Essentials of the Faith - Pt 3

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:1-3 ESV).

The Incarnation became one of the essentials of the faith very early in the Church. We concentrate on it at Christmas, though many people of faith simply haven’t scratched the surface of this incredible truth and what it really means to them on a daily basis. Of course there are dozens of difficult questions that surround this doctrine. It boggles the mind to think God could be both divine and human at one time, in one place, with one manifestation. We do ponder how Jesus could be both God and man? Why doesn’t this make him two people? How does his Incarnation relate to the Trinity? How could Jesus have hungered and died when he was on earth, and yet still be God? Did Jesus give up any of his divine attributes in the Incarnation? All of these are valid questions; though, not all of these are answered with specificity in the Scripture. Like much of what God reveals to us about himself, it is simply declared. So, let’s begin with the first principle, which is that Jesus is one Person who has two natures: a divine nature and a human nature. In other words, Jesus is both God and man. The Bible teaches that Jesus is not merely someone who is a lot like God, or someone who has a very close walk with God. Rather, Jesus is the Most High God himself (cf. Titus 2:13; John 1:14, 18). Further, there are many references showing Jesus has all the attributes of God. He knows everything; he has all power; he depends on nothing outside of himself for life; he rules over everything; he never began to exist and never will cease to exist; and, he is our Creator. In other words, everything that God is, Jesus is. For Jesus is God. Second, we should also have some sort of understanding of the Trinity. The doctrine of the Trinity states that God is one being, and this one God exists as three distinct Persons. This truth means, first of all, that we must distinguish each Person of the Trinity from the other two. The Father is not the Son or the Holy Spirit, the Son is not the Holy Spirit or the Father, and the Holy Spirit is not the Father or the Son. They are each a distinct center of consciousness, a distinct form of personal existence. Yet, they all share the exact same divine nature/essence. Thus, the three persons are one being. The divine being/essence is not something that is divided between the Persons with each Person receiving one-third. Rather, the divine being is fully and equally possessed by all three Persons such that all three Persons are each fully and equally God. Tomorrow we’ll see why this is so important. Today, rest assured there is nothing you could want or need that He is not. He is all we need, all of the time!

Essentials of the Faith - Pt 2

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. (1 John 4:1-3 ESV).

Today we begin our look at “The Essentials of the Faith” with a brief examination of the deity of Christ. It may take us a while to explore each of these. And, while I do not want us to wander to far from the daily inspiration and encouragement which has always been my goal for Morning Devotionals, I do want us to give each of the essentials a fair and representative treatment. There has been so much confusion concerning this doctrinal essential through the centuries. It is no wonder that the Apostle John felt it important enough to deal with in our reading today. Jesus makes it clear as well. He simply says, “I AM the Alpha and the Omega” (cf. Revelation 1:8). J. I. Packer gives us more insight: “Here are two mysteries for the price of one — the plurality of persons within the unity of God, and the union of Godhead and manhood in the person of Jesus. . . . Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as is this truth of the Incarnation.” The early church considered the Incarnation to be one of the most important truths of our faith. Because of this, they formulated what has come to be called the Chalcedonean Creed, a statement which sets forth what we are to believe and what we are not to believe about the Incarnation. This creed was the fruit of a large council that took place from October 8th to November 1st, in AD 451, in the city of Chalcedon and “has been taken as the standard, orthodox definition of the biblical teaching on the person of Christ since that day by” all the major branches of Christianity. There are five main truths with which the creed of Chalcedon summarized the biblical teaching on the Incarnation. These are the heart of doctrine concerning who Jesus is.  Jesus has two natures. He is God and man.  Each nature is full and complete. He is fully God and fully man.  Each nature remains distinct. There is vitality in each.  Christ is only one Person. He is distinct from the Father and the Spirit, but he is one.  Things that are true of only one nature are nonetheless true of the Person of Christ. A proper understanding about these basics is important. Tomorrow we’ll dig a little deeper. Today, understand and believe that Jesus is all of God and all we ever could need. If you want to know God, know Jesus. He has revealed himself to us completely.

Essentials of the Faith - Pt 1

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:30-31 ESV).

John closes his account of the Gospel by saying the things he included were those necessary for us to believe the “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and that by believing we may have eternal life” (v. 31). Doctrine is important. However, affirming every biblical doctrine is only essential for perfection. Because perfection is not what God has to have from us, it is not all essential for being a Christian and living a life that is useful. God uses imperfect people, both doctrinally and morally. Therefore, I wouldn't want to put all doctrines in the same category of importance. The deity of Christ, the centrality of the cross, the necessity of faith, the necessity of a transformed life by the power of the Holy Spirit, and the sovereignty of God over all things are the things that are central to our faith. And, conversely, the nature of spiritual gifts, the timing of certain eschatological matters, and the mode and timing of baptism we ought to put further to the edges of our system of faith. They are important, but they simply are central to salvation. When the world sees the church squabbling over these things, I think it could help us if we say out loud, "We acknowledge that there are disagreements among Christians. We're sinners, we're finite, we don't have the whole picture in front of us, and we all make mistakes. Just understand that we don't insist that every single “jot” be dotted and every “tittle” be crossed. There is variety, and we have to learn to live with that variety. Nevertheless, it's not so mushy that we don't know what we believe." I think the world can see and handle that. And if they hear an attitude acknowledging that there are Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, Episcopalians, or others among us, and if they see us not throwing hate bombs over the wall it seems to me the world would see that, understand that, and sometimes even be impressed by it. The Gospel would find fertile soil to take root, grow, and flourish. This does not excuse us from study, prayer, and a clear understanding of our doctrines. It does reprimand us when we make every one of them a basis for fellowship and community. John certainly understood that. We would do well to follow his lead. We are going to look at some of these essentials in the next few days. It will not be comprehensive, but cursory. These things are the heart of the Gospel. Believe these things and have life!

The Bucket List - Pt 7

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. (Philippians 1:3-7 ESV).

These two words, “Thank You,” may be the most powerful words in the English language. They evoke a sense of accomplishment and joy that no other phrase can. So, for the last suggestion of an item for your bucket list, find someone who changed your life and do something special for them as an expression of your gratitude. I can tell you from my own experience that when someone I’ve not had contact me for a while randomly reconnects just to say thank you for a past service, I am always deeply humbled and grateful. And, it is proven to be good for the one saying “thanks” too. Gratitude is an attitude and way of living that has been shown to have many benefits in terms of health, happiness, satisfaction with life, and the way we relate to others. It goes hand in hand with a consistency in focus on the present and appreciation for what we have now, rather than wanting more and more. Feeling and expressing gratitude turns our mental focus to the positive, which compensates for our brain’s natural tendency to focus on threats, worries, and negative aspects of life. As such, gratitude creates positive emotions, like joy, love, and contentment, which research shows can undo the grip of negative emotions, like anxiety. Fostering gratitude can also broaden your thinking and create positive cycles of thinking and behaving in healthy, positive ways. What if today you thought of a person who has made a lasting difference in your life and sought them out to thank them? It’s really easier to do than you may think. Begin by making a list of those who have helped you in some way. It may be a teacher, friend, parent, or mentor. Spend a little time reflecting on the ways they have helped you and the benefits you have gained as a result. Make a bullet-point list of the gist of those things and then write them a short note, call, or visit them to tell them how their help has improved your life. You may wish to use social media as well. Posting to sites like Face Book, Twitter, or Instagram not only expresses gratitude to the person you are thanking, but it encourages others to do so as well. And, wouldn’t it be nice to have your feed full of expressions like these instead of the pointless political rants that typically play such a prominent part of such media today? Help yourself and others too by saying thank you!

