What Am I Doing Here? - Pt 2

These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens. When no bush of the field was yet in the land and no small plant of the field had yet sprung up—for the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground, and a mist was going up from the land and was watering the whole face of the ground— then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. (Genesis 2:4-8 ESV).

Our lives are certainly represented well by the image of an iceberg. Most of the mass of such a formation cannot be seen on the surface. It is hidden beneath the water. So it is with our purpose and meaning. Yesterday we began to look into the first chapters of the Bible for an understanding of the meaning of life. It is in these early chapters that we are told the origin and the story of the first of humankind. It is also here that we discover the purpose of our creation. Let me give you a few bullet points from our reading today as we unpack that thought. Man is distinct from the animals. We’re made in the image of God. We can think abstractly like God. We can reason, create, and appreciate beauty and moral order. We’re to be fruitful and multiply in the context of marriage. Sex is a great gift invented by God for mutual enjoyment and procreation, but for marriage only. We’re called to rule over creation. We are to care for the environment and all of God’s creation. We are His managers, with a great responsibility. We’re to maintain balance between work and rest. Work is a gift, a key to fulfillment to be done for God’s glory. But God initiated a day of rest as well. We are created to have a relationship with God through trust and obedience. When we don’t, we fail to experience peace in our lives. Now, let’s come to some conclusions. When we think about the “stuff” we have to do and be, it is easy to lose sight of what these things actually accomplish in our lives. We can think. We can manage creation and be responsible in using our environment. We can do all of these things we were created to do; however, the real purpose is found in that in doing them we achieve a sense of happiness. That’s why God created us. We live a meaningful life, at peace with God and others when we have a positive relationship with God and others. That is accomplished through the work of Christ. That’s why we’re here. There’s much more in Him than any of us have yet discovered.

What Am I Doing Here?

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. (Genesis 1:27-31 ESV).

I saw the cartoon recently and as the teacher pointed to the board where “birth – in between stuff – death” was written and the student asked, “That’s it?” Seriously, haven’t you at least silently wondered, “What is the meaning of life?” The answer is answered on the first page of the Bible. It says, “So, God created man in His own image.” When we understand that statement we may begin to understand the meaning of life. Today and tomorrow we’re going to look at those answers a bit. We can begin by stating the obvious. It doesn’t mean we physically appear as God. To be “in God’s likeness” goes deeper than our physical appearance. Let me make some observations: First, we can think like God. Oh, we can’t think as deeply or fully as God, but we can reason. We can be creative. In all of creation we are the only sentient creatures. We think; we dream; and we reason. Second, we are created to rule over creation. There is responsibility with that privilege. We need to care for it, protect it, and use it in a way that is pleasing to God. However, we do have the right to govern our natural surroundings. Third, we are spiritual beings. Unlike the rest of creation, we are made with the capacity to worship God. This results in a personal relationship with God. Sin certainly got in the way of that, but Jesus’ work restores that part of our creation. Fourth, we are moral beings. We are created to deal with right and wrong. Innately we have an understanding of what is right. Placed within all men is a moral compass that mirrors God’s character and being. Understanding these things begins to give us an understanding of why we are here. We are to reflect God. Tomorrow we’ll go a bit deeper. Today rejoice in the high purpose. Reflect on how well you are doing that.

The Law of Moses

But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:34-40 ESV). Not long ago I had a conversation with an individual when they asked me how I could be so liberal. As you might imagine that took me by surprise. I have been accused of many things in my life, but never being liberal, especially in my theology. I suppose they saw the look of surprise and said, “You talk so much about grace that you have destroyed the Law of Moses.” For those of you who know me, you also know my response was classic. I simply said, “I thought Jesus did that.” There was a weak response, though our conversation was over at that point.

I do believe the Ten Commandments are an incredibly important guide for successful living. They are the ultimate foundation on which to base spiritual and ethical behavior. The first four commandments focus on our relationship with God. The last six deal with our relationship to our fellow man. In short, right spirituality leads to right living with our fellow man. In summary we can say the first four are: put God first; have no idols; respect His name; and, have a weekly Sabbath. The last six are: honor your father and mother; don’t commit murder; don’t commit adultery; don’t steal; don’t lie; and, don’t covet your neighbor’s possessions. However, they are stated so negatively we are all somewhat repelled. It is natural for us to feel that way. No one likes to be told they can’t do something. Perhaps this is why Jesus summarized them positively in his confrontation with the Pharisees. I must confess that though I like His best, it is much harder to do those two commandments that those of the Mosaic pronouncement. Jesus said, “Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind,” (the first four in a nutshell). And then he said “Love your neighbors as yourself,” (the last six, in five words). It is the perfect summary. And, both teach us how to be in right relationship with God and right relationship with others. When we get right with God, we’ll be right with our fellow man. Grace does not negate these directives. In fact, grace allows us the ability to perform them. Without the empowering of the Holy Spirit, no one is able to be in right relationship with either God or others. Rest in His grace; and, walk in His direction.

The Crises of Life

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:12-17 ESV).

We’ve all heard about the “mid-life crisis”; however, a period of time that may be more difficult to navigate occurs in one's twenties. It has been called the “quarter-life crisis.” It is most notable in today’s Millennials. Some have associated this period of life describing it as the Intimacy vs. Isolation crisis. According to these therapists it happens after establishing a personal identity in adolescence when young adults seek to form intense meaningful relationships with other people. Common symptoms of a quarter life crisis are often feelings of being "lost, scared, lonely or confused" about what steps to take in order to transition properly into adulthood. Studies have shown that unemployment and choosing a career path is a major cause for this age group to undergo stress or anxiety. Early stages of one living on their own for the first time and learning to cope without parental help can also induce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Whether it is this life crisis or another time in your journey, it can be a very challenging time. Some have suggested that these times of life are merely “halftime.” As you may know, in sports, halftime is when the teams regroup, catch their breath, go out and do better in the second half. There is a truth here in that the key to getting through a life crisis is shifting our focus from success to significance. The apostle helps us in our reading today by describing the means to accomplishing this shift is to be found in meaningful relationships. He writes: And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. These relationships are with God, family, and friends. It’s found in doing your best with the gifts and talents God has given you. It’s found in living life God’s way, with Godly character. As you navigate your journey today view this period as a time to get those things right, before the second half begins. If you’re at quarter-life, or any of the other seven periods of challenge in our lives, seek to shift your focus from success, to significance. If you do, your second half can be even better than your first.

