This morning I am reflecting on a few verses from James 4:7-8,13-14a NIV:
[7] "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. [8] Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
[13] Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” [14] Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. "
I found these two sets of verses very applicable to our present situation! In fact, the admonition to "wash your hands" is almost humorous, if we wanted to take it out of context. :-)
Anyway, in reverse order, James' statement about not knowing what will happen tomorrow, definitely resonated with my heart! Although, now with the social distancing guidelines, and "Shelter in place" rules, tomorrow is very predictable, and it will look much like today. That being said, in a greater world perspective, I think much of the fear and anxiety is caused by the fact that we really don't know what tomorrow will bring. Who would have thought even a month ago that we would be in this present situation. Fear of the unknown, and fear of things being out of one's control are significant fears. I think for many, especially those who walk through this world without faith in God, these days are very difficult, as nothing seems normal, and much of what was foundational in their worldview has shifted, or failed.
As Christians, we can place our trust in the Lord, in His faithfulness, in His love, mercy and compassion. We can bring hope and speak hope to those in need. We can allow the Holy Spirit to speak guidance and peace through us to those who are struggling. We are representatives of the only One who knows how this will end, who sees the beginning and the end!
Secondly, if we are struggling with these times ourselves, we submit ourselves to God! We can resist the devil and all that he is trying to sow into our hearts and minds, one of which is fear! The way to combat fear is to rest in the arms of perfect love! I love James' encouragement to come near to God! That is our answer, for He is the rock on which we can stand (PS 62:2), for He is unchanging (Heb 6:17). His love for us hasn't changed. He wasn't surprised by this virus! He hasn't been kicked off His throne. He hasn't lost any power. He is still our miracle worker, our provider, our healer and our salvation.
Finally, the washing of hands, here, has to do with our sinful ways. Notice that James makes it clear, it is for us to wash our hands, and for us to purify our hearts. Both are the result of our choices, and we must learn to cleanse our lives. Maybe we could use our actual washing of our hands to remind ourselves of our need to request forgiveness and help as we choose to embrace God rather than our own desires.
In James' comment that we need to purify our hearts if we are double-minded, I believe he is speaking of our hearts affections. This time of shaking can definitely help us to see whats really in our hearts. One of my friends was talking about this time as a sort of refiners fire, and that is an appropriate image. Heat causes what was once solid to become fluid, and at the same time, causes those impurities rise to the surface. In the same way, our day to day situation has become much more fluid, and how we respond to it should reveal much about what's in our hearts and minds.
So this morning, I am encouraged to draw near to God, to rest in His arms, and to resist the temptation to react out of fear. I am encouraged to put my trust in God, for He does know what tomorrow will bring! I am encouraged to put God as my bedrock, that upon which my life and my perspective of life are built. I am encouraged to be a purveyor of hope, to speak hope, to give hope! Help me to trust in You Lord, regardless of the changing world around me!
Amen
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Monday, March 30, 2020
Called to be Priests
This morning I am reflecting on some passages from Nehemiah. When I first turned there, and started reading, I was thinking, "Lord this is a strange set of passages for me to read." Most of the chapter I am reading is a list of the families that came back to Jerusalem to rebuild and inhabit the land once again, following their 70+ years in Babylonian captivity.
The verses that stood out to me were - Nehemiah 7:61,63-65 NIV:
[61] "The following came up from the towns of Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon and Immer, but they could not show that their families were descended from Israel: "
[63] "And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, Hakkoz and Barzillai (a man who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by that name). [64] These searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. [65] The governor, therefore, ordered them not to eat any of the most sacred food until there should be a priest ministering with the Urim and Thummim."
When I finished reading, and even had identified the verses to reflect on, I was still wondering why the Lord had led me here this morning, so I asked him the meaning, or applicability of this word to my life today.
His response surprised me, He said, "I want to focus on the fact that you are a priest!"
The thing we see in these verses is the criticalness of detailed family records, for it was from them that the Jews were able to ascertain who they were, in relation to everyone else. Their family grouping determined what they did and where they lived. We see a list three individuals who said they were priests, but had no record of their ancestors sufficient to meet the requirements, and were thus excluded from the role of priest. This role included provision of food. So we see here an Old Testament reality, namely that one's bloodline determined where one lived and what one did. We could say that blood-lines established a blood-right.
