What Is Advent? - Pt 2

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. (1 Peter 1:10-12 ESV).

Continuing our look at Advent from yesterday, remember it is what we call the season leading up to Christmas. It begins four Sundays before December 25, sometimes in the last weekend of November, sometimes on the first Sunday in December. Our reading today is a clear description of what we look back to during Advent. So, let’s begin with those things the Apostle Peter instructed the early church about. Advent, first and foremost is about redemption. In the Advent Season, it’s as if we’re re-enacting, remembering the thousands of years God’s people were anticipating and longing for the coming of God’s salvation. We know now this would take place in Jesus. He is the culmination of the plan of God to redeem his people. That’s what advent means. It is the coming of Jesus. Even the greatest of God’s prophets who foretold the grace that was to come didn’t know “what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating." They were waiting, but they didn’t know what God’s salvation would look like. In fact, God revealed to them that they were not the ones who would see the sufferings and glory of God’s Christ. They were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven (v. 11). They were serving us. We, who are believers on this side of Jesus’ birth are a God-blessed, happy people because we know God’s plan. The ancient waiting is over. We have the greatest reason to celebrate. We can look back with the perfect vision of hindsight and know precisely what God’s plan is for our redemption. There is no ambiguity. God accomplished this redemption in the atoning work of Christ. What we could not do for ourselves Jesus did. The death we deserved, Jesus died. That is the plan of God. That is what we celebrate! That is the Good News!

What is Advent? - Pt 1

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. (1 Peter 1:10-12 ESV).

I hope your Thanksgiving was everything you desired. However, now I want to turn our attention to the season many Christians call Advent. For many believers who may be unfamiliar with the liturgical year, there could be some confusion surrounding the meaning of the Advent season. Some people may know that the Advent season focuses on expectation and think that it serves as an anticipation of Christ’s birth in the season leading up to Christmas. This is part of the story, but there’s more to Advent. So, let’s do a little digging into the entomological and historical background a bit. The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming,” which is a translation of the Greek word parousia. Scholars believe that during the 4th and 5th centuries in Spain and Gaul, Advent was a season of preparation for the baptism of new Christians at the January feast of Epiphany, the celebration of God’s incarnation represented by the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus (cf. Matthew 2:1), his baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist (cf. John 1:29), and his first miracle at Cana (cf. John 2:1). During this season of preparation, Christians would spend 40 days in penance, prayer, and fasting to prepare for this celebration; originally, there was little connection between Advent and Christmas. By the 6th century, however, Roman Christians had tied Advent to the coming of Christ. But the “coming” they had in mind was not Christ’s first coming in the manger in Bethlehem, but his second coming in the clouds as the judge of the world. It was not until the Middle Ages that the Advent season was explicitly linked to Christ’s first coming at Christmas. We are a people of promise. For centuries, God prepared people for the coming of his Son, our only hope for life. At Christmas we celebrate the fulfillment of the promises God made, specifically that he would give a way to draw near to him. So, as we move toward Christmas Day, my hope is that we will understand this great news, the Gospel, better than ever before so that we may be able to the “things angels long to look for” (v. 12).

Happy Thanksgiving!

Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. (Psalm 107:8-9 ESV).

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope your day is beginning with pleasant anticipation of the making of new and wonderful memories with family and friends. Mary and I will have a quiet day. Our plan is to go to Cracker Barrel for a traditional turkey and dressing lunch and then to the theater to see “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” Of course, we’ll get time to talk with David and his family and Aaron, neither of who will be able to travel this holiday. And, we’ll spend time this evening with Kyle and his family. So, please don’t think I am complaining. I am reminded that many of you may not have family or friends to spend the day with either. That might make it more difficult to be thankful. So, in that regard I have reproduced a story I recently read: Two old friends met each other on the street one day. One looked forlorn, almost on the verge of tears. His friend asked, “What has the world done to you, my old friend?” The sad fellow said, “Let me tell you: three weeks ago, my uncle died and left me forty thousand dollars.” “That’s a lot of money.” “But you see, two weeks ago, a cousin I never even knew died, and left me eighty-five thousand dollars, free and clear.” “Sounds to me that you’ve been very blessed.” “You don’t understand!” he interrupted. “Last week my great-aunt passed away. I inherited almost a quarter of a million from her.” Now the man’s friend was really confused. “Then, why do you look so glum?” “This week… nothing!” That’s the problem with unrealistic expectations. Receiving something on a regular basis, even if it is a gift, we eventually come to expect it. The natural tendency is that if we receive a gift long enough, we come to view it almost as an entitlement. We feel hurt, even angry, if we don’t receive it any longer. It is the same way with the blessings God gives us every day. I don’t deserve my comfortable home that I live in, the beautiful scenery around me, the clean water I drink. But after receiving these gifts (and a multitude of others) for years, I sometimes fail to be grateful. I’ve come to expect these good things. And when one of them is removed even for a short time, I get upset. Join me today in being very intentional to recognize the blessings we’ve come to take for granted. Let’s focus on what we have rather than on what we don’t have, and see if it doesn’t improve our attitudes. I’m thinking it’s going to be a GREAT day!

Happy Birthday, Faith and Logan!

So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. (Ruth 4:13-17 ESV). As I grow older I also grow more aware of the need to “finish” some things. Preparing for our death, while difficult, is an essential in living. I am convinced that this means preparing in each of the three parts of our lives. God created man as a trichotomy. Much in the same way that God is a Trinitarian God, three distinct personalities and yet one God, we are created in his image. Thus we have three distinct part of our humanity. We are physical, emotional, and spiritual beings. It is easily understood what spiritual preparation must be done. We must be redeemed. That may only happened through the grace of God in Jesus Christ. The emotional preparation springs from the depth of our spiritual preparation. Once we know our redemption is secure, we can face death without fear or anxiety. The last is a little more elusive, the physical preparation.

