Have you ever heard someone described as “so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good”? It’s not very complimentary for religious folks. It was said of the Pharisees during the time of Jesus that they gave being good a bad name.
They were good people. They did good things. But they were so obnoxious about their goodness. Bragging about their goodness, they made other people miserable. The holier they became, instead of becoming humble (as true religion should do), they became self-righteous. Then they became the self-appointed watchdogs of everyone else’s actions.
Little by little their righteousness began to be very surface, far removed from the heart. The Law of God began to be divided and sub-divided into unreal demands that drove people away from God. This superficial religion could defend the Ten Commandments while plotting the death of Jesus.
When religion is divorced from the spirit of God, it is open to extremism. Religion becomes religiosity. Piousness becomes piosity.
Jesus made religious experts mad in the first century and still does. Jesus shows us how to have a heart relationship with God. That relationship bears fruit in many wonderful ways. For instance, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
True spirituality produces a personality that is winsome and magnetic, drawing people into community. Jesus taught us that you know people by their fruit. (Matthew 7:16) The heart condition will come out.
The old saying about not “drawing flies with vinegar” applies here. Boastful, self-righteousness drives people away from religion. “Make a tree good and its fruit good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:33-34) Let us strive to be consistent from the heart outward.
“Save us, O God, from trying to impress people with our own personal
holiness and make us diligent to expose your holiness. Amen”
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
September 30: GOD IS WATCHING YOU
Sarai wanted a baby! So did her husband, Abram. When she did not conceive, she gave her maid Hagar to Abram to have a surrogate baby. As soon as the pregnancy was evident, a great wall of envy, jealousy and hatred sprang up between the two women. Sarai drove Hagar from the house.
Genesis 16 describes the scene in the wilderness when a desperate Hagar is discovered by a loving God who comforts her. Hagar is amazed that God has found her! “You are the God who sees me”, she says in Genesis 16:13. It is an early example in the Bible of a person being “surprised by grace.” God cares for us, and He seeks us out. We can’t go far enough in our chosen wilderness to evade His love.
The fact that God sees us individually is not a threatening idea of God as a “super cop” but of the God who lovingly seeks us. Remember the time in Luke 21:2 when Jesus is near the Temple treasury? The Bible relates, “He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.” No one else noticed her because she was poor and her gift was small, but Jesus saw her and pronounced her gift the most worshipful. Great! God sees us, and that makes all the difference.
One hymn writer tried to capture this truth by writing, “His eye is on the sparrow, so I know He watches me.” Whether we are in a time of testing and trial, or victory or success, it is all the same; we serve the God who sees us.
David is amazed that the people of God do not apply their “God knowledge” in a practical way: “If God created the eye, isn’t it logical to believe that God can see?” (Psalm 94:9) God knows your circumstance and situation. Trust Him to deliver! He sees you!
“What a wonderful truth to discover, God, that you see us and come close
to be our helper. I really needed to hear that today! Amen”
Genesis 16 describes the scene in the wilderness when a desperate Hagar is discovered by a loving God who comforts her. Hagar is amazed that God has found her! “You are the God who sees me”, she says in Genesis 16:13. It is an early example in the Bible of a person being “surprised by grace.” God cares for us, and He seeks us out. We can’t go far enough in our chosen wilderness to evade His love.
The fact that God sees us individually is not a threatening idea of God as a “super cop” but of the God who lovingly seeks us. Remember the time in Luke 21:2 when Jesus is near the Temple treasury? The Bible relates, “He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.” No one else noticed her because she was poor and her gift was small, but Jesus saw her and pronounced her gift the most worshipful. Great! God sees us, and that makes all the difference.
One hymn writer tried to capture this truth by writing, “His eye is on the sparrow, so I know He watches me.” Whether we are in a time of testing and trial, or victory or success, it is all the same; we serve the God who sees us.
David is amazed that the people of God do not apply their “God knowledge” in a practical way: “If God created the eye, isn’t it logical to believe that God can see?” (Psalm 94:9) God knows your circumstance and situation. Trust Him to deliver! He sees you!
“What a wonderful truth to discover, God, that you see us and come close
to be our helper. I really needed to hear that today! Amen”
Friday, September 28, 2007
September 29: GETTING WHAT WE DESERVE
Someone jokingly said, “Many people stay up late on Saturday night to sow wild oats and then go to church on Sunday to pray for a ‘crop failure’.” But it’s useless, we will reap what we sow, we will get what we deserve, unless there is Divine Intervention.
The Prophet Zechariah tried to get the people of Israel to return to God. Some on them did; “then they repented and said, ‘The Lord Almighty has done to us what our ways and practices deserve, just as he determined to do.’ “(Zechariah 1:16)
How many times have you heard someone complain that their punishment was more than they deserved? A part of human reasoning says that I should be able to do anything that I want at any time and never have to face the consequences.
God says, “Sow a wind, reap a whirlwind.” (Hosea 8:7) You may be able to protect yourself if it is only wind coming back to you but the great velocity of the whirlwind will be more than you can handle. We do often set forces in motion that eventually crush us under the weight of consequences. People seem to act with only “the now” in mind, forgetting that someday they will get what they deserve.
David said in Psalm 103: 10 that God “does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” However, “the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life.” (Romans 6:23)
I guess that’s one of those places where Divine Intervention overwhelms “just desserts”. Or consider Psalm 130:3-4, “If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, therefore, you are feared.” Learned truth: With the world you will get what you deserve. With God, there is mercy and forgiveness.
Thank You, God, for being merciful to us when we come in sorrow and
forgiveness, recognizing our foolishness and thoughtlessness. Amen”
The Prophet Zechariah tried to get the people of Israel to return to God. Some on them did; “then they repented and said, ‘The Lord Almighty has done to us what our ways and practices deserve, just as he determined to do.’ “(Zechariah 1:16)
How many times have you heard someone complain that their punishment was more than they deserved? A part of human reasoning says that I should be able to do anything that I want at any time and never have to face the consequences.
God says, “Sow a wind, reap a whirlwind.” (Hosea 8:7) You may be able to protect yourself if it is only wind coming back to you but the great velocity of the whirlwind will be more than you can handle. We do often set forces in motion that eventually crush us under the weight of consequences. People seem to act with only “the now” in mind, forgetting that someday they will get what they deserve.
David said in Psalm 103: 10 that God “does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” However, “the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life.” (Romans 6:23)
I guess that’s one of those places where Divine Intervention overwhelms “just desserts”. Or consider Psalm 130:3-4, “If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, therefore, you are feared.” Learned truth: With the world you will get what you deserve. With God, there is mercy and forgiveness.
Thank You, God, for being merciful to us when we come in sorrow and
forgiveness, recognizing our foolishness and thoughtlessness. Amen”
Thursday, September 27, 2007
September 28: MAKING A DIFFERENCE DAILY
Every sincere Christian wants to make an impact, make a real difference in the world. The question you often hear is “how?”. Some Christians are so busy maintaining friendships with their old worldly friends that they have compromised their faith. Not wanting to appear “holier than thou” they continue to participate in pre-Christian activities. No impact can be made because the new faith has made no difference in lifestyle.
Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has become tasteless, it has become good for nothing anymore.” (Matthew 5:13) If your friend cannot see evidence of what Christianity has done in changing you for the better, they don’t think they need it.
It is the opposite mistake of those who become Christians and have nothing to do with their old friends. Christians who spend all their time with other Christians will have no opportunity to advertise effectively their changed lives.
Impact comes through contact. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:15) Your old friends who don’t know the truth need you and the new people you meet should soon see and hear your reason for living.
Impact people sometimes feel like some kind of circus balancing act. Needing to grow in faith by fellowshipping with other Christians must be maintained through public worship and Bible study. Loving old friends and remembering their doubts and fears demand that they not be forgotten. You make a difference by being lovingly different. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good work and glorify your father who is in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Your old friends may not understand your new lifestyle but you should do your best to explain it. Don’t waste time condemning them. Use the time to explain the “new” you.
“Lord, we really want to share our new life with our old friends but
we often stumble in doing it. Help us to be lovingly brave! Amen”
Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has become tasteless, it has become good for nothing anymore.” (Matthew 5:13) If your friend cannot see evidence of what Christianity has done in changing you for the better, they don’t think they need it.
It is the opposite mistake of those who become Christians and have nothing to do with their old friends. Christians who spend all their time with other Christians will have no opportunity to advertise effectively their changed lives.
Impact comes through contact. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:15) Your old friends who don’t know the truth need you and the new people you meet should soon see and hear your reason for living.
Impact people sometimes feel like some kind of circus balancing act. Needing to grow in faith by fellowshipping with other Christians must be maintained through public worship and Bible study. Loving old friends and remembering their doubts and fears demand that they not be forgotten. You make a difference by being lovingly different. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good work and glorify your father who is in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Your old friends may not understand your new lifestyle but you should do your best to explain it. Don’t waste time condemning them. Use the time to explain the “new” you.
“Lord, we really want to share our new life with our old friends but
we often stumble in doing it. Help us to be lovingly brave! Amen”
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
September 27: HIDING FROM RESPONSIBILITY
Annually, the fall is an important time in the life of the churches. New programs and ministries begin, new challenges are given to the church and the call goes out for volunteers to respond to the challenges. Church life in many places becomes embarrassing as professing Christians evade the responsibility that goes with their profession of faith.
It reminds me of what happened when God chose Saul to be king. (1 Samuel 10) Saul was a very gifted and charming young man. Not only that, he was unusually tall, a head taller than anyone else. He would be a very imposing figure while doing God’s work, from every angle. On the appointed day for Saul to accept his responsibility, he didn’t come. When they looked for him, they found him in a very embarrassing situation; he was hiding.