Water in the Desert

A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.” (John 4:7-15 ESV).

Imagine that you find yourself in a drought-ridden place, a desert, and suddenly realize that you’re thirsty, very thirsty. You hear about a well, but decide it’s too far away. You’ll never make it. There must be something closer. Or maybe you do go there, but when you arrive there’s no way to get at the water. You have to go back and find a bucket and some rope. The temptation to give up is great, but you continue to seek the water. You go and get the necessary equipment. Expectation grows; but then you lower your bucket to the full extent of the rope you have with you, and still there’s no water. Upset, perhaps you go away and tell anyone who’ll listen that the well is dry, and that anyone who says otherwise is a liar. Feeling aggrieved takes your mind off your thirst for a little while. However, soon your thirst overtakes your feelings. You still need the water. Disappointment, anger, and despair would be perfectly understandable in these circumstances, but a wiser reaction might equally be to pause and ask if the real problem wasn’t your rope being too short, or your bucket too leaky. Maybe you just didn’t get deep enough into the well. Sometimes that’s our problem with our faith. Sometimes, as adults, people do not get what they want, what they need, what they crave because it seems too remote from their experience, too far away. Then, when you do make an attempt, access to the refreshing nourishment you seek is not easy; there is neither rope nor bucket. You have to work too hard than you feel capable. This is when we mistake the well for the water. Religion is not the answer; Jesus is the answer. The woman at the well in our reading needed to learn that one truth. When she did, she was no longer driven by her insatiable thirst. Come to Christ and enjoy a cool drink of water whenever you need it.

Cleaning the Skyscrapers

My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. (Proverbs 3:21-26 ESV).

I’m not particularly afraid of heights; however, I’m not sure I could mount a scaffold and rise into the air hundreds of feet just to clean windows. My thought might be that the rain should be enough to get that job done! As I continued this thought I was reminded of our reading today. After all, we all are suspended in a precarious situation just by the fact that we wake up and walk through this world. The window washers must have some assurance that their equipment is adequate to keep them from falling to their deaths or they wouldn’t do what they do. Perhaps it is because their scaffold and safety harnesses are fastened to the building itself and they will be safe even if the platform should fall. Our lives are often lived on the edge; we need a confidence like that. When we give our lives to Jesus Christ, He becomes our safety and our security. Because of Him, we can risk living life to the fullest and be all that we were created to be. He keeps us secure, even though life is often insecure, even though we get disappointed, even though the bottom falls out. Veteran news reporter Scott Pelley never goes on assignment without his travel essentials — a shortwave radio, camera, indestructible suitcase, laptop computer, phone, and an emergency locator beacon that works anywhere. “You extend the antenna, push two buttons, and it sends a signal to a satellite connected to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration," Pelley says. “It tells them who and where I am. Depending on what country you’re in, they’ll either send a rescue team—or not” (AARP The Magazine). Pelley has never needed to use the beacon, but he never travels without it. But when it comes to our relationship with God, we don’t need radios, phones, or emergency beacons. No matter how precarious our circumstances become, He already knows who and where we are; and we are anchored to him through Jesus. Our needs are never hidden from God, and we are never separated from His care. Go ahead, climb as high as you want. Just make sure you are tethered to Him. That happens through faith in the work of Christ. His grace is extended to each of us with a promise to never be separated from him (cf. Romans 8:31-39).

Timeless

I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:1-8 ESV).

Today I’m a bit more philosophical than typically. As I read our text for today I began to think of the timeless nature of God. This was not merely pondering the eternal nature of God, but how he doesn’t see time like we do. Peter reminds us that to God, “one day is as 1000 years and 1000 years are as one day.” It’s another way of saying that He sees the past, present, and future all at once, for He is beyond the restraints of time. Think of that for a moment. It means we are finite. We begin, we end. God never began and never will end. He always was, is, and will be. This may be the place where you think, “So what?” Well, for one thing it means there will not be a schedule when we get to heaven; there will be no clocks, no calendars, just unlimited time. That’s a bit unsettling. Clocks and calendars give order to our lives. Additionally, we’ll never be tired. We won’t need to sleep. I suppose that’s good. However, that part of the equation is a bit beyond where I want to settle today. The real striking thing about the timelessness of God is that he’s in no hurry to finish what he started in us. He will finish it. This good work of redemption does have an end game. It is our ultimate restoration. He has shown that part of himself before. At the perfect time He became one of us. He was born; He entered history as a man right on time to show us Himself and save us from sin and offer us eternal life with Him. When I begin to reflect on my individual failures, especially the ones that seem so irrevocable, I am comforted that God’s schedule goes well beyond anything I can imagine. His calendar is already marked with the date of my “end.” And, it’s a celebration not a judgment. At just the right time he will come and get me to go and be where he is forever. That encourages me in the face of tomorrow. I pray it will do the same for you.

Second Chances

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. (1 Peter 3:18-22 ESV).

Last week my oldest granddaughter, Faith, competed in the Aledo Middle School Spelling Bee. She did well, even though she didn’t win. I know I wouldn’t have done better. Of interest to me was the initial instruction at the beginning of the completion that there would be no starting over once the student began to spell the word. Even if they realized their error and tried to correct it, once they said a letter that was the final word. That seemed harsh, but it was the rule. There were no second chances. That stark principle brought me to our reading today. I am often asked, do people get a second chance in their spiritual lives? The answer to that is complicated. Perhaps it is more complex than we have room to explore in this brief devotional; however, let me touch on the issue. The answer is “yes.” God does give us second chances; in fact, sometimes we get multiple chances. The reason for this is that our salvation is not based in our work. It is solely based on the work of Jesus in his death, burial, and resurrection. We do not stand before the judge like a spelling bee contestant required to get it right the first time or simply fail. If that were the case I doubt there would be any of us with any hope at all. The Good News is that salvation and eternal life are available to all who come to Christ in repentant faith. John says it this way: “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:12 ESV). This may be applied whether you are coming to faith for the first time or not. For many Christians there is that nagging bit of doubt that creeps into our minds because of failures. It may be you are one of those believers. You may have done something that you feel is irrevocable. That is simply not the case. You have another chance today. Perhaps you’re not sure. Pray today, trusting in Christ alone for your salvation and eternal life, and you will have Christ in your heart which brings you sureness of eternal life. God is not looking at our failures; he is looking at the success of Jesus! Trust Him!