The Bucket List - Pt 6

For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. (Matthew 25:14-19 ESV). There is so much we can learn from our reading today. We have titled it “The Parable of the Talents.” I know you recall the whole story. Suffice it to say when the day of reckoning came the servant who was given the one talent and merely returned that which was given to him was punished. The principle Jesus is teaching is that of responsible stewardship. The Apostle Paul says it in plainer language: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 ESV). The point is that we should all be using everything God has given us to His glory. I’m convinced that puts another activity on our bucket list. We ought to be intentional about developing some latent talent.

Often when I am asked why I haven’t done more woodworking in my past. Well, one reason is simply time. The other is the investment in tools. Both of those were solved as I reached retirement. I have always dabbled. Now, however, I have much more time and resources to develop this talent. As you can see from the picture, I have some talent in this area. This dining table is 9 feet long, made from hickory, with farmhouse style legs. It was a big project, but one that I was prepared to complete through the years of developing my skills. I have made many other things for my children, grandchildren, and others. The key is in developing and using the latent skill God gave to me. My suggestion for everyone is to find that thing God gave you that is unique to you and invest it in the simple task of doing it. You may need further training and/or tools; just don’t let it sit idle. Take a cooking class. Find out when your local plant nursery is having classes on growing roses and sign up. The local art store has postings for new classes all over town, from beginners to intermediate, and from intermediate to accomplished. Ask the Red Cross about classes for CPR and lifesaving training. There are countless hundreds of opportunities to develop your interest into an activity that will bring you joy and God glory. Don’t wait to do it all… start doing now. It might surprise you how much happiness it can produce in you and those around you.

The Bucket List - Pt 5

Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord: that he looked down from his holy height; from heaven the Lord looked at the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners, to set free those who were doomed to die, that they may declare in Zion the name of the Lord, and in Jerusalem his praise, when peoples gather together, and kingdoms, to worship the Lord. (Psalm 102:18-22 ESV).

The Scripture is consistent in asking for the story of our lives to be written for others in future generations. My bucket list has always contained some form of journaling, or writing. In fact, Morning Devotional is a direct result of that desire. It is a part of my personal journey and the outgrowth of my daily walk with the Lord. Now, unless you are a gifted writer, the story of your life would not be for publication. You would write it for your children and their offspring. Because it is for them, it can be in any style or format. And, anything you write will be priceless. Whether it is “interesting” or not isn’t the issue. The fact is that you are fascinating to your future descendants. They will want to know all about you, where you came from, who your folks were, what they did for a living, what interesting family tales you have to relate. I have found that using my computer is best for me. However, many people prefer using hard-bound wordless books found in any local bookstore or stationery dealer. It is not essential to wait for January 1 to begin. Just buy a book, letter it "No. 1," jot the date at the top of the page, and start writing. The subject matter is the easiest part of it all. I simply write about what has happened in the last 24 hours. I will write about whatever news is important to me, personal or public. It is the stuff of everyday life. It may be a movie you have recently seen and how it affected you; it could be a book you are reading, or what you have seen as you go about your daily routine. Include what you feel strongly about, what the doctor said about your condition, and remember to include the details of how you feel. Think about it. The Bible is here today, because people wrote. I doubt they “blogged” about their life since computers were much slower 2000 plus years ago; but they definitely transcribed it somehow. Our reading today is not the only place where someone was instructed to write down what had happened in their life for subsequent generations. In fact, if I had a dollar for every time the Lord told someone to “write it down”, then I would be able to buy a lot of tools for my shop… and, I would journal about it. Let me challenge you to journal for just seven days. See what happens!

The Bucket List - Pt 4

A man of crooked heart does not discover good, and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity. He who sires a fool gets himself sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy. A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:20-22 ESV).

The first question you may ask at the viewing of this meme is “Really?” However, when we understand the impact of the wisdom in our reading today, it does make perfect sense. Another one of the things to do on my bucket list is to reassert myself as a person of good humor and frequent laughter. All of us who are a bit older know how difficult that task might be. Even though I'm personally blessed with an active positive attitude, it does become more difficult when I get older. So, there are those times when I need a little silliness to help a bit. You know as well as I that there are way too many serious people in our culture. There are plenty of times to be serious, though I think we would all do well to find the time to loosen up a bit. We need more laughter and spontaneous smiles. Just imagine what would happen if you went to your local Petsmart or pet store and got a bag of bird seed. As you are checking out, ask the clerk how long it will take to grow a bird after you plant them. The folks who really need a little “medicine” will either look at you as if you are crazy, or say something disparaging. That’s when you can flash them a huge smile and quote Solomon’s wisdom: “A joyful heart is good medicine.” Tell them that Jesus really does have their best in mind in all things and wish them a great day. This is about two things: the sounds of joy coming from your mouth - words, laughter, positive words - and the appearance of your countenance, your facial expressions. If you get a Bible dictionary and look up "countenance" you may be surprised to see the connection of this principle and the grace of God in Jesus. It shouldn’t be surprising that the Apostle Paul consistently reassures his readers with the truth that it is all going to be “good” in the hands of our God (cf. Romans 8:28). I need to be consistent in helping folks to believe that by both my actions and my words. So, join me today in making this conscious effort to force a smile onto your face and greet everyone with that kind of joy that infects them with the presence of God. Some will be so shocked they'll want to know what happened. Just tell them it's on your bucket list.

The Bucket List - Pt 3

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre! He covers the heavens with clouds; he prepares rain for the earth; he makes grass grow on the hills. He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens that cry. (Psalm 147:7-9 ESV).

