We find ourselves at that place on the calendar commonly called “the dog days of summer.” I don’t think the dogs named it, so it had to be a human description. The heat of summer has had its effect. The world is dusty and dry for many people, the morning haze has lingered into the afternoon in many homes. Even the school children are bored by the length of summer and are thinking about returning to school.
If you are feeling the effect of summer, hear this word: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV) “Straight paths!” Paths going somewhere and going with purpose.
Trusting God and discovering what he is doing all around you and joining Him; this can relieve your doldrums. Summer heat is no excuse for spiritual apathy. Christians in tropical countries awaken us to that reality. A Pastor from India was recently asked how he endured and overcame persecution. His reply was “give all you have, then all you are, then step back and see God do the rest.”
Summer heat often produces just the opposite here. The Budget for God’s work suffers because many Christians go in debt on vacation and have no money left to support their church. Ever notice how many churches cut back on services and ministries in the summer? Because members exhaust themselves playing and traveling, forgetting their spiritual needs, they have to cut back. The proper order is to give your all to God in the heat of summer and God will gain fruit from your life.
A good bit of summer boredom is spiritually rooted. Actually, with people outside more in the warmth of summer, there is more opportunity for a Christian witness. Acknowledge God’s plan for your life today. Go to worship this Sunday. I can assure you, there will be plenty of empty seats.
“God of all seasons, be patient with us again! We are the same folks who
complained last winter that it was too cold to go out to Worship. Amen”
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
July 31: JUST TURN IT LOOSE
My computer stopped the other day—it just froze. I did all that I knew to get it going, but to no avail. Then I called the repairman. He talked me through several procedures. Nothing worked. Finally he said, “You know, sometimes all you can do is shut it down for a few minutes and let it fix itself, then plug it in again.” I followed this advice, and guess what? When I turned it back on, it worked!
Later, as I mused over what happened, it came to me: Sometimes there are situations in life where we are helpless and our hands are tied and we realize that there is nothing we can do to fix this problem. The more we struggle, the more frustration mounts. We just need to shut it down, be quiet, and let the Original Designer have a shot at the problem.
He has a GPS and he knows where we are immediately. He wrote the “Owner’s Manual” and he knows where to start. “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
That’s when we realize the situation is bigger than we are and let God work. When King David was confounded by his situation, he said to God: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well, my frame was not hidden from you.” (Psalm 139:13-15)
The more deeply we get twisted in some situations, the worse we feel. In several places the Bible says, “fret not”. Psalm 37:8 points out that fretting leads to evil actions.
On the other hand, putting your complicated situation in God’s hands can leave you singing, “You have made known to me the path of life; you fill me with joy in your presence.” (Psalm 16:11)
Let go and let God! Goodbye frustration!
“O God of Peace, bring peace to our chaotic lives. Show us there is no peace
in our life situation until we make peace with You. Amen”
Later, as I mused over what happened, it came to me: Sometimes there are situations in life where we are helpless and our hands are tied and we realize that there is nothing we can do to fix this problem. The more we struggle, the more frustration mounts. We just need to shut it down, be quiet, and let the Original Designer have a shot at the problem.
He has a GPS and he knows where we are immediately. He wrote the “Owner’s Manual” and he knows where to start. “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
That’s when we realize the situation is bigger than we are and let God work. When King David was confounded by his situation, he said to God: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well, my frame was not hidden from you.” (Psalm 139:13-15)
The more deeply we get twisted in some situations, the worse we feel. In several places the Bible says, “fret not”. Psalm 37:8 points out that fretting leads to evil actions.
On the other hand, putting your complicated situation in God’s hands can leave you singing, “You have made known to me the path of life; you fill me with joy in your presence.” (Psalm 16:11)
Let go and let God! Goodbye frustration!
“O God of Peace, bring peace to our chaotic lives. Show us there is no peace
in our life situation until we make peace with You. Amen”
Sunday, July 29, 2007
July 30: TOTALLY PRO-LIFE
Have you been watching these “early” presidential debates? Well, they are not so much debates as times to make declarations of positions. As hairs are split and positions defined, the dancing begins. None want to make a statement that might come back later to haunt them. For instance, there seems to be several definitions of “pro-life”.
From the Christian Bible there is only one approach: life is a unique gift from God and is to be valued from the “womb to the tomb” and not just from the “womb to the delivery room”. Jesus summed up his position in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”.
Admittedly, this is not a political position but a spiritual position. Jesus was not a Democrat, Republican or Independent. He did not start a political party nor did he teach his followers to do so.
He pointed out in the first half of verse 10 that life has many death-dealing enemies. Among them are hunger, starvation, AIDS, capital punishment, war, air-pollution, abortion, child-abuse, euthanasia, global warming and murder.
The dramatic statement of Genesis 2:7 forever places Christians on the side of protecting all human life: “the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” Whether you are a fundamentalist or a liberal, this is a stirring statement of how God feels about His creation. We don’t have the luxury of ‘picking and choosing” the situation where we think life is worthy of our support.
The Apostle Peter affirmed: “His Divine power has given us everything we need for life.” (2 Peter 1:3 NIV) It is up to us to use all of the knowledge and material we have to champion life all of the time. We are co-workers with God on this project.
“O Source of all life, may we begin to be better stewards of human life
than we have in the past. Help us to honor Jesus, who gave up His life. Amen”
From the Christian Bible there is only one approach: life is a unique gift from God and is to be valued from the “womb to the tomb” and not just from the “womb to the delivery room”. Jesus summed up his position in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”.
Admittedly, this is not a political position but a spiritual position. Jesus was not a Democrat, Republican or Independent. He did not start a political party nor did he teach his followers to do so.
He pointed out in the first half of verse 10 that life has many death-dealing enemies. Among them are hunger, starvation, AIDS, capital punishment, war, air-pollution, abortion, child-abuse, euthanasia, global warming and murder.
The dramatic statement of Genesis 2:7 forever places Christians on the side of protecting all human life: “the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” Whether you are a fundamentalist or a liberal, this is a stirring statement of how God feels about His creation. We don’t have the luxury of ‘picking and choosing” the situation where we think life is worthy of our support.
The Apostle Peter affirmed: “His Divine power has given us everything we need for life.” (2 Peter 1:3 NIV) It is up to us to use all of the knowledge and material we have to champion life all of the time. We are co-workers with God on this project.
“O Source of all life, may we begin to be better stewards of human life
than we have in the past. Help us to honor Jesus, who gave up His life. Amen”
Saturday, July 28, 2007
July 29: THE BEAUTY OF HUMANITY
We have been down South this week on Family vacation and we shopped in a local market. What a beautiful sight! There were red, yellow, green, orange and some mixed colors of peppers. The diversity of color surprised me. In my gardening days I had never planted this variety mix. They all tasted alike, the beauty was in the mixture of color.
I could not escape thinking that God must feel this way when He looks at His human family living in unity. “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity. It is like precious oil poured on the head.” (Psalm 133:1) What a pleasant and refreshing experience when different races and nationalities get together in unity.
Color is no barrier when you look at people from God’s point of view. Surely a little pigmentation in the epidermis (our outer layer of skin) is not a barrier to oneness. It’s so thin! And so easily stripped away if that is your problem. We all look the same under that layer.
The Bible presents a world view: “God created man in his own image” (Genesis 1:27) is describing the whole human family. God doesn’t have a favorite color. In the famous verse of John 3:16, we are told, “For God so loved the world”, the whole of humanity. I once heard someone say that Christians should be color-blind. I don’t agree! God wants us to look at one another and appreciate how he made us; different colors and customs and costumes all making up a beautiful tapestry.
Our cultures and environments teach us to be suspicious and fearful of those who are different. That must be challenged and overcome.
Can we make this the generation that will read the Bible and accept the message as it is and not filter it through our cultural biases? Christian love breaks down racial barriers.
“Dear Father of us all, help us to see with new eyes of wonder and acceptance
the family of mankind that You have created. Amen”
I could not escape thinking that God must feel this way when He looks at His human family living in unity. “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity. It is like precious oil poured on the head.” (Psalm 133:1) What a pleasant and refreshing experience when different races and nationalities get together in unity.
Color is no barrier when you look at people from God’s point of view. Surely a little pigmentation in the epidermis (our outer layer of skin) is not a barrier to oneness. It’s so thin! And so easily stripped away if that is your problem. We all look the same under that layer.
The Bible presents a world view: “God created man in his own image” (Genesis 1:27) is describing the whole human family. God doesn’t have a favorite color. In the famous verse of John 3:16, we are told, “For God so loved the world”, the whole of humanity. I once heard someone say that Christians should be color-blind. I don’t agree! God wants us to look at one another and appreciate how he made us; different colors and customs and costumes all making up a beautiful tapestry.
Our cultures and environments teach us to be suspicious and fearful of those who are different. That must be challenged and overcome.
Can we make this the generation that will read the Bible and accept the message as it is and not filter it through our cultural biases? Christian love breaks down racial barriers.
“Dear Father of us all, help us to see with new eyes of wonder and acceptance
the family of mankind that You have created. Amen”
Friday, July 20, 2007
July 28: THE REFRESHING HOUR OF WORSHIP
This is the day of the week that many people devote to cutting grass. It will be a good experience. There is a genuine feeling of satisfaction that one gets when standing and viewing a freshly manicured lawn. It looks good! And you did it. You deserve to stand back and enjoy that feeling of things looking right. But seven days from now, that feeling will be gone and the grass will need cutting again. So, you will do it again.
In the spiritual world there is a similar experience. Many people will go to church Sunday. They will sing and pray and repent of sin as they worship God. Standing in the parking lot and looking back at the church buildings, they will have a feeling of rightness. They will see themselves in a positive light. Sins forgiven and energy restored, they will have their hearts set in a godly direction. But in less than a week they will know they need to worship with other believers again.
Life tragedies and pressures, sicknesses and sadness, work and child raising will have cluttered the landscape of life and there will be a hunger for worship again. That’s why churches provide a time of refreshment and a place of retreat for you on Sunday.
In Genesis 2:2 the Bible tells us that God rested on the Sabbath day. If a day of refreshment was good for God, it is good for you, so in Exodus 20:8-11 God prescribed a day of rest and refreshment. That pattern goes through the Bible, Hebrews 10:25 (NIV) urges “let us not give up meeting together.”
Sunday worship is not meant to be meaningless repetition but dynamic worship of God that leaves you clean and refreshed. Wouldn’t you like to feel renewed and alive again? Find a church for worship. The grass will wait.
“How beautiful it is to worship You, O Lord, in a spirit of openness and
truth. How refreshing to our souls! Thank You, Precious Savior! Amen”
In the spiritual world there is a similar experience. Many people will go to church Sunday. They will sing and pray and repent of sin as they worship God. Standing in the parking lot and looking back at the church buildings, they will have a feeling of rightness. They will see themselves in a positive light. Sins forgiven and energy restored, they will have their hearts set in a godly direction. But in less than a week they will know they need to worship with other believers again.
Life tragedies and pressures, sicknesses and sadness, work and child raising will have cluttered the landscape of life and there will be a hunger for worship again. That’s why churches provide a time of refreshment and a place of retreat for you on Sunday.
