Colossians 1:11-12 "...Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, who has quallified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:"
As a teacher, I know that in order to master a concept, a student needs multiple exposures to it. If he is to internalize and truly understand it, he needs continual review and opportunities to apply it. Once is not enough.
As a student, I wish I could fully comprehend and apply a concept at first glance. I don't want to have to go over it again and again. I want to move on to something more interesting.
God is the Master Teacher and He knows full well that I, His student, am a slow learner, particularly when it comes to patience and longsuffering. I wish He would instantly infuse me with those two qualities, but instead He chooses to give me multiple and varied opportunities to learn.
My wife and I are in the midst of such a learning experience. Our "grand adventure" of building a new home and retiring near our family in southern Utah is not going according to our schedule. (Does it ever?!) We thought we would be getting settled in our home by mid-July. It is now the beginning of September and we're still a month or so away from the house being ready to occupy. Our California home closed escrow two weeks ago, so we (along with our four dogs and three cats) are officially "homeless" for the time being.
God knows how difficult it is to master the trait of patience ("being willing to remain in a situation until God chooses to remove you from it or it from you"). Paul indicates that it requires my being strengthened with all of God's power in order to exercise patience joyfully!
When my patience is tested and my joy fades, I tend to get "tunnel-vision"; my focus narrows to include only the negatives. How do I get out of this place? How do I restore my perspective and joy? For me, the answer is counting my blessings, remembering God's faithfulness in my life. Tied to being strengthened with God's power is giving thanks for what God has done and promises to do. He has been answering my prayers and giving specific direction each day, but I have been taking those for granted and focusing more on my frustrations.
As I shift my attention to my Heavenly Father, my frame of reference broadens and I am able to put my current frustrations into a more accurate context. When that happens I am better able to endure and enjoy my adventure.
Dear Lord, please forgive me for trying to force Your plan into my time schedule. I know that Your schedule is perfect, that You are never tardy. Please help me to keep my focus on You and enable me to enjoy today, knowing that You have tomorrow taken care of. I love You and look forward to seeing You work things out.
Amen.
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Monday, June 2, 2014
What have you done for me lately?
Joshua 4:19-24 "Now the people came up from the Jordan on the tenth of the first month and camped at Gilgal on the eastern edge of Jericho. Those twelve stones which they had taken from the Jordan, Joshua set up at Gilgal. He said to the sons of Israel, "When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, 'What are these stones?' then you shall inform your children, saying, 'Israel crossed this Jordan on dry ground.' "For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed, just as the LORD your God had done to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed; that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, so that you may fear the LORD your God forever."
Last Saturday, as I was in the garage, getting ready to put a fresh coat of paint on the door going into the house, my attention was drawn to the casing on the left side of the door. It was badly in need of touching up; pencil lines, writing, and smudges covered it from top to bottom, but I had no intention of painting it. Instead, I carefully pried it loose and replaced it with a fresh piece of moulding. My plan is to mount that old, smudged trim in the shop at the "Utah house".
Why go to all that trouble for a useless, dirty piece of wood? Because those lines and words chronicle the growth of my granddaughters. As I gazed at those markings, my twenty-something year-old granddaughters became three-year-olds once more. My heart and mind were flooded with memories of them at the various ages listed before me.
I need reminders of God's work in my life. When I'm stressed and besieged by doubts, when I'm tempted to ask God, "What have You done for me lately?", re-visiting memories of His faithfulness and provision draw me back to a place of trust and peace.
We don't have to use stones, like the Israelites did. It can be as simple as a marked-up piece of door casing (I plan to mount a fresh piece next to the old one for my great-grandchildren). I've been keeping a journal of sorts that chronicles our journey into retirement and the building of our new home. Reviewing it from time to time keeps my faith fresh and my vision clear.
Dear Lord, Thank You for Your faithfulness - Your provision, direction, protection in my life. Please keep those experiences fresh in my heart so the doubts and fears won't dim the memories of Your blessings and intervention. Help me to celebrate You today! Amen.
Last Saturday, as I was in the garage, getting ready to put a fresh coat of paint on the door going into the house, my attention was drawn to the casing on the left side of the door. It was badly in need of touching up; pencil lines, writing, and smudges covered it from top to bottom, but I had no intention of painting it. Instead, I carefully pried it loose and replaced it with a fresh piece of moulding. My plan is to mount that old, smudged trim in the shop at the "Utah house".
Why go to all that trouble for a useless, dirty piece of wood? Because those lines and words chronicle the growth of my granddaughters. As I gazed at those markings, my twenty-something year-old granddaughters became three-year-olds once more. My heart and mind were flooded with memories of them at the various ages listed before me.
I need reminders of God's work in my life. When I'm stressed and besieged by doubts, when I'm tempted to ask God, "What have You done for me lately?", re-visiting memories of His faithfulness and provision draw me back to a place of trust and peace.
We don't have to use stones, like the Israelites did. It can be as simple as a marked-up piece of door casing (I plan to mount a fresh piece next to the old one for my great-grandchildren). I've been keeping a journal of sorts that chronicles our journey into retirement and the building of our new home. Reviewing it from time to time keeps my faith fresh and my vision clear.
Dear Lord, Thank You for Your faithfulness - Your provision, direction, protection in my life. Please keep those experiences fresh in my heart so the doubts and fears won't dim the memories of Your blessings and intervention. Help me to celebrate You today! Amen.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Renewing trust and Refocusing vision...
Acts 28:15 "And the brethren, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage."
Joan and I are in the throws of a major life change and we're at a point where the stress tends to distort our perception and dilute our trust in God's direction. I'm retiring in three weeks, after 40 years in Christian education. We're building a house in southern Utah, near our daughter, granddaughters, and great-grandchildren. Our house, in which we've lived for 34 years, is on the market.
We believe that God has been directing our steps, and as we look back over the last two years, His "fingerprints" can be seen throughout our journey. Yet, as we wade through the daily details, it is easy to lose sight of the big picture.
Our house no longer feels like home - much of our furnishings is in storage and the house has been "staged" to make it appeal to a broader group of potential buyers. We have to be ready at any moment to take our 4 dogs and leave the premises so the house can be shown.
Twice, now, as our frustration threatened to get the better of us, God sent "brothers" to us. The first time was in Home Depot. We encountered Jeremy and his wife in the plumbing fixtures aisle. After a few minutes of small talk, something he said told me he was a Christian. Turns out that he's a contractor and that God told him to go to Haiti to help after the tsunami. He obeyed, went to Haiti to help the displaced children, met his wife, Gustalia. They opened an orphanage. Now he returns to the States for six months each year to earn enough money to run the orphanage. He told us Gustalia has cancer. We had a prayer meeting in the plumbing aisle of Home Depot. God used Jeremy and Gustalia to refocus our attention and trust on Him. He used us to minister to them.
The second time was a week ago on a Sunday evening. We were in Seal Beach while a realtor showed our house. I was sitting on a bench near the pier with our four dogs, when a young man walked over, sat down, and began petting the dogs. We talked for awhile and then the Holy Spirit revealed that he, too, was a Christian brother. It turns out that he came over to me to witness, to lead me to Christ! Mario truly has the gift of evangelism! Once again, God had set a Divine Appointment just when I needed encouragement.
That's what God did for the apostle Paul as he neared Rome. He was frightened and unsure, and the Holy Spirit directed the Roman believers to walk 30 miles to greet him. The result? "He thanked God and took courage."
I am continually amazed at the tender, personal care God shows me. He knows me inside-out and is ever patient as I ride this roller coaster of faith and doubt. I am so thankful that the Holy Spirit sets "Divine appointments" at just the right time and keeps bringing me back to a place of trust. He restores my peace and joy, builds my faith and confidence, and refocuses my outlook.
Thank You, Lord, for using Your saints to remind me of Your love and mercy. Thank You that you never give up on me. Thank You for restoring my trust and refocusing my vision. Please, Lord, use me today to pay it forward, to help someone else who is struggling. Amen.
Joan and I are in the throws of a major life change and we're at a point where the stress tends to distort our perception and dilute our trust in God's direction. I'm retiring in three weeks, after 40 years in Christian education. We're building a house in southern Utah, near our daughter, granddaughters, and great-grandchildren. Our house, in which we've lived for 34 years, is on the market.
We believe that God has been directing our steps, and as we look back over the last two years, His "fingerprints" can be seen throughout our journey. Yet, as we wade through the daily details, it is easy to lose sight of the big picture.
Our house no longer feels like home - much of our furnishings is in storage and the house has been "staged" to make it appeal to a broader group of potential buyers. We have to be ready at any moment to take our 4 dogs and leave the premises so the house can be shown.