Since today is my oldest granchildren’s 16th birthday, I am thinking a bit more about that preparation. At least a part of that is in the area of legacy. Among the many things that makes man unique in creation is the presence of, and the influence of, grandparents. F. W. Boreham many years ago pointed out that in the natural world, "The bursting buds of spring push off the last lingering leaves of the previous season, and thus decline to have anything to do with the generation that preceded them, to say nothing of the generation before that. Among animals and birds a certain filial affection is sometimes found for fathers and mothers, but of the grandfather and grandmother never a trace. But a man is so much greater than either a tree or a beast that a special factor is introduced into his training. He comes under the influence not only of teachers and tutors, of fathers and mothers, but grandfathers and grandmothers as well." Seeing Faith and Logan reach their sixteenth birthday and all that comes with that milestone, I am reminded to pay attention to what I have modeled for them in my life. While I do not know the amount of impact I might have in their lives, I do know it could be enormous. We see this clearly in Scripture. Often the grandparents played a key role, if not the major role, in the way history went. Hezekiah was one of the best kings God's people ever had, but his father was Ahaz, and he was one of the worst they ever had. But his grandfather was Jotham, and he did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord. Hezekiah took after his grandfather rather than his father, and the result was victory for the kingdom of God. Our reading is even more significant. Naomi simply did what was right and became the influence leading to the birth of David. So, Happy Birthday, Faith and Logan! I am so proud of both. And, I am confident in the God and Father of Jesus Christ that you will be all you should be. My daily prayer is that I will be all that I should be to encourage and model for you that kind of life. I also pray for each of those who read this little devotional. Be all you should be for your grandchildren too! Our jobs are not finished with our children.

Thankful for Life

On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:11-19 ESV).

I’m a little early with this devotional. However, tomorrow will be an entirely different topic. Since my oldest grandchildren were actually born on Thanksgiving Day (though it was the 27th) I’ll be doing my traditional devotional with that inspiration in mind. So, let me be a bit early… I recently read a great quote from Don Postema: “Gratitude recognizes that a gift has been given, a favor has been done by someone. There is a gift and a giver. But there is more. Gratitude also calls for a response to that gift. We thank the giver with an expression of appreciation — a handshake, a hug, a note. A gesture of gratitude completes the exchange, closes the circle, lets the love flow back to the giver.” Sometimes I need to be reminded of the incredible gift of God in my redemption. Today’s reading is one of those passages that often bring conviction to my heart. I know my desire is to be the one who came back to express gratitude; however, I also know that I am often of being guilty of being one of “the other nine.” Sometimes the reason is simple ignorance. I simply don’t recognize the work of grace in my life in all the “little” things. Mary and I live in a very comfortable “small” home. Now, don’t misunderstand, it is not a “Tiny House.” It is a very well designed two bedroom, two bath, new all brick home of 1100 square feet. We moved from more than twice that in our home in Tennessee. However, if I’m honest with myself, our home in Texas is so much more. It is more for many reasons, not the least of which is that it is ninety feet away from my oldest grandchildren! Just the other day, when Faith came down the hill to visit, she had two jigsaw puzzles she had just purchased. She said, “These will be fun to do over the Thanksgiving break.” And, they will. Can you imagine the sheer joy and pleasure I will have while spending time with her putting together those puzzles? These memories will be priceless for both of us. God did that! I wonder how often I’ve taken for granted the blessings and gifts from the Lord because they weren’t miraculous. Somehow I think I’ve become much too “entitled” through the years. Regardless of your circumstances, find that thing, small or large, and be thankful! Be the one who comes back!

The "Pugnacious" Christian

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. (1 Timothy 3:1-3 ESV).

It’s not a great revelation of a hidden truth when I confess I am an Aggie. In fact, unless this is the first time you have read anything I have authored, you may be giggling a bit at any thought otherwise. So, it should not be a surprise that I might be surprised at the recent brawl involving Myles Garrett, a former Aggie great. He has never given the impression of aggressive or impulsive actions. Well, the full story has been fully reported, and I am not concerned about assigning blame or debating the consequences. Both Garrett and Rudolf have acknowledged their roles in the inappropriate behavior. It does bring me to think about how we, as believers, should behave in general. Thus I have titled this devotional The Pugnacious Christian. The word “pugnacious” is defined by Meriam-Webster as “having a quarrelsome or combative nature.” The best Greek equivalent is used by the Apostle Paul in our reading today. The ESV translates it as “quarrelsome” (v. 3) in the apostle’s description of the character of the “overseer.” I would say that Jesus’ temptation expands the principle to all believers (cf. Matthew 4:1-11). I suppose the entire motivation behind my writing today is to encourage all of us to be much more restrained in our communication. Since the emergence of the internet and social media we have never been more “connected” to others. With that comes greater responsibility. I also believe we have never been more pugnacious. Can we all agree that it is not a good look on the believer? Further, can we also agree that it serves no good purpose? The degenerative practice of resorting to ridicule or denigration of those we philosophically disagree with simply does no good. It may even do harm. That’s certainly true in our relationships with those whom we love. Go with me to the example of Jesus cited above. Jesus was unconcerned with proving his divinity, in any sense, even when Satan or the religious gatekeepers tempted him to do so. He instead lived his divinity through his convictions and works, in which he relationally engaged with others, both with his disciples and those he encountered through moments in time. There is always room for respectful exchange of our values and beliefs. Jesus never resorted to personal attacks. Even with the scathing condemnation of the Pharisees (cf. Matthew 23) he dealt with behavior as he encouraged others to follow a better example of living: Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do.” (Matthew 23:2-3 ESV). Like Jesus we should seek to live our theology such that Jesus’ divinity does not have to be proven but felt, and related to, through our own conversations, works, and relational engagements.

What's the Point? - Pt 3

Then Job answered the Lord and said: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.’ I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:1-6 ESV).

Given the option while facing his trials, I’m confident Joseph would have walked off the stage of God’s story. In the middle of Job’s story, with ten children dead, his body covered in boils, apparently abandoned by God, I wonder what he might have said if he had the option to escape pain? We have some inkling of that answer because he said, “Why did I not die at birth?” (Job 3:11). However, when we finally get to the end of it all, we know their answer to whether or not it was worth it. Their answer is a resounding, “Absolutely!” That’s what Job says. And Joseph concurs emphatically. Of course, there’s no need to wonder how Jesus will respond. One day, we too will see in their larger context, with an eternal perspective, God’s severe mercies, some of which we never understood, and others we resented. We’ll wonder why we prayed to be more like Jesus but then begged God to remove what he sent to answer those prayers. The Apostle Paul says, “Therefore we do not give up. . . . For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen; for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, CSB). Faith is believing today what one day, in retrospect, we will see to have been true all along. Let’s not wait until five minutes after we die to trust that God always has a point. Let’s learn to do it here and now, eyes locked on our gracious, sovereign, and ever-purposeful Redeemer. Whatever your pain, it will be worth it. That is God’s promise guaranteed by the work of Jesus in the Cross and resurrection. Don’t grin and bear it. In your experience of bearing the pain, know the purpose is good. He will see to it!