This unusually tall man was trying to hide in a pile of baggage. How shameful! Chosen and asked to do something for God, he chooses to hide from responsibility.
Many Christians act like that. Committees have to “beg” people to be workers in the Kingdom of God. Opportunities for service turn out sounding like irritating jobs. “It is required of stewards to be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). “We are fellow workers with God” (2 Corinthians 3:9). These words somehow were skipped over in the daily Bible reading and responsibility was not taught.
Christians, we cannot hide from our task. We have a job to do. If we don’t do it, it goes undone. When someone else tries to do his work and ours also, he suffers burn-out and does neither task well.
I think some Christians need to fall in love with Jesus again, then their responsibility would not seem a burden.
Spiritual laziness is an ugly condition. The fields are ripe for the harvest, but the workers are few.
“Thank You, God, for equipping us to serve You. Forgive us for the
times we do not quickly go to work for You and your Kingdom. Amen”
It reminds me of what happened when God chose Saul to be king. (1 Samuel 10) Saul was a very gifted and charming young man. Not only that, he was unusually tall, a head taller than anyone else. He would be a very imposing figure while doing God’s work, from every angle. On the appointed day for Saul to accept his responsibility, he didn’t come. When they looked for him, they found him in a very embarrassing situation; he was hiding.
This unusually tall man was trying to hide in a pile of baggage. How shameful! Chosen and asked to do something for God, he chooses to hide from responsibility.
Many Christians act like that. Committees have to “beg” people to be workers in the Kingdom of God. Opportunities for service turn out sounding like irritating jobs. “It is required of stewards to be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). “We are fellow workers with God” (2 Corinthians 3:9). These words somehow were skipped over in the daily Bible reading and responsibility was not taught.
Christians, we cannot hide from our task. We have a job to do. If we don’t do it, it goes undone. When someone else tries to do his work and ours also, he suffers burn-out and does neither task well.
I think some Christians need to fall in love with Jesus again, then their responsibility would not seem a burden.
Spiritual laziness is an ugly condition. The fields are ripe for the harvest, but the workers are few.
“Thank You, God, for equipping us to serve You. Forgive us for the
times we do not quickly go to work for You and your Kingdom. Amen”
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
September 26: A HEART EXAM
In Psalm 139:23, David prayed, “search me, O God, and know my heart.” I have had heart problems for ten years, several heart procedures during this time. When I had my last heart catherization I thought about that verse. Under the care of my cardiologist, I had my heart searched. And I watched it on a video monitor. As those two little probes explored both sides of my heart, my doctor looked on carefully and later told me what it meant.
He showed me what was good about my heart and what part was malfunctioning. He also told me what was needed to be done to correct the problem and to strengthen my whole heart. I listened very closely.
There were many spiritual comparisons to be made. You see, my heart condition is an open book now, or, better said, an open video tape. There are no secret weaknesses that have not been exposed, just as my spiritual heart condition with God.
As David said in Psalm 44:20-21, “if we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to a foreign god, would not God have discovered it, since he knows the secrets of the heart?”
The work of the Holy Spirit of God can be so powerful that an unbeliever can come into a worship service and will be convicted that he is a sinner and “the secrets of his heart will be laid bare.” (1 Corinthians 14:25) So, it is a good thing to have your heart searched, whether physically or spiritually, so you can make the necessary adjustments.
When David realized what a mess he had made in his life, he prayed, “create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)
It is quite a dare to ask God to search your heart and examine all that is there and then expose it and explain it to you. But the spiritual blessings that can come from it are not only beautiful, but healing.
“And so we join David today, Holy God, in requesting you to examine
our hearts and show us who and what we really are before You. Amen”
He showed me what was good about my heart and what part was malfunctioning. He also told me what was needed to be done to correct the problem and to strengthen my whole heart. I listened very closely.
There were many spiritual comparisons to be made. You see, my heart condition is an open book now, or, better said, an open video tape. There are no secret weaknesses that have not been exposed, just as my spiritual heart condition with God.
As David said in Psalm 44:20-21, “if we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to a foreign god, would not God have discovered it, since he knows the secrets of the heart?”
The work of the Holy Spirit of God can be so powerful that an unbeliever can come into a worship service and will be convicted that he is a sinner and “the secrets of his heart will be laid bare.” (1 Corinthians 14:25) So, it is a good thing to have your heart searched, whether physically or spiritually, so you can make the necessary adjustments.
When David realized what a mess he had made in his life, he prayed, “create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)
It is quite a dare to ask God to search your heart and examine all that is there and then expose it and explain it to you. But the spiritual blessings that can come from it are not only beautiful, but healing.
“And so we join David today, Holy God, in requesting you to examine
our hearts and show us who and what we really are before You. Amen”
Monday, September 24, 2007
September 25: DEVOTION TO ONE ANOTHER
I just discovered it today. Romans 12:10 says, “be devoted to one another in brotherly love.” I’m sure I must have read that a thousand times in my life but today it jumped off the page at me.
It is a special characteristic of Christians in the church family. It explains the reason why there is such closeness in a New Testament based church: they are devoted to one another. They weep together. They laugh together. They struggle together. They pray together and they love it. Why? Because they are “devoted to one another.”
Perhaps it is easy to assume but difficult to actuate or incarnate. Some of you are thinking as you read this, “I would like to be a member of a church like that.”
To start with, you can’t be in a hurry and be devoted to one another. It takes time to get to know people, how they think and feel and what kind of life experiences they are having. It takes time to learn to trust another human being even if you haven’t had a lot of disappointments in your life.
Churches that empty out in 15 minutes after the service is over seldom experience devotion for one another. You see, you need time to bask in the after-glow of an hour of worship and then time to share your responses with the other people, not caring that the lines may be long at the restaurants.
But knowing that you are the object of another Christian’s devotion is a special encouragement. The world has always been a cold and lonely place and that feeling gets accentuated.
But, hey, in the new-birth experience with Jesus Christ all of that can change. You can become a part of the family of God where they are devoted to one another, including you. “Devoted to one another in love!” Wow!
“Father, we know that Satan likes to get us isolated and convince us that
nobody cares about us. Thanks for this strong barrier of family “devotion”.
Amen
It is a special characteristic of Christians in the church family. It explains the reason why there is such closeness in a New Testament based church: they are devoted to one another. They weep together. They laugh together. They struggle together. They pray together and they love it. Why? Because they are “devoted to one another.”
Perhaps it is easy to assume but difficult to actuate or incarnate. Some of you are thinking as you read this, “I would like to be a member of a church like that.”
To start with, you can’t be in a hurry and be devoted to one another. It takes time to get to know people, how they think and feel and what kind of life experiences they are having. It takes time to learn to trust another human being even if you haven’t had a lot of disappointments in your life.
Churches that empty out in 15 minutes after the service is over seldom experience devotion for one another. You see, you need time to bask in the after-glow of an hour of worship and then time to share your responses with the other people, not caring that the lines may be long at the restaurants.
But knowing that you are the object of another Christian’s devotion is a special encouragement. The world has always been a cold and lonely place and that feeling gets accentuated.
But, hey, in the new-birth experience with Jesus Christ all of that can change. You can become a part of the family of God where they are devoted to one another, including you. “Devoted to one another in love!” Wow!
“Father, we know that Satan likes to get us isolated and convince us that
nobody cares about us. Thanks for this strong barrier of family “devotion”.
Amen
Sunday, September 23, 2007
September 24: THE SEARCH FOR GODLY MEN
I read the story from Greek mythology about a man going through the streets with a lamp looking for a honest man. I don’t know if he ever found one or not. The United States Marines advertise that they are looking for “a few good men”. I don’t know if they are able to find them or not. I think the search is more serious than that. Honest men or good men no doubt exist.
I’m looking for godly men. The boys of our community need godly men to show them how to grow up, and I’m not just referring to the sons of single Moms. Godly men are more than just good role models.
God described Job as a “man blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil”. (Job 1:8) David said in Psalm 25:12 that a godly man is one instructed by God in the way that God has chosen for him. In fact, it is said of David that he had a heart like the heart of God. The world puts a premium on handsome men, rich men, athletic men; all adjectives that change with time and then the real inner man begins to emerge. The godly man is strong on the inside, where it really matters.
I wonder what would happen today if every man who reads this column should announce to his family that from now on he wants to be a godly man, or even announces it at work. What a revolution! It would test a lot of friendships, I’m sure of that. A friend of mine became a Christian and his family told me that they liked him better before he started talking about Jesus all the time.
Godly men are concerned about the spiritual nurturing of their wives and children and grandchildren. They are not ashamed to read their Bibles daily to their families and pray with their children.
May we be saved from having to repeat the prayer of David in Psalm 12:1, “help, Lord, for the godly man ceases to exist.” You can make a difference where you live.
“Remind us, O God, that we are not powerless to make a difference in
our families if we will just surrender our will to the Lordship of Jesus.
Amen”
I’m looking for godly men. The boys of our community need godly men to show them how to grow up, and I’m not just referring to the sons of single Moms. Godly men are more than just good role models.
God described Job as a “man blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil”. (Job 1:8) David said in Psalm 25:12 that a godly man is one instructed by God in the way that God has chosen for him. In fact, it is said of David that he had a heart like the heart of God. The world puts a premium on handsome men, rich men, athletic men; all adjectives that change with time and then the real inner man begins to emerge. The godly man is strong on the inside, where it really matters.