Marriages that Last

Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. (Ephesians 5:31-33 ESV).

It won’t be long until we see the annual spike in cards, flowers, and gifts extolling our undying love for one another. Valentine’s Day does give us a wonderful reason to go beyond the ordinary in expressing our love to one another; however, I wonder how many people this year will be able to do so. Marriage in our culture is more and more becoming disposable. In fact, in our country we are number one in the world for recorded divorce. Many opinions have been proffered in explanation of this tragic statistic. There are countless studies that have pointed to some of these reasons; however, one reason is we make it too easy to walk away and not even try. When Jesus was asked about divorce, He made it clear that it was never what God had in mind. Then, He quickly began to talk about marriage and the commitment that’s involved. Obviously, a marriage that lasts a lifetime is what God desires. So, let me suggest twelve words for those of you who are married that will bring you closer to living a positive, affirmative life with your spouse. These are simple words that help prevent the division that often leads to divorce. They are at the center of these simple phrases: I love you. I admire you. I was wrong. Please forgive me. Expressing love and admiration, admitting when we are wrong and asking forgiveness are some of the main the ingredients for divorce prevention, but the most important one is keeping God in the center of everything we do as a couple and as a family. Just a few weeks ago we celebrated with Gary and Lois Chandler, my daughter-in-law’s parents. They had reached their 50th Wedding Anniversary. As we celebrated with them and some other family and friends, Faith came to me and asked why it was such a big deal? I briefly explained that it is indeed rare to see a couple in today’s culture who had been married so long. She scrunched up her face a bit and simply said, “Well, Grams and Gramps love one another; and so do you and grandma.” She really couldn’t imagine that it could be any other way. Well, we all know how difficult it is to have that kind of love that lasts through the tests of time. Think about those twelve words above; use them often; make your relationship last.

The Wise King - Pt 4

A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother. Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead. Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. (Proverbs 15:20-22 ESV).

The fourth in the series this week points us to the incredible way Solomon understood the importance of wise counsel. We have another word in our techno-influenced culture. We call it “networking.” Former President Bill Clinton and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair were often considered “soul mates.” As the first Baby Boomer leaders of their nations, they also had similar political philosophies. People marveled at how well these two charismatic leaders got along. But, it’s also interesting to note that when George Bush succeeded President Clinton, Tony Blair reached out to him, as well. The two also seemed to get along splendidly and worked together quite well. Blair proved that he was not just a friend of the President, but really, a friend of the United States. There was a similar relationship between Solomon and Hiram, the king of the Phoenicians. Solomon recognized that he needed others to help him fulfill his mission. He needed people with insight and resources he did not have to help him get where he needed to be. The Phoenicians were great ship builders and great seafaring people. Hiram had been a friend of King David and when he heard that Solomon was the new king, he reached out to him and offered his assistance. Solomon had enough humility as a leader to recognize that he needed not only the people within his own nation, but people of other nations, people outside his place of responsibility. Good leaders reach out to others, collecting wisdom and support from every source available. Let me make a few suggestions in seeking this counsel in your journey. First, understand why you’re seeking guidance. This perspective helps the other person understand where you’re coming from and provides further context for the situation. It also allows you to be open to what the other person has to say. Being completely upfront about your motive sets the stage for everyone involved and can prevent conflict or confusion. Second, check your source. It’s important to realize how backgrounds, including upbringings and past experiences, have such a large impact on the advice someone offers. Third, ask lots of questions. If we encounter confusion, we ask questions. In order to understand our own perspective, as well as others’ perspectives, we ask questions. The right questions sustain a conversation. When gaining advice, instead of the mindset of agreeing or disagreeing with statements, focus on why or how. Scripture tells us to seek wise counsel. It worked for Solomon, it will work for you.

The Wise King - Pt 3

Now Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon when he heard that they had anointed him king in place of his father, for Hiram always loved David. And Solomon sent word to Hiram, “You know that David my father could not build a house for the name of the Lord his God because of the warfare with which his enemies surrounded him, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet. But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side. There is neither adversary nor misfortune. And so I intend to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord said to David my father, ‘Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, shall build the house for my name.’ Now therefore command that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. And my servants will join your servants, and I will pay you for your servants such wages as you set, for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians.” (1 Kings 5:1-6 ESV).

Today we look at the third principle from Solomon’s life: His wisdom birthed his purpose. Wisdom is only useful in how it points us into our best path forward. God’s mission for Solomon was clear from the very beginning. He was to build a great temple for the Lord. Interestingly, Solomon’s father, David, also had the same vision, but it was not his mission to carry out. God knew David was a warrior, not a builder, and so He saved this particular goal for David’s son, Solomon. Solomon gave the goal and the mission to the people of Israel, helped them to understand what his mission was and challenged them to carry out it out. The timing was right for this. The enemies had been defeated. It was a time to follow God’s will. He had a clear mission in his life. One of the first things we can do to achieve that clarity is to be able to express such purpose in our lives. Let me make some practical suggestions to learn and develop a clear mission statement. First, know who you are; know your characteristics and temperament. Without a clear understanding of your basic personality traits, you’ll be frustrated and ineffective in your attempt to live up to your potential. Seek help is you need it, but find out who you are. Second, know what your core values are. The next step is to find clarity on what’s truly important to you, your values. Chasing goals and dreams that are incongruent with your own deeper values is a recipe for failure. Third, know your interests and passions. Once you get in touch with what’s truly important to you, it’s time to get in touch with your interests and passions. Fourth, know your strengths, talents and skills. The next step in this journey is to get in touch with your strengths, to know what you’re good at. Keep in mind that being good at something doesn’t mean you value the activity or that you’re interested in doing it. If you engage these strengths, talents and skills into pursuits that are not in line with your personality, values or passions, you’re not going to be happy or effective. Then start that journey. It’s an absolute key to successful living.

The Wise King - Pt 2

Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. (1 Kings 3:8-12 ESV).