What's the Point? - Pt 2

But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. (Genesis 50:19-21 ESV).

Today’s reading has been called the Romans 8:28 of the Old Testament. It is here that Joseph says to his brothers (who’d sold him into slavery), “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive” (v. 20). Let me be very quick to say that “God meant it for good” indicates God didn’t merely make the best of a bad situation; rather, fully aware of what Joseph’s brothers would do, and freely permitting their sin, God intended that the bad situation be used for good. He did so in accordance with his plan from eternity past. I am always encouraged by the understanding of the provenance of God. The Apostle Paul teaches that God’s children have “been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will” (Ephesians 1:11). Please believe there is nothing about God’s work in Joseph’s life that suggests he works any differently in the lives of his other children. In fact, both yesterday’s reading (cf. Romans 8:28) and the passage just quoted (Ephesians 1:11) are emphatic that he works the same way with us. So, the question then becomes whether we believe the promise of this truth or not. I find it very helpful to write down the worst things that have happened to me. Then I am able to ask myself if I really trust God to use those things for my good. The Bible says that he will. If we foolishly assume that our Father has no right to our trust unless he makes his infinite wisdom completely understandable, we create an impossible situation. This is not because of his limitations, because of ours (cf. Isaiah 55:8-9). Occasionally, like Joseph eventually experienced, God gives us glimpses of his rationale. We have all heard the stories of people who have experienced this first-hand. When our youngest son was born, even though he was the third child Mary had delivered, the doctors were forced to do surgery to physically remove him from the womb. After surgery we were told that had she delivered him normally, he would have been still born. The umbilical cord was loosely knotted around his neck. Had he moved into the birth canal at all he would have been asphyxiated. You see, given all that we don’t know, we cannot assume our ignorance of the reasons means there are no reasons. Only God is in the position to determine what is and isn’t pointless. Again, it comes to the need for trust. He is trustworthy. Trust Him!

What's the Point? - Pt 1

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:26-28 ESV).

I’m nearly finished with my first work of fiction. It is in the genre of “historical fiction.” It has been a challenge in some areas and an absolute marvel in some others. Obviously, I love to write and since I’m a story-teller, writing the story hasn’t been much of an effort. However, I find the development of the characters has been challenging. Inevitably to push the story along I must make something bad happen to one of the main characters. I know they are fictional, but I’ve grown to like some of them. I’ve actually mused a bit about a real conversation with them. I’m sure that if you asked them, “Would you like to suffer less?” I’m sure they’d answer, “Yes!” I empathize with my characters. But as the author, I know that in the end all their suffering will be worth it, since it’s critical to their growth, and to the story. May I remind each of you that God has written you into his story? You are part of something far greater than yourselves. God calls upon us to trust him to weave that story together, so that, in the end that will never end, we will worship him, slack-jawed at the sheer genius of his interwoven plotlines. But like my fictional characters, who are clueless to my strategies, we lack the perspective to see how parts of our lives fit into God’s overall plan. Cancer, disabilities, accidents, and other losses and sorrows appear devastatingly pointless. However, just because we don’t see any point in suffering doesn’t prove there is no point. There are countless testimonies of people who have lived long enough with suffering to prove there is a point to all of the pain. Scripture teaches us that in our sovereign God’s loving hands, no suffering we face is ever purposeless, no matter how it seems at the moment. Our reading today is one of the most arresting statements in Scripture: “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” The context shows that in a groaning, heaving world, God’s concern is conforming his children to Christ’s image. And he works through the challenging circumstances of our lives to develop our Christlikeness. That’s the final goal of God. And, it is for our good! That’s the point!

Praying Because You Can - Pt 3

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).

As we close this little look at Praying Because We Can, let me simply say that prayer, having God’s ear, is ultimately about having more of God. And having God’s ear, like hearing his voice, is not foremost about our particular practices and postures, but the principle of continually relating to him. He is holy, and so we worship. He is merciful, and so we repent. He is gracious, and so we express appreciation. He is loving so we petition him for ourselves, our family, our friends. This is the beginning of our transformation. The Apostle Paul charges the church not to specific prescribed habits, but to “be constant in prayer” (cf. Romans 12:12), to “continue steadfastly in prayer” (Colossians 4:2), to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and, to be “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” (Ephesians 6:18). Such a pervasive call to prayer is not the stuff of impersonal achievement and raw discipline and boxes to check, but intimate relationship. It does not come from the human will, but an extraordinarily attentive divine Father who is eager to “give good things to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:11). All this is possible only through the person and work of his Son. Not only did Jesus die for our sins (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:3), and to show God’s love for us (cf. Romans 5:8), but he rose from the grave and ascended to heaven as “a forerunner on our behalf” (cf. Hebrews 6:20). Our having God’s ear is as sure as our having God’s Son. So, because of these truths, we make general intentions into specific plans. We find a regular time and place. We pray by ourselves and with others, scheduled and spontaneous, in the car, at the table, in bed. We may pray through Scripture, in response to God’s word. We may adore, confess, give thanks, and petition. We pray because we can. Every believer has the ear of God. Isn’t it tragic that we so seldom just talk? I encourage you to talk, about everything and nothing. Like a child who never ceases to talk to their parent, talk to your heavenly Father. He is listening. He is responding, even though you may not recognize his working. It is all producing your good, transforming you into something miraculous indeed!

Praying Because You Can - Pt 2

But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend; you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:8-10 ESV).

Prayer, very simply, is talking to God. It is irreducibly relational. It’s personal. God is the Absolute Person, and we are the derivative persons, fashioned in his image. In a sense, prayer is as basic as persons relating to each other, conversing, interacting, but with this significant difference: In this relationship, he is Creator, and we are creatures. He is Lord, and we are servants, but because of his amazing love and extravagant grace, he invites us to interact. He has opened his mouth. Now he opens his ear. Prayer, for the Christian, is not merely talking to God, but responding to the one who has initiated toward us. He has spoken first. It is not a conversation we start, but a relationship into which we’ve been drawn. His voice breaks the silence. Then, in prayer, we speak to the God who has spoken. One of the most powerful images I have ever seen is in our picture today. It is a Bible fused with metal from the attacks of 9/11. There is so much symbolism in this image. At least one principle I have taken from it is that our asking and pleading and requesting spring not from our emptiness, but his fullness. Prayer doesn’t begin with our needs, but with his bounty. It shouldn’t surprise us, then, to find that prayer is not about getting things from God, but getting God. Born in response to his voice, prayer makes its requests of God, but is not content to only receive from God. Prayer must have him. It is not wrong to want God’s gifts and ask for them. However, ultimately every gift should be desired because it shows us and brings us more of him. When this world totally fails us, the ground for our joy remains. It is our Father. Therefore, surely every prayer for life and health, home and family, job and career in this world is secondary. And the great purpose of prayer is to ask that God would be our joy. Or, as C.S. Lewis says so memorably, “Prayer in the sense of petition, asking for things, is a small part of it; confession and penitence are its threshold, adoration its sanctuary, the presence and vision and enjoyment of God its bread and wine.” Go ahead, talk to Him. He’s got it! And, He is working all of it to your good!