The Century Tree, located near the Academic Building on the main campus of Texas A&M, is a place that holds a special place in the heart of many Aggies. Well over 100 years old, the tree was one of the first trees planted on Texas A&M's massive 5,200-acre campus. The beautiful live oak has been the site of countless Aggie marriage proposals, weddings, and tourist snapshots because of its immense size and its unique drooping branches, many of which rest on the ground. Tradition says that if a couple walks together underneath the Century Tree, they will eventually marry (we did) — and if a marriage proposal takes place under the tree, the marriage will last forever (we are now at 48 years and counting). This picture was taken a few years ago when we visited the campus. A project that was begun some years ago at A&M is the harvesting and planting the acorns from this tree. As they grow into healthy seedlings they are offered for sale to those who may wish to replant them in their yards. That’s on my bucket list. Now that it is reasonable to expect we will be in this location for the foreseeable future, it is an investment I really want to make. And, that brings me to another suggestion for “the Bucket List.” Plant some flowers or a tree in your yard. This one doesn't sound as spiritual or as life-changing as some of the others on the list. But shouldn’t we recognize the beauty God has created and seek to spread it through our efforts at planting flowers, shrubs, or trees where we can? And, the bonus of planting this tree is the memories that I could leave behind for others. We have lived in many different homes through the years. At each location we have learned to appreciate the unique landscapes. I remember when we moved to one city, almost forty years ago. Our home had a blank landscape. There wasn’t one tree in the near acre the house sat on. I began to transplant trees almost immediately. We only lived there three years, but my hope was to leave something of permanence on the site for others to enjoy. They were little more than saplings then. Recently when visiting that site we were delighted to see those trees soaring over the landscape nearly thirty feet tall! Maybe Francis of Assisi had it right. As he worked in his garden, he was asked, "What would you do if you knew you were going to die tomorrow?" He answered, "Go right on working in my flower garden."

The Bucket List - Pt 2

I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. (Philemon 4-7 ESV).

I have been fortunate to have some people in my life through the years who were “true friends.” The quote from Eleanor Roosevelt I’ve include in the meme with today’s devotional is so true. The friends in my life have left indelible footprints in my heart. So, it is not a surprise that one of things I am constantly working on is telling everyone who has left such marks in my life that I love them. For some that have been geographically separated from me through the years that means I will look for ways to visit them. However, if that seems to be impossible I will call or write to insure they know of my appreciation and love for their friendship. Obituaries and memorials are a very poor way to express our love for someone. It is such a pity that we wait until someone is dying to tell them how much they mean to us. My commitment is to consistently tell these folks that have loved me so much through the years, who have been such a light in the darkness seeking to overwhelm me at times, how much they are loved. Additionally, I want them to know that I know what they have done out of friendship and love. This is what Paul is doing in our reading today. It is one of his last letters and he does not fail to send his love with it. I wonder what would happen if we made it a point to tell these special people in our lives that we love them and are grateful to the Lord for bringing them into our lives. It shouldn’t be qualified, complicated, or obtuse. Elizabeth Barrett Browning said it with her poetry: How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of being and ideal grace. I love thee to the level of every day’s Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. I love thee freely, as men strive for right. I love thee purely, as they turn from praise. I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death. How can you say it best? Maybe this one is one of those bucket list things for you.

The Bucket List - Pt 1

But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy. (1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 ESV).

First, I am not dying, at least no more than all of us are moving a bit closer with each passing moment. So far as I know today, I will be living a lot longer. However, with some newer health issues and the natural aging process I have begun to think more about my life. One of the questions is: “Did I get everything done that I could or should have gotten done?” Our reading indicates the apostle thought about that as well. He is writing to the Thessalonian Church with a regret and apology for not having come to see them yet. It reminded me that a “bucket list” is not such a bad idea for any of us, regardless of age or health. So, let me list some of mine and encourage you to do the same as we go through the next few days. Everyone will have their own list. This is mine. It is by no means absolute. It’s just my stuff. The list is long, and therefore I will divide it into some manageable segments. Also, there is no order; honestly I’m not sure what I’ll end up with yet. I’m writing these with a few in mind though I’m sure others will come to light as I think about it. That also means that if one item appears sooner than another, it says nothing about their relative importance. And, it’s my list. Some of them might be on your list; some may not. I suppose my encouragement to you is to have a list. Being intentional in life is so important. Because this is my list, it is written from a perspective of being a believer. So, I’m not going to put becoming a Christian on the list. Obviously that has to be a fact in anyone’s life if there is to be any real meaning or purpose in any of the things we do. So, let’s get to it. I want to make sure I talk to each person in my immediate family and assure them of my deep and abiding love for them. That’s not something I don’t normally do anyway; however, I want to be very clear. That’s pretty easy with some of my family. They are all old enough to be able to communicate. However, my younger grandchildren haven’t developed those skills yet. So, I have written “last letters” that I periodically update. I want them to be able to read my words to them as much as they desire for the rest of their lives knowing they were loved for who they are and not for what they have or have not done. I want them to possess memories of things we’ve done, or things we’ve experienced together; however, more than anything I want them to be assured of my love for them. It is on the bucket list and checked off. Maybe it should be on yours.

Rest - Pt 3

The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. (Mark 6:30-31 ESV). One final thought about rest: Jesus took special times to rest from labor. This is what we might think of as a “vacation.” It is interesting that he said that right after these brothers buried what they could get of John the Baptist’s body. Remember he was beheaded, (cf. Mark 6:14-29). They risked their own lives to retrieve either his body or head, or both for burial. Undoubtedly it was a time of high stress and difficulty. Jesus said to them, “Come away and rest a while.”

So, my summary is this: Vacations become a matter of wisdom. We should try to know ourselves, know our families. It seems to me in this fallen age where the focus is on redemption, the final rest that we are promised is only tasted incrementally and as a means of more productive labor in this redemptive age. Play and recreation in this age are not the main way we glorify God. It is secondary, I think, and it is a means of refreshing us and inspiring us for productive labor. We work to advance God’s saving kingdom in a fallen world, and that is true whether we are in secular work or so-called Christian work. Vacations and sabbaths and days off and nights of sleep are recreations of creative, happy, fruitful labor for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom in the world, whether you are in a secular work or not. And, of course, there is no clear line for many of us between vocation and recreation. Many of us so love what we do and find so much pleasure in it and are so energized by it that the concept of taking time for recreation for the sake of creation is not so clear. For those folks, we need to make sure that we know not only ourselves, but we need to know those around us. Because our wives may not feel the same and our kids may need us when we are just super energized by our work. And that is not what they need at this time and vacation can count for that as well as for us. So, as soon as the doctors find a way to fix my physical heart, I’m going to find a way to go away for a little while to fix my spiritual heart a little more. Our spiritual heart is wrapped in or minds and our emotions. I can’t imagine a better way to do that than by going to the mountains and visiting with dear friends along the way. It has been too long since I have seen some of them. Maybe it’s been too long for you as well. Perhaps you need a rest.

Rest - Pt 2

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. (Exodus 20:8-11 ESV).