We, however, no longer live under the Old Testament rules, regulations or law. We have been set free from them by Christ Jesus (Eph 5:1). In this new dispensation, living under the Gospel of Grace, we are now, each able to claim the blood-right of Jesus. We are, each of us, called to embrace our roles as priests, and our identities as sons and daughters.
Here are a couple of verses that describe our identities and roles - 1 Peter 2:9-10 NIV:
[9] "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. [10] Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."
- and -
Romans 8:14-17 NIV:
[14] "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. [15] The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” [16] The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. [17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
- and -
Colossians 3:3 NIV:
[3] "For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."
I could on and on sharing verse after verse, but the reality is that we are, each of us, invited into an identity as a son or daughter of God, direct relationship to Him. Jesus' blood, poured out for us, established a new covenant. In this new covenant, it is faith that establishes us, through the Gospel of Grace, as His son or daughter. As we join ourselves to His family, God calls us His heirs, for we are now adopted into His family. We have been adopted and now function in the same role as Jesus, that of a royal priest, that is true for each of us that has accepted salvation.
So why is this important today? Well, as I was reflecting on this, I realized that for many of us, we have never actually functioned in the role of a royal priest for our own lives. I have nothing against pastors and church leaders, and I count many as personal friends, but the truth is that many of us have handed our identities and roles to them to cultivate and grow up. We have chosen the easy path, because that is the only one we knew, of allowing someone else to hear from God for us, allowing someone else to be the one who offers praises and worship. Due to this present "Shelter in place" situation, we are all being given the opportunity to step into our true identity as sons and daughters of The King, to be priests for our own lives!
Oh, that the church would become fully alive, recognizing who we are in Him, pressing into all that He has for us! We are priests, we have the blood-line and are meant to receive the blood-rights of our family, the family of God, who is our father, and of Jesus Christ, the first-born of a new family. We don't have to prove anything for the Spirit in us testifies to our identity!
My encouragement today is to look to my own life, and decide to be the priest of my life. I love the impartation and encouragement that happens through my pastors, but at the end of the day, I am responsible to hear, to worship and praise God for myself. I am the one who must set my heart on following Jesus, and I am the one who must choose daily to follow Him, who loves me most.
May the peace of Christ be yours,
Sam
The verses that stood out to me were - Nehemiah 7:61,63-65 NIV:
[61] "The following came up from the towns of Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon and Immer, but they could not show that their families were descended from Israel: "
[63] "And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, Hakkoz and Barzillai (a man who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by that name). [64] These searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. [65] The governor, therefore, ordered them not to eat any of the most sacred food until there should be a priest ministering with the Urim and Thummim."
When I finished reading, and even had identified the verses to reflect on, I was still wondering why the Lord had led me here this morning, so I asked him the meaning, or applicability of this word to my life today.
His response surprised me, He said, "I want to focus on the fact that you are a priest!"
The thing we see in these verses is the criticalness of detailed family records, for it was from them that the Jews were able to ascertain who they were, in relation to everyone else. Their family grouping determined what they did and where they lived. We see a list three individuals who said they were priests, but had no record of their ancestors sufficient to meet the requirements, and were thus excluded from the role of priest. This role included provision of food. So we see here an Old Testament reality, namely that one's bloodline determined where one lived and what one did. We could say that blood-lines established a blood-right.
We, however, no longer live under the Old Testament rules, regulations or law. We have been set free from them by Christ Jesus (Eph 5:1). In this new dispensation, living under the Gospel of Grace, we are now, each able to claim the blood-right of Jesus. We are, each of us, called to embrace our roles as priests, and our identities as sons and daughters.
Here are a couple of verses that describe our identities and roles - 1 Peter 2:9-10 NIV:
[9] "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. [10] Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."
- and -
Romans 8:14-17 NIV:
[14] "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. [15] The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” [16] The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. [17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
- and -
Colossians 3:3 NIV:
[3] "For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."
