Rules of the Road - Part 5

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed. (Proverbs 3:13-18 ESV). These are pretty tough words and a good question for those who are suffering under challenges of life. So why do people suffer? Quite simply, I don't know. I know the question we always ask: “Did I do something wrong? Was it me?” At those moments we forget about God's sovereignty and even the fact that He is the giver of life itself. We have a tendency to assert our rights as humans, even to God, yet in the end the truth is He has the final say. Someone once told me that they wouldn't want to serve a God like that. A God that would for any reason allow such pain in our lives as often is experienced. Well, that is the easy way out. And, that is the way to kill all hope of the resurrection within your soul and spirit. It is cowardice not courage. What about courage? What about that hope, that anchor "... both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that within the veil"? (cf. Hebrews 6:19). Courage says that through our afflictions and through our struggles we still believe, we still hold on to faith when nothing else works. I know that often those words come from those who have never suffered. I can assure you that I am not speaking from that perspective. This is not a principle developed from the safe vantage point of the “ivory tower” of study. It has been forged within the experiences of life, some of which have been difficult. They call it hemachromotosis. It is a medical term for an incurable hereditary blood disorder. I shall never forget the first time I heard it. I was sitting in the exam room listening to my doctor tell me that I had one of three diseases causing the severe pain in my joints. She said, “It could be cancer, lupis, or hemachromotosis.” Since I was familiar with the first two of those, I asked if she had listed them in order of the least debilitating. She said, “no.” It is a very long story, but the gist of it is that I have good days and bad days with it. I can’t do some of the things I would love to do, and without regular treatment and medication life would not be very pleasant! I must confess that I asked the question “why?” After some struggle the answer became clear to me. I was asking the wrong questions! It is not a matter of why, but who. God allows into our lives many experiences of life. All of these may bring us to wisdom. That wisdom is the road to delight. I can honestly say that there are many days when I don’t enjoy the things that happen. However, as I trust the Lord for the ultimate outcome, I find more blessing than I could possibly imagine. The last rule for the road is very plain. Trust him through it all. He will bring you to life with joy and peace! Allow every experience to be your teacher. The wisdom you gain will be greater than any earthly treasure you might amass. God bless you on your own road!

Rules of the Road - Part 4

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. (Proverbs 3:7-8 ESV). Soon I will have been a father for 39 years! I have mentioned in other devotionals that there is nothing more special, more rewarding, more blessed, than to hear the words, I love you dad. I am very blessed in that I hear those words often from my three boys! I have made the transition from knowing very little (the teen years) to being a rusted friend and advisor (the adult years)! It is great! For many of those years I was a Pastor as well. You might say a "spiritual father" even to many who were much older than I was, yet they treated me with great respect, and I always felt blessed by that position. Often, in both roles as father I had to administer some attitude adjustments, and the result wasn't always pleasant. But all in all, the office father (dad), and father (pastor), held pretty well. Today’s fourth “rule for the road” contains an entreaty to fear the Lord and to turn your back on evil. The promise that follows is that we will have “renewed health and vitality.” It speaks to me of those better times in life, when you actually hear the crickets singing and catch the glow of the sunset, rocking in your easy chair out on the back porch after a long hard day. You glance up to catch a glimpse of it all, and for a moment it's almost as though your heart stops while you countdown the last seconds of daylight, waiting for the encapsulating call of a hoot owl, and the patter of little feet as they scamper out on the porch to crawl up in daddy's lap for that last kiss good night. So I'm a dreamer, but I have had days like that. And I know how I felt inside, and it was, if I could borrow the Campbell's Soup slogan, "Um, Um, GOOD! It was what families were once made of. It was the marrow that held would-be "broken" bones together, wrapped in the "muscle" of family. Oh, you may think you are too big to be crawling up into anyone's lap for those late-night kisses, and your sunset might be nothing more than the fade of daylight through a window in your office building or place of employment. The singing of the crickets so many of us take for granted, may be nothing more to you than your car radio trying to keep yourself alert and awake while you drive home to hamburger helper, kids screaming; and the only encapsulating call of the wild you hear is the neighbor's dog barking or the blaring sounds of the television playing the same episode of Friends that you've seen three weeks straight. Talk about "defining moments". The point is that there is no greater enemy to the "power" of faith, and the reverential fear of God in the heart, than the conceitedness of our own wisdom, our own self-sufficiency. In fact, many who have become "self-sufficient", and have utilized "God-given" talents to catapult themselves to a place of wealth and success find it hard to hear God, or even listen for Him. For those who live in the reverential fear and admonition of the Lord, our encouragement is promised in that it shall be as nourishing as a well rounded meal, and will strengthen and calm our hearts through prudence, temperance, and sobriety, the calmness and composure of mind, and a good sense of proper appetites and passions, which our faith teaches. Crawl up in God’s lap again! You won’t be disappointed!