The second principle in learning from Solomon is found in his request from God; he asked for wisdom. There have been a few times over the years that I have been asked why I would waste my time hunting. In many cases it was a genuine question and warranted a response. However, even when I would go into great detail about the wonderful feeling of solitude while being immersed in the wonder of God’s creation, I still could not adequately express what it meant for me to get alone and listen to God during those times spent “sitting in a tree.” Without fail it has always been at those times that I have received wisdom and understanding in a way unmatched to any other. When Solomon asked for and received wisdom from God, we should remember that he could have asked for his enemies to be destroyed or for a long life, or for more power, or even great wealth. Instead, he asked for the understanding in his heart to be able to know the right decisions for the best interests of the people. He wanted God’s wisdom. There are few things more important in life than that. We should remember that wisdom is not knowledge. A lot of brilliant people have no wisdom at all. Wisdom is the ability to assimilate that knowledge to make decisions that are right, wise, and best for all concerned. God gives us the key to gaining wisdom. First, study the Scripture. That’s the only repository of truth. It is through reading, meditating, and studying the Bible that the gates of wisdom are opened into our souls. Second, we should pray. Solomon was not born a wise man. He prayed for wisdom. The wisdom that leads to true and lasting happiness is not natural or inborn. It is supernatural. It is a gift of God. Therefore, if we would "get wisdom," we must pray. James urges us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5 ESV). You may have a different place that lends itself to putting you in a position to hear from God than I do. Wherever it is, however, you should frequent it regularly. And, don’t be bashful. Ask God to give you wisdom.

The Wise King - Pt 1

Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places. And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. (1 Kings 3:3-7 ESV). Today we will begin a short series of devotionals looking into the life of one of the great kings of Israel, Solomon. Solomon was the wisest of all men and we all can quote some of his proverbs; however, it seems apparent that wisdom is in short supply. At every generational strata, people have lost confidence in leadership and many feel as if they have nowhere to go or turn to for help. First, we will look at the wisdom of childlike faith.

One of our granddaughters, Maggie, is two. She is a bundle of confidence and fearlessness. I have seen her running full speed thoughtlessly, without a care or concern for her path. I know some of that will change as she matures; however, for now she simply trusts that she will be fine wherever she goes at whatever speed she musters. She can do that because of the care she has received from her mom and dad. They protect her while giving her various experiences building her confidence and strength. Most of us have had that same training and care. It is the circumstances of life that seem to change our confidence. Think back to the time when you finally got out of the military or school, and you were taking that first job. Or maybe it was when you had your first child, and all of the sudden, you realized you had to act like an adult. I’ll never forget those feelings when Mary and I were first married. We were still in college and the thought that I was responsible for everything seemed a daunting task. In those early days I worked two jobs, pastured a small church, and took a full load of classes. It’s a wonder we survived! That’s what Solomon felt like when he unexpectedly and suddenly became the King of all Israel. He felt overwhelmed, yet he had all this responsibility. He was called to lead a great nation that began with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph; it was a nation with extraordinary, Godly leaders like Moses and Joshua, and even his own father, David. Solomon reflected on all of this, and said, “I feel like a little child.” Now, think about that for a minute. Children are utterly dependent on their parents. So, when Solomon, since his earthly father had died, spoke to his Heavenly Father, all he could say was, “I feel as a little child.” He expressed an utter dependence on his Heavenly Father. That is not a bad place for a king to begin. And it’s not a bad place for all of us to be, either. The beginning is not within our strength or talent. It is turning to our real source of strength and protection. Approach your life as a little child. He will provide; He has got us!

Mr. McBeevee

From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hand comes back to him. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult. Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. (Proverbs 12:14-20 ESV).

Some time ago I did a series on Sunday evenings at Santa Fe Baptist Church where we took an episode of the Andy Griffin Show and discussed the moral implications of the storyline. It was fun watching the old shows; and, even more entertaining when we looked at the moral in light of the Scripture. In the opening show of Season 3 Opie weaves the fabulous tale of Mr. McBeevee, a man who walks in the treetops, wears a silver hat, has twelve extra hands, blows smoke from his ears, and jingles when he walks as if he had rings on his fingers and bells on his toes. But other than those few quirks, Mr. McBeevee is normal. Andy and Barney laugh it off, but when Opie brings back a quarter he claims was given to him by his friend, Andy is forced to call the stories to a halt. Faced with the threat of a spanking, Opie is still unable to betray the existence of Mr. McBeevee. Andy may have to accept the unacceptable in the face of Opie's insistence. Later, when out for a walk, Andy happens past the very same tree Mr. McBeevee, a telephone linesman, is working in. Andy gets his own introduction to the man who walks in the trees and Opie is vindicated. The real key principle is revealed as Andy, Aunt Bee, and Barney sat around the dinner table after yet another evening of McBeevee stories. Andy decided it was time to put an end to the nonsense. Andy demanded that Opie admit he had been making up the adventures. But even under the threat of a “whippin’,” the boy would not recant. “I ain’t lyin’, Pa. Promise.” Opie told his father. Andy retreated downstairs and stared into space. “Did you punish him?” Aunt Bee asked. “No,” Andy quietly said. Barney was shocked at Andy’s failure to act. “Don’t tell me you believe in Mr. McBeevee!” “No,” Andy replied, “but I do believe in Opie.” Andy’s trust in Opie was rewarded the next day when he met Mr. McBeevee, who turns out to be a hard-hatted telephone lineman with a belt full of jingling tools. As our reading reminds us: Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. We should all practice the control of our “lips.”

A Central Thought

I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” (Galatians 4:1-6 ESV). I have often been asked whether or not the concept of the Trinity is Biblical. Well, it’s not true; it is also central to our faith and theology. Some argue that Christianity teaches belief in three Gods, or polytheism. That’s simply not the case. Christianity, like some other religions, is rigidly monotheistic. The difference between Christianity and all other monotheistic religions is that we believe in a concept of “three in one,” or the Trinity. No other religion does that; it is central to Christianity.