Praying Because You Can - Pt 1

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. (Psalm 121 ESV).

Yesterday I used our reading in Psalm 121 as a launching point to illustrate the truth that God always listens and responds to us. I am grateful for the many responses to that devotional, especially all the references to my technological prowess (or lack thereof) in setting up my “new” Echo. Reading this Scripture again I am reminded of a series of emails I have been part of recently concerning the purpose of prayer. Actually, it was begun as a group email from a wonderful pastor and friend asking the question, “Why do you pray?” Like most of us who have made the study of Scripture an integral part of our personal and vocational discipline, it is a great question. My answer was simple, though lengthy (no surprise there): I pray because I can. At the bottom of it all, God is “the God of all grace” (cf. 1 Peter 5:10). Not only did he choose us before the world began, and give his Son to save us, and cause us to be born again, but he also sustains the whole of our lives in his matchless grace. He covers our lives with his unexpected kindness through people and circumstances, in good times and bad, and showers us with unforeseen favor in sickness and health, in life and in death. Though we are often surprised by this level of care, it really shouldn’t. God is always talking to us. These times are often called “the means of grace.” They are the well-worn pathways along which he is so often pleased to pass and pour out his goodness on us. One of these is prayer. We simply have his ear, all the time, in every place. Naturally we want to know how? First, it is through the Scripture. Through it he reveals himself and expresses his heart. He unveils his Son as the culmination of his speaking. And wonder of wonders, not only does he express himself and bid us hear his voice, but he wants to hear ours. The marvel of this “speaking” God is not only that he has spoken, but he also listens. He stops, he stoops, and he wants to hear from us. My dear friend and fellow traveler, you have the ear of God. We call it prayer. Talk, silently, out loud, whispering or shouting, pray because you can!

Alexa

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. (Psalm 121 ESV). Before we go any further with today’s devotional, please take an additional two minutes and watch the Saturday Night Live skit, “Alexa Silver” (Click on the image or it can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvT_gqs5ETk). Now, I hope two things have happened. One I hope you got a little Monday morning chuckle; and, two, you have a little sympathy (if not empathy) for my new station in life. Let’s also see if I can bring a word of encouragement to you from the Scripture. While visiting with David’s and his family in Florida recently I remarked how impressed I was that he could play so much music so easily on his “Echo.” I did get the roll of the eyes from my five year old granddaughter, Maggie, when I asked how he set that up. She began to demonstrate by telling Alexa what to play and how to play it. I was sufficiently amazed for David to ask, “Would you like to have one?” After a bit of demur avoidance, he said, “I’ve got an older model that we don’t use anymore. If you want it you can have it.” Well, of course, I said yes. I did wonder if cold actually get it to function. He assured me that it was a “plug and play.” As it turned out, I only needed to refer to two you tube instructional videos to get it going. And, now, we have joined the world of Alexa! Mary and I have listened to music while reading or working for years. However, I must say this mode of delivery is incredible. I have even begun to ask it simple questions: “Alexa, what’s the weather in Aledo, Texas? Alexa, can you tell me what that flashing light on the top of your speaker mean? Alexa, what time does the Fighting Texas Aggie football team play this Saturday?” Of course, I get an answer every time. And, of course, I politely thank Alexa for complying. Yep, I know that’s not necessary. I have been informed by numerous people. But, I am a senior! Here’s the point. We have always had an “Alexa” relationship with God. Tragically we rarely take advantage of being able to have a conversation with Him just because we can. David wrote that our God never “slumbers.” Go ahead ask Him for help anytime. He will always answer you. Oh, and go ahead and say “thank you.”

Giving Tthanks - Pt 5

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (Romans 8:26-30 ESV).

I couldn’t resist inserting this picture today. In our part of Texas we are just coming off the coldest week of the year, so far. I certainly hope this is not a portent of the rest of the winter! While writing this series, I am struck with the difficulty cold weather presents to many creatures. Life is like that for those of us who have seen many “winters” of life. These are those times when the ambient air temperature has nothing to do with the hardship we face! The last principle that helps us with that is how we learn the principle of thanksgiving in all circumstances. One surprising aspect of thanksgiving is that it’s for all circumstances, not just one big meal a year. Paul writes, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Giving thanks in all circumstances is especially difficult while undergoing suffering. How can we be thankful when there’s something that hurts so much? We can give thanks in the midst of suffering because it is meant to enlarge our faith, not as punishment (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18), and because it is redemptive, not random. Our suffering is not punishment for our sin — because Christ has borne our punishment in our place (cf. Romans 3:25). The demands of justice have been met. And our suffering is not random — because God is sovereign over it, and through it God is conforming us in the image of his Son bringing about our good (cf. Romans 8:28-29). So, as you review all of these five principles of the last few days, think about your Thanksgiving. Don’t let it be squeezed out of your celebrations this year. Make it a priority to actively celebrate the wonderful Person and work of God on your behalf. Find the heart of God in every day. Find the purpose of God in every circumstance. Thank Him for choosing you as his child forever!

Giving Thanks - Pt 4

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:4-9 ESV).

The next principle we discover in the Scripture is our need to be grateful for the Gospel. We should aim to have our thanksgiving rise in proportion to the value of the object for which we give thanks. Therefore, we should be most grateful for God’s work for us in Christ because it unites us to our highest joy – God himself. Paul writes in our reading today, “I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus” (v. 4). Paul never tired of giving thanks for the grace of God in Jesus’ person and work. And neither should we. God has showed his love for us even when we were enemies of God (cf. Romans 5:8); he called us out of darkness and made us heirs of God (cf. Romans 8:17); and Jesus bore the punishment we deserved, and we receive his perfect righteousness (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21). We have so much to be grateful for in this life. But the reality is that sometimes constant life demands, struggles, and worries give more room to defeat than to a heart of thanks. Or we forget, in the midst of busyness and pressures, just to pause and give thanks, for all that God has done, and continues to do in our lives. Sometimes it really is a sacrifice to offer praise and thanks. We may not feel like it. We’re struggling. We're weary. Or maybe, we feel like He let us down. We think God seems distant, like he's far away, or doesn't really care about what's troubling us. Painful life blows and losses might have recently sent us spiraling. But here’s how remembering the Gospel can make a lasting difference. We have a choice, every day, to give him thanks. And with a heart of thanksgiving, we realize that no matter what we face, God doesn’t just work to change our situations and help us through our problems. He does more. He changes our hearts. His power, through hearts of gratitude and focused minds on Him, releases the grip our struggles have over us. We're strengthened by His peace, refueled by His joy. He gives us eternal life!