In Genesis 2:2 the Bible tells us that God rested on the Sabbath day. If a day of refreshment was good for God, it is good for you, so in Exodus 20:8-11 God prescribed a day of rest and refreshment. That pattern goes through the Bible, Hebrews 10:25 (NIV) urges “let us not give up meeting together.”
Sunday worship is not meant to be meaningless repetition but dynamic worship of God that leaves you clean and refreshed. Wouldn’t you like to feel renewed and alive again? Find a church for worship. The grass will wait.
“How beautiful it is to worship You, O Lord, in a spirit of openness and
truth. How refreshing to our souls! Thank You, Precious Savior! Amen”
July 27: A SPIRITUAL REFRESHING
A few years ago, I went to Mexico for a week of mission work. I remember that it was hot, the construction work was difficult, preaching in Spanish demanded a lot of concentration and study for me; but that was not the refreshing part. The refreshing part was seeing and experiencing how the good news of Jesus leaps over the wall of cultural differences.
The story of Jesus is not limited or restrained by language or lifestyle. A message of salvation cuts through every barrier on the way to the heart.
Adayemo, a Christian man born in Nigeria as a Moslem in commenting on his conversion said, “the evangelical faith transcends but does not obliterate racial, tribal, or cultural differences.” And that is so refreshing to see happen.
Of course, in many of our multi-ethnic congregations in Virginia we are able to see this every week, but it is so much clearer when one is in another country and culture. Our years of mission service in the Philippines were refreshing for us.
You can read in your Bible John 3:16 but seeing this truth change lives before your very eyes is very powerful. It says, “for God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (NIV) God loves the “whole world, all individuals in the whole world” on an equal basis. There are no favorites.. The original language of Greek literally says the “whole family of mankind.” Or as Acts 10:34 (NIV) says, “God does not show favoritism.”
Many Christians miss out on times of spiritual refreshment because they refuse to move out of their comfort zone. Just visit an ethnic worship service, even if you don’t understand the language or the style of worship; you will be refreshed to share with other races their lives under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. There is no east or west in Christ. Have some spiritual refreshment, it could change your life forever.
“Lord, You give us so many opportunities to see you at work across
racial and cultural lines, even denominational. Give us courage! Amen”
The story of Jesus is not limited or restrained by language or lifestyle. A message of salvation cuts through every barrier on the way to the heart.
Adayemo, a Christian man born in Nigeria as a Moslem in commenting on his conversion said, “the evangelical faith transcends but does not obliterate racial, tribal, or cultural differences.” And that is so refreshing to see happen.
Of course, in many of our multi-ethnic congregations in Virginia we are able to see this every week, but it is so much clearer when one is in another country and culture. Our years of mission service in the Philippines were refreshing for us.
You can read in your Bible John 3:16 but seeing this truth change lives before your very eyes is very powerful. It says, “for God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (NIV) God loves the “whole world, all individuals in the whole world” on an equal basis. There are no favorites.. The original language of Greek literally says the “whole family of mankind.” Or as Acts 10:34 (NIV) says, “God does not show favoritism.”
Many Christians miss out on times of spiritual refreshment because they refuse to move out of their comfort zone. Just visit an ethnic worship service, even if you don’t understand the language or the style of worship; you will be refreshed to share with other races their lives under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. There is no east or west in Christ. Have some spiritual refreshment, it could change your life forever.
“Lord, You give us so many opportunities to see you at work across
racial and cultural lines, even denominational. Give us courage! Amen”
July 26: PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
I believe in preventive medicine. I try to play tennis, walk with Fay, watch my veggie diet, exercise and all of the things my doctors say will keep me healthy. I also believe that the “preventive medicine” concept is the best way to teach children. When parents and grandparents want the children to learn the truth, they must verbalize it and live it effectively daily.
Kids are great imitators of good as well as bad. The best way to help your child not to use drugs or alcohol is to model the biblical teaching, “don’t you know that your body is the temple of God and the Holy Spirit living in you?” (1 Corinthians 6:19) The best anti-abortion demonstration you will ever attend will be in your own living room as these truths are taught to your children.
Regretfully, many parents don’t start on a preventive medicine program until the child is already sick. You teach your children how to live honestly and not cheat in school by modeling “do not deceive one another.” (Leviticus 19:11)
Often parents punish their children severely and put them on extreme restrictions because they have caught them doing wrong. I believe wrong-doing should be punished, but parents must always model the right and good. Remember the line, “what you are is shouting so loud, I can’t hear a word that you are saying” ?
“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it” is the biblical injunction from Proverbs 22:6. There are days of pressure, temptation, and crisis coming in each of our lives. Now is the time to prepare to handle them, not when it happens. Help your children today to spiritually and emotionally prepare for whatever life brings to them.
“Heavenly Father, as earthly fathers and mothers we have the awesome job
of raising your creations to always be sensitive to You. Help us! Amen”
Kids are great imitators of good as well as bad. The best way to help your child not to use drugs or alcohol is to model the biblical teaching, “don’t you know that your body is the temple of God and the Holy Spirit living in you?” (1 Corinthians 6:19) The best anti-abortion demonstration you will ever attend will be in your own living room as these truths are taught to your children.
Regretfully, many parents don’t start on a preventive medicine program until the child is already sick. You teach your children how to live honestly and not cheat in school by modeling “do not deceive one another.” (Leviticus 19:11)
Often parents punish their children severely and put them on extreme restrictions because they have caught them doing wrong. I believe wrong-doing should be punished, but parents must always model the right and good. Remember the line, “what you are is shouting so loud, I can’t hear a word that you are saying” ?
“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it” is the biblical injunction from Proverbs 22:6. There are days of pressure, temptation, and crisis coming in each of our lives. Now is the time to prepare to handle them, not when it happens. Help your children today to spiritually and emotionally prepare for whatever life brings to them.
“Heavenly Father, as earthly fathers and mothers we have the awesome job
of raising your creations to always be sensitive to You. Help us! Amen”
July 25: A POST-CHRISTIAN CULTURE
“The Bible says” is a phrase made famous by the well-known evangelist, Dr. Billy Graham. When he began his ministry six decades ago it was a good note of authority for his preaching. It is very different now. People no longer know what the Bible says or if its implications for them are realistic. Even though a recent radio report said that 80% of Americans still consider themselves Christians, yet 49% did not know that Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount.
Since 1968, George Gallup’s organization has asked a random sampling of adult Americans if they have any religious training in their background. In 1968, 9% said “no”. In 1978, 17% said “no”. In 1989, 25% said “no”. In that same poll, 49% of parents reported that their children are receiving no religious training. Based on that observable trend 30 years ago, we now live in a time when 1 out of 3 Americans have no religious training to fall back on for help. There is a great ignorance of the Bible today, maybe the greatest since the first Century.
With this ever-increasing ignorance of the Bible, the work of the Church becomes more difficult. That’s why many churches have shifted to a entertainment-type worship service because the people don’t have a Biblical background to apply the sermon to life.
A man named George Hunter coined a word some years ago to describe this spiritual vacuum: “ignostic”. Ignostic describes people who say blankly “I don’t know what you are talking about”. This group of people is harder to reach than atheist who don’t believe in God or agnostics who don’t know if they believe in God or not.
There is a famine today of hearing the words of the Lord. (Amos 8:11) Indeed, it’s time to take seriously the Great Commission to preach the gospel to every creature. (Matthew 28:18-20)
But, old language will not be understood by this generation of “ignostics”. Patience is absolutely necessary. By your life you will have to show that the Bible’s message is still relevant today. Living a consistent Bible-based lifestyle will win you the authority to say “the Bible says” and have people listen.
“Forgive us, O Lord, for allowing people to grow up in this country of
many church buildings and still be so ignorant of the Bible. Amen”
Since 1968, George Gallup’s organization has asked a random sampling of adult Americans if they have any religious training in their background. In 1968, 9% said “no”. In 1978, 17% said “no”. In 1989, 25% said “no”. In that same poll, 49% of parents reported that their children are receiving no religious training. Based on that observable trend 30 years ago, we now live in a time when 1 out of 3 Americans have no religious training to fall back on for help. There is a great ignorance of the Bible today, maybe the greatest since the first Century.
With this ever-increasing ignorance of the Bible, the work of the Church becomes more difficult. That’s why many churches have shifted to a entertainment-type worship service because the people don’t have a Biblical background to apply the sermon to life.
A man named George Hunter coined a word some years ago to describe this spiritual vacuum: “ignostic”. Ignostic describes people who say blankly “I don’t know what you are talking about”. This group of people is harder to reach than atheist who don’t believe in God or agnostics who don’t know if they believe in God or not.
There is a famine today of hearing the words of the Lord. (Amos 8:11) Indeed, it’s time to take seriously the Great Commission to preach the gospel to every creature. (Matthew 28:18-20)
But, old language will not be understood by this generation of “ignostics”. Patience is absolutely necessary. By your life you will have to show that the Bible’s message is still relevant today. Living a consistent Bible-based lifestyle will win you the authority to say “the Bible says” and have people listen.
“Forgive us, O Lord, for allowing people to grow up in this country of
many church buildings and still be so ignorant of the Bible. Amen”
JULY 24: WATCH OUT FOR SNAKES
”
We had just moved to our house when I came home to a very concerned wife. She told me that she wasn’t going to the basement again and when I asked “Why?” she replied “there’s a snake down there on the dryer.” She added that the meter reader from the gas company didn’t want to go down there either. The incident, though amusing now, was disturbing then.
Genesis 3 begins by saying, “there’s a snake in the house.” “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say you must not eat from any tree in the garden?’ “ Thus began the attack on the home that has brought such grief to people. There’s a snake in the house.
The high divorce rates, the plague of marital infidelity, the abuse of children and spouses, and the general spirit of unrest are evidence of Satan’s presence in the home today. James 4:8 is still good counsel for preserving the sanctity of the home: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
When Satan had finished his work in the original home, happiness had turned to sorrow, truth to lying, innocence to shame, and stability to instability.
You must get the snake out of the house. Satan must be resisted by filling our homes with that which is good, pure and holy. In other words, an atmosphere where the snake is not comfortable.
If the home had not been so important, Satan would have never bothered. He knew that the home would be a benefactor of man in providing peace, security, and strength.
The home is the fortress for truth and right. Is there a snake in your house? Or check the doors carefully, there may be one trying to slip inside.
“Creator of the Family, we know that the home is second only to the
Church as a wall of protection for the spiritual well-being of all. Amen
We had just moved to our house when I came home to a very concerned wife. She told me that she wasn’t going to the basement again and when I asked “Why?” she replied “there’s a snake down there on the dryer.” She added that the meter reader from the gas company didn’t want to go down there either. The incident, though amusing now, was disturbing then.
Genesis 3 begins by saying, “there’s a snake in the house.” “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say you must not eat from any tree in the garden?’ “ Thus began the attack on the home that has brought such grief to people. There’s a snake in the house.
The high divorce rates, the plague of marital infidelity, the abuse of children and spouses, and the general spirit of unrest are evidence of Satan’s presence in the home today. James 4:8 is still good counsel for preserving the sanctity of the home: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
When Satan had finished his work in the original home, happiness had turned to sorrow, truth to lying, innocence to shame, and stability to instability.
