1 Samuel 7:12 "Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and
Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far the LORD has helped us."
The Lord had just rescued Israel (again!) from the armies of the
Philistines. God had thundered His judgement against the pagan army and
the men of Israel routed the confused soldiers. As the battle drew to a
close and the soldiers found their way home, Samuel the prophet found a
large stone and engraved on it a single word.... "Ebenezer".
Translated from Hebrew, it means, "stone of help".
This isn't the first time we see people setting visual reminders of
God's intervention. Jacob did it at Bethel after seeing the vision of
the angels ascending and descending from Heaven. Joshua did it in the
middle of the Jordan river as the Israelites crossed on the dry riverbed
into the Promised Land.
I think it's a good practice to set "Ebenezer stones" when God
intervenes at significant points of our lives. It may not be a stone
pillar. Maybe it's a photograph or a small memento. I need those
tangible items to remind me of God's faithfulness, of His providence and
protection, of His answers to prayer. Touching them, remembering,
restores my faith in times of doubt; it rekindles hope when I am
worried; it replaces fear with courage.
Lord, thank You for your faithfulness over the years. Thank You for
the reminders that keep me walking close to You. Please help me to live
today in an attitude of thanksgiving and peace. Amen.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
"It's hard to say no..."
1 Samuel 3:13 "For I have told him that I am about to judge his house
forever for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons brought a curse
on themselves and he did not rebuke them.
Eli, the priest, had two rascally sons. Hophni and Phinehas profaned the Lord's Sanctuary, sleeping with the temple attendants, ignoring the laws regarding sacrifices and taking the best of the meat for themselves.
Because of their lifestyle and actions, these two men brought judgement upon their father's house. But was the fault theirs alone? If you read carefully, it is clear that God holds their father, Eli, responsible. Eli knew what his sons were like from a young age and he chose to turn a "blind eye" to their actions. They grew up without discipline.
I have worked with thousands of young people and their families over the years. For the most part, the parents have taken active roles in training their children ... setting boundaries, maintaining behavior standards, and the like. Recently, however, I am encountering more young parents who cater to their children's every desire. These little ones are growing up with a sense of entitlement, lacking respect for others, and demanding their "rights". They are headed down a road filled with unhappiness and pain.
God's Word is clear... it is the parents' privilege and responsibility to "train up a child in the way he should go..." When we as fathers abdicate that role, our whole family pays the price. It isn't always easy to say,"No!"; setting and consistently maintaining standards of behavior is hard work. But, diligence pays off in the end. What greater joy can a parent have than to see his children walking with the Lord!
Lord, help me today to encourage the parents I encounter, help me to mentor my children and grandchildren. Please use me, give me wisdom and discernment as I interact with those whom You bring across my path today.
Eli, the priest, had two rascally sons. Hophni and Phinehas profaned the Lord's Sanctuary, sleeping with the temple attendants, ignoring the laws regarding sacrifices and taking the best of the meat for themselves.
Because of their lifestyle and actions, these two men brought judgement upon their father's house. But was the fault theirs alone? If you read carefully, it is clear that God holds their father, Eli, responsible. Eli knew what his sons were like from a young age and he chose to turn a "blind eye" to their actions. They grew up without discipline.
I have worked with thousands of young people and their families over the years. For the most part, the parents have taken active roles in training their children ... setting boundaries, maintaining behavior standards, and the like. Recently, however, I am encountering more young parents who cater to their children's every desire. These little ones are growing up with a sense of entitlement, lacking respect for others, and demanding their "rights". They are headed down a road filled with unhappiness and pain.
God's Word is clear... it is the parents' privilege and responsibility to "train up a child in the way he should go..." When we as fathers abdicate that role, our whole family pays the price. It isn't always easy to say,"No!"; setting and consistently maintaining standards of behavior is hard work. But, diligence pays off in the end. What greater joy can a parent have than to see his children walking with the Lord!
Lord, help me today to encourage the parents I encounter, help me to mentor my children and grandchildren. Please use me, give me wisdom and discernment as I interact with those whom You bring across my path today.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Where do you draw the line?...
Esther 3:2 "All the king's servants who were at the king's gate bowed
down and paid homage to Haman; for so the king had commanded concerning
him. But Mordecai neither bowed down nor paid homage."
The king's edict was clear: bow down and pay homage to Haman, leader of the princes of Persia. God's command to His people was also clear: You shall have no other God's before me. Mordecai, a Jew, equated prostrating himself before Haman to be an act of worship, something he refused to do.
Today the line between right and wrong, moral and immoral is becoming fuzzy, blurred. The concept of an absolute moral standard has gone by the wayside. Truth and morality have become relative, defined by the vote of the majority. We've gone from respecting the right of someone to believe and act differently than what we believe, to being coerced into accepting wrong as right, immoral as moral.