I wonder what would happen today if every man who reads this column should announce to his family that from now on he wants to be a godly man, or even announces it at work. What a revolution! It would test a lot of friendships, I’m sure of that. A friend of mine became a Christian and his family told me that they liked him better before he started talking about Jesus all the time.
Godly men are concerned about the spiritual nurturing of their wives and children and grandchildren. They are not ashamed to read their Bibles daily to their families and pray with their children.
May we be saved from having to repeat the prayer of David in Psalm 12:1, “help, Lord, for the godly man ceases to exist.” You can make a difference where you live.
“Remind us, O God, that we are not powerless to make a difference in
our families if we will just surrender our will to the Lordship of Jesus.
Amen”
Saturday, September 22, 2007
September 23: RECOVERING JOY IN WORSHIP
The Dictionary defines the word “fun” as a sense of enjoyment or pleasure. That’s why I describe weekly worship in church as fun. Joy and pleasure are usually accompanied by smiling. Worshipping the Lord should be a joyous experience that makes you want to return.
The Old Testament has scenes of the people gathering in the temple, singing and dancing joyfully as they praise the Lord. The New Testament emphasizes even more this idea of the children of God having a good time in shared praise..
Having a good time in church is missing in a lot of places. I see “praise teams” and choirs sing joyful words, but there is no smile. In many contemporary churches a few people may be happily singing, but more people are blankly staring at words on a screen with no visible emotion. What happened to “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4 NIV)
Remember: the church was born in the good news surrounding the Resurrection.
When the black-suited Puritans descended on America with their long faces of judgement and declared Christian worship should be sad and serious, it was a backward step. There still remain segments of this negativism that would make worship a chore. In a world of pressure and sadness and political clashing, the church must offer a totally different atmosphere of freedom-giving worship. That kind of worship will release back into the community people who can bring a positive face to the citizenry.
In Matthew 5:29-31, Jesus is attacked by religious folks because he and the disciples had too much fun with “bad” people.
By contrast, Jesus described life in the Kingdom of God as being like a continuous wedding reception and all are invited. (Luke 14:15-16)
It is the joy of celebrating life with Jesus that reinforces us inwardly to deal with worldly sadness.
“Loving Father, when by faith we arrive at Heaven’s Gate, we will be
welcomed with “Enter the joy of he Lord.” Help us to practice now. Amen”
The Old Testament has scenes of the people gathering in the temple, singing and dancing joyfully as they praise the Lord. The New Testament emphasizes even more this idea of the children of God having a good time in shared praise..
Having a good time in church is missing in a lot of places. I see “praise teams” and choirs sing joyful words, but there is no smile. In many contemporary churches a few people may be happily singing, but more people are blankly staring at words on a screen with no visible emotion. What happened to “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4 NIV)
Remember: the church was born in the good news surrounding the Resurrection.
When the black-suited Puritans descended on America with their long faces of judgement and declared Christian worship should be sad and serious, it was a backward step. There still remain segments of this negativism that would make worship a chore. In a world of pressure and sadness and political clashing, the church must offer a totally different atmosphere of freedom-giving worship. That kind of worship will release back into the community people who can bring a positive face to the citizenry.
In Matthew 5:29-31, Jesus is attacked by religious folks because he and the disciples had too much fun with “bad” people.
By contrast, Jesus described life in the Kingdom of God as being like a continuous wedding reception and all are invited. (Luke 14:15-16)
It is the joy of celebrating life with Jesus that reinforces us inwardly to deal with worldly sadness.
“Loving Father, when by faith we arrive at Heaven’s Gate, we will be
welcomed with “Enter the joy of he Lord.” Help us to practice now. Amen”
Friday, September 21, 2007
September 22: A WORD TO ENCOURAGE
Thank God it’s Saturday1 (T. G. I. S.) I get to write this note of encouragement to you again. Just think, in 24 hours you will be together with all your Christian friends and others seeking the Lord. You will be singing, maybe even clapping your hands. You will be smiling because you will be with a group of worshipers. T.G.I.S. ! I need to be getting ready for that great event tomorrow. King David said: “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord.’” (Psalm 22:1)
Tomorrow I won’t have to be on the Interstate because I will be in a state of real joy. Tomorrow I won’t have to stand in line at a check-out counter because I will be checking-in on a gospel that is absolutely free. I won’t have to dress to impress because “the Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV)
For Christians, today is a day of celebration, also. The celebration of preparation and anticipation and expectation. The church musicians have already prepared an offering of praise to the Lord. (All of the words will clearly be understood by all.)
The preacher has already prepared a message from the Bible focusing on God’s love and generosity. Faith is already being revived. Our sins have been paid for; we are joint-heirs with Jesus of all Heaven’s bounty.
We are living constantly in his presence, and we are allowing God to manifest his power in our midst. T.G.I.S.!
Be prayerful as you go today so you will be ready for a special meeting tomorrow. Don’t analyze, just obey. “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” (Exodus 20:8NIV) That’s today! Then you will say tomorrow: “T.G.I.S.” again or Thank God It’s Sunday.
“God of the weekend, You are God of each day but the weekend is
special in our society. We anticipate great things in worshipping You
tomorrow. Amen”
Tomorrow I won’t have to be on the Interstate because I will be in a state of real joy. Tomorrow I won’t have to stand in line at a check-out counter because I will be checking-in on a gospel that is absolutely free. I won’t have to dress to impress because “the Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV)
For Christians, today is a day of celebration, also. The celebration of preparation and anticipation and expectation. The church musicians have already prepared an offering of praise to the Lord. (All of the words will clearly be understood by all.)
The preacher has already prepared a message from the Bible focusing on God’s love and generosity. Faith is already being revived. Our sins have been paid for; we are joint-heirs with Jesus of all Heaven’s bounty.
We are living constantly in his presence, and we are allowing God to manifest his power in our midst. T.G.I.S.!
Be prayerful as you go today so you will be ready for a special meeting tomorrow. Don’t analyze, just obey. “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” (Exodus 20:8NIV) That’s today! Then you will say tomorrow: “T.G.I.S.” again or Thank God It’s Sunday.
“God of the weekend, You are God of each day but the weekend is
special in our society. We anticipate great things in worshipping You
tomorrow. Amen”
Thursday, September 20, 2007
September 21: MAN-MADE HEROES
The need for heroes seems to be important in our lives. We want to idolize someone who is bigger than we are or more glamorous or more famous. Some particular part of their lives seems totally beyond our experience and we vicariously experience our dreams through them.
We do not object to their professional treatment by the law or society because in that position, we would expect the same. Some are so blinded by their heroes that they are willing for them to commit any lawless or gross act and still hold their hero status. For example, think of some television stars or athletes who continue to enjoy society’s rewards and approval, even though they have broken the law.
God is not impressed by man-made heroes. This truth is emphasized in 1 Samuel 16:7 and Galatians 2:6. God does not judge or evaluate people by outward appearance. God looks at the heart. God is not impressed by outward credentials of importance written by another man. Money, looks, fame and the like does not change the heart condition.
As long as our heroes are chosen by outward things, we will continue to experience disappointment. It is disappointing when Christians choose as their heroes people whose only claim to fame is material success or worldly fame. Christians ought to know better.
1 Peter 1:24 says, “all men are like grass, and all their glory is like flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of God stands forever.”
If you want a hero, look at Jesus. Model your life after his life, make his values your values. Jesus can give you the wisdom to see through the façade of popularity based on outward things and enable you to choose as your hero people of spiritual depth. They will never embarrass you. Folks who challenge you to be more godly are worth imitating.
“Give us insight, Dear Lord, into the true personality and values
of the public figures that we tend to idolize. Amen”
We do not object to their professional treatment by the law or society because in that position, we would expect the same. Some are so blinded by their heroes that they are willing for them to commit any lawless or gross act and still hold their hero status. For example, think of some television stars or athletes who continue to enjoy society’s rewards and approval, even though they have broken the law.
God is not impressed by man-made heroes. This truth is emphasized in 1 Samuel 16:7 and Galatians 2:6. God does not judge or evaluate people by outward appearance. God looks at the heart. God is not impressed by outward credentials of importance written by another man. Money, looks, fame and the like does not change the heart condition.
As long as our heroes are chosen by outward things, we will continue to experience disappointment. It is disappointing when Christians choose as their heroes people whose only claim to fame is material success or worldly fame. Christians ought to know better.
1 Peter 1:24 says, “all men are like grass, and all their glory is like flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of God stands forever.”
If you want a hero, look at Jesus. Model your life after his life, make his values your values. Jesus can give you the wisdom to see through the façade of popularity based on outward things and enable you to choose as your hero people of spiritual depth. They will never embarrass you. Folks who challenge you to be more godly are worth imitating.
“Give us insight, Dear Lord, into the true personality and values
of the public figures that we tend to idolize. Amen”
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
September 20: TRUSTING COMPLETELY
If you are going to go, you should go first class. The faith journey is best made in a spirit of total commitment. Anything less will leave you frustrated, perhaps even disappointed.
You must depend on God to do what only God can do. Once when Israel was faced with a major challenge, she turned to the country of Egypt for help instead of to God. God said, “woe to those who go to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitudes of chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord.” (Isaiah 31:1)
Before a person becomes a Christian, it is natural to put your trust in anything that is available, that’s how scary life is. But how do I change? David said in Psalm 56:3-4, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?”
When fear knocks at the door, if faith answers, fear will not be able to come into your life. It’s not just about fear. Trusting God is a long faith journey. That means I must trust him to help me finalize my life dreams in order for Him to give me what I need to accomplish it. Don’t try to do it partially. Don’t hold back anything from Christ.
