We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. (Hebrews 2:1-4 NIV).
Where did the summer go! It seems like yesterday that it was the beginning of June and now we approach the last of summer and the beginning of fall! It’s strange how quickly time slips away. Perhaps it’s a part of being busy; or, perhaps it’s merely that I’ve not taken the time to note the time. I know at least sometimes it is as much the latter as anything. I think that’s how it is with our Christian lives as well. None of us purposes to drift through our lives. We just get busy and time passes; before you know it we are “adrift.”
The picture of the word in our reading is very interesting. The word is a part of the vocabulary associated with sailing. Remember that all vessels of that day were powered either by wind and sail or a crew with oars. Nothing was more feared by seamen of the day than what was known as “the doldrums.” The doldrums is a part of the ocean near the equator. It abounds with calms, squalls, and light baffling winds. There the weather is extremely hot and very dispiriting. Those old sailing vessels caught in the doldrums would often lie helpless for days or weeks, carried along by the tides and currents, simply waiting for the winds to blow.
The word “drift” carries part of this concept. It also suggests the concept of someone letting a precious treasure simply slip through their grasp. Whether it is a prized possession slipping to the ground and shattering, or a ship becalmed at sea drifting past a safe harbor, the reason for it is simply not paying attention. It is indifference. That’s the danger of this attitude and pattern of life. Hershel Hobbs and E. A. McDowell have suggested that this phrase is constructed to show the indifferent believer as one who stands near a shore with the river of abundant life flowing right by him. Instead of plunging into the river, he simply watches it from the shore as it passes him by.
The basic truth is very clear to me. The revelation of God in Jesus has come into our lives. It is His final Word. It is the ultimate expression of God’s great and gracious purpose for our lives. If we somehow allow a spirit of indifference toward this great revelation to rule our thoughts and actions, we are in grave danger of missing His purpose. And, missing His purpose means we miss the great treasure he desires for us to possess! Don’t let another minute slip by. Right now, turn your thoughts to Him!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
"The Danger of Indifference" (Part 1)
We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. (Hebrews 2:1-4 NIV).
Last weekend was John Wayne all day on one of the cable stations. I can’t resist it! I watched parts of several of his movies set in World War II, In Harm’s Way and Midway being two of them. I like the westerns too, but as I was watching these a thought crossed my mind that deals with a very important truth in our Christian life. Our reading today calls our attention to is as the writer says, We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. I believe he is warning us of the danger of indifference.
On the morning of December 7, 1941, there were 353 Japanese warplanes swarming the harbor of our Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor. Within a few short hours, America lost eight battleships, six major airfields, almost every plane, and 2,400 men and women. That happened at 7:50 AM in what was supposedly a surprise attack. However, the real facts are somewhat different. That morning at 7:00 AM, while the Japanese planes were still 132 miles away, some 50 minutes of flight time, two soldiers on a small radar station in the Pacific scanned the screen and saw numerous blips begin to appear until the entire screen was filled with the images of the planes approach. These soldiers did all they were taught and ordered to do. They notified the commanding officer, who at that time was a young lieutenant. He reasoned that these must be panes sent from California. Without another thought or action, he nonchalantly dismissed the idea that Pearl Harbor could be in any danger and said, “Don’t worry about it.” There would have been time to scramble our planes and meet the threat securing the harbor, but, during this critical moment, this young lieutenant failed out of an attitude of indifference.
We live in such a time in our lives and churches. We cannot afford to let our vigilance slip for a moment. There is so much at stake in the family and church indifference cannot be allowed to set in. So, as we begin this little series, let me ask you some questions. How long have you been a Christian? In that length of time, is your response and relationship to Jesus growing or slipping backward in intensity? Have you “settled down” in your spiritual life? If the answer is yes, to any degree, I urge you to make a commitment to renew your intensity. Become more vigilant than ever before. Over the next few days we’ll look more closely at this. Today, however, make a new beginning!
Last weekend was John Wayne all day on one of the cable stations. I can’t resist it! I watched parts of several of his movies set in World War II, In Harm’s Way and Midway being two of them. I like the westerns too, but as I was watching these a thought crossed my mind that deals with a very important truth in our Christian life. Our reading today calls our attention to is as the writer says, We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. I believe he is warning us of the danger of indifference.
On the morning of December 7, 1941, there were 353 Japanese warplanes swarming the harbor of our Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor. Within a few short hours, America lost eight battleships, six major airfields, almost every plane, and 2,400 men and women. That happened at 7:50 AM in what was supposedly a surprise attack. However, the real facts are somewhat different. That morning at 7:00 AM, while the Japanese planes were still 132 miles away, some 50 minutes of flight time, two soldiers on a small radar station in the Pacific scanned the screen and saw numerous blips begin to appear until the entire screen was filled with the images of the planes approach. These soldiers did all they were taught and ordered to do. They notified the commanding officer, who at that time was a young lieutenant. He reasoned that these must be panes sent from California. Without another thought or action, he nonchalantly dismissed the idea that Pearl Harbor could be in any danger and said, “Don’t worry about it.” There would have been time to scramble our planes and meet the threat securing the harbor, but, during this critical moment, this young lieutenant failed out of an attitude of indifference.
We live in such a time in our lives and churches. We cannot afford to let our vigilance slip for a moment. There is so much at stake in the family and church indifference cannot be allowed to set in. So, as we begin this little series, let me ask you some questions. How long have you been a Christian? In that length of time, is your response and relationship to Jesus growing or slipping backward in intensity? Have you “settled down” in your spiritual life? If the answer is yes, to any degree, I urge you to make a commitment to renew your intensity. Become more vigilant than ever before. Over the next few days we’ll look more closely at this. Today, however, make a new beginning!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
"Healing from the Inside Out"
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. The Lord redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him. (Psalm 34:17-22 NIV).
At our first soccer practice one of the players (they are all just six or seven) came to Kyle and said she couldn’t really play very well because her finder hurt. He looked at it and asked if she needed to go see her mom. She said, “No. It just hurts.” And off she went back to the practice! Don’t you wish all of our hurts could be so easily resolved? Unfortunately that is not the world in which we live, is it? Today's world is desperate for hope and healing. Despair and discouragement fill the hearts of countless individuals who deem their lives worthless and their circumstances hopeless. There is a growing tendency to give up, and to give in. People are crumbling under the pressures of every day life and as a result they are bailing out of relationships, jobs, leadership positions, and commitments. Though retreating in defeat may be the easy way out, it is the long way to recovery and fulfillment because it only provides a temporary fix to a deeper problem. A bandage will only hide burned skin, it can never restore it because burns heal from the inside out. Likewise, people can ease the pain of their hopelessness for a time with human endeavors, but true and lasting healing cannot begin until we recognize that Jesus is the Great Physician, and He alone knows how to heal our pain. Only His prescription for our healing will have a lasting effect.
Job was a man who had every reason to lose his hope and forsake the God who had once showered his life with blessings. In one day his 10 children were killed, his servants were murdered, and his sheep and oxen were stolen by raiding enemies. Following these tragic events, Job "fell to the ground in worship . . . and said "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." (Job 1:20) What an amazing testimony Job had. Even facing the greatest trials of his life, he still offered praise to God because He knew God was sovereign. Later after his friends unjustly rebuked him, his wife criticized him, and his body was afflicted with painful boils, he said, "Though He [God] slay me, yet I will hope in Him." Job was making a conscious decision to put His hope in God. And he was right to hope in God.
Today you may be walking through the most desolate barren wasteland, or the darkest wilderness you have ever experienced, but do not lose hope. Remember it is only in the dark that you can see the stars. Shut out every thought but the one thought of the grace and love of God. Today God wants to renew your hope. Trust Him and don't listen to the devil's lies that your situation will never change. The only thing that never changes is God and since He promises to provide for all your needs and deliver you from all your fears He will prove Himself faithful. The one thing you can count on is that God will never fail to keep His promises to you. He heals from the inside out!
At our first soccer practice one of the players (they are all just six or seven) came to Kyle and said she couldn’t really play very well because her finder hurt. He looked at it and asked if she needed to go see her mom. She said, “No. It just hurts.” And off she went back to the practice! Don’t you wish all of our hurts could be so easily resolved? Unfortunately that is not the world in which we live, is it? Today's world is desperate for hope and healing. Despair and discouragement fill the hearts of countless individuals who deem their lives worthless and their circumstances hopeless. There is a growing tendency to give up, and to give in. People are crumbling under the pressures of every day life and as a result they are bailing out of relationships, jobs, leadership positions, and commitments. Though retreating in defeat may be the easy way out, it is the long way to recovery and fulfillment because it only provides a temporary fix to a deeper problem. A bandage will only hide burned skin, it can never restore it because burns heal from the inside out. Likewise, people can ease the pain of their hopelessness for a time with human endeavors, but true and lasting healing cannot begin until we recognize that Jesus is the Great Physician, and He alone knows how to heal our pain. Only His prescription for our healing will have a lasting effect.
Job was a man who had every reason to lose his hope and forsake the God who had once showered his life with blessings. In one day his 10 children were killed, his servants were murdered, and his sheep and oxen were stolen by raiding enemies. Following these tragic events, Job "fell to the ground in worship . . . and said "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." (Job 1:20) What an amazing testimony Job had. Even facing the greatest trials of his life, he still offered praise to God because He knew God was sovereign. Later after his friends unjustly rebuked him, his wife criticized him, and his body was afflicted with painful boils, he said, "Though He [God] slay me, yet I will hope in Him." Job was making a conscious decision to put His hope in God. And he was right to hope in God.
Today you may be walking through the most desolate barren wasteland, or the darkest wilderness you have ever experienced, but do not lose hope. Remember it is only in the dark that you can see the stars. Shut out every thought but the one thought of the grace and love of God. Today God wants to renew your hope. Trust Him and don't listen to the devil's lies that your situation will never change. The only thing that never changes is God and since He promises to provide for all your needs and deliver you from all your fears He will prove Himself faithful. The one thing you can count on is that God will never fail to keep His promises to you. He heals from the inside out!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
"Bring on the Rain" (Part 2)
O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. (Psalm 63:1-4 NIV).
Yesterday I ended with the hope that you would be transformed with the knowledge of your security in God. There is no storm that might come into your life that cannot be withstood as you rest in Him. Today our reading gives us the “how” in very simple language. David says, O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you.
David had learned the secret of being thirsty for God. Many years ago, when we lived in Weatherford, Texas, we decided to build a Wiffleball size baseball field in our backyard. You remember those plastic balls with the slots cut into them so they would fly as far as a regular baseball. Kyle and I took on the project so that it could be complete for a youth party at the house. And, of course, with my philosophy being “if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right,” I couldn’t just throw down some bases and call it a field. We built a backstop, laid the bases, dieseled and chalked the lines, and set the foul poles and home run lines in a position that was reachable, but challenging. About the only thing we didn’t build were the bleachers. I just ran out of time! I still remember the day we dug the holes for the posts of the backstop and the foul poles. Of course, it was in the dead of summer when the ground was hard baked. I used a sharpshooter shovel, grubbing hole, and posthole diggers! Those are really not much more than torture devices for the common man! As I was digging, Kyle was responsible for the water run. As we took breaks from the chore he’d bring out tall ice-filled glasses of water. I remember it being so hot and sweating so much that the sweat literally dripped from the brim of my cap! That’s hot; and, I was VERY thirsty!
Are you getting the picture? Many of us want the power and purpose of God, but few of us are REALLY thirsty for Him. Be careful. It’s at this point that we are tempted to talk about how often we go to church, or how much we give to the church. We may cite the many times we have volunteered at the church or in the community. However, none of those may be rooted in a real thirst for the Lord’s presence. I’ve found that when you are thirsty for God, you are desperate for Him. It’s the same kind of desperation that we feel when we have been separated from our loved ones. We’ll do anything to see them. We’ll go to any lengths to be with them. Is that how it is with you and the Lord? It all starts there. That’s how you will be able to sing Bring on the Rain! Get thirsty for Him!
Yesterday I ended with the hope that you would be transformed with the knowledge of your security in God. There is no storm that might come into your life that cannot be withstood as you rest in Him. Today our reading gives us the “how” in very simple language. David says, O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you.
David had learned the secret of being thirsty for God. Many years ago, when we lived in Weatherford, Texas, we decided to build a Wiffleball size baseball field in our backyard. You remember those plastic balls with the slots cut into them so they would fly as far as a regular baseball. Kyle and I took on the project so that it could be complete for a youth party at the house. And, of course, with my philosophy being “if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right,” I couldn’t just throw down some bases and call it a field. We built a backstop, laid the bases, dieseled and chalked the lines, and set the foul poles and home run lines in a position that was reachable, but challenging. About the only thing we didn’t build were the bleachers. I just ran out of time! I still remember the day we dug the holes for the posts of the backstop and the foul poles. Of course, it was in the dead of summer when the ground was hard baked. I used a sharpshooter shovel, grubbing hole, and posthole diggers! Those are really not much more than torture devices for the common man! As I was digging, Kyle was responsible for the water run. As we took breaks from the chore he’d bring out tall ice-filled glasses of water. I remember it being so hot and sweating so much that the sweat literally dripped from the brim of my cap! That’s hot; and, I was VERY thirsty!
Are you getting the picture? Many of us want the power and purpose of God, but few of us are REALLY thirsty for Him. Be careful. It’s at this point that we are tempted to talk about how often we go to church, or how much we give to the church. We may cite the many times we have volunteered at the church or in the community. However, none of those may be rooted in a real thirst for the Lord’s presence. I’ve found that when you are thirsty for God, you are desperate for Him. It’s the same kind of desperation that we feel when we have been separated from our loved ones. We’ll do anything to see them. We’ll go to any lengths to be with them. Is that how it is with you and the Lord? It all starts there. That’s how you will be able to sing Bring on the Rain! Get thirsty for Him!
Friday, August 27, 2010
"Bring on the Rain" (Part 1)
The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. (Psalm 27:1-5 NIV).