Twice, now, as our frustration threatened to get the better of us, God sent "brothers" to us. The first time was in Home Depot. We encountered Jeremy and his wife in the plumbing fixtures aisle. After a few minutes of small talk, something he said told me he was a Christian. Turns out that he's a contractor and that God told him to go to Haiti to help after the tsunami. He obeyed, went to Haiti to help the displaced children, met his wife, Gustalia. They opened an orphanage. Now he returns to the States for six months each year to earn enough money to run the orphanage. He told us Gustalia has cancer. We had a prayer meeting in the plumbing aisle of Home Depot. God used Jeremy and Gustalia to refocus our attention and trust on Him. He used us to minister to them.
The second time was a week ago on a Sunday evening. We were in Seal Beach while a realtor showed our house. I was sitting on a bench near the pier with our four dogs, when a young man walked over, sat down, and began petting the dogs. We talked for awhile and then the Holy Spirit revealed that he, too, was a Christian brother. It turns out that he came over to me to witness, to lead me to Christ! Mario truly has the gift of evangelism! Once again, God had set a Divine Appointment just when I needed encouragement.
That's what God did for the apostle Paul as he neared Rome. He was frightened and unsure, and the Holy Spirit directed the Roman believers to walk 30 miles to greet him. The result? "He thanked God and took courage."
I am continually amazed at the tender, personal care God shows me. He knows me inside-out and is ever patient as I ride this roller coaster of faith and doubt. I am so thankful that the Holy Spirit sets "Divine appointments" at just the right time and keeps bringing me back to a place of trust. He restores my peace and joy, builds my faith and confidence, and refocuses my outlook.
Thank You, Lord, for using Your saints to remind me of Your love and mercy. Thank You that you never give up on me. Thank You for restoring my trust and refocusing my vision. Please, Lord, use me today to pay it forward, to help someone else who is struggling. Amen.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Fight or flee?...
Acts 14:1-3. "In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks. But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren. Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands."
"Discretion is the better part of valor." "You have to know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em." Whether it's standing against an angry enemy or playing out a hand in poker, how do you know when to fight and when to flee?
The apostle faced fierce opposition in Iconium, but God directed him to remain there to strengthen the young Christians. Only after they were nearly stoned to death, did he and Barnabas leave the city.
I recall a dilemma that occurred 22 years ago, yet still evokes a fresh rush of emotions. It was a cool spring morning in Moscow, Russia The year was 1992, just a matter of months since the Soviet Union had dissolved. My friend, Dave, and I were near the back of a crowd of 25 or so, standing in front of Lenin's tomb, waiting to see the changing of the guard. It was a holiday honoring the border guards, and loud, drunken soldiers, fresh from the conflict with Afghanistan could be seen throughout Red Square. A handful of them stood a few feet in front of us.
Behind us I heard a young woman's clear, bold voice. She held an open Bible and, with the smattering of Russian I had picked up, I knew she was preaching about Jesus. A young man stood beside her, silently praying. You can imagine the response of the soldiers. In an instant their demeanor switched from humor to mocking, then to rage. As they turned and started towards her, Dave and I glanced at each other and we immediately closed ranks, blocking the soldiers' advance. At once the sensible part of me objected loudly to that response, but I stood my ground as the angry men vented their frustration towards us. They finally tired of the situation and stumbled away. By now the crowd had grown to about 100, and the young lady kept right on preaching. Dave and I blessed her and stepped away, amazed at how God had orchestrated such an opportunity for His Word to be heard at the tomb of a renowned atheist.
So what's the answer to the question? How do you know when to stand firm and when to throw in the towel? As I read through Acts, a couple of things stand out whenever the apostles found themselves in conflict over the Gospel. First, Peter and John said, "We must obey God rather than man." Second, the early Christians depended on the direction and protection of the Holy Spirit. These timeless principles still ring true today.
Today the contrast between God's Word and the world's "wisdom" is becoming more and more obvious. Society flaunts its immoral behavior and anyone who chooses to object becomes an instant target of ridicule and persecution. So what do we do? Fight or flee? Stand firm or fade away?
Dear Lord, thank You for clearly delineating what is right and what is wrong. Thank You for empowering me with Your Holy Spirit. I pray for wisdom, discernment, courage, and protection as I put on my spiritual armor and engage the enemy today. Amen.
"Discretion is the better part of valor." "You have to know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em." Whether it's standing against an angry enemy or playing out a hand in poker, how do you know when to fight and when to flee?
The apostle faced fierce opposition in Iconium, but God directed him to remain there to strengthen the young Christians. Only after they were nearly stoned to death, did he and Barnabas leave the city.
I recall a dilemma that occurred 22 years ago, yet still evokes a fresh rush of emotions. It was a cool spring morning in Moscow, Russia The year was 1992, just a matter of months since the Soviet Union had dissolved. My friend, Dave, and I were near the back of a crowd of 25 or so, standing in front of Lenin's tomb, waiting to see the changing of the guard. It was a holiday honoring the border guards, and loud, drunken soldiers, fresh from the conflict with Afghanistan could be seen throughout Red Square. A handful of them stood a few feet in front of us.
Behind us I heard a young woman's clear, bold voice. She held an open Bible and, with the smattering of Russian I had picked up, I knew she was preaching about Jesus. A young man stood beside her, silently praying. You can imagine the response of the soldiers. In an instant their demeanor switched from humor to mocking, then to rage. As they turned and started towards her, Dave and I glanced at each other and we immediately closed ranks, blocking the soldiers' advance. At once the sensible part of me objected loudly to that response, but I stood my ground as the angry men vented their frustration towards us. They finally tired of the situation and stumbled away. By now the crowd had grown to about 100, and the young lady kept right on preaching. Dave and I blessed her and stepped away, amazed at how God had orchestrated such an opportunity for His Word to be heard at the tomb of a renowned atheist.
So what's the answer to the question? How do you know when to stand firm and when to throw in the towel? As I read through Acts, a couple of things stand out whenever the apostles found themselves in conflict over the Gospel. First, Peter and John said, "We must obey God rather than man." Second, the early Christians depended on the direction and protection of the Holy Spirit. These timeless principles still ring true today.
Today the contrast between God's Word and the world's "wisdom" is becoming more and more obvious. Society flaunts its immoral behavior and anyone who chooses to object becomes an instant target of ridicule and persecution. So what do we do? Fight or flee? Stand firm or fade away?
Dear Lord, thank You for clearly delineating what is right and what is wrong. Thank You for empowering me with Your Holy Spirit. I pray for wisdom, discernment, courage, and protection as I put on my spiritual armor and engage the enemy today. Amen.
Friday, January 31, 2014
"Rethinking my Non-negotiables"
Acts 10:9-15 "On the next day, as they were on their way and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. But he became hungry and was desiring to eat; but while they were making preparations, he fell into a trance; and he *saw the sky opened up, and an object like a great sheet coming down, lowered by four corners to the ground, and there were in it all kinds of four-footed animals and crawling creatures of the earth and birds of the air.
A voice came to him, "Get up, Peter, kill and eat!" But Peter said, "By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean." Again a voice came to him a second time, "What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy."
My mom is 91 and my mother-in-law is 94. Both of them are life-long Believers and both still regularly attend church. In our conversations about church, they share the same two complaints. 1. The Music - way too loud, no hymns; 2. Attire - far too casual, both in the congregation and in the pulpit (not appropriate for worship, disrespectful to God). As I listen to others who are my age or older and who have grown up in church, the same two issues top the list of "what's wrong with churches these days". I have to admit that I still feel more comfortable wearing a tie on Sundays and I do miss those hymns.
I think I'm sometimes stuck in Peter's mindset. He had a well-defined set of personal guidelines and he balked whenever someone tried to stretch him beyond those boundaries, even if that Someone was God. Think about it. What was his response when Jesus announced that He must go to the cross? "No way, Jesus!" His reaction when Jesus wanted to wash his feet? "Not mine - never!" How about when the Holy Spirit tried to get him to eat something that was "unclean"? "It's not going to touch my lips!"
Peter's "non-negotiables" were much broader than God's and he resisted God's efforts to re-align them. As Peter began to recognize his own prejudices (based upon the Law and tradition), his perspective aligned with God's and his ministry expanded dramatically.
I, too, have my own set of non-negotiables. Many are based on Scripture, but others are based upon traditions, experience, preferences. God keeps working on me to pare them down to match His.