In continuing to think about rest, our second thought is that God established a Sabbath principle. However you relate the Old Testament law to the present, the Sabbath remains a gift with wisdom in it. Doing a little research for today’s devotional, I read C.S. Lewis’s wife’s book on the Ten Commandments and saw her point out the wonder and the incredible gift of telling an ancient, agricultural people whose lives depended on working the land not only you don’t have to go to work today, but you may not go to work today. It was God giving them a mandatory weekly vacation. And it was stunning. I mean I just had never seen it in that light. Remember yesterday I wrote that God made sleep as a continual reminder that we should not be anxious, but should rest in him like a little baby. That is exactly the way it would have landed on people, at least at the beginning. You may not work seven days a week. I won’t let you. You must rest. And then he consecrated it to himself as a sign of his own creative power and holiness, but the underlying issue of its gift nature to us. It was first given to a worn out, finite, tired, and agricultural people; and, it remains for us, a worn-out, finite, tired, technologically driven people. The rhythm of work six, rest one, work six, rest one, work six, rest one would probably spare a lot of heart attacks and give longevity to many lives prematurely taken because they never unwind the spring. They’re always working. They are working at home and they are working at work and they are working in their play and they can’t stop working. And I don’t think that is what one in seven means. This spring that we live by, especially for some of us, needs to be unwound not just two weeks a year, but one day a week. A vacation simply is not the answer. As much as I love going to the Smoky Mountains, that’s not what God intended as a “rest.” Last week I preached both morning services at Gospel City Church in Arlington, Texas. I was exhausted. I know most of that was the health condition I have developed recently; however, it was a stark reminder that for most of my life I have never really rested on Saturday or Sunday. Maybe it’s time! One thing is sure. God intended us to rest one day, to really rest. That is the created rhythm we are designed for. So, REST!

Rest - Pt 1

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. (Psalm 127:1-2 ESV).

Some of you have been following my most recent health saga. I really don’t have any diagnosis or prognosis yet; and, I won’t be able to see the cardiologist until another test is completed on June 25th. Something is definitely different. The symptoms have radically altered my typical routine. As you may have known, or guessed by now, I am not one to “sit” very well. If I am not doing something I can become uneasy. It makes me feel as though I’m wasting time to rest. You can imagine my consternation at being forced into inactivity and even a nap on most days. Hopefully that will be fixed soon! However, this situation has served to remind me that God has designed all of us in such a way that we require rest. And the Bible provides some pretty significant foundations for rest. In the next few days I will examine a few of those. They will give us some guidance and encourage those of you, like me, who feel anxious about “wasting time.” The picture I’ve included with today’s devotional was taken in the fall of the year beside a small waterfall in the Smoky Mountains. I’ve never felt more relaxed than those times I’ve just sat next to these quiet, gurgling streams in the mountains. However, these periodic travels are not nearly enough for any of us. Our reading today clearly teaches us that God created us in need of daily sleep. I have always found that quite frustrating. I hate sleep. I find sleep boring. Yet God created all of us so that we would need to sleep one-third of our lives! There has got to be a message in that. The gist of our reading today is pretty much the same. According to this text, sleep is a gift from God and the gift is often spurned by anxious toil. Peaceful sleep is the opposite of anxiety. God does not want his children to be anxious, but to trust him. So, I conclude that God made sleep as a continual reminder that we should not be anxious, but should rest in him like a little baby. He created sleep to make sure we would have a daily reminder we are not God. Our work is not decisive in running the world. God’s work is decisive. Sleep is foundational. It is a pointer. And I think the real message is that we ought not think so much of ourselves as to think we are in any way essential to the world. We are like a little baby a third of our life. And, God will take care of us. Get a little rest!

Trivial Pursuit - Pt 3

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame. (1 Corinthians 15:33-24 ESV).

Let’s end this little series with four simple things you can begin to do right now that will insure you are not caught in the trivial pursuit of our Great God. First, be part of a local church where the preaching is gospel centered, Jesus focused, and theological serious. Find a church where God-sought joy and not flippant silliness marks the wonders of the word of God. That’s first. Second, look carefully at your friendships. Who are you spending time with? This is the impact of our reading today. Superficiality is a very contagious disease. If you only hang out with superficial people, you will almost certainly be superficial people. If you only hang out with superficial social media and TV programs, you will almost certainly be a superficial person. The Wisdom of Solomon teaches us: “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise.” (Proverbs 13:20). The writer of Hebrews says, “Let us consider” — think about, ponder — “how to stir up one another to love” (Hebrews 10:20). Love is the greatest thing in the universe; if we understand what God understands by love. One of the great evidences of our fall is that we are so easily bored with glorious reality. Refuse to follow that example. The last thing I would say is read. Read some of the great Reformed writers whose works are unlike anything you will find in the twentieth and twenty-first century, because they are so non-superficial, non-trivial, and God-centered. The works of Jonathan Edwards, John Owen, Jeremiah Burroughs, John Bunyan, J.C. Ryle, Charles Spurgeon, and John Newton are just a few of these great writers. A steady diet of their writings will go a long way to reversing a superficial mind-set and replacing it with a deeply joyful mind, ready to discover wonders and be amazed everywhere we look. These authors, I think, will drive us back to the word of God with eyes that are able to see the glories that God really did put there. Some time ago I began to form the habit of noticing the environment I happened to be in at any given moment. I have traveled to some exotic and majestic places. They have yielded masterpieces of memories. However, I seem to return to the inspiration of the simpler vistas of my daily routine. It never fails to amaze. Some starlings nested in one of the eaves again this year. Sitting on the patio I noticed there were four chicks that had hatched. The pair responsible flew in and out with food for the chicks and I simply marveled at how God had insured their ability and knowledge to act on behalf of their offspring. Those are the simple things of life we must notice! They are not trivial!

Trivial Pursuit - Pt 2

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:1-4 ESV).

Thomas McKeown, a renowned British physician argued that environmental factors largely determined the health of an individual. He also had a great deal to say about the trivialization of our modern cultured. To some degree he was right. He said, that the cell phone constantly “…tricks you with the trivial; it fools you into thinking that news and updates from the virtual world are more important than what’s right in from of you in the actual world right now.” Of course the cell phone isn’t the only thing that tricks us. Unfortunately, whether we are home with our family or busy at work we are constantly being offered distractions. One thing is certain. The constant pursuit of that which is trivial is a direct result of our unwillingness to “seek the things above.” There are a few practical considerations to correct this destructive behavior. First, repent and confess to God that this is a huge problem and involves our stubborn unwillingness to deal with personal sin. It is in this crying out to God for help that he will wake us up from the emptiness, the meaninglessness boredom in our quest to be titillated in body while the soul is starving for greatness. We must cry out for help to God. Superficiality is a very contagious disease. The cure is a return to the pursuit of our God. Second, we should set ourself on a conscious quest to obey God’s strategy for cultivating a spiritual mind that is fully alert to the glories of God, radiant in the world, and radiant in the word. We should pray that God would cause us to be stunned by the meaning of the verses of our reading today. It ought to drive us to be disciplined in the pursuit of that new mind-set, of setting your minds on things that are above. Third, we follow the direction of the Apostle Paul as he wrote to the Philippians: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8). In other words, Paul is calling us to discipline the focus of our minds so that we fix the mind, the focus of the mind, on things that are worthy and that have the potential to deepen and strengthen and purify our souls. Begin there. That will be a step toward becoming who your were always intended to be.