I could on and on sharing verse after verse, but the reality is that we are, each of us, invited into an identity as a son or daughter of God, direct relationship to Him. Jesus' blood, poured out for us, established a new covenant. In this new covenant, it is faith that establishes us, through the Gospel of Grace, as His son or daughter. As we join ourselves to His family, God calls us His heirs, for we are now adopted into His family. We have been adopted and now function in the same role as Jesus, that of a royal priest, that is true for each of us that has accepted salvation.
So why is this important today? Well, as I was reflecting on this, I realized that for many of us, we have never actually functioned in the role of a royal priest for our own lives. I have nothing against pastors and church leaders, and I count many as personal friends, but the truth is that many of us have handed our identities and roles to them to cultivate and grow up. We have chosen the easy path, because that is the only one we knew, of allowing someone else to hear from God for us, allowing someone else to be the one who offers praises and worship. Due to this present "Shelter in place" situation, we are all being given the opportunity to step into our true identity as sons and daughters of The King, to be priests for our own lives!
Oh, that the church would become fully alive, recognizing who we are in Him, pressing into all that He has for us! We are priests, we have the blood-line and are meant to receive the blood-rights of our family, the family of God, who is our father, and of Jesus Christ, the first-born of a new family. We don't have to prove anything for the Spirit in us testifies to our identity!
My encouragement today is to look to my own life, and decide to be the priest of my life. I love the impartation and encouragement that happens through my pastors, but at the end of the day, I am responsible to hear, to worship and praise God for myself. I am the one who must set my heart on following Jesus, and I am the one who must choose daily to follow Him, who loves me most.
May the peace of Christ be yours,
Sam
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Overcoming Fear with Faith
This morning I am reflecting on the story of David and Goliath, found in 1 Samuel 17. This is a story that many are familiar with, and I wanted to focus on the state of the army of Israel, as they faced Goliath. Here are excerpts from the story - 1 Samuel 17:1-11,20-24,34-37 NIV:
[1] Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Sokoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes Dammim, between Sokoh and Azekah. [2] Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines. [3] The Philistines occupied one hill and the Israelites another, with the valley between them.
[4] A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span. [5] He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels ; [6] on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. [7] His spear shaft was like a weaver's rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. His shield bearer went ahead of him.
[8] Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me. [9] If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us.” [10] Then the Philistine said, “This day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other. ” [11] On hearing the Philistine's words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.
[20] Early in the morning David left the flock in the care of a shepherd, loaded up and set out, as Jesse had directed. He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry. [21] Israel and the Philistines were drawing up their lines facing each other. [22] David left his things with the keeper of supplies, ran to the battle lines and asked his brothers how they were. [23] As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it. [24] Whenever the Israelites saw the man, they all fled from him in great fear.
[34] But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, [35] I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. [36] Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. [37] The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”
Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.”
As I read back through these familiar verses today I was reminded of the state of the army of Israel. They were afraid, and even fled from Goliath in great fear (vs24). Part of the issue was that they (the army) were looking only at their own strength, there own abilities, and just from the sure size of Goliath alone, were cowed down in fear. They were thinking in terms of what they knew, of the types of warfare they were trained in, and in comparison, they saw no hope in using these skills against a similarly trained and much more powerful opponent.
I heard Graham Cooke speak about this story several times, and one of the things he speaks about is the boasting of the enemy, the threatening boasts and jeering that enemy always uses. He intends to strike fear, to cause fear to well up, for fear weakens our faith. Fear gets us focused on our own situation, rather than on the promises of God, and His authority and power.
In this story, the mere sight of Goliath was enough to make all the men in the army forget about all the times God had delivered them, the times He had fought for them. Instead they were looking at themselves, thinking of the their own lives and afraid.
I definitely see some parallels between this story and our present situation with this virus. People are afraid of the unseen, in this case, rather then the seen (Goliath). We have all heard how terrible this virus is, how it can't be stopped, and the constant coverage and fear-mongering has built up this massive monster of fear. Rather than thinking about others, many people have chosen to look out only for themselves, hoarding food and necessary items, to the detriment of others. This is the rule of fear, and what fear drives us to do. We look to ourselves, and cower in fear that this disease might touch us.