Rules of the Road - Part 3

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. (Proverbs 3:5-8 ESV). Recognition is not such a hard pill to swallow. Everyone likes to be recognized for their achievements and for the difference they have made in life. Now the inverse of that is a different story. It hurts when recognition is not forthcoming, especially when something you may have worked long and hard for. But stop and think about it, our reading today brings out a very interesting question. When was the last time that you acknowledged God for the part that He plays everyday? In yesterday's devotional I wrote that we should believe that there is an ever-ruling and compassionate hand of God ordering and guiding us in all our affairs. And, we ought to come to a place that we live our lives in that the presence of Him at all times. That brings us to the second “rule for the road.” We must also “seek his will in all we do.” One of the main attributes in recovery classes for alcoholics is to "believe in" and have ongoing "interaction with" a higher power. Those who have succeeded in the program, have found that "higher power" to be the key to sobriety and good health physically, emotionally, and spiritually. These same ideas have been carried over into "life-skills" classes for those who are not necessarily alcoholic, but have problems coping with life issues, usually centering on knowing how to establish boundaries. This is the essence of “seeking his will,” or as one translation puts it: “acknowledging God in all we do.” What does it mean to acknowledge God? First, it is to believe that He is. Jehovah means "The Existing One". That suggests an "eternal entity" that has always been. He did not start with a big bang - nor will He go out with a whimper. HE IS THE ALMIGHTY GOD - mighty in power, and boundless in compassion, unmeasured in mercy. However, it is also to acknowledge him as he is. To discern, to distinguish, to know by experience the reality of his presence as a daily "life-force" in all that you do. To acknowledge the Lord Jehovah is to experience Him in worship, and in personal and private fellowship, to wait on him in the night watches, and to listen for His voice. To acknowledge the Lord Jehovah means to recognize our shortcomings and failures without Him, and not see Him as stealing the "limelight" for a job well done, but admitting that without Him it would not have been possible, no matter what. To acknowledge The Lord means to be so surrendered to His will in our lives, that we wish to keep nothing from Him; but desire to be so open to Him that we allow Him to "catch us" when we fall into temptation, and not think that we can muddle through on our own, dealing with the insurmountable guilt of our wrongs, but allowing Him to take us "as we are", and clean us up, and establish in the faith. How’s your journey so far? Use these “rules” to determine if you’re on the right track. The promise is that when we do, we will gain renewed health and vitality! I’m in on that! Aren’t you?

