirit. It might be vindictiveness or cruel unthinking reactions to others. We excuse it as “personality” but it is killing others. Perhaps it is time for a change.
David recognized his culpability immediately after the census was taken, but it was too late. Forgiveness was offered (because God is a loving and forgiving God) but, in order for David to learn the horribleness of even secret sin, the penalty was severe. Too many people sin banking on seeking forgiveness later but forgetting that no sin anywhere goes unpunished. Isn’t that why Christ went through His agony? How short-sighted, selfish and sinful it is when any professed believer assumes that he or she can sin because they know the penalty has already been paid for by another. Lest you think I am preaching to you, let me assure you with shame, I’ve acted that way as well! I picture myself at the foot of the cross saying, “Crucify Him, Crucify Him!” For that is what we do when we willfully sin.
“When I was prosperous I said, “Nothing can stop me now!” Your favor, O Lord, made me as secure as a mountain. Then you turned away from me, and I was shattered.” (Psalm 30:6-7 NLT).
The setting of this passage is found in 1 Chronicles 21. God has blessed David with victory after victory. At this point of his life, David’s focus shifted from God to what he thought were his accomplishments (pride can slip so quickly into our hearts if we are not careful). “When I was prosperous I said, ‘Nothing can stop me now!’”(Psalm 30:6 NLT).
How often are we like this. We pray and pray and ask God for some coveted thing, and when it comes, suddenly we forget God and begin to congratulate ourselves for our accomplishments instead of thanking Him for His answers. That was David’s sin. God quickly gains his attention: “Your favor, O Lord, made me as secure as a mountain. Then you turned away from me, and I was shattered.” (Psalm 30:7 NLT).
70,000 die in a few days because of David’s pride. I want to drive this point home. No sin is private and no sin is innocent. Sin is lethal–always. In this particular case, David himself escapes the death penalty, but his actions result in the death of 70,000 men.
Sometimes we manage to blunder through life oblivious to the destructive path we are leaving behind. David was at least sensitive enough to realize his responsibility and face it squarely. I think of the Christian woman who was having a feud with her non-Christian neighbor. I don’t know who might have been in the right or wrong in that situation, but the Christian was clearly in the wrong in demonstrating a bitter, vindictive attitude toward this neighbor. So hostile was the situation that the neighbor simply moved; left without a word.
Later, the Christian woman came under conviction. Recognizing her culpability, she asked God to forgive her and give her a chance to make things right, even though she had no idea where her neighbor had gone. God answered her prayer and in a chance meeting in a grocery store, she came face to face with her former neighbor. The tension was palpable, until the Christian asked forgiveness for her sinful behavior. The neighbor stood silent for a minute and then began to weep. Recently she had learned she had terminal cancer. She told of wanting to find some hope, but reasoning that Christianity was not an option based upon her experience with this former Christian neighbor. To make a long story short, had this Christian lady been unwilling to change, chances are that lady would have died without Christ. As it turned out, the Christian neighbor was able to lead her former neighbor to faith once the barrier had been removed.
I wonder how many of us are cutting swaths of destruction and going blissfully on our own way satisfied that we are in the right and everyone else must be wrong? Eternity is at stake. Like David’s situation our sin may not directly seem to effect us, but it devastates others. It might be pride. It might be a critical spirit. It might be vindictiveness or cruel unthinking reactions to others. We excuse it as “personality” but it is killing others. Perhaps it is time for a change.
David recognized his culpability immediately after the census was taken, but it was too late. Forgiveness was offered (because God is a loving and forgiving God) but, in order for David to learn the horribleness of even secret sin, the penalty was severe. Too many people sin banking on seeking forgiveness later but forgetting that no sin anywhere goes unpunished. Isn’t that why Christ went through His agony? How short-sighted, selfish and sinful it is when any professed believer assumes that he or she can sin because they know the penalty has already been paid for by another. Lest you think I am preaching to you, let me assure you with shame, I’ve acted that way as well! I picture myself at the foot of the cross saying, “Crucify Him, Crucify Him!” For that is what we do when we willfully sin.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
From Mourning to Joy
“Hear me, Lord, and have mercy on me. Help me, O Lord. You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!” (Psalm 30:10-12 NLT).