It would be silly to sit in a chair and hold your breath for fear the chair could not support you. Likewise, it would be silly to say you trust God and refuse to put all of your weight on Him.
Many people say they go to church but get nothing out of it. How can you when you are holding back for fear God will ask something of you? Stop playing spiritual games and give your whole life to Jesus.
“When we have spent so long depending on ourselves and being often
disappointed, Lord, it is hard to learn how to trust You totally. Amen”
You must depend on God to do what only God can do. Once when Israel was faced with a major challenge, she turned to the country of Egypt for help instead of to God. God said, “woe to those who go to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitudes of chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord.” (Isaiah 31:1)
Before a person becomes a Christian, it is natural to put your trust in anything that is available, that’s how scary life is. But how do I change? David said in Psalm 56:3-4, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?”
When fear knocks at the door, if faith answers, fear will not be able to come into your life. It’s not just about fear. Trusting God is a long faith journey. That means I must trust him to help me finalize my life dreams in order for Him to give me what I need to accomplish it. Don’t try to do it partially. Don’t hold back anything from Christ.
It would be silly to sit in a chair and hold your breath for fear the chair could not support you. Likewise, it would be silly to say you trust God and refuse to put all of your weight on Him.
Many people say they go to church but get nothing out of it. How can you when you are holding back for fear God will ask something of you? Stop playing spiritual games and give your whole life to Jesus.
“When we have spent so long depending on ourselves and being often
disappointed, Lord, it is hard to learn how to trust You totally. Amen”
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
September 19: THE PRAYER OF AN OLD MAN
I have discovered again Psalm 71. I realized that it is written by a senior citizen and is both a prayer of praise and a petition. Since I am a card-carrying AARP member, I can identify with much that is expressed here. This Psalm 71 would be a good one for every senior Christian to read on a regular basis.
It begins with a confession of surrender and submission to God (v.1) that is the basis for the whole prayer.
There follows the petition that God would be his strong protector and defender. God must be the deliverer for every evil attack (v.4) or he simply will not be able to bear it. (By the way, if you get out your Bible and read this Psalm, you will note some similarities to The Lord’s Prayer.)
There comes in verses 5 thru 8 an ejaculation of praise, a fountain of praise for all of God’s goodness to him, and even a note about how unbelievers have noticed God’s personal care in his life. Unbelievers are amazed at the work of God even though they do not understand it.
In verse 9 he begins a very human concern about this old age. What will happen to him? Who will care for him? How can he survive? He requests God to please look out for him as his strength fails and his faculties betray him.
But he soon returns to his song of hope in God. He promises God that he will always hope in Him, always praise Him, always testify to God’s salvation, always be sure that the generation to come will hear from him about God’s great work. In spite of the increase of problems and trouble that comes with old age, he knows that in God’s strength, he will conquer them all.
Call a Senior Citizen and tell him or her about this Psalm.
“How good to know, Eternal God, that we can trust you at every
stage of life; especially as we get older. Amen”
It begins with a confession of surrender and submission to God (v.1) that is the basis for the whole prayer.
There follows the petition that God would be his strong protector and defender. God must be the deliverer for every evil attack (v.4) or he simply will not be able to bear it. (By the way, if you get out your Bible and read this Psalm, you will note some similarities to The Lord’s Prayer.)
There comes in verses 5 thru 8 an ejaculation of praise, a fountain of praise for all of God’s goodness to him, and even a note about how unbelievers have noticed God’s personal care in his life. Unbelievers are amazed at the work of God even though they do not understand it.
In verse 9 he begins a very human concern about this old age. What will happen to him? Who will care for him? How can he survive? He requests God to please look out for him as his strength fails and his faculties betray him.
But he soon returns to his song of hope in God. He promises God that he will always hope in Him, always praise Him, always testify to God’s salvation, always be sure that the generation to come will hear from him about God’s great work. In spite of the increase of problems and trouble that comes with old age, he knows that in God’s strength, he will conquer them all.
Call a Senior Citizen and tell him or her about this Psalm.
“How good to know, Eternal God, that we can trust you at every
stage of life; especially as we get older. Amen”
Monday, September 17, 2007
September 18: IS HELL REAL?
Is Hell real? Is it a myth? Is it a scare tactic? Is it a place or a state of mind? Some people believe they are living in Hell now. Comedians tell jokes about Hell. Secularists mock the idea. Universalists say it is impossible.
A front page article in the Wall Street Journal chronicled the recent rise of belief in a literal Hell. In a recent book “Whatever Happened to Hell?” it is pointed out that there are 700 passages in the Bible confirming Hell.
It is a trend now to believe in hell. I’m glad people are beginning to take hell seriously, it has always been a terrible reality. Does your church teach about Hell? Does your church believe in Hell?
In the parable Jesus told about the rich man and Lazarus there are very clear teachings about Hell. (Luke 16:19-31) The Bible picture of Hell is a prepared place for those eternally separated from God. Some fear Hell because it is described as a lake of fire, others because it is described as total darkness. I believe the Biblical writers used their most vivid imagination to describe life totally devoid of God.
Of course, the worst pain of hell will be that those who are there know it is their own personal choice. Hell is not a laughing matter. In fact, I once heard it said that we should never mention Hell unless we have tears in our eyes.
If you believe in Heaven, you must believe in Hell. Decisions made now by each one of us will determine our eternal destination.
The Bible says in Romans 6:23, “the wages of sin is death (Hell) but the gift of God is eternal life (Heaven) in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Thank God for the choice!
“O God, may we have the wisdom to make the right choice for Heaven.
Help us not to be deceived by the delaying tactics of our friends. Amen”
A front page article in the Wall Street Journal chronicled the recent rise of belief in a literal Hell. In a recent book “Whatever Happened to Hell?” it is pointed out that there are 700 passages in the Bible confirming Hell.
It is a trend now to believe in hell. I’m glad people are beginning to take hell seriously, it has always been a terrible reality. Does your church teach about Hell? Does your church believe in Hell?
In the parable Jesus told about the rich man and Lazarus there are very clear teachings about Hell. (Luke 16:19-31) The Bible picture of Hell is a prepared place for those eternally separated from God. Some fear Hell because it is described as a lake of fire, others because it is described as total darkness. I believe the Biblical writers used their most vivid imagination to describe life totally devoid of God.
Of course, the worst pain of hell will be that those who are there know it is their own personal choice. Hell is not a laughing matter. In fact, I once heard it said that we should never mention Hell unless we have tears in our eyes.
If you believe in Heaven, you must believe in Hell. Decisions made now by each one of us will determine our eternal destination.
The Bible says in Romans 6:23, “the wages of sin is death (Hell) but the gift of God is eternal life (Heaven) in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Thank God for the choice!
“O God, may we have the wisdom to make the right choice for Heaven.
Help us not to be deceived by the delaying tactics of our friends. Amen”
Sunday, September 16, 2007
September 17: A DAILY WALK WITH JESUS
Since we live in a consumer society, maybe we should just answer the question of the advantages of the spiritual life. Some go to church regularly and yet reject the daily spiritual walk as an option for their lives. Keeping in mind that faith is the only means by which a Christian can live a spirit-directed life, what can we expect?
Obviously your life will demonstrate more and more of the fruit of the Spirit. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.” (Galatians 5:22)
You life will begin to conform more and more to the image of Christ and His likeness will be seen in you. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 3:18 that we are transformed in his likeness.
Your prayer life and study of God’s Word will become more meaningful. Praying will not be mechanical, certainly not routine. Prayer will become dialogue and you will no longer be “saying your prayers”.
You will begin to experience His power in witnessing. Sharing your faith will be natural because it comes out of your lifestyle and is not forced or performed. You will be prepared for spiritual conflict against the world, the flesh, and against Satan.
You will see the importance of 1 John 2:15, “do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in Him.”
You will not want anything to separate you from fellowship with God. You will experience the power of God to resist temptation and sin. And you will love to worship with other Christians.
The Spirit will draw you out of bed on Sunday morning like a magnet to fellowship with others who want to walk in the Spirit. The advantage to living and walking spiritually are many and life-changing. Try it.
“Dear Lord, help us to take the dare and begin to follow you all day
everyday and not just on Sunday. We need constant fellowship. Amen”
Obviously your life will demonstrate more and more of the fruit of the Spirit. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.” (Galatians 5:22)
You life will begin to conform more and more to the image of Christ and His likeness will be seen in you. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 3:18 that we are transformed in his likeness.
Your prayer life and study of God’s Word will become more meaningful. Praying will not be mechanical, certainly not routine. Prayer will become dialogue and you will no longer be “saying your prayers”.
You will begin to experience His power in witnessing. Sharing your faith will be natural because it comes out of your lifestyle and is not forced or performed. You will be prepared for spiritual conflict against the world, the flesh, and against Satan.
You will see the importance of 1 John 2:15, “do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in Him.”
You will not want anything to separate you from fellowship with God. You will experience the power of God to resist temptation and sin. And you will love to worship with other Christians.
The Spirit will draw you out of bed on Sunday morning like a magnet to fellowship with others who want to walk in the Spirit. The advantage to living and walking spiritually are many and life-changing. Try it.
“Dear Lord, help us to take the dare and begin to follow you all day
everyday and not just on Sunday. We need constant fellowship. Amen”
Saturday, September 15, 2007
September 16: REAL LIVE CHURCHES
I recently read the comment “If you visit a typical Church in your area this week, you will be stepping back in time at least two generations”. The implications were that the music and order of Worship have not changed. Neither have the people; most attendees have gray hair. If this is true where you worship, then you already know the problem.