Trivial Pursuit - Pt 1

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27 ESV).

Trivial Pursuit was conceived on December 15, 1979 by Chris Haney and Scott Abbott. Haney was a picture editor at the Montreal Gazette, and Abbott was a sports journalist for The Canadian Press. The friends were playing a game of Scrabble and drinking beer when they decided to invent their own game. Since then, more than 100 million copies of the game had been sold in as many as 26 countries and in at least 17 languages! Howevrer, it has not been without criticism. In 2006, Julian Fellows, accused the makers of the game of “dumbing it down intentionally to make it more popular. Fellows, himself an Oscar-winning writer of Gosford Park who went on to make Downton Abbey, said: "It reflects an endless degrading of everything. One just feels old when confronted with things like this, but I thought that the idea of the game was to stimulate a desire for knowledge. It's not the fault of the game's makers. The makers of Trivial Pursuit are having to reflect the collapse of education in this country." I enjoy playing the game from time to time. I don’t know if that means I’m smart or dumb! I seem to have amassed a lot of information through the years; and, that enables me to do well. However, it also may indicate a superficial body of knowledge. That superficial mind-set seems to reflect our present culture. It also touches on an issue that is epidemic among human beings in general, in every age, and perhaps more than ever in our age of ever-present distraction by superficial input from every manner of media. The epidemic I’m talking about is the tragic loss of wonder and amazement in the face of the beauties and glories in the world and in the word and in our own selves. Our reading today declares we are made in the image of God, full of potential to know God and to know things the way God knows them and feel with the affections that even God has in his own heart. Yet we are merely “glorious ruins.” We have fallen. We go to visit the magnificent Rockies, or Alps or Himalayas and, for a day or two, we are breathless with amazement. By the end of the week, we’re sitting in front of the television in our chalet on top of the mountain, watching pitiful, human, cinematic efforts to create amazement. That’s just who we are. It’s tragic. It’s one of the great, tragic effects of the fall. We are plagued with superficiality in a world of wonder, easily bored, and rarely awed. We must awaken from this stupor and rebuild a mind-set that might help us pursue a meaningful life. That’s the premise we’ll build upon in the next few days. Today, intentionally look for the wonder of God in your life. Marvel at the things that have been placed in each of you routine steps of life today. It might amaze you! It will certainly stretch you beyond the trivial.

Barnabas People - Pt 2

Jesus said, “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:33-34 ESV).

I must confess that one of my favorite channels is the Food Network; and, one of my favorite series on that network is Chopped. It is a reality television cooking competition show. The show is hosted by Ted Allen and features four contestants. The contestants, usually professional chefs (though some episodes feature amateur chefs), are tasked with cooking a dish in an allotted time frame using four mystery ingredients which usually do not pair well together. The chefs then present their dishes to a panel of three judges who are culinary experts. The judges cut, or "chop," the contestant they feel made the worst dish after each round. There are three rounds: Appetizer, Entrée, and Dessert. After three rounds, the judges pick a winner based on all three dishes the remaining two competitors have made that day. The judges do compliment every dish until the inevitable “but” is spoken. It is another reminder that we have made criticism, contempt, critique, and correction the native language of our fallen world. It has become entertainment. We’ve even made “critic” a profession. The vast majority of the analyses of people, ideas, organizations, movements, and governments we hear, whether in the press, on blogs, or at the table next to us, are negative. There are, of course, things that legitimately need critique and correction. But the overabundance of negativity is largely due to the fact that the prideful eye of the fallen human heart is trained to see others’ weaknesses, foibles, mistakes, and sins. It looks for them and relishes in them. Ironically, one reason is that we are all looking for hope for ourselves. Courage comes from hope. We should not be surprised when the church falls into a disproportionate amount of discouraging negativity. Our remaining indwelling sin is bent in this way and Christians are under constant assault by spiritual forces of evil (cf. Ephesians 6:12). Critical discernment is necessary for spiritual survival. But in the chaos of the battle, we can easily wound each other with critical friendly fire and forget that encouragement is also necessary for spiritual survival. So, today, can I encourage you to join me intentionally striving to withhold words of hurt, judgment, and discouragement, and focus instead, on trying to find words that will uplift, motivate, and encourage those around you. Be one of the “Barnabas People” today! Maybe we’ll start a trend!

Barnabas People - Pt 1

Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. (Acts 4:32-37 ESV). In Luke’s early account of the church he tells us of a man named Joseph. He further says, “he was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement)” (v. 36). It seems to me that we could use more of these individuals in our world. “Encouragement” is an interesting word. By definition it is a noun meaning “the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.” Some synonyms are “heartening, cheering up, inspiration, motivation, stimulation, fortification, support, persuasion, urging, and pep-talk.” Perhaps the most interesting factoid about this word is that its use has been on the decline since the 1850’s so much so that it is used less than half the time it once was.

Yet encouragement from another person is one of the most powerful forces in our lives. Encouragement is important because it is life-altering. Encouragement goes straight to the heart. In fact, the word itself comes from a combination of the prefix “en” which means “to put into” and the Latin word “cor” which means “heart.” Encouraging words do not need to be some profound philosophy or grandiose act. All you need to do is to be able to see when someone needs you and be there with the right words to boost his or her self-esteem. Comforting words of encouragement and inspiration are many times, the best means to help someone feel better. This is the essence of being “Barnabas people.” In the next few days we’re going to explore being these encouragers, Barnabas people. I am convinced that we have lost that concept for the most part in our “participation trophy” culture. When you are awarded for merely participating there is no compelling reason to excel. The fear of failure then becomes a powerful obstacle in our lives. Our hope leaks away and discouragement sets in. When this happens we need an infusion of hope. That’s what encouragement is. Barnabas went around giving people hope-infusions, which helped them keep fighting the fight of faith. We need Barnabas people. We need to be those people of faith.

Slow Burn - Pt 4

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13 ESV).