You must get the snake out of the house. Satan must be resisted by filling our homes with that which is good, pure and holy. In other words, an atmosphere where the snake is not comfortable.
If the home had not been so important, Satan would have never bothered. He knew that the home would be a benefactor of man in providing peace, security, and strength.
The home is the fortress for truth and right. Is there a snake in your house? Or check the doors carefully, there may be one trying to slip inside.
“Creator of the Family, we know that the home is second only to the
Church as a wall of protection for the spiritual well-being of all. Amen
July 23: SERVING WHOLEHEARTEDLY
It never fails to help me, encourage me, and challenge me. Whenever I read God’s evaluation of Caleb in Deuteronomy 1:35-36, I am amazed by the simplicity of the very way to a God-approved life: “Not a man of this evil generation shall see the good land I swore to give your forefathers, except Caleb. He will see it, and I will give him and his descendants the land because he followed the Lord wholeheartedly.” You should underline the word “wholeheartedly” in the Bible. There are so many “half-hearted” people in the church today, it is no wonder that many churches are totally ineffective in having a impact on their community.
Being the “people of God” is not the top priority in the lives of many professing Christians. Worship and Bible study is easily bumped aside if the kids have a soccer game, the Redskins are playing, the annual Craft Fair is on or Aunt Susie and her family are coming for a visit.
Folks who have this kind of view of spirituality often are surprised that their children grow up with no interest in spiritual things or their neighbor doesn’t respect their religious opinions.
“Wholeheartedly”! It has a different ring to it. It sounds like being focused, knowing who you are and where you are going. Some fear becoming a religious fanatic. Perhaps there were people who called Caleb a fanatic. But the people around him always knew where Caleb stood: he was going God’s way. And God knew that, too. That’s why He commended Caleb.
Jesus had the same thing in mind when He said, “You should love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)
How about you? Just half-way? Follow the Caleb example; serve the Lord Jesus “wholeheartedly”.
“O God of Mercy, help us to make the main thing the main thing and
stop confusing the people who are watching us each day. Amen”
Being the “people of God” is not the top priority in the lives of many professing Christians. Worship and Bible study is easily bumped aside if the kids have a soccer game, the Redskins are playing, the annual Craft Fair is on or Aunt Susie and her family are coming for a visit.
Folks who have this kind of view of spirituality often are surprised that their children grow up with no interest in spiritual things or their neighbor doesn’t respect their religious opinions.
“Wholeheartedly”! It has a different ring to it. It sounds like being focused, knowing who you are and where you are going. Some fear becoming a religious fanatic. Perhaps there were people who called Caleb a fanatic. But the people around him always knew where Caleb stood: he was going God’s way. And God knew that, too. That’s why He commended Caleb.
Jesus had the same thing in mind when He said, “You should love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)
How about you? Just half-way? Follow the Caleb example; serve the Lord Jesus “wholeheartedly”.
“O God of Mercy, help us to make the main thing the main thing and
stop confusing the people who are watching us each day. Amen”
July 22: THE POLITICS OF MEANING
Writer Michael Kerner was recently quoted as saying that “human beings have a deep need to have their lives make sense.” He coined the phrase “the politics of meaning.” The basic idea is that the American people are not hungry for the things that politicians offer: economic entitlements and political rights, but for meaning in their lives.
That sounds like something a Christian minister would say, rights and privileges and justice are, of course, basic needs, but you can have everything the government provides and be lost without meaning in life. The obvious examples of this are the alcoholics, drug addicts, and suicides from the “privileged sector” of our American society who are plagued by meaninglessness.
Not so obvious is the bored or depressed or cynical person on your street who is not going to do anything drastic but is just as desperate on the inside.
How do you find meaning and purpose in life? Buy a self-help book? Many have tried that. Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10)
Paul made a profound statement in Romans 5:17, “for if, by the trespass of one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.” God’s abundant provision for us is to have a meaningful life. Jesus said to the Pharisees, “You refuse to come to me to have life.” (John 5:40) People want meaningful life but keep looking in the wrong places.
It is strange how many people automatically rule out the possibility that God could give them what they need. “They have rejected me, the fountain of living water and dug for themselves cisterns that can hold no water” (Jeremiah 2:13) is God’s evaluation.
“We hunger for meaning in life, O God, and we miss the obvious offer
that You daily make. Forgive us our blindness. Amen”
That sounds like something a Christian minister would say, rights and privileges and justice are, of course, basic needs, but you can have everything the government provides and be lost without meaning in life. The obvious examples of this are the alcoholics, drug addicts, and suicides from the “privileged sector” of our American society who are plagued by meaninglessness.
Not so obvious is the bored or depressed or cynical person on your street who is not going to do anything drastic but is just as desperate on the inside.
How do you find meaning and purpose in life? Buy a self-help book? Many have tried that. Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10)
Paul made a profound statement in Romans 5:17, “for if, by the trespass of one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.” God’s abundant provision for us is to have a meaningful life. Jesus said to the Pharisees, “You refuse to come to me to have life.” (John 5:40) People want meaningful life but keep looking in the wrong places.
It is strange how many people automatically rule out the possibility that God could give them what they need. “They have rejected me, the fountain of living water and dug for themselves cisterns that can hold no water” (Jeremiah 2:13) is God’s evaluation.
“We hunger for meaning in life, O God, and we miss the obvious offer
that You daily make. Forgive us our blindness. Amen”
July 21: SHAPING MY LIFE THROUGH PRAYER
“Prayer is the shaping force of history” says T.W. Hunt. What do you think of that? If you have read the Bible very much, you would certainly come to that conclusion about biblical times. Even today, many world-influencing people have said that prayer shaped their lives.
In recent history, the collapse of “the Wall” that separated East and West Germany without a shot being fired was certainly prayer-rooted. Indeed, the collapse of Communism all over the world can be traced to faithful Christians praying. What about the overthrow of the Marcos regime in the Philippines by “flower power” that was powered by prayer?
A shaping force in history? Could that be true in your life? Someone said, “more things are accomplished through prayer than this world dreams of.” I have seen people that I have prayed for over many years suddenly turn to the Lord and be converted for no apparent reason, but God had been able to finally break through their hardness. “Morning, noon, and night I will pray.” (Psalm 55:17)
What a great outlook! Basically, there are three kinds of people: those who don’t pray, those who pray in times of crisis, and those who “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:12) because Jesus is living in them and they appreciate this sweet relationship. Frankly, every person would be blessed imitating the disciples when they said, “Lord, teach us to pray.” (Luke 11:1)
You can go to the Lord and he will teach you or direct you to a class where people are learning to pray. Jesus died on the cross to make personal communication with God possible for everyone. He is now available to be your Mediator.
If you have children or grandchildren, there is no better wall of protection that you could build around them as they grow up than to pray for them and with them daily.
Take time to pray today. Then keep it up daily.
“Lord, I am so hardheaded and stubborn. Help me to take you seriously
about this invitation to talk to you about everything in my life. Amen”
In recent history, the collapse of “the Wall” that separated East and West Germany without a shot being fired was certainly prayer-rooted. Indeed, the collapse of Communism all over the world can be traced to faithful Christians praying. What about the overthrow of the Marcos regime in the Philippines by “flower power” that was powered by prayer?
A shaping force in history? Could that be true in your life? Someone said, “more things are accomplished through prayer than this world dreams of.” I have seen people that I have prayed for over many years suddenly turn to the Lord and be converted for no apparent reason, but God had been able to finally break through their hardness. “Morning, noon, and night I will pray.” (Psalm 55:17)
What a great outlook! Basically, there are three kinds of people: those who don’t pray, those who pray in times of crisis, and those who “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:12) because Jesus is living in them and they appreciate this sweet relationship. Frankly, every person would be blessed imitating the disciples when they said, “Lord, teach us to pray.” (Luke 11:1)
You can go to the Lord and he will teach you or direct you to a class where people are learning to pray. Jesus died on the cross to make personal communication with God possible for everyone. He is now available to be your Mediator.
If you have children or grandchildren, there is no better wall of protection that you could build around them as they grow up than to pray for them and with them daily.
Take time to pray today. Then keep it up daily.
“Lord, I am so hardheaded and stubborn. Help me to take you seriously
about this invitation to talk to you about everything in my life. Amen”
Thursday, July 19, 2007
July 20: LET'S HONOR COMMITMENTS!
There is one frustration that every church has in common. It affects every denomination and independent churches, also. It is the problem of people not honoring their commitments. People make many promises to God while in church but do not keep them. The inspiration of the worship is lost when the emotion cools down. It is the same with promises that people make to God when they are in the hospital, on the battlefield, or some other vulnerable situation.
What can be done to get people to honor commitments? Remain loyal? Fulfill promises? The prophet Jeremiah was dealing with this problem one day when thinking about God’s people not keeping their covenant with God. God gave him the Rechabites as an object lesson to use in teaching the people. (Jeremiah 35) The Rechabites were a nomad tribe that were the first followers of Jonadab. He made them promise never to drink wine. Jeremiah brought them into the Temple for a private party and set before them the best of wine. They refused it. No amount of temptation or coercion could pressure them to break their commitment. Jeremiah used this to teach the people, reasoning, if this tribe can honor a promise made to a forefather, why can’t the people of God honor God?
There are so many advantages and blessings in honoring your commitment to God. It is approved by God. It builds up the faith of other believers. It gives you a clean and clear conscience before God. It defeats death, because like the Rechabites, your heirs will inherit this precious characteristic of loyalty. It encourages the weak. Other members of the church will see your example of commitment and be more faithful and the frustration of unfaithfulness will leave your church.
Paraphrasing Deuteronomy 6:10-12, “While you are so busy working and getting rich and doing recreation; don’t forget your promise to God.” This would be a good weekend for you to prove the quality of your commitment.
“Help us, O Faithful God, to keep our promises to You. Grant us a keen mind
to remember our promises and a stiff backbone to honor them. Amen”
What can be done to get people to honor commitments? Remain loyal? Fulfill promises? The prophet Jeremiah was dealing with this problem one day when thinking about God’s people not keeping their covenant with God. God gave him the Rechabites as an object lesson to use in teaching the people. (Jeremiah 35) The Rechabites were a nomad tribe that were the first followers of Jonadab. He made them promise never to drink wine. Jeremiah brought them into the Temple for a private party and set before them the best of wine. They refused it. No amount of temptation or coercion could pressure them to break their commitment. Jeremiah used this to teach the people, reasoning, if this tribe can honor a promise made to a forefather, why can’t the people of God honor God?
There are so many advantages and blessings in honoring your commitment to God. It is approved by God. It builds up the faith of other believers. It gives you a clean and clear conscience before God. It defeats death, because like the Rechabites, your heirs will inherit this precious characteristic of loyalty. It encourages the weak. Other members of the church will see your example of commitment and be more faithful and the frustration of unfaithfulness will leave your church.
Paraphrasing Deuteronomy 6:10-12, “While you are so busy working and getting rich and doing recreation; don’t forget your promise to God.” This would be a good weekend for you to prove the quality of your commitment.