I am coming to understand that by clinging to my "non-scriptural non-negotiables", I hinder the Holy Spirit's progress in shaping me to be more like Jesus, I limit my fellowship with others who think differently, I thwart God's efforts to expand my ministry, and I rob myself of joy. To be honest, it frightens me, unsettles me to think this way. I find security in my set of standards, and it is hard to admit that some (maybe much) of what I consider non-negotiable is, from God's perspective, actually negotiable.
Dear Lord, You have a habit of shaking up my thinking and I find it very uncomfortable. I confess that I'd rather not change, yet I also want to see things through Your eyes, from Your perspective. So, with Your direction, I commit to rethinking what I consider to be non-negotiable. Please give me the courage and discernment to align my convictions with what You reveal in Your Word. Thank You for being so patient and with me. Amen.
A voice came to him, "Get up, Peter, kill and eat!" But Peter said, "By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean." Again a voice came to him a second time, "What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy."
My mom is 91 and my mother-in-law is 94. Both of them are life-long Believers and both still regularly attend church. In our conversations about church, they share the same two complaints. 1. The Music - way too loud, no hymns; 2. Attire - far too casual, both in the congregation and in the pulpit (not appropriate for worship, disrespectful to God). As I listen to others who are my age or older and who have grown up in church, the same two issues top the list of "what's wrong with churches these days". I have to admit that I still feel more comfortable wearing a tie on Sundays and I do miss those hymns.
I think I'm sometimes stuck in Peter's mindset. He had a well-defined set of personal guidelines and he balked whenever someone tried to stretch him beyond those boundaries, even if that Someone was God. Think about it. What was his response when Jesus announced that He must go to the cross? "No way, Jesus!" His reaction when Jesus wanted to wash his feet? "Not mine - never!" How about when the Holy Spirit tried to get him to eat something that was "unclean"? "It's not going to touch my lips!"
Peter's "non-negotiables" were much broader than God's and he resisted God's efforts to re-align them. As Peter began to recognize his own prejudices (based upon the Law and tradition), his perspective aligned with God's and his ministry expanded dramatically.
I, too, have my own set of non-negotiables. Many are based on Scripture, but others are based upon traditions, experience, preferences. God keeps working on me to pare them down to match His.
I am coming to understand that by clinging to my "non-scriptural non-negotiables", I hinder the Holy Spirit's progress in shaping me to be more like Jesus, I limit my fellowship with others who think differently, I thwart God's efforts to expand my ministry, and I rob myself of joy. To be honest, it frightens me, unsettles me to think this way. I find security in my set of standards, and it is hard to admit that some (maybe much) of what I consider non-negotiable is, from God's perspective, actually negotiable.
Dear Lord, You have a habit of shaking up my thinking and I find it very uncomfortable. I confess that I'd rather not change, yet I also want to see things through Your eyes, from Your perspective. So, with Your direction, I commit to rethinking what I consider to be non-negotiable. Please give me the courage and discernment to align my convictions with what You reveal in Your Word. Thank You for being so patient and with me. Amen.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Trusting God when it doesn't make sense...
Acts 9:10-14 "Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." And the Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight." But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name."
Trusting God is rarely an easy thing to do. Faith, by it's very nature, leads me out of my comfort zone, stretching me beyond what I think are my limits. Occasionally God goes way past what I would say is reasonable. The Old Testament saints in Hebrews 11 illustrate that point quite well.
Ananias surely felt that way when The Lord told him to go visit Saul. In so many words he asked God if He was sure He knew what He was doing. Hadn't He heard what a scary character, what a bad man he was?
I have felt that way a few times in my life. God seemed to be asking me to do something that didn't make any sense. Yet, when I took a deep breath and obediently plunged ahead, The Lord "blessed my socks off." Those times have become markers, reference points in my life. When my faith is shaky, the Holy Spirit takes me back there and reminds me of God's faithfulness.
Like Ananias, my goal today is to hear God clearly and obey, even if it doesn't make sense.
Dear Lord, thank You for being so patient with me when I balk at what You are leading me to do. Thank you for stretching me and for proving Your faithfulness time after time. I love You and trust You. I'm looking forward to what You're going to teach me today.
Trusting God is rarely an easy thing to do. Faith, by it's very nature, leads me out of my comfort zone, stretching me beyond what I think are my limits. Occasionally God goes way past what I would say is reasonable. The Old Testament saints in Hebrews 11 illustrate that point quite well.
Ananias surely felt that way when The Lord told him to go visit Saul. In so many words he asked God if He was sure He knew what He was doing. Hadn't He heard what a scary character, what a bad man he was?
I have felt that way a few times in my life. God seemed to be asking me to do something that didn't make any sense. Yet, when I took a deep breath and obediently plunged ahead, The Lord "blessed my socks off." Those times have become markers, reference points in my life. When my faith is shaky, the Holy Spirit takes me back there and reminds me of God's faithfulness.
Like Ananias, my goal today is to hear God clearly and obey, even if it doesn't make sense.
Dear Lord, thank You for being so patient with me when I balk at what You are leading me to do. Thank you for stretching me and for proving Your faithfulness time after time. I love You and trust You. I'm looking forward to what You're going to teach me today.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Life's two key questions...
Acts 22:6-10 "But it happened that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus about noontime, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me, and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?' I said, "Who are You, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting." ...... And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Get up and go on into Damascus, and there you will be told of all that has been appointed for you to do.'"
If you encountered Jesus.face to face, what question would you ask Him? Some time ago a Gallup survey. queried what 3 questions you would ask God... here are the top 5 responses:
1. Will there ever be lasting world peace?
2. How can I be a better person?
3. What does the future hold for my family and me?
4. Will there ever be a cure for all diseases?
5. Why is there suffering in the world?
As I read the three accounts of Paul's conversion in Acts, I saw that Paul asked two questions of Jesus.
1. Who are You? He was acquainted with Jesus ... He had undoubtedly heard Him teach in and around Jerusalem. Paul was probably a member of the Sanhedrin, and as such, could possibly sat with those who condemned Jesus. He knew about Jesus, but didn't know him. Knowing Jesus became Paul's lifelong quest. (Phil 3:10)
2. What do You want me to do?
As the immensity of the encounter sank in, Paul's second question asked for direction. What shall I do? When we ask that question, we must ask it humbly with submission and determined obedience. Jesus gave Paul a broad job description - preach to the Gentiles, but He only gave enough specifics to get him through the next few days. That's usually how He works with us, too. One step at a time instead of laying out the details of the grand plan all at once.
As I think about it, it seems to me that these are life's most pivotal questions. If I ask humbly and sincerely, and listen carefully to Jesus' response, my life will be on track. My walk with Him will be obedient and honoring to my Savior. That's all I want.
Thank you, Lord, for simplifying my relationship with You. I do want to get to know You more intimately today, and I need You to direct my steps. Help me to obey You today and trust You for tomorrow. Amen.
If you encountered Jesus.face to face, what question would you ask Him? Some time ago a Gallup survey. queried what 3 questions you would ask God... here are the top 5 responses:
1. Will there ever be lasting world peace?
2. How can I be a better person?
3. What does the future hold for my family and me?
4. Will there ever be a cure for all diseases?
5. Why is there suffering in the world?
As I read the three accounts of Paul's conversion in Acts, I saw that Paul asked two questions of Jesus.
1. Who are You? He was acquainted with Jesus ... He had undoubtedly heard Him teach in and around Jerusalem. Paul was probably a member of the Sanhedrin, and as such, could possibly sat with those who condemned Jesus. He knew about Jesus, but didn't know him. Knowing Jesus became Paul's lifelong quest. (Phil 3:10)
2. What do You want me to do?
As the immensity of the encounter sank in, Paul's second question asked for direction. What shall I do? When we ask that question, we must ask it humbly with submission and determined obedience. Jesus gave Paul a broad job description - preach to the Gentiles, but He only gave enough specifics to get him through the next few days. That's usually how He works with us, too. One step at a time instead of laying out the details of the grand plan all at once.
As I think about it, it seems to me that these are life's most pivotal questions. If I ask humbly and sincerely, and listen carefully to Jesus' response, my life will be on track. My walk with Him will be obedient and honoring to my Savior. That's all I want.
Thank you, Lord, for simplifying my relationship with You. I do want to get to know You more intimately today, and I need You to direct my steps. Help me to obey You today and trust You for tomorrow. Amen.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Ouch!!! I get the point!
Acts 26:13-14 "... at midday, O King, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining all around me and those who were journeying with me. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'"
As I read about Paul's conversion, I am struck by the phrase, "It is hard for you to kick against the goads." A goad was a long stick with a very sharp point at one end, used by farmers to "motivate" their oxen as they plowed their fields. If the ox ignored the farmer's orders, the farmer would stick his rear leg with the goad. When the ox tried to kick the goad loose, it would further imbed itself, causing more pain until the ox yielded to the farmer's will.