A third practical means of stopping the “slow burn” is to practice letting meaning overcome mood. Really I’m talking about practicing resilience. As the picture comments, resilience is “the courage to come back.” This is the impact of Paul’s litany of opposites in our reading. He has learned how to be content in every circumstance by understanding that regardless of our mood, we can find meaning and power in Christ who has secured our future by his sacrifice on our behalf. Whatever circumstance you may be facing, you can overcome the fear of that future by knowing the hope of the future God has guaranteed for us through the work of Jesus on our behalf. You can decide that the meaning you make is more important to you than the mood you find yourself in. Rather than being stuck in your present circumstance, move forward to your purpose for that moment. You start each day by announcing to yourself exactly how you intend to make meaning on that day, how you intend to deal with routine chores and tasks, how you intend to relax; how, in short, you mean to spend your day, and you consider all of that, the rich and the mundane alike, as the project of your life, one that you are living with grace and in good spirits. You reduce your emotional distress by checking in more on your intentions and less on your mood. Last week I found myself being shuffled from one examination and/or treatment room to another for hours. I was at my cardiologist’s office where I was undergoing a nuclear stress test. It seems I am showing symptoms that may signal a return of a heart problem that was treated four years ago with surgery. The test itself required periods of waiting between each phase to allow certain drugs to take effect in my system. I found myself agitated after a bit. The waiting was longer than I anticipated; the chairs were uncomfortable; the waiting room was crowded; the television program was one which I could care less about; and, when I did get into the exam room, I was very uncomfortable. At one point, as they purposefully stressed my heart for that phase of the exam, Mary late said, “I thought you were dying!” My immediate response was, “That would’ve been better!” I was in a bad mood. And that mood was determining my emotional stress levels. I did recognize the slow burn and was able to talk myself into a place of contentment. It could’ve been much worse. Focusing on that allowed me to see the future as hopeful, not hopeless. In Christ we are never in a hopeless situation. Heaven is just around the bend; and, it is guaranteed!

Slow Burn - Pt 3

And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:28-31 ESV). A second principle in preventing the “slow burn” of emotional distress is to love and be loved. This requires a healthy understanding of appropriate self-love. There is no doubt that Jesus indicated that loving ourselves correctly is a foundation for loving others appropriately. It is a truth that we treat others in the same way we treat ourselves. If I am uncertain about my worth, I will be uncertain about the worth of others. A lack of self-love is seen as the root of all sorts of issues ranging from depression to bullying to self-destructive behavior.

As you can see from the picture of our dog, Teddy, he is unique. The vet seems to think that most of his pedigree is that of a Norfolk Terrier. I’m sure we could do the genetic testing to get a more definitive makeup of his heritage; however, that wouldn’t change who he is. He simply is Teddy. We found him one day at PetsMart with a terrier rescue group who was there offering some of the intakes for adoption. Why anyone would have abandoned him is still a mystery to us. He is a terrier. However, he has proven to be a loveable, loyal companion to us since we adopted him. The point I’m making is that while he has every reason to doubt that anyone might love him, he simply loves us unconditionally. There is within him an unshakeable consistency to who he is. That character makes him who he is, not the rejection he received early in his life. I think there is an illustration there for us. It is true that a part of our nature requires solitude and a substantial rugged individualism. But this isn’t the whole story of our nature. We feel happier, warmer and better, live longer, and experience life as more meaningful if we love and let ourselves be loved. We must be individuals but we must also relate. To do both, to both be ourselves and relate, requires that we acknowledge that we are absolutely eternally loved by our heavenly Father. Whether we have been wanted and loved by others in the past or not, we are loved by Him. This produces a healthy worth that can spill over into the lives of others. As that happens, our circumstance and challenge begins to fade in the background. We renew our minds and transform our lives through loving ourselves and loving others.

Slow Burn - Pt 2

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14 ESV). One of the most difficult stressors to overcome is the natural regrets we have as a result of past experiences. For us to take control of our emotions and overcome the “slow burn” of distress we must forget the past.

Victor Kermit Kiam II was an American entrepreneur and TV spokesman for Remington Products, and the owner of the New England Patriots football team from 1988–1991. His “secrets” to success are still used today among many motivational consultants. One of his quotes is most applicable for us as an explanation of the Apostle Paul’s mindset in the writing of our reading today. Kiam said, “Even if you fall on your face, you’re still moving forward.” Our past, especially our regrets and failures can become significant obstacles to the renewal of our mind. The transformational power of the Holy Spirit is diminished in our lives because of the focus we naturally have toward our past failures. We are not so completely in control of our being that we can prevent these past points from returning. They have a way of pestering us as anxious sweats, nightmares, sudden sadness, and waves of anger or defeat. But we can nevertheless try to exorcise the past by not playing along with our human tendency to wallow there. We must tell ourselves to move on and mean it. If you have an attachment to misery, you will feel miserable. As best you can, imperfectly but with real energy, let go of the past and forget the past. Let me suggest a few things to do to get the bad and retain the knowledge you gained from the past. First, set aside a specific amount time to reflect. Take some time to be angry, upset, and frustrated. Allow yourself that time to be as down as you want, but when time is up, get up move forward. Second, talk to somebody you know about how you're feeling. It's well known that just talking about something can make you feel better. Saying how you feel out loud puts that information out somewhere besides your brain. Third, refuse to let the past regret define you. Failure is something that happens, not something you are. Be careful not to blur the lines between making mistakes and being someone who only makes mistakes. This is the essence of grace. Set yourself firmly in the present tense of God’s grace and forgiveness. Move forward! Press on!

Slow Burn - Pt 1

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2 ESV).

We have all been to the doctor when we have had to report our physical pain using a scale of 1-10 with “smiley faces” to indicate how we were feeling. However, I have noticed that we lack simple ways to communicate our mental health pain. Exactly like physical health, mental health pain is more about the level of distress it’s causing us than the injury itself. The reason we treat pain isn’t because it hurts. It’s because it’s distressing to us. So, for the next few days we will be looking at the Scripture to give us some direction as to how we may be able to treat our emotional or mental pain. The brain doesn’t differentiate between physical pain and mental pain. In fact, this is a big reason why they try to get chronic pain patients to tackle existing mental health problems, whether they’re caused by the chronic health conditions or not. The sensitivity of our central nervous system can make us more aware in the perception of pain. In fact, most therapists believe that chronic, severe pain doesn’t actually make us more tolerant to pain; it makes us less tolerant and oversensitive to it. In other words, the more pain you feel the more intense feelings of pain become. It makes sense, though. If every day you burn your hand on the stove, you start flinching before you reach it. Your brain tells you “this is hurting already.” Any reminders of that heat or stove will prompt the pain-aversion response, and in the cases of most old injuries that’s not actually warranted anymore. That’s the direction the Apostle Paul is pointing us toward in our reading today. He says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (v. 2). And, that’s where we begin. It is a transformation of the mind that allows us to control the feeling of the pain. The pain is undeniably there; however, we can find the means in Christ to transform our perception so that our tolerance of it becomes less of an issue in our daily lives. It brings hope and strength to bear in our circumstances. In the next few days we’ll look at some of practical things that the Scripture instructs us to do to achieve this position. The first step in this renewal of the mind is a change in focus. Here’s what Paul says to the Philippians: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7 ESV). I encourage to begin there. It is only a “first step.” But final steps cannot be taken until we take first steps!