“Help us, O Faithful God, to keep our promises to You. Grant us a keen mind
to remember our promises and a stiff backbone to honor them. Amen”
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
July 19: ANGER AS A HEALTHY EMOTION
“In your anger, do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:26) For many Christians, this command from the Bible is the hardest of all. How do you keep from getting angry? You can’t. That’s not the problem. Anger is often a good and healthy emotion that causes good things to happen. How do you get rid of anger? Resolve it and get on with your life, but how, that’s the problem.
Anger is the root of many physical and emotional sicknesses and the barrier to spiritual productivity. It must not be allowed to stay around and ruin your life.
There was a scene in the movie “Forrest Gump” where Jenny comes home to the place where she was sexually abused as a child. The anger swells in her as she looks at the old, abandoned, dilapidated house. The anger takes over and she begins to throw rocks at the house. Finally, she is exhausted and stops. Forrest observes, “sometimes there just aren’t enough rocks”.
Unresolved anger keeps us screaming for more rocks. Contentment will never be found as long as the anger is throwing rocks. By God’s grace we need to accept the invitation of 1 Peter 5:7 “cast all your cares (angers) upon him, for he cares for you.”
Jesus absorbed all of the anger of the world when he died on the cross as our substitute. Give him your anger. You don’t need revenge, you need to be rid of the load of anger.
In this kind of experience, God’s power will allow us to lay down rocks of anger and not need to reach for more. James 1:19 counsels, “everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” Give it up now!
“God, grant us the wisdom to understand why you tell us never to go to
sleep angry. Then give us the determination to obey, if it takes all night. Amen”
Anger is the root of many physical and emotional sicknesses and the barrier to spiritual productivity. It must not be allowed to stay around and ruin your life.
There was a scene in the movie “Forrest Gump” where Jenny comes home to the place where she was sexually abused as a child. The anger swells in her as she looks at the old, abandoned, dilapidated house. The anger takes over and she begins to throw rocks at the house. Finally, she is exhausted and stops. Forrest observes, “sometimes there just aren’t enough rocks”.
Unresolved anger keeps us screaming for more rocks. Contentment will never be found as long as the anger is throwing rocks. By God’s grace we need to accept the invitation of 1 Peter 5:7 “cast all your cares (angers) upon him, for he cares for you.”
Jesus absorbed all of the anger of the world when he died on the cross as our substitute. Give him your anger. You don’t need revenge, you need to be rid of the load of anger.
In this kind of experience, God’s power will allow us to lay down rocks of anger and not need to reach for more. James 1:19 counsels, “everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” Give it up now!
“God, grant us the wisdom to understand why you tell us never to go to
sleep angry. Then give us the determination to obey, if it takes all night. Amen”
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
July 18: THE CHURCH AS A GIVER
Lately there seems to be a multitude of churches doing fundraisers: spaghetti dinners, yard sales, and car washes. You know, the kind of things that civic clubs and social organizations do. I fear the church might leave the wrong impression about an organization that is supposed to be about giving away.
What if churches offered free car washes, clothing and food to the community and just provided a donation box in case a grateful person wanted to give back? I also fear the implication that God can’t “pay his own way” and needs outside help in doing his work. (Remember: Jesus never requested tax-exempt status for the church. Matthew 17:24-27, 22:19-21)
The first century disciples, coming from an Old Testament background, would have had a thorough grounding in supporting God’s work, from Leviticus 27:30 “the tithe (one-tenth) of everything belongs to the Lord” to Malachi 3:10 “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse”. Standing on that foundation and making the confession “Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10:9) simply meant that the New Testament church would never have any problem supporting the work of the Kingdom of God.
The early church’s social services are described in Acts 2:45, “they gave to anyone in need.” And they were expected to always give cheerfully. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
The church needs to recover the picture of herself outstretched in an act of giving. The Body of Christ is not poor and does not need to beg. When God demands of his people, he always provides the resources. God will never be in debt to mankind for his work. God will never need to ask the state for a handout. When the church is focused on taking the Gospel to the world, walls of selfishness break down and the church accomplishes its mission through the liberality of its members. When non-Christians see Christians freed from self-centeredness and materialism, they will want to know why.
PRAYER: “O God, help us to follow your model of giving liberally as an expression
Of our devotion to You. You give us so much. Amen”
What if churches offered free car washes, clothing and food to the community and just provided a donation box in case a grateful person wanted to give back? I also fear the implication that God can’t “pay his own way” and needs outside help in doing his work. (Remember: Jesus never requested tax-exempt status for the church. Matthew 17:24-27, 22:19-21)
The first century disciples, coming from an Old Testament background, would have had a thorough grounding in supporting God’s work, from Leviticus 27:30 “the tithe (one-tenth) of everything belongs to the Lord” to Malachi 3:10 “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse”. Standing on that foundation and making the confession “Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10:9) simply meant that the New Testament church would never have any problem supporting the work of the Kingdom of God.
The early church’s social services are described in Acts 2:45, “they gave to anyone in need.” And they were expected to always give cheerfully. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
The church needs to recover the picture of herself outstretched in an act of giving. The Body of Christ is not poor and does not need to beg. When God demands of his people, he always provides the resources. God will never be in debt to mankind for his work. God will never need to ask the state for a handout. When the church is focused on taking the Gospel to the world, walls of selfishness break down and the church accomplishes its mission through the liberality of its members. When non-Christians see Christians freed from self-centeredness and materialism, they will want to know why.
PRAYER: “O God, help us to follow your model of giving liberally as an expression
Of our devotion to You. You give us so much. Amen”
Monday, July 16, 2007
July 17: LEARNING TO DEAL WITH TRAGEDY
There is no rational answer to tragedy. We remember them, we think about them, we wonder how and why they happened but we are left puzzled. Some agree with a statement attributed to the late George Bernard Shaw, “if the other planets are inhabited, they must be using the earth as their lunatic asylum”. It is pure lunacy when people turn on other people and ruthlessly maim and murder. Now the ever-present threat of terrorism adds to the confusion.
Every American has an opinion on the roots of hatred and I have mine, but that is not the question today. Today is, “how do we deal with personal or community tragedy”? The first answer is to double the amount of “loving your neighbor” that you do. No one receives too much love. The more you love, the more you take down the walls of hatred.
In 1 John 4:18 we learn, “there is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love”.
Fear in the heart creates suspicion. Suspicion gives way to animosity and animosity to hatred and hatred to deadly acts.
Many people are infected with fear of the opposite sex, other races, different religions, and anyone different from themselves. Only love can remove those fears.
The people who withdraw from you will learn to trust you by receiving your love. Community can be built like that and makes help for all in tragedy.
Another answer is to double your efforts to share God’s love and message. It is rare to ever see protesters at a Memorial Service for a tragedy, no demonstrators. Even cynics and atheists and anti-church folks know that when the chips are down, only God is standing up to give people the ultimate help they need.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way”. (Psalm 46:1-2)
“When the clouds of tragedy begin to gather, Loving Father, we will look
for guidance and comfort from You. You are our ever-present friend. Amen”
Every American has an opinion on the roots of hatred and I have mine, but that is not the question today. Today is, “how do we deal with personal or community tragedy”? The first answer is to double the amount of “loving your neighbor” that you do. No one receives too much love. The more you love, the more you take down the walls of hatred.
In 1 John 4:18 we learn, “there is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love”.
Fear in the heart creates suspicion. Suspicion gives way to animosity and animosity to hatred and hatred to deadly acts.
Many people are infected with fear of the opposite sex, other races, different religions, and anyone different from themselves. Only love can remove those fears.
The people who withdraw from you will learn to trust you by receiving your love. Community can be built like that and makes help for all in tragedy.
Another answer is to double your efforts to share God’s love and message. It is rare to ever see protesters at a Memorial Service for a tragedy, no demonstrators. Even cynics and atheists and anti-church folks know that when the chips are down, only God is standing up to give people the ultimate help they need.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way”. (Psalm 46:1-2)
“When the clouds of tragedy begin to gather, Loving Father, we will look
for guidance and comfort from You. You are our ever-present friend. Amen”
Sunday, July 15, 2007
July 16: MAKE PEACE WITH YOUR PAST
The great baseball pitcher Satchel Paige used to say, “Don’t look back, someone may be gaining on you.” It is good advice. Water under the bridge can’t be brought back. Many live their lives in regret, always looking at the mistakes of the past. The control of the backward look is one of the chief secrets of personal power.
Lloyd George liked to tell of an old doctor of his acquaintance who left this message at his death: “Throughout life I think I have always closed the gates behind me.” The successful person has an eye not only for the openings of opportunity, but also for the closing of settled questions. Paul says in Philippians 3:13, “forgetting what is behind, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
We liked to tell people in the churches that I pastored, “We are not interested in your past but in your tomorrow in order to help you get to where God wants you to be”. Even Jesus declared in Luke 9:62, “no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
“What might have been” is useless speculation. Hebrews 6:1 challenges every Christian to leave the elementary teachings about Christ behind and go forward to maturity. Anyway, 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.”
Stop beating on yourself about the past. Make peace with the past. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.” (1 John 1:9) Romans 8:33 affirms you if you have given your past to God: “Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.”
Like I said, don’t look back
“Thank you, God of my Tomorrow and my Eternity, that You have called
me to look forward to tomorrow’s challenge and tomorrow’s reward. Amen”
Lloyd George liked to tell of an old doctor of his acquaintance who left this message at his death: “Throughout life I think I have always closed the gates behind me.” The successful person has an eye not only for the openings of opportunity, but also for the closing of settled questions. Paul says in Philippians 3:13, “forgetting what is behind, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
We liked to tell people in the churches that I pastored, “We are not interested in your past but in your tomorrow in order to help you get to where God wants you to be”. Even Jesus declared in Luke 9:62, “no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
“What might have been” is useless speculation. Hebrews 6:1 challenges every Christian to leave the elementary teachings about Christ behind and go forward to maturity. Anyway, 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.”
Stop beating on yourself about the past. Make peace with the past. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.” (1 John 1:9) Romans 8:33 affirms you if you have given your past to God: “Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.”
Like I said, don’t look back
“Thank you, God of my Tomorrow and my Eternity, that You have called
me to look forward to tomorrow’s challenge and tomorrow’s reward. Amen”
Saturday, July 14, 2007
July 15: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Intellectually, I know better. I know in my head that as long as people live on the earth they are going to have pride of race, place, or face and their friends will cause them to be prejudiced against others. But emotionally, I can’t understand it. It will never make sense to me that people living in this sophisticated area with a high education level will stoop to such a low level of prejudice. But we do, and we must continue to fight against the ugly monster of racism.
When the community celebrates Martin Luther King Day together or there is a community worship service, there is an excited feeling among those attending that this is the way it ought to be. But leaving these “islands of fellowship” we return to the mainland of “business as usual” in race relations.
The temptation is subtle even for Christians. Christians sing with their children in the church meeting, “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world; Red and yellow, black and white they are precious in his sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world” and then assume the attitude that this is good news for children but it is unreal for adults.
Have you submitted your pride to God’s love for recycling? God alone can change your pride to an open acceptance of all people. Paul said, “For He himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” (Ephesians 2:14) He went on to explain how God could, through the cross of Jesus, make a new race called “the people of God” where men and women would be reconciled to one another and to God.
The new description we would have for one another would be “brother” or “sister” and not some type of racial slur.