Giving Thanks - Pt 3

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. (1 Timothy 4:1-5 ESV).

The third principle in the Scripture is thanksgiving sanctifies creation. I almost want to apologize for the picture today. We took it in Barre, Vermont as we toured three covered bridges. The picture does not do the beauty of the colors justice. It does serve to remind me that the way we think about God’s good creation is an essential part of our Christian life. Paul says that it should be received with a heart full of thanksgiving: “Everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. For it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.” (v. 4). Paul teaches that creation is good and should be received with thanksgiving because it is made holy through the word of God and prayer. This is true whether you are in New England at the height of the fall color season, or in Texas during the three days of fall color. It was an incredible contrast for us this year as we had two weeks between our trip to the Northeast and our trip to see David and his family in South Florida. The contrast was amazing. Both offered me more than ample reason to be thankful for God’s great creation. There is more than mere nature however. John Piper explains the connection between the goodness of creation, thanksgiving, and prayer more specifically: “The word of God teaches us to taste food as a communication of his diverse goodness and his supreme worth. And when we taste food as a communication of God’s goodness and worth in the eating of this food, we offer up our prayers of thanks, and ask him to give us the fullest possible feast of his supreme worth. And we pray this in Jesus’ name, knowing that every lasting blessing was bought by his blood.” I don’t know what your menu might consist of this year as you celebrate the day; however, would you let it signal the goodness of God in providing it. This is also an incentive to accept all of His goodness toward us in every circumstance.

Giving Thanks - Pt 2

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. (Ephesians 5:1-4 ESV).

The second truth in regard to our thanksgiving is applying gratitude as a replacement to our sin. When Paul commands believers to stop sinning, he also commands believers to put thanksgiving in its place. In our reading today, the apostle says, “Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving” (v. 4). Paul knows that we are always acting. We either act with sinful, thankless hearts which leads to foolish talk or crude jokes, or we act with thankful hearts and thereby please God with our speech. John Piper explains: “The key to unlocking a heart of gratitude and overcoming bitterness and ugliness and disrespect and violence is a strong belief in God, the Creator and Sustainer and Provider and Hope-giver. If we do not believe we are deeply indebted to God for all we have or hope to have, then the very spring of gratitude has gone dry.” I have found this principle to be true in every difficulty of life. It is not a matter of settling for less. It is a matter of recognizing everything is much more than we deserve. The Apostle Paul understood this principle clearly. He tells the Roman Christians the very wage, that which we have earned, through our sin is death (cf. Romans 6:23). When I begin to think of what I have been given I am also able to understand what I have to be thankful about. It must not ever become an exercise demanding justice. Justice gives no hope to anyone. It is the mercy of God that draws us to hope. Tim Keller said, “Because of the Cross, God can be both just towards sin and yet mercifully justifying to sinners.” I cannot count on my ability to live even one part of one day without knowing the guilt of failure and sin. However, through the mercy of God I can know the freedom from that guilt in the work of Christ. Fear is no longer a part of my future. Anxiety over the past is no longer a barrier to be overcome. Being thankful helps me replace all of that in a way that prompts me to extend the same kind of mercy and love to others as has been extended to me.

Giving Thanks - Pt 1

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. (Romans 1:8-12 ESV).

It seems Thanksgiving (the holiday) is getting squeezed out of our minds more each year. There are so many events during the fall that capture our attention. It seems we see the arrival of Halloween and immediately move into Christmas. However, Thanksgiving (the concept and behavior) is a pervasive and essential concept in Scripture. And although it is good to set aside a Thursday each November to cultivate a heart of thanksgiving, the Scriptures have more to say about giving thanks than one day a year can handle. Over the next few days I hope to guide you along a path to understand five Scriptural truths about thanksgiving. The first truth is the Trinitarian nature of thanksgiving. I’m never more in tune to the greatness of God, in every aspect of His revelation than when I am able to witness the fall colors. While the picture here is taken in the Smoky Mountains, I have been able to see New England and the Rockies as well. To think of God as just Father, or Son, or Holy Spirit is to miss the grandeur of His fullness. This is a part of the reason why the Scripture always references the Trinity when dealing with our gratitude. The typical pattern is that God the Father is the object of thanksgiving; God the Son is the person through whom thanksgiving flows; and, God the Holy Spirit is the source of thanksgiving. Paul models this in our reading today (v. 8). Our faith as Christians does not call for vague thanksgiving to a vague deity. Our God is triune and, as a result, thanksgiving has a Trinitarian flavor. Thanksgiving flows to God the Father, through God the Son, from God the Spirit. The difference this can make for us is found in the comfort and help we may find in the sheer scope of our God. So many other religions have a God who was embodied solely in a wise teacher or charismatic leader. Our God is above all, in all, and over all. He is so much more than any circumstance or trial we may face in our lives. I’m thankful for that truth on my behalf. Whatever you are facing today is no match for your God. Trust that power to deliver you into your eternal home someday!

The Agony of Waiting - Pt 2

By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. (Hebrews 11:17-19 ESV).

