Let’s focus some time on praise! Since prayer’s fruitfulness waits on praise, we need to concentrate on praise. When our “petitions only” praying fails, we must turn to praise. Psalm 148 echoes praise as much as any Psalm and is very instructive for us. Read it closely.
Let’s claim the proper place for praise in our lives. Psalm 34:1 says, “I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” It is as if a spring of praise is always bubbling up in our souls. If you just read Psalm 148:7-10 you note that all things of creation are called on to give praise to the Lord. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” (Psalm 1103:1) We get so wrapped up in our problems or difficulties that we forget to praise. Make 1 resolution now: “Nothing shall ever again deter me from praising My Lord.” If you are having a hard time concentrating in a time of praise, use your Bible and your Hymnal to prime your pump. There is no reason to ever run out of reasons to offer praises to God. This gets us involved in real worship that goes to the heart and does not remain at the skin level.
Think about the purpose of praise in the Bible. Praise can be a filter to purify our praying. Don’t you know that we cheapen the gift of prayer when we use it as a “shopping list”? The next time you are in Church and people start making prayer requests, listen closely and be dismayed. Most of the prayer requests will focus selfishly on the needs of folks in the immediate community. Our praying is our time to put our arms around a hurting world. Praising God first can lift our prayers to a higher plane.
Praise can purge our prayers of unworthy elements: selfishness, bargaining with God, trying to manipulate God, talking more about ourselves than God. Prayer must focus on God first. Romans 1:25 warns us about worshipping the creation more than the Creator. God is greater than all His gifts. Just think: If I never asked God for anything the rest of my life and still had Him as my God, I would still be rich. My cup would still run over! My joy would still be unspeakable!
Mount Calvary alone could make each of us rich beyond human measurement! Let’s just praise the Lord!
“Set us free, O God, to pray and praise You without ceasing. Release us
from our attachment to this world. Set loose our tongues to praise. Amen”
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
November 30: THE EFFECT OF HOPE
The greatest need in the world today is for “hope”. There is simply an overwhelming flood of hopelessness and many are drowning. It is kept hidden as much as possible but on other days is just overflows. I heard an advertisement on the radio recently that said if your mortgage is being foreclosed call: 995-HOPE. I am sure they were deluged with calls. When most people talk about hope they are talking about a warm and fuzzy feeling positive about stuff. “I hope my team wins”. “I hope I have a date for Saturday night”. “I hope I get a puppy for Christmas.” Many times people speak of hope in some area that they have no chance of receiving a positive answer.
I am talking about the hope that is the center of the message of Jesus. Christianity is the only religion that offers hope. Other religions focus on despair. There is no joyful music, only dirges and dark chants. The end of this life means reincarnation as an animal or being absorbed into the great nothingness of nirvana. Jesus lived a life of hope and he gives it to his followers. That’s why the Apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 3:15, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give reason for the hope that you have.” Paul says in Romans 5:5, “hope does not disappoint.” That’s why I am writing today about the Christian hope.
Here is the definition of hope: in New Testament times, the sailing ships did not give great security. Especially at night, because they had no lighting for sailing close to shore or when a storm was coming. They found a small inlet or protected cove. Then they put the large anchor in a small boat and the sailors carried the anchor into the quiet cove and dropped the anchor and it quickly dropped to the bottom and the boat was secured. The rope that reached from the ship to the anchor is the same root word as the word “hope”. You see, regardless of how strong the storm might be in the ocean or sea, the boat was safe because of the rope. The anchor would not move and the sailors were safe. They knew the rope would hold; they had a hope that could not be shaken. That is hope. That is what we need.
Maybe the greatest evidence of hopelessness is the use of cocaine in America. We have 5% of the population but we consume 50% of the world’s cocaine that we use as a substitute for hope. Grab hold of Jesus! Let Him be your hope, He will never fail you!
“Thank You, God, for the gift of hope in and through Jesus that
recreates us through a new birth and regenerates us for eternity. Amen”
I am talking about the hope that is the center of the message of Jesus. Christianity is the only religion that offers hope. Other religions focus on despair. There is no joyful music, only dirges and dark chants. The end of this life means reincarnation as an animal or being absorbed into the great nothingness of nirvana. Jesus lived a life of hope and he gives it to his followers. That’s why the Apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 3:15, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give reason for the hope that you have.” Paul says in Romans 5:5, “hope does not disappoint.” That’s why I am writing today about the Christian hope.
Here is the definition of hope: in New Testament times, the sailing ships did not give great security. Especially at night, because they had no lighting for sailing close to shore or when a storm was coming. They found a small inlet or protected cove. Then they put the large anchor in a small boat and the sailors carried the anchor into the quiet cove and dropped the anchor and it quickly dropped to the bottom and the boat was secured. The rope that reached from the ship to the anchor is the same root word as the word “hope”. You see, regardless of how strong the storm might be in the ocean or sea, the boat was safe because of the rope. The anchor would not move and the sailors were safe. They knew the rope would hold; they had a hope that could not be shaken. That is hope. That is what we need.
Maybe the greatest evidence of hopelessness is the use of cocaine in America. We have 5% of the population but we consume 50% of the world’s cocaine that we use as a substitute for hope. Grab hold of Jesus! Let Him be your hope, He will never fail you!
“Thank You, God, for the gift of hope in and through Jesus that
recreates us through a new birth and regenerates us for eternity. Amen”
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
November 29: CHRIST CHALLENGES SELF-RIGHTEOUS
Some followers of Jesus have persisted in trying to make a religion out of the teachings of Jesus. It is easier to make a list of “dos and don’ts” than to live by principles. Religious rules make it easier to exclude people who are different. The blockbuster that Jesus exploded that day on the mountainside (Matthew 5:1-12) was a well-thought-out manifesto of the principles of the kingdom of God that He came to introduce. Living in a personal relationship with Jesus, as a citizen of the kingdom, would be no memorization of rules and checking off deeds done but a dynamic living to make a difference.
The principles given would be a daily guide for a lifetime. There has been nothing like it, either before or after the earthly years of Jesus.
Generally known as the Beatitudes, I like to call them “be-attitudes” as they describe a state of being. The very common word “blessed” that introduces each principle can be translated “to be congratulated”.
This is revolutionary! This was the first salvo Jesus fired against the self-righteousness of the world and all established religions. He never retracted a word of it! He was starting a lifestyle movement, and He would perfectly exemplify it.
Listen: “To be congratulated are those who wake up to their spiritual poverty, who weep for the world’s spiritual needs, who live disciplined lives, who crave intensely to do right, who identify with the pain in the world, who have a single-minded desire to see God, who hate war, who don’t fear persecution for doing right, who are not ashamed to admit that they are followers of Jesus and do it all with a sense of joy”.
I tell you, this is radical. The definition of Christian was “little Christ”. (Acts 11:26) A contemptuous title! Scandalous!
But the key to a meaningful and purposeful life is found here.
“Father God, we have watered down and compromised the teachings of
Jesus for too long. Help us to get back on track. Amen”
The principles given would be a daily guide for a lifetime. There has been nothing like it, either before or after the earthly years of Jesus.
Generally known as the Beatitudes, I like to call them “be-attitudes” as they describe a state of being. The very common word “blessed” that introduces each principle can be translated “to be congratulated”.
This is revolutionary! This was the first salvo Jesus fired against the self-righteousness of the world and all established religions. He never retracted a word of it! He was starting a lifestyle movement, and He would perfectly exemplify it.
Listen: “To be congratulated are those who wake up to their spiritual poverty, who weep for the world’s spiritual needs, who live disciplined lives, who crave intensely to do right, who identify with the pain in the world, who have a single-minded desire to see God, who hate war, who don’t fear persecution for doing right, who are not ashamed to admit that they are followers of Jesus and do it all with a sense of joy”.
I tell you, this is radical. The definition of Christian was “little Christ”. (Acts 11:26) A contemptuous title! Scandalous!
But the key to a meaningful and purposeful life is found here.
“Father God, we have watered down and compromised the teachings of
Jesus for too long. Help us to get back on track. Amen”
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
November 28: THE MIRACULOUS TRANSFORMATION
Heard the saying, “one man’s blessing is another man’s curse”? Watching reports of ice storms leaves me with mixed feelings. The Weather Channel shows this contrast regularly. Too much ice can be a death-dealing blow to a place. Just the right amount of ice can have a miraculous transforming effect. The ugly can become extremely beautiful in reflecting the sun. Everything takes on a diamond-like sparkle.
It reminds me of a spiritual lesson. The Apostle Paul several times presents Christianity in terms of “putting on Christ” as you would put on a long winter coat.
When you “put on” Christ, you have a wholly new, attractive appearance. “Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24 NIV) “Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its creator. Above all other virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:10,14 NIV)
The “putting on” is usually contrasted with “putting off” old traits that are not fitting for a Christian. “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10 NIV)
A Christian could never complain, “I have nothing to wear” because our basic dress code is simple and attractive. We put on Christ and that is what the world sees.
The real person never has to practice hypocrisy. The old natural us that can be seen under the covering of Christ is a constant reminder to us not to be proud about our new beauty; it all comes from Christ.
Before this winter is over, we will awaken to a beautiful new covering over the earth many times. Let’s pray that as we go out into the world that many times people will observe in us that we are clothed in Christ.
“Transform us in your love, O God, and renew us through the power of
your Spirit. We will praise You for the miraculous transformation. Amen”
It reminds me of a spiritual lesson. The Apostle Paul several times presents Christianity in terms of “putting on Christ” as you would put on a long winter coat.
When you “put on” Christ, you have a wholly new, attractive appearance. “Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24 NIV) “Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its creator. Above all other virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:10,14 NIV)
The “putting on” is usually contrasted with “putting off” old traits that are not fitting for a Christian. “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10 NIV)
A Christian could never complain, “I have nothing to wear” because our basic dress code is simple and attractive. We put on Christ and that is what the world sees.
The real person never has to practice hypocrisy. The old natural us that can be seen under the covering of Christ is a constant reminder to us not to be proud about our new beauty; it all comes from Christ.
Before this winter is over, we will awaken to a beautiful new covering over the earth many times. Let’s pray that as we go out into the world that many times people will observe in us that we are clothed in Christ.