“Forgive us, Dear God, that on this day set aside for worshipping the Creator
of the whole family of mankind, that the Churches will still segregate. Amen”
When the community celebrates Martin Luther King Day together or there is a community worship service, there is an excited feeling among those attending that this is the way it ought to be. But leaving these “islands of fellowship” we return to the mainland of “business as usual” in race relations.
The temptation is subtle even for Christians. Christians sing with their children in the church meeting, “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world; Red and yellow, black and white they are precious in his sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world” and then assume the attitude that this is good news for children but it is unreal for adults.
Have you submitted your pride to God’s love for recycling? God alone can change your pride to an open acceptance of all people. Paul said, “For He himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” (Ephesians 2:14) He went on to explain how God could, through the cross of Jesus, make a new race called “the people of God” where men and women would be reconciled to one another and to God.
The new description we would have for one another would be “brother” or “sister” and not some type of racial slur.
“Forgive us, Dear God, that on this day set aside for worshipping the Creator
of the whole family of mankind, that the Churches will still segregate. Amen”
Friday, July 13, 2007
July 14: THOUGHTS ON DEATH AND GRIEF
I appreciate the work of Hospice. They are a great support for the ministry of the church. It is especially helpful when they send folks to a local congregation to teach classes on grief education. They are always open to anyone in the community.
Perhaps these classes should start with little children. You never know when you will need this information. Adults, including many senior adults, have never learned how to deal with death and grieving. Amazing that death is such a part of our lives but we don’t teach people how to deal with death. As a result, we don’t know how to grieve either. Unresolved grief can haunt a person’s life. Unanswered questions, or even undiscussed questions about death can haunt a person’s life, also.
Death is a reality, why try to evade it in polite conversation? Christians are forced to deal with it at the very beginning of the Christian experience. “Man is destined to die once and after that to face judgement.” (Hebrews 9:27) When you take the step of faith that deals with this fact, then you are free to have a healthy view of death. Paul asked, “O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)
Faith takes the over-riding fear of the unknown out of death. Christian people should be able to have sensible conversations about it. This would lead to much grief resolution. Open discussion about guilt feelings, anger at God, apologies left unmade, forgiveness not given, and such like, would be ventilated.
Did you ever wonder about the people who are closest to you? What are your thoughts on death? Could they be waiting for you to bring up the subject?
People could save their families a great deal of stress when they die if they would go ahead now and pre-plan their funeral service with their minister. Know this: “Death has been swallowed up in victory”. (1 Corinthians 15:54) Claim the victory!
“Yes, God, we know that Death is our final enemy and we know, too, that
Jesus has made us victorious over the grave. Praise the Lord! Amen”
Perhaps these classes should start with little children. You never know when you will need this information. Adults, including many senior adults, have never learned how to deal with death and grieving. Amazing that death is such a part of our lives but we don’t teach people how to deal with death. As a result, we don’t know how to grieve either. Unresolved grief can haunt a person’s life. Unanswered questions, or even undiscussed questions about death can haunt a person’s life, also.
Death is a reality, why try to evade it in polite conversation? Christians are forced to deal with it at the very beginning of the Christian experience. “Man is destined to die once and after that to face judgement.” (Hebrews 9:27) When you take the step of faith that deals with this fact, then you are free to have a healthy view of death. Paul asked, “O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)
Faith takes the over-riding fear of the unknown out of death. Christian people should be able to have sensible conversations about it. This would lead to much grief resolution. Open discussion about guilt feelings, anger at God, apologies left unmade, forgiveness not given, and such like, would be ventilated.
Did you ever wonder about the people who are closest to you? What are your thoughts on death? Could they be waiting for you to bring up the subject?
People could save their families a great deal of stress when they die if they would go ahead now and pre-plan their funeral service with their minister. Know this: “Death has been swallowed up in victory”. (1 Corinthians 15:54) Claim the victory!
“Yes, God, we know that Death is our final enemy and we know, too, that
Jesus has made us victorious over the grave. Praise the Lord! Amen”
Thursday, July 12, 2007
July 13: T.G.I.F. AGAIN!
Here we are at T.G.I.F. day again. After five days of commuting, putting in long and tedious hours in an office doing something that perhaps we don’t enjoy with some people we don’t especially like under bosses who don’t understand us, etc.; it’s T.G.I.F. day. (Thank God It’s Friday)
That means two days of celebrating, getting away from the rat race and putting on my party face is the thing I want to do. For many Americans, I have just described the weekend. Drinking and forgetting, getting high on whatever is available, one night stands, all in the name of alleviating boredom.
BUT WAIT!! Isn’t Friday for Christians, too? Two days away from gossip and profanity, power struggles and competition? There are two whole days for Christians to get together and love one another, rejoice in the fact of sins forgiven, sing praises to God, study the Bible with other excited Christians, go to fellowship meetings where no one will have a hangover in the morning.
Have Christians forgotten how to celebrate and party? We are joint heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:17) His enemies got mad at him and called him a “party man”. (Matthew 11:19) Christians live their lives in the presence of God and look forward to spending eternity with other Christians and the weekend is just preparation time. Sunday’ Bible Study and Worship and Discipleship is God’s time to manifest power in our midst.
Real Christians will be partying this weekend. Going to the church house will not be drudgery for them. They will go expectantly with smiles on their faces and sing and laugh and hug each other and say “brother” and “sister” and then go home with a clear conscience feeling like they just had a warm shower.
Party on, Christians! Your Master said, “don’t miss it.” (Hebrews 10:25)
“Thanks, Father, for the two-day break from routine! I know that You
will be hosting another big celebration and we will be glad. Amen”
That means two days of celebrating, getting away from the rat race and putting on my party face is the thing I want to do. For many Americans, I have just described the weekend. Drinking and forgetting, getting high on whatever is available, one night stands, all in the name of alleviating boredom.
BUT WAIT!! Isn’t Friday for Christians, too? Two days away from gossip and profanity, power struggles and competition? There are two whole days for Christians to get together and love one another, rejoice in the fact of sins forgiven, sing praises to God, study the Bible with other excited Christians, go to fellowship meetings where no one will have a hangover in the morning.
Have Christians forgotten how to celebrate and party? We are joint heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:17) His enemies got mad at him and called him a “party man”. (Matthew 11:19) Christians live their lives in the presence of God and look forward to spending eternity with other Christians and the weekend is just preparation time. Sunday’ Bible Study and Worship and Discipleship is God’s time to manifest power in our midst.
Real Christians will be partying this weekend. Going to the church house will not be drudgery for them. They will go expectantly with smiles on their faces and sing and laugh and hug each other and say “brother” and “sister” and then go home with a clear conscience feeling like they just had a warm shower.
Party on, Christians! Your Master said, “don’t miss it.” (Hebrews 10:25)
“Thanks, Father, for the two-day break from routine! I know that You
will be hosting another big celebration and we will be glad. Amen”
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
July 12: LIVING CLOSE TO GOD
“Who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?” declares the Lord was the challenge that came from the Prophet Jeremiah. (Jeremiah 30:21) What a challenge to you and me! What better way could there be to live than to live close to God?
Recently, many have been honest with me. They tell me they “believe in God” or “fear God” or “worship God” but do not have a close personal relationship with God. Some say they go to church every Sunday (some for many years) but still have not experienced God in an intimate and spiritually satisfying way.
God is waiting for people who will devote themselves to being close to Him. He is desiring people who want to be close to him. This means you must invite him to the center of your life and share all of life with him. It seems that many people want to keep God locked in the Emergency Room and call him out when a crisis has arisen and then send him back when the situation becomes peaceful again. You will never be close to God if you only talk to him occasionally.
My wife and I are close because we have lived intimately together for more than 50 years. I am close to God because we have lived intimately together for nearly 63 years.
What is a devoted and close relationship? A daily and hourly conversation would be a part of it. A daily reading of his love letter (The Bible) to you. Walking in fellowship with him by constantly keeping all sins confessed.
Before Adam and Eve sinned and broke fellowship with God, they are pictured as walking with God (Genesis 3:8) in the cool of the day. Enoch is described in Genesis 5:24 as one who “walked with God”. Of course, two people cannot walk together unless they are of the same mind. (Amos 3:3)
“God, I want to live close to You! Forgive me of my sins and take
away any of the barriers that keep us apart. Amen”
Recently, many have been honest with me. They tell me they “believe in God” or “fear God” or “worship God” but do not have a close personal relationship with God. Some say they go to church every Sunday (some for many years) but still have not experienced God in an intimate and spiritually satisfying way.
God is waiting for people who will devote themselves to being close to Him. He is desiring people who want to be close to him. This means you must invite him to the center of your life and share all of life with him. It seems that many people want to keep God locked in the Emergency Room and call him out when a crisis has arisen and then send him back when the situation becomes peaceful again. You will never be close to God if you only talk to him occasionally.
My wife and I are close because we have lived intimately together for more than 50 years. I am close to God because we have lived intimately together for nearly 63 years.
What is a devoted and close relationship? A daily and hourly conversation would be a part of it. A daily reading of his love letter (The Bible) to you. Walking in fellowship with him by constantly keeping all sins confessed.
Before Adam and Eve sinned and broke fellowship with God, they are pictured as walking with God (Genesis 3:8) in the cool of the day. Enoch is described in Genesis 5:24 as one who “walked with God”. Of course, two people cannot walk together unless they are of the same mind. (Amos 3:3)
“God, I want to live close to You! Forgive me of my sins and take
away any of the barriers that keep us apart. Amen”
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
July 11: THE STRUGGLE FOR POWER
It is amazing that we can still call ourselves The United States of America when the news everyday is a story of power struggles. Our halls of government reverberate with the sound of Republican against Democrat, liberal against conservative, PACS against lobbyist. It sifts down through state and county governments. It is no surprise that the Bible says in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV) “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone, for kings and those in authority.”
Homes shatter in divorce because the loser of the power struggle can’t stand existing in a powerless state. Internationally, terrible blood-baths are happening because of power struggles.
Will there ever be a time of peaceful unity? Regretfully, the answer is “no”. When human beings revolted against the “power of God”, the race condemned itself to endless power struggles on every front. That’s one reason why it is so hard to become a Christian, maybe the main reason. Surrendering your life means giving up control. “If you confess with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord’, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
It might even be said that all of the big power struggles in the world, (political and otherwise) are rooted in the heart of the individual and it gets magnified. Paul’s insight in Romans 7:21ff, “So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am!”
Power struggles inside make us miserable and we outwardly spread the misery. The wonderful grace of Jesus assures me it is all right to surrender to Jesus, He will not hurt me in any way. I best survive and grow emotionally in a power struggling world by living in a peaceful relationship with Jesus.
“O Mighty and Powerful God, I am tired of struggling against your
onslaught of love. I rejoice in my surrender. Amen”
Homes shatter in divorce because the loser of the power struggle can’t stand existing in a powerless state. Internationally, terrible blood-baths are happening because of power struggles.
Will there ever be a time of peaceful unity? Regretfully, the answer is “no”. When human beings revolted against the “power of God”, the race condemned itself to endless power struggles on every front. That’s one reason why it is so hard to become a Christian, maybe the main reason. Surrendering your life means giving up control. “If you confess with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord’, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
It might even be said that all of the big power struggles in the world, (political and otherwise) are rooted in the heart of the individual and it gets magnified. Paul’s insight in Romans 7:21ff, “So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am!”