Grief. We all face it eventually. Death is total in every generation,* and this fact assures us of grief. Jacob grieved over the (supposed) loss of Joseph for over 20 years. From the time Joseph was sold into slavery until he got word of him being alive and well in Egypt (Genesis 45:27). Even Jesus wept at the tomb of a friend (John 11:35). And Paul reminds us that Christians can grieve, but in our grief we should always recall the blessed hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
David was grieving. 70,000 men had died because of his sin. I am sure this tender-hearted king grieved not only over their loss but also for the plight of the 70,000 families that were left without husbands and fathers. In his grief he cried to the Lord for mercy and help. From our text, it is obvious that help came. “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.”
Perhaps you are struggling with grief today. No human can help you. There are those who might be able to offer words of comfort, insights which may bring encouragement, but when all is said and done, the only one who can turn “mourning into joyful dancing” is God Himself. He is the God who can do the impossible! I link that “impossible” with the exchange of mourning for joy because that exchange is humanly impossible. We are not talking keeping a “stiff upper lip” here, we are talking about a real change, from grieving to gladness; from sorrow to real joy. Only Christ can produce such a change and He will if you will let Him.
*There is one exception to this statement. The generation of believers that experiences Christ’s glorious return will have the privilege of being transformed by God’s power without passing through the shadow of death. (See 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Corinthians 15:50-52).
Grief. We all face it eventually. Death is total in every generation,* and this fact assures us of grief. Jacob grieved over the (supposed) loss of Joseph for over 20 years. From the time Joseph was sold into slavery until he got word of him being alive and well in Egypt (Genesis 45:27). Even Jesus wept at the tomb of a friend (John 11:35). And Paul reminds us that Christians can grieve, but in our grief we should always recall the blessed hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
David was grieving. 70,000 men had died because of his sin. I am sure this tender-hearted king grieved not only over their loss but also for the plight of the 70,000 families that were left without husbands and fathers. In his grief he cried to the Lord for mercy and help. From our text, it is obvious that help came. “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.”
Perhaps you are struggling with grief today. No human can help you. There are those who might be able to offer words of comfort, insights which may bring encouragement, but when all is said and done, the only one who can turn “mourning into joyful dancing” is God Himself. He is the God who can do the impossible! I link that “impossible” with the exchange of mourning for joy because that exchange is humanly impossible. We are not talking keeping a “stiff upper lip” here, we are talking about a real change, from grieving to gladness; from sorrow to real joy. Only Christ can produce such a change and He will if you will let Him.
*There is one exception to this statement. The generation of believers that experiences Christ’s glorious return will have the privilege of being transformed by God’s power without passing through the shadow of death. (See 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Corinthians 15:50-52).
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tears will give way to Joy.
"Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:4-5 NKJV).
The trouble I have with Scripture is that I have far too many “favorite” verses! Verse 5 being one of them!
I don’t know what troubles you may face today, but on the authority of God’s Holy Word I tell you, “take heart!” There is light at the end of the tunnel and it’s not the train! "Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.” You have God’s Word on it!
Recall if you will what we said the likely setting for this Psalm was. David, in pride, had sinned. His confidence had turned from what God had done for Israel to what he had the power to do. He repented. God forgave, but to remind David of the seriousness of his sin, God gave him his choice of three possible punishments–three years of famine, three months of military losses, or three days facing His wrath. Talk about being between a rock and a hard place!
David chose three days of Divine punishment stating, “Let me fall into the hands of the Lord for His mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men.” (1 Chronicles 21:13 NIV). In our text David repeats that sentiment stating that “[God’s] anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life . . . .”
Israel experienced God’s anger because of David’s sin. Plague hit the land and 70,000 men died. Let us never forget that sin, no matter how small it may seem, is never a private affair. (David’s sin was a sin of the heart that exhibited itself in a census. How bad could that have been? Answer, 70,000 men paid for this secret sin of David’s heart). Unfair? Never! God is never unfair! Therefore, learn this lesson: your sin will always impact others–sometimes in ways in which you least expect. “I’m not hurting anybody,” is nothing but a hopeful (and naive) lie.