“Transform us in your love, O God, and renew us through the power of
your Spirit. We will praise You for the miraculous transformation. Amen”
Monday, November 26, 2007
November 27: THE WAY IT OUGHT TO BE
In your mind, what should be the relationship between Christian brothers and sisters in a local church? Or between the minister and the members? Some church “dropouts” say they left the organized church because it wasn’t what it professed to be. Certainly the church would be the last place that one would expect to find strife, bickering, power struggles, divisiveness, and a critical atmosphere.
It doesn’t take a genius to know what is not fitting among Christians. I read this short paragraph in 1 Thessalonians 2:17 to 3:5 and it clicked with me that this really says something. (You should get your Bible and read this now. Its too long for me to quote here.) It’s very emotional. There is a lot of feeling.
Paul tells these people that he really wanted to come to be with them. He described those believers as being a real joy in his life. He is filled with hope by what God is accomplishing in their lives.
When Paul was in jail he missed them so badly that he had to send someone to check on them. Because Satan was attacking him so hard, he was concerned that Satan was attacking them doubly hard and maybe they would not be able to withstand it. There is so much concern expressed, so much fellow-feeling. As Christians their lives are inter-related. The mutuality of their faith binds them closely.
The New Testament uses a special word “koinonia” (translated: “fellowship”) to describe this common life among Christians. When there is this kind of “life and death” commitment to Jesus and to one another in the church, there is no room for negative feelings. The ground is always level at the cross, therefore, it must be from the pulpit to the pew, and from pew to pew.
Any local church you enter should be the most loving and friendly and encouraging place you visit during the entire week. And, remind you of Heaven. (P.S.: Read the passage)
“Help us not to settle for anything less than your plan for fellowship in our
local church. Help us to be really joined-at-the-heart! Amen”
It doesn’t take a genius to know what is not fitting among Christians. I read this short paragraph in 1 Thessalonians 2:17 to 3:5 and it clicked with me that this really says something. (You should get your Bible and read this now. Its too long for me to quote here.) It’s very emotional. There is a lot of feeling.
Paul tells these people that he really wanted to come to be with them. He described those believers as being a real joy in his life. He is filled with hope by what God is accomplishing in their lives.
When Paul was in jail he missed them so badly that he had to send someone to check on them. Because Satan was attacking him so hard, he was concerned that Satan was attacking them doubly hard and maybe they would not be able to withstand it. There is so much concern expressed, so much fellow-feeling. As Christians their lives are inter-related. The mutuality of their faith binds them closely.
The New Testament uses a special word “koinonia” (translated: “fellowship”) to describe this common life among Christians. When there is this kind of “life and death” commitment to Jesus and to one another in the church, there is no room for negative feelings. The ground is always level at the cross, therefore, it must be from the pulpit to the pew, and from pew to pew.
Any local church you enter should be the most loving and friendly and encouraging place you visit during the entire week. And, remind you of Heaven. (P.S.: Read the passage)
“Help us not to settle for anything less than your plan for fellowship in our
local church. Help us to be really joined-at-the-heart! Amen”
Sunday, November 25, 2007
November 26: THE DYNAMICS OF ADVERTISING
The politicians are accusing their opponents of deceitful ads. They threaten terrible results for the American people because people are being deceived. Isn’t that a part of advertising; deceiving people into thinking that some product will be good for them and good for their lives?
Like the beer ads, I know they promise more than they can deliver. Does this sound familiar? “After a hard day’s work, after things have gone wrong all day, after it seems like all of life is a mess, aren’t you glad there is X brand of beer?” I recognize the dynamics of advertisement is exaggeration, making a selling point, but there is a limit.
It’s like the commercial that challenged: “Ask the man who tried one.” Plenty of people can testify to having tried the beer to see if the commercial was true and got a sick stomach, or a light head or an accident or the realization that the problem or dullness of feeling didn’t leave.. This seems to be the story of many teenagers who sneak a “cold one” from the family refrigerator.
I will be the first to agree with the advertising boys that people who feel that the world is a rat race and life has no real meaning are looking for something to help them not only at the end of the day but during the day. It is reaching for a crutch to dull the pain.
I don’t know of anything that can give man a lasting solution but I know someone. If I gave you some pet theory on “How To Be Happy Fast”, I would be like the rest of the “gimmick boys” manipulating your emotions. That’s why you should turn to this person for joy and help.
I’m referring to Jesus, God’s son, who came into the world and taught us by his life and death how we ought to live. He didn’t say there wouldn’t be hard days but he did offer, “Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 1:28-29 NIV) I am a satisfied customer.
“We tend to look for instant relief for our bad feelings or a short cut to
being able to forget our problems. Show us we can’t drown our hurts. Amen”
Like the beer ads, I know they promise more than they can deliver. Does this sound familiar? “After a hard day’s work, after things have gone wrong all day, after it seems like all of life is a mess, aren’t you glad there is X brand of beer?” I recognize the dynamics of advertisement is exaggeration, making a selling point, but there is a limit.
It’s like the commercial that challenged: “Ask the man who tried one.” Plenty of people can testify to having tried the beer to see if the commercial was true and got a sick stomach, or a light head or an accident or the realization that the problem or dullness of feeling didn’t leave.. This seems to be the story of many teenagers who sneak a “cold one” from the family refrigerator.
I will be the first to agree with the advertising boys that people who feel that the world is a rat race and life has no real meaning are looking for something to help them not only at the end of the day but during the day. It is reaching for a crutch to dull the pain.
I don’t know of anything that can give man a lasting solution but I know someone. If I gave you some pet theory on “How To Be Happy Fast”, I would be like the rest of the “gimmick boys” manipulating your emotions. That’s why you should turn to this person for joy and help.
I’m referring to Jesus, God’s son, who came into the world and taught us by his life and death how we ought to live. He didn’t say there wouldn’t be hard days but he did offer, “Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 1:28-29 NIV) I am a satisfied customer.
“We tend to look for instant relief for our bad feelings or a short cut to
being able to forget our problems. Show us we can’t drown our hurts. Amen”
Saturday, November 24, 2007
November 25: THE ADVANTAGES WE ENJOY
As God is speaking in Deuteronomy 8:10ff (NIV), he is saying some very relevant words to all who live in an affluent metropolitan suburb: “When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws, and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”
Because the economic opportunities always are better around a “metropolitan sprawl” people naturally migrate here. Many are on a career “fast track” headed for the top. Many have “paid their dues” out in the boondocks and have finally gotten the promotion that puts them in a position to make some “real money”. Some were transferred here by military assignment and have found employment opportunities that they could never find “back down on the farm”.
Not unlike the people God was speaking to in Deuteronomy 8 are folks in this commuter community. Success and its benefits do come to those who pursue it! Some who taste success begin to look around and compare themselves to the less successful and imagine they must have accomplished all this without God and begin to “forget God”. Some folks moved here and left God back home where all the other comfortable memories reside.
As we evaluate the past months of summer and fall, was God given prominence in your life and actions? Did you suffer from “Godward amnesia”? Just wondering!
We work hard, right? We deserve good things, right? We don’t have to feel guilty about it, right? You can feel good about all that has happened to you, if you did not forget God.
By the way, what does your checkbook say about your year? You might want to reread this column: Now!
“So many advantages are ours in this wonderful land of freedom! Deep down,
O God, we know it all comes from You. Strip away our ego! Amen”
Because the economic opportunities always are better around a “metropolitan sprawl” people naturally migrate here. Many are on a career “fast track” headed for the top. Many have “paid their dues” out in the boondocks and have finally gotten the promotion that puts them in a position to make some “real money”. Some were transferred here by military assignment and have found employment opportunities that they could never find “back down on the farm”.
Not unlike the people God was speaking to in Deuteronomy 8 are folks in this commuter community. Success and its benefits do come to those who pursue it! Some who taste success begin to look around and compare themselves to the less successful and imagine they must have accomplished all this without God and begin to “forget God”. Some folks moved here and left God back home where all the other comfortable memories reside.
As we evaluate the past months of summer and fall, was God given prominence in your life and actions? Did you suffer from “Godward amnesia”? Just wondering!
We work hard, right? We deserve good things, right? We don’t have to feel guilty about it, right? You can feel good about all that has happened to you, if you did not forget God.
By the way, what does your checkbook say about your year? You might want to reread this column: Now!
“So many advantages are ours in this wonderful land of freedom! Deep down,
O God, we know it all comes from You. Strip away our ego! Amen”
Friday, November 23, 2007
November 24: LET'S SAY IT AGAIN!
Maybe I’ve said enough about gratitude this week but this morning I ventured out to “observe” what was happening on Black Friday. Total mistake! What madness! I wondered how many of these folks had been in Thanksgiving Worship on Wednesday night or Thursday morning. Something got lost in translation! What’s up?
Sociologist say that every race and tribe and people in the world have some kind of Thanksgiving celebration. Certainly not a Turkey Day holiday as we have in America, but a time for expressing gratitude. For whatever people have and wherever it came from and whoever provided it, they acknowledge that fact with gratitude. It would seem that there is some sort of innate recognition that a higher power makes provisions for us and we are glad.
Now, if that is true, the natural conclusion of brilliant people in the western world who have so much of everything (including intelligence) is that all of us would have a highly developed sense of gratitude to God for more than one day.
What about you today?
Ignoring the cultural, are you personally grateful? Do you believe in God? Do you believe that God is good? Do you believe that God gives you what you have?
Then “give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name” (1 Chronicles 16:8). Psalm 100:4 instructs, “give thanks to him and praise his name.” Daily! Don’t be intimidated by family or friends who are too proud and self-centered to give thanks. Stand right up and say, “let us come before God with thanksgiving”. (Psalm 95:2) If you are concerned about your eloquence in speech, the Bible has plenty of lines to enable you to express your deep personal gratitude. If you get overcome with gratitude, say with Paul, “thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.” (2 Corinthians 9:15)
True, god’s goodness is greater than our words to describe it. Maybe you are rebutting me because I don’t know your circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “give thanks for all circumstances.”
O.K., thanksgiving and Black Friday are both behind us now! How can we plan today for tomorrow to be a day to share gratitude with many other Christians?
“We will forget quickly and too easily, God, all of the bounty we receive from
your hand. Thank you so much! Thank you so much! Amen”
Sociologist say that every race and tribe and people in the world have some kind of Thanksgiving celebration. Certainly not a Turkey Day holiday as we have in America, but a time for expressing gratitude. For whatever people have and wherever it came from and whoever provided it, they acknowledge that fact with gratitude. It would seem that there is some sort of innate recognition that a higher power makes provisions for us and we are glad.