Notice that I spelled the word “Church” with a capital “C”. That denotes a building or a denomination. It is easy with the passing of time for a group of people to stagnate or ritualize their religion. Beware the day when the church becomes a Church!
The New Testament describes “church” as the people who are answering God’s call to follow Jesus; it is a dynamic, growing organism. It uses organization to do things “decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40), but if it becomes just another organization, it loses its power. A healthy, growing organism is always changing shape as it responds to the needs of real people.
The attendance at the Sunday meetings is increasing because “the Lord is adding to their numbers daily those who are being saved.” (Acts 2:47) When Jesus extends his hands and says, “Come to me all of you laboring under any kind of burden” (Matthew 11:25), you know immediately that there won’t be any checking of IDs to make sure “our kind” of people who sing “our kind” of music enter.
Remember: God does not change. The Bible does not change. But the people attending the services are constantly changing.
That’s why hairstyles, clothing styles, or music styles must never be barricades to worship. Too many former church buildings are now being used as restaurants, schools and museums because the congregation refused to admit people who were different.
Jesus is still inviting everyone to come. Everyone!
“Dear Lord and Founder of Your Church, please keep defining “church”
to us over and over again until we get the real meaning. Amen”
Notice that I spelled the word “Church” with a capital “C”. That denotes a building or a denomination. It is easy with the passing of time for a group of people to stagnate or ritualize their religion. Beware the day when the church becomes a Church!
The New Testament describes “church” as the people who are answering God’s call to follow Jesus; it is a dynamic, growing organism. It uses organization to do things “decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40), but if it becomes just another organization, it loses its power. A healthy, growing organism is always changing shape as it responds to the needs of real people.
The attendance at the Sunday meetings is increasing because “the Lord is adding to their numbers daily those who are being saved.” (Acts 2:47) When Jesus extends his hands and says, “Come to me all of you laboring under any kind of burden” (Matthew 11:25), you know immediately that there won’t be any checking of IDs to make sure “our kind” of people who sing “our kind” of music enter.
Remember: God does not change. The Bible does not change. But the people attending the services are constantly changing.
That’s why hairstyles, clothing styles, or music styles must never be barricades to worship. Too many former church buildings are now being used as restaurants, schools and museums because the congregation refused to admit people who were different.
Jesus is still inviting everyone to come. Everyone!
“Dear Lord and Founder of Your Church, please keep defining “church”
to us over and over again until we get the real meaning. Amen”
Friday, September 14, 2007
September 15: WHEN CALAMITIES COME
Living in a world that is hit often by “natural calamity”, we ought to spiritually and emotionally prepare. With three earthquakes in Indonesia this week and tropical hurricanes devastating the Caribbean and many ugly memories of Katrina, we are vulnerable to these natural powers.
It is almost funny to hear people discuss “earthquake proof” buildings or bridges; there is no such thing. Nature always wins.
When a calamity strikes, many become apocalyptic in their thinking, that is, thinking the end of the world is near. After the crisis passes, so does that kind of “end-time’ thinking. A healthier view would be to do a spiritual inventory now to help your thinking to remain clear when calamity comes. For instance, how important to you is your house and material possessions? Could you live joyfully if suddenly you lost all of your stuff?
The Bible says that “life does not consist of the abundance of things possessed.” (Luke 12:15)
What about the people in your life? Could you deal with their death or their injury? Do you ever think, “I couldn’t live without this person?” Abraham had to deal with that when pondering the death of his son, Isaac. (Genesis 22:6ff)
Television interviews after a calamity always have people weeping profusely while saying, “I have lost everything.” I do not deny the sense of loss or bad feelings when a precious item is gone. My question is, how much can I live without?
Job handled his calamity by saying, “The Lord gave, the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21) He was able to experience victory in calamity because of a faith fixed on God. God said, “Heaven and earth may pass away, but my Word will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35) Anchor your life NOW on what can never be shaken by calamity
“Thank God that no calamity in this world can separate us, even for a moment,
from God’s wonderful love and care. Amen”
It is almost funny to hear people discuss “earthquake proof” buildings or bridges; there is no such thing. Nature always wins.
When a calamity strikes, many become apocalyptic in their thinking, that is, thinking the end of the world is near. After the crisis passes, so does that kind of “end-time’ thinking. A healthier view would be to do a spiritual inventory now to help your thinking to remain clear when calamity comes. For instance, how important to you is your house and material possessions? Could you live joyfully if suddenly you lost all of your stuff?
The Bible says that “life does not consist of the abundance of things possessed.” (Luke 12:15)
What about the people in your life? Could you deal with their death or their injury? Do you ever think, “I couldn’t live without this person?” Abraham had to deal with that when pondering the death of his son, Isaac. (Genesis 22:6ff)
Television interviews after a calamity always have people weeping profusely while saying, “I have lost everything.” I do not deny the sense of loss or bad feelings when a precious item is gone. My question is, how much can I live without?
Job handled his calamity by saying, “The Lord gave, the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21) He was able to experience victory in calamity because of a faith fixed on God. God said, “Heaven and earth may pass away, but my Word will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35) Anchor your life NOW on what can never be shaken by calamity
“Thank God that no calamity in this world can separate us, even for a moment,
from God’s wonderful love and care. Amen”
Thursday, September 13, 2007
September 14: CLIMBING TO THE TOP
An Alpine guide died when he slipped while trying to ascend a mountain peak. A simple monument marks the place of his death. It is inscribed, “he died climbing”. That inscription is a noble tribute to a hero. His attitude should be ours: looking upward and pressing forward. This should be a fitting inscription on any Christian’s gravestone.
The ongoing challenge to every Christian is in discovering God’s will for his life and the going on to complete it. Discipleship is a lifetime experience. You never graduate.
Churches that think Sunday School is only for children are making a terrible mistake and hurting their people. Adults who think they do not need Bible study are only hurting themselves.
If you memorize a verse a day from the Bible, it would take you a lifetime. Some have tried to study the Bible but stopped after a while because they “couldn’t understand it.”
Climb on! Nothing is ever attained by giving up. Jesus said, “follow me and I will make you to become fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17) The woman in Mark 5:28 is saying, “if I can just touch Jesus, I can become complete.” All of this is about going forward and climbing on.
I remember a radio Bible teacher from my childhood signing off every program by saying “and always keep looking up”. There are too many challenges for us to stop now.
You have never lived in such a time that had so many mountains to climb. We need to defeat hunger, homelessness and poverty. The mountain of prejudice still looms large on the horizon.
This is not the time to throw in the towel. People often die in the hospital simply because they have lost the will to live and stopped fighting their disease.
Our children used to sing, “climb, climb, up sunshine mountain.” Remember, we do not become discouraged, we just put and shameful deeds behind us (2 Corinthians 4:1) and climb on.
“Give us courage, Lord, to keep looking up and keep our eyes on the Goal.
Remind us again that we have Holy Spirit strength to climb the mountain. Amen”
The ongoing challenge to every Christian is in discovering God’s will for his life and the going on to complete it. Discipleship is a lifetime experience. You never graduate.
Churches that think Sunday School is only for children are making a terrible mistake and hurting their people. Adults who think they do not need Bible study are only hurting themselves.
If you memorize a verse a day from the Bible, it would take you a lifetime. Some have tried to study the Bible but stopped after a while because they “couldn’t understand it.”
Climb on! Nothing is ever attained by giving up. Jesus said, “follow me and I will make you to become fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17) The woman in Mark 5:28 is saying, “if I can just touch Jesus, I can become complete.” All of this is about going forward and climbing on.
I remember a radio Bible teacher from my childhood signing off every program by saying “and always keep looking up”. There are too many challenges for us to stop now.
You have never lived in such a time that had so many mountains to climb. We need to defeat hunger, homelessness and poverty. The mountain of prejudice still looms large on the horizon.
This is not the time to throw in the towel. People often die in the hospital simply because they have lost the will to live and stopped fighting their disease.
Our children used to sing, “climb, climb, up sunshine mountain.” Remember, we do not become discouraged, we just put and shameful deeds behind us (2 Corinthians 4:1) and climb on.
“Give us courage, Lord, to keep looking up and keep our eyes on the Goal.
Remind us again that we have Holy Spirit strength to climb the mountain. Amen”
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
September 13: DISCOVERING GOD'S PLAN
Did you know that God has a plan for your life? Isn’t that exciting? Jeremiah 29:11 says, “for I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Many people see God as a God of wrath. God wants to bless you and give you a future, a reason for living. God is not mad at you. He wants you to have hope daily.
God further says in verse 12, “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” God wants to talk to you and he wants you to talk to him. Prayer is a viable option for you. Instead of asking your family and friends for their opinions on what you should do, go to the original source of knowledge and get a true answer, not one influenced by emotional desire to please you. Prayer is a better option than most self-help books.
God goes on to say in verse 13, “you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Do you want to know God’s plan for you? God focused His love on you, turn your heart to God. This is not just playing around with religion or dabbling in religious philosophy. This is serious.
In verse 14 God adds, “I will be found by you.” What a hope! God is not hiding from you. God is not teasing you. His positive word for you is that he is easily found by those who seriously want to know him.
For those who do not want to know God or his plan for their lives, no amount of arguing will convince them. Atheists and agnostics never find God in their arguing. They find him like the rest of us, when they look for Him.
“God, it is good to know that you are not hiding from us. So we are
encouraged to seek You out now! Coming, ready or not! Amen”
Many people see God as a God of wrath. God wants to bless you and give you a future, a reason for living. God is not mad at you. He wants you to have hope daily.