I've been pondering this phrase and I don't think the "Damascus Road" experience was God's first conversation with Saul about Jesus. I believe the Holy Spirit had been working on him, goading him toward this crisis of faith. I imagine He used martyrs like Stephen to prick his conscience, preparing him for his dramatic encounter with the Savior. Saul refused to believe Jesus was the Messiah and tried to destroy His followers. He kicked furiously against the goads until he finally yielded to God's will.
I think God still uses goads today. I know He uses them in my life. There are times when He wants me to do something that's not on my agenda. I try to ignore it, but the Holy Spirit is relentless and very creative. He speaks to me in my morning time in the Word. He uses people - sometimes it's an offhand remark, but more often it's the testimony of a faithful, obedient walk with The Lord. Ultimately God gets His way with me, and I am changed in the process.
Dear Lord, thank You for not giving up on me when I stubbornly insist on going my direction, doing things my way. Please help me to respond quickly to Your "prick". I pray that my words and example will be useful if You happen to need a goad today. Amen.
As I read about Paul's conversion, I am struck by the phrase, "It is hard for you to kick against the goads." A goad was a long stick with a very sharp point at one end, used by farmers to "motivate" their oxen as they plowed their fields. If the ox ignored the farmer's orders, the farmer would stick his rear leg with the goad. When the ox tried to kick the goad loose, it would further imbed itself, causing more pain until the ox yielded to the farmer's will.
I've been pondering this phrase and I don't think the "Damascus Road" experience was God's first conversation with Saul about Jesus. I believe the Holy Spirit had been working on him, goading him toward this crisis of faith. I imagine He used martyrs like Stephen to prick his conscience, preparing him for his dramatic encounter with the Savior. Saul refused to believe Jesus was the Messiah and tried to destroy His followers. He kicked furiously against the goads until he finally yielded to God's will.
I think God still uses goads today. I know He uses them in my life. There are times when He wants me to do something that's not on my agenda. I try to ignore it, but the Holy Spirit is relentless and very creative. He speaks to me in my morning time in the Word. He uses people - sometimes it's an offhand remark, but more often it's the testimony of a faithful, obedient walk with The Lord. Ultimately God gets His way with me, and I am changed in the process.
Dear Lord, thank You for not giving up on me when I stubbornly insist on going my direction, doing things my way. Please help me to respond quickly to Your "prick". I pray that my words and example will be useful if You happen to need a goad today. Amen.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
You never listen to Me... or... Thanks for listening
Acts 8:26 "But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, "Get up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza." (This is a desert road.). So he got up and went; and there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure; and he had come to Jerusalem to worship, and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go up and join this chariot." Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"
Interrupting. It's a habit I've been trying to break for a long time. It drives my wife crazy. She'll be telling me something and before she can finish, I jump in, assuming I know what she's going to say (usually I get it wrong), and the conversation ends in frustration for both of us.
Ignoring. That's another thing I'm working on. Sometimes I get so focused on what I'm doing (or watching) that I shut everything else out. Someone may be talking to me and I hear the words, but I shut them out. It even happens mid-conversation. My mind wanders and I lose track of what is being said.
Listening to someone is a sign of respect; it shows that you genuinely value them, that what they have to say is important to you. Interrupting and ignoring a person devalues him or her and is self-centered, prideful.
I'm ashamed to admit that these habits carry over to my spiritual life as well. I want to be like Phillip, actively listening and responding to God as He speaks to me. Phillip was busily involved in an exciting ministry when God gave him a new assignment. He could have interrupted or ignored the instructions, but instead, he humbly obeyed.
How often I hear the Spirit directing me to pray for someone, or to stop what I'm doing and help someone, and I ignore him because I'm too busy doing "my thing". How often I interrupt Him when we're having a conversation, or I allow my mind to wander as He speaks to me.
As with my wife, The Lord is too often justified in saying, "You never listen to me!" I want to change my behavior; I want to hear the words, "Thanks for listening."
Lord, please forgive me for interrupting and ignoring You. Please help me to break that habit, both with You and with others. Help me to stay "in the moment", focused on what You're saying to me. I truly want to hear and respond to You. Thank You for patiently listening to me. Amen.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Finishing in the black...
Romans 4:22-25 "Therefore IT WAS ALSO CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification."
Joan and I are in the process of building a house in southern Utah. Although we're still in the foundational stages (literally) of this adventure, we have already experienced a slew of emotions.... excitement, frustration, doubt, hope, joy, to name a few. While there are many stressors in a project like this, one that keeps recurring is the need to watch the "bottom line".
The first step in our journey was to develop a construction budget. We researched websites, spoke to local homeowners and contractors, conferred with city building officials and determined a basic "per square foot" cost. With that in mind, we put together a design for our new home.
We've moved forward through all the preliminary phases and have now started the construction process. I've also started writing checks, and I'm keeping a close watch on my Excel spreadsheet. My hope and expectation is that by the end of the process, the credits will balance with, or exceed, the debits. Not knowing the "bottom line" wakes me up at night. I need to finish "in the black".
In my morning time with God, I've started reading through Romans. I love Paul's repeated emphasis of salvation by grace through faith. No matter how hard I try, I can't do enough, be good enough to deserve Heaven. If my life were to be expressed as a spreadsheet, the debits would far outweigh the credits. There's no way that the bottom line would qualify me to spend eternity with my Heavenly Father. And I'm not alone. Paul echoes the Old Testament writer's words, "There is none who is righteous, no not one..." (Rom 2:10)
I am so thankful for the truth of Rom 4:22... as with Abraham, God has credited our faith in Jesus (Who He is and What He did for us) as righteousness. Jesus' words on the cross ("It is finished!") declared it, "sealed the deal", finalized the transaction. By His death and resurrection, He erased the debits, declared my account "Paid in Full", and guaranteed a positive bottom line on my life's balance sheet.
Dear Lord, words cannot express my gratitude for Your mercy and grace. I cannot fathom the depth of Your love; it doesn't make sense to me that You would allow Your Son to take my punishment, to suffer in my place. You know me intimately and You, above all, know that I don't deserve it. I love You, I trust You, and my heart's desire is to honor and serve You. Please work in and through me today. Use me to bless others as You have blessed me. Amen.
Joan and I are in the process of building a house in southern Utah. Although we're still in the foundational stages (literally) of this adventure, we have already experienced a slew of emotions.... excitement, frustration, doubt, hope, joy, to name a few. While there are many stressors in a project like this, one that keeps recurring is the need to watch the "bottom line".
The first step in our journey was to develop a construction budget. We researched websites, spoke to local homeowners and contractors, conferred with city building officials and determined a basic "per square foot" cost. With that in mind, we put together a design for our new home.
We've moved forward through all the preliminary phases and have now started the construction process. I've also started writing checks, and I'm keeping a close watch on my Excel spreadsheet. My hope and expectation is that by the end of the process, the credits will balance with, or exceed, the debits. Not knowing the "bottom line" wakes me up at night. I need to finish "in the black".
In my morning time with God, I've started reading through Romans. I love Paul's repeated emphasis of salvation by grace through faith. No matter how hard I try, I can't do enough, be good enough to deserve Heaven. If my life were to be expressed as a spreadsheet, the debits would far outweigh the credits. There's no way that the bottom line would qualify me to spend eternity with my Heavenly Father. And I'm not alone. Paul echoes the Old Testament writer's words, "There is none who is righteous, no not one..." (Rom 2:10)
I am so thankful for the truth of Rom 4:22... as with Abraham, God has credited our faith in Jesus (Who He is and What He did for us) as righteousness. Jesus' words on the cross ("It is finished!") declared it, "sealed the deal", finalized the transaction. By His death and resurrection, He erased the debits, declared my account "Paid in Full", and guaranteed a positive bottom line on my life's balance sheet.
Dear Lord, words cannot express my gratitude for Your mercy and grace. I cannot fathom the depth of Your love; it doesn't make sense to me that You would allow Your Son to take my punishment, to suffer in my place. You know me intimately and You, above all, know that I don't deserve it. I love You, I trust You, and my heart's desire is to honor and serve You. Please work in and through me today. Use me to bless others as You have blessed me. Amen.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Winning souls - Whose job is it?
Acts 16:13-14 "And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to a riverside, where we were supposing that there would be a place of prayer; and we sat down and began speaking to the women who had assembled. A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul."
The year was 1972; the place was Mira Mesa, a newly developed suburb in San Diego. The Lord had led my wife and me to start a church in this rapidly growing area. I spent my days knocking on doors, sharing God's Word, inviting people to church.