Rules of the Road - Part 2

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. (Proverbs 3:5-8 ESV). The fear of being duped is one of the greatest struggles we face on a daily basis. What if they is not who they say they are? What if they are only after my money? I'm sure there are a few those type questions that you have asked yourself, and what's interesting is that we all want to believe, don't we? We really want to believe. Today’s devotional is about trust. It’s the next “rule for the road.” Recently, Former Speaker Of The House Newt Ginghrich told FOX News that what was once considered to be a "cover-up" of major proportions in Iraq concerning the Weapons of Mass Destruction, has turned up something very interesting. It seems that where the powers to be thought that the Iraqi Government might keep kind of shoddy records just the opposite is true. It turns out that they kept extremely accurate records, and the investigating team has uncovered a money laundering scandal to the tune of over $50 billion. That's right $50 billion. Included in the scandal was said to be the French Government and the United Nations. Just about 30 days ago the Canadian government found itself in a scandal tipping the scales at over $100 Million. Here in the U.S., besides Martha Stewart, we have heard of nothing but scandal after scandal, and identity theft on the rise, it's no wonder we are skeptical almost to the point of paranoia. But what troubles me are those who claim to be believers. These "new age" believers are calling the masses to them, and creating new chapter and verse on what the Bible "really" says, and they are causing men and women who once just simply believed to "doubt" that they are even saved, and what's worse, if they are, what does it really mean? Our text reminds us once again of the basics. It really is a matter of trust! Let me just ask the question. Do you believe in God? Do you believe that He sent His only Begotten Son, and that He lived the life of a carpenter's son, and then was rushed through 3 years of ministry here on the earth only to be beaten, scourged, spat upon, crucified, and then on the third day just as He said, rise again? Do you believe it? We must not only through our judgment "believe" that there is an ever-ruling and compassionate hand of God ordering and guiding us in all our affairs; but we must come to a place as the psychologists say, that we "own it", and live our lives in that the "presence" of Him at all times. We must seek His pleasure and design to do His Will; that just happens to be something else that is inbred - knowing when we are out of fellowship with Him, and out of His will. As believers, we must come to a place where seek Him, and believe that His Will is what is best, and that according to His promise, if we love Him, and serve Him, we will have everlasting life. With entire submission and satisfaction, we must daily learn to depend upon him to perform "in us" all things that are good for us, and to lean not to our own understanding. It's interesting to think of how many times we think that in and through our own lives we can work things out on our own, without God, and "make" everything turn out right. Those who truly know themselves - understand that to place trust in their own ways is like owning half a round-trip ticket. You may get where you going in life, but how do you get home? Rule #2: You must trust Him!

Rules of the Road - Part 1

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:1-6 ESV). If your future depended on a single definition of yourself, what would it be? There have been many single phrases used to describe the generations. We have seen the emergence of boomers, busters, gen-xers, and others. But who are you? That is the question to ask as we look at Proverbs for the next few days in our devotionals. These are “The Rules for the Road.” So what does it take to define one's self? Solomon gives us some incredible insight in today’s reading. Within this first sentence alone, he lays the blame for the folly of man right where it belongs, right where it has always belonged - at the feet of every individual. Now remember, when Solomon uses the phrase "My son," he is in his role as prophet to Israel. He is speaking the words that he believes he is being inspired to speak through the direction of God. So, these are words for everyone. Solomon makes it very clear that remembering the Laws of God and keeping the commandments of Moses, given by God, were in the hands of the individual. The words are indicative of an act of the will. Let me put it another way. You can tell your children not to do something, but unless they choose to remember what you told them, or to keep or obey the orders you have given rest solely on them. Of course in the family situation, we would have direct cause to bring about retribution and see to it that our orders were not forgotten or disobeyed again. Solomon herein calls on the Jewish Nation to shut out all hatred and selfishness, to shut out all deliberate hypocrisy and falsehood, and to not let mercy and kindness and truth forsake them, but to wear it around their neck as a priceless treasure, a symbol of their heritage as children of The Living God, and to write it upon their hearts as a stone carver would etch ornate designs into fine granite or marble walls. It was a time to define themselves as men and women of God, and to find favor in the eyes of other nations 'round about them. It was a call to define themselves to one another as well. To seek out from among them men of Good report, honest, and trustworthy, and full of the Spirit of God. That’s our direction! It’s a lesson to shut out all hatred and selfishness, to shut out all deliberate hypocrisy and falsehood. To not let "mercy and kindness and truth" become bywords, but to brandish the integrity of a man or woman of God, living a life of strength and virtue, a true pillar of our churches and communities. I believe this is the greatest calling of Christians everywhere, especially in these last days, to define ourselves as men and women of "good report", honest and trustworthy, and full of the Holy Ghost. That’s the first rule for the road. How’s are you doing?