Now, if that is true, the natural conclusion of brilliant people in the western world who have so much of everything (including intelligence) is that all of us would have a highly developed sense of gratitude to God for more than one day.
What about you today?
Ignoring the cultural, are you personally grateful? Do you believe in God? Do you believe that God is good? Do you believe that God gives you what you have?
Then “give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name” (1 Chronicles 16:8). Psalm 100:4 instructs, “give thanks to him and praise his name.” Daily! Don’t be intimidated by family or friends who are too proud and self-centered to give thanks. Stand right up and say, “let us come before God with thanksgiving”. (Psalm 95:2) If you are concerned about your eloquence in speech, the Bible has plenty of lines to enable you to express your deep personal gratitude. If you get overcome with gratitude, say with Paul, “thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.” (2 Corinthians 9:15)
True, god’s goodness is greater than our words to describe it. Maybe you are rebutting me because I don’t know your circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “give thanks for all circumstances.”
O.K., thanksgiving and Black Friday are both behind us now! How can we plan today for tomorrow to be a day to share gratitude with many other Christians?
“We will forget quickly and too easily, God, all of the bounty we receive from
your hand. Thank you so much! Thank you so much! Amen”
Sunday, November 18, 2007
November 23: THE COMMAND IS STILL HERE
The Bible instructs in Colossians 3:15 (NIV), “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace, and be thankful.” Now there is one of those commands that you won’t read in the Ten Commandments. Nevertheless, it is a Biblical command or imperative.
Are you being obedient in this dimension of your spiritual life? Surprisingly, many religious people never do something as simple as bowing their head for a simple prayer of thanksgiving before they eat; neither in the privacy of their home nor a public restaurant.
Just as some would rebut that you can’t command love, some would reason that you can’t command gratitude. Not so! Living under the Lordship of Jesus Christ means that he commands us in every area.
Be thankful. If you go back and read the verse again, there is the implication that peace in the heart is related to gratitude, and peace in the church is related to the common feeling and expression of thanksgiving. Thankful people are peaceful in church life!
Thanksgiving means that I know that every good and perfect gift comes from God. (James 1:17) I am related to the source of all good. I know who I am. That gives me a feeling of security because I know that my God can be trusted to supply all my needs. (Philippians 4:19)
If my life is unified around this principle and I am a member of a church where people share this principle, then our fellowship as Christians will indeed be sweet.
Is Christ ruling your heart? Did you obey this command yesterday at your Thanksgiving dinner? Or did you just mouth the words? Have you obeyed it today? Some out of habit, culture, or ritual may have said, “Thank You, God” yesterday because they were eating with religious people. But today, you are on your own. Will you obey? Be thankful!
“Lord, You know that we can forget this Command just as quickly as we
can forget one of the Ten. Wake us up to the big picture of thanks. Amen”
Are you being obedient in this dimension of your spiritual life? Surprisingly, many religious people never do something as simple as bowing their head for a simple prayer of thanksgiving before they eat; neither in the privacy of their home nor a public restaurant.
Just as some would rebut that you can’t command love, some would reason that you can’t command gratitude. Not so! Living under the Lordship of Jesus Christ means that he commands us in every area.
Be thankful. If you go back and read the verse again, there is the implication that peace in the heart is related to gratitude, and peace in the church is related to the common feeling and expression of thanksgiving. Thankful people are peaceful in church life!
Thanksgiving means that I know that every good and perfect gift comes from God. (James 1:17) I am related to the source of all good. I know who I am. That gives me a feeling of security because I know that my God can be trusted to supply all my needs. (Philippians 4:19)
If my life is unified around this principle and I am a member of a church where people share this principle, then our fellowship as Christians will indeed be sweet.
Is Christ ruling your heart? Did you obey this command yesterday at your Thanksgiving dinner? Or did you just mouth the words? Have you obeyed it today? Some out of habit, culture, or ritual may have said, “Thank You, God” yesterday because they were eating with religious people. But today, you are on your own. Will you obey? Be thankful!
“Lord, You know that we can forget this Command just as quickly as we
can forget one of the Ten. Wake us up to the big picture of thanks. Amen”
November 22: THOUGHTS ON THANKSGIVING
Having a proper sense of awe about God’s blessings to us can help us have a right spirit of gratitude. Understanding the source can help our perspective for Thanksgiving.
For instance, grace is free, but it is not cheap. Our free salvation cost Jesus His life.
Let me use another example from the life of King David recorded in 2 Samuel 23. King David has been overthrown and was running for his life. Hiding in a cave, he thirsted for a drink of water from the well in Bethlehem. Three brave men broke through enemy lines and brought him the water he desired., but he refused to drink it, instead he poured it out before the Lord. “Far be it from me, O Lord, to do this” he said, “is it not the blood of men who went at risk to their lives?” And so David would not drink it. (2 Samuel 23:16-17 NIV)
Because of the high cost of danger to the men, he offered the water as a praise offering to God. His reasoning said, “If it cost me nothing, I must offer it to God.”
God provides for us, we should make lavish Thanksgiving offerings. We want to hoard and keep God’s blessings to ourselves.
A restaurant had this sign posted: “Due to the drought, only customers may use the restroom.” Or in other words, those who deserve it or can pay for the privilege. God continued to meet the needs of the restaurant owner; he in turn was not interested in providing a service.
How is your gratitude attitude? Many people want to wear the title Christian without dealing with all the implications, which are especially strong around the church community at Thanksgiving time.
The cost is gratitude: How do you define it? The very last problem that the church should have is financial. “Free you have received, freely give”.
“We are so close now, Lord, to the actual moment of expressing thanks
with our families and friends. Sensitize us some more! Now! Amen”
For instance, grace is free, but it is not cheap. Our free salvation cost Jesus His life.
Let me use another example from the life of King David recorded in 2 Samuel 23. King David has been overthrown and was running for his life. Hiding in a cave, he thirsted for a drink of water from the well in Bethlehem. Three brave men broke through enemy lines and brought him the water he desired., but he refused to drink it, instead he poured it out before the Lord. “Far be it from me, O Lord, to do this” he said, “is it not the blood of men who went at risk to their lives?” And so David would not drink it. (2 Samuel 23:16-17 NIV)
Because of the high cost of danger to the men, he offered the water as a praise offering to God. His reasoning said, “If it cost me nothing, I must offer it to God.”
God provides for us, we should make lavish Thanksgiving offerings. We want to hoard and keep God’s blessings to ourselves.
A restaurant had this sign posted: “Due to the drought, only customers may use the restroom.” Or in other words, those who deserve it or can pay for the privilege. God continued to meet the needs of the restaurant owner; he in turn was not interested in providing a service.
How is your gratitude attitude? Many people want to wear the title Christian without dealing with all the implications, which are especially strong around the church community at Thanksgiving time.
The cost is gratitude: How do you define it? The very last problem that the church should have is financial. “Free you have received, freely give”.
“We are so close now, Lord, to the actual moment of expressing thanks
with our families and friends. Sensitize us some more! Now! Amen”
November 21: TEACHING THE CHILDREN GRATITUDE
The Apostle Paul gives a command in Colossians 3:15 that is not listed in the Ten Commandments: “Be thankful.” Simple and to the point and easily understood and easy to obey, especially if you are a mature Christian adult! There is nothing more unseemly than a Christian who doesn’t express gratitude to God and to helpful people.
But, what about the children? In this materialist and consumer-shaped generation, when and where do children learn to start “giving thanks”?
I think this needs consideration during Thanksgiving, 2007. Sadly, many children know only how to take and take, but not how to say “Thanks”. I was raised in Southern culture where consideration of the feelings of others was important and being polite certainly included saying “Thank you”. Being kind and courteous to people included verbalizing one’s gratitude. No question but that the ‘attitude of gratitude” in the culture was rooted in the Bible and was reinforced every Sunday.
The church also fostered a sense of community that stressed our duty to respect the feelings of others. The church broadened the horizon of gratitude beyond the material. Children were also taught, “Thank you for being my friend” or “Thank you for praying for me” or “Thank you for sitting by me”. Keep in mind that when we were created in the image of God, our nature, like God, was unselfish.
But as man rejected God, his thoughts turned inward on himself. Since that time, one of our major problems has been selfishness. Selfishness has destroyed many families. Selfishness has no time for gratitude and thanksgiving.
As parents and grandparents, we must teach the children to be thankful. Ungrateful children are described negatively as “spoiled”. Start by being an example and reinforce it with words.
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) A simple prayer of thanksgiving before eating is one place to start.
“We are all your children, Father God, and we need to be taught how to
be grateful to you at all times. Help us! Amen”
But, what about the children? In this materialist and consumer-shaped generation, when and where do children learn to start “giving thanks”?
I think this needs consideration during Thanksgiving, 2007. Sadly, many children know only how to take and take, but not how to say “Thanks”. I was raised in Southern culture where consideration of the feelings of others was important and being polite certainly included saying “Thank you”. Being kind and courteous to people included verbalizing one’s gratitude. No question but that the ‘attitude of gratitude” in the culture was rooted in the Bible and was reinforced every Sunday.
The church also fostered a sense of community that stressed our duty to respect the feelings of others. The church broadened the horizon of gratitude beyond the material. Children were also taught, “Thank you for being my friend” or “Thank you for praying for me” or “Thank you for sitting by me”. Keep in mind that when we were created in the image of God, our nature, like God, was unselfish.
But as man rejected God, his thoughts turned inward on himself. Since that time, one of our major problems has been selfishness. Selfishness has destroyed many families. Selfishness has no time for gratitude and thanksgiving.
As parents and grandparents, we must teach the children to be thankful. Ungrateful children are described negatively as “spoiled”. Start by being an example and reinforce it with words.
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) A simple prayer of thanksgiving before eating is one place to start.
“We are all your children, Father God, and we need to be taught how to
be grateful to you at all times. Help us! Amen”
Saturday, November 17, 2007
November 20: THANKSGIVING COMPLETION
To really experience Thanksgiving, more is required than a big dinner with family and close friends. I am not criticizing Thanksgiving dinner; I think it has a great symbolic meaning in our culture and I enjoy it. But the dinner is only one ingredient to a full thanksgiving experience.
I refer you to Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV), “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This truth says to me that a real Thanksgiving Day will be the end of complaining, comparing, and coveting for all of us.