So, if it central, let’s see if I can better equip us to understand it better. I can try to explain by saying that I’m a father to my three sons, Kyle, David, and Aaron. They each know me in one way. I’m their father. However, I’m also a son of my parents. They knew me in an entirely different way. Additionally, I’m the husband to my wife, and she knows me another way. I have these three roles, but I am all the same person. That may be helpful; but, it’s still completely inadequate. It’s just a way for our finite minds to attempt understanding something so infinite. For example, how do we explain God the Son, praying to God the Father, as Jesus did? It is inexplicable to the human mind, because we are not God. The Trinity will always be a mystery that reflects the unfathomable greatness of God. Yet, when you believe, you begin to know the fullness of God. And this is the real importance of this belief. The Trinity brings together in a coherent manner the great truths about God’s historical, redemptive actions. For example, the Father sends the Son into the world to offer a propitiatory sacrifice on the cross; that is, a sacrifice that both appeases the Father’s just wrath against sin and extends the Father’s love and mercy by allowing repentant sinners to escape divine judgment. Then, it is the Incarnate Son who is able to provide this atonement because he is both God and man. The God-man conquers death, sin, and hell through his glorious resurrection from the dead. And, last, the Holy Spirit is directly responsible for the repentant sinner’s new birth in Christ through regeneration, and the believer’s life journey of sanctification. The three divine members of the Trinity make the entire plan of redemption possible. We need each revealed role of God.

How to Eat an Elephant

Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:32-33 ESV)

Dealing with the challenges of life and the discouragement that comes with those circumstances may seem like an impossible task; it may appear to be like trying to eat an elephant! However, there is a way to eat an elephant. The old proverb says we can do it “one bite at a time. Life is full of failures, rejection and more than a fair share of discouragement. Jesus tells us to “take heart for He has overcome the world.” He is instilling in us a positive thought cycle. Quickly correcting the negative thought cycle before it gets out of hand is critical to ensure you can rebound. So, let me be practical with a few suggestions to take one bite at a time. First, when you are in the midst of the trial, don’t analyze. The time to analyze what has just happened is never when you are in a negative state. Rational judgment gets corrupted by emotion very easily, so what seems like a logical flow of thought is completely ridiculous from an outside perspective. Take a break from your logic and analysis. Second, create an immediate success. By creating a tiny, even superficial, success you can balance out the negative feelings associated with your discouragement. I usually go out to the shop and build something. Even something small makes me feel better. Once you feel positive and stable about your self-image and you can look back at the discouraging event from an emotionally neutral standpoint should you try to analyze what went wrong and how to improve it for next time. Analysis and review is important but it is completely worthless if it just another means for self-pity and negative thoughts. Third, reward the attempt. Whenever you make strides outside your comfort zone and past barriers you need to reward yourself regardless of whether the external environment does so. Whenever you take steps outside your past limitations, either in conquering your fears, improving your skills or increasing your own willpower you must recognize and reward that victory even if the rest of the world won’t. Fourth, persevere. Above all these other strategies the most important thing in improving your ability to handle disappointment and discouragement is to keep going. God has not forgotten us. His promise is to work it all to our good. Keep moving to that end. How you handle that discouragement will ultimately make the difference between a life of broken dreams and misery and one filled with hope and joy. Choose the latter. Go ahead take a bite. The elephant is not as big as you may think!

Overcoming Temptation

And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason.” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Skin for skin! All that a man has he will give for his life. But stretch out your hand and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face.” And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. And he took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself while he sat in the ashes. Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips. (Job 2:3-10 ESV).

Yesterday I wrote a little piece about temptation. Today I want us to look a little closer at how we can be even more successful in overcoming each episode of temptation. One of Satan’s great tools is discouragement. If we succumb to discouragement, we will often turn away from our hope in the Lord. We can see this happening in the book of Job; the devil is attacking Job with catastrophe after catastrophe, and there seems to be no hope of any relief. It is interesting that the advice he received from his wife and his closest friends was to quit. His wife simply said, “Curse God and die.” Before we judge Job’s wife too harshly, understand that sometimes the toughest temptations we may face in life can come through people who love us the most. That’s because these people have genuine concern for us and don’t want us to hurt. So, oftentimes, they urge us to take the easy way out. The devil knows this and enjoys using those who love us to lead us into temptation and out of the will of God. Jesus certainly experienced this when Peter urged Him not to talk about going to the cross. Jesus knew the source of Peter’s thinking and responded accordingly. That’s why Christian spouses and friends have an incredibly important responsibility. When we see a brother or sister in Christ facing a crisis or temptation, we must avoid advising them to quit. We must realize helping them fight off the temptation means we encourage them in their journey, no matter how steep the climb appears or the depth of the valley laying before them. Quitting is rarely the answer. Become your loved one’s partner in his or her difficult struggle and patiently encourage them to do things the Lord’s way, even when it’s the hard way. That way is always the best way. That way leads to transformation and renewal.

The Winter Bluebirds

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. (Psalm 1 ESV).

Some of the most profound reminders come at the most insignificant times. Last week we had one of those “blue-northers” come through and drop the temperatures into the teens. For our area that’s a significant cold front. The first day of the cold front was also my scheduled day to be in the office for counseling appointments. That means getting very early to make the drive in to Arlington for my first session. As the sun rose I was looking out the window from our kitchen and saw a pair of Eastern Bluebirds by the feeder. Eastern Bluebirds breed in the eastern half of Texas, the U.S., Canada and Mexico; however, they typically move to the southern end of their range during the winter. We really don’t qualify for the “southern range” here in North Texas. My first thought was “What are you doing here and now?” They could have been enjoying the warm sunshine of South Texas rather than huddling together against the raw north wind and plummeting temperatures here. They seemed lost to me. They were in the wrong place at the wrong time. That thought was my significant reminder. It took me to our reading today. The psalmist cautions us against walking “in the counsel of the wicked” and sitting “in the seat of the scoffers.” That puts us in the wrong place, always being at the wrong time. Naturally we want to know, what is the right place to be? It isn’t in church, although that is a good place to be, the best place to be is in the will of God. Far too often, we are out of the will of God and bring temptation on ourselves unnecessarily. We go to the wrong places and hang out with the wrong people at the wrong time and then we’re shocked when we do the wrong thing. We shouldn’t be surprised when we are tempted when you go to a party where people are drinking and using drugs. We shouldn’t be shocked that we’re getting tempted when we go out with our girlfriend or boyfriend and rent a hotel room. We shouldn’t be shocked that we’re getting tempted when we look at a porn site on the Internet. I am not suggesting that if you stay away from those things, temptation will go away. But I am saying you won’t live under the unnecessary pressure that you bring on yourself. Be in the will of God. You find that place in the Scripture.

Forgiven

One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at table. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” (Luke 7:36-39 ESV).