Those were exciting days, but the more I shared the Gospel, the more discouraged I became. The people I encountered were nice enough, but most of them politely declined my invitation to receive Christ. What was I doing wrong? Why didn't they respond?
During that time Joan and I attended a conference on evangelism at Arrowhead Springs, headquarters for Campus Crusade for Christ. God used one simple sentence in a message to change our lives. The speaker was talking about sharing our faith and I'll never forget these words: "Success in witnessing is simply sharing the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God."
A light bulb flashed in my mind; it was an "ah-hah" moment! In that instant, the Lord took all the pressure off my shoulders. He told me that my job was to be a faithful witness. It was His job to open hearts to the Gospel.
That was 41 years ago. Since then I have endeavored to do my part and I have rejoiced to see God do His. It is still frustrating at times to have people reject the Message; it's hard to patiently wait for God to open the hearts of ones I love. I occasionally struggle with my inclination to "close the sale", but God is faithful to keep reminding me that it's not my job.
Dear Lord, thank You for clarifying my job description. Thank You for reminding me that You are the only One who can open hearts to Your Word. Please help me to ready at all time to share Your Gospel with those I encounter. Give me the sensitivity and boldness I need, and let me trust You for the results. Amen.
The year was 1972; the place was Mira Mesa, a newly developed suburb in San Diego. The Lord had led my wife and me to start a church in this rapidly growing area. I spent my days knocking on doors, sharing God's Word, inviting people to church.
Those were exciting days, but the more I shared the Gospel, the more discouraged I became. The people I encountered were nice enough, but most of them politely declined my invitation to receive Christ. What was I doing wrong? Why didn't they respond?
During that time Joan and I attended a conference on evangelism at Arrowhead Springs, headquarters for Campus Crusade for Christ. God used one simple sentence in a message to change our lives. The speaker was talking about sharing our faith and I'll never forget these words: "Success in witnessing is simply sharing the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God."
A light bulb flashed in my mind; it was an "ah-hah" moment! In that instant, the Lord took all the pressure off my shoulders. He told me that my job was to be a faithful witness. It was His job to open hearts to the Gospel.
That was 41 years ago. Since then I have endeavored to do my part and I have rejoiced to see God do His. It is still frustrating at times to have people reject the Message; it's hard to patiently wait for God to open the hearts of ones I love. I occasionally struggle with my inclination to "close the sale", but God is faithful to keep reminding me that it's not my job.
Dear Lord, thank You for clarifying my job description. Thank You for reminding me that You are the only One who can open hearts to Your Word. Please help me to ready at all time to share Your Gospel with those I encounter. Give me the sensitivity and boldness I need, and let me trust You for the results. Amen.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
I love it when Your Plan comes together...
Acts 16:6-9 "They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them; and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them."
I love to make plans and I'm pretty good at it. I love it when my plan comes together, but I get frustrated when things don't go the way I laid them out. I should know better. As a teacher, I was accustomed to making detailed lesson plans for the coming week. They looked great on Monday morning, but by Tuesday afternoon there were lots of "cross-outs", circles, and arrows. When plans intersect with people, plans change.
It's that way in my walk with God... like Paul on his second missionary journey. He and Silas had a plan to go back and visit the churches of Asia, encouraging and strengthening the Christians. They set out from Antioch, itinerary in hand, sure of where they were headed. Then the Holy Spirit intervened, and their plans went out the window. God had a bigger plan in mind: to take the Gospel to Europe.
I love Paul's response to God's change in direction. Like a good teacher, he had a "Plan B". But God nixed that one, too. What did Paul do then? He didn't fret or throw a temper tantrum; he didn't pack up and run home in frustration. He waited to hear from God, and when The Lord spoke, he immediately swung into action. God's plan became Paul's plan.
I want to be like that. I'll never stop being a planner. It's part of who I am. I am learning however, that while they organizes my thoughts and give me a sense of direction, my plans must be subject to change. I'm trying to consciously turn them over to God for a "plan check", asking for His direction and correction. Like Paul, I am learning that my plans are often short-sighted, that God has something bigger in mind.
Father, thank You for being so patient with me. It must frustrate You when I plow ahead with my agenda, despite Your attempts to adjust my course. Thank You for caring enough to intervene and "close doors" when my plan doesn't line up with Yours. Lord, please help me today to hear You and respond. I do love it when Your plan comes together! Amen.
I love to make plans and I'm pretty good at it. I love it when my plan comes together, but I get frustrated when things don't go the way I laid them out. I should know better. As a teacher, I was accustomed to making detailed lesson plans for the coming week. They looked great on Monday morning, but by Tuesday afternoon there were lots of "cross-outs", circles, and arrows. When plans intersect with people, plans change.
It's that way in my walk with God... like Paul on his second missionary journey. He and Silas had a plan to go back and visit the churches of Asia, encouraging and strengthening the Christians. They set out from Antioch, itinerary in hand, sure of where they were headed. Then the Holy Spirit intervened, and their plans went out the window. God had a bigger plan in mind: to take the Gospel to Europe.
I love Paul's response to God's change in direction. Like a good teacher, he had a "Plan B". But God nixed that one, too. What did Paul do then? He didn't fret or throw a temper tantrum; he didn't pack up and run home in frustration. He waited to hear from God, and when The Lord spoke, he immediately swung into action. God's plan became Paul's plan.
I want to be like that. I'll never stop being a planner. It's part of who I am. I am learning however, that while they organizes my thoughts and give me a sense of direction, my plans must be subject to change. I'm trying to consciously turn them over to God for a "plan check", asking for His direction and correction. Like Paul, I am learning that my plans are often short-sighted, that God has something bigger in mind.
Father, thank You for being so patient with me. It must frustrate You when I plow ahead with my agenda, despite Your attempts to adjust my course. Thank You for caring enough to intervene and "close doors" when my plan doesn't line up with Yours. Lord, please help me today to hear You and respond. I do love it when Your plan comes together! Amen.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
I love my job!
Luke 18:16 "But Jesus called for them, saying, "Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."
I'm the principal of a Christian school (K-8) and, like most educators, our jobs can become quite a grind. I've been around long enough to observe how kids, parents, family structure, discipline, etc. have changed over the years. Quite frankly, much of the fun has gone out of being an educator. That's the tired, old part of me talking after a frustrating series of conferences, discipline issues, and phone calls.
Then there are days like today. This morning I had a 3rd grade visitor to my office. This young man has a very highly defined, very narrow sense of "fairness". When something doesn't go his way, or he is called "out" in a game, he reacts inappropriately, to say the least. That was the case today. After our session, I sent him, still a bit teary-eyed, back to class, and I asked my secretary to watch him on our security monitors to be sure he made it safely. Here's what she saw. Two 7th graders walked past my little friend and then, the larger of the two turned back to check on him. He approached the little guy, got down on one knee and talked with him. My secretary couldn't hear the conversation, but from the body language and facial expression, it must have been encouraging. The brief encounter ended with the two boys bumping knuckles and going their separate ways. That little vignette nearly brought the two of us to tears.
A little later, on my way to visit a class, I passed the kindergartners at the lunch tables. As I walked by, a little boy ran after me, anxious to get my attention. "Guess what, Mr. Brown", this 5-year-old exclaimed excitedly. "Last night I asked Jesus into my heart!" Wow! Two tear-jerkers in one day!!
That's why I do what I do. I'll let you in on a little secret. It's not the academics that get me out of bed in the morning. Yes, academics are important; after all, we're a school. But the reason I keep coming to the office is much bigger, much more important than that. We are in the business of building foundations, helping children to have something solid, eternal that will help them make wise decisions as they mature. We're in the "fruit tree planting" business. We keep planting and watering seeds of Truth, hoping someday to see the fruit of godly character, growing from an intimate relation with Jesus.
As in any vocation, there are ups and downs, good days and bad days. It's days like today that remind me why I love my job!
Dear Lord, I am so blessed to be able to share Your truth with children and young adults. Thank You for days like today when I catch a glimpse of what You are doing in their lives. Thank You for re-energizing me. Amen.
I'm the principal of a Christian school (K-8) and, like most educators, our jobs can become quite a grind. I've been around long enough to observe how kids, parents, family structure, discipline, etc. have changed over the years. Quite frankly, much of the fun has gone out of being an educator. That's the tired, old part of me talking after a frustrating series of conferences, discipline issues, and phone calls.