Some folks always find something to complain about: they can give out complaints quicker than they can give thanks for their blessings. Others don’t seem to be able to appreciate God’s bounty in their lives because they are constantly comparing what “they have” with what “others have”, usually ignoring the fact that they have more stuff now than they ever had before.
There is yet another group that won’t be thankful because they covet what others have. Whatever someone else has they feel they must have to be happy. As a result, they never have enough, including enough to fully appreciate a time for Thanksgiving.
The Bible instructs us to enjoy what we have and use it well. If we “need” anything else, we should talk to God about what we truly “need”, not just some material thing or gimmick that we saw someone else buy.
Regretfully, the three “C’s” (complaining, comparing, coveting) I mentioned often go to church services to make sure the worshipper doesn’t have a meaningful time praising the Lord. You still have 2 days to work on your spiritual preparations for Thanksgiving Day.
“Work in us, Lord, in such a way that we can have a complete Thanksgiving
experience of gratitude for every spiritual, physical, and emotional gift. Amen”
I refer you to Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV), “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This truth says to me that a real Thanksgiving Day will be the end of complaining, comparing, and coveting for all of us.
Some folks always find something to complain about: they can give out complaints quicker than they can give thanks for their blessings. Others don’t seem to be able to appreciate God’s bounty in their lives because they are constantly comparing what “they have” with what “others have”, usually ignoring the fact that they have more stuff now than they ever had before.
There is yet another group that won’t be thankful because they covet what others have. Whatever someone else has they feel they must have to be happy. As a result, they never have enough, including enough to fully appreciate a time for Thanksgiving.
The Bible instructs us to enjoy what we have and use it well. If we “need” anything else, we should talk to God about what we truly “need”, not just some material thing or gimmick that we saw someone else buy.
Regretfully, the three “C’s” (complaining, comparing, coveting) I mentioned often go to church services to make sure the worshipper doesn’t have a meaningful time praising the Lord. You still have 2 days to work on your spiritual preparations for Thanksgiving Day.
“Work in us, Lord, in such a way that we can have a complete Thanksgiving
experience of gratitude for every spiritual, physical, and emotional gift. Amen”
November 19: A SEASON TO BE THANKFUL
It’s the Thanksgiving season in America again and I find myself pondering the words of David in Psalm 116:12-14; “How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me. I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.”
A spiritually sensitive person can’t help but wonder how to adequately express gratitude. A song often heard in churches asks, “How can I say thanks for the things you have done for me, things that are totally undeserved”?
It is amazing that many enjoy the bounty of the world and never give it a second thought or assume that every material advantage naturally is theirs. (Notice the people around you the next time you go to a nice restaurant for dinner; usually they plunge into dinner without a second thought as to its origin.)
David seems to be saying in Psalm 56:12 that he has made a promise to God to be thankful; “I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you.” If that’s what it takes to keep us faithfully giving thanks, by all means, let’s do it!
Thanksgiving is a attitude, it is a lifestyle that is more easily “caught” than “taught”. Parents cannot teach their children to be thankful if they do not live a “gratitude lifestyle”. Lifestyle will help the children to have a gratitude perspective when looking at the big picture of life.
Paul’s writings in the New Testament have many instructions about giving thanks. This week could be a good time for you to red-pencil them. “For everything God created is good and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer”. (1 Timothy 4:4-5)
“Everyone wants to see a good week this week, Heavenly Father, but some
don’t want to ask You for it. Let the sun shine on the just and the unjust!
Amen”
A spiritually sensitive person can’t help but wonder how to adequately express gratitude. A song often heard in churches asks, “How can I say thanks for the things you have done for me, things that are totally undeserved”?
It is amazing that many enjoy the bounty of the world and never give it a second thought or assume that every material advantage naturally is theirs. (Notice the people around you the next time you go to a nice restaurant for dinner; usually they plunge into dinner without a second thought as to its origin.)
David seems to be saying in Psalm 56:12 that he has made a promise to God to be thankful; “I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you.” If that’s what it takes to keep us faithfully giving thanks, by all means, let’s do it!
Thanksgiving is a attitude, it is a lifestyle that is more easily “caught” than “taught”. Parents cannot teach their children to be thankful if they do not live a “gratitude lifestyle”. Lifestyle will help the children to have a gratitude perspective when looking at the big picture of life.
Paul’s writings in the New Testament have many instructions about giving thanks. This week could be a good time for you to red-pencil them. “For everything God created is good and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer”. (1 Timothy 4:4-5)
“Everyone wants to see a good week this week, Heavenly Father, but some
don’t want to ask You for it. Let the sun shine on the just and the unjust!
Amen”
November 18: BLESSINGS VERSUS ENTITLEMENTS
Most of us have already made our plans for how our family will celebrate Thanksgiving and that is a good thing. With just the slightest bit of sensitivity, every American can list reasons to be grateful. Even the poor in America, as we describe poverty, have more physical advantage than most of the world.
The words of Johnson Oatman, Jr. still challenges us: “Count your many blessings, Name them one by one; Count your many blessings, See what God has done.”
There is one troublesome idea that has evolved in our culture that runs contrary to the challenge to “count your blessings” and that is the idea of “entitlement”. Entitlement is the root of much selfishness and self-centered living. It is the temptation to gather more and more stuff because “I deserve this”.
Maybe you have heard, “I work hard so I’m entitled to good things” or “I pay my taxes and I deserve the benefits”. This kind of reasoning will never will never bow its knee in thanksgiving. Even the idea that “God owes me” is heard.
Job said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I will depart.” (Job 1:21) I like that! God doesn’t owe me anything. He equips me with life and health and strength and I earn my support. I am now free to accept David’s invitation: “Let us come before Him in thanksgiving”, (Psalm 95:2) and “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” (Psalm 100:4)
Getting into a mood of thanksgiving and gratitude will release me to share my bounty with someone less fortunate. It seems trite to say “You can always find someone with less than you” but it is true and should lead us into thankful sharing.
In fact, we are commanded to be “rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share.” (1 Timothy 6:18) We are debtors to a liberal God. Let us give thanks!
“Give us insight, Dear God, to worship you with grateful hearts and not just
make of Thanksgiving Day another holiday party. Amen”
The words of Johnson Oatman, Jr. still challenges us: “Count your many blessings, Name them one by one; Count your many blessings, See what God has done.”
There is one troublesome idea that has evolved in our culture that runs contrary to the challenge to “count your blessings” and that is the idea of “entitlement”. Entitlement is the root of much selfishness and self-centered living. It is the temptation to gather more and more stuff because “I deserve this”.
Maybe you have heard, “I work hard so I’m entitled to good things” or “I pay my taxes and I deserve the benefits”. This kind of reasoning will never will never bow its knee in thanksgiving. Even the idea that “God owes me” is heard.
Job said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I will depart.” (Job 1:21) I like that! God doesn’t owe me anything. He equips me with life and health and strength and I earn my support. I am now free to accept David’s invitation: “Let us come before Him in thanksgiving”, (Psalm 95:2) and “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” (Psalm 100:4)
Getting into a mood of thanksgiving and gratitude will release me to share my bounty with someone less fortunate. It seems trite to say “You can always find someone with less than you” but it is true and should lead us into thankful sharing.
In fact, we are commanded to be “rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share.” (1 Timothy 6:18) We are debtors to a liberal God. Let us give thanks!
“Give us insight, Dear God, to worship you with grateful hearts and not just
make of Thanksgiving Day another holiday party. Amen”
Friday, November 16, 2007
November 17: THE RADICAL KINGDOM #8
Matthew 10:34-39 is a section from the life of Jesus described as the “hard sayings”; it begins with the statement “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth.” Maybe that can help you accept the radical nature of these teachings that form the basis for life in the Kingdom of God. Mere religionist need not apply for citizenship in the Kingdom. Listen to these words from Matthew 5:10-11: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”
You must appreciate the sheer honesty of Jesus. He did not come to make life easy but to make people great. He offered no “bargain basement” faith; it would be costly. Following Jesus could cost you your family, your friends, your job, your social club memberships. He said if the world persecutes me, it will persecute you. Luke 6:40 is the guide: “the slave is not above his master.”
Following Jesus in the first century was a matter of life and death. The Roman Emperor demanded to be worshipped as a god, the confession of devotion, “Caesar is Lord!” The followers of Jesus had their own confession, “Christ is Lord”. It cost many their lives and still does around the world. Penalties were and are extreme for Christians. Jesus did not want His followers to be surprised by persecution. As one Historian observed, “those eaten by the lions and thrown in the fire were the lucky ones, at least they died quickly.”
For the faithful believer, persecution is inevitable. The New Testament Church is bound to be the conscience of the nation and the society. Christ needs people who will live for Him more than he needs people who will die for Him. When a Kingdom citizen lives a moral, just, and righteous life he becomes a living judgement on all kinds of sin, without saying a word, and that makes the rejecters of Christ angry. Angry people will use any weapon at hand to get even or get revenge.
Jesus concluded His manifesto by pointing out that there is a long line of persecuted saints stretching across time.
“Dear Jesus, you have thrown down the gauntlet before us each day this week,
give us courage to pick it up and follow you daily until we die. Amen”
You must appreciate the sheer honesty of Jesus. He did not come to make life easy but to make people great. He offered no “bargain basement” faith; it would be costly. Following Jesus could cost you your family, your friends, your job, your social club memberships. He said if the world persecutes me, it will persecute you. Luke 6:40 is the guide: “the slave is not above his master.”
Following Jesus in the first century was a matter of life and death. The Roman Emperor demanded to be worshipped as a god, the confession of devotion, “Caesar is Lord!” The followers of Jesus had their own confession, “Christ is Lord”. It cost many their lives and still does around the world. Penalties were and are extreme for Christians. Jesus did not want His followers to be surprised by persecution. As one Historian observed, “those eaten by the lions and thrown in the fire were the lucky ones, at least they died quickly.”
For the faithful believer, persecution is inevitable. The New Testament Church is bound to be the conscience of the nation and the society. Christ needs people who will live for Him more than he needs people who will die for Him. When a Kingdom citizen lives a moral, just, and righteous life he becomes a living judgement on all kinds of sin, without saying a word, and that makes the rejecters of Christ angry. Angry people will use any weapon at hand to get even or get revenge.
Jesus concluded His manifesto by pointing out that there is a long line of persecuted saints stretching across time.