God further says in verse 12, “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” God wants to talk to you and he wants you to talk to him. Prayer is a viable option for you. Instead of asking your family and friends for their opinions on what you should do, go to the original source of knowledge and get a true answer, not one influenced by emotional desire to please you. Prayer is a better option than most self-help books.
God goes on to say in verse 13, “you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Do you want to know God’s plan for you? God focused His love on you, turn your heart to God. This is not just playing around with religion or dabbling in religious philosophy. This is serious.
In verse 14 God adds, “I will be found by you.” What a hope! God is not hiding from you. God is not teasing you. His positive word for you is that he is easily found by those who seriously want to know him.
For those who do not want to know God or his plan for their lives, no amount of arguing will convince them. Atheists and agnostics never find God in their arguing. They find him like the rest of us, when they look for Him.
“God, it is good to know that you are not hiding from us. So we are
encouraged to seek You out now! Coming, ready or not! Amen”
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
September 12: TWENTYEIGHT MINUTES!
I knew that most people fidget a lot. I knew that Americans tend to be active and energetic and find it hard to sit still, even for a little while. The inactivity of being sick or hospitalized is difficult for most people, not mentioning the disease itself.
I experienced it when I had a thalium stress test in the Cardiac Clinic. After the treadmill, I was injected with the radioactive material and strapped to a narrow bed and not allowed to move for 28 minutes while continuous pictures were taken of my heart. Have you ever tried to be totally still for 28 minutes? It’s hard! Then I remembered something the Bible says in Psalm 46:10: God instructed, “Be still and know that I am God.” That’s the reason many people don’t know God; they don’t stop running long enough.
We run around, being active, when we need to be quiet and let God speak. How can you hear God speak when you are being loud and rowdy? In Isaiah 30:15, God says, “In quietness is your strength.”
It is hard to come to grips with reality! Just think; from Monday through Friday, people stay extremely busy and noisy. Then the weekend comes, a time for quietness, rest, and reflection. But for many, life is such a turmoil on the inside that partying and loud music and rental movies fill even the rest-days with sound.
The Prophet Zechariah entreats us, “be still before the Lord, all mankind.” (Zechariah 2:13)
I can tell you that in my 28 minutes of quiet, I thought some serious thoughts. You may not resolve every issue in your quiet time, but you can begin to face them. In Isaiah 32:17 is promised, “the effect of righteousness will be quietness.”
When we experience peace with God in our hearts, it is not hard to be still. Try it.
“Show us a time and place where we can be quiet before You, Our God,
and bless us with determination to keep the appointment. Amen”
I experienced it when I had a thalium stress test in the Cardiac Clinic. After the treadmill, I was injected with the radioactive material and strapped to a narrow bed and not allowed to move for 28 minutes while continuous pictures were taken of my heart. Have you ever tried to be totally still for 28 minutes? It’s hard! Then I remembered something the Bible says in Psalm 46:10: God instructed, “Be still and know that I am God.” That’s the reason many people don’t know God; they don’t stop running long enough.
We run around, being active, when we need to be quiet and let God speak. How can you hear God speak when you are being loud and rowdy? In Isaiah 30:15, God says, “In quietness is your strength.”
It is hard to come to grips with reality! Just think; from Monday through Friday, people stay extremely busy and noisy. Then the weekend comes, a time for quietness, rest, and reflection. But for many, life is such a turmoil on the inside that partying and loud music and rental movies fill even the rest-days with sound.
The Prophet Zechariah entreats us, “be still before the Lord, all mankind.” (Zechariah 2:13)
I can tell you that in my 28 minutes of quiet, I thought some serious thoughts. You may not resolve every issue in your quiet time, but you can begin to face them. In Isaiah 32:17 is promised, “the effect of righteousness will be quietness.”
When we experience peace with God in our hearts, it is not hard to be still. Try it.
“Show us a time and place where we can be quiet before You, Our God,
and bless us with determination to keep the appointment. Amen”
Monday, September 10, 2007
September 11: FINDING A SAFE PLACE
So many people are afraid of churches. They have heard so many stories or watched so many distorted pictures on television that they want nothing to do with a church, little knowing that it could be the best thing that ever happened to them. The church is not the building or the doctrine or the denominational connection.
Best understood, the church is the people of God. It is an organism, not an organization. It organizes to serve the Lord more practically. It is a group who have met Jesus Christ and he has changed their lives.
They may meet in a building especially constructed for their church-type activities: singing, preaching, teaching. They have organized so they can do things in an orderly manner. They may even have written down some of the beliefs they hold in common.
But all of these things are a result of who they are: the people of God. They have experienced a calling. They have been called out of the ordinary world to follow Jesus. They have been called into a sharing of life together.
Jesus said, “come after me and I will make you to become fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19) And they said “yes”. He also said, “come to me all of you who are carrying any kind of burden and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) And they said “yes”. So the church is people who have said “yes” to Jesus and their lives show the effect.
It is a dangerous message that Jesus gives. It will radically change anyone who hears it and decides to say “yes”.
So, in your community, there must be a safe place where you can listen to this message, assimilate it, and decide if you want to make a radical decision to say “yes”. There is a church group meeting near you. Find it. It is a safe place for you.
“In a world of danger and dangerous people who wish to do us some
kind of harm, it is good to know, Lord, that there is a safe place. Amen”
Best understood, the church is the people of God. It is an organism, not an organization. It organizes to serve the Lord more practically. It is a group who have met Jesus Christ and he has changed their lives.
They may meet in a building especially constructed for their church-type activities: singing, preaching, teaching. They have organized so they can do things in an orderly manner. They may even have written down some of the beliefs they hold in common.
But all of these things are a result of who they are: the people of God. They have experienced a calling. They have been called out of the ordinary world to follow Jesus. They have been called into a sharing of life together.
Jesus said, “come after me and I will make you to become fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19) And they said “yes”. He also said, “come to me all of you who are carrying any kind of burden and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) And they said “yes”. So the church is people who have said “yes” to Jesus and their lives show the effect.
It is a dangerous message that Jesus gives. It will radically change anyone who hears it and decides to say “yes”.
So, in your community, there must be a safe place where you can listen to this message, assimilate it, and decide if you want to make a radical decision to say “yes”. There is a church group meeting near you. Find it. It is a safe place for you.
“In a world of danger and dangerous people who wish to do us some
kind of harm, it is good to know, Lord, that there is a safe place. Amen”
Sunday, September 9, 2007
September 10: FEAR VERSUS FAITH
There is a great cancer that has buried itself deep in the innards of the American population. No, not a physical cancer! I speak of the emotional cancer of fear. Since September 11, 2001, the idea of terrorism has been so spread by the media and sown by the politicians that even new fears have been born.
Fear paralyzes people and freezes them to inaction. Many of our fears are inherited from our families. For instance, my mother’s fear of water has always affected my love for water sports.
Fears are unreasonable, intellectually we know that, yet we cling to them. The fear of failure? Being alone? Being unattractive? Inheriting a family history of suicide? Fearing marriage commitment because parents divorced? Fearing that God is mad and will not forgive me if I ask? These fears, like all the other fears, breed anxiety and a feeling of impending doom. You just can’t relax.
Do you want out of that?
Read this: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” (1 John 4:18 NIV) “Perfect love” is Jesus and His feeling for you! Love and fear can’t co-exist! Jesus can do major spiritual and emotional surgery on you and start removing the fears. You can’t drown them. You can’t medicate them. But you can be freed from them.
David said, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3) Love in, fear out! “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1)
Give your fear to God and replace it with “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable; if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
Reminder: What you think in your heart controls you. Root out the fear. Surrender to Jesus and his love.
“God, I know you did not create me for me to harass myself with negative
fears to rob me of joy. Set me free from my fears. Amen”
Fear paralyzes people and freezes them to inaction. Many of our fears are inherited from our families. For instance, my mother’s fear of water has always affected my love for water sports.
Fears are unreasonable, intellectually we know that, yet we cling to them. The fear of failure? Being alone? Being unattractive? Inheriting a family history of suicide? Fearing marriage commitment because parents divorced? Fearing that God is mad and will not forgive me if I ask? These fears, like all the other fears, breed anxiety and a feeling of impending doom. You just can’t relax.
Do you want out of that?
Read this: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” (1 John 4:18 NIV) “Perfect love” is Jesus and His feeling for you! Love and fear can’t co-exist! Jesus can do major spiritual and emotional surgery on you and start removing the fears. You can’t drown them. You can’t medicate them. But you can be freed from them.
David said, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3) Love in, fear out! “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1)
Give your fear to God and replace it with “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable; if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
Reminder: What you think in your heart controls you. Root out the fear. Surrender to Jesus and his love.
“God, I know you did not create me for me to harass myself with negative
fears to rob me of joy. Set me free from my fears. Amen”
Saturday, September 8, 2007
September 9: GOING BACK DAY
School and church aren’t usually linked in people’s thinking but at this time of year there is a great similarity. The stores and the media are giving a lot of attention to children going back to school and the implications of this for the community. But if you read the Church advertisements this week you realized that a lot of people are going back to Church today, the summer schedule is over.
You see, America is one of the few countries in the world where being affluent affects the work of God. Because God has blessed us so much and given us so much material advantage, we have to take off on Sundays to use his blessings. Strange, right?
Do you believe what I just wrote? Why else, then, do churches cut back on the number of worship sessions and Bible studies in the summer time? Because their people have gone to the lakes and parks and beaches and no one is there. Some churches even forget denominational differences for the summer and have joint services. (Poor people in poor churches don’t have this problem.)