It's Hot! - Pt 2

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV).

If you have ever driven through a Chick-fil-A to order or pick up your food, you know that the lines are usually long, though they move efficiently and quickly. Mary and I like to eat some of their food from time to time and I am always amazed how quickly we are served. I am also amazed at how the servers seem to be comfortable even in our Texas heat. Not long ago I asked one of the young people working the lines why they were wearing those heavy looking backpacks. She quickly told me that they were really very lightweight and that they were personal air conditioners! Now that made sense to me. A principle came to my mind. Management had not changed their “journey”; but they had made it a little less difficult to endure. Yesterday I introduced the idea of how difficult our journey can be. Our reading today gives us one of the principles Paul used in coping with the many challenges he faced as a result of his faith. He clearly asserts that such experiences are simply a part of the believer’s journey. We will all have a wilderness experience which is an experience of attacks, oppression, rejection, grief and so forth. Some of these experiences may be shocking, embarrassing, sudden and self-afflicting. However, in all of the experiences of our lives, whether self-made or not, God oversees them all for the express purpose of bringing good into our lives. He empowers us and creates within us a strength that we cannot possess any other way. That knowledge is the sources of “contentment.” Additionally, God wants us to call to mind these experiences so that we may be either taught or corrected. The Lord understands revisiting our wilderness experiences from time to time will keep us mindful, grateful and “in check”. Even if mistakes, regrets and sin is what comes to mind we can be sure that every experience, good or bad, is for our edification as well. We must be careful not to forfeit our thoughts and feelings of our wilderness experiences for the thoughts and feelings of complacency; contentment and “fullness” once the Lord brings us out of the wilderness into our promised land of fulfilled dreams, goals, prophecies and desires. Today, why not spend some time remembering a wilderness experience God has already brought you through. Recall the lonely and scary, uncertain, draining parts of your path. And once you recall these experiences, thank Him again for bringing you out! It will be like putting on a personal air conditioner for the heat of you present journey.

It's Hot! - Pt 1

The whole commandment that I command you today you shall be careful to do, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land that the Lord swore to give to your fathers. And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothing did not wear out on you and your foot did not swell these forty years. (Deuteronomy 8:1-4 ESV).

Yep, it’s summer in Texas; and, it’s hot! Forget about Death Valley, Arizona, Nevada, Florida — none of them can measure up to Texas hot. We do like to be known for being the biggest and best in Texas, but this distinction of being the hottest may not be one to brag about. However, Texas alone has the right to be known as the hottest state in the nation. In Environmental Physiology, a book written by and for doctors who study how we adapt, or fail to adapt, to things like climatic conditions, it says: A review of worldwide effective temperature data for summer reveals that the Red Sea and the Indus Valley are the worst. In the United States the lower Rio Grande Valley and a section of the Gulf Coast are worst. These values are even worse than those for typical tropical areas, such as Devil’s Island in Guiana. And that’s in terms of “effective temperature,” which is not simply the reading on a mercury thermometer, but an index that takes into account humidity and air movement as well. There are a handful of other similarly sophisticated indicators—the discomfort index, the temperature-humidity index, desert equivalent temperature—all of which add up to the same conclusion: Texas, all climatic factors considered, is unquestionably the hottest. So, as is my custom, let’s see what the Lord has to teach us from our Texas summer. Our reading today recalls the instructions Moses gives to the nation of Israel as they ready themselves for the final steps in their long and often difficult journey to the Promised Land. It had been a journey of tests and paths of afflictions that God had taken them through for forty years. They had no real maps or directions to follow. Some of the time they did trust the manifestation of the Lord in the “cloud by day” and the “pillar of fire at night.” However, there were plenty of missteps and failures. Some of these failures were a result of their rebellious, stubborn character; and, some were simply because they didn’t know any better. Regardless, the message is that God never left them. That’s our message today as well. As “hot” as it might be in your journey right now, God is beside you. Turn to Him. He may not change the “weather,” but he will change you as you walk in it! Tomorrow we’ll look at this topic a bit more. I’ll have some principles for you to hold to as you seek some relief from the desert you have found yourself walking.

Happy Birthday, Mary!

Happy Birthday, Mary! Another year seems to have flown by and we celebrate another birthday. Mary and I have been married for forty-eight years. She was just one when we married (wink-wink… remember I have promised not to ever let her publicly be more than forty-nine), and that makes her just forty-nine! She questioned me just a few days ago when I told her I had not written her birthday devotional. “Why do you need to do that? Haven’t you got other things more important to write?” Well, the answer is a simple “No.” It is important that we celebrate the milestones of life. Birthdays are one of those. So, today I want to draw your attention to the following Scripture and a brief thought as we celebrate together. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. (Philippians 3:12-16 ESV). Do you remember the classic movie Mary Poppins? It has been a favorite and quintessential viewing for almost every child since its release in the 60’s. I suppose every child wished at some time or another that they could have a babysitter like Mary Poppins. They happily sing along with all the songs and try to correctly say the longest word in the world: supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, which is still one of my favorites. Julie Andrews has warmed our hearts and shown us what angels sound like for decades; and, Dick Van Dyke was cast perfectly in the co-starring role. Mary Poppins was full of beautiful life lessons about friendship, family, and love. One of the great quotes in the movie comes from Mary as she measures the children with her magical tape measure. After measuring each of them, she turns the tape on herself and it reads, “Practically Perfect in Every Way.” And, so she is! As I reflect on the influence and effect Mary has had on my life I think of that scene. I am grateful that she has consistently helped me to “press on” in life. Like the Apostle Paul none of us can make the claim to have arrived at perfection; however, through the grace of God in Christ Jesus, we all can measure up to Mary Poppins’ status. So as Mary and I celebrate her birthday today, I encourage you to use this day to be encouraged in the wonder of God’s grace at work in your life to bring you to “practically perfect” in every way!

Jehovah Rapha

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:1-5 ESV).