“Dear Jesus, you have thrown down the gauntlet before us each day this week,
give us courage to pick it up and follow you daily until we die. Amen”
Thursday, November 15, 2007
November 16: THE RADICAL KINGDOM #7
We have tried to homogenize and pasteurize the Gospel so it will not be offensive to anyone. We have cut the heart out of the Good News. We have tried to tame Jesus so we would not be disturbed by His disturbing words. Here we are in a war-wracked world that is destructive in every direction but no one is clamoring to hear more about Matthew 5:9 where Jesus drops another radical bomb: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God”. And many so-called Bible-believing preachers are vocal supporters of the war that is killing and maiming at an alarming rate. Notice closely that Jesus did not say, “Blessed are the peace lovers” or “Blessed are the peace prayers” but blessed are the “peacemakers”. Peace is waged, just like war. We must work for it! In the Kingdom of God, every gulf of separation is bridgeable; people and races and nations can be brought together. That wonderful word “Shalom” from the Old Testament, that is translated “peace”, is not just the absence of conflict but makes everything work together for the good of all. Yesterday we talked about the pure in heart who can see God, having seen Him they then begin to imitate Him.
Being peacemakers means we don’t try to ignore or evade divisive issues but face them, deal with them, and conquer them. Peacemakers don’t attack the enemy but they do defend themselves if they are attacked. Some who philosophically say, “the best preparation for peace is to prepare for war” are just looking to evade this huge challenge.
Calvary’s cross is the greatest example of making peace. On the cross, God openly admitted the fact of sin and did not gloss over it. He exposed sin and then suffered for it. God did that to reconcile us with Himself. As long as men are at odds with God they will not be reconciled with themselves or their neighbors.
Jesus’ last bequest to us in John 14:27 was “my peace I give you”. He gives us His peace to equip us to be peacemakers. Peacemakers are truly “god’s children”. The world has usually reserved its highest honors for “war-makers’ and built statues to their memory but the Bible says we are “not of this world” so our point of view is different.
“O God, the world needs peacemakers so desperately! Wash this taste
for war and blood out of our minds and hearts. Amen”
Being peacemakers means we don’t try to ignore or evade divisive issues but face them, deal with them, and conquer them. Peacemakers don’t attack the enemy but they do defend themselves if they are attacked. Some who philosophically say, “the best preparation for peace is to prepare for war” are just looking to evade this huge challenge.
Calvary’s cross is the greatest example of making peace. On the cross, God openly admitted the fact of sin and did not gloss over it. He exposed sin and then suffered for it. God did that to reconcile us with Himself. As long as men are at odds with God they will not be reconciled with themselves or their neighbors.
Jesus’ last bequest to us in John 14:27 was “my peace I give you”. He gives us His peace to equip us to be peacemakers. Peacemakers are truly “god’s children”. The world has usually reserved its highest honors for “war-makers’ and built statues to their memory but the Bible says we are “not of this world” so our point of view is different.
“O God, the world needs peacemakers so desperately! Wash this taste
for war and blood out of our minds and hearts. Amen”
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
November 15: THE RADICAL KINGDOM #6
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8) Be ye being constantly pure in heart! This seems the most inaccessible. There is such a continuing sowing, even bombardment of the mind with impure ideas from the television, news, movie previews, and general conversation. How radical it would be to live one’s life with purity of heart!
What is purity of heart? Not sinless perfection; that is not what our Lord is asking of us. He wants a whole personality, mind, will, and emotions purged of worldliness. A rightness in the mind, not guilty of spiritual adultery. No lusting in the heart!
There is also the idea of singleness of motive. Not just outward actions under control but the very purpose of life to follow the model of Jesus in personal holiness. You know, chastity was a mark of early Christianity because it releases people from the greater bondage to the flesh and fleshly desires. This demands of us a most exacting self-evaluation. When someone complimented John Bunyan, he replied, “the Devil has already told me.”
How can we see God? People see what they want to see or what they are capable of seeing. There is the ultimate hope of seeing Jesus face-to-face after we die. Sensitivity and surrender will open the believer’s eyes to see God at work constantly here in the world. Acts 14:17 says, “God has not left himself without a witness”. In all that God has touched; for instance, in a world of beauty and poison in plants, the bee sips only the sweet and helpful. In the stories about King Arthur’s Roundtable it is related that Sir Galahad saw the Holy Grail because his “heart was pure.”
Being a man or woman after God’s own heart will give you discernment to see God. John Wesley once said that he read the daily paper to “see what God is doing in the world.”
You want to see God each day? Prepare your heart.
“Help us to surrender to You as Lord, Dear Jesus, so we can bring every part
of life under your single purpose for our lives. Thank You! Amen”
What is purity of heart? Not sinless perfection; that is not what our Lord is asking of us. He wants a whole personality, mind, will, and emotions purged of worldliness. A rightness in the mind, not guilty of spiritual adultery. No lusting in the heart!
There is also the idea of singleness of motive. Not just outward actions under control but the very purpose of life to follow the model of Jesus in personal holiness. You know, chastity was a mark of early Christianity because it releases people from the greater bondage to the flesh and fleshly desires. This demands of us a most exacting self-evaluation. When someone complimented John Bunyan, he replied, “the Devil has already told me.”
How can we see God? People see what they want to see or what they are capable of seeing. There is the ultimate hope of seeing Jesus face-to-face after we die. Sensitivity and surrender will open the believer’s eyes to see God at work constantly here in the world. Acts 14:17 says, “God has not left himself without a witness”. In all that God has touched; for instance, in a world of beauty and poison in plants, the bee sips only the sweet and helpful. In the stories about King Arthur’s Roundtable it is related that Sir Galahad saw the Holy Grail because his “heart was pure.”
Being a man or woman after God’s own heart will give you discernment to see God. John Wesley once said that he read the daily paper to “see what God is doing in the world.”
You want to see God each day? Prepare your heart.
“Help us to surrender to You as Lord, Dear Jesus, so we can bring every part
of life under your single purpose for our lives. Thank You! Amen”
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
November 14: THE RADICAL KINGDOM #5
In the new radical lifestyle that comes following the surrender of life to Jesus, all things become new (2 Corinthians 5:17), especially our feelings about others. Matthew 5:7 states it: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” “Be you being merciful at all times”! One philosopher called mercy a “disease of the soul.” The Romans despised it in people. The Stoics disapproved. The Pharisees said you deserve anything bad that happens to you.
Mercy is more than sympathy. Mercy is more than skin-deep. It is more than saying “I am touched”. It is more than a wave of pity. One commentator said it is the ability to get inside someone’s skin and see life from their perspective. This demands a deliberate effort of our mind and will. Identification until we see and feel as they do. We sit with them and go through what they are going through.
The temptation when we see someone in pain is to say, “I don’t want to get involved, I must keep my distance.” “Mercy triumphs over judgement”, said James 2:13. We have a saying, “there but for the grace of God go I.” It is so easy to make snap judgements about people and their situations but mercy takes away the judging. Remember when Jesus came upon a group of men about to stone a woman to death because she had committed adultery? Jesus said, “let the one without sin cast the first stone” as He identified with the woman in her guilt and shame.
The Bible says in John 1:14, “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” That is mercy being fleshed out in the ministry of Jesus. Lamentations 3:23 says, “it is the Lord’s mercy that we are not consumed.” As God is merciful to us, we are called to be mercy givers. That means we are a perpetual receiver and a continuous giver. We are forever being filled and we are forever to be emptying out. Mercy is costly, it cannot be hoarded. It is our “tiny” Calvary inside His large Calvary.
If you find your self at a loss for words when confronted by a hurting person, tears will do.
“O lift us up to this high standard of mercy living, O Lord, may our
hearts be softened and our feelings tenderized to help the hurting. Amen”
Mercy is more than sympathy. Mercy is more than skin-deep. It is more than saying “I am touched”. It is more than a wave of pity. One commentator said it is the ability to get inside someone’s skin and see life from their perspective. This demands a deliberate effort of our mind and will. Identification until we see and feel as they do. We sit with them and go through what they are going through.
The temptation when we see someone in pain is to say, “I don’t want to get involved, I must keep my distance.” “Mercy triumphs over judgement”, said James 2:13. We have a saying, “there but for the grace of God go I.” It is so easy to make snap judgements about people and their situations but mercy takes away the judging. Remember when Jesus came upon a group of men about to stone a woman to death because she had committed adultery? Jesus said, “let the one without sin cast the first stone” as He identified with the woman in her guilt and shame.
The Bible says in John 1:14, “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” That is mercy being fleshed out in the ministry of Jesus. Lamentations 3:23 says, “it is the Lord’s mercy that we are not consumed.” As God is merciful to us, we are called to be mercy givers. That means we are a perpetual receiver and a continuous giver. We are forever being filled and we are forever to be emptying out. Mercy is costly, it cannot be hoarded. It is our “tiny” Calvary inside His large Calvary.
If you find your self at a loss for words when confronted by a hurting person, tears will do.
“O lift us up to this high standard of mercy living, O Lord, may our
hearts be softened and our feelings tenderized to help the hurting. Amen”
Monday, November 12, 2007
November 13: THE RADICAL KINGDOM #4
Matthew 5:6 reveals the next revolutionary principle Jesus gave for those who would be citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” You see, the Kingdom of Heaven has invaded the Kingdom of the Earth and this is the radical lifestyle to be expected from the lives of the converted.
This may be the most demanding and yet the most comforting of them all. It is difficult for most Americans to grasp this because most of us are never truly hungry or thirsty. But just as food and water are necessities in the physical life, righteousness is a necessity for the Christian.
To be congratulated are those believers who have an intense spiritual desire! Hunger and thirst are guarantees of good physical health, spiritual hunger is a sure sign of spiritual health. As we know, one of the first signs of sickness is a loss of appetite. When there is a hunger and thirst for total dependence on God, that is evidence of a new lifestyle. The desire for the defeat of sin and the triumph of Godly living is positive evidence that you are maturing. It is the kind of idea that David expressed in Psalm 42:1, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” Many Doctors have told their patients, “you are what you eat.” That is surely true in the spiritual life, also.
We are talking about a guaranteed result. Jesus is quoted in John 4:14, “whoever drinks the water I will give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” Isaiah boldly asks, “why do you spend money on what is not going to satisfy?’ (Isaiah 55:1-2) How do you answer that?
Jesus gives us a better joy; the cleansing and sustaining joy of eternal life.
There is the old story of life during the Civil War that says people were so hungry that they ate dirt. And it made them sick. Regretfully, there are people eating the dirt of this world today and the hospitals are filled with their sicknesses.