I think David was right in trusting himself to God. 70,000 deaths in a few days, as horrible as it is, is probably much smaller than the loss and pain that would have occurred had David chosen one of the other two options.
All that aside, think of the agony it must have been on this kings heart to know that these 70,000 men–some who obviously left families behind–had died because of his sin. Consider it this way: our country is still reeling from the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Accusations as to who and why it should have been prevented abound. Thousands lost their lives in that attack (though no where near 70,000), and we’re still seeking to place some blame not on the enemy, but on some leader or some agency.
Now, let’s suppose for a minute, you somehow had the crucial information that could have prevented it all. You had prior knowledge, but you didn’t think what you “knew” could possibly be true. But then, like the rest of us, you sat in horror as you watched planes slam into the Twin Towers; you listened in horror as you heard of the attack on the Pentagon, and learned of the bravery of some of our citizens as they prevented a third attack, sacrificing their lives to save others. Can you imagine the guilt you would feel? That guilt of course would only be imagined; David’s guilt was real! Like Peter he wept bitter tears. I doubt he slept much, if at all, during this time.
With this perspective, read again the second half of verse 5: “Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.” Please remember this: the joy he refers to in this passage did not reverse the effects of the previous days. That joy came in the shadow of the reality of the horrible plague that killed 70,000 men. The darkness of death itself gave way to the light of the joy that only the Lord can bring.
You may be going through a time of sorrow now, but trust the Lord on this: joy will come in the morning.
The trouble I have with Scripture is that I have far too many “favorite” verses! Verse 5 being one of them!
I don’t know what troubles you may face today, but on the authority of God’s Holy Word I tell you, “take heart!” There is light at the end of the tunnel and it’s not the train! "Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.” You have God’s Word on it!
Recall if you will what we said the likely setting for this Psalm was. David, in pride, had sinned. His confidence had turned from what God had done for Israel to what he had the power to do. He repented. God forgave, but to remind David of the seriousness of his sin, God gave him his choice of three possible punishments–three years of famine, three months of military losses, or three days facing His wrath. Talk about being between a rock and a hard place!
David chose three days of Divine punishment stating, “Let me fall into the hands of the Lord for His mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men.” (1 Chronicles 21:13 NIV). In our text David repeats that sentiment stating that “[God’s] anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life . . . .”
Israel experienced God’s anger because of David’s sin. Plague hit the land and 70,000 men died. Let us never forget that sin, no matter how small it may seem, is never a private affair. (David’s sin was a sin of the heart that exhibited itself in a census. How bad could that have been? Answer, 70,000 men paid for this secret sin of David’s heart). Unfair? Never! God is never unfair! Therefore, learn this lesson: your sin will always impact others–sometimes in ways in which you least expect. “I’m not hurting anybody,” is nothing but a hopeful (and naive) lie.
I think David was right in trusting himself to God. 70,000 deaths in a few days, as horrible as it is, is probably much smaller than the loss and pain that would have occurred had David chosen one of the other two options.
All that aside, think of the agony it must have been on this kings heart to know that these 70,000 men–some who obviously left families behind–had died because of his sin. Consider it this way: our country is still reeling from the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Accusations as to who and why it should have been prevented abound. Thousands lost their lives in that attack (though no where near 70,000), and we’re still seeking to place some blame not on the enemy, but on some leader or some agency.
Now, let’s suppose for a minute, you somehow had the crucial information that could have prevented it all. You had prior knowledge, but you didn’t think what you “knew” could possibly be true. But then, like the rest of us, you sat in horror as you watched planes slam into the Twin Towers; you listened in horror as you heard of the attack on the Pentagon, and learned of the bravery of some of our citizens as they prevented a third attack, sacrificing their lives to save others. Can you imagine the guilt you would feel? That guilt of course would only be imagined; David’s guilt was real! Like Peter he wept bitter tears. I doubt he slept much, if at all, during this time.
With this perspective, read again the second half of verse 5: “Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.” Please remember this: the joy he refers to in this passage did not reverse the effects of the previous days. That joy came in the shadow of the reality of the horrible plague that killed 70,000 men. The darkness of death itself gave way to the light of the joy that only the Lord can bring.
You may be going through a time of sorrow now, but trust the Lord on this: joy will come in the morning.
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