Our reading today is one of the most poignant pictures of acceptance and rejection, understanding and prejudice. Jesus shows the love and acceptance while the religious elite show us the rejection and prejudice. I want you to use your imagination for a bit today. Imagine a woman in the Middle East, in a small town, in a very religious, highly conservative, cultural context. Imagine she is notoriously known as a sinful woman. Maybe she is sleeping or living with her boyfriend; she may be the one passed around the class in her school. Perhaps she is known to be committing adultery with a married man. Or, she may be a stripper, or a prostitute. She would be known as a sinner, disgusting, defiled, and degraded. She is surrounded by religious men who condemn, shame, and despise her. Her rejection is complete; at least until she meets Jesus. Jesus had been invited to dinner by some of the prestigious religious leaders in town. It was not really a social courtesy; they wanted to quiz Him. And then, while they were being served, this woman enters, drops to the ground beside Jesus, weeping so hard she actually uses her tears to wash his feet, wiping them with her hair. I can just picture the Pharisees, jaws dropped to the floor, eyes the size of saucers. They were like a lot of good, long-time church folks who are quick to judge known sinners while being blind to their own sin. But, this woman had a great appreciation for Jesus because she was keenly aware of the immoral life she had lived. She was overcome by the forgiveness Christ offered her. So, there she was, her hair wet with tears, washing the feet of Jesus in an act of pure worship and gratitude. Then Jesus simply says, “… her sins, which are many, are forgiven” (Luke 7:47 ESV). There were two very different responses to Jesus. Who do you most identify with? The religious moralists who felt they were right with God because their outward righteousness? Or the sinful woman who knew she deserved God’s wrath and judgment, yet was overwhelmed by His grace? I am the latter. I am that sinner who has been forgiven much. I pray I shall be the kind of person who reciprocates that forgiveness toward others.

La Famiglia

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:34-39 ESV).

La famiglia is pronounced “faem-IHL-ya”. It is Italian for “family.” I heard it growing up often as my Dad would say, “La famiglia e tutto.” It is best translated as “the family is everything.” As you can see from the family reunion picture taken in the summer of 2016, our immediate family is relatively small compared to some other generations. And, sometimes we can drive one another crazy with our choices and behavior. However, the foundational truth for la famiglia is that you love them no differently. In most Italian families (as with many others) they will defend you to a fault, constantly protect and watch over you and always love you no matter what. At the end of the day, your family is always there for you. So, today’s reading seems a bit counter-cultural. In fact this statement is frightening; it is one that causes me to examine my heart to its very core. That is because I love my wife. I love my children. I love my grandchildren. Because of my deep love for my family, Jesus’ statement makes me very uncomfortable. In fact, it terrifies me. At times in my life this declaration of Jesus has caused some very difficult choices. You see, Jesus is saying that when it comes to our family members, Christ must be preeminent; if not He will be in no place at all when it comes to our lives. To some that may seem counter intuitive. As I have come to understand what Jesus is saying, this has made it easier to love and support my family, not the other way around. What is has meant for me is that regardless of how I may disagree with them, the example and action of Jesus drives me to love and encourage them even more than others. We hear a great deal about missions to the far corners of our world preached; however, the real mission begins in our home and family. They see the real person we are rather than the one we become in a group of strangers or acquaintances. I have known way too many people who claim to be followers of Christ and have such bitterness and anger toward their family they will not even speak. Can you imagine Jesus doing that? Me either. My Dad was right about la famiglia e tutto. How’s your family? If it’s in need of restoration, start today with a conversation of grace.

Your First Love

To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: “The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:1-7 ESV).

All too often I am faced with a couple who have reached a point in their relationship where they have begun to deeply question their love for one another. Their marriages are struggling. I often wonder if they will make it. One of the key questions I begin the process of restoration with is “Why did you fall in love in the first place?” Out of the deadness of lost love, you can sometimes see a flicker of hope that can be rekindled. From that recalled memory there is often a spark that can be fanned into a wonderful fire again. In our reading today Jesus makes this comparison in our relationship with Him. When we drift away from loving Him more than anyone or anything, He says [my paraphrase], “Remember how it was when you first fell in love with Me? There was joy, excitement, and gratitude for forgiveness, salvation and eternal live.” Then Jesus tells His church, “Remember where you have fallen and do the deeds you did at first.” What did a fallen Christian do when they came to Christ in faith and loved Him most? They wanted to be with Him, to know Him, to worship Him. It is a call to return to relationship. We do this with the Lord through prayer, Bible study, and worship. We do this in our marriages and family through meaningful communication, genuine listening, and equitable problem solving. Is your marriage struggling? Are you a Christian who has drifted away from the Lord? Remember what it was like when you fell in love and focus on what you did back then. The world is much different when you view it through that lens. It is always easier to overlook the differences when we are looking at the things that draw us together. Certainly with the Lord, and in our personal relationships in marriage and family, competition and the desire to be right won’t work. Return to the passion of your first love!

Free Cheese

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. (Genesis 3:1-7 ESV).

The common proverb is that there is always free cheese in a mousetrap. There is certainly a possibility that you may have heard that in the context of a political conversation; however, it reminds me of the first temptation of man in the Garden of Eden. Our reading today gives us the details of the crafty serpent coming to Eve and convincing her that the risk of disobedience was worth the reward. Beginning with that, it seems to be a good time to talk a bit about temptation. After all it is over a week after all the good intentions and typical resolutions have been made for a new start in this New Year. Perhaps you are one of those resolute individuals who have not forgotten or relapsed from your grand commitments. If you are, then spend the rest of the time reading this devotional and praying for the rest of us who have not been quite so strong! Let’s dig a bit deeper into the Scripture. Note how the serpent comes to Eve. He raises questions about the trustworthiness of God, “Did God actually say…” I wonder how many times that phrase has been whispered in your mind reducing your resolve to resist the free cheese? This is when the devil plants the seeds of doubt in Eve’s mind. When Eve says she’s not to eat of the fruit or she’ll die, the devil replies cunningly, “You surely shall not die.” The ultimate liar accuses God of lying. Think about temptation in your own life. It usually means believing your way is better than God’s way. For Eve and for all of us, when we begin to doubt the reliability of God’s promises and ignore His past work in our lives, we begin to give into temptation. We buy into the lies and half-truths of the world. It always leads to destruction. Ask God to give you strength to live it and resist temptation. Resist the free cheese. It’s got an awful snap at the end of it!