“O Holy God, we want to be like You! Help us to have a growing appetite
for the things that lead to holiness and spiritual health. Amen”
This may be the most demanding and yet the most comforting of them all. It is difficult for most Americans to grasp this because most of us are never truly hungry or thirsty. But just as food and water are necessities in the physical life, righteousness is a necessity for the Christian.
To be congratulated are those believers who have an intense spiritual desire! Hunger and thirst are guarantees of good physical health, spiritual hunger is a sure sign of spiritual health. As we know, one of the first signs of sickness is a loss of appetite. When there is a hunger and thirst for total dependence on God, that is evidence of a new lifestyle. The desire for the defeat of sin and the triumph of Godly living is positive evidence that you are maturing. It is the kind of idea that David expressed in Psalm 42:1, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” Many Doctors have told their patients, “you are what you eat.” That is surely true in the spiritual life, also.
We are talking about a guaranteed result. Jesus is quoted in John 4:14, “whoever drinks the water I will give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” Isaiah boldly asks, “why do you spend money on what is not going to satisfy?’ (Isaiah 55:1-2) How do you answer that?
Jesus gives us a better joy; the cleansing and sustaining joy of eternal life.
There is the old story of life during the Civil War that says people were so hungry that they ate dirt. And it made them sick. Regretfully, there are people eating the dirt of this world today and the hospitals are filled with their sicknesses.
“O Holy God, we want to be like You! Help us to have a growing appetite
for the things that lead to holiness and spiritual health. Amen”
Sunday, November 11, 2007
November 12: THE RADICAL KINGDOM #3
The radical nature of life in the Kingdom of God becomes even more counter-culture when we come to the third principle, found in Matthew 5:5: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” There is no society in the world that exalts meekness. No one teaches their children to be meek. Yet, Jesus made meekness a quality of life in the Kingdom of God.
Let’s get this clear right away: meekness does not mean soft, weak, spineless, or ineffective. Some of the most recognizable names in the Bible were described as being meek in nature. For instance, Abraham, Moses, Joseph, and David.
“To be congratulated are the meek”! What does the word mean? Obviously not what people think now. Literally it means a wild animal that has been brought under control. It has not lost its strength, it is now controlled power. Or, better said, under God’s control, because self-control is impossible. There is a true humility here that banishes the need for ego and pride. This quality can make you a world-changer. Those who are out-of-control or self-controlled often hurt people; not so those who have surrendered control to Christ.
Those who are in this state of meekness or God-controlled are those who stand when others around them are falling. Spiritual poverty and convicted mourning (that we have considered the last two days) ushers in faith submission to God and childlike obedience to His will. You have become a “redirected you”.
You are now ready to receive all of God’s best for you. Some assert their pride of race, some their pride of power, some their pride of knowledge but these “meek” assert their total need of and dependence on Jesus Christ.
When your power or strength is given over to be handled by the Son of God you are a refined instrument that He can use to better the world.
“Help us not to be afraid of this new lifestyle, Mighty God, that we might
experience the power of Your Holy Spirit and be controlled by You. Amen”
Let’s get this clear right away: meekness does not mean soft, weak, spineless, or ineffective. Some of the most recognizable names in the Bible were described as being meek in nature. For instance, Abraham, Moses, Joseph, and David.
“To be congratulated are the meek”! What does the word mean? Obviously not what people think now. Literally it means a wild animal that has been brought under control. It has not lost its strength, it is now controlled power. Or, better said, under God’s control, because self-control is impossible. There is a true humility here that banishes the need for ego and pride. This quality can make you a world-changer. Those who are out-of-control or self-controlled often hurt people; not so those who have surrendered control to Christ.
Those who are in this state of meekness or God-controlled are those who stand when others around them are falling. Spiritual poverty and convicted mourning (that we have considered the last two days) ushers in faith submission to God and childlike obedience to His will. You have become a “redirected you”.
You are now ready to receive all of God’s best for you. Some assert their pride of race, some their pride of power, some their pride of knowledge but these “meek” assert their total need of and dependence on Jesus Christ.
When your power or strength is given over to be handled by the Son of God you are a refined instrument that He can use to better the world.
“Help us not to be afraid of this new lifestyle, Mighty God, that we might
experience the power of Your Holy Spirit and be controlled by You. Amen”
Saturday, November 10, 2007
November 11: THE RADICAL KINGDOM #2
The second Radical Kingdom marker is Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”. Is there blessing in sorrow? That is what Jesus is saying here. The world wants to always “enjoy” everything while the Kingdom citizen finds reason to grieve. Here is insight into what it means to serve a god of Holy Love. You want to see people respond to the love? Anyone can mourn over sin when he is caught but few mourn over being a sinner in the presence of God.
This is what it means to be broken hearted and contrite because of one’s spiritual poverty. Physical grief cannot be hidden nor can one hide it if grieving because of one’s spiritual condition. But God can see that grief and promises relief. God looks at the heart. God sees a person desperately sorry for their sins and the resulting feelings of unworthiness and God promises relief.
Make no mistake about it: Christianity begins with a sense of sin, that it is not a mistake or a shortcoming but it is intentional rejecting of perfect love. Knowing what my sin has done to God and the Son of God results in a broken heart; God will respond to that when the world will ignore you in your grief. “They will be comforted” is the promise. God will come alongside and God will give strength to live in the strength of the Kingdom. Psalm 51:7 has David saying about God from his own personal experience, “a broken and contrite heart he will not despise.”
What is the way to the joy of forgiveness? Through the desperate sorrow of a broken heart! The cross of Jesus is a wake-up call. We need an experience that will wake us up to spiritual reality. Coming into the Kingdom will give us that gift. When a human sees what his sin is and what his sin does he needs to admit it, mourn it, and turn it over to the Lord. Paul discovered this and said in 2 Corinthians 7:10 “godly sorrow brings repentance”. Repentance brings forgiveness. The logical next step after verse 3 is verse 4. Jesus will transform your sorrow.
“Thank You God for the offer of strength and forgiveness when we are so
weakened by grieving our sin. We need Your strength daily. Amen”
This is what it means to be broken hearted and contrite because of one’s spiritual poverty. Physical grief cannot be hidden nor can one hide it if grieving because of one’s spiritual condition. But God can see that grief and promises relief. God looks at the heart. God sees a person desperately sorry for their sins and the resulting feelings of unworthiness and God promises relief.
Make no mistake about it: Christianity begins with a sense of sin, that it is not a mistake or a shortcoming but it is intentional rejecting of perfect love. Knowing what my sin has done to God and the Son of God results in a broken heart; God will respond to that when the world will ignore you in your grief. “They will be comforted” is the promise. God will come alongside and God will give strength to live in the strength of the Kingdom. Psalm 51:7 has David saying about God from his own personal experience, “a broken and contrite heart he will not despise.”
What is the way to the joy of forgiveness? Through the desperate sorrow of a broken heart! The cross of Jesus is a wake-up call. We need an experience that will wake us up to spiritual reality. Coming into the Kingdom will give us that gift. When a human sees what his sin is and what his sin does he needs to admit it, mourn it, and turn it over to the Lord. Paul discovered this and said in 2 Corinthians 7:10 “godly sorrow brings repentance”. Repentance brings forgiveness. The logical next step after verse 3 is verse 4. Jesus will transform your sorrow.
“Thank You God for the offer of strength and forgiveness when we are so
weakened by grieving our sin. We need Your strength daily. Amen”
Friday, November 9, 2007
November 10: THE RADICAL KINGDOM
For the next ten days I want us to be challenged by the radical ideas of Jesus in the “Kingdom of God”. This was the passion of Jesus; it was the place where the radical lifestyle of the Kingdom citizen would be exhibited. It was Revolutionary! It was a New Decalogue! It was the first salvo fired against the self-righteousness of the world and established religion. Jesus said in effect in one message what He would say explicitly by his living. He cut across all ethical systems. He reveals the secret of true happiness. His family and everyone else thought He was crazy. These teachings are commonly called “The Beatitudes”. I like to call them the “be-attitudes” because these words describe a state of being.
The first one is Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.” “To be congratulated” are those who recognize their spiritual poverty. This is the root of all that follows. Pride is the root of all sin; poverty of spirit is the root of all virtue. We must be aware of our own spiritual poverty and trust entirely in God’s mercy and help. Congratulations to those who wake up to their sin and then, in looking to Jesus, wake up to righteousness. When we realize that the riches of Heaven are inexhaustible through Jesus, we rely entirely on him to deliver us. It is so hard to detach ourselves from the things of the world and attach ourselves wholly to Jesus.
Notice that “Kingdom citizenship” becomes a present possession and not just “pie in the sky”. Not a pious hope of what shall be but congratulations on what is being experienced now. It is a radical experience to be released from depending on the material and to find one’s first joy in the things of the spirit. This is a life of real joy, joy that is independent of chance or condition.
When you experience and receive he gift of new life as a Kingdom citizen, the world can never take it away from you.
“O God, you have thrown down the gauntlet again today and dared us to
become citizens of Your Kingdom. By Your grace, we will join You. Amen”
The first one is Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.” “To be congratulated” are those who recognize their spiritual poverty. This is the root of all that follows. Pride is the root of all sin; poverty of spirit is the root of all virtue. We must be aware of our own spiritual poverty and trust entirely in God’s mercy and help. Congratulations to those who wake up to their sin and then, in looking to Jesus, wake up to righteousness. When we realize that the riches of Heaven are inexhaustible through Jesus, we rely entirely on him to deliver us. It is so hard to detach ourselves from the things of the world and attach ourselves wholly to Jesus.
Notice that “Kingdom citizenship” becomes a present possession and not just “pie in the sky”. Not a pious hope of what shall be but congratulations on what is being experienced now. It is a radical experience to be released from depending on the material and to find one’s first joy in the things of the spirit. This is a life of real joy, joy that is independent of chance or condition.
When you experience and receive he gift of new life as a Kingdom citizen, the world can never take it away from you.
“O God, you have thrown down the gauntlet again today and dared us to
become citizens of Your Kingdom. By Your grace, we will join You. Amen”
Thursday, November 8, 2007
November 9: HOW DO YOU FIGURE?
It’s that time of year when many churches begin to plan their budget for the coming year. My own church will vote on the annual budget next week. To do things in an orderly fashion is becoming for the church as a public organization, it operates on the voluntary contributions of its members. The books are always open for public scrutiny, unlike the six televangelists who were subpoenaed by Congress this week.