Abraham is one of the “faithful” in the often quoted chapter our reading is taken from. He is a model for waiting well. However, when we review his life we find the real struggle he endured. We see Abraham’s humanity in how he sometimes doubted God’s protection. He even tried to fulfill God’s promise on his own through Hagar. Perhaps he thought God needed his help and ingenuity. This part I can identify with. Abraham’s struggle with impatience feels all too familiar. Too many times I’ve tried to help God fulfill his plans, or, the plans I’d like him to have. Plans that would give me what I want. What I think I deserve. As I study the Scripture, I see that while Abraham was waiting, God was working. God was molding his character, teaching him patience, building their friendship. It was in that twenty-five year wait that Abraham got to know God intimately. It was in those seemingly wasted years that God transformed him. And after decades of waiting, Abraham was ready for the supreme test of his faith, when he was asked to sacrifice Isaac, the son of promise. The son he had waited for. Do you see it now? Abraham’s faith wasn’t rooted in the promise of descendants. If it was, he never would have taken Isaac to be sacrificed. He wouldn’t have relinquished what God had promised him years earlier. He would have clung tightly to Isaac, feeling entitled to this son. For Isaac was the fulfillment of God’s long-awaited promise to Abraham. Abraham wasn’t clinging to his own understanding of the fulfillment of God’s promise. God could fulfill his promise any way he chose, including raising Isaac from the dead if he needed to (v. 19). So, ultimately Abraham’s faith lay in the trustworthiness of God. Abraham’s faith wasn’t in the promise alone. His faith was rooted in the Promiser. Because his faith was not in what God would do for him, but in God himself, Abraham was willing to risk. He could do whatever God asked. He wasn’t holding on to a particular outcome. He was holding on to God. Abraham’s waiting strengthened his faith. It taught him God’s ways. It showed him God’s faithfulness. Abraham knew that God would provide everything he needed. That’s the good news I need. Don’t you?

The Agony of Waiting - Pt 1

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me. (Psalm 13:1-6 ESV).

Waiting can be agonizing. I have found it is the hardest to wait when I am uncertain about the outcome. It seems to be those times when I’m trusting God for the best, while at the same time preparing for the worst that make me most anxious. It would be much easier if I had a guaranteed good outcome. Our reading today speaks to this dilemma. The psalmist asks, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day?” (vv. 1-2). I have asked that question many times. If I knew God would eventually answer my prayer with “Yes,” it would be different. But with no such assurance, even a “No” would often be easier than “Wait.” Since I am often asked about waiting for the answer of God I have done a little research through the years. Many people want a promise that would help them in the midst of the wait. They want a verse that would assure them of eventual satisfaction. Perhap[s the best is tucked into one of my favorite letters. The Apostle Paul wrote: “No unbelief made [Abraham] waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised” (Romans 4:20-21). This verse can be easily misunderstood and frustrating. Of course Abraham never wavered. He had a direct word from God. If we could have a direct promise from God, an assurance of our answer, then we’d be more likely to be content to wait. However, I know of no one other than Abraham who had such a promise from God. He had an easier time waiting because he knew he’d get what he wanted in the end. Or, did he really have such assurance? Remember the whole story. Abraham and Sarah wavered, just as we are tempted to do. They even made some very questionable choices along the way. We need to exercise caution in our journey. Instead of continually begging God for the answer we desire, we should learn the secret of contentment in the waiting. This is our topic over the next few days. For now, end where the psalmist ends: I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me (v. 6).

Risk Assessment

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15 ESV). Isaiah 7 tells the story of a king in crisis. When the Judean King Ahaz heard that Syria and Israel created an alliance to withstand the advancing Assyrian threat, his heart shook with fear (cf. Isaiah 7:2). Ahaz responded to the imminent threat like a good king. He did a “risk assessment.” He inspected the city’s water supply. He wanted to know how long the city could withstand a siege. Ahaz had been conditioned to believe that military threats require military responses. Yet, God responds to Ahaz by sending the prophet Isaiah, who relayed four commands from the Lord, each of which recalls other parts of the Old Testament: be careful, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint. These commands are helpful for us too as we struggle against the enemy of our assurance and the fears of the future. First, he says to be mindful. Moses instructed the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land: they will live in houses they did not build, drink wine from vineyards they did not plant, eat until they are full. But, Moses warns them, “…take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (Deuteronomy 6:12). At the moment of crisis, God acknowledged that Ahaz’s battle was not just outside the city walls, but also in his mind. The key to success was remembering. Second, he says to be quiet. This is an important theme in Isaiah. Quietness in Isaiah does not mean the absence of noise, but the absence of agitation. At the moment of crisis, Ahaz needed to find calm and certain confidence in God, something his water supply could never fully provide. Only Living Water can do that! Third, do not fear. The phrase recalls God’s providence, promises, and purposes. God was with him, for him, and had made promises to him. Ahaz, then, needed to respond on the basis of that conviction. Fourth, do not faint. This is an exact quotation from Deuteronomy 20:3-4, where Moses prepares the Israelites for facing their enemies in battle. The priest was to come to the front of the line of soldiers and say, “let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you.” At the moment of crisis, with a mind that remembers, a soul free from agitation, and a renewed conviction that God is for me and with me, I can respond with courageous faith. Whatever you are facing today, there is no need to fret! God has had this, continues to have it, and will forever have it! Trust in him and you will never be alone or forsaken!

That Hurts!

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation thas been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (Romans 8:18-25 ESV).

After spending several days with my Florida grandchildren, who are 5 and two (the twins), I have come away with a renewed sense of appreciation of “pain.” There were a few times, especially with the twins, when one would take the other’s toy. The expression of real pain was more than apparent. It always seemed as if the world was coming to an imminent end. And, I am convinced in their mind it was. It didn’t matter if the pain was real or imagined. It certainly appeared real to them as they fell down in agony with genuine tears streaming from their eyes and the wails of suffering being yelled at the top of their lungs. For them it was genuine pain. I have found that to be the case with many people today. We find it difficult to effectively deal with pain, emotional or physical. One way of overcoming suffering comes from fixing our minds firmly on the greatness of the reward that will come to us in the resurrection. The effect of this kind of focus is to make our present pain seem small in comparison to what is coming (v. 18). In making the suffering tolerable, rejoicing over our reward will also make love possible. This is what Jesus meant when he said, “Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great” (Luke 6:35). He goes on later to say, “Be generous with the poor “and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just” (Luke 14:14). Joy in affliction is rooted not only in the hope of resurrection and reward, but also in the way suffering itself works to deepens that hope. For example, Paul says, “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope” (Romans 5:3-4). In other words, Paul’s joy is not merely rooted in his great reward, but in the effect of suffering which solidifies the hope of that reward. Affliction produces endurance, and endurance produces a sense that our faith is real and genuine, and that strengthens our hope that we will indeed gain Christ. So whether we focus on the riches of the reward or the refining effects of suffering, God’s purpose is that our joy in suffering be sustained.