I was on my way to work the other day and listening to some old sermons when I was struck with how little things have changed in regard to the needs of so many people! The title of the message was Boundless Horizons and dealt with the time in David’s life when he was pursued by Saul’s army. So many wonderful psalms were written during that time. They express a confidence and assurance in the purpose and plan of God. They are David’s declaration that regardless of what today may seem to bring, all of his tomorrow’s were in God’s hands and would work for his good. I love what David says: Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.
I finished listening to the sermon and while still feeling like there must be some way to break through with this message of boundless hope a song began on the radio by Jo Dee Messina, Bring on the Rain. Here are the lyrics:
Another day has almost come and gone, can't imagine what else could go wrong. Sometimes I'd like to hide away somewhere and lock the door. A single battle lost but not the war. 'Cause tomorrow's another day and I'm thirsty anyway so bring on the rain. It's almost like the hard times circle 'round. A couple drops and they all start comin’ down. Yeah, I might feel defeated, I might hang my head, I might be barely breathing, but I'm not dead. No, cause tomorrow's another day, and I'm thirsty anyway, so bring on the rain. No I'm not gonna let it get me down. I'm not cry, and I'm not gonna lose any sleep tonight. 'Cause tomorrow's another day, and I am not afraid, so bring on the rain. Tomorrow's another day, and I'm thirsty anyway, so bring on the rain.
Here’s the message of grace… regardless of yesterday or today, God is in control of my destiny and future. As I allow him to protect and guide me, I can confidently shout, “BRING ON THE RAIN!” I pray that you will be transformed to see this incredible truth. Break the cycle of despair that you have been trapped within and allow the grace of God to wash over you. Isn’t it time? Haven’t you struggled enough? You can stop now. Oh, you may not any more answers. The “whys” may still be there, but the “Who” will transform you!
I was on my way to work the other day and listening to some old sermons when I was struck with how little things have changed in regard to the needs of so many people! The title of the message was Boundless Horizons and dealt with the time in David’s life when he was pursued by Saul’s army. So many wonderful psalms were written during that time. They express a confidence and assurance in the purpose and plan of God. They are David’s declaration that regardless of what today may seem to bring, all of his tomorrow’s were in God’s hands and would work for his good. I love what David says: Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.
I finished listening to the sermon and while still feeling like there must be some way to break through with this message of boundless hope a song began on the radio by Jo Dee Messina, Bring on the Rain. Here are the lyrics:
Another day has almost come and gone, can't imagine what else could go wrong. Sometimes I'd like to hide away somewhere and lock the door. A single battle lost but not the war. 'Cause tomorrow's another day and I'm thirsty anyway so bring on the rain. It's almost like the hard times circle 'round. A couple drops and they all start comin’ down. Yeah, I might feel defeated, I might hang my head, I might be barely breathing, but I'm not dead. No, cause tomorrow's another day, and I'm thirsty anyway, so bring on the rain. No I'm not gonna let it get me down. I'm not cry, and I'm not gonna lose any sleep tonight. 'Cause tomorrow's another day, and I am not afraid, so bring on the rain. Tomorrow's another day, and I'm thirsty anyway, so bring on the rain.
Here’s the message of grace… regardless of yesterday or today, God is in control of my destiny and future. As I allow him to protect and guide me, I can confidently shout, “BRING ON THE RAIN!” I pray that you will be transformed to see this incredible truth. Break the cycle of despair that you have been trapped within and allow the grace of God to wash over you. Isn’t it time? Haven’t you struggled enough? You can stop now. Oh, you may not any more answers. The “whys” may still be there, but the “Who” will transform you!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
"God's Final Word" (Part 6)
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. (Hebrews 1:1-3 NIV).
The sixth principle revealed in our reading is the Son is the exalted One at the right hand of God. His redemptive work was followed by a very significant event. It sets Jesus apart from every other religious leader in history. After His death he was resurrected and ascended into heaven to be received with honor and glory. Formally and with great dignity, He was given His prior position at the right hand of majesty. From this position He represents us before the Father. It is the product of His finished work on the Cross. From this position he also awaits every enemy being made His footstool. He is seated with authority in the highest position of the universe. That’s God’s final Word! From this position the writer continues to make the case for men to commit their lives to Jesus in complete trust and faith.
In Africa, the natives use a very simple method for trapping monkeys. They will take a gourd and cut a hole in it just large enough for the monkey to place his hand in it. The gourd is fastened by a chain to a stake in the ground. Inside the gourd a sweet treat of some kind is placed as bait. When the monkey reaches inside to get the treat he is caught by his clenched fist. All the animal needs to do to be free is let go of the treat and withdraw his hand. However, because of his selfish nature, only rarely will the monkey let go and free himself.
I wonder how many times we have been just as foolish as the monkey caught in the gourd? Through selfish desire or ambition we have become too proud to let go and submit to the Lordship of Christ. There’s a great story about a captain of a ship looking into the dark night and seeing faint lights in the distance. Immediately he tells his signalman to send a message, "Alter your course 10 degrees south." Promptly a return message is received: "Alter your course 10 degrees north." The captain is angered; his command had been ignored. So he sends a second message: "Alter your course 10 degrees south. I am the captain!" Soon another message is received: "Alter your course 10 degrees north. I am seaman third class Jones." Immediately the captain sends a third message, knowing the fear it would evoke: "Alter your course 10 degrees south. I am a battleship." Then the reply comes, "Alter your course 10 degrees north. I am a lighthouse."
In the midst of our dark and foggy times, all sorts of voices are shouting orders into the night, telling us what to do, how to adjust our lives. Out of the darkness, one voice signals something quite opposite to the rest, something almost absurd. But the voice happens to be the Light of the World, and we ignore it at our peril. Listen to God’s final Word today. He is calling your name!
The sixth principle revealed in our reading is the Son is the exalted One at the right hand of God. His redemptive work was followed by a very significant event. It sets Jesus apart from every other religious leader in history. After His death he was resurrected and ascended into heaven to be received with honor and glory. Formally and with great dignity, He was given His prior position at the right hand of majesty. From this position He represents us before the Father. It is the product of His finished work on the Cross. From this position he also awaits every enemy being made His footstool. He is seated with authority in the highest position of the universe. That’s God’s final Word! From this position the writer continues to make the case for men to commit their lives to Jesus in complete trust and faith.
In Africa, the natives use a very simple method for trapping monkeys. They will take a gourd and cut a hole in it just large enough for the monkey to place his hand in it. The gourd is fastened by a chain to a stake in the ground. Inside the gourd a sweet treat of some kind is placed as bait. When the monkey reaches inside to get the treat he is caught by his clenched fist. All the animal needs to do to be free is let go of the treat and withdraw his hand. However, because of his selfish nature, only rarely will the monkey let go and free himself.
I wonder how many times we have been just as foolish as the monkey caught in the gourd? Through selfish desire or ambition we have become too proud to let go and submit to the Lordship of Christ. There’s a great story about a captain of a ship looking into the dark night and seeing faint lights in the distance. Immediately he tells his signalman to send a message, "Alter your course 10 degrees south." Promptly a return message is received: "Alter your course 10 degrees north." The captain is angered; his command had been ignored. So he sends a second message: "Alter your course 10 degrees south. I am the captain!" Soon another message is received: "Alter your course 10 degrees north. I am seaman third class Jones." Immediately the captain sends a third message, knowing the fear it would evoke: "Alter your course 10 degrees south. I am a battleship." Then the reply comes, "Alter your course 10 degrees north. I am a lighthouse."
In the midst of our dark and foggy times, all sorts of voices are shouting orders into the night, telling us what to do, how to adjust our lives. Out of the darkness, one voice signals something quite opposite to the rest, something almost absurd. But the voice happens to be the Light of the World, and we ignore it at our peril. Listen to God’s final Word today. He is calling your name!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
"God's Final Word" (Part 5)
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. (Hebrews 1:1-3 NIV).
The fifth principle revealed in our reading is the Son is the redeemer of sins. The scope of the things said about Jesus is more than merely impressive. Already the works of creation and revelation have been credited to Him. Now the write of Hebrews takes it a step further. Almost like Emeril Lagasse, he says, “Bam! Let’s take it up a notch!” He declares Jesus to be the redeemer, providing “purification for sins.” Now that’s taking it up a notch. Just knowing Jesus as creator and revealer is interesting and important, but it does not satisfy man’s deepest need. We would come away with that as Isaiah did, crying that we are a people of “unclean lips,” a people of unprepared lives. The greatest need of man is the redemption from our sin. The Son has done what was needed to be done for this need to be satisfied.
The phrase “provided purification for sins” comes from Greek words conveying the meaning of “cleansing.” This is one of the major themes of this letter. What the Law of Moses could never do, Jesus did. What the Old Testament sacrificial system could never do, Jesus did. The verb form further indicates that it was His personal work. He did it Himself because no other could.
There’s a great story told of a little boy who built a sailboat. He built the sail and had it all fixed up, tarred and painted. He took it to the lake and pushed it in hoping it would sail. Sure enough a wisp of breeze filled the little sail and it billowed and went rippling along the waves. Suddenly before the little boy knew it, the boat was out of his reach, even though he waded in fast and tried to grab it. As he watched it float away, he hoped maybe the breeze would shift and it would come sailing back to him. Instead he watched it go farther and farther until it was gone. When he went home crying, his mother asked, "What's wrong, didn't it work?" And he said, "It worked too well." Sometime later, the little boy was downtown and walked past a second hand store. There in the window he saw the boat. It was unmistakably his, so he went in and said to the proprietor, "That's my boat." He walked to the window, picked it up and started to leave with it. The owner of the shop said, "Wait a minute, Sonny. That's my boat. I bought it from someone." The boy said, "No, it's my boat. I made it. See." And he showed him the little scratches and the marks where he hammered and filed. The man said, "I'm sorry, Sonny. If you want it, you have to buy it." The poor little guy didn't have any money, but he worked hard and saved his pennies. Finally, one day he had enough money. He went in and bought the little boat. As he left the store holding the boat close to him, he was heard saying, "You're my boat. You're twice my boat. First you're my boat 'cause I made you and second you're my boat 'cause I bought you!"
If you ever think that you aren't worth much and if you think you're cheap, just remember what God thinks of you. He thinks you're His. Twice His. First you're His because He made you. And second you're His because He bought you on the cross. He paid a price to redeem you. So let go of your stress to God's care, and let go of your sins to God's cross.
The fifth principle revealed in our reading is the Son is the redeemer of sins. The scope of the things said about Jesus is more than merely impressive. Already the works of creation and revelation have been credited to Him. Now the write of Hebrews takes it a step further. Almost like Emeril Lagasse, he says, “Bam! Let’s take it up a notch!” He declares Jesus to be the redeemer, providing “purification for sins.” Now that’s taking it up a notch. Just knowing Jesus as creator and revealer is interesting and important, but it does not satisfy man’s deepest need. We would come away with that as Isaiah did, crying that we are a people of “unclean lips,” a people of unprepared lives. The greatest need of man is the redemption from our sin. The Son has done what was needed to be done for this need to be satisfied.
The phrase “provided purification for sins” comes from Greek words conveying the meaning of “cleansing.” This is one of the major themes of this letter. What the Law of Moses could never do, Jesus did. What the Old Testament sacrificial system could never do, Jesus did. The verb form further indicates that it was His personal work. He did it Himself because no other could.
There’s a great story told of a little boy who built a sailboat. He built the sail and had it all fixed up, tarred and painted. He took it to the lake and pushed it in hoping it would sail. Sure enough a wisp of breeze filled the little sail and it billowed and went rippling along the waves. Suddenly before the little boy knew it, the boat was out of his reach, even though he waded in fast and tried to grab it. As he watched it float away, he hoped maybe the breeze would shift and it would come sailing back to him. Instead he watched it go farther and farther until it was gone. When he went home crying, his mother asked, "What's wrong, didn't it work?" And he said, "It worked too well." Sometime later, the little boy was downtown and walked past a second hand store. There in the window he saw the boat. It was unmistakably his, so he went in and said to the proprietor, "That's my boat." He walked to the window, picked it up and started to leave with it. The owner of the shop said, "Wait a minute, Sonny. That's my boat. I bought it from someone." The boy said, "No, it's my boat. I made it. See." And he showed him the little scratches and the marks where he hammered and filed. The man said, "I'm sorry, Sonny. If you want it, you have to buy it." The poor little guy didn't have any money, but he worked hard and saved his pennies. Finally, one day he had enough money. He went in and bought the little boat. As he left the store holding the boat close to him, he was heard saying, "You're my boat. You're twice my boat. First you're my boat 'cause I made you and second you're my boat 'cause I bought you!"
If you ever think that you aren't worth much and if you think you're cheap, just remember what God thinks of you. He thinks you're His. Twice His. First you're His because He made you. And second you're His because He bought you on the cross. He paid a price to redeem you. So let go of your stress to God's care, and let go of your sins to God's cross.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
"God's Final Word" (Part 4)
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. (Hebrews 1:1-3 NIV).
The fourth principle revealed in our reading is the Son is the sustainer of all things. The progression of the writer’s descriptions of Jesus should not be missed. He declared that Jesus is heir, then creator, then the radiant image of God; now, he says He is the sustainer. This is accomplished all by “his powerful word.” In his governing and guiding of the world his will is felt by the utterance of his word.
The reference is to the function of the universe. Think of it! Every star, every planet and its moon, all of the universe is held together and functions as it is supposed to by the word of Jesus! Just thinking of the natural wonder of how the Earth functions is a marvel. Are you aware that the Earth must both rotate at the precise speed and tilt at a precise angle to the Sun in order for life, as we know it, to exist? And it is made so by the word of Jesus Christ!
The most important application of this truth is in the ordering of our personal lives. If Jesus is sufficient to sustain the universe, he certainly is capable of keeping us. It is so sad when we fail to recognize this truth. Maude Royden wrote: When you have nothing left but God, then you become aware that God is enough. Isn’t that the tragic truth? We often don’t turn to Christ until we have run out of other options. The write of Hebrews is simply saying He IS the option! He is God’s final and best Word! Missionary statesman Hudson Taylor had complete trust in God's faithfulness. In his journal he wrote:
Our heavenly Father is a very experienced One. He knows very well that His children wake up with a good appetite every morning... He sustained 3 million Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years. We do not expect He will send 3 million missionaries to China; but if He did, He would have ample means to sustain them all... Depend on it. God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.