Is there a biblical guide that the church uses for its members in supporting herself? Yes, several.
One in particular is Malachi 3:10 (NIV), “Bring the whole tithe (one-tenth) into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”
This simple guide will keep the church from being a burden on the community, never needing any kind of government funding or getting involved in ridiculous money-making adventures. Since giving is a wholly voluntary act, the element of worship through giving is always possible, if the giver’s heart is attuned to God.
Another good guide is 1 Corinthians 16:2 (NIV) “On the first day of every week (Sunday), each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” The importance of this passage is the reminder that God provides material blessing weekly for us to cover the expenses of our household and we should likewise carefully provide for the expenses of the church performing her deeds of service to the community.
Churches that take these and other Scriptural guidelines seriously have no problem in supporting the annual budgets of their church.
How do you measure up to the guide? If you would reverse the words of Malachi 3:10 you would soon discover that you cannot live without the blessings of the Lord.
“Teach us to love our church and all she does to help our community rise
to a higher level of love and concern for one another, especially the needy.
Amen”
Is there a biblical guide that the church uses for its members in supporting herself? Yes, several.
One in particular is Malachi 3:10 (NIV), “Bring the whole tithe (one-tenth) into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”
This simple guide will keep the church from being a burden on the community, never needing any kind of government funding or getting involved in ridiculous money-making adventures. Since giving is a wholly voluntary act, the element of worship through giving is always possible, if the giver’s heart is attuned to God.
Another good guide is 1 Corinthians 16:2 (NIV) “On the first day of every week (Sunday), each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” The importance of this passage is the reminder that God provides material blessing weekly for us to cover the expenses of our household and we should likewise carefully provide for the expenses of the church performing her deeds of service to the community.
Churches that take these and other Scriptural guidelines seriously have no problem in supporting the annual budgets of their church.
How do you measure up to the guide? If you would reverse the words of Malachi 3:10 you would soon discover that you cannot live without the blessings of the Lord.
“Teach us to love our church and all she does to help our community rise
to a higher level of love and concern for one another, especially the needy.
Amen”
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
November 8: YOU AND THE HUNGRY
How do you react to those people at the intersection in front of the Shopping Center with the sign “Will Work For Food”? Do you look the other way and avoid eye contact? Or do you yell “faker” at them because you heard that people had offered them a job and they refused? Do you give them $1 and say, “God bless you”?
People react differently. One of the worst things that can happen is to feel the sudden pangs of a guilty conscience and when that is over, just forget it. Remember that you don’t have to feel guilty because you have been blessed by God and live in a land of plenty. If you misuse your “plenty”, then you have good reason to feel guilty.
One truth the materialistic world seems to have forgotten is that God is the champion of the cause of the hungry. “Give generously” to the poor and needy is the instruction in Deuteronomy 15:7-11. “God loves the needy and gives him food”, says Deuteronomy 10:15.
If you are going to be a godly person, you must do something concrete about feeding the hungry. When Job had his problems and lost his wealth, his friends suggested that Job was being punished for not caring for the poor and hungry. Job’s prayer in chapter 31:16-17 acknowledges the expectations that a “man of God” should be doing something for the hungry.
God is so radical about this he even says, “If your enemy is hungry, give him something to eat.” (Proverbs 25:21)
When you look at the church in the New Testament, it’s easy to conclude that the most frequently taken offering was to benefit the poor and hungry. Acts 11:29 said the church “decided to provide help” when they heard about the famine.
How often does your church receive an offering for the hungry? Does your church have a “Hunger Committee”? Are the children being taught to be caring for the hungry?
“Most of us in America are continuously filled, O God, even being stuffed.
Grant us the grace to share our bounty with the needy and hungry. Amen”
People react differently. One of the worst things that can happen is to feel the sudden pangs of a guilty conscience and when that is over, just forget it. Remember that you don’t have to feel guilty because you have been blessed by God and live in a land of plenty. If you misuse your “plenty”, then you have good reason to feel guilty.
One truth the materialistic world seems to have forgotten is that God is the champion of the cause of the hungry. “Give generously” to the poor and needy is the instruction in Deuteronomy 15:7-11. “God loves the needy and gives him food”, says Deuteronomy 10:15.
If you are going to be a godly person, you must do something concrete about feeding the hungry. When Job had his problems and lost his wealth, his friends suggested that Job was being punished for not caring for the poor and hungry. Job’s prayer in chapter 31:16-17 acknowledges the expectations that a “man of God” should be doing something for the hungry.
God is so radical about this he even says, “If your enemy is hungry, give him something to eat.” (Proverbs 25:21)
When you look at the church in the New Testament, it’s easy to conclude that the most frequently taken offering was to benefit the poor and hungry. Acts 11:29 said the church “decided to provide help” when they heard about the famine.
How often does your church receive an offering for the hungry? Does your church have a “Hunger Committee”? Are the children being taught to be caring for the hungry?
“Most of us in America are continuously filled, O God, even being stuffed.
Grant us the grace to share our bounty with the needy and hungry. Amen”
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
November 7: THE POWER TO PERSUADE
More and more churches seem to want to copy the world’s way of doing things. Does the church fear getting weaker and being ignored? Has the church failed to do its job in Jesus’ way and now must resort to doing things the world’s way? Is the church going to make a bigger impact on the world by imitating the world?
Only time will tell. But I am having a hard time finding a Biblical basis for boycotts, demonstrations, coalitions and strikes. Jesus never lead by intimidation or threat. He was always appealing to right and reason. He acted totally independent the day he turned over the tables of the money changers in the Temple. (Mark 11:15-17) It would have been a good day for a demonstration, if he had wanted to lead one.
We need to reconcile the Bible with real life as Christians. Jesus said, “the gates of Hades will not overcome” the work of his church, it would be unstoppable. (Matthew 16:18 NIV) In Zechariah 4:6 (NIV), “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord Almighty.” Neither Jesus nor Paul ever led a boycott.
In Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus talked about his followers as “salt and light”. With these elements, we are talking about something that can accomplish a great deal without drawing attention to itself. Even a small amount of salt or light can accomplish a lot and no one will be signaled out as the enemy.
The power of persuasion Jesus used was in his love for his church. We must have convictions. We must stand up for them, even be willing to die for them. But we must not, by threat, try to convince others that they must join us. You might get the presence of a body but you will not get the conviction of the soul.
I think we need to show a kind of “quiet fanaticism” in our faithful living the Christian life daily. Someone said, “if there is a man on fire, people will come to watch him burn.” Personal passion has a powerful effect.
“We are often ignored in our daily living, Dear Lord, and we want to
be beacons that constantly burn and show the way to your salvation. Amen”
Only time will tell. But I am having a hard time finding a Biblical basis for boycotts, demonstrations, coalitions and strikes. Jesus never lead by intimidation or threat. He was always appealing to right and reason. He acted totally independent the day he turned over the tables of the money changers in the Temple. (Mark 11:15-17) It would have been a good day for a demonstration, if he had wanted to lead one.
We need to reconcile the Bible with real life as Christians. Jesus said, “the gates of Hades will not overcome” the work of his church, it would be unstoppable. (Matthew 16:18 NIV) In Zechariah 4:6 (NIV), “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord Almighty.” Neither Jesus nor Paul ever led a boycott.
In Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus talked about his followers as “salt and light”. With these elements, we are talking about something that can accomplish a great deal without drawing attention to itself. Even a small amount of salt or light can accomplish a lot and no one will be signaled out as the enemy.
The power of persuasion Jesus used was in his love for his church. We must have convictions. We must stand up for them, even be willing to die for them. But we must not, by threat, try to convince others that they must join us. You might get the presence of a body but you will not get the conviction of the soul.
I think we need to show a kind of “quiet fanaticism” in our faithful living the Christian life daily. Someone said, “if there is a man on fire, people will come to watch him burn.” Personal passion has a powerful effect.
“We are often ignored in our daily living, Dear Lord, and we want to
be beacons that constantly burn and show the way to your salvation. Amen”
Monday, November 5, 2007
November 6: THE CHURCH
“The body is a unit, though it is made of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ! For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” (1 Corinthians 12:12-13 NIV)
“So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:5)
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all who is over all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6 NIV)
The message is clear in the New Testament: There is only one Church in whatever city or town you live. It may meet in many different places. It may have many different ways of worship. It may have several different organizational styles. But each is an expression of The Church.
Don’t put your adjective before the word Church. Just let The Church be The Church. A lot of money that is used for competitive advertising could be saved. A lot of energy that is wasted in defending a particular style or doctrine could be saved by simply allowing the Church to be the Church according to simple New Testament descriptive terms from the Book of Acts.
When Ephesians 5:25 (NIV) says, “Christ loved the church and gave himself for her”, was the Bible meaning to say just your denomination or your local congregation? The answer is obvious. It is time for us to overcome our pride, cliquishness, traditions, and whatever else separates us from being the Church.
When the people of God act like the unified family of God, many more people will believe.
“Help your children, God, to know that they are all beloved children
and that they are all loved equally and should act like it. Amen”
“So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:5)
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all who is over all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6 NIV)
The message is clear in the New Testament: There is only one Church in whatever city or town you live. It may meet in many different places. It may have many different ways of worship. It may have several different organizational styles. But each is an expression of The Church.
Don’t put your adjective before the word Church. Just let The Church be The Church. A lot of money that is used for competitive advertising could be saved. A lot of energy that is wasted in defending a particular style or doctrine could be saved by simply allowing the Church to be the Church according to simple New Testament descriptive terms from the Book of Acts.
When Ephesians 5:25 (NIV) says, “Christ loved the church and gave himself for her”, was the Bible meaning to say just your denomination or your local congregation? The answer is obvious. It is time for us to overcome our pride, cliquishness, traditions, and whatever else separates us from being the Church.
When the people of God act like the unified family of God, many more people will believe.
“Help your children, God, to know that they are all beloved children
and that they are all loved equally and should act like it. Amen”
Sunday, November 4, 2007
November 5: BEFORE YOU GO TOO FAR, THINK!
I feel the need to step out on the freeway and raise a caution flag as the traffic speeds up on the way to December 25. Since the biggest money-maker at the mall jumped out on the first of October and began to slash prices and offer great bargains before any of her competitors was ready, the consumer world has been rocking.
The famous “day-after-Thanksgiving” sales, aka “Black Friday”, will be hard-pressed to make an impact. But that won’t stop them from trying: I visited one mall that had ads out that it would open the day after Thanksgiving at 12:01 a.m.