Where do we draw the line? When do we take a stand? And... are we willing to accept the consequences for our decision? These are hard questions, but, nonetheless, they are questions we must not ignore. Now is the time to choose what we will do. God will make clear the timing.
Lord, thank You for giving me the absolute standard of truth and of morality. I trust You and I build my life upon your Word. Please give me the courage , wisdom, and discernment to know what, how, and when You want me to stand up. Amen.
The king's edict was clear: bow down and pay homage to Haman, leader of the princes of Persia. God's command to His people was also clear: You shall have no other God's before me. Mordecai, a Jew, equated prostrating himself before Haman to be an act of worship, something he refused to do.
Today the line between right and wrong, moral and immoral is becoming fuzzy, blurred. The concept of an absolute moral standard has gone by the wayside. Truth and morality have become relative, defined by the vote of the majority. We've gone from respecting the right of someone to believe and act differently than what we believe, to being coerced into accepting wrong as right, immoral as moral.
Where do we draw the line? When do we take a stand? And... are we willing to accept the consequences for our decision? These are hard questions, but, nonetheless, they are questions we must not ignore. Now is the time to choose what we will do. God will make clear the timing.
Lord, thank You for giving me the absolute standard of truth and of morality. I trust You and I build my life upon your Word. Please give me the courage , wisdom, and discernment to know what, how, and when You want me to stand up. Amen.
Friday, June 29, 2012
"Living the Life"
Scripture: 1 Thess 1:3-10
Observation:
The Thessalonians demonstrated the pattern of life for Believers:
1. Chosen by God :4
2. Witnessed power, conviction of HS :5
3. Turned from idols to serve true, living God :9
4. Imitators of Paul :6
5. Demonstrated works of faith, labor of love, steadfastness of hope in the midst of great tribulation :3, 6
6. Examples to other believers (reputation of faith, Word spread) :7-8
7. Waiting for Jesus' return :10
Application:
It isn't enough to hear the Word and believe, and then just go on with life as "normal". God chose me for a purpose, and He wants my whole being. My life, every day, ought to reflect the Holy Spirit's transforming power, faith demonstrated by wholehearted service, always looking for the return of my Savior.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for choosing me to be Your child. Help me today, empowered by Your Holy Spirit, to imitate what I see in godly examples, to demonstrate my trust in You. I can't wait to see You face to face! Amen.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Don't just sit there...
.Ezra 10:1 "Now while Ezra was praying and making confession, weeping and
prostrating himself before the house of God, a very large assembly, men,
women and children, gathered to him from Israel; for the people wept
bitterly."
Ezra 10:4 "Arise! For this matter is your responsibility, but we will be with you; be courageous and act."
The remnant of Israelites had returned from captivity in Babylon. The first group had succeeded in rebuilding the temple. Now Ezra and another group arrived, and when they got there he heard disturbing news. Many of the Jews had intermarried with the pagan inhabitants. This was the same sin for which the nation had been taken into bondage over seventy years prior!
Ezra was beside himself in anger, grief, and penitence. Finally, one of the priests stepped forward and, in so many words, said to Ezra," Okay, that's enough! Don't just sit there. You're our leader. Suck it up! Get up and do something and we'll back you up."
It's not enough to mourn over our sin. At some point we need to "show acts worthy of repentance." For Ezra, the decision was obvious. Get rid of the foreign wives. While it sounds simple enough, can you imagine the pain and anguish of splitting up all those families? It took them three months to sort it all out.
Separating ourselves from the sin is an essential aspect of repentance. It not only demonstrates our sincerity; it also puts us back on track. It requires wisdom, courage, and determination. It also helps to have the support of a friend in the process.
Holy Spirit, please reveal in me those areas where I have compromised and allowed the world to creep into my heart. I want to be soley committed to You. Give me the courage to act upon what You reveal to me. Amen.
Ezra 10:4 "Arise! For this matter is your responsibility, but we will be with you; be courageous and act."
The remnant of Israelites had returned from captivity in Babylon. The first group had succeeded in rebuilding the temple. Now Ezra and another group arrived, and when they got there he heard disturbing news. Many of the Jews had intermarried with the pagan inhabitants. This was the same sin for which the nation had been taken into bondage over seventy years prior!
Ezra was beside himself in anger, grief, and penitence. Finally, one of the priests stepped forward and, in so many words, said to Ezra," Okay, that's enough! Don't just sit there. You're our leader. Suck it up! Get up and do something and we'll back you up."
It's not enough to mourn over our sin. At some point we need to "show acts worthy of repentance." For Ezra, the decision was obvious. Get rid of the foreign wives. While it sounds simple enough, can you imagine the pain and anguish of splitting up all those families? It took them three months to sort it all out.