I wonder how much of God’s blessing we have missed because we simply didn’t trust him to supply it. We anxiously run about as if we have no one to help us in our work and life. God has sent his final Word to us. Jesus is more than a match for anything we may face. Trust Him!
The fourth principle revealed in our reading is the Son is the sustainer of all things. The progression of the writer’s descriptions of Jesus should not be missed. He declared that Jesus is heir, then creator, then the radiant image of God; now, he says He is the sustainer. This is accomplished all by “his powerful word.” In his governing and guiding of the world his will is felt by the utterance of his word.
The reference is to the function of the universe. Think of it! Every star, every planet and its moon, all of the universe is held together and functions as it is supposed to by the word of Jesus! Just thinking of the natural wonder of how the Earth functions is a marvel. Are you aware that the Earth must both rotate at the precise speed and tilt at a precise angle to the Sun in order for life, as we know it, to exist? And it is made so by the word of Jesus Christ!
The most important application of this truth is in the ordering of our personal lives. If Jesus is sufficient to sustain the universe, he certainly is capable of keeping us. It is so sad when we fail to recognize this truth. Maude Royden wrote: When you have nothing left but God, then you become aware that God is enough. Isn’t that the tragic truth? We often don’t turn to Christ until we have run out of other options. The write of Hebrews is simply saying He IS the option! He is God’s final and best Word! Missionary statesman Hudson Taylor had complete trust in God's faithfulness. In his journal he wrote:
Our heavenly Father is a very experienced One. He knows very well that His children wake up with a good appetite every morning... He sustained 3 million Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years. We do not expect He will send 3 million missionaries to China; but if He did, He would have ample means to sustain them all... Depend on it. God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.
I wonder how much of God’s blessing we have missed because we simply didn’t trust him to supply it. We anxiously run about as if we have no one to help us in our work and life. God has sent his final Word to us. Jesus is more than a match for anything we may face. Trust Him!
Monday, August 23, 2010
"God's Final Word" (Part 3)
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. (Hebrews 1:1-3 NIV).
The third principle declared about Jesus as God’s final Word is he is the revelation of God. Look again at verse three of our reading today. The writer says, The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being. This is an incredible declaration of the character of Jesus. The word “being” suggests his timeless existence. He was and is and forever shall be! It is a word of his eternal nature. That brings us incredible hope. Remember that Jesus is the “first fruit” for all of those who believe in him. As he was resurrected; so we shall be resurrected. When I begin to think about the times of trial and challenge in my life, I must be reminded that they are mere moments in time. My eternal life is going to be free from all of that!
He also uses the word “radiance.” It literally means “bright ray from the original body.” It is not reflected light, or radiance. Jesus doesn’t mirror God, he is God! He is the light itself! As you walk through the dark paths of your life, those “valleys of the shadows of death” Jesus is the light that forces the shadows to flee from before him! He is also the “exact representation” of God’s being. The writer is simply stating in unquestioning terms that the Son is not a figure of God; he is not a part of God. He is the express image of God! He IS God! Gregory of Nazianzus, in A.D. 381, said of Jesus:
He began His ministry by being hungry, yet He is the Bread of Life. Jesus ended His earthly ministry by being thirsty, yet He is the Living Water. Jesus was weary, yet He is our rest. Jesus paid tribute, yet He is the King. Jesus was accused of having a demon, yet He cast out demons. Jesus wept, yet He wipes away our tears. Jesus was sold for thirty pieces of silver, yet He redeemed the world. Jesus was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, yet He is the Good Shepherd. Jesus died, yet by His death He destroyed the power of death.
Now that’s a good Word! Can’t you trust in Him? I can!
The third principle declared about Jesus as God’s final Word is he is the revelation of God. Look again at verse three of our reading today. The writer says, The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being. This is an incredible declaration of the character of Jesus. The word “being” suggests his timeless existence. He was and is and forever shall be! It is a word of his eternal nature. That brings us incredible hope. Remember that Jesus is the “first fruit” for all of those who believe in him. As he was resurrected; so we shall be resurrected. When I begin to think about the times of trial and challenge in my life, I must be reminded that they are mere moments in time. My eternal life is going to be free from all of that!
He also uses the word “radiance.” It literally means “bright ray from the original body.” It is not reflected light, or radiance. Jesus doesn’t mirror God, he is God! He is the light itself! As you walk through the dark paths of your life, those “valleys of the shadows of death” Jesus is the light that forces the shadows to flee from before him! He is also the “exact representation” of God’s being. The writer is simply stating in unquestioning terms that the Son is not a figure of God; he is not a part of God. He is the express image of God! He IS God! Gregory of Nazianzus, in A.D. 381, said of Jesus:
He began His ministry by being hungry, yet He is the Bread of Life. Jesus ended His earthly ministry by being thirsty, yet He is the Living Water. Jesus was weary, yet He is our rest. Jesus paid tribute, yet He is the King. Jesus was accused of having a demon, yet He cast out demons. Jesus wept, yet He wipes away our tears. Jesus was sold for thirty pieces of silver, yet He redeemed the world. Jesus was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, yet He is the Good Shepherd. Jesus died, yet by His death He destroyed the power of death.
Now that’s a good Word! Can’t you trust in Him? I can!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
"God's Final Word" (Part 2)
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. (Hebrews 1:1-3 NIV).
Yesterday in Morning Devotionals we looked at the Son as the heir of all things. Remember that “heir” is the position of lordship. Today we look at the second declaration of the writer of Hebrews. The Son is the creator of all things. This is closely connected to the first truth. Notice how he runs the truths together. Jesus was appointed heir and “through him he made the universe.”
I like the language of Hebrews. It is so expressive. The word translated “made” is very emphatic. Jesus was literally the agent through which all things were created. When you look back at the creation account in Genesis Moses recounts that God spoke and creation was accomplished. Here the writer says that “word” which was spoken was Jesus. It is a simple way of saying that apart from Jesus nothing has ever been made. Look closely at this truth. It means that Jesus was not an afterthought with the Father. God was not somehow taken by surprise by the failure of Israel. He has known from the beginning what was going to be necessary for the ultimate redemption of mankind.
Let me make it very personal today for you. Just as God was not surprised by Israel’s failure, he is not surprised by ours. And still the Father sent His only begotten Son for us! That’s amazing grace! That’s what replaces our fear with faith!
During the building of the Golden Gate Bridge over San Francisco Bay, construction fell badly behind schedule because several workers had accidentally fallen from the scaffolding to their deaths. Engineers and administrators could find no solution to the costly delays. Finally, someone suggested a gigantic net be hung under the bridge to catch any who fell. Finally in spite of the enormous cost, the engineers opted for the net. After it was installed, progress was hardly interrupted. A worker or two fell into the net but were saved. Ultimately, all the time lost to fear was regained by replacing fear with faith in the net.
No matter where you have been or what you have done, Jesus is the final Word of God! He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Trust in Him to transform your fear to faith today!
Yesterday in Morning Devotionals we looked at the Son as the heir of all things. Remember that “heir” is the position of lordship. Today we look at the second declaration of the writer of Hebrews. The Son is the creator of all things. This is closely connected to the first truth. Notice how he runs the truths together. Jesus was appointed heir and “through him he made the universe.”
I like the language of Hebrews. It is so expressive. The word translated “made” is very emphatic. Jesus was literally the agent through which all things were created. When you look back at the creation account in Genesis Moses recounts that God spoke and creation was accomplished. Here the writer says that “word” which was spoken was Jesus. It is a simple way of saying that apart from Jesus nothing has ever been made. Look closely at this truth. It means that Jesus was not an afterthought with the Father. God was not somehow taken by surprise by the failure of Israel. He has known from the beginning what was going to be necessary for the ultimate redemption of mankind.
Let me make it very personal today for you. Just as God was not surprised by Israel’s failure, he is not surprised by ours. And still the Father sent His only begotten Son for us! That’s amazing grace! That’s what replaces our fear with faith!
During the building of the Golden Gate Bridge over San Francisco Bay, construction fell badly behind schedule because several workers had accidentally fallen from the scaffolding to their deaths. Engineers and administrators could find no solution to the costly delays. Finally, someone suggested a gigantic net be hung under the bridge to catch any who fell. Finally in spite of the enormous cost, the engineers opted for the net. After it was installed, progress was hardly interrupted. A worker or two fell into the net but were saved. Ultimately, all the time lost to fear was regained by replacing fear with faith in the net.
No matter where you have been or what you have done, Jesus is the final Word of God! He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Trust in Him to transform your fear to faith today!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
"God's Final Word" (Part 1)
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. (Hebrews 1:1-3 NIV).
There are many words that have come to have great meaning in our history. Do you recall the first long distance message sent by Morse Code? It was “What hath God wrought?” The first intelligible words spoken by telephone were “Mr. Watson, come here, I want you.” Certainly you remember the rousing words of JFK, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but rather what you can do for your country.” And, who could forget the first words spoken by man as his foot touched the surface of the moon: “That’s one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind.” Other words from great preachers have inspired and touched our lives. John Newton’s “Amazing Grace,” or Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream,” were great words. However the greatest words ever spoken are God’s final words!
This is the message of the writer of Hebrews. God spoke many words through the prophets in many ways and through many mighty works, but God’s final word is in His Son. It includes what Jesus said and what he did. It is a clear word. It details some important truths. The first of these truths is that Jesus is the heir of all things.
He is the heir to the powers of nature. Do you remember the night the disciples were caught in the storm on the Sea of Galilee? They were with Jesus after a long day of ministry and miracles. He was sleeping in the stern of the little ship. A sudden storm threatened to capsize their ship and they were afraid they might die in the waters. They woke him and wondered why he was sleeping! Didn’t he know they were about to perish? Well, he knew. More than that, he knew he had the power over the storm! He was the heir to the powers over nature. No matter what storms you face in your life, physical or spiritual, Jesus is God’s final word! He is heir to the powers of all our shame and defeat; pain and bitterness; abuse and cruelty done to us; and to our sorrows and sadness. Like the woman brought to him to be stoned; or the man who had been waiting for thirty-eight years to be healed at the pool of Bethesda; or at the tomb of Lazarus Jesus has the power over all of them!
Do you see what that means for our lives? This One in whom God has spoken is the FINAL word. There are no other words that need be spoken. He has finished our victory for us. Now, that allows me to take a deep breath and rest in whatever situation I find myself today. You can too!
There are many words that have come to have great meaning in our history. Do you recall the first long distance message sent by Morse Code? It was “What hath God wrought?” The first intelligible words spoken by telephone were “Mr. Watson, come here, I want you.” Certainly you remember the rousing words of JFK, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but rather what you can do for your country.” And, who could forget the first words spoken by man as his foot touched the surface of the moon: “That’s one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind.” Other words from great preachers have inspired and touched our lives. John Newton’s “Amazing Grace,” or Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream,” were great words. However the greatest words ever spoken are God’s final words!
This is the message of the writer of Hebrews. God spoke many words through the prophets in many ways and through many mighty works, but God’s final word is in His Son. It includes what Jesus said and what he did. It is a clear word. It details some important truths. The first of these truths is that Jesus is the heir of all things.
He is the heir to the powers of nature. Do you remember the night the disciples were caught in the storm on the Sea of Galilee? They were with Jesus after a long day of ministry and miracles. He was sleeping in the stern of the little ship. A sudden storm threatened to capsize their ship and they were afraid they might die in the waters. They woke him and wondered why he was sleeping! Didn’t he know they were about to perish? Well, he knew. More than that, he knew he had the power over the storm! He was the heir to the powers over nature. No matter what storms you face in your life, physical or spiritual, Jesus is God’s final word! He is heir to the powers of all our shame and defeat; pain and bitterness; abuse and cruelty done to us; and to our sorrows and sadness. Like the woman brought to him to be stoned; or the man who had been waiting for thirty-eight years to be healed at the pool of Bethesda; or at the tomb of Lazarus Jesus has the power over all of them!
Do you see what that means for our lives? This One in whom God has spoken is the FINAL word. There are no other words that need be spoken. He has finished our victory for us. Now, that allows me to take a deep breath and rest in whatever situation I find myself today. You can too!
Friday, August 20, 2010
"Let's Get Drunk" (Part 2)
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:15-21 NIV).
Yesterday we looked at the need for joy in our homes. Today we come to the second principle Paul cites in our reading. Our homes are to be filled with gratitude and thanksgiving. That’s a lesson best learned with experience; and, best taught by example. Many of you know that I grew up in a family owned grocery store. It wasn’t a large business by any means. In fact, in those days we called them a “corner grocery store.” We had a little bit of everything in the store, though we specialized in the meat market. We didn’t have any other employees other than our immediate family, so that meant everybody had something to do all the time. Believe me, I had plenty to do. And, I complained most of the time about the things I was assigned. But there were plenty of perks too. After all, what other kid could come home from school (we lived in the apartment above the store) and get whatever he wanted for a snack? Ice cream, sodas, candy, all of it belonged to my family. I could have anything to eat or drink I wanted. Funny how easy it was to complain about the work and never say thank you for the benefits!
Here’s the point: gratitude promotes harmony. And, it goes both ways. Parents should be grateful for their children in every situation and experience; and, children should be grateful for their parents. I wonder how much collision in the home could be avoided if we simply practiced always giving thanks to God the Father for everything? Do you remember William Cowper from our previous devotional? Let me refresh your memory a bit. He wrote many hymns, the most famous was There is a fountain, filled with blood. He wrote that hymn after being confined in a mental institution for severe depression and anxiety. While confined he read extensively from Romans and Ephesians which led him to the inspirational lyrics of this great hymn. It speaks of the great grace that was provided to us through the cross. It speaks of the redemptive work of God and calls out in the darkness for the light of Christ. It details the fellowship we have now become a part of in Jesus.
Let me make the point clear. If ever there ought to be a place of harmony, it is the home. If ever there ought to be a place of security, it ought to be the home. If ever there ought to be a place of joy, it is the home. You get there by the presence of the Holy Spirit motivating you to gratitude for God, and for each other!