It Was THIS Big!

In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue. What shall be given to you, and what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue? A warrior's sharp arrows, with glowing coals of the broom tree! (Psalm 120:1-4 ESV).

When scrolling through some craft projects recently I found one that was altogether too close to home! It reminded me of our reading today. Yesterday I wrote a bit about seeking the truth. Today I thought it might be interesting to look at telling the truth. I read a funny little story about an excited husband who called to tell his wife he had been asked to accompany the boss on a fishing expedition to Canada. The husband had to leave that evening and asked his wife if she would mind packing a few things for him. He added, “Be sure to include my new silk pajamas.” She thought that sounded ‘fishy,’ but said nothing. When the man returned from his trip, his wife asked how it went. “Great,” he said. “Did you catch anything?” she asked. “Yes, pike and walleye. What fun!” Then he asked, “But why didn’t you pack my blue silk pajamas?” “I did,” she said, “They were in your tackle box.” Ouch! That’s a lot worse than lying about the size of your catch! However, we all know that lying is not restricted to fishermen. Lying is, most of all, about stupidity. You will be found out. You may be getting away with it for now. But in the end, the truth comes out. It may not be until you die, but God has on file everything you’ve ever said. You’d be wise to seek His forgiveness and start telling the truth. Always! Otherwise, you’ll eventually look like a stupid fool. People don’t start out being liars. It happens over time in all sorts of ways. Maybe telling the truth gets you into trouble. Maybe telling the truth could hurt someone. Maybe telling the truth is too scary. Maybe telling a few lies digs a hole that you can’t get out of. Maybe it’s even a bit thrilling to lie and be secretive about stuff. The big question is how do we train ourselves to tell the truth lovingly? Sometimes the truth is tangled and complicated and it’s hard for even you to figure out exactly what it is. It can really help to write it out. Write a letter or a card or a note. Even if it’s just an invitation to have the conversation where a truth will occur, getting prepared and setting a deadline will help you get through it. This is especially true when it comes to feelings, which are truths of a very special nature. If you don’t tell the truth about your feelings, you can end up living a life that is half lived, filled with missed opportunities for happiness and growth. Second, learn to speak with words that are immersed in love. Just because you say it with love doesn’t mean someone won’t be angry, but again, you can only control your own truth. When the cloud of anger fades, at least someone might have truly heard what you meant to say. Truth works. So does kindness. Practice them both together.

Study

About the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?” So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood. (John 7:14-18 ESV).

A preliminary disclaimer: Education is not evil. It seems a bit ridiculous that I might need to begin this devotional with such a statement about education being a good thing; however, often when we look at the paths that education has led our generations there are some who mistakenly believe the fault is the process of learning and discovery. That’s simply false. In 2002, Cobb County Georgia ISD required high school science textbooks to have a sticker attached. This sticker said simply, “This textbook contains material on evolution. Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things. This material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully, and critically considered.” Notice that there was nothing in the sticker that advocated a belief in God. Neither did it even mention Creationism. It simply advised the students to ask questions and form their beliefs based on what they conclude from the evidence. This was really all about good education, about considering different theories with an open mind, which is a part of learning, to be able to consider different outlooks about life. Despite this, the federal courts demanded that these simple stickers be removed from all textbooks. Education is about the free flow of ideas. When you have a theory as controversial as evolution then certainly part of a good education is considering diverse views. In addition, the scientific method itself demands skepticism and examination. Good science requires that theories stand up to probing questions. Truth has no fear. Is there really any difference with the Nazi book burners and how some scientists, educators, and government officials respond to alternative theories? The mindset is the same. I am convinced that any open-minded person need not fear the truth. In fact, they should seek it. I am also convinced that when we truly seek truth, we will ultimately end at finding God. Perhaps you have shied away from study. Perhaps you’ve even used the excuse that study, or education, merely take you further from the truth. I would encourage you to change that belief. Study more, not less. Wisdom comes from our study; and, wisdom takes you into a deeper relationship with God.

Those Hypocrites

But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves. (Matthew 23:13-15 ESV).

An old proverb declares: “Better to be known as a sinner than a hypocrite.” Our reading today places Jesus squarely on the side of condemning hypocrisy, especially in the practice of our faith in religion. Yet the church seems to be more deeply entrenched in this destructive practice than ever before. Recently I read the results of a survey done by LifeWay Research. They polled 1402 un-churched adults (defined as people not going to church in the last six months) and found some interesting responses. Here is a summary of some of the responses:  71% think believing in Jesus makes a positive difference in a person’s life.  72% believe that God actually exists.  72% say the church is full of hypocrites.  78% say, I would be willing to listen to somebody tell me about Christianity.  79% say Christianity today is more about organized religion than about loving people.  86% say I believe I can have a good relationship with God without belonging to a church. Arthur Farnsley, administrator of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion asks an interesting question: “Is there a workshop for churches in being less annoying, less hypocritical?” Perhaps we all would benefit from a large dose of reality to understand that there are no righteous individuals except by the declaration of Jesus. We are only “good” by virtue of his goodness being substituted for our bad. Our sin may not be the same as another, but it is still sin and we all have plenty to go around. Let me emphasize a very important truth today. Many people believe Jesus and the concept of grace is attractive. However, they are not attracted to the church which should be the repository of that grace and message. The key is to become more like Jesus. It must begin there. If we were more concerned with loving one another instead of correcting one another; if we were more focused on changing ourselves than changing others; then hypocrisy may begin to fade into the background of faith. For me, the most helpful reminder is a glance at my hands. There aren’t any nail-prints there. That means I haven’t got the right to judge the failures of another. Give it a try.

Warts and All

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:21-26 ESV). In about two weeks, on Friday, January 20th, we will have a new president of the United States. There have been many “experts” who have offered their views concerning what kind of leadership we may expect from the new administration. Some have concluded it will be the worst of times, while others have insisted it will be the best of times. I fall somewhere in the group that would simply admit we don’t know. It is strange how the future is like that. We can be somewhat more certain about the past; however, the future is still to be revealed. I also know that in the coming weeks and months there will be a great deal of comparison between previous presidents and the recently inaugurated president. Historians, gossip magazines, and the media are even now beginning to highlight the flaws, weaknesses, and sins of President Obama. For some this is a bad thing. They desire only the good to be written. They desire only the strengths to be emphasized. Unfortunately this is not reality. There is already too much history that describes many of our heroes as perfect. We hear the fable of Washington and the cherry tree, or Lincoln freeing the slaves. We read of Roosevelt ending the Depression. There is never a mention of their flaws.