Then there are days like today. This morning I had a 3rd grade visitor to my office. This young man has a very highly defined, very narrow sense of "fairness". When something doesn't go his way, or he is called "out" in a game, he reacts inappropriately, to say the least. That was the case today. After our session, I sent him, still a bit teary-eyed, back to class, and I asked my secretary to watch him on our security monitors to be sure he made it safely. Here's what she saw. Two 7th graders walked past my little friend and then, the larger of the two turned back to check on him. He approached the little guy, got down on one knee and talked with him. My secretary couldn't hear the conversation, but from the body language and facial expression, it must have been encouraging. The brief encounter ended with the two boys bumping knuckles and going their separate ways. That little vignette nearly brought the two of us to tears.
A little later, on my way to visit a class, I passed the kindergartners at the lunch tables. As I walked by, a little boy ran after me, anxious to get my attention. "Guess what, Mr. Brown", this 5-year-old exclaimed excitedly. "Last night I asked Jesus into my heart!" Wow! Two tear-jerkers in one day!!
That's why I do what I do. I'll let you in on a little secret. It's not the academics that get me out of bed in the morning. Yes, academics are important; after all, we're a school. But the reason I keep coming to the office is much bigger, much more important than that. We are in the business of building foundations, helping children to have something solid, eternal that will help them make wise decisions as they mature. We're in the "fruit tree planting" business. We keep planting and watering seeds of Truth, hoping someday to see the fruit of godly character, growing from an intimate relation with Jesus.
As in any vocation, there are ups and downs, good days and bad days. It's days like today that remind me why I love my job!
Dear Lord, I am so blessed to be able to share Your truth with children and young adults. Thank You for days like today when I catch a glimpse of what You are doing in their lives. Thank You for re-energizing me. Amen.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Lessons from the Wheelhouse
Proverbs 3:5-6 "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 direct your steps."
I just returned home from a wonderful week of oceanography/marine biology experiences with our 7th graders. While crossing the channel from Catalina Island to Long Beach, I had the privilege of taking the helm of our ship, The Wilderness Explorer. Standing in the wheelhouse, I received instructions on how to safely pilot her towards port. In front of me were a variety of instruments that informed me where I was and in what direction I was headed. They also warned me of potential dangers.
So... my job was to focus on the compass and to keep the ship headed on a bearing of 31 degrees. Sounds easy enough. Not so. Although the sea was relatively calm, there was a strong current from the northwest which, along with the winds, kept pushing the ship southeast. I was constantly adjusting our course, and, unlike a Sea Doo, our ship didn't respond immediately. She came about gradually and it was easy to over-correct. I'm sure our wake showed a dramatic zig-zag pattern.
Fortunately for me, there was a GPS that illustrated our position and course. There was a lever that rotated, showing me the position of the rudder whenever I turned the wheel. It was important to keep the rudder pointing in the right direction. There was a radar screen that pictured traffic in the area, and there was a sonar readout that showed the ocean depth. Positioned right in front of me, in the center of the dashboard, was a large compass. It was my primary focal point, for it informed me of my heading, and helped me to know which direction to steer when I needed to make a course correction. In addition to paying close attention to the instruments, I had to continually scan the horizon, watching for approaching traffic.
Piloting a ship is not as easy as I thought it would be. Fortunately, an experienced helmsman was standing at my shoulder to provide instruction and encouragement. As I stood at the helm, wheel in hand, I saw a striking parallel to my walk with Jesus.
I am on a voyage to a specific destination: Heaven. The Bible is both my chart that sets the course, and the compass that informs me of my "heading". The Holy Spirit is my GPS, my sonar, and the experienced helmsman who stands at my shoulder to direct me. My fellow Travelers warn me of approaching dangers.
Though the course is set and the vessel is seaworthy, the voyage is not simple. Keeping the ship on track and avoiding danger is not an easy task. I am constantly buffeted by winds of doubt and fear, pushed off course by tides of the cares and temptations of this world. Thank God for His "navigational instruments", the constant reassuring presence of His Helmsman , and the accountability and fellowship of my fellow passengers! With God's help, I will reach my destination safely.
Dear Lord, I am so thankful that You have not left me to navigate this voyage by myself. Without You, I would end up crashing on the rocks or capsizing in the waves. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for standing at my shoulder. I will keep my eyes on the course and listen carefully to your instructions. What a beautiful day for a voyage! Amen.
I just returned home from a wonderful week of oceanography/marine biology experiences with our 7th graders. While crossing the channel from Catalina Island to Long Beach, I had the privilege of taking the helm of our ship, The Wilderness Explorer. Standing in the wheelhouse, I received instructions on how to safely pilot her towards port. In front of me were a variety of instruments that informed me where I was and in what direction I was headed. They also warned me of potential dangers.
So... my job was to focus on the compass and to keep the ship headed on a bearing of 31 degrees. Sounds easy enough. Not so. Although the sea was relatively calm, there was a strong current from the northwest which, along with the winds, kept pushing the ship southeast. I was constantly adjusting our course, and, unlike a Sea Doo, our ship didn't respond immediately. She came about gradually and it was easy to over-correct. I'm sure our wake showed a dramatic zig-zag pattern.
Fortunately for me, there was a GPS that illustrated our position and course. There was a lever that rotated, showing me the position of the rudder whenever I turned the wheel. It was important to keep the rudder pointing in the right direction. There was a radar screen that pictured traffic in the area, and there was a sonar readout that showed the ocean depth. Positioned right in front of me, in the center of the dashboard, was a large compass. It was my primary focal point, for it informed me of my heading, and helped me to know which direction to steer when I needed to make a course correction. In addition to paying close attention to the instruments, I had to continually scan the horizon, watching for approaching traffic.
Piloting a ship is not as easy as I thought it would be. Fortunately, an experienced helmsman was standing at my shoulder to provide instruction and encouragement. As I stood at the helm, wheel in hand, I saw a striking parallel to my walk with Jesus.
I am on a voyage to a specific destination: Heaven. The Bible is both my chart that sets the course, and the compass that informs me of my "heading". The Holy Spirit is my GPS, my sonar, and the experienced helmsman who stands at my shoulder to direct me. My fellow Travelers warn me of approaching dangers.
Though the course is set and the vessel is seaworthy, the voyage is not simple. Keeping the ship on track and avoiding danger is not an easy task. I am constantly buffeted by winds of doubt and fear, pushed off course by tides of the cares and temptations of this world. Thank God for His "navigational instruments", the constant reassuring presence of His Helmsman , and the accountability and fellowship of my fellow passengers! With God's help, I will reach my destination safely.
Dear Lord, I am so thankful that You have not left me to navigate this voyage by myself. Without You, I would end up crashing on the rocks or capsizing in the waves. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for standing at my shoulder. I will keep my eyes on the course and listen carefully to your instructions. What a beautiful day for a voyage! Amen.
Monday, September 30, 2013
J.O.Y. - the secret to a Mega-Church
Acts 4:32-34 (32) "And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. (35) And with great ("Mega") power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant ("Mega") grace was upon them all. (36) For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales..."
I want my church to be a "Mega-Church", full of "Mega-Christians". Not "Mega" by the world's standard, but "Mega" like the early church.... like what verse 35 describes... full of "mega-power" and "mega-grace". You can go to any Christian bookstore and find scores of "how to" books that claim the secret of building a successful church, but save your money.... I'll show You God's plan.
I remember learning in Sunday School as a young boy, that the secret to a joyful life was keeping my priorities straight. Our teacher taught us an acronym for joy: Jesus, Others, Yourself. He said that if we live each day with those things in the right order, God will fill us with joy and with a sense of His Presence.
When I look carefully at the context in Acts 4, the description of the "mega-church" in verse 35 is sandwiched by J.O.Y. The Believers had given themselves completely to Jesus and also to each other. They were truly living out Paul's words in Philippians 2:2-5 "... make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,.."
So, how do I build a "mega-church"? It starts with me and my priorities. If I wholeheartedly give myself to the "J.O.Y. Principle", God will work in and through me to impact other people with His grace and mercy. He will transform them and they, too, will become propagators of J.O.Y. Before too long, we will resemble the church in Acts 4.
Dear Lord, I fully embrace the concept of J.O.Y. Please, Holy Spirit, make it a reality in my experience today. Live through me and let me be an example of Your power and grace. Help me to be a "Mega-Christian" today.
Amen.
I want my church to be a "Mega-Church", full of "Mega-Christians". Not "Mega" by the world's standard, but "Mega" like the early church.... like what verse 35 describes... full of "mega-power" and "mega-grace". You can go to any Christian bookstore and find scores of "how to" books that claim the secret of building a successful church, but save your money.... I'll show You God's plan.