Yesterday we looked at the need for joy in our homes. Today we come to the second principle Paul cites in our reading. Our homes are to be filled with gratitude and thanksgiving. That’s a lesson best learned with experience; and, best taught by example. Many of you know that I grew up in a family owned grocery store. It wasn’t a large business by any means. In fact, in those days we called them a “corner grocery store.” We had a little bit of everything in the store, though we specialized in the meat market. We didn’t have any other employees other than our immediate family, so that meant everybody had something to do all the time. Believe me, I had plenty to do. And, I complained most of the time about the things I was assigned. But there were plenty of perks too. After all, what other kid could come home from school (we lived in the apartment above the store) and get whatever he wanted for a snack? Ice cream, sodas, candy, all of it belonged to my family. I could have anything to eat or drink I wanted. Funny how easy it was to complain about the work and never say thank you for the benefits!
Here’s the point: gratitude promotes harmony. And, it goes both ways. Parents should be grateful for their children in every situation and experience; and, children should be grateful for their parents. I wonder how much collision in the home could be avoided if we simply practiced always giving thanks to God the Father for everything? Do you remember William Cowper from our previous devotional? Let me refresh your memory a bit. He wrote many hymns, the most famous was There is a fountain, filled with blood. He wrote that hymn after being confined in a mental institution for severe depression and anxiety. While confined he read extensively from Romans and Ephesians which led him to the inspirational lyrics of this great hymn. It speaks of the great grace that was provided to us through the cross. It speaks of the redemptive work of God and calls out in the darkness for the light of Christ. It details the fellowship we have now become a part of in Jesus.
Let me make the point clear. If ever there ought to be a place of harmony, it is the home. If ever there ought to be a place of security, it ought to be the home. If ever there ought to be a place of joy, it is the home. You get there by the presence of the Holy Spirit motivating you to gratitude for God, and for each other!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
"Let's Get Drunk" (Part 1)
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:15-21 NIV).
Made you look, didn’t I? The title to this little series is provocative to say the least. However, I hope you’ll stay with me to the end. Another title could have been Heaven in your Home, but then you might not have been interested (or irate) enough to read it! The series will deal with making our homes all of what the Lord desires for them to be. He does desire them to be an extension of heaven. The sad truth is that most of our homes fall far short of heaven.” William Cowper, a great hymnist and preacher decades ago, wrote, “Too many homes are an outpost of hell rather than a parcel of paradise.” Cowper was born in 1731 and died in 1800. I wonder what he might say about the home of the 21st century?
The Apostle Paul has a great deal to say about the home and the family. In our reading today he touches on the first truth that will make very home a little parcel of paradise. He centers our attention on the filling of the Holy Spirit. He draws us to the joy that comes with His Presence in our lives. And that is the first principle: Our homes ought to be filled with joy. Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit that Paul lists in Galatians 5:22. However, I want you to see that he is not talking about mere emotion. The shallow emotion we so often see passed off as joy is not true joy. Christian joy in the home is a deep experience of adequacy and confidence in spite of the circumstance.
Notice the comparison of the person filled with the Spirit to that of a drunkard. At first glance, you may jump to the conclusion that I am “ministerially speaking.” However, the comparison is there. A drunk is under the control of another force. Are we not to be under the control of Christ living within us through the Holy Spirit? A drunk feels a great sense of release. All of his troubles are gone, or so he feels. A drunk becomes uninhibited, often shameless and loud, courageous to the point of being a danger to himself or others. Transfer that picture to your home.
What a difference it would make if our spouse and our children could see that kind of confident joy at work in our lives. And there is good reason for us to have that kind of joy. Can anything overcome us in Christ? Paul gives quite an exhaustive list of those things that have no power or effect over us in his letter to the Romans. You know, I believe he is right! NOTHING is stronger than Christ Jesus our Lord. Makes me confident… doesn’t it you? Let’s get drunk!
Made you look, didn’t I? The title to this little series is provocative to say the least. However, I hope you’ll stay with me to the end. Another title could have been Heaven in your Home, but then you might not have been interested (or irate) enough to read it! The series will deal with making our homes all of what the Lord desires for them to be. He does desire them to be an extension of heaven. The sad truth is that most of our homes fall far short of heaven.” William Cowper, a great hymnist and preacher decades ago, wrote, “Too many homes are an outpost of hell rather than a parcel of paradise.” Cowper was born in 1731 and died in 1800. I wonder what he might say about the home of the 21st century?
The Apostle Paul has a great deal to say about the home and the family. In our reading today he touches on the first truth that will make very home a little parcel of paradise. He centers our attention on the filling of the Holy Spirit. He draws us to the joy that comes with His Presence in our lives. And that is the first principle: Our homes ought to be filled with joy. Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit that Paul lists in Galatians 5:22. However, I want you to see that he is not talking about mere emotion. The shallow emotion we so often see passed off as joy is not true joy. Christian joy in the home is a deep experience of adequacy and confidence in spite of the circumstance.
Notice the comparison of the person filled with the Spirit to that of a drunkard. At first glance, you may jump to the conclusion that I am “ministerially speaking.” However, the comparison is there. A drunk is under the control of another force. Are we not to be under the control of Christ living within us through the Holy Spirit? A drunk feels a great sense of release. All of his troubles are gone, or so he feels. A drunk becomes uninhibited, often shameless and loud, courageous to the point of being a danger to himself or others. Transfer that picture to your home.
What a difference it would make if our spouse and our children could see that kind of confident joy at work in our lives. And there is good reason for us to have that kind of joy. Can anything overcome us in Christ? Paul gives quite an exhaustive list of those things that have no power or effect over us in his letter to the Romans. You know, I believe he is right! NOTHING is stronger than Christ Jesus our Lord. Makes me confident… doesn’t it you? Let’s get drunk!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
"The Law of the Harvest"
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:7-9 NIV).
Kyle and I are coaching soccer this year. As a result, I’ve been thinking about some principles to help both the players and their parents. Those principles spill over into all of our lives as parents. One of the most damaging choices a person can make is to give up too soon when faced with a failure. There are many reasons, but the truth is that discouragement often hinders their spiritual growth and potential. There are some biblical principles parents can apply when helping a child overcome failure and explore their potential. Our reading today explains it in what has come to be known as The Law of the Harvest.
Paul used the analogy of planting to explain the principle of spiritual growth. He encouraged his readers to sow into the things of God, with the promise they would reap the things of God. In the life of a Christian we sow into God by how we think, speak, our actions, where we spend our money, and our time. These are investments in a God-honoring life, which reaps a harvest of blessing – but not always in the same season. There is often a delay between sowing and reaping.
So the key is to consider our children's hearts and lives as a garden. Every day we sow into those "gardens" through our words, behavior, and the disciplines we teach them. However, just like a vegetable garden, if we plant carrot seeds, we will reap carrots – not corn. Consequently, if we sow negative seeds of discouragement, we will reap discouragement. If we sow seeds of impatience, we will reap frustration. Conversely, if we sow healthy seeds of good choices, we will reap self-discipline. If we sow seeds of patience, we will reap peace. If we sow seeds of perseverance, we will reap success.
Our children's hearts are rich soil prepared by God to receive good seed. As conscientious gardeners, we need to plant those that will reap a harvest in our children's lives and prepare them for service in the kingdom of God. God designed our children to grow and flourish with love and care. However, failure can be the weeds in our children's lives. Weeds don't destroy the good seed; they just leech the nutrients out of the soil limiting the growth of the plant. Failure doesn't destroy our children's potential; it just removes the enthusiasm from their hearts. In order to overcome the pain and heartache of failure, children need a parent who will step in with fresh water and bright sunlight, while replacing the weeds with healthy seed. Then in time, our children will produce a harvest of confidence. That’s a promise from God!
Kyle and I are coaching soccer this year. As a result, I’ve been thinking about some principles to help both the players and their parents. Those principles spill over into all of our lives as parents. One of the most damaging choices a person can make is to give up too soon when faced with a failure. There are many reasons, but the truth is that discouragement often hinders their spiritual growth and potential. There are some biblical principles parents can apply when helping a child overcome failure and explore their potential. Our reading today explains it in what has come to be known as The Law of the Harvest.
Paul used the analogy of planting to explain the principle of spiritual growth. He encouraged his readers to sow into the things of God, with the promise they would reap the things of God. In the life of a Christian we sow into God by how we think, speak, our actions, where we spend our money, and our time. These are investments in a God-honoring life, which reaps a harvest of blessing – but not always in the same season. There is often a delay between sowing and reaping.
So the key is to consider our children's hearts and lives as a garden. Every day we sow into those "gardens" through our words, behavior, and the disciplines we teach them. However, just like a vegetable garden, if we plant carrot seeds, we will reap carrots – not corn. Consequently, if we sow negative seeds of discouragement, we will reap discouragement. If we sow seeds of impatience, we will reap frustration. Conversely, if we sow healthy seeds of good choices, we will reap self-discipline. If we sow seeds of patience, we will reap peace. If we sow seeds of perseverance, we will reap success.
Our children's hearts are rich soil prepared by God to receive good seed. As conscientious gardeners, we need to plant those that will reap a harvest in our children's lives and prepare them for service in the kingdom of God. God designed our children to grow and flourish with love and care. However, failure can be the weeds in our children's lives. Weeds don't destroy the good seed; they just leech the nutrients out of the soil limiting the growth of the plant. Failure doesn't destroy our children's potential; it just removes the enthusiasm from their hearts. In order to overcome the pain and heartache of failure, children need a parent who will step in with fresh water and bright sunlight, while replacing the weeds with healthy seed. Then in time, our children will produce a harvest of confidence. That’s a promise from God!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
"A Hole Too Deep"
As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:9-12 NIV).
Have you ever thought you had done something so bad that it was irreparable? Have you ever felt that you were too far gone to ever retrace your steps and recover from your errors? Have you ever thought that you were in a hole too deep to dig out from? Perhaps you have never had such a deeply troubling experience that you could answer yes to these questions, but you may have thought that there is some decision you have made that disqualified you from being everything God desire for you to be. This devotional is for you!
I would worry about you if you didn’t feel at least some unworthiness before God. If you felt you life was so good that you really could stand before God without any need for His grace that would be troubling indeed. The truth is that all of us need God’s forgiveness and love, at some times more than others. This is certainly what Jesus meant when He said He came to “call” the sinners in our reading today. It is to people like you and me that Jesus came. People who have been “scuffed up” by life a little. We are not perfect, but we can be perfected through Him.
That’s the testimony of Scripture. Martin Luther wrote the following speaking of this principle:
"Here it appears either Paul or Barnabas went too far. It must have been a violent disagreement to separate two associates who were so closely united. Indeed, the text indicates as much. Such examples are written for our consolation: for it is a great comfort to us to hear that great saints, who have the Spirit of God, also struggle. Those who say that saints do not sin would deprive us of this comfort. Samson, David, and many other celebrated men full of the Holy Spirit fell into grievous sins. Job and Jeremiah cursed the day of their birth; Elijah and Jonah were weary of life and desired death. No one has ever fallen so grievously that he may not rise again. Conversely, no one stands so firmly that he may not fall. If Peter (and Paul and Barnabas) fell, I too may fall. If they rose again, I too may rise again."
There is not a hole too deep that Jesus cannot save you! Reach out to Him and you will find His hand in yours to help you out!
Have you ever thought you had done something so bad that it was irreparable? Have you ever felt that you were too far gone to ever retrace your steps and recover from your errors? Have you ever thought that you were in a hole too deep to dig out from? Perhaps you have never had such a deeply troubling experience that you could answer yes to these questions, but you may have thought that there is some decision you have made that disqualified you from being everything God desire for you to be. This devotional is for you!
I would worry about you if you didn’t feel at least some unworthiness before God. If you felt you life was so good that you really could stand before God without any need for His grace that would be troubling indeed. The truth is that all of us need God’s forgiveness and love, at some times more than others. This is certainly what Jesus meant when He said He came to “call” the sinners in our reading today. It is to people like you and me that Jesus came. People who have been “scuffed up” by life a little. We are not perfect, but we can be perfected through Him.
That’s the testimony of Scripture. Martin Luther wrote the following speaking of this principle:
"Here it appears either Paul or Barnabas went too far. It must have been a violent disagreement to separate two associates who were so closely united. Indeed, the text indicates as much. Such examples are written for our consolation: for it is a great comfort to us to hear that great saints, who have the Spirit of God, also struggle. Those who say that saints do not sin would deprive us of this comfort. Samson, David, and many other celebrated men full of the Holy Spirit fell into grievous sins. Job and Jeremiah cursed the day of their birth; Elijah and Jonah were weary of life and desired death. No one has ever fallen so grievously that he may not rise again. Conversely, no one stands so firmly that he may not fall. If Peter (and Paul and Barnabas) fell, I too may fall. If they rose again, I too may rise again."
There is not a hole too deep that Jesus cannot save you! Reach out to Him and you will find His hand in yours to help you out!
Monday, August 16, 2010
"Peace in the Storm"
At that time, this song will be sung in the country of Judah: We have a strong city, Salvation City, built and fortified with salvation. Throw wide the gates so good and true people can enter. People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don't quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing. (Isaiah 26:1-4 The Message)
Sometimes I’ll do a search for a picture or poem to illustrate a thought that is rattling around in my head and heart. Today I found one of a picture of a small bird huddled behind a rock. It comes from a remarkable painting by Jack E. Dawson. It is a wonderful example of the thought of how we can make it through the storms of life. In fact, he titled the work: Peace in the Midst of the Storm. It not only pictures a bird in a storm, it also has five small birds hidden behind a crashing waterfall in the midst of a thunderstorm.