Invasive Species - Pt 2

For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:20-23 ESV). I want to draw on one more example of the destructive result of man’s failure to follow the plan of God. In Florida, there are many animals (including reptiles) that have been released into the wild and now taken over the ecosystem. The Burmese Python is one of those. AS you can see from the photo, they can grow to enormous lengths. In the Everglades, large numbers of pythons prey on endangered birds and their eggs, along with frogs and native snakes. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission encourages the public to remove or report wild pythons when they're spotted for removal. Pythons invaded Florida when snakes that were kept as pets were released or escaped and thrived in Florida's warm and predator-free conditions. The raccoons, marsh rabbits, opossums, and other small, warmblooded animals are gone, or almost gone, because Burmese pythons seem to have eaten them. The marsh’s weird outdoor quiet is the deep, endlessly patient, laser-focused quiet of these invasive predators. About two feet long when hatched, Burmese pythons can grow to 20 feet and 200 pounds; they are among the largest snakes in the world. The pythons are mostly ambush hunters, and constrictors. They kill smaller animals by biting them on or near the head and suffocating them as they are swallowed. Larger animals are seized wherever is convenient, and crushed and strangled in the coils before and during swallowing. Large constrictor snakes have not existed in North America for millions of years. Yet, because of man’s disregard for the consequences of their choices native wildlife species are suffering. The Apostle Paul reminds us that this is always the result of our sin, “For the end of those things are death” (v. 21). My thoughts range from our disregard for the will and purpose of God in both our individual lives and community lives. We should not ignore the result of our choices in either our life or the lives of others. No one “lives alone.” What we do affects others. Even in the smallest of things, a word unwisely spoken or an action untimely committed, we see the ripple effects of destruction in creation itself. The key is in thinking before we act and praying as we go.

Invasive Species - Pt 1

And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds—livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:24-25 ESV).

I am always amazed by the differences in our world. We are spending a few days with our children and grandchildren in Florida. They list on the Southeastern coastline. The weather is always warm and predominantly sunny. In fact, when we left Texas the temperature was 28 degrees and overcast. After a few hours by plane we arrive in Ft. Lauderdale to be greeted by 85 degrees and sunny. Because Florida’s climate is so hospitable, invasive species cause more of a crisis here than anywhere else in the continental United States. The fact that Florida serves as point of entry for almost three-fourths of the plants imported into the U.S. and the majority of the world reptile trade compounds the problem. It has created a significant problem for the state. Feral pigs churn up natural environments like a plow. Spectacular-looking lionfish along the coast voraciously devour baby reef fish. The Iguana was non-existent in the state just a few decades ago. Now they can be seen on the banks of every canal sunning themselves lazily by the water. They are much more than a mere nuisance. Even the invasive vegetation has become a problem. Old World climbing fern fronds, up to 125-feet long, smother everything beneath them. Invasive, non-native species such as these cause serious damage when introduced to Florida’s natural lands. Indeed, the threat they pose is second only to the direct destruction of habitats through development. All of Florida’s native habitats, marine, freshwater and terrestrial are threatened by invasive species. Our reading today tells us every creature was good before the sin of man. Every creature had a purpose that was good. Since they eat vegetation they are a primary source for the dispersal of seed in the propagation of the various trees and shrubs they prefer. They are also an important source of food in the natural habitat for carnivorous animals. I find it very instructive that the source of death and destruction falls squarely on the shoulders of man. Studies reveal in the case of most invasives in Florida (as with other states also) the iguana was introduced by people. I’ve not read anyone who indicates it was an intentional act. People who no longer wanted their “pets” simply released them into the wild and they flourished. Man’s disobedience to God is often like that. We may not intend to sin, but we simply ignore the possible consequences. Tragically, we even blame God for them. Perhaps we need to look at our lives more closely and turn to the One who can restore “good” in our lives and world!

Telescopes or Microscopes - Pt 4

I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. This will please the Lord more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs. When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive. (Psalm 69:30-31 ESV).

There is an interesting connection between our reading and Psalm 50 and 51. One of the reasons God was not pleased with the offering of an ox or bull or goat was that the giver often thought that his gift was enriching God, was supplying some deficiency in God. But what seems like an act of love among men (ie.: meeting someone's needs) is an insult to God. "Every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills" (Psalm 50:10). God is declaring that we can't give Him a bull or an ox because they are already His. Here is man's self-exaltation again. Even in the practice of religion, sinful man finds a way to preserve his status as giver. Our heart’s desire is to be the self-sufficient benefactor. In the very act of worship, we often belittle God by refusing to assume the part of a receiver, an undeserving and helpless beneficiary of mercy and grace. As an antidote to this arrogance in worship, God prescribes the opposite: "Offer to God a sacrifice of thanks!" Acknowledge God as the giver and accept the lowly status of receiver. This is what magnifies God. That's why the last verse of Psalm 50 says, "He who brings thanksgiving as his sacrifice honors me." So when David says, "The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise" (Psalm 51:17), he is simply describing the only sort of heart from which the sacrifice of genuine thanksgiving can flow. Until the stiffness of man's arrogant neck is broken and the hardness of his self-sufficient heart is softened, he will never be able to offer genuine thanks to the true God, and therefore will not magnify God but only himself. That kind of humble thanksgiving, in good times and bad, produces an amazing result. David says, "Let the oppressed see it and be glad; you who seek God let your hearts revive" (v. 32). These two things are joined, thanksgiving and renewal. It may seem like I am declaring bad news. Perhaps to those intent on maintaining their pride, their love for their own glory, and their commitment to their own self-sufficiency it is. However, they are not bad news to the oppressed. To those who have come to the end of their rope, who have fallen exhausted from pulling at their own bootstraps, our text is good news!

Telescopes or Microscopes - Pt 3

I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. (Psalm 69:30 ESV).