I remember learning in Sunday School as a young boy, that the secret to a joyful life was keeping my priorities straight. Our teacher taught us an acronym for joy: Jesus, Others, Yourself. He said that if we live each day with those things in the right order, God will fill us with joy and with a sense of His Presence.
When I look carefully at the context in Acts 4, the description of the "mega-church" in verse 35 is sandwiched by J.O.Y. The Believers had given themselves completely to Jesus and also to each other. They were truly living out Paul's words in Philippians 2:2-5 "... make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,.."
So, how do I build a "mega-church"? It starts with me and my priorities. If I wholeheartedly give myself to the "J.O.Y. Principle", God will work in and through me to impact other people with His grace and mercy. He will transform them and they, too, will become propagators of J.O.Y. Before too long, we will resemble the church in Acts 4.
Dear Lord, I fully embrace the concept of J.O.Y. Please, Holy Spirit, make it a reality in my experience today. Live through me and let me be an example of Your power and grace. Help me to be a "Mega-Christian" today.
Amen.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Boldness or Bravado?...
Acts 4:13 "Now as they observed the boldness of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus."
Acts 4:29 "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all boldness,"
Acts 4:31 "And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness."
Peter and John had been dragged from the Temple and found themselves in the center of a room, surrounded by a hostile group of Jewish leaders - the same group who had condemned Jesus on the night Peter denied the Savior just a few months earlier. Why the drastic difference in Peter's response?
This was not the same Peter as the one who routinely seemed to speak before he engaged his brain. His bravado had been replaced by boldness. It began on Pentecost when the Holy Spirit baptized, filled him and his fellow disciples, and it became a signature descriptor of his ministry.
I want that! I want to be so controlled by the Spirit that my words and my actions reveal that I, too, have been with Jesus. How do I do it? It's simple, really, but it's not easy. Simple because all it requires is for me to trust Him and yield my will to His. Difficult because that's not how I function naturally. My natural tendency would be to go through my day, making decisions with no thought of God. Yes, I pray to start my day but, as the day progresses, I tend to slip into "auto-pilot".
Fortunately, The Lord also wants me to be controlled by His Spirit, and He doesn't leave me to my own devices. He has a way of interrupting, of catching my attention and pulling me back on course. I am so thankful for that!
So, here's my test for today. The Lord woke me up earlier than usual this morning with a multi-item "to-do" list swirling in my head. As I groggily typed them into my iPad reminders, He kept adding more tasks to my day. Now, as I sit in my study, I am going over the "impossible-to-accomplish-in-
Dear Father, I am really looking forward to what You are going to do in, through, and for me today. Thank You for transforming today's task list from "daunting" to "do-able"! Thank You for changing my attitude from "dreading" to "daring". Please, Lord, reveal Your boldness in me. I want people to notice that I've been with Jesus this morning. Amen.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Expect More...
Acts 3:3-6 "When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms. But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, 'Look at us!' And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said to him, 'I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene--walk!'"
Over the years I have read a few books that have radically impacted my spiritual life. One of the first was a little volume written by J. B. Phillips, "Your God is Too Small." He helped me realize that I had "compartmentalized" God. I had tried to squeeze the eternal, omnipotent, omnipresent, infinite God into a finite, convenient, comfortable, controllable "box". How foolish and presumptuous I was.
Similarly, I keep discovering how limited are my expectations of Him. I'm too much like the lame beggar in Acts 3. When Peter got his attention, he expected a "handout", a few coins. Little did he know that God had a much greater gift for him. God gave him a "hand up"... Instead of a temporary fix, he received a total makeover.
I wonder if my limited expectations of God hinder my enjoyment of Him. I ponder my prayer life and can't help but think that I have tunnel vision. I see from my limited perspective what I think I need, what I perceive God to be doing, what I believe He wants from me, and where I sense He's directing my steps. He obviously sees these same things from a much broader point of view!
I want to see things more from His perspective than from mine. I don't want to settle for a "few alms" when God has planned so much more. I want to raise my expectations so that what I expect is more in line with what He has in mind. I can't do that by myself. That's a job for the Holy Spirit. I need to listen carefully to His voice and see with His eyes today.
Dear Lord, You know me inside out. I know that You have plans for me, both short and long range. I pray that You will keep my spiritual "bi-focals" clean today so that I will have a clear vision of both the details of today and the broader view of tomorrow. I don't want to miss anything You have planned for me. I can't wait to get started! Amen.
Over the years I have read a few books that have radically impacted my spiritual life. One of the first was a little volume written by J. B. Phillips, "Your God is Too Small." He helped me realize that I had "compartmentalized" God. I had tried to squeeze the eternal, omnipotent, omnipresent, infinite God into a finite, convenient, comfortable, controllable "box". How foolish and presumptuous I was.
Similarly, I keep discovering how limited are my expectations of Him. I'm too much like the lame beggar in Acts 3. When Peter got his attention, he expected a "handout", a few coins. Little did he know that God had a much greater gift for him. God gave him a "hand up"... Instead of a temporary fix, he received a total makeover.
I wonder if my limited expectations of God hinder my enjoyment of Him. I ponder my prayer life and can't help but think that I have tunnel vision. I see from my limited perspective what I think I need, what I perceive God to be doing, what I believe He wants from me, and where I sense He's directing my steps. He obviously sees these same things from a much broader point of view!
I want to see things more from His perspective than from mine. I don't want to settle for a "few alms" when God has planned so much more. I want to raise my expectations so that what I expect is more in line with what He has in mind. I can't do that by myself. That's a job for the Holy Spirit. I need to listen carefully to His voice and see with His eyes today.
Dear Lord, You know me inside out. I know that You have plans for me, both short and long range. I pray that You will keep my spiritual "bi-focals" clean today so that I will have a clear vision of both the details of today and the broader view of tomorrow. I don't want to miss anything You have planned for me. I can't wait to get started! Amen.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Hopelessly devoted...
Acts 1:14 "These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers."
Acts 2:42 "They were continually devoting themselves to teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Colossians 4:2 "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving..."
Each of us is devoted to something or someone. As a husband and father, I am devoted to my wife and family. In the movie, "Grease", Olivia Newton-John's character, Sandy, poured out her heart as she sang "Hopelessly Devoted to You" to the love of her life, Danny.
What is it to be "hopelessly devoted"? It means to be so committed to someone or something that nothing can diminish your passion; it is to be single-minded, entirely focused, making it your highest priority, giving it your undivided attention.
That word is used 10 times in the New Testament. Half of those verses deal with our attitude toward prayer. It describes Jesus' habit of continual communication with His Father and it pictures the priority of the early Christians. As I ponder this, I have to ask the question, "Does it describe me.?"
What does "devotion to prayer" look like? I don't think it means that we have to spend hours at a time on our knees, although sometimes that will happen. It's more of a constant conversation with God, a continual awareness of His presence, actively listening for His voice, seeking His advice, counsel and direction throughout the day. That's what Paul meant when he advised us to "pray without ceasing."
That's what I desperately want and need today... and tomorrow... and the next day.
Dear Lord, I am so amazed and thankful that You would want to carry on a conversation with me today. I don't understand why, but I gladly, wholeheartedly accept your offer. Please, Holy Spirit, help me to listen carefully, discern Your voice, and follow Your lead throughout this day. I am hopelessly devoted to You! Amen.
Acts 2:42 "They were continually devoting themselves to teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Colossians 4:2 "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving..."
Each of us is devoted to something or someone. As a husband and father, I am devoted to my wife and family. In the movie, "Grease", Olivia Newton-John's character, Sandy, poured out her heart as she sang "Hopelessly Devoted to You" to the love of her life, Danny.
What is it to be "hopelessly devoted"? It means to be so committed to someone or something that nothing can diminish your passion; it is to be single-minded, entirely focused, making it your highest priority, giving it your undivided attention.
That word is used 10 times in the New Testament. Half of those verses deal with our attitude toward prayer. It describes Jesus' habit of continual communication with His Father and it pictures the priority of the early Christians. As I ponder this, I have to ask the question, "Does it describe me.?"
What does "devotion to prayer" look like? I don't think it means that we have to spend hours at a time on our knees, although sometimes that will happen. It's more of a constant conversation with God, a continual awareness of His presence, actively listening for His voice, seeking His advice, counsel and direction throughout the day. That's what Paul meant when he advised us to "pray without ceasing."
That's what I desperately want and need today... and tomorrow... and the next day.
Dear Lord, I am so amazed and thankful that You would want to carry on a conversation with me today. I don't understand why, but I gladly, wholeheartedly accept your offer. Please, Holy Spirit, help me to listen carefully, discern Your voice, and follow Your lead throughout this day. I am hopelessly devoted to You! Amen.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Oh, what a good boy am I ... or am I?