Fire Dances

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). In many tribal cultures, there are dances and rituals that members perform to please the gods they worship. Ceremonies for rain, cleansing rituals, sacrifices, and even fire dances keep their schedules full making sure their gods are happy and not mad. It is as easy to make our walk with God complicated. We can as easily make the bible so complicated that it is hard to tell when the writing is right side up. The "fire dances" of the bible keep us so caught up we can barely face God daily, not sure if we are in good standing or not. While there is a few basic principles set forth for us to follow in the bible, they are there to ensure that we live a life that restores us to God's loving arms. They are not there to keep us performing a "fire dance" afraid at any moment that God's judgment will find us lacking in a performance or fear of failure. God has already judged the world including us; other than death, we are worthy of nothing else. Nevertheless, God has restored us to Him through His son Jesus. Christ's death on the cross for us is the only performance we will ever need for God's love. God does not want our performance, neither does God want ceremonies designed to get His approval of us. God wants us to just believe that He has our lives under His control and to live out the basics. God calls us to live out the basics and then believe that He will carry out the details of our lives. The simple basics are to believe in God with all of our hearts, soul, and strength and to show everyone we meet His love. Part of maturing as a Christian is to enjoy the freedom that God has everything in His control. What may have looked like mistakes in the past are springboards to put you where He wants you to be today. It is impossible for anything to go wrong and nothing can be out of control when they are God's plans. We need to stop fretting about the past and areas where we have failed. There are no complicated "fire dances" that we need to perform and no intricate ceremony to complete. God's plan for us is simple and the path that we are to follow is basic. We need to believe that God is everything to us with finality. Second, we need to love Him with all we have and love others as much as we love ourselves. Let’s get back to the real basics of life!

The Doughnut or the Hole

You ascended on high, leading a host of captives in your train and receiving gifts among men, even among the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there. Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. Selah. Our God is a God of salvation, and to GOD, the Lord, belong deliverances from death. (Psalm 68:18-20 ESV). As a minister was addressing a group of men, he took a large piece of paper and made a black dot in the center of it with a marking pen. Then he held the paper up before the group and asked them what they saw. One person quickly replied, “I see a black mark.” “Right,” the preacher replied. “What else do you see?” Complete silence prevailed. “Don’t you see anything other than the dot?” he asked. A chorus of no’s came from the audience. “I’m really surprised,” the speaker commented. “You have completely overlooked the most important thing of all, the sheet of paper.” Then he made the application. He said that in life we are often distracted by small, dot-like disappointments or painful experiences, and we are prone to forget the innumerable blessings we receive from the hand of the Lord. But like the sheet of paper, the good things are far more important than the adversities that monopolize our attention. A little boy was eagerly looking forward to the birthday party of a friend who lived only a few blocks away. When the day finally arrived, a blizzard made the sidewalks and roads nearly impassable. The lad’s father, sensing the danger, hesitated to let his son go. The youngster reacted tearfully. “But Dad,” he pleaded, “all the other kids will be there. Their parents are letting them go.” The father thought for a moment, and then replied softly, “All right, you may go.” Surprised but overjoyed, the boy bundled up and plunged into the raging storm. The driving snow made visibility almost impossible, and it took him more than half an hour to trudge the short distance to the party. As he rang the doorbell, he turned briefly to look out into the storm. His eye caught the shadow of a retreating figure. It was his father. He had followed his son’s every step to make sure he arrived safely. Not long ago I read a short verse, which, though I admit is somewhat trite, does express good practical advice. Someone has written: As you travel down life’s pathway, may this ever be your goal: Keep your eye upon the doughnut, and not upon the hole!” Rather than concentrating on the trials of life, we should fix our attention upon is blessings. He does follow us every step of the way!