That’s simply the wrong message. All the great figures in our history had flaws, weaknesses, and handicaps. Somehow we believe that if we just ignore the warts and all, a beautiful princess will come along and kiss us returning us to the handsome princess we really are. Well, we aren’t handsome princes or beautiful princesses. We are ugly sinners. The Bible is clear that even the great heroes of the faith were men and women of faults and foibles. We see Noah getting drunk and Abraham and Sarah not waiting on God to have His promised child. We are privy to Jacob’s lies and David’s adultery. And, we are also told how all these were used by God in an incredible way. All of us have weaknesses. All of us are guilty of sin we regret, yet God’s grace is available to all. God can use any life for good, no matter how flawed, if we trust in the only One who had no flaws, Jesus Christ.

Sawdust and Planks

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.” (Matthew 7:1-5 ESV).

One of the most important tools in my shop is the planer that I was given some time ago. The versatility it allows me is incredible. This has especially been true since I have started doing a lot of work with reclaimed wood. The only negative is the sheer volume of sawdust and shavings it produces when I use it for a project. I’m told there are several ways to take the shavings and turn them into pulp to use for making your own stationery; however, I have not tried that yet. At least the piles of sawdust and shaving have prompted me to writing this short encouraging devotional. I have often seen how easily Christians can condemn the actions of others. In fact, some people in the Christian community have a pretty good track record of condemning sins, particularly those in which we are not currently participating. But, condemnation is not our real mission. In fact, God demands that we embrace the spirit of Jesus. While we are to hate sin, we are to love the sinner. All of us, being sinners, can take great comfort in this fact: the gospel clearly states that Christ paid the penalty for your sins. Anyone who confesses and repents of their sins will receive forgiveness and salvation. Recognize that Christ did not die just for certain sins, or “little” sins, as we sometimes like to say, but for all sins. Never fear that your life has been so sinful or that your sins are so very horrid that you are beyond the power of the cross. And certainly, never declare that other people are so sinful that they are beyond forgiveness. The cross of Jesus Christ is stronger than any sin. Of course I am not suggesting that we not take a firm stand against sin. But we completely fail in our duties if we do not pair this condemnation with the proclamation that the cross of Christ is big enough to forgive any sin. Exercise great caution as you look at others and their challenges. Perhaps you are focusing on the “speck” in their eye while ignoring the “plank” in your own. Concentrate on the grace of the Gospel and you will find it much easier to do that.

Good Things and Bad People

For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind. Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment. Their eyes swell out through fatness; their hearts overflow with follies. They scoff and speak with malice; loftily they threaten oppression. They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth. Therefore his people turn back to them, and find no fault in them. And they say, “How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?” (Psalm 73:3-11 ESV).

Recently I met a man at a local gas station who asked me what I did. I replied with my usual response that I was a Biblical counselor. In this case that did not have the typical result, which typically is something like “Oh, that’s nice.” He proceeded to tell me all the things that bothered him. I guess it was a slow day. One thing did catch my attention. He said, “I really don’t have a problem with the fact that sometimes bad things happen to good people. I understand that God gives man free will and that sometimes those choices – even good ones – have bad results. I’m actually OK with that.” I couldn’t help myself. I took the bait and asked, “Then what is bugging you?” He matter-of-factly replied, “Well, I don’t understand why good things happen to bad people. Why do criminals get away with crimes? Why do corrupt politicians have their sins exposed and yet see their popularity soar?” I was about to impart some brilliant theology when he gave me my opening. “And why is it that an atheist famous for calling Christians a bunch of losers is allowed to accumulate fame and wealth beyond imagination? Why has he been so blessed?” That last one was unexpected. I continued down the road he had begun. “You say this man is an atheist?” He nodded. “And, if I’m not mistaken, the fellow you are talking about has had several marriages break up?” Again he nodded. “So here is a man with a miserable family life; and, unless he changes his views on Jesus Christ, will never see heaven. And you call him blessed?” I continued, “I’m just curious; despite his fame and riches, would you trade places with this man?” He immediately exclaimed, “No way. Not even for a second,” he replied. The psalmist of our reading today was struggling a bit with the same thing. It is a legitimate question. To understand the answer we need to explore the concept of “karma.” That’s the belief that good things bring good things and bad things bring bad things. The truth is that no behavior or action brings us anything in return without the intervening work of God. It is not Karma that determines action and reaction; it is the will and purpose of God. For those who are His children, regardless of what it may seem now, we can be assured that He is purposing and working all things for our good.

The One I've Been Looking For

Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God”? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:27-31 ESV).

In building our new home I have been doing some of the work myself. I would say that is because I would save a significant amount of money; however, others have suggested that it is only because I am so particular that I couldn’t let someone else have complete control over the process. I will admit that it does give me a great deal of comfort to be “in control” over the process and doing it myself gives me the most advantage over how the work is done. I can assure myself that there certainly won’t be any shortcuts by doing the work. At least that’s the story I’ve been using as I work away. Whether any of that is true or not, I can say there is a great deal of satisfaction in the completion of the individual part of the process I take responsibility for. Recently I completed the construction of the deck. This picture doesn’t really give much of a perspective as to size. It is twelve feet deep and twenty-four feet long. It took forty-two support posts for the floor joists. That may have been a little overkill, but I wanted to make sure it would be unshakeable with as many people standing or sitting on it at one time as we might entertain. Each of those posts was hand dug into the rockiest, hardest dirt I’ve encountered in a long time! When I finally dug the last hole and concreted it in I smugly thought, “That’s the one I’ve been looking for.” You know. We always look to the last one of anything to finish any project. That’s the best one; it’s the last one. The same was true with the balusters. There are 168 of those to individually measure, set, and nail into place. The best one was the 168th one! It signaled I was finished. I suppose that’s why I went to the last verse of our reading today: Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Whatever life project you are pursuing in this new year, trust the Lord to give you the “one” you’re looking for. He will strengthen you for the task and bring you to a good conclusion. He is the only one who can do so successfully. Look to Him.