My request to you for the next seven weeks: Don’t forget the hungry, the homeless, the hopeless, and the spiritually impoverished who have not experienced the Gospel.
The Bibles asks: “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?” (James 2:15-16)
For the lonely, God has made this provision: Praise be to the God of all Comfort “who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort that we ourselves have received from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4) Jesus described his own life work as coming to the world to save those who are lost. (Matthew 18:11)
I feel the heartbeat of Paul when he says, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:16) Because of the serious physical, emotional, and spiritual need around us there must come a new “intense intentionality” into our lifestyle. We can be actively doing “random deeds of kindness” wherever we go, intentionally. We can let our “hearts be broken by the things that break the heart of God” as Bob Pierce purposed.
Let us distance ourselves from the “cult of callousness”. Every day that we begin to think about preparing for Christmas, let us ask ourselves “whose birthday are we celebrating?”
We can make a difference for ourselves and others, if we start now!
“God of all Mercy, we get so wrapped up and preoccupied in the holiday
seasons, that we forget to keep the main thing before our eyes. Help! Amen”
The famous “day-after-Thanksgiving” sales, aka “Black Friday”, will be hard-pressed to make an impact. But that won’t stop them from trying: I visited one mall that had ads out that it would open the day after Thanksgiving at 12:01 a.m.
My request to you for the next seven weeks: Don’t forget the hungry, the homeless, the hopeless, and the spiritually impoverished who have not experienced the Gospel.
The Bibles asks: “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?” (James 2:15-16)
For the lonely, God has made this provision: Praise be to the God of all Comfort “who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort that we ourselves have received from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4) Jesus described his own life work as coming to the world to save those who are lost. (Matthew 18:11)
I feel the heartbeat of Paul when he says, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:16) Because of the serious physical, emotional, and spiritual need around us there must come a new “intense intentionality” into our lifestyle. We can be actively doing “random deeds of kindness” wherever we go, intentionally. We can let our “hearts be broken by the things that break the heart of God” as Bob Pierce purposed.
Let us distance ourselves from the “cult of callousness”. Every day that we begin to think about preparing for Christmas, let us ask ourselves “whose birthday are we celebrating?”
We can make a difference for ourselves and others, if we start now!
“God of all Mercy, we get so wrapped up and preoccupied in the holiday
seasons, that we forget to keep the main thing before our eyes. Help! Amen”
Saturday, November 3, 2007
November 4: THE HEART OF A RELATIONSHIP
I am feeling grateful again today for the liberty that is mine (and yours) to choose an experiential faith as my life guide and not an established religion that is required by the government and strictly enforced. It is sad when people are enslaved to a religious system.
Religion can give you a name or title but it can never offer the dynamic personal testimony of a changed and changing life. It is not a question of where and what you were born but how you were “born again”. (John 3:1-7)
Here is a scenario: A person discovers the Bible and begins to read. There is a cumulative effect of the teachings stored in the mind on how special you are in God’s eyes. Almost daily there is a personal invitation from God to join him in a “from here to eternity” journey. A personal promise like “I am with you always to the end of time” (Matthew 28:20) offers too much assurance to turn down.
I believe in the Biblical doctrine of “Individual Soul Competency” and so I know that I am responsible for my answer to God’s free offer.
Some folks count the Commandments the way weight-watchers count calories; seeing how close they can walk to the edge without getting caught or how many chocolates they can eat before it is too many. This kind of motivation negates the effect of the religion!
A faith-based relationship is like a magnet drawing me to do as much “good” as I can rather than seeing how much “evil” I can do and not get caught. Religion promotes fear! A relationship promotes peace and assurance because “no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand”, said Jesus in John 10:29.
Becoming a child of God means just that, experiencing a spiritual birth that keeps on changing your life while deepening the assurance.
“How sweet it is to say ‘Our Father’ since Jesus came to live in my
heart and is constantly reaffirming our relationship. Amen”
Religion can give you a name or title but it can never offer the dynamic personal testimony of a changed and changing life. It is not a question of where and what you were born but how you were “born again”. (John 3:1-7)
Here is a scenario: A person discovers the Bible and begins to read. There is a cumulative effect of the teachings stored in the mind on how special you are in God’s eyes. Almost daily there is a personal invitation from God to join him in a “from here to eternity” journey. A personal promise like “I am with you always to the end of time” (Matthew 28:20) offers too much assurance to turn down.
I believe in the Biblical doctrine of “Individual Soul Competency” and so I know that I am responsible for my answer to God’s free offer.
Some folks count the Commandments the way weight-watchers count calories; seeing how close they can walk to the edge without getting caught or how many chocolates they can eat before it is too many. This kind of motivation negates the effect of the religion!
A faith-based relationship is like a magnet drawing me to do as much “good” as I can rather than seeing how much “evil” I can do and not get caught. Religion promotes fear! A relationship promotes peace and assurance because “no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand”, said Jesus in John 10:29.
Becoming a child of God means just that, experiencing a spiritual birth that keeps on changing your life while deepening the assurance.
“How sweet it is to say ‘Our Father’ since Jesus came to live in my
heart and is constantly reaffirming our relationship. Amen”
Friday, November 2, 2007
November 3: PRAYER CONNECTS YOU WITH GOD
What’s this thing about praying? A friend asked me recently, “Doesn’t God know everything? Doesn’t God know what we need before we ask him? So, prayer is a waste of time, it’s unnecessary.”
My answers to the questions are “yes” and “yes”, but my conclusions are different.
Prayer is absolutely necessary in the life of the believer. It is part of the faith-trust relationship. It is an expression of the ongoing dialogue with God. Prayer is discovering God’s will for my life and lining up my life accordingly, following his instructions.
Can you imagine a father and his child living together in harmony not spending as much time as possible conversing? Of course not, because they never run out of something to say.
Prayer does not stop and start, waiting only for certain places and feelings; rather it is a continuous sharing about everything. For instance, Fay and I have been married for over 50 years. Conversation never ends. Some issues are discussed only once, some come up daily for weeks, some are mentioned from time to time. The satisfaction is in the continuing dialogue and clarification that is on-going. “Having your way” or “demanding what you want” is not a suitable attitude. Or assuming a threatening stance, “I want an answer now” is not an option.
The Bible teaches, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). That is not about “bargaining with God” or feeling “God owes me”. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 6:11 about “daily bread” being daily requested? Prayer is a constant dialogue not a drop-in at a 24-hour market to ask a favor.
You can learn to pray in Jesus’ name (John 14:13) and be confident in the answer as you grow closer to him. Prayer is not like a heavenly slot machine with meaningless payoffs, God’s answers are rooted in love!
“What a wonderful assurance, Loving Father, knowing that Jesus lives
in us through the Holy Spirit and is always available to talk. Amen”
My answers to the questions are “yes” and “yes”, but my conclusions are different.
Prayer is absolutely necessary in the life of the believer. It is part of the faith-trust relationship. It is an expression of the ongoing dialogue with God. Prayer is discovering God’s will for my life and lining up my life accordingly, following his instructions.
Can you imagine a father and his child living together in harmony not spending as much time as possible conversing? Of course not, because they never run out of something to say.
Prayer does not stop and start, waiting only for certain places and feelings; rather it is a continuous sharing about everything. For instance, Fay and I have been married for over 50 years. Conversation never ends. Some issues are discussed only once, some come up daily for weeks, some are mentioned from time to time. The satisfaction is in the continuing dialogue and clarification that is on-going. “Having your way” or “demanding what you want” is not a suitable attitude. Or assuming a threatening stance, “I want an answer now” is not an option.
The Bible teaches, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). That is not about “bargaining with God” or feeling “God owes me”. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 6:11 about “daily bread” being daily requested? Prayer is a constant dialogue not a drop-in at a 24-hour market to ask a favor.
You can learn to pray in Jesus’ name (John 14:13) and be confident in the answer as you grow closer to him. Prayer is not like a heavenly slot machine with meaningless payoffs, God’s answers are rooted in love!
“What a wonderful assurance, Loving Father, knowing that Jesus lives
in us through the Holy Spirit and is always available to talk. Amen”
Thursday, November 1, 2007
November 2: REMEMBER THE HUNGRY
It is a beautiful time of the year to live in a rural area. It is the climax of the harvest season. The roadside farmers market and the giant harvesters in the fields give evidence of a good harvest. Now, who will get to enjoy all of the harvest becomes the big question. If history is any reflection of fact, most of the harvested food will go to homes that already have filled pantries and filled freezers. Sad!
Those living below the poverty line will still have to worry about their next meals.
Ample food is being produced in the world to feed every person, but we are woefully weak in its distribution. We don’t demand of our politicians that they pass laws that will facilitate food distribution to the hungry of the world, so they focus attention on the distribution of weapons of destruction and ammunition. Shame on us!
We want the world to look up to us so we try to achieve it by force. God’s Word says, “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” (Isaiah 58: 9a-10)
We look for world domination through power, but it can only come through serving the needy and working for justice.
Regardless of the religion we profess by mouth, the Judgement Day that Jesus described in Matthew 25:31-46 hinges on the hard, cold reality of, “For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink”. (verse 42)
Does your church have an ongoing focus on relieving world hunger? Are you teaching the children how to practically share with the hungry?
Feeding the hungry aligns you with Jesus.
“Dear Lord, please sensitize us to the needs of the hungry people of our
world and challenge us to be more liberal in helping them. Amen”
Those living below the poverty line will still have to worry about their next meals.
Ample food is being produced in the world to feed every person, but we are woefully weak in its distribution. We don’t demand of our politicians that they pass laws that will facilitate food distribution to the hungry of the world, so they focus attention on the distribution of weapons of destruction and ammunition. Shame on us!
We want the world to look up to us so we try to achieve it by force. God’s Word says, “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” (Isaiah 58: 9a-10)
We look for world domination through power, but it can only come through serving the needy and working for justice.
Regardless of the religion we profess by mouth, the Judgement Day that Jesus described in Matthew 25:31-46 hinges on the hard, cold reality of, “For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink”. (verse 42)
Does your church have an ongoing focus on relieving world hunger? Are you teaching the children how to practically share with the hungry?
Feeding the hungry aligns you with Jesus.
“Dear Lord, please sensitize us to the needs of the hungry people of our
world and challenge us to be more liberal in helping them. Amen”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