It is such a comfort to me to understand that the Lord is always there with us in the midst of any storm of life. The idea of perfect peace is especially appealing when you are in a storm. Many years ago when Mary and I flew to Israel, we were on a smaller jet making the hop from Paris to Tel Aviv. It was a little bumpy with air turbulence, but nothing terribly out of the ordinary. I had no idea how it was affecting the other passengers who were for the most part from that area. As we made our descent into the airport, the typical bump and screech of the tires hitting the hardtop was heard and felt. The landing was pretty smooth overall. Yet when the plane was finally completely down and on all of its wheels, most of the cabin erupted into applause! I turned to Mary and said, “Maybe I should have been a little more concerned!” Evidently everyone else was very relieved to be down!
Sometimes the storms we go through cannot help but involved us intensely. At other times I have found that I didn’t even know I was really in any danger. I think those times when I seemed to pass through the storms without a thought or care were when I simply trusted the “Pilot.” In today’s reading Isaiah tells us as much.
Yes, there will be storms in the forecast for us. Storms are inevitable. But we also have the confident assurance that the Lord will shelter us in the storms. He will not always use the same methods to protect us, but He will do so. At times He will allow the storms to pass by on each side while we are protected in the palm of His hand. At other times He will permit us to go through some violent storm. I think He does this to show how true believers should react when our world is turned upside down. Do you want peace in the midst of your storm? Place your trust in the Lord and do not allow the storm to shake your faith. Praise the Lord that He is greater than any storm we will encounter!
Sometimes I’ll do a search for a picture or poem to illustrate a thought that is rattling around in my head and heart. Today I found one of a picture of a small bird huddled behind a rock. It comes from a remarkable painting by Jack E. Dawson. It is a wonderful example of the thought of how we can make it through the storms of life. In fact, he titled the work: Peace in the Midst of the Storm. It not only pictures a bird in a storm, it also has five small birds hidden behind a crashing waterfall in the midst of a thunderstorm.
It is such a comfort to me to understand that the Lord is always there with us in the midst of any storm of life. The idea of perfect peace is especially appealing when you are in a storm. Many years ago when Mary and I flew to Israel, we were on a smaller jet making the hop from Paris to Tel Aviv. It was a little bumpy with air turbulence, but nothing terribly out of the ordinary. I had no idea how it was affecting the other passengers who were for the most part from that area. As we made our descent into the airport, the typical bump and screech of the tires hitting the hardtop was heard and felt. The landing was pretty smooth overall. Yet when the plane was finally completely down and on all of its wheels, most of the cabin erupted into applause! I turned to Mary and said, “Maybe I should have been a little more concerned!” Evidently everyone else was very relieved to be down!
Sometimes the storms we go through cannot help but involved us intensely. At other times I have found that I didn’t even know I was really in any danger. I think those times when I seemed to pass through the storms without a thought or care were when I simply trusted the “Pilot.” In today’s reading Isaiah tells us as much.
Yes, there will be storms in the forecast for us. Storms are inevitable. But we also have the confident assurance that the Lord will shelter us in the storms. He will not always use the same methods to protect us, but He will do so. At times He will allow the storms to pass by on each side while we are protected in the palm of His hand. At other times He will permit us to go through some violent storm. I think He does this to show how true believers should react when our world is turned upside down. Do you want peace in the midst of your storm? Place your trust in the Lord and do not allow the storm to shake your faith. Praise the Lord that He is greater than any storm we will encounter!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
"Loose Cannons"
Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles. Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. (1 Timothy 1:18-19 NLT).
Victor Hugo, who is famous for his novel the Hunchback of Notre Dame, also wrote a story called Ninety-Three. It tells of a ship caught in a dangerous storm on the high seas. At the height of the storm, the frightened sailors heard a terrible crashing noise below the deck. They knew at once that this new noise came from a cannon, part of the ship's cargo, that had broken loose. It was moving back and forth with the swaying of the ship, crashing into the side of the ship with terrible impact. Knowing that it could cause the ship to sink, two brave sailors volunteered to make the dangerous attempt to retie the loose cannon. They knew the danger of a shipwreck from the cannon was greater than the fury of the storm.
Life's can certainly be like that. Not always, but more often than not, it isn't the storms without that cause us the most problems, but the storms that rage within us. A spirit of bitterness, jealousy, pride, or greed can shipwreck our lives. There are others like unresolved hurt, anger, a lack of forgiveness, guilt, or lust. These, if not confronted and resolved, can readily cause shipwreck of our relations, our faith, or even our life.
There are two things the Apostle Paul encourages Timothy to do to prevent such a shipwreck. First, he says to cling to your faith. It is our faith in the finished work of Christ that seals the promise of eternal life that allows us to move forward, even in the most difficult of season without becoming allowing any of these motions to control us. Knowing that our future is secure gives us hope. And, hope is our best weapon against anything we may face now. Hope secures our present because we know that our future is already determined!
The second thing that Paul says is to keep your conscience clear. This is a matter of being “caught up” in your forgiveness. That includes forgiving others and yourself. Forgiveness from God is the beginning point of course. However, Jesus has already secured that for us in the cross, ask for it. Then apply that forgiveness to yourself and others. This is not excusing the behavior. It is setting the stage for genuine renewal and transformation. Take care of your loose cannons today and secure your ship!
Victor Hugo, who is famous for his novel the Hunchback of Notre Dame, also wrote a story called Ninety-Three. It tells of a ship caught in a dangerous storm on the high seas. At the height of the storm, the frightened sailors heard a terrible crashing noise below the deck. They knew at once that this new noise came from a cannon, part of the ship's cargo, that had broken loose. It was moving back and forth with the swaying of the ship, crashing into the side of the ship with terrible impact. Knowing that it could cause the ship to sink, two brave sailors volunteered to make the dangerous attempt to retie the loose cannon. They knew the danger of a shipwreck from the cannon was greater than the fury of the storm.
Life's can certainly be like that. Not always, but more often than not, it isn't the storms without that cause us the most problems, but the storms that rage within us. A spirit of bitterness, jealousy, pride, or greed can shipwreck our lives. There are others like unresolved hurt, anger, a lack of forgiveness, guilt, or lust. These, if not confronted and resolved, can readily cause shipwreck of our relations, our faith, or even our life.
There are two things the Apostle Paul encourages Timothy to do to prevent such a shipwreck. First, he says to cling to your faith. It is our faith in the finished work of Christ that seals the promise of eternal life that allows us to move forward, even in the most difficult of season without becoming allowing any of these motions to control us. Knowing that our future is secure gives us hope. And, hope is our best weapon against anything we may face now. Hope secures our present because we know that our future is already determined!
The second thing that Paul says is to keep your conscience clear. This is a matter of being “caught up” in your forgiveness. That includes forgiving others and yourself. Forgiveness from God is the beginning point of course. However, Jesus has already secured that for us in the cross, ask for it. Then apply that forgiveness to yourself and others. This is not excusing the behavior. It is setting the stage for genuine renewal and transformation. Take care of your loose cannons today and secure your ship!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
"Eternal Security"
If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31-39 NIV).
It is always a little difficult to attempt to do justice to a complex theological doctrine in such a short space as the Morning Devotionals, however I am compelled to spend a moment in thought about how we are eternally secure!
Watchman Nee tells about a new convert who came in deep distress to see him. "No matter how much I pray, no matter how hard I try, I simply cannot seem to be faithful to my Lord. I think I'm losing my salvation." Nee said, "Do you see this dog here? He is my dog. He is house-trained; he never makes a mess; he is obedient; he is a pure delight to me. Out in the kitchen I have a son, a baby son. He makes a mess, he throws his food around, he fouls his clothes, he is a total mess. But who is going to inherit my kingdom? Not my dog; my son is my heir. You are Jesus Christ's heir because it is for you that He died." We are Christ's heirs, not through our perfection but by means of His grace.
I know it is easy to ask, “So what?” Well, for me it is entirely the central principle around which I build my hope and joy in the present. To know that my future is secure makes my present so much easier to deal with in the face of trial and challenge. When I face these moments that sometimes threaten to shake the very foundation of my hope, I can remember that Paul said NOTHING can separate me from the love of my eternal Father, not in this world or the next!
Our world is different than that. I have heard the story told of a manager and a sales rep standing looking at a map on which colored pins indicate the company representative in each area. "I'm not going to fire you, Wilson," the manager says, "but I'm loosening your pin a bit just to emphasize the insecurity of your situation." Let me tell you that because of the work of Christ on the cross, your “pin” is never loosened! That ought to make you smile inside and out! We are eternally secure!
It is always a little difficult to attempt to do justice to a complex theological doctrine in such a short space as the Morning Devotionals, however I am compelled to spend a moment in thought about how we are eternally secure!
Watchman Nee tells about a new convert who came in deep distress to see him. "No matter how much I pray, no matter how hard I try, I simply cannot seem to be faithful to my Lord. I think I'm losing my salvation." Nee said, "Do you see this dog here? He is my dog. He is house-trained; he never makes a mess; he is obedient; he is a pure delight to me. Out in the kitchen I have a son, a baby son. He makes a mess, he throws his food around, he fouls his clothes, he is a total mess. But who is going to inherit my kingdom? Not my dog; my son is my heir. You are Jesus Christ's heir because it is for you that He died." We are Christ's heirs, not through our perfection but by means of His grace.
I know it is easy to ask, “So what?” Well, for me it is entirely the central principle around which I build my hope and joy in the present. To know that my future is secure makes my present so much easier to deal with in the face of trial and challenge. When I face these moments that sometimes threaten to shake the very foundation of my hope, I can remember that Paul said NOTHING can separate me from the love of my eternal Father, not in this world or the next!
Our world is different than that. I have heard the story told of a manager and a sales rep standing looking at a map on which colored pins indicate the company representative in each area. "I'm not going to fire you, Wilson," the manager says, "but I'm loosening your pin a bit just to emphasize the insecurity of your situation." Let me tell you that because of the work of Christ on the cross, your “pin” is never loosened! That ought to make you smile inside and out! We are eternally secure!
Friday, August 13, 2010
"Imitate Love"
Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed. Even now we go hungry and thirsty, and we don’t have enough clothes to keep warm. We are often beaten and have no home. We work wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us. We appeal gently when evil things are said about us. Yet we are treated like the world’s garbage, like everybody’s trash—right up to the present moment. I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. So I urge you to imitate me. (1 Corinthians 4:10-16 NLT).
Today’s devotional announces a little bonus as well as an important truth. Soon I will be able to email you an mpeg file of some highlights of messages I have preached through the years. The entire sermon seems to be too big to email and I have not found a way to post them yet. We will be working on that also. That’s the announcement, here’s the truth: There is far more power in imitation rooted in love than blind obedience rooted in fear.
My favorite activity as a youngster was accompanying my Dad fishing. He was either incredibly lucky or very skillful. We always caught as many as we wanted. He always caught more than I did. I remember those days as if they were yesterday. We would rise early and drive to the pier to get some live shrimp for bait and then make our way to the flats off the coast of Galveston. The water was always warm, so we merely waded into the water with our bait boxes in tow. He always wore a baseball style cap, cocked to one side. I never knew why and never thought to question it. I would watch his every move. I tried to imitate each one. I wore my cap the same; waded out to the same spot; baited the hook the same; cast to the same place; and worked the line just as he did. I remember when he’d catch a fish and I wouldn’t, I’d ask, “What’s wrong?” He’d smile his crooked smile and with a glint in his eye, he’d reply, “I guess you’re not holding your mouth right!”
I never did outfish him, but I still tried to imitate his every move. The interesting thing is that I did that not because of some rule or law that he had issued. He never said that I must do the things he did in order to be successful. He simply led the way and my love for him made me want to follow. That’s the point of being a disciple of Christ. He didn’t give us laws and rules; He gave us Himself in grace. Paul caught that and led others the same way. My great hope for you is that you will stop working on your “checklist” of right things to do and begin falling in love with your Savior as never before. If you do that, you’ll do all the right things, but they will come far more easily to you and bring far greater results. Give it a try! Imitate Love!
Today’s devotional announces a little bonus as well as an important truth. Soon I will be able to email you an mpeg file of some highlights of messages I have preached through the years. The entire sermon seems to be too big to email and I have not found a way to post them yet. We will be working on that also. That’s the announcement, here’s the truth: There is far more power in imitation rooted in love than blind obedience rooted in fear.
My favorite activity as a youngster was accompanying my Dad fishing. He was either incredibly lucky or very skillful. We always caught as many as we wanted. He always caught more than I did. I remember those days as if they were yesterday. We would rise early and drive to the pier to get some live shrimp for bait and then make our way to the flats off the coast of Galveston. The water was always warm, so we merely waded into the water with our bait boxes in tow. He always wore a baseball style cap, cocked to one side. I never knew why and never thought to question it. I would watch his every move. I tried to imitate each one. I wore my cap the same; waded out to the same spot; baited the hook the same; cast to the same place; and worked the line just as he did. I remember when he’d catch a fish and I wouldn’t, I’d ask, “What’s wrong?” He’d smile his crooked smile and with a glint in his eye, he’d reply, “I guess you’re not holding your mouth right!”
I never did outfish him, but I still tried to imitate his every move. The interesting thing is that I did that not because of some rule or law that he had issued. He never said that I must do the things he did in order to be successful. He simply led the way and my love for him made me want to follow. That’s the point of being a disciple of Christ. He didn’t give us laws and rules; He gave us Himself in grace. Paul caught that and led others the same way. My great hope for you is that you will stop working on your “checklist” of right things to do and begin falling in love with your Savior as never before. If you do that, you’ll do all the right things, but they will come far more easily to you and bring far greater results. Give it a try! Imitate Love!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
"For His Glory"
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. (John 9:1-7 NIV).
Today’s reading is one of my favorite miracles. It not only teaches the principle of Jesus’ power and sovereignty, but also His compassion and grace. The disciples brought a blind man to Jesus and wanted to know why the man was blind. The man had been blind since birth and the disciples were trying to figure out the reason for it. They wondered if the man's parents had sinned and the man was subsequently being punished for it. They also considered the man's own sins possibly resulting in the punishment of blindness. Jesus gave the disciples an astonishing answer. He said (in my own paraphrased version), "this was allowed to happen to him so that it might bring glory to God." Just as Jesus spoke those words, He healed the man of his blindness.