Separating ourselves from the sin is an essential aspect of repentance. It not only demonstrates our sincerity; it also puts us back on track. It requires wisdom, courage, and determination. It also helps to have the support of a friend in the process.
Holy Spirit, please reveal in me those areas where I have compromised and allowed the world to creep into my heart. I want to be soley committed to You. Give me the courage to act upon what You reveal to me. Amen.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Walking the Tightrope...
Micah 6:8
"He has told you O man what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
I remember as a child, trying to emulate a tight- rope walker. There wasn't much danger. I was trying to walk the span of an 8' 2X4 laid on edge. But, in my mind's eye, I was 30' above the circus floor, without a safety net, struggling to traverse a 50' span on a tiny cable. I wobbled this way and that, several times nearly crashing to my death, until I finally reached the safety of the other side.
Balance. The older I get, the more I have come to realize that maintaining balance in every aspect of my life is the key to success and happiness. I must balance my work and personal life, my need for relaxation and my drive to accomplish a task list, my appetite for sweets and my need for nutrition, etc.
I must also temper my sense of justice with kindness and mercy. Each is vitally important and, as I deal with children, I often find myself in a quandary, seeking God's wisdom in applying His Word to those whose choices have led them to my office for discipline.
Thank God that we are not dependent solely on our own wisdom, but that God is always available for counsel. This verse has become my "North Star", my point of reference in navigating each day. The Holy Spirit constantly brings it to mind and He uses it to help me maintain my balance.
Thank you, Lord, for giving me Your perspective on life and for giving me Your Word and Your Holy Spirit to keep me balanced. I look forward to walking the tight-rope with You today!
"He has told you O man what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
I remember as a child, trying to emulate a tight- rope walker. There wasn't much danger. I was trying to walk the span of an 8' 2X4 laid on edge. But, in my mind's eye, I was 30' above the circus floor, without a safety net, struggling to traverse a 50' span on a tiny cable. I wobbled this way and that, several times nearly crashing to my death, until I finally reached the safety of the other side.
Balance. The older I get, the more I have come to realize that maintaining balance in every aspect of my life is the key to success and happiness. I must balance my work and personal life, my need for relaxation and my drive to accomplish a task list, my appetite for sweets and my need for nutrition, etc.
I must also temper my sense of justice with kindness and mercy. Each is vitally important and, as I deal with children, I often find myself in a quandary, seeking God's wisdom in applying His Word to those whose choices have led them to my office for discipline.
Thank God that we are not dependent solely on our own wisdom, but that God is always available for counsel. This verse has become my "North Star", my point of reference in navigating each day. The Holy Spirit constantly brings it to mind and He uses it to help me maintain my balance.
Thank you, Lord, for giving me Your perspective on life and for giving me Your Word and Your Holy Spirit to keep me balanced. I look forward to walking the tight-rope with You today!
Monday, June 4, 2012
"A Father's Gift...."
Proverbs 4:3-5 "When I was a son to my father,
tender and the only son of my mother, then he taught me and said to me,
'Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments and live!
Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding!'"
Solomon, the author of Proverbs, was the wisest man who ever lived. His discernment was a gift from God. At the beginning of his reign, the Lord appeared to the newly-crowned king in a dream and said, "Ask what you will..." Solomon's request was for wisdom, the ability to discern, to judge the people rightly.
Why did Solomon ask for wisdom? Why not ask for wealth, power, long life? I believe he remembered the advice of his father, David. David was a man after God's own heart, and he poured what he had learned into Solomon. David's words bore fruit in his son.
As Father's Day approaches, I look back over my relationship with my son and my daughter and I pray that the legacy of faith in Jesus, handed down to me from my father and his father before him, will continue in them and their children. No other gift I could have given them is more valuable or more important.
Lord, thank you for giving me a godly father, for giving me a heritage of faith. Thank you for the privilege of sharing it with my son and daughter. Thank you for letting me see my children and grandchildren walking with You. Amen
Solomon, the author of Proverbs, was the wisest man who ever lived. His discernment was a gift from God. At the beginning of his reign, the Lord appeared to the newly-crowned king in a dream and said, "Ask what you will..." Solomon's request was for wisdom, the ability to discern, to judge the people rightly.
Why did Solomon ask for wisdom? Why not ask for wealth, power, long life? I believe he remembered the advice of his father, David. David was a man after God's own heart, and he poured what he had learned into Solomon. David's words bore fruit in his son.
As Father's Day approaches, I look back over my relationship with my son and my daughter and I pray that the legacy of faith in Jesus, handed down to me from my father and his father before him, will continue in them and their children. No other gift I could have given them is more valuable or more important.
Lord, thank you for giving me a godly father, for giving me a heritage of faith. Thank you for the privilege of sharing it with my son and daughter. Thank you for letting me see my children and grandchildren walking with You. Amen
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