Does it make sense? No! But, the fact is, there will be more people in churches today than last Sunday. Summer vacation from school and church is over.
Could this be one reason the unbelievers in our neighborhoods do not take us seriously? Is church for when I have nothing else more fun to do? What is this teaching the children?
What happened to “It is required of a steward to be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2) or “be faithful unto death and I will give you a crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)?
Perhaps as people return to church today, we could all return to a serious study of God’s Word about faithfulness everyday and every Sunday.
I hope you find a group of Christians somewhere today and spend time in Bible Study and Worship with them.
“Father, this is Your special day, we know that! Forgive us for the times
we forget the uniqueness of the Ressurection Day remembering. Amen”
You see, America is one of the few countries in the world where being affluent affects the work of God. Because God has blessed us so much and given us so much material advantage, we have to take off on Sundays to use his blessings. Strange, right?
Do you believe what I just wrote? Why else, then, do churches cut back on the number of worship sessions and Bible studies in the summer time? Because their people have gone to the lakes and parks and beaches and no one is there. Some churches even forget denominational differences for the summer and have joint services. (Poor people in poor churches don’t have this problem.)
Does it make sense? No! But, the fact is, there will be more people in churches today than last Sunday. Summer vacation from school and church is over.
Could this be one reason the unbelievers in our neighborhoods do not take us seriously? Is church for when I have nothing else more fun to do? What is this teaching the children?
What happened to “It is required of a steward to be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2) or “be faithful unto death and I will give you a crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)?
Perhaps as people return to church today, we could all return to a serious study of God’s Word about faithfulness everyday and every Sunday.
I hope you find a group of Christians somewhere today and spend time in Bible Study and Worship with them.
“Father, this is Your special day, we know that! Forgive us for the times
we forget the uniqueness of the Ressurection Day remembering. Amen”
Friday, September 7, 2007
September 8: ATTITUDE OVER PLATITUDES
Pious platitudes? They mean nothing. At the funeral home: “Don’t cry, it will be all right” or “we know they have gone to a better place” or “God doesn’t want us to ask questions like that.” At the hospital: “We are praying for you; everything will be fine” or “if you just have enough faith, you will soon be well.” At the courthouse: “God will never give you more than you are able to bear.”
Platitudes sound good but there is no substance. People in difficult situations need truth to help their attitude change, not empty platitudes.
What suffering does to us depends on what we choose to do with it or let it do to us. As contradictory as it might sound, God wants us to rejoice in the midst of our tribulations and even thank Him for his presence with us in these tough times.
This was the attitude adopted by the Apostle Paul when he was singing at midnight in a Philippian prison. (Acts 16:25ff) His attitude got him safely through a tough situation. My Christian attitude in times of stress is founded on solid truths from God’s Word. “Because Jesus himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18)
Remember also, “Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
When someone is under pressure, don’t give them a pair of rose-tinted glasses that will further distort their world view. The Lord delights in mending broken hearts. The Lord delights in breaking the chains that bind us. Luke 4:18ff records the self-introductory statement Jesus made when he began his ministry in Nazareth. There is not a platitude in it, just possibilities for you.
“God of all Reality, equip me to deal with the world through the
truth that You have revealed to us. Save us from empty words. Amen”
Platitudes sound good but there is no substance. People in difficult situations need truth to help their attitude change, not empty platitudes.
What suffering does to us depends on what we choose to do with it or let it do to us. As contradictory as it might sound, God wants us to rejoice in the midst of our tribulations and even thank Him for his presence with us in these tough times.
This was the attitude adopted by the Apostle Paul when he was singing at midnight in a Philippian prison. (Acts 16:25ff) His attitude got him safely through a tough situation. My Christian attitude in times of stress is founded on solid truths from God’s Word. “Because Jesus himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18)
Remember also, “Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
When someone is under pressure, don’t give them a pair of rose-tinted glasses that will further distort their world view. The Lord delights in mending broken hearts. The Lord delights in breaking the chains that bind us. Luke 4:18ff records the self-introductory statement Jesus made when he began his ministry in Nazareth. There is not a platitude in it, just possibilities for you.
“God of all Reality, equip me to deal with the world through the
truth that You have revealed to us. Save us from empty words. Amen”
Thursday, September 6, 2007
September 7: QUESTIONS WITH NO ANSWERS
When life doesn’t make sense, how do you handle it? Besides saying “why?” or “why me?” Some questions have no answer. You can ask as many people as you can and you never get a clear answer. But the fact is, from a human perspective, events don’t always make sense. How do you explain a still-born child when the Mother was healthy? How do you explain a huge accident where four were killed and three survived? How do you explain a good person suddenly having a personality change and going out of control? I could go on but I make my point.
What do you do? You dig down into your inner strength and face it in faith. We can’t run from life or life situations. When Job dealt with personal tragedy, especially the death of all of his children, his attitude was, “though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” (Job 13:15 KJV)
No, that is not what people call “blind faith” but loving trust. When you commit your life to God, it is up to God to eventually make sense out of life and give you an explanation. That is not putting God on a short chain and demanding of God. It is putting the matter in God’s hand and waiting for a revelation of truth.
Jesus taught this early in his ministry. “Ask (and keep on asking) and it will be given to you; seek (and keep on seeking) and you will find; knock (and keep on knocking) and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7 NIV) We are talking about a relationship with God, not a chance meeting. In relationships, there is continuous dialogue.
As a Christian, I became a child of God; I can ask my Heavenly Father all the questions I desire until I understand what I am to learn. Every loving and patient parent works tirelessly with their children to clear up confusion; would your Heavenly Father do less?
“When I am twisted about by circumstances and feel so confused, it
is so good to know that You, my God, are the Source of Truth. Amen”
What do you do? You dig down into your inner strength and face it in faith. We can’t run from life or life situations. When Job dealt with personal tragedy, especially the death of all of his children, his attitude was, “though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” (Job 13:15 KJV)
No, that is not what people call “blind faith” but loving trust. When you commit your life to God, it is up to God to eventually make sense out of life and give you an explanation. That is not putting God on a short chain and demanding of God. It is putting the matter in God’s hand and waiting for a revelation of truth.
Jesus taught this early in his ministry. “Ask (and keep on asking) and it will be given to you; seek (and keep on seeking) and you will find; knock (and keep on knocking) and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7 NIV) We are talking about a relationship with God, not a chance meeting. In relationships, there is continuous dialogue.
As a Christian, I became a child of God; I can ask my Heavenly Father all the questions I desire until I understand what I am to learn. Every loving and patient parent works tirelessly with their children to clear up confusion; would your Heavenly Father do less?
“When I am twisted about by circumstances and feel so confused, it
is so good to know that You, my God, are the Source of Truth. Amen”
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
September 6: JUST A MUSTARD SEED
Jesus said, “You have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20-21 NIV)
That’s quite a statement. How many mountains do you face in your life today? Will there be more tomorrow? Maybe a better question is “how many mustard seeds do you need each day?” Could you get by on just one or two or would you require a sackfull? Let’s not be greedy. Most people would be satisfied with a mustard seed a day if they could see some mountain moved each day. So, is your mountain a family problem? Or a bill-paying problem? Or a love-life or lack of love-life problem? Is it a faith problem?
Jesus is offering victory over that mountain. No more complaining about the mountain. Beware of getting accustomed to that mountain. You may come to think it is supposed to be there. Picture your life without that mountain. If it wasn’t for that mountain you would have a great view of the Sea of Possibility and what a sight that is!
Jesus said in another place, “everything is possible for him who believes.” (Mark 9:23) Because Jesus has at his disposal all the power of the Eternal, Mighty God, He can challenge you to do something about these mountains in your life that you can’t dig up, relocate, or climb over.
If you are going to live life on a limited basis because of some man-made mountains, you have yourself to blame. Go ahead, give your mustard seed to Jesus. It’s not the size of your faith that matters. That’s the point of the verse. It’s the object of your faith (Jesus) that counts.
“Lord, when my minute faith wants to be as big as a mustard seed, would
You blow on it with your Holy Spirit and enlarge it to mustard seed size.
Amen”
That’s quite a statement. How many mountains do you face in your life today? Will there be more tomorrow? Maybe a better question is “how many mustard seeds do you need each day?” Could you get by on just one or two or would you require a sackfull? Let’s not be greedy. Most people would be satisfied with a mustard seed a day if they could see some mountain moved each day. So, is your mountain a family problem? Or a bill-paying problem? Or a love-life or lack of love-life problem? Is it a faith problem?
Jesus is offering victory over that mountain. No more complaining about the mountain. Beware of getting accustomed to that mountain. You may come to think it is supposed to be there. Picture your life without that mountain. If it wasn’t for that mountain you would have a great view of the Sea of Possibility and what a sight that is!
Jesus said in another place, “everything is possible for him who believes.” (Mark 9:23) Because Jesus has at his disposal all the power of the Eternal, Mighty God, He can challenge you to do something about these mountains in your life that you can’t dig up, relocate, or climb over.
If you are going to live life on a limited basis because of some man-made mountains, you have yourself to blame. Go ahead, give your mustard seed to Jesus. It’s not the size of your faith that matters. That’s the point of the verse. It’s the object of your faith (Jesus) that counts.
“Lord, when my minute faith wants to be as big as a mustard seed, would
You blow on it with your Holy Spirit and enlarge it to mustard seed size.