As a result of the healing, many things happened. The man spread word of Jesus' power to perform an amazing miracle. The Lord was given credit for healing him, resulting in more people believing in God. Most importantly, a story was created that we might read about thousands of years later in an effort to learn more about the character of God. All these things happened as a result of a few moments with Jesus. Imagine; the man spent a life of difficulty dealing with his blindness, all so Jesus could heal him at that exact moment. It is crazy to think that God would orchestrate that in the man's life before he was even born, but it is exactly what happened. The man's life and blindness were intended for glory. The Lord had something in mind and it required someone living almost an entire lifetime with blindness. All this was planned in order that God might be praised through a miracle moment.
This puts new light on the situation that you are going through right now. Maybe you didn't sin and maybe no one did anything wrong. Maybe all that is occurring in your life is an effort to create a crazy, beautiful story that will bring glory to God. In everything that happens for you, God is at work and He wants ALL of it to point to Him. Every situation in your life is an opportunity to bring Glory to God, no matter how big the miracle required to turn it around. In fact, the bigger the miracle, the bigger the story, and the more glory it brings to the Lord. The next time you question all the things in your life, consider that God is at work, setting you up for a moment in time with Jesus. Get ready. When your miracle happens, it's going to be big; get ready to praise Him. After all, it was intended for glory.
Today’s reading is one of my favorite miracles. It not only teaches the principle of Jesus’ power and sovereignty, but also His compassion and grace. The disciples brought a blind man to Jesus and wanted to know why the man was blind. The man had been blind since birth and the disciples were trying to figure out the reason for it. They wondered if the man's parents had sinned and the man was subsequently being punished for it. They also considered the man's own sins possibly resulting in the punishment of blindness. Jesus gave the disciples an astonishing answer. He said (in my own paraphrased version), "this was allowed to happen to him so that it might bring glory to God." Just as Jesus spoke those words, He healed the man of his blindness.
As a result of the healing, many things happened. The man spread word of Jesus' power to perform an amazing miracle. The Lord was given credit for healing him, resulting in more people believing in God. Most importantly, a story was created that we might read about thousands of years later in an effort to learn more about the character of God. All these things happened as a result of a few moments with Jesus. Imagine; the man spent a life of difficulty dealing with his blindness, all so Jesus could heal him at that exact moment. It is crazy to think that God would orchestrate that in the man's life before he was even born, but it is exactly what happened. The man's life and blindness were intended for glory. The Lord had something in mind and it required someone living almost an entire lifetime with blindness. All this was planned in order that God might be praised through a miracle moment.
This puts new light on the situation that you are going through right now. Maybe you didn't sin and maybe no one did anything wrong. Maybe all that is occurring in your life is an effort to create a crazy, beautiful story that will bring glory to God. In everything that happens for you, God is at work and He wants ALL of it to point to Him. Every situation in your life is an opportunity to bring Glory to God, no matter how big the miracle required to turn it around. In fact, the bigger the miracle, the bigger the story, and the more glory it brings to the Lord. The next time you question all the things in your life, consider that God is at work, setting you up for a moment in time with Jesus. Get ready. When your miracle happens, it's going to be big; get ready to praise Him. After all, it was intended for glory.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
"Shin Splints"
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. (1 Corinthians 12:12-18 NIV).
After extensive tests to make sure that I didn’t have a stress fracture or a blood clot in my right leg, the doctors have agreed with my diagnosis. I have shin splints. I won’t spend the time here talking about the cost of the tests to “make sure” I didn’t have a life threatening issue, however I am reminded of the truth in our reading today: when one part of the body, no matter how seemingly insignificant, doesn’t work as it should, it affects the entire body!
According to Wikipedia shin splints is a general medical term denoting medial tibial stress syndrome, a slow healing and painful condition in the shins, often caused by the stresses of running, jumping, dancing, and sprinting. A possible contributing cause of shin muscle pain is the relative weakness of the muscles on the front of the lower leg (the shin), compared to the relative strength of the calf muscles, at the back of the leg (the calf). Shin-muscle strengthening exercises usually are prescribed to balance the muscle-strength imbalance. The shin pain caused by medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints) usually lasts some ten days, the pain slowly diminishing as the muscle-strength imbalance is corrected. The shin pain is attributed to a forced extension of the muscle, by the opposing calf muscles.
Now, I have not been running (probably should have been), nor have I been marching (that was way too long ago)! However, my part time job puts me on concrete floors and doing a lot of walking. That, plus bad shoes, initiated the condition. Wikipedia is right about one thing, it is painful. And, I have a very high threshold for pain! That one little ribbon of muscle hurts the entire right side of my lower torso! What in the world! Well, here’s the truth that needs to be imprinted firmly in our hearts… all of us have a very important role in the body of Christ. When one part doesn’t work right, all of the body is affected. I’m convinced that when the “part” doesn’t work right, it is not due to disobedience. Usually it happens because of ignorance or the experience of a past hurt or failure. So, here’s the solution. Let God heal your heart and enlighten your mind. Discover your gifts and use them. Discover His grace and apply it in your life! Spiritual shin splints aren’t good for anyone!
After extensive tests to make sure that I didn’t have a stress fracture or a blood clot in my right leg, the doctors have agreed with my diagnosis. I have shin splints. I won’t spend the time here talking about the cost of the tests to “make sure” I didn’t have a life threatening issue, however I am reminded of the truth in our reading today: when one part of the body, no matter how seemingly insignificant, doesn’t work as it should, it affects the entire body!
According to Wikipedia shin splints is a general medical term denoting medial tibial stress syndrome, a slow healing and painful condition in the shins, often caused by the stresses of running, jumping, dancing, and sprinting. A possible contributing cause of shin muscle pain is the relative weakness of the muscles on the front of the lower leg (the shin), compared to the relative strength of the calf muscles, at the back of the leg (the calf). Shin-muscle strengthening exercises usually are prescribed to balance the muscle-strength imbalance. The shin pain caused by medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints) usually lasts some ten days, the pain slowly diminishing as the muscle-strength imbalance is corrected. The shin pain is attributed to a forced extension of the muscle, by the opposing calf muscles.
Now, I have not been running (probably should have been), nor have I been marching (that was way too long ago)! However, my part time job puts me on concrete floors and doing a lot of walking. That, plus bad shoes, initiated the condition. Wikipedia is right about one thing, it is painful. And, I have a very high threshold for pain! That one little ribbon of muscle hurts the entire right side of my lower torso! What in the world! Well, here’s the truth that needs to be imprinted firmly in our hearts… all of us have a very important role in the body of Christ. When one part doesn’t work right, all of the body is affected. I’m convinced that when the “part” doesn’t work right, it is not due to disobedience. Usually it happens because of ignorance or the experience of a past hurt or failure. So, here’s the solution. Let God heal your heart and enlighten your mind. Discover your gifts and use them. Discover His grace and apply it in your life! Spiritual shin splints aren’t good for anyone!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
"Shalom"
The Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites.’” Say to them: ‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.’” (Numbers 6:22-26 NIV).
In 1979, a silver amulet was discovered by archaeologists in a Jerusalem tomb. Inscribed on the silver foil, which dates to the seventh century B.C., were the words of this benediction of our reading today. It is the oldest known quotation from Scripture. Some have called it the great Aaronic blessing, in which it is God’s desire for his blessings to fall on those who were faithful so that they could experience peace and
wholeness in their relationship with God. It is also know as the Lord's Prayer of the Old Testament. It is also strikingly similar to the old Irish Blessing so many have known through the centuries.
For me it has become a short blessing which can be recited much like the Serenity Prayer when we need a reminder of who God is and how he acts toward us. He blesses us; he cares for us; he is gracious to us; he is present with us; and he brings peace into our lives. Each verse conveys two elements of benediction, and the verses
are progressively longer. It is a hopeful prayer. If ever there was a time when hope was necessary, today is such a time. There are five parts to the blessing:
First, it speaks of their hope that God would “bless and keep” them. This is a way of asking God to show favor on them and protect them.
Second, it speaks of the desire for God to “make His face shine on them.” This is a request for God to be pleased with them. It is all inclusive of actions, as well as motivations.
Third, it speaks of a desire for God to be “gracious” to them. This is perhaps my favorite part of the blessing. We ought to ask God for His mercy and compassion. He is the only real source of either.
Fourth, it speaks of their desire for God to “turn His face toward them.” It is a prayer asking for God’s approval.
Fifth, it speaks of a desire for God to grant His “peace.” Jesus said he would give us peace, not like the world gives it, but like His heavenly Father. That’s peace that allows us to do more the merely endure. It allows us to overcome!
When you ask God to bless others or yourself, you should ask him to do these five things. The blessing you offer will not only help the one receiving it, it will also bless you. The simple words of this blessing reflect God's desire for his people. He is the source all blessings, grace, and peace in life; only through a relationship with this God can we hope to experience the fullness of life described here. The blessing builds toward that final word – peace. The beautiful Hebrew word shalom used here means much more than an absence of conflict. It implies a complete sense of well-being, health, and contentment. God offers this to anyone who is willing to follow him, and especially to those whose lives have been bruised and broken. So, if you see me and my greeting to you is not “Good Morning” but “Shalom” please understand that I’m not Jewish; I merely desire for you to have all of the peace of God! Shalom!
In 1979, a silver amulet was discovered by archaeologists in a Jerusalem tomb. Inscribed on the silver foil, which dates to the seventh century B.C., were the words of this benediction of our reading today. It is the oldest known quotation from Scripture. Some have called it the great Aaronic blessing, in which it is God’s desire for his blessings to fall on those who were faithful so that they could experience peace and
wholeness in their relationship with God. It is also know as the Lord's Prayer of the Old Testament. It is also strikingly similar to the old Irish Blessing so many have known through the centuries.
For me it has become a short blessing which can be recited much like the Serenity Prayer when we need a reminder of who God is and how he acts toward us. He blesses us; he cares for us; he is gracious to us; he is present with us; and he brings peace into our lives. Each verse conveys two elements of benediction, and the verses
are progressively longer. It is a hopeful prayer. If ever there was a time when hope was necessary, today is such a time. There are five parts to the blessing:
First, it speaks of their hope that God would “bless and keep” them. This is a way of asking God to show favor on them and protect them.
Second, it speaks of the desire for God to “make His face shine on them.” This is a request for God to be pleased with them. It is all inclusive of actions, as well as motivations.
Third, it speaks of a desire for God to be “gracious” to them. This is perhaps my favorite part of the blessing. We ought to ask God for His mercy and compassion. He is the only real source of either.
Fourth, it speaks of their desire for God to “turn His face toward them.” It is a prayer asking for God’s approval.
Fifth, it speaks of a desire for God to grant His “peace.” Jesus said he would give us peace, not like the world gives it, but like His heavenly Father. That’s peace that allows us to do more the merely endure. It allows us to overcome!
When you ask God to bless others or yourself, you should ask him to do these five things. The blessing you offer will not only help the one receiving it, it will also bless you. The simple words of this blessing reflect God's desire for his people. He is the source all blessings, grace, and peace in life; only through a relationship with this God can we hope to experience the fullness of life described here. The blessing builds toward that final word – peace. The beautiful Hebrew word shalom used here means much more than an absence of conflict. It implies a complete sense of well-being, health, and contentment. God offers this to anyone who is willing to follow him, and especially to those whose lives have been bruised and broken. So, if you see me and my greeting to you is not “Good Morning” but “Shalom” please understand that I’m not Jewish; I merely desire for you to have all of the peace of God! Shalom!
Monday, August 9, 2010
"Animal Crackers"
OK, I know the last two days have been a little strange, even by my standards! But, sometimes some stuff just catches my attention and God speaks to me. Barnum’s Animal Crackers just happen to be that thing today. I had a box the other day. It just seemed like a “good” snack at the time. As I was eating them I started looking at the various animal shapes. I wondered how many there were? So, I did a little research. I know you are thinking that I have WAY too much time on my hands, but stay with me. They first were produced in 1902. Some claim that there have been a total of 53 different animals while others place the number at 37. Regardless, the current cookie-count regarding different animal shapes in boxes today is 19. These include: 2 bears (one sitting and one standing), a bison, a camel, a cougar, an elephant, a giraffe, a gorilla, a hippo, a hyena, a kangaroo, a koala bear, a lion, a monkey, a rhinoceros, a seal, a sheep, a tiger and a zebra. By the way, the only animals to make it through the entire lifetime of Barnum’s Animal Crackers are bears, elephants, lions and tigers. Some species have seemingly gone extinct over the years. There were only eighteen for the longest time, but for the cracker’s 100th anniversary, a survey was asked as to which animal shape the public would like to see added into the mix. The choices were: koala bear, penguin, walrus or cobra. Thank goodness the koala bear won and the cobra came in last place. As bad as I hate snakes, I’d never be able to open another box if it were included! And here’s the point: When man creates, it will always fall miserably short of God’s work. Here’s our Scripture reading today:
God spoke: "Swarm, Ocean, with fish and all sea life! Birds, fly through the sky over Earth!" God created the huge whales, all the swarm of life in the waters, and every kind and species of flying birds. God saw that it was good. God spoke: "Earth, generate life! Every sort and kind: cattle and reptiles and wild animals—all kinds." And there it was: wild animals of every kind, cattle of all kinds, every sort of reptile and bug. God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:20-25 The Message).
Without getting into a deep discussion of how many and how, let me just say that today conservative estimates of the number of species of animal life numbers somewhere around 1.25 million! I’m amazed by that. God, who created everything, more than we can see, know, or imagine, reached down to me and reconciled me to Himself by the blood of His only Son. To think that God cared so much about me is amazing. To realize that God could have just as easily started over, but didn’t, is grace!
Now, if God cares that much about me to redeem me by this indescribable work of grace how can I ever doubt that He will care for my every need? Nothing escapes His attention. He knows before I even ask. But, when I ask, He answers! What do you need to ask today?
God spoke: "Swarm, Ocean, with fish and all sea life! Birds, fly through the sky over Earth!" God created the huge whales, all the swarm of life in the waters, and every kind and species of flying birds. God saw that it was good. God spoke: "Earth, generate life! Every sort and kind: cattle and reptiles and wild animals—all kinds." And there it was: wild animals of every kind, cattle of all kinds, every sort of reptile and bug. God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:20-25 The Message).