The Hubble Space Telescope has given us some of the most incredible pictures of deep space. I have chosen one image, taken from the NASA archives showing the Milky Way. According to the scientists, the Milky Way is “a barred spiral galaxy with a diameter between 150,000 and 200,000 light-years. It is estimated to contain 100–400 billion stars and more than 100 billion planets.” Now, I’m certainly not a scientist, but two things are certain. It is HUGE; and, it is merely a small part of the universe which God has created and now sustains. God is GREAT! We must magnify that greatness to cause God to appear as great as he really is? Our reading tells us that when we give thanks to him from our hearts, God is magnified. Gratitude glorifies God. The reason for this truth is simply that givers are more glorious than receivers. When we thank God, we acknowledge and display that he is the giver; he is the benefactor. We pay him a high compliment. Saying "thank you" is a compliment; it magnifies people. But when you are angry at somebody, you don’t pay them a compliment; you want to belittle them not magnify them; you hate to think of them as your benefactor. Therefore, when gratitude springs up in the human heart toward God, he is magnified as the wealthy source of our blessing. He is acknowledged as giver and benefactor and therefore as glorious. But when gratitude does not spring up in our hearts at God's great goodness to us, it probably means that we don't want to pay him a compliment; we don't want to magnify him as our benefactor. And there is a very good reason that human beings by nature do not want to magnify God with thanksgiving or glorify him as their benefactor. The reason is that it detracts from their own glory, and all people by nature love their own glory more than the glory of God. There are only two groups of people in the world whose differences from each other are of any eternal significance: those who love to magnify God and those who love to magnify themselves. Genuine gratitude admits that we are beneficiaries of an unearned bequest; we admit Jesus paid the debt we could never pay and died the death we deserved. Natural man hates to think of himself in these terms. They rob him of all his glory by giving it all to God. Therefore, while a man loves his own glory, and prizes his self-sufficiency, and hates to think of himself as sin-sick and helpless, he will never feel any genuine gratitude to the true God and so will never magnify God, but only himself. Practice your thanksgiving. Don’t just celebrate it.

Telescopes or Microscopes - Pt 2

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).

As we continue to make our way to Thanksgiving I want to encourage you to be thankful in every circumstance. In fact, we should take our example from the Apostle Paul, who told the Ephesians they should plead with God to open the eyes of their hearts that they might know, that is, really know and feel the hope to which he had called them, and what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power in all who believe (cf. Ephesians 1:18-19). But even when God graciously removes the scales from our eyes so we can be moved by his greatness, we are still prone to quickly forget what we have seen. Haven't you all had experiences like I have in which you feel the goodness and faithfulness of God so intensely that you leap in the air and shout and hug your kids or hug somebody and say, "O God, how could I ever doubt you after this? How could I ever again despair of your help?" And then some short time later you find yourself doing just that, discouraged, and feeling no confidence in the goodness and greatness of God. This happens because we are so prone to forget the evidences of God's goodness which we ourselves have experienced, not to mention the evidences in Scripture. This is what David is saying in our reading today. He is calling all of us to be mindful of all the deeds of the Lord; to remember the wonders of old. David wants us to meditate on all of God’s work, and muse on His mighty deeds. We are called to be telescopes: people who make the greatness of God seem as great as it really is. This is what it means for a Christian to magnify God. But you can't magnify what you haven't seen or what you quickly forget. Therefore, our first task is to see and to remember the greatness and goodness of God. The answer for that need is in prayer: "Open the eyes of my heart," and we encourage our souls, "Soul, forget not all his benefits!" Perhaps it’s time for each us to search through our memories for all of those blessings. This ought to include the painful, difficult times that served to refine us into clearer reflections of our great God. That’s not easy, but it is the way to true gratitude!

Telescopes or Microscopes - Pt 1

I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. This will please the Lord more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs. (Psalm 69:30-31 ESV).

The Bible is full of encouragement to be thankful. Our reading today is a psalm of David. He says, "I will magnify God with thanksgiving" (v. 30). The word "magnify" can be used in two different senses. It can mean: make something appear greater than it is, as with a microscope or a magnifying glass. Or it can mean make something that may seem small or insignificant appear to be as great as it really is. This is what our great telescopes help us begin to do with the magnificent universe which once upon a time spilled over from the brim of God's glory. So there are two kinds of magnifying: microscope magnifying and telescope magnifying. The one makes a small thing look bigger than it is. The other makes a big thing look as big as it really is. When David says, "I will magnify God with thanksgiving," he does not mean: "I will make a small God look bigger than he is. He means: "I will make a big God begin to look as big as he really is." We are not called to be microscopes, but telescopes. Christians are not called to be marketing experts who magnify their product out of all proportion to reality, when they know the competitor's product is far superior. There is nothing and nobody superior to God. And so the calling of those who love God is to make his greatness begin to look as great as it really is. The whole duty of the Christian can be summed up in feeling, thinking, and acting in a way that will make God look as great as he really is. Be a telescope for the world of the infinite starry wealth of the glory of God. That God is great in every way that greatness is to be valued should be obvious to everyone. As the Apostle Paul says, Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So men are without excuse for, although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or give him thanks. (Romans 1:20-21). It ought to be obvious. But it isn't, due to the sinful insensitivity and forgetfulness of our hearts. Many of God's greatest attributes and most awesome and loving deeds pass in one ear and out the other without causing the slightest ripple of emotion within our hearts. Seeing we do not see, and hearing we do not hear. Be intentional this month as we approach Thanksgiving to be one who magnifies the Lord with gratitude in all of your circumstance.

Can I Keep the Candy?

“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. For “the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof.” (1 Corinthians 10:23-25 ESV).

We have heard from more than one source that Halloween is the “festival of the Devil.” Believers have been discouraged from participating in Halloween altogether. My assertion is as Albert Mohler has noted, that is there’s been a shift from pagan ritual to merely commercial fascination with the dark side. Those who condemn this event miss that for most people in America, Halloween is about candy. A quarter of all candy sold annually in the United States is for Halloween night! Granted, dressing up as witches and goblins can be a tricky issue, but to think that putting on a scary mask or makeup opens you up to the dark side is naïve. I think there are two other problems with a blanket-rejection of Halloween. First, there is the problem of consistency. Should we reject other holidays because there’s a propensity toward excess? In other words, if people are inclined toward gluttony on Thanksgiving or Christmas, shouldn’t those holidays be renounced as well? After all, gluttony is a sin. Second, many times the reject position assumes the evil of the extrinsic world will taint the faith of a Christian. Jesus teaches the exact opposite (cf. Mark 7:21-23). The fruit of our lives is inextricably tied to the root of our hearts. If our hearts are prone toward sin in certain ways, we will find a way to sin. Sin indeed corrupts, but the sin is not so much “out there in the world” as is in the heart of every person. The Apostle Paul teaches the truth of our biblical freedom to engage cultural practices in our reading today. Of course, how Christians ought to go about relating to or participating in Halloween is still a tricky subject. We do need to distinguish between the cultural aspects and religious aspects of Halloween. There’s a big difference between kids dressing up in cute costumes for candy and offensive costumes meant to elicit uninhibited excess. So, we may draw some advice from Martin Luther on how to respond to the Devil: “The best way to drive out the Devil, if he will not yield to texts of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him, for he cannot bear scorn.” Perhaps instead of fleeing the darkness in fear, we should view Halloween as an opportunity to mock the enemy whose power over us has been broken. Go ahead, keep the candy! Just be careful not to eat too much at one time!