2 Chronicles 32:22 -25 "So the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria and from the hand of all others, and guided them on every side. And many were bringing gifts to the LORD at Jerusalem and choice presents to Hezekiah king of Judah, so that he was exalted in the sight of all nations thereafter.
"In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill; and he prayed to the LORD, and the LORD spoke to him and gave him a sign. But Hezekiah gave no return for the benefit he received, because his heart was proud; therefore wrath came on him and on Judah and Jerusalem.
"Even in the matter of the envoys of the rulers of Babylon, who sent to him to inquire of the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him alone only to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart."
Hezekiah is described in Scripture as having been one of Judah's godliest kings, a man who, like David, served The Lord wholeheartedly. As a result, God blessed him beyond measure. Because Hezekiah was humble of heart, he was the recipient of miraculous intervention by God. Even though he foolishly sought help by allying himself with Egypt, God rescued Jerusalem by destroying the Assyrian army overnight. When Hezekiah became mortally ill, God healed him and extended his life by fifteen years.
How did Hezekiah respond to God's miracles? The king of Babylon heard how The Lord had blessed Hezekiah and sent envoys to learn more about it. Rather than simply giving God credit, Hezekiah pridefully displayed all of the treasures in his kingdom, thus setting the stage for the coming Babylon invasion. After being miraculously healed, he didn't even say thank you.
It reminds me of a nursery rhyme I learned as an infant. "Little Jack Horner sat in a corner eating his Christmas pie. He stuck in his thumb and pulled out a plum, and said, 'Oh what a good boy am I.'"
How many times is it like that with me? It is so easy for me to take God's blessings for granted and to assume credit for what He has done. I don't want to be like that. I need to be like our students on the playground when they hear the supervisor's whistle. They're trained to "stop, drop, and listen". I need to do that periodically throughout the day. Periodically I should hit the "pause button", direct my attention to the Holy Spirit, and thankfully reflect on what God is doing in and around me.
Dear Lord, I confess to You that I too often get so caught up in my goals and busy-ness that I completely ignore You. When You answer prayers and bring unexpected success, it is easy to receive the credit rather than to direct it towards You. I pray that You will develop within me a heart of humility and gratitude. Remind me today to pause and recognize Your hand in the day's events. I do love You. Let my attitude, words, and actions demonstrate that today. Amen.
"In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill; and he prayed to the LORD, and the LORD spoke to him and gave him a sign. But Hezekiah gave no return for the benefit he received, because his heart was proud; therefore wrath came on him and on Judah and Jerusalem.
"Even in the matter of the envoys of the rulers of Babylon, who sent to him to inquire of the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him alone only to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart."
Hezekiah is described in Scripture as having been one of Judah's godliest kings, a man who, like David, served The Lord wholeheartedly. As a result, God blessed him beyond measure. Because Hezekiah was humble of heart, he was the recipient of miraculous intervention by God. Even though he foolishly sought help by allying himself with Egypt, God rescued Jerusalem by destroying the Assyrian army overnight. When Hezekiah became mortally ill, God healed him and extended his life by fifteen years.
How did Hezekiah respond to God's miracles? The king of Babylon heard how The Lord had blessed Hezekiah and sent envoys to learn more about it. Rather than simply giving God credit, Hezekiah pridefully displayed all of the treasures in his kingdom, thus setting the stage for the coming Babylon invasion. After being miraculously healed, he didn't even say thank you.
It reminds me of a nursery rhyme I learned as an infant. "Little Jack Horner sat in a corner eating his Christmas pie. He stuck in his thumb and pulled out a plum, and said, 'Oh what a good boy am I.'"
How many times is it like that with me? It is so easy for me to take God's blessings for granted and to assume credit for what He has done. I don't want to be like that. I need to be like our students on the playground when they hear the supervisor's whistle. They're trained to "stop, drop, and listen". I need to do that periodically throughout the day. Periodically I should hit the "pause button", direct my attention to the Holy Spirit, and thankfully reflect on what God is doing in and around me.
Dear Lord, I confess to You that I too often get so caught up in my goals and busy-ness that I completely ignore You. When You answer prayers and bring unexpected success, it is easy to receive the credit rather than to direct it towards You. I pray that You will develop within me a heart of humility and gratitude. Remind me today to pause and recognize Your hand in the day's events. I do love You. Let my attitude, words, and actions demonstrate that today. Amen.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
I can do it myself!...or can I?
2 Chronicles 18:1 "Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance, and allied himself in marriage with Ahab."
2 Chronicles 19:2 "And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, 'Should you help the wicked, and love those who hate the LORD, and so bring wrath on yourself from the LORD?'
Nevertheless there is some good in you, for you have removed the Asheroth from the land, and you have set your heart to seek God. And Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem: and he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, and brought them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers."
I remember driving on the 710 Freeway one foggy night in the 1960's with my cousin Johnnie. The fog was so thick, we could barely see the road, and we became disoriented. I was sure we were headed north. As we proceeded ever so cautiously, Johnnie had his head out the window so he could help me navigate. He was able to make out some of the offramp signs and, according to them, we were headed south, not north. I was so sure of myself that I argued with him, saying the signs must be wrong. How foolish! I finally got off the freeway and drove back in the opposite direction.
It's like that in life sometimes. King Jehosophat had a heart to serve God, and God blessed him abundantly. After awhile, Jehosophat became full of himself, "disoriented", and made some poor choices, one of which was to depend upon a military alliance rather than to depend on God. And, to make matters worse, he allied himself with the most wicked king in history.
After a battle in which God rescued Jehosophat and punished Ahab, a man of God reprimanded the king for his foolishness. Fortunately, Jehosophat took the confrontation to heart and once again led his people back to The Lord.
2 Chronicles 19:2 "And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, 'Should you help the wicked, and love those who hate the LORD, and so bring wrath on yourself from the LORD?'
Nevertheless there is some good in you, for you have removed the Asheroth from the land, and you have set your heart to seek God. And Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem: and he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, and brought them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers."
I remember driving on the 710 Freeway one foggy night in the 1960's with my cousin Johnnie. The fog was so thick, we could barely see the road, and we became disoriented. I was sure we were headed north. As we proceeded ever so cautiously, Johnnie had his head out the window so he could help me navigate. He was able to make out some of the offramp signs and, according to them, we were headed south, not north. I was so sure of myself that I argued with him, saying the signs must be wrong. How foolish! I finally got off the freeway and drove back in the opposite direction.
It's like that in life sometimes. King Jehosophat had a heart to serve God, and God blessed him abundantly. After awhile, Jehosophat became full of himself, "disoriented", and made some poor choices, one of which was to depend upon a military alliance rather than to depend on God. And, to make matters worse, he allied himself with the most wicked king in history.
After a battle in which God rescued Jehosophat and punished Ahab, a man of God reprimanded the king for his foolishness. Fortunately, Jehosophat took the confrontation to heart and once again led his people back to The Lord.
Like Jehosophat (and many others in Scripture), I find it easy to take God's provision and protection for granted. As my sense of dependence and my gratitude wane, a deceptive feeling of self-sufficiency arises. That's when I get in trouble. I think I can fix things, handle situations, solve my own problems, chart my own course. And, of course, I can't. That's when God steps in.
How thankful I am that God looks beyond my foolishness and sees my heart. He knows that I love Him and want to serve Him. Because of that, He chooses to discipline me rather than to destroy me. Hebrews 12:3-13 speaks of the process. God disciplines us "for our good" and as we respond humbly and obediently, it "yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness."
Dear Lord, I am so grateful that You see beyond my sometimes foolish choices and reactions, and you look at my heart. Thank You that You don't allow me to continue in a wrong direction. Thank you for giving me the Holy Spirit and for surrounding me with a wife and good friends who help keep me in check. I do love You with my whole heart. Please let my words, attitude, and actions reflect it today. I can't do it myself. I need You! Amen.
How thankful I am that God looks beyond my foolishness and sees my heart. He knows that I love Him and want to serve Him. Because of that, He chooses to discipline me rather than to destroy me. Hebrews 12:3-13 speaks of the process. God disciplines us "for our good" and as we respond humbly and obediently, it "yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness."
Dear Lord, I am so grateful that You see beyond my sometimes foolish choices and reactions, and you look at my heart. Thank You that You don't allow me to continue in a wrong direction. Thank you for giving me the Holy Spirit and for surrounding me with a wife and good friends who help keep me in check. I do love You with my whole heart. Please let my words, attitude, and actions reflect it today. I can't do it myself. I need You! Amen.
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