Without getting into a deep discussion of how many and how, let me just say that today conservative estimates of the number of species of animal life numbers somewhere around 1.25 million! I’m amazed by that. God, who created everything, more than we can see, know, or imagine, reached down to me and reconciled me to Himself by the blood of His only Son. To think that God cared so much about me is amazing. To realize that God could have just as easily started over, but didn’t, is grace!
Now, if God cares that much about me to redeem me by this indescribable work of grace how can I ever doubt that He will care for my every need? Nothing escapes His attention. He knows before I even ask. But, when I ask, He answers! What do you need to ask today?
Sunday, August 8, 2010
"A Better Life"
There are some “strange” things that happen from time to time that cause me to think, “Hmmmmm?” One of them is the report from Glendale, Arizona. Bianca Lopez of Glendale said a pancake with the face of the Virgin Mary brought her peace (picture of the pancake available). It seems while making a batch of pancakes for her family the day before Thanksgiving, she spotted the religious image on her final pancake of the day. "I think it's God's way of telling us that the holidays aren't just about presents, it's about more spending time with your family and friends and telling us to not forget about him, that he's always there watching over us and taking care of us," Lopez told ABC's Phoenix Arizona affiliate.
Whether it is indeed a picture of Mary in the pancake or not; the message is certainly true. God has been trying to tell us for thousands of years that His desire is for us to focus on the real priorities in life. Family IS more important than presents. Holidays ought to be more about spending time with family and friends than getting that “perfect gift.” We ought to spend more time remembering the wonder of the grace of God than worrying about the present difficulties we may be going through. That’s certainly what Jesus meant in this reading:
Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again. "I'll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good—sheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep didn't listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for—will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. (John 10:6-10 The Message).
Jesus came that we might have a better life! That kind of life ought to spill over into our families, our churches, and our friends. You know, I don’t need a picture in a pancake to be able to know that message. I don’t doubt that some do; and, that God is capable of placing an image in a pancake to convey it to some folks. But, here’s the real key: Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He is the gate to this new life that is better than anyone can imagine. Maybe you’ve missed that message recently. Perhaps you’ve had so many other things to cloud your vision that it seems too dark to see more than a few inches ahead. Could you consider this devotional today as your image in a pancake? The truth is that no matter how bad things seem, for the child of God, they will only get better! While the season of your trial seems interminably long and your struggle terribly difficult, God’s promise is to walk with you through every moment and bring you to eternal life that is better than can ever dream of! Trust Him for your next step. He won’t let you down!
Whether it is indeed a picture of Mary in the pancake or not; the message is certainly true. God has been trying to tell us for thousands of years that His desire is for us to focus on the real priorities in life. Family IS more important than presents. Holidays ought to be more about spending time with family and friends than getting that “perfect gift.” We ought to spend more time remembering the wonder of the grace of God than worrying about the present difficulties we may be going through. That’s certainly what Jesus meant in this reading:
Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again. "I'll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good—sheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep didn't listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for—will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. (John 10:6-10 The Message).
Jesus came that we might have a better life! That kind of life ought to spill over into our families, our churches, and our friends. You know, I don’t need a picture in a pancake to be able to know that message. I don’t doubt that some do; and, that God is capable of placing an image in a pancake to convey it to some folks. But, here’s the real key: Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He is the gate to this new life that is better than anyone can imagine. Maybe you’ve missed that message recently. Perhaps you’ve had so many other things to cloud your vision that it seems too dark to see more than a few inches ahead. Could you consider this devotional today as your image in a pancake? The truth is that no matter how bad things seem, for the child of God, they will only get better! While the season of your trial seems interminably long and your struggle terribly difficult, God’s promise is to walk with you through every moment and bring you to eternal life that is better than can ever dream of! Trust Him for your next step. He won’t let you down!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
"DNA"
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. (Psalm 139:13-15 NLT).
The illustration at left is a cross-sectional view of our DNA! Looks a lot like a grand stained glass window, doesn’t it? Recently, as I was reading The Grand Weaver, by Ravi Zacharias (which I highly recommend), he mentioned the design of God in our lives and referenced this picture. I had to see it for myself! It is truly incredible to think of how intricately planned and designed each of us are in the mind of God. And, everyone has a different DNA. Their stained glass window will unique to them alone. Certainly the psalmist recognized that truth in our reading today. We are “wonderfully complex.” The question rises, “What difference does that make?” Well, I can think of at least two important things.
1. First, it means that we are not an accident in creation. We are an intentional act of God. Think of it. When God decided to form me, he foreordained every detail of my physical, intellectual, and emotional makeup. Mary compliments me by saying that I really don’t have gray hair. “It’s more silver,” she says. That’s her way of saying that she likes it and it’s attractive. Personally I just think it makes me look old; but, if she likes it, I’m in! The point is that God decided it would be that color as I aged. Of course I can chemically alter that color and there’s nothing wrong with that. But, take it to a deeper level. Since we are not an accident, God has a design and purpose in mind for every detail of our life. That’s a great comfort for me as I face the inevitable difficulties of aging. God has a use for that too!
2. Second, it means I am vital to God’s plan and purpose. If I were not important, then why create me in the first place? That brings hope and encouragement to me. I know that physical illness and infirmity are not a part of God’s ultimate plan. He intended for us to be eternal beings just as He is, but through sin, death and decay has taken its toll. However, death and decay are not the end. God has seen to that as well in His plan. As Zacharias says, “It brings order out of chaos.”
This is the God I can trust with all that I am and hope to be. This is the measure of His grace. The next time you compare yourself to someone else, in any area, physically, intellectually, or emotionally, remember that you are VERY special in God’s plan and purpose. It’s in your DNA! He has made you wonderful! Never doubt it for a moment!
The illustration at left is a cross-sectional view of our DNA! Looks a lot like a grand stained glass window, doesn’t it? Recently, as I was reading The Grand Weaver, by Ravi Zacharias (which I highly recommend), he mentioned the design of God in our lives and referenced this picture. I had to see it for myself! It is truly incredible to think of how intricately planned and designed each of us are in the mind of God. And, everyone has a different DNA. Their stained glass window will unique to them alone. Certainly the psalmist recognized that truth in our reading today. We are “wonderfully complex.” The question rises, “What difference does that make?” Well, I can think of at least two important things.
1. First, it means that we are not an accident in creation. We are an intentional act of God. Think of it. When God decided to form me, he foreordained every detail of my physical, intellectual, and emotional makeup. Mary compliments me by saying that I really don’t have gray hair. “It’s more silver,” she says. That’s her way of saying that she likes it and it’s attractive. Personally I just think it makes me look old; but, if she likes it, I’m in! The point is that God decided it would be that color as I aged. Of course I can chemically alter that color and there’s nothing wrong with that. But, take it to a deeper level. Since we are not an accident, God has a design and purpose in mind for every detail of our life. That’s a great comfort for me as I face the inevitable difficulties of aging. God has a use for that too!
2. Second, it means I am vital to God’s plan and purpose. If I were not important, then why create me in the first place? That brings hope and encouragement to me. I know that physical illness and infirmity are not a part of God’s ultimate plan. He intended for us to be eternal beings just as He is, but through sin, death and decay has taken its toll. However, death and decay are not the end. God has seen to that as well in His plan. As Zacharias says, “It brings order out of chaos.”
This is the God I can trust with all that I am and hope to be. This is the measure of His grace. The next time you compare yourself to someone else, in any area, physically, intellectually, or emotionally, remember that you are VERY special in God’s plan and purpose. It’s in your DNA! He has made you wonderful! Never doubt it for a moment!
Friday, August 6, 2010
"The Remaining Spark"
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (Romans 5:1-5 NIV).
I happened on an illustration that appeared in a publication promoting a transition ministry for people who have recently been released from prison in London. The painting showed a small child blowing on a dying ember with the following words written beneath: Perhaps there remains a spark! It certainly fits the ministry of this half-way house, but I would remind you that it also fits the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is this hope that we have been given that allows us to recognize victory in every trial.
I know that your first reaction might be that you haven’t been victorious over every trial. In fact, some of them might have knocked you done to your knees or worse. You may have been hurt in a way that you cannot possibly imagine any good coming from it. And, from my own experience I would agree with you in the short term. That’s where the rub really comes. We live so rooted in the present that it is extremely difficult to get past it to see how God could possibly bring victory in the future.
The story is told how one night at dinner a man, who had spent many summers in Maine, fascinated his companions by telling of his experiences in a little town named Flagstaff. The town was to be flooded, as part of a large lake for which a dam was being built. In the months before it was to be flooded, all improvements and repairs in the whole town were stopped. What was the use of painting a house if it were to be covered with water in six months? Why repair anything when the whole village was to be wiped out? So, week by week, the whole town became more and more bedraggled, more gone to seed, more woebegone. Then he added by way of explanation: "Where there is no faith in the future, there is no power in the present." That’s the principle! We can manage to overcome the trials of the present because we know the outcome for the future.
I read the following from an unknown author recently: "Hope has something to offset every discouragement. It gathers the sunbeams from near and far and causes them to shine upon the pathway. It rings a bell of gladness in the dull ears of those who are struggling in the valley.” Hope… that’s the remaining spark!
I happened on an illustration that appeared in a publication promoting a transition ministry for people who have recently been released from prison in London. The painting showed a small child blowing on a dying ember with the following words written beneath: Perhaps there remains a spark! It certainly fits the ministry of this half-way house, but I would remind you that it also fits the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is this hope that we have been given that allows us to recognize victory in every trial.
I know that your first reaction might be that you haven’t been victorious over every trial. In fact, some of them might have knocked you done to your knees or worse. You may have been hurt in a way that you cannot possibly imagine any good coming from it. And, from my own experience I would agree with you in the short term. That’s where the rub really comes. We live so rooted in the present that it is extremely difficult to get past it to see how God could possibly bring victory in the future.
The story is told how one night at dinner a man, who had spent many summers in Maine, fascinated his companions by telling of his experiences in a little town named Flagstaff. The town was to be flooded, as part of a large lake for which a dam was being built. In the months before it was to be flooded, all improvements and repairs in the whole town were stopped. What was the use of painting a house if it were to be covered with water in six months? Why repair anything when the whole village was to be wiped out? So, week by week, the whole town became more and more bedraggled, more gone to seed, more woebegone. Then he added by way of explanation: "Where there is no faith in the future, there is no power in the present." That’s the principle! We can manage to overcome the trials of the present because we know the outcome for the future.
I read the following from an unknown author recently: "Hope has something to offset every discouragement. It gathers the sunbeams from near and far and causes them to shine upon the pathway. It rings a bell of gladness in the dull ears of those who are struggling in the valley.” Hope… that’s the remaining spark!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
"A Tender Message of Grace"
Every so often I like to explore other translations and paraphrases of the Scripture in my daily readings. I found one today that caught me by surprise:
Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly. "The Father has given me all these things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does. But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen. Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (Matthew 11:27-30 The Message).
It is a very familiar and often quoted passage of Scripture; however, I doubt you’ve heard this version quoted very often. I know I haven’t. It speaks of Jesus’ tender message of grace. Isn’t it interesting how Jesus always knew how to locate people? These words spoken thousands of years ago still transcend all time and still apply to us today. It's amazing that over all these centuries, humans repeatedly struggle with the same issues. It seems our trials simply cycle and come back around during every generation. People get tired, worn out, and in some cases, burned out. He knew that and He knew the answer to our weariness.
The key is in what Jesus brought to us. Jesus brings relationship, not religion. The differences between the two are interesting. Religion is a belief system or conviction that one follows and adheres to; while relationship is a connection or bond between two parties. A person can have a conviction they follow based on their relationship with another. But in our own strength, it's difficult to live out a belief system when there's no relationship to encourage us. So, Jesus says, “Come to me.” He wants us to enter into a relationship with Him that transcends the man-made or self-imposed rules of religion. After all, it's the duties of religion in the absence of grace that wear people out.
He then invites us to “take His yoke.” The Message says, “Walk with me and work with me.” Jesus is not advocating the absence of religion, He is defining real religion. When we feel worn out or on the verge of burn out, it's a sure indicator we have either been doing things in our own strength or trying to carry out an assignment God didn't give us. So check yourself: Are you weary and heavy laden? If the answer is “yes,” then walk with Jesus and work with Him. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. That’s how you can learn to live freely and lightly!
Read the passage again… this time slowly! Aren’t you ready to get away with Him? You can right now in prayer!
Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly. "The Father has given me all these things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does. But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen. Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (Matthew 11:27-30 The Message).
It is a very familiar and often quoted passage of Scripture; however, I doubt you’ve heard this version quoted very often. I know I haven’t. It speaks of Jesus’ tender message of grace. Isn’t it interesting how Jesus always knew how to locate people? These words spoken thousands of years ago still transcend all time and still apply to us today. It's amazing that over all these centuries, humans repeatedly struggle with the same issues. It seems our trials simply cycle and come back around during every generation. People get tired, worn out, and in some cases, burned out. He knew that and He knew the answer to our weariness.
The key is in what Jesus brought to us. Jesus brings relationship, not religion. The differences between the two are interesting. Religion is a belief system or conviction that one follows and adheres to; while relationship is a connection or bond between two parties. A person can have a conviction they follow based on their relationship with another. But in our own strength, it's difficult to live out a belief system when there's no relationship to encourage us. So, Jesus says, “Come to me.” He wants us to enter into a relationship with Him that transcends the man-made or self-imposed rules of religion. After all, it's the duties of religion in the absence of grace that wear people out.
He then invites us to “take His yoke.” The Message says, “Walk with me and work with me.” Jesus is not advocating the absence of religion, He is defining real religion. When we feel worn out or on the verge of burn out, it's a sure indicator we have either been doing things in our own strength or trying to carry out an assignment God didn't give us. So check yourself: Are you weary and heavy laden? If the answer is “yes,” then walk with Jesus and work with Him. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. That’s how you can learn to live freely and lightly!