Next Sunday, June 10th, I will be preaching at Gospel City Church in Arlington. The Subject follows a series being done in the Children’s Ministry. They wil be studying the names of God. That morning they will looking at “Yahweh Rapha.” It means: The Lord Who Heals. He is our Healer, in both body and soul! This name assures each of us that our Heavenly Father wants to restore us to wholeness. David is quite surely in his declaration: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases.” (vv. 2-3). This name came shortly after the Israelites were set free from their slavery to Egypt. They had just passed through the Red Sea on dry ground. The people are excited to finally be free and so they express their praise (cf. Exodus 15:1-21). It is a time of great celebration and marked with the highest of praise for the work of God on their behalf. However, their praising turns into a time of protesting. In verse 22 we read that Moses led them into the “Desert of Shur.” “Shur” means a “wall.” And that’s exactly how they felt. They had run into a wall of despair instead of a window to blessing. Perhaps some of you feel like you’ve hit a “shur” of your own. After wandering in the wilderness for three days, and having no water to drink, the people turn on Moses at a place called Marah. They finally locate water; however, it is “bitter.” In verse 24, they put Moses on the spot: “What are we to drink?” The people are angry with God but they take it out on a person. We do that as well; we tend to take things out on others when we don’t get what we want when we want it. The Israelites saw God provide in making a way through the Red Sea but now they’re thirsty. On top of that, now they have a bitter taste in their mouth. Some of you may feel that way today. Moses does what he should do and cries out to the Lord. Instead of protesting, he prays. That’s what hard times can do for us. When we’re in pain, we must pray. God answers Moses by showing him a simple piece of wood. Moses takes the wood and throws it into the water and the water immediately becomes sweet. God then tells them, “If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.” (Exodus 15:26). He declares one more name for Himself: Jehovah Rapha. In the midst of their bitterness and hurt, God reveals Himself as their healer. You should not miss the significance of the wood thrown into the bitter water. Jesus threw himself by dying on the wooden cross into the bitter waters of death and hell and now we have access to THE water from the “river of life.” That is ultimate healing!

Heart Healthy - Pt 6

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. (Hebrews 13:8-10 ESV).

The writer says, Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. They trusted Jesus in the past. Now you, today and tomorrow, go on trusting Jesus. Why? Because Jesus is the same today when you trust him and he will be the same tomorrow when you trust him. We must understand what this means about grace and how it strengthens the heart. Something new is implied here that we didn't see earlier. If Jesus were only important for what he did on the cross then it wouldn't matter if he were the same today and tomorrow. All that would matter is that the past work on the altar of the cross is still valid. Does the blood still buy my forgiveness? But if Jesus is important not only because he died once to forgive my sins, but also lives to be with me and help me in the next two minutes and this afternoon and tomorrow, then everything hangs on whether the Jesus alive today is the same as he was when he died for me on the altar. His promise to us is much more than simply saving us from our sin. What he has promised is that he will never leave us you or forsake us (cf. v. 5). The faith we are to imitate is faith in future grace, not just past grace. This is faith that the living Jesus who helped yesterday will help today and tomorrow. When I wake up in the morning and feel guilty and ashamed because of yesterday's ugliness, and hopeless because of yesterday's failure, my heart needs to be strengthened by two kinds of grace, not just one. I need the grace of forgiveness based on a great past substitutionary sacrifice on the cross that covers all my sins. And I need the grace of promised help from Jesus today and tomorrow. If I can have forgiveness, and if I can have the promise of omnipotent help from Jesus who is the same yesterday today and forever, my heart will be strong, and I will be able to carry on another day. Such is the glory of grace in the Christian life. If you do not enjoy the forgiveness of your sins or have hope that Jesus will give you all the help you need today and tomorrow, then I invite you to turn from “foods” that cannot satisfy or help, and put your trust in the grace of Jesus. His grace is forever and his strength is eternally available. Don’t spend another moment at the wrong altar. Come to Jesus now!

Heart Healthy - Pt 5

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. (Hebrews 11:1-3 ESV).

The heroes of the faith, both past and present, are essential in creating a strong heart. Not only does the writer of Hebrews tell us where grace is prepared, namely at the altar of the cross, he also tell us how to keep faith in grace continuing to strengthen us. He says, "Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:7). This writer really believed in the importance of heroes and models and biography. In fact, he devotes the entire eleventh chapter to some of these. Not only should we remember that we have an altar where we can find grace every day, but we should also remember people who trusted that grace and loved and spoke to us the word of God. Remember them. Know some history, perhaps just your parents lives, or your grandparents, or a pastor or a missionary. Or, even better know these familiar ones, and then go to the wonderful biographies that tell the stories of those who were leaders in the church and who spoke the word of God. I was once told that it is not important to quote the source of some particular explanation or basis for a truth. It is more than my desire to be accurate. It’s because God said to “remember those who led you and spoke the word of God to you.” So, people like Luther, Calvin, Edwards, Brainerd, Spurgeon, Machen, and Lloyd-Jones are much more than just interesting, they are inspirational. Further, God says to look at the result or outcome of their conduct. I think it means we are to look at the whole course of their life, especially the end of it. How did they run? Did they hold fast till the end? Did they finish well? Did they do what this whole letter of Hebrews is written to help us do - persevere to the end and be saved? This is why dead heroes are more impactful than living heroes. Living heroes are important, but they might cease to be heroes before they die. They might let you down. Rather, he says, "remember" - that's a word that reaches into the past. Remember those whose conduct you can survey from beginning to end, and consider all of it - especially how it ended. Find strength in their example.

Heart Healthy - Pt 4

We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. (Hebrews 13:10-13 ESV).

Let’s get back to our original reading for this series in Hebrews, chapter 13. He is using the language of sacrifice. While the Jews to whom the letter is written would certainly understand, it is a bit more difficult for us because it is outside of our experience. The writer explains that on the Day of Atonement (cf. Leviticus 16), after the blood of the sacrificed bull and goat is taken into the holy of holies, and sprinkled there to cover the sins of the people, the bodies of the bull and the goat are taken outside the camp and burned. "For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside the camp" (Leviticus 16:27). The point he is making is that these sacrifices are not eaten, as with some other sacrifices. The nourishment the people received on the Day of Atonement was forgiveness and hope, not meat. All of that was meant to point to Jesus, the final sacrifice for sin. There was a lesson in that. The writer draws out the comparison: "Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate" (v. 12). In other words, Jesus has fulfilled the sacrifices of the Day of Atonement; they are completed in him; they find their final meaning in him. All there was to eat on the Day of Atonement was forgiveness and hope; and, that's all there is to eat from the altar of Calvary where the body of Jesus was consumed with suffering. So the point is: When you feel like a failure, when you feel discouraged and hopeless and dirty, don't turn to food. It's an alien remedy, and it has not benefited those who walk in it. It only makes things worse. Instead go to the altar of grace. We have an altar. And there is food. And the food is grace, the grace of forgiveness and the grace of hope. We have been experiencing unusually early hot weather in North Texas so far this year. We have already seen temperatures in the 100’s. The meteorologists are telling everyone the dangers of the high temperatures and the poor air quality it produces. They are warning people against working outdoors unless absolutely necessary. They are doing their best to keep everyone as informed and safe as possible. Yet, they really don’t know when there will be any relief. They cannot predict the future with certainty. They make educated guesses. Jesus doesn’t guess; He knows! Because of that truth we can be certain that His work, being finished, will bring us complete and perfect restoration. There’s your real hope!