Now, I am not saying anything about healthy caution, about protecting one another, about obeying rules to limit the spread. All of those responses are healthy and wise. What isn't wise is allowing fear to control us. God is bigger that this virus! The virus does not exist in Heaven, nor should it exist in His Kingdom, and we as sons and daughters have authority in His Kingdom. We were told to pray, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, here on earth, as it is in heaven". Said another way, we are supposed to pray into reality here on earth what is true in heaven! Thus, if the virus doesn't exist or have any power in Heaven, we should have authority over it, to end its reign here on earth.
Going back to the story, David prophetically saw this reality, and had experienced the power of God's promise and word to him. God had spoken over Him, through the prophet Samuel, that he would be king. When David approached Goliath, he put his trust in God's word, in God's promise to him personally, and in His previous experience of God's protection. David allowed his faith to rise up and vanquish fear.
Now, the other thing that David did, was he used weapons and warfare that He was familiar with, and entrusted them to God's help. He realized that God had protected Him previously, from the attacks or bears and lions, and He knew that God would provide him a way to defeat Goliath. Notice, he doesn't say how he killed the lion and bear, my guess is that it wasn't with a sling and stone. The point is that God gave him the right strategy and skill every time, and protected him from harm.
Does not God care for each of us (Ps 139)? Does He not lead us and guide us like He did David (John 16:13)? Do we not have the Holy Spirit living in us (John 14:17)? Does not the Kingdom of God exist within us ( Luke 17:21)? Did God not give us knowledge of His will and strengthen us with all power (Col 1:9-11)? We are His sons and daughters! We don't need to live in fear! Let us embrace our faith, cast fear aside and pray for God's Kingdom reality to destroy fear, this virus and every other evil we encounter! Let us pray to the Lord to release the right strategy to defeat this enemy! Let us look to one another in love, not cowering in fear, and let us look for ways we can lift one another up, encouraging one another in faith and good works!
In ending I thought it good to end with Paul's encouragement and prayer for the Colossians 1:9-14 NIV:
[9] "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, [10] so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, [11] being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, [12] and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. [13] For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Amen and Amen! May God's peace reign in your hearts and minds, as He blesses you with an increase of faith!
Sam
[1] Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Sokoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes Dammim, between Sokoh and Azekah. [2] Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines. [3] The Philistines occupied one hill and the Israelites another, with the valley between them.
[4] A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span. [5] He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels ; [6] on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. [7] His spear shaft was like a weaver's rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. His shield bearer went ahead of him.
[8] Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me. [9] If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us.” [10] Then the Philistine said, “This day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other. ” [11] On hearing the Philistine's words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.
[20] Early in the morning David left the flock in the care of a shepherd, loaded up and set out, as Jesse had directed. He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry. [21] Israel and the Philistines were drawing up their lines facing each other. [22] David left his things with the keeper of supplies, ran to the battle lines and asked his brothers how they were. [23] As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it. [24] Whenever the Israelites saw the man, they all fled from him in great fear.
[34] But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, [35] I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. [36] Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. [37] The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”
Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.”
As I read back through these familiar verses today I was reminded of the state of the army of Israel. They were afraid, and even fled from Goliath in great fear (vs24). Part of the issue was that they (the army) were looking only at their own strength, there own abilities, and just from the sure size of Goliath alone, were cowed down in fear. They were thinking in terms of what they knew, of the types of warfare they were trained in, and in comparison, they saw no hope in using these skills against a similarly trained and much more powerful opponent.
I heard Graham Cooke speak about this story several times, and one of the things he speaks about is the boasting of the enemy, the threatening boasts and jeering that enemy always uses. He intends to strike fear, to cause fear to well up, for fear weakens our faith. Fear gets us focused on our own situation, rather than on the promises of God, and His authority and power.
In this story, the mere sight of Goliath was enough to make all the men in the army forget about all the times God had delivered them, the times He had fought for them. Instead they were looking at themselves, thinking of the their own lives and afraid.