Read the passage again… this time slowly! Aren’t you ready to get away with Him? You can right now in prayer!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
"Saying Something Nice"
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:1-4 NIV).
I love the story I read the other day from an old file I had taken from a 1992 issue of Bits and Pieces. In it the story is told of a hunt during quail season in Georgia, as an Atlanta journalist met an old farmer hunting with an ancient pointer at his side. Twice the dog ran rheumatically ahead and pointed. Twice his master fired into the open air. When the journalist saw no birds rise, he asked the farmer for an explanation. "Shucks," grinned the old man, "I knew there weren't no birds in that grass. Spot's nose ain't what it used to be but him and me have had some wonderful times together. He's still doing the best he can -- and it'd be mighty mean of me to call him a liar at this stage of the game!"
You have heard it said, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” There is a lot of wisdom in that truth. Certainly Paul must have had something like that in mind as he encouraged the Philippians to have the same mind as Christ in being tender and compassionate. Our reading today is a call for us to be encouragers of others.
It’s always been a little surprise to me when people seem to delight in hurting the feelings of others with their words. Of course, we expect children to exhibit that kind of behavior, however, as adults we ought to know and do better! And, you know, we all need that encouragement from time to time. News anchor Dan Rather admitted he was always fascinated by the sport of boxing, even though he was never good at it. "In boxing you're on your own; there's no place to hide," he said. "At the end of the match only one boxer has his hand up. That's it. He has no one to credit or to blame except himself." Rather, who boxed in high school, says his coach's greatest goal was to teach his boxers that they absolutely, positively, without question, had to be "get up" fighters. "If you're in a ring just once in your life, completely on your own, and you get knocked down but you get back up again, it's a never-to-be-forgotten experience. Your sense of achievement is distinct and unique. And sometimes the only thing making you get up is someone in your corner yelling."
Life can be a fight! Of course God is always in our corner encouraging us to persevere, but isn’t it nice to have others in our corner telling us not to quit! Some of the fondest memories I have of friends in my life were those who stood by me and told me to keep swingin’! Even today, there are those times when I feel like the old pointer. I can still give it a try, but as I said yesterday, I’m not as good as I once was. Oh, I am still as good once as I once was, but it is so wonderful to hear others as they encourage me. Let’s each commit ourselves to being people who know how to say something nice to everyone we meet along the way!
I love the story I read the other day from an old file I had taken from a 1992 issue of Bits and Pieces. In it the story is told of a hunt during quail season in Georgia, as an Atlanta journalist met an old farmer hunting with an ancient pointer at his side. Twice the dog ran rheumatically ahead and pointed. Twice his master fired into the open air. When the journalist saw no birds rise, he asked the farmer for an explanation. "Shucks," grinned the old man, "I knew there weren't no birds in that grass. Spot's nose ain't what it used to be but him and me have had some wonderful times together. He's still doing the best he can -- and it'd be mighty mean of me to call him a liar at this stage of the game!"
You have heard it said, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” There is a lot of wisdom in that truth. Certainly Paul must have had something like that in mind as he encouraged the Philippians to have the same mind as Christ in being tender and compassionate. Our reading today is a call for us to be encouragers of others.
It’s always been a little surprise to me when people seem to delight in hurting the feelings of others with their words. Of course, we expect children to exhibit that kind of behavior, however, as adults we ought to know and do better! And, you know, we all need that encouragement from time to time. News anchor Dan Rather admitted he was always fascinated by the sport of boxing, even though he was never good at it. "In boxing you're on your own; there's no place to hide," he said. "At the end of the match only one boxer has his hand up. That's it. He has no one to credit or to blame except himself." Rather, who boxed in high school, says his coach's greatest goal was to teach his boxers that they absolutely, positively, without question, had to be "get up" fighters. "If you're in a ring just once in your life, completely on your own, and you get knocked down but you get back up again, it's a never-to-be-forgotten experience. Your sense of achievement is distinct and unique. And sometimes the only thing making you get up is someone in your corner yelling."
Life can be a fight! Of course God is always in our corner encouraging us to persevere, but isn’t it nice to have others in our corner telling us not to quit! Some of the fondest memories I have of friends in my life were those who stood by me and told me to keep swingin’! Even today, there are those times when I feel like the old pointer. I can still give it a try, but as I said yesterday, I’m not as good as I once was. Oh, I am still as good once as I once was, but it is so wonderful to hear others as they encourage me. Let’s each commit ourselves to being people who know how to say something nice to everyone we meet along the way!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
"Just One Person"
How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. (Hebrews 11:32-34 NLT).
I enjoy reading the chapter of faith in Hebrews from time to time just to remind myself of how important just one person can be in the history and plan of God. Our reading today is a part of the long list of the writer telling of the incredible faith of men and women who made such a difference in history. Throughout the entire Bible whenever God had a job to do he called a person, and usually just one person. When he wanted to form a nation, the nation of Israel to be his own people, he chose and called Abraham. When he wanted to deliver the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, he chose and called Moses. When he wanted a leader to take the children of Israel into the Promised Land, he chose and called Joshua. When he needed an earthly mother for the Christ child, he chose and called Mary. When he wanted to take His message of grace to the Gentiles, he chose and called Paul. From Genesis to Revelation, God's methods are people, one at a time. You, too, can be one that God uses. As the unknown poet wrote:
One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream.
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.
One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal.
One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room.
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.
One step must start each journey,
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true.
One life can make the difference,
You see it's up to YOU!
Some of you may be saying that you’re not as young as you once were. Perhaps you’re not as strong as you once were. Or, maybe you just simply don’t eel as good as you once were. I like the lyrics of Toby Keith’s song, As Good As I Once Was: “I ain't as good as I once was but I'm as good once as I ever was!” And once is often enough! Who do you need to make a difference for today?
I enjoy reading the chapter of faith in Hebrews from time to time just to remind myself of how important just one person can be in the history and plan of God. Our reading today is a part of the long list of the writer telling of the incredible faith of men and women who made such a difference in history. Throughout the entire Bible whenever God had a job to do he called a person, and usually just one person. When he wanted to form a nation, the nation of Israel to be his own people, he chose and called Abraham. When he wanted to deliver the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, he chose and called Moses. When he wanted a leader to take the children of Israel into the Promised Land, he chose and called Joshua. When he needed an earthly mother for the Christ child, he chose and called Mary. When he wanted to take His message of grace to the Gentiles, he chose and called Paul. From Genesis to Revelation, God's methods are people, one at a time. You, too, can be one that God uses. As the unknown poet wrote:
One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream.
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.
One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal.
One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room.
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.
One step must start each journey,
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true.
One life can make the difference,
You see it's up to YOU!
Some of you may be saying that you’re not as young as you once were. Perhaps you’re not as strong as you once were. Or, maybe you just simply don’t eel as good as you once were. I like the lyrics of Toby Keith’s song, As Good As I Once Was: “I ain't as good as I once was but I'm as good once as I ever was!” And once is often enough! Who do you need to make a difference for today?
Monday, August 2, 2010
"A Living God"
But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes. The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! (Luke 24:1-6 NLT).
I know it’s not Easter, but a very important thought occurred to me as I was driving to work earlier this week. It began with a statement I heard a theologian who observed: When God is dead anything is possible. That is a very powerful statement. Sadly it is true. When God is dead, the fences of morality are easily plowed over. Think for a moment about the Holocaust and the men who carried out its murderous plan. These were not monsters, but ordinary men; they were not crazed psychopaths, but mere men who had gone far astray of the plan and purpose of God. They were men to whom God was dead. And, when God is dead, anything is possible.
I read recently a man in his middle years once approached Ravi Zacharias after he had finished speaking and said, “If I told you all the horrible things I have done in my life you wouldn’t even want to be seen standing next to me. There is almost nothing I haven’t done. I am not sure even God can forgive me.” Zacharias said at the time he had to wonder what all was couched beneath those words. Still, the verse which came to mind were words spoken by the prophet Isaiah: Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. (Isaiah 55:6-7).
When God is dead, the possibilities are unfathomable. But another question must be answered: If anything is possible when God is dead, what then is possible if God is alive? C.S. Lewis was a man who saw the beauty of the prodigal son worked out in his life. Describing his own quite reluctant conversion, he exclaims, “Who can duly adore that Love which will open the high gates to a prodigal who is brought in kicking, struggling, resentful, and darting his eyes in every direction for a chance to escape? The hardness of God is kinder than the softness of men, and His compulsion is our liberation.” 1 So, I can say with absolute confidence when God is alive, nothing is impossible! Absolutely nothing can separate you from God’s love, not even God’s seeming “death.” Don’t let anything convince you that God is dead! He is alive forever! And His love for you is unchanged. The Father is fully with you, waiting for you to come home. Come on back today!
1. C.S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1955, p. 237
I know it’s not Easter, but a very important thought occurred to me as I was driving to work earlier this week. It began with a statement I heard a theologian who observed: When God is dead anything is possible. That is a very powerful statement. Sadly it is true. When God is dead, the fences of morality are easily plowed over. Think for a moment about the Holocaust and the men who carried out its murderous plan. These were not monsters, but ordinary men; they were not crazed psychopaths, but mere men who had gone far astray of the plan and purpose of God. They were men to whom God was dead. And, when God is dead, anything is possible.
I read recently a man in his middle years once approached Ravi Zacharias after he had finished speaking and said, “If I told you all the horrible things I have done in my life you wouldn’t even want to be seen standing next to me. There is almost nothing I haven’t done. I am not sure even God can forgive me.” Zacharias said at the time he had to wonder what all was couched beneath those words. Still, the verse which came to mind were words spoken by the prophet Isaiah: Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. (Isaiah 55:6-7).
When God is dead, the possibilities are unfathomable. But another question must be answered: If anything is possible when God is dead, what then is possible if God is alive? C.S. Lewis was a man who saw the beauty of the prodigal son worked out in his life. Describing his own quite reluctant conversion, he exclaims, “Who can duly adore that Love which will open the high gates to a prodigal who is brought in kicking, struggling, resentful, and darting his eyes in every direction for a chance to escape? The hardness of God is kinder than the softness of men, and His compulsion is our liberation.” 1 So, I can say with absolute confidence when God is alive, nothing is impossible! Absolutely nothing can separate you from God’s love, not even God’s seeming “death.” Don’t let anything convince you that God is dead! He is alive forever! And His love for you is unchanged. The Father is fully with you, waiting for you to come home. Come on back today!
1. C.S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1955, p. 237
Sunday, August 1, 2010
"August 2nd - This Day in History"
“August 2nd… this day in history” is an unusual way to begin a devotional. However, I thought it might be at least instructional, and hopefully inspirational! Here’s just a brief list of some of the things that have happened on this day:
1914 – perhaps the first “bailout” of a nation. As a result of the economic instability caused by World War I, American bankers were seriously considering an issue of emergency currency within a week’s time. In Washington a conference between President Woodrow Wilson and New York Foreign exchange officials were going to discuss the possibility of allowing England an unprecedented amount of $100,000,000 credit.
1934 – the rise of Nazism. Adolf Hitler, the chancellor of Germany, became the country's Fuhrer ( president and chancellor ) today after German President Paul Von Hindenburg died.
1943 – a future president becomes a hero. Lt. John F. Kennedy of the United States command, the PT-109 is sunk by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri while on patrol near the Solomon Islands. The future president was credited with saving members of his crew.
1949 – a great comedian is injured. Comedian, Bob Hope ended up in Hollywood’s Presbyterian Hospital as a result of been bucked off by his fake steed while working on a Hollywood film set. Hope was straddling a barrel rocked by Lucille Ball when it rolled over and sent him flying.
Oh, I suppose I also ought to mention that it is also the day I was born! Some of the events above were history changing events, some merely incidental occurrences that were recorded because of the personality involved. And, while my birth was certainly recorded by the hospital and celebrated by my family, I’m quite certain it was not a moment of historical importance! That day would come later in my life, at my second birth. Nearly twenty years after making my entrance into this world I came to an understanding of who Jesus was and how He had died to provide me with eternal life. While the second birth would not have happened without the first, the second birth was the most important. It is for all of us.
Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17 NIV).
I certainly hope that I have made a difference in the lives of people that I have ministered to over these last forty-one years, however, the real measure of success in life is not “in the numbers.” It is in THE number. That number is the One who gave Himself on my behalf so that I might have eternal life, now and then. That’s how you make a difference in history! Do you know the One who brings life? You can. Just ask!
1914 – perhaps the first “bailout” of a nation. As a result of the economic instability caused by World War I, American bankers were seriously considering an issue of emergency currency within a week’s time. In Washington a conference between President Woodrow Wilson and New York Foreign exchange officials were going to discuss the possibility of allowing England an unprecedented amount of $100,000,000 credit.
1934 – the rise of Nazism. Adolf Hitler, the chancellor of Germany, became the country's Fuhrer ( president and chancellor ) today after German President Paul Von Hindenburg died.
1943 – a future president becomes a hero. Lt. John F. Kennedy of the United States command, the PT-109 is sunk by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri while on patrol near the Solomon Islands. The future president was credited with saving members of his crew.
1949 – a great comedian is injured. Comedian, Bob Hope ended up in Hollywood’s Presbyterian Hospital as a result of been bucked off by his fake steed while working on a Hollywood film set. Hope was straddling a barrel rocked by Lucille Ball when it rolled over and sent him flying.
Oh, I suppose I also ought to mention that it is also the day I was born! Some of the events above were history changing events, some merely incidental occurrences that were recorded because of the personality involved. And, while my birth was certainly recorded by the hospital and celebrated by my family, I’m quite certain it was not a moment of historical importance! That day would come later in my life, at my second birth. Nearly twenty years after making my entrance into this world I came to an understanding of who Jesus was and how He had died to provide me with eternal life. While the second birth would not have happened without the first, the second birth was the most important. It is for all of us.
Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17 NIV).
I certainly hope that I have made a difference in the lives of people that I have ministered to over these last forty-one years, however, the real measure of success in life is not “in the numbers.” It is in THE number. That number is the One who gave Himself on my behalf so that I might have eternal life, now and then. That’s how you make a difference in history! Do you know the One who brings life? You can. Just ask!
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