Power struggles inside make us miserable and we outwardly spread the misery. The wonderful grace of Jesus assures me it is all right to surrender to Jesus, He will not hurt me in any way. I best survive and grow emotionally in a power struggling world by living in a peaceful relationship with Jesus.
“O Mighty and Powerful God, I am tired of struggling against your
onslaught of love. I rejoice in my surrender. Amen”
Monday, July 9, 2007
July 10: WATCHING YOUR DIET
I saw a pamphlet on weight control that said, “You are what you eat.” There is a certain kind of parrot in Brazil that changes color depending on the kind of fish it eats. Supposedly, a certain type sea gull kept in captivity and fed on corn will change it’s digestive system from sea food to land food.
What you eat becomes either a help or hindrance to good health. That certainly is true concerning spiritual food. A Christian’s life will reflect his spiritual diet. 1 Peter 2:2 says “like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” Baby Christians need discipling so they will grow up on a good diet.
Paul tells the Corinthians, “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.” (1 Corinthians 3:2) Here was a whole church not coping with her challenge because of weak spiritual food.
You can be encouraged by reading the Psalms daily, but you will not find instructions there on applying Christian principles to life. You can be fascinated by reading the Revelation each day, but you will not find instructions on how to be a better Christian parent or spouse.
A balanced daily feeding on God’s Word will help you develop. “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14) You can have a balanced diet of history, inspiration, comfort and challenge in the Bible. Just look for it.
If you are to run daily in the Christian race (Hebrews 12:1), your diet will either make you a winner or betray you. Ezekiel said he ate the Word of God, “and it tasted as sweet as honey.” (Ezekiel 3:3) He was then able to speak boldly. A daily diet of Bible study and prayer will make you a new person. Especially more attractive!
“Even spiritually, Father, we have a tendency to look for junk food
instead of the pure sustenance of your Word. Lord, help us! Amen”
What you eat becomes either a help or hindrance to good health. That certainly is true concerning spiritual food. A Christian’s life will reflect his spiritual diet. 1 Peter 2:2 says “like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” Baby Christians need discipling so they will grow up on a good diet.
Paul tells the Corinthians, “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.” (1 Corinthians 3:2) Here was a whole church not coping with her challenge because of weak spiritual food.
You can be encouraged by reading the Psalms daily, but you will not find instructions there on applying Christian principles to life. You can be fascinated by reading the Revelation each day, but you will not find instructions on how to be a better Christian parent or spouse.
A balanced daily feeding on God’s Word will help you develop. “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14) You can have a balanced diet of history, inspiration, comfort and challenge in the Bible. Just look for it.
If you are to run daily in the Christian race (Hebrews 12:1), your diet will either make you a winner or betray you. Ezekiel said he ate the Word of God, “and it tasted as sweet as honey.” (Ezekiel 3:3) He was then able to speak boldly. A daily diet of Bible study and prayer will make you a new person. Especially more attractive!
“Even spiritually, Father, we have a tendency to look for junk food
instead of the pure sustenance of your Word. Lord, help us! Amen”
Sunday, July 8, 2007
July 9: PRAYING FOR PROFIT?
Satan first said it and it has been repeated by millions since then: “Does Job fear God for nothing?” (Job 1:9) When Satan attacked Job’s life and character he said to God that Job only served God because God gave Job a nice family and a lot of money. Since that time, Satan has lied to many people that they should expect material success from worshipping God and going to church.
So, we have people doing foolish things: gamblers go to church and pray before playing the Lottery, prostitutes go to church and pray before walking the streets, men go to church and pray before asking the boss for a raise, etc. If the individual does not come up a “winner”, God and the church are dispensed of as you would toss away a rabbit’s foot. You may even know someone who gave God a “tithe” because they thought it would pay off. Satan was surprised to discover that when Job lost his family, farm, and friends, he was still devoted to God.
Christianity is an entirely different value system from “what will I get out of this?” and “how much will I make?” The entire story of the sacrificial death of Jesus that is celebrated at Easter portrays this radical view. True Christianity is different. It is radical! It cuts across the grain of our American culture.
Jesus died on the cross for you and your sin, not for his own. Jesus died on the cross for you so you could have eternal life, a life he already possessed.
You need to go to church and pray and study the Bible for spiritual help and direction and for life after death. When you get your spiritual priorities straight you will probably have better sense about how to handle you financial benefits. That will be a fringe benefit from your new spiritual health.
“Knowing You, God, is better than all of the material blessings in the
world! There is no price tag or advantage worthy of a life with You. Amen”
So, we have people doing foolish things: gamblers go to church and pray before playing the Lottery, prostitutes go to church and pray before walking the streets, men go to church and pray before asking the boss for a raise, etc. If the individual does not come up a “winner”, God and the church are dispensed of as you would toss away a rabbit’s foot. You may even know someone who gave God a “tithe” because they thought it would pay off. Satan was surprised to discover that when Job lost his family, farm, and friends, he was still devoted to God.
Christianity is an entirely different value system from “what will I get out of this?” and “how much will I make?” The entire story of the sacrificial death of Jesus that is celebrated at Easter portrays this radical view. True Christianity is different. It is radical! It cuts across the grain of our American culture.
Jesus died on the cross for you and your sin, not for his own. Jesus died on the cross for you so you could have eternal life, a life he already possessed.
You need to go to church and pray and study the Bible for spiritual help and direction and for life after death. When you get your spiritual priorities straight you will probably have better sense about how to handle you financial benefits. That will be a fringe benefit from your new spiritual health.
“Knowing You, God, is better than all of the material blessings in the
world! There is no price tag or advantage worthy of a life with You. Amen”
July 9: PRAYING FOR PROFIT?
Satan first said it and it has been repeated by millions since then: “Does Job fear God for nothing?” (Job 1:9) When Satan attacked Job’s life and character he said to God that Job only served God because God gave Job a nice family and a lot of money. Since that time, Satan has lied to many people that they should expect material success from worshipping God and going to church.
So, we have people doing foolish things: gamblers go to church and pray before playing the Lottery, prostitutes go to church and pray before walking the streets, men go to church and pray before asking the boss for a raise, etc. If the individual does not come up a “winner”, God and the church are dispensed of as you would toss away a rabbit’s foot. You may even know someone who gave God a “tithe” because they thought it would pay off. Satan was surprised to discover that when Job lost his family, farm, and friends, he was still devoted to God.
Christianity is an entirely different value system from “what will I get out of this?” and “how much will I make?” The entire story of the sacrificial death of Jesus that is celebrated at Easter portrays this radical view. True Christianity is different. It is radical! It cuts across the grain of our American culture.
Jesus died on the cross for you and your sin, not for his own. Jesus died on the cross for you so you could have eternal life, a life he already possessed.
You need to go to church and pray and study the Bible for spiritual help and direction and for life after death. When you get your spiritual priorities straight you will probably have better sense about how to handle you financial benefits. That will be a fringe benefit from your new spiritual health.
“Knowing You, God, is better than all of the material blessings in the
world! There is no price tag or advantage worthy of a life with You. Amen”
So, we have people doing foolish things: gamblers go to church and pray before playing the Lottery, prostitutes go to church and pray before walking the streets, men go to church and pray before asking the boss for a raise, etc. If the individual does not come up a “winner”, God and the church are dispensed of as you would toss away a rabbit’s foot. You may even know someone who gave God a “tithe” because they thought it would pay off. Satan was surprised to discover that when Job lost his family, farm, and friends, he was still devoted to God.
Christianity is an entirely different value system from “what will I get out of this?” and “how much will I make?” The entire story of the sacrificial death of Jesus that is celebrated at Easter portrays this radical view. True Christianity is different. It is radical! It cuts across the grain of our American culture.
Jesus died on the cross for you and your sin, not for his own. Jesus died on the cross for you so you could have eternal life, a life he already possessed.
You need to go to church and pray and study the Bible for spiritual help and direction and for life after death. When you get your spiritual priorities straight you will probably have better sense about how to handle you financial benefits. That will be a fringe benefit from your new spiritual health.
“Knowing You, God, is better than all of the material blessings in the
world! There is no price tag or advantage worthy of a life with You. Amen”
JULY 9: PRAYING FOR PROFIT?
Satan first said it and it has been repeated by millions since then: “Does Job fear God for nothing?” (Job 1:9) When Satan attacked Job’s life and character he said to God that Job only served God because God gave Job a nice family and a lot of money. Since that time, Satan has lied to many people that they should expect material success from worshipping God and going to church.
So, we have people doing foolish things: gamblers go to church and pray before playing the Lottery, prostitutes go to church and pray before walking the streets, men go to church and pray before asking the boss for a raise, etc. If the individual does not come up a “winner”, God and the church are dispensed of as you would toss away a rabbit’s foot. You may know someone who gave God the “tithe” because they thought it would pay off. Satan was surprised to discover that when Job lost his family, farm, and friends, he was still devoted to God.
Christianity is an entirely different value system from “what will I get out of this” and “how much will I make” thinking. The entire story of the sacrificial death of Jesus that is celebrated at Easter portrays this radical view. True Christianity is different. It is radical! It cuts against the grain of our American culture. The profit motive doesn’t apply.
Jesus died on the cross for you and your sin, not for his own. Jesus died on the cross for you so you could have eternal life, a life that he already possessed.
You need to go to church and pray and study the Bible for spiritual help and direction and for life after death. When you get your spiritual priorities straight you will probably have better sense about how to handle your financial benefits. That will be a fringe benefit of your new-found spiritual health.
“Dear God, it is reward enough in itself just to know You and have a
living relationship with you. Thank You for this foundation for working.
Amen”
So, we have people doing foolish things: gamblers go to church and pray before playing the Lottery, prostitutes go to church and pray before walking the streets, men go to church and pray before asking the boss for a raise, etc. If the individual does not come up a “winner”, God and the church are dispensed of as you would toss away a rabbit’s foot. You may know someone who gave God the “tithe” because they thought it would pay off. Satan was surprised to discover that when Job lost his family, farm, and friends, he was still devoted to God.
Christianity is an entirely different value system from “what will I get out of this” and “how much will I make” thinking. The entire story of the sacrificial death of Jesus that is celebrated at Easter portrays this radical view. True Christianity is different. It is radical! It cuts against the grain of our American culture. The profit motive doesn’t apply.
Jesus died on the cross for you and your sin, not for his own. Jesus died on the cross for you so you could have eternal life, a life that he already possessed.
You need to go to church and pray and study the Bible for spiritual help and direction and for life after death. When you get your spiritual priorities straight you will probably have better sense about how to handle your financial benefits. That will be a fringe benefit of your new-found spiritual health.
“Dear God, it is reward enough in itself just to know You and have a
living relationship with you. Thank You for this foundation for working.
Amen”
July 9: PRAYING FOR PROFIT?
Satan first said it and it has been repeated by millions since then: “Does Job fear God for nothing?” (Job 1:9) When Satan attacked Job’s life and character he said to God that Job only served God because God gave Job a nice family and a lot of money. Since that time, Satan has lied to many people that they should expect material success from worshipping God and going to church.