Amen”
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
September 5: DEFEATING TEMPTATION TODAY
Do you feel strong or weak about temptation? Some people want temptation. One silly fellow prayed, “Get thee behind me, Satan, and push”. He wanted his life filled with evil. Evil wasn’t really temptation for him; it was his lifestyle.
A famous humorist said, “I can resist anything but temptation.” This is a dangerous problem. When Jesus gave the Model Prayer, he included a line, “lead us not into temptation.” (Matthew 6:13 NIV) He knew that human weakness is such, even for Kingdom citizens, that we would surely have to be delivered from evil.
The tendency is to give in to temptation. A Biblical instruction on temptation is James 1:13-16 (NIV); “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived.”
Temptation is a great deceiver. It lies to you, promising what it can never deliver. The father of all lies, Satan, is the source. At the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, Satan whispered to Adam and Eve that they were missing out on something special if they did not taste the fruit from the tree in the garden. That’s the subtle beginning to pull you away from God’s plan for your life.
Perhaps you are “missing out” on something financial, social, sexual, educational or religious; that is a very tantalizing and seductive line intended to do you harm. Christian: memorize 1 Corinthians 10:14 (NIV), “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
“Father, through you guidance and strength, I can resist temptation. Be
always close to me because I am so weak and vulnerable. Amen”
A famous humorist said, “I can resist anything but temptation.” This is a dangerous problem. When Jesus gave the Model Prayer, he included a line, “lead us not into temptation.” (Matthew 6:13 NIV) He knew that human weakness is such, even for Kingdom citizens, that we would surely have to be delivered from evil.
The tendency is to give in to temptation. A Biblical instruction on temptation is James 1:13-16 (NIV); “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived.”
Temptation is a great deceiver. It lies to you, promising what it can never deliver. The father of all lies, Satan, is the source. At the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, Satan whispered to Adam and Eve that they were missing out on something special if they did not taste the fruit from the tree in the garden. That’s the subtle beginning to pull you away from God’s plan for your life.
Perhaps you are “missing out” on something financial, social, sexual, educational or religious; that is a very tantalizing and seductive line intended to do you harm. Christian: memorize 1 Corinthians 10:14 (NIV), “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
“Father, through you guidance and strength, I can resist temptation. Be
always close to me because I am so weak and vulnerable. Amen”
Monday, September 3, 2007
September 4: IMPROVING MY ATTITUDE
Have you read Psalm 139 lately? It is the Psalm that describes how well God knows us and all about what makes some of us want to have a special, personal relationship with God. There in verse 14, David makes this statement about how we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”
We are born with such potential and we begin to learn from the atmosphere around us. We absorb like a sponge character traits from our caregivers. We pick up attitudes that will “enable us” and “equip us” in our daily life to get along. We fill in the blanks by imitation when we don’t know how to respond.
For instance, we learn to hide our true emotions and push down our feelings. If you don’t have Godly parents who will “Train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6) we go off to fend for ourselves and develop negative attitudes. Then one day we wake up and look in the mirror and say: “Why am I like this? I don’t like me.”
That’s when Psalm 139 revives my hope. God is not surprised at my conclusion! He knew that we would come to this day. He wants to put us back on track for a full and meaningful life. He asks, “Will the ‘real you’ stand up?
Five ingredients can give you a winning attitude as a Christian: (1) A sensitive Christ-like outlook. (2) A value system that knows people are more important than things. (3) A positive self-image that God can give his children. (4) Daily spiritual assurance based on such Biblical promises as John 10:28, “No one can snatch me out of my Father’s hands.” (5) An eschatology (view of last things) that lives each day as if it is your last day because you will see God face-to-face someday.
Recover the sense of wonder in your life! Read Psalm 139 again! Take it all in! Let God give you a new, refreshed attitude.
“O God, when I am sick and tired of being ‘sick and tired’, please be there
to take my hand and show me the way to higher ground. Amen”
We are born with such potential and we begin to learn from the atmosphere around us. We absorb like a sponge character traits from our caregivers. We pick up attitudes that will “enable us” and “equip us” in our daily life to get along. We fill in the blanks by imitation when we don’t know how to respond.
For instance, we learn to hide our true emotions and push down our feelings. If you don’t have Godly parents who will “Train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6) we go off to fend for ourselves and develop negative attitudes. Then one day we wake up and look in the mirror and say: “Why am I like this? I don’t like me.”
That’s when Psalm 139 revives my hope. God is not surprised at my conclusion! He knew that we would come to this day. He wants to put us back on track for a full and meaningful life. He asks, “Will the ‘real you’ stand up?
Five ingredients can give you a winning attitude as a Christian: (1) A sensitive Christ-like outlook. (2) A value system that knows people are more important than things. (3) A positive self-image that God can give his children. (4) Daily spiritual assurance based on such Biblical promises as John 10:28, “No one can snatch me out of my Father’s hands.” (5) An eschatology (view of last things) that lives each day as if it is your last day because you will see God face-to-face someday.
Recover the sense of wonder in your life! Read Psalm 139 again! Take it all in! Let God give you a new, refreshed attitude.
“O God, when I am sick and tired of being ‘sick and tired’, please be there
to take my hand and show me the way to higher ground. Amen”
Sunday, September 2, 2007
September 3: LABORING FOR THE LORD
Labor Day! Was there ever a more misnamed holiday? Most Americans will do as little as possible on Labor Day. Our history of inventions has been in “labor-saving” devices. Inventors always try to come up with new gadgets to avoid labor.
No one wants to be described as a “laborer”. We have “white collar” and “blue collar” workers to describe the work force but laborer implies under-educated, unskilled people who still earn a living by the sweat of their brows. And labor is the last thing we want to do on Labor Day, it’s a day for doing nothing but having a cookout and playing games.
The picture in the Bible is that work was fun before man rebelled against God. In partnership with God, man had a good life and enjoyed the bounty of the earth. When man tried to break the partnership with God, it wasn’t fun anymore.
“Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food.” (Genesis 3:17-19a NIV)
Work becomes laborious and non-fulfilling when the relationship with God is broken. The weekly chant on Friday of “TGIF” finds its climax on Labor Day, a day to do anything but labor.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 sees a direct connection between a Christian’s profession of faith and work. Work will win the respect of non-believers and you will not be dependent on anyone else. Obviously, work makes life meaningful. I wonder how many of today’s readers were urged to get educated so you wouldn’t have to work so hard?
Whatever you do (labor), do it all for the glory of the Lord. Enjoy your holiday this Labor Day.
“Creator God, I thank you that you have always provided work opportunities
for me and my family. Thank You for meeting this special need. Amen”
No one wants to be described as a “laborer”. We have “white collar” and “blue collar” workers to describe the work force but laborer implies under-educated, unskilled people who still earn a living by the sweat of their brows. And labor is the last thing we want to do on Labor Day, it’s a day for doing nothing but having a cookout and playing games.
The picture in the Bible is that work was fun before man rebelled against God. In partnership with God, man had a good life and enjoyed the bounty of the earth. When man tried to break the partnership with God, it wasn’t fun anymore.
“Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food.” (Genesis 3:17-19a NIV)
Work becomes laborious and non-fulfilling when the relationship with God is broken. The weekly chant on Friday of “TGIF” finds its climax on Labor Day, a day to do anything but labor.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 sees a direct connection between a Christian’s profession of faith and work. Work will win the respect of non-believers and you will not be dependent on anyone else. Obviously, work makes life meaningful. I wonder how many of today’s readers were urged to get educated so you wouldn’t have to work so hard?
Whatever you do (labor), do it all for the glory of the Lord. Enjoy your holiday this Labor Day.
“Creator God, I thank you that you have always provided work opportunities
for me and my family. Thank You for meeting this special need. Amen”
Saturday, September 1, 2007
September 2: THE GLORY OF LABOR
What a great thing it is to work! If you don’t think so, ask someone who doesn’t have a job. So much of our identity and self-respect is tied up in our working. Sin and rebellion against God can make work drudgery and endless toil. When you line up with God as a co-worker, work takes on a new meaning.
Christians should work and love working. Paul said of himself and his companions, “we work hard with our hands”. (1 Corinthians 4:12) Further, he told the Thessalonians, “we work night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:8-10)
Obviously, Christians should do all they can in society to see that work opportunities are provided for everyone. Any government program aimed at creating more jobs should have our support. This time of “economic recovery” needs help so all of our citizens can have employment.
The Bible teaches a solid work ethic; “make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
Many Christians have not yet realized what a witness for their faith they give when they work faithfully and well. Goofing-off or laziness or short-cutting on the job is a denial of the faith that demands “whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.” (Colossians 3:17)
An “unashamed workman” is a great credit to the Kingdom of God. Your work habits should point people to the Lord as well as your church-going.
“We remember, O God, that the first man created was given a job to do
in caring for our universe. Show us the joy of working with You. Amen”
Christians should work and love working. Paul said of himself and his companions, “we work hard with our hands”. (1 Corinthians 4:12) Further, he told the Thessalonians, “we work night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:8-10)
Obviously, Christians should do all they can in society to see that work opportunities are provided for everyone. Any government program aimed at creating more jobs should have our support. This time of “economic recovery” needs help so all of our citizens can have employment.
The Bible teaches a solid work ethic; “make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
Many Christians have not yet realized what a witness for their faith they give when they work faithfully and well. Goofing-off or laziness or short-cutting on the job is a denial of the faith that demands “whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.” (Colossians 3:17)
An “unashamed workman” is a great credit to the Kingdom of God. Your work habits should point people to the Lord as well as your church-going.
“We remember, O God, that the first man created was given a job to do
in caring for our universe. Show us the joy of working with You. Amen”
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