So, we have people doing foolish things: gamblers go to church and pray before playing the Lottery, prostitutes go to church and pray before walking the streets, men go to church and pray before asking the boss for a raise, etc. If the individual does not come up a “winner”, God and the church are dispensed of as you would toss away a rabbit’s foot. You may know someone who gave God the “tithe” because they thought it would pay off. Satan was surprised to discover that when Job lost his family, farm, and friends, he was still devoted to God.
Christianity is an entirely different value system from “what will I get out of this” and “how much will I make” thinking. The entire story of the sacrificial death of Jesus that is celebrated at Easter portrays this radical view. True Christianity is different. It is radical! It cuts against the grain of our American culture. The profit motive doesn’t apply.
Jesus died on the cross for you and your sin, not for his own. Jesus died on the cross for you so you could have eternal life, a life that he already possessed.
You need to go to church and pray and study the Bible for spiritual help and direction and for life after death. When you get your spiritual priorities straight you will probably have better sense about how to handle your financial benefits. That will be a fringe benefit of your new-found spiritual health.
“Dear God, it is reward enough in itself just to know You and have a
living relationship with you. Thank You for this foundation for working.
Amen”
So, we have people doing foolish things: gamblers go to church and pray before playing the Lottery, prostitutes go to church and pray before walking the streets, men go to church and pray before asking the boss for a raise, etc. If the individual does not come up a “winner”, God and the church are dispensed of as you would toss away a rabbit’s foot. You may know someone who gave God the “tithe” because they thought it would pay off. Satan was surprised to discover that when Job lost his family, farm, and friends, he was still devoted to God.
Christianity is an entirely different value system from “what will I get out of this” and “how much will I make” thinking. The entire story of the sacrificial death of Jesus that is celebrated at Easter portrays this radical view. True Christianity is different. It is radical! It cuts against the grain of our American culture. The profit motive doesn’t apply.
Jesus died on the cross for you and your sin, not for his own. Jesus died on the cross for you so you could have eternal life, a life that he already possessed.
You need to go to church and pray and study the Bible for spiritual help and direction and for life after death. When you get your spiritual priorities straight you will probably have better sense about how to handle your financial benefits. That will be a fringe benefit of your new-found spiritual health.
“Dear God, it is reward enough in itself just to know You and have a
living relationship with you. Thank You for this foundation for working.
Amen”
July 9: PRAYING FOR PROFIT?
Satan first said it and it has been repeated by millions since then: “Does Job fear God for nothing?” (Job 1:9) When Satan attacked Job’s life and character he said to God that Job only served God because God gave Job a nice family and a lot of money. Since that time, Satan has lied to many people that they should expect material success from worshipping God and going to church.
So, we have people doing foolish things: gamblers go to church and pray before playing the Lottery, prostitutes go to church and pray before walking the streets, men go to church and pray before asking the boss for a raise, etc. If the individual does not come up a “winner”, God and the church are dispensed of as you would toss away a rabbit’s foot. You may know someone who gave God the “tithe” because they thought it would pay off. Satan was surprised to discover that when Job lost his family, farm, and friends, he was still devoted to God.
Christianity is an entirely different value system from “what will I get out of this” and “how much will I make” thinking. The entire story of the sacrificial death of Jesus that is celebrated at Easter portrays this radical view. True Christianity is different. It is radical! It cuts against the grain of our American culture. The profit motive doesn’t apply.
Jesus died on the cross for you and your sin, not for his own. Jesus died on the cross for you so you could have eternal life, a life that he already possessed.
You need to go to church and pray and study the Bible for spiritual help and direction and for life after death. When you get your spiritual priorities straight you will probably have better sense about how to handle your financial benefits. That will be a fringe benefit of your new-found spiritual health.
“Dear God, it is reward enough in itself just to know You and have a
living relationship with you. Thank You for this foundation for working.
Amen”
So, we have people doing foolish things: gamblers go to church and pray before playing the Lottery, prostitutes go to church and pray before walking the streets, men go to church and pray before asking the boss for a raise, etc. If the individual does not come up a “winner”, God and the church are dispensed of as you would toss away a rabbit’s foot. You may know someone who gave God the “tithe” because they thought it would pay off. Satan was surprised to discover that when Job lost his family, farm, and friends, he was still devoted to God.
Christianity is an entirely different value system from “what will I get out of this” and “how much will I make” thinking. The entire story of the sacrificial death of Jesus that is celebrated at Easter portrays this radical view. True Christianity is different. It is radical! It cuts against the grain of our American culture. The profit motive doesn’t apply.
Jesus died on the cross for you and your sin, not for his own. Jesus died on the cross for you so you could have eternal life, a life that he already possessed.
You need to go to church and pray and study the Bible for spiritual help and direction and for life after death. When you get your spiritual priorities straight you will probably have better sense about how to handle your financial benefits. That will be a fringe benefit of your new-found spiritual health.
“Dear God, it is reward enough in itself just to know You and have a
living relationship with you. Thank You for this foundation for working.
Amen”
Friday, July 6, 2007
July 8: DROPPING OUT OF CHURCH
What happens to church drop-outs? Since Polls say that at least 80% of Americans proclaim some kind of religious affiliation but on any given Sunday only 25% go to a house of worship, where have all the drop-outs gone? What happened to them? Paul records in 2 timothy 4:10 “Demas has deserted me because he loves the world”.
It’s not a new problem. Where are they? They are all around. They are now critics of the church and the religious community. They can tell you what is wrong with the Catholics, Protestants, Evangelicals, and Independents. If you want to know, they can enumerate to you all that is wrong in “specific” congregations under each heading.
Many “drop-outs” visit various churches just to be able to declare what is wrong. Cynicism is in the tone of their voices. An “above-it-all” Pharisaism is the condescending attitude.
Something happened or didn’t happen for them in church and they can’t get over it. Many are still angry at their parents for “forcing” them to go to church when they were children, even though that was many years ago.
Most of the drop-outs were gently cared for and helped through a time of stress such as sickness, death, or divorce by that same church that they left. Those kindnesses are now forgotten.
Think carefully on this instruction: (2 Peter 3:17) “since you know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by error and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ”.
If you are faithful, keep it up. If you are a drop-out, go back to the church where you belong. “Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first”. (Revelation 2:5)
“God, You know how proud we are and how hard it is for us to admit that
we were wrong. Soften hearts and give us a taste for repentance. Amen”
It’s not a new problem. Where are they? They are all around. They are now critics of the church and the religious community. They can tell you what is wrong with the Catholics, Protestants, Evangelicals, and Independents. If you want to know, they can enumerate to you all that is wrong in “specific” congregations under each heading.
Many “drop-outs” visit various churches just to be able to declare what is wrong. Cynicism is in the tone of their voices. An “above-it-all” Pharisaism is the condescending attitude.
Something happened or didn’t happen for them in church and they can’t get over it. Many are still angry at their parents for “forcing” them to go to church when they were children, even though that was many years ago.
Most of the drop-outs were gently cared for and helped through a time of stress such as sickness, death, or divorce by that same church that they left. Those kindnesses are now forgotten.
Think carefully on this instruction: (2 Peter 3:17) “since you know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by error and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ”.
If you are faithful, keep it up. If you are a drop-out, go back to the church where you belong. “Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first”. (Revelation 2:5)
“God, You know how proud we are and how hard it is for us to admit that
we were wrong. Soften hearts and give us a taste for repentance. Amen”
July 7: A MANY SPLENDORED THING
The songwriter said that love was a many-splendored thing. What would you say about it? If you are thinking about the way love is presented by the world of entertainment, you would probably say “no”. Certainly television talk shows and soap operas leave you feeling poorly about the state of love in America. I’m sure that has something to do with biblical love appearing so appealing.
In 1 John 4 we have a really clear definition and declaration about love. Love comes from God is the first arresting statement. God is the source of love and all love is a reflection of God’s love. In being loved by God and loving God, we are set free to love another. Love is an action, not a feeling. “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only son into the world that we might live through him.” (verse 9)
Sacrifice is another word for God’s love. We can never brag about how much we love God but we can brag on how much he loves us. God gave his best for our worst. He loved us before we were lovely and he made us lovely. Instead of getting our just desserts for our actions, we received forgiving love from God.
Love is not just an attribute of God, it is his nature. If you were going to host a “Sweetheart Banquet”, you would have to invite everyone to come because “God so loved the world” (John 3:16) He would never think of leaving someone out.
If you want to see God this week, look at the “God lovers”. Those who openly and gratefully receive God’s love take on his characteristics.
God’s loving hand at work in re-creating us through Jesus, makes his church a “fellowship of lovers” who celebrate Valentine’s Day each time they meet together. Check it out, you will be glad.
“Loving God, we didn’t understand real love until we met You. Thank You
for being a living definition and example of love for us. Amen
In 1 John 4 we have a really clear definition and declaration about love. Love comes from God is the first arresting statement. God is the source of love and all love is a reflection of God’s love. In being loved by God and loving God, we are set free to love another. Love is an action, not a feeling. “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only son into the world that we might live through him.” (verse 9)
Sacrifice is another word for God’s love. We can never brag about how much we love God but we can brag on how much he loves us. God gave his best for our worst. He loved us before we were lovely and he made us lovely. Instead of getting our just desserts for our actions, we received forgiving love from God.
Love is not just an attribute of God, it is his nature. If you were going to host a “Sweetheart Banquet”, you would have to invite everyone to come because “God so loved the world” (John 3:16) He would never think of leaving someone out.
If you want to see God this week, look at the “God lovers”. Those who openly and gratefully receive God’s love take on his characteristics.
God’s loving hand at work in re-creating us through Jesus, makes his church a “fellowship of lovers” who celebrate Valentine’s Day each time they meet together. Check it out, you will be glad.
“Loving God, we didn’t understand real love until we met You. Thank You
for being a living definition and example of love for us. Amen
Thursday, July 5, 2007
July 6: THE FEMALE SIDE OF GOD
Have you noticed that God has a female side? That He has characteristics that our society generally associates with the “weaker sex”? I don’t mean to say that He is a wimp but just that many Christians come to trust God because of His “female-like” traits.
For instance, in Isaiah 40:11, “He tends his flocks like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those that have young.” Hosea 11:1-4 is very graphic: “When Israel was a child, I loved him. It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms. I lead them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love”.
Jesus did not describe himself as rough and tough but rather, “I am the Good Shepherd.” (John 10:7) He was not afraid to show tenderness. He cried out loud at Lazarus’ funeral and He hugged kids and held them. No one doubts the manhood of Jesus, He carried his own cross.
Yet at Little League baseball games I have heard fathers tell their crying sons, “big boys don’t cry” and mothers tell their sons, “Act like a man”. Our society has trouble with strength and tenderness or maleness and gentleness being in the same body. Marriage counselors can tell you stories about marriages floundering because of this presumed contradiction.
Maybe if more men could accept these traits of God, they could find it easier to develop their own manhood in this way. When parents say of a little boy, “He is all boy”, are they helping him or affirming traits that will make it hard for him to be an understanding father and husband later on?
I love God as my heavenly Father; my earthly father’s personality and actions didn’t make it hard for me to say that. Remember: it’s “softly and tenderly Jesus is calling”. Always respond to that gentle call.
“It is very interesting to me, Strong God, that when You wanted to
get my attention, You used a soft voice. But I heard you! Amen”
For instance, in Isaiah 40:11, “He tends his flocks like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those that have young.” Hosea 11:1-4 is very graphic: “When Israel was a child, I loved him. It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms. I lead them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love”.
Jesus did not describe himself as rough and tough but rather, “I am the Good Shepherd.” (John 10:7) He was not afraid to show tenderness. He cried out loud at Lazarus’ funeral and He hugged kids and held them. No one doubts the manhood of Jesus, He carried his own cross.
Yet at Little League baseball games I have heard fathers tell their crying sons, “big boys don’t cry” and mothers tell their sons, “Act like a man”. Our society has trouble with strength and tenderness or maleness and gentleness being in the same body. Marriage counselors can tell you stories about marriages floundering because of this presumed contradiction.
Maybe if more men could accept these traits of God, they could find it easier to develop their own manhood in this way. When parents say of a little boy, “He is all boy”, are they helping him or affirming traits that will make it hard for him to be an understanding father and husband later on?
I love God as my heavenly Father; my earthly father’s personality and actions didn’t make it hard for me to say that. Remember: it’s “softly and tenderly Jesus is calling”. Always respond to that gentle call.
“It is very interesting to me, Strong God, that when You wanted to
get my attention, You used a soft voice. But I heard you! Amen”
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
July 5: HONEY OR POISON?
I just read something scary and strange. Did you know the honeybee makes her honey from exactly the same nectar from which the hermit spider distills one of the deadliest poisons known? The honeybee’s makeup allows her to produce honey, while the hermit spider’s allows her to produce poison. Only one can bring a smile to the lips of a child.
There is a great lesson here: we can treat each opportunity as success or failure, joy or sadness. It all depends on what we do with life.
What are you producing, honey or poison? No two people respond exactly the same way to the same opportunity. That’s clear. (Equally true is the fact that no two churches respond the same way to the same opportunities, because churches, consisting of people, have personalities, too.) But the long-range effect of your response is that in producing poison you may do such lasting harm that people can’t recover. Maybe you learned to be a “poison producer” from your parents, and look how it has troubled you. You could break the pattern.
Being a honey producer is a much-needed talent. Here is a helpful idea. David, in Psalms 19:9-10 says, “the ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.”
Filter all of your feelings through the truth of God’s Word. It can remove all the poison so you will not hurt or destroy any of your relationships. “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24 NIV) There is an interesting episode in 1 Samuel 14 where the King’s son, Jonathan, ate some honey directly from the comb, and it “brightened his eyes”.
See how many faces you can brighten today, no matter what happens. Let someone else spread the poison, if they must.
“How sweet it is, Dear Lord, when people allow Your love to sweeten
their disposition and they spread it to everyone like perfume. Amen”
There is a great lesson here: we can treat each opportunity as success or failure, joy or sadness. It all depends on what we do with life.
What are you producing, honey or poison? No two people respond exactly the same way to the same opportunity. That’s clear. (Equally true is the fact that no two churches respond the same way to the same opportunities, because churches, consisting of people, have personalities, too.) But the long-range effect of your response is that in producing poison you may do such lasting harm that people can’t recover. Maybe you learned to be a “poison producer” from your parents, and look how it has troubled you. You could break the pattern.
Being a honey producer is a much-needed talent. Here is a helpful idea. David, in Psalms 19:9-10 says, “the ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.”
Filter all of your feelings through the truth of God’s Word. It can remove all the poison so you will not hurt or destroy any of your relationships. “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24 NIV) There is an interesting episode in 1 Samuel 14 where the King’s son, Jonathan, ate some honey directly from the comb, and it “brightened his eyes”.
See how many faces you can brighten today, no matter what happens. Let someone else spread the poison, if they must.
“How sweet it is, Dear Lord, when people allow Your love to sweeten
their disposition and they spread it to everyone like perfume. Amen”
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
July 4: DOING MY PART FOR FREEDOM
That phrase “worse than an infidel” (1 Timothy 5:8 KJV) has always been a heavy piece of the Bible for me. Here is something to be taken seriously. Celebrating the Fourth of July is all about liberty and the cost of obtaining it and makes it especially relevant. There are so many attacks on freedom today. Well-intentioned but misguided politicians will set off attacks on our households in their speeches.
That whole verse reads, “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8 NIV) Freedom and democracy need to be defended as well as proclaimed. We do not need to be party to wars of aggression but warring to defend our family’s freedom is a responsibility. This is why Separation of Church and State needs to be defended, not attacked and belittled. It is a part of freedom.
The right to choose one’s own religion and worship God according to the dictates of one’s conscience is a precious freedom. God does not need government approval; He already owns man.
To take money from unbelievers to support the work of believers is unfair and unnecessary. Anything that God wants to accomplish, He is able to pay the tab.
I am proud to be a part of this heritage of freedom. Here in this Commonwealth of Virginia, for example, more Baptist ministers were jailed, fined, and horse-whipped than in any other State. As David said in Psalm 16:6, “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”
What a terrible thing I would be doing to my children and grandchildren if I did not defend, in my generation, their future right to worship the Lord freely, without government interference.
“God of all freedom, remind us tomorrow that liberty is free but it is not
cheap. Thank You for all who made the supreme sacrifice to keep us free. Amen”
That whole verse reads, “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8 NIV) Freedom and democracy need to be defended as well as proclaimed. We do not need to be party to wars of aggression but warring to defend our family’s freedom is a responsibility. This is why Separation of Church and State needs to be defended, not attacked and belittled. It is a part of freedom.
The right to choose one’s own religion and worship God according to the dictates of one’s conscience is a precious freedom. God does not need government approval; He already owns man.
To take money from unbelievers to support the work of believers is unfair and unnecessary. Anything that God wants to accomplish, He is able to pay the tab.
I am proud to be a part of this heritage of freedom. Here in this Commonwealth of Virginia, for example, more Baptist ministers were jailed, fined, and horse-whipped than in any other State. As David said in Psalm 16:6, “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”
What a terrible thing I would be doing to my children and grandchildren if I did not defend, in my generation, their future right to worship the Lord freely, without government interference.
“God of all freedom, remind us tomorrow that liberty is free but it is not
cheap. Thank You for all who made the supreme sacrifice to keep us free. Amen”
Monday, July 2, 2007
July 3: LIBERTY FOR ALL
Maybe they don’t teach it as clearly in school today as they did in the past or parents don’t teach it as clearly today as before. Maybe churches don’t teach it as clearly today as they did in the past. For whatever reason, many people will enjoy a day off from work this week without a clue as to its significance.
Our ancestors who passionately fought and died for civil and religious liberty must be wondering what has happened. All liberty is rooted in spiritual freedom of conscience. Home, church, and public education must all know that by now. Yet little focus is given to maintaining freedom for all. Some, for political expediency, would even sacrifice spiritual freedom by bringing government and politics into the church. Politicians pretend to be churchmen. Churchmen scratch the backs of politicians for recognition and favors.
John Leland, a colonial Baptist preacher from Orange County, Virginia, once said “Experience has taught us that the fondness of the magistrates to foster Christianity has done it more harm than all the persecutions ever did. Persecution is like a lion; it tears the saints to death, but it leaves Christianity pure. State establishment of religion,though, is like a bear; it hugs the saints, but corrupts the Christianity.”
Clearly today, we have a generation of churchmen and politicians who have not read much history. Jesus said that we Christians should give to Caesar (the government) what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to god (Matthew 22:21) while living out our lives as the “salt of the earth and the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13)
A government approved religion is worthless because Bible-based faith will always be contrary to the government and the culture. (think twice on that statement!) Just remember that the one period of history referred to as the “Dark Ages” was the time the church and the state got married.
“God of Grace and glory, thank You for making us to be free, free, free! Help
us not to give away our freedom or sell it to the highest bidder. Amen”
Our ancestors who passionately fought and died for civil and religious liberty must be wondering what has happened. All liberty is rooted in spiritual freedom of conscience. Home, church, and public education must all know that by now. Yet little focus is given to maintaining freedom for all. Some, for political expediency, would even sacrifice spiritual freedom by bringing government and politics into the church. Politicians pretend to be churchmen. Churchmen scratch the backs of politicians for recognition and favors.
John Leland, a colonial Baptist preacher from Orange County, Virginia, once said “Experience has taught us that the fondness of the magistrates to foster Christianity has done it more harm than all the persecutions ever did. Persecution is like a lion; it tears the saints to death, but it leaves Christianity pure. State establishment of religion,though, is like a bear; it hugs the saints, but corrupts the Christianity.”
Clearly today, we have a generation of churchmen and politicians who have not read much history. Jesus said that we Christians should give to Caesar (the government) what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to god (Matthew 22:21) while living out our lives as the “salt of the earth and the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13)
A government approved religion is worthless because Bible-based faith will always be contrary to the government and the culture. (think twice on that statement!) Just remember that the one period of history referred to as the “Dark Ages” was the time the church and the state got married.
“God of Grace and glory, thank You for making us to be free, free, free! Help
us not to give away our freedom or sell it to the highest bidder. Amen”
Sunday, July 1, 2007
July 2: PRECIOUS RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
I don’t have a guilty conscience about it, but I was born a person of privilege. I have had advantages, not of my own making. I was born a lower-middle-class Caucasian in the South. I did not have to grow up with people disliking me because of the color of my skin, although I had nothing to do with that. I did not grow up speaking English as a second language and having people misunderstand me. I could not help that. I was not born a homosexual so I never experienced hatred for something I did not control. I was not born with any physical handicap so people did not automatically assume that I had a deficiency. I had no control of that.
If I had been born in an earlier generation I could have been rejected for being left-handed or having red hair. Sadly, most of these prejudices would have been approved by the church.
But not the Bible! Acts 10:34 has the Apostle Peter declaring “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism.” No prejudice on God’s part! 1 Samuel 16:7 says “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart.” John 3:16 assures “for God so loved the world (the whole family of mankind) that He gave his only son.”
God has always been an “equal-opportunity” lover. We Christians must be like that! We cannot ask people to change and be like us before we love them. Ezekiel 3:15 has the prophet identifying with people he did not know: “I sat among them where they were living.” Jesus was the incarnate (fleshed-out) God who came to us in open love. That is our calling. And our privilege.
“O Great Lover of my soul, thank you for loving me just as I am. I
could never prove myself worthy of your tender mercy. Amen”
If I had been born in an earlier generation I could have been rejected for being left-handed or having red hair. Sadly, most of these prejudices would have been approved by the church.
But not the Bible! Acts 10:34 has the Apostle Peter declaring “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism.” No prejudice on God’s part! 1 Samuel 16:7 says “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart.” John 3:16 assures “for God so loved the world (the whole family of mankind) that He gave his only son.”
God has always been an “equal-opportunity” lover. We Christians must be like that! We cannot ask people to change and be like us before we love them. Ezekiel 3:15 has the prophet identifying with people he did not know: “I sat among them where they were living.” Jesus was the incarnate (fleshed-out) God who came to us in open love. That is our calling. And our privilege.
“O Great Lover of my soul, thank you for loving me just as I am. I
could never prove myself worthy of your tender mercy. Amen”
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