I definitely see some parallels between this story and our present situation with this virus. People are afraid of the unseen, in this case, rather then the seen (Goliath). We have all heard how terrible this virus is, how it can't be stopped, and the constant coverage and fear-mongering has built up this massive monster of fear. Rather than thinking about others, many people have chosen to look out only for themselves, hoarding food and necessary items, to the detriment of others. This is the rule of fear, and what fear drives us to do. We look to ourselves, and cower in fear that this disease might touch us.
Now, I am not saying anything about healthy caution, about protecting one another, about obeying rules to limit the spread. All of those responses are healthy and wise. What isn't wise is allowing fear to control us. God is bigger that this virus! The virus does not exist in Heaven, nor should it exist in His Kingdom, and we as sons and daughters have authority in His Kingdom. We were told to pray, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, here on earth, as it is in heaven". Said another way, we are supposed to pray into reality here on earth what is true in heaven! Thus, if the virus doesn't exist or have any power in Heaven, we should have authority over it, to end its reign here on earth.
Going back to the story, David prophetically saw this reality, and had experienced the power of God's promise and word to him. God had spoken over Him, through the prophet Samuel, that he would be king. When David approached Goliath, he put his trust in God's word, in God's promise to him personally, and in His previous experience of God's protection. David allowed his faith to rise up and vanquish fear.
Now, the other thing that David did, was he used weapons and warfare that He was familiar with, and entrusted them to God's help. He realized that God had protected Him previously, from the attacks or bears and lions, and He knew that God would provide him a way to defeat Goliath. Notice, he doesn't say how he killed the lion and bear, my guess is that it wasn't with a sling and stone. The point is that God gave him the right strategy and skill every time, and protected him from harm.
Does not God care for each of us (Ps 139)? Does He not lead us and guide us like He did David (John 16:13)? Do we not have the Holy Spirit living in us (John 14:17)? Does not the Kingdom of God exist within us ( Luke 17:21)? Did God not give us knowledge of His will and strengthen us with all power (Col 1:9-11)? We are His sons and daughters! We don't need to live in fear! Let us embrace our faith, cast fear aside and pray for God's Kingdom reality to destroy fear, this virus and every other evil we encounter! Let us pray to the Lord to release the right strategy to defeat this enemy! Let us look to one another in love, not cowering in fear, and let us look for ways we can lift one another up, encouraging one another in faith and good works!
In ending I thought it good to end with Paul's encouragement and prayer for the Colossians 1:9-14 NIV:
[9] "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, [10] so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, [11] being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, [12] and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. [13] For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Amen and Amen! May God's peace reign in your hearts and minds, as He blesses you with an increase of faith!
Sam
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Born Anew, Born From Above
This morning I am reflecting on some verses from John 3. I got there via John 19. I find that sometimes the Lord leads me on short treasure hunts, where He has me start in one place, which leads me to another. I am not sure why that is the case, but I am sure part of the reason is teaching me to listen. This morning as I went to the scripture, in prayer, I felt like I should read from John 19, which is a chapter that speaks of Jesus' sentencing and death. When I feel led to a certain chapter that I have read many times, I read through it afresh, looking for that which stands out to my mind and spirit.
This morning, while all the verses in Chapter 19 are worthy of reflection, I found myself reflecting on the two men who took Jesus body, after He died, and buried him. The two are Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. We know nothing about Joseph, except that which is listed here and in all three of the other Gospels, that he was a rich man and a believer. However, I was reminded of a couple of mentions of Nicodemus, and he is first mentioned in John chapter 3, which is how I found myself reading and reflecting on these verses. The verses are as follows - John 3:1-8 NIV:
[1] "Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. [2] He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
[3] "Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. ”
[4] “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother's womb to be born!”
[5] Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. [6] Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. [7] You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' [8] The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
The specific verse that caught my attention is verse 3, which is Jesus' reply to Nicodemus's statement that they know Jesus is from God because of the signs He was performing. Jesus' response to this seems slightly off subject, for he doesn't address the specific subject, but introduces a whole new thought which results in revelation of new truth to Nicodemus. It seems to me that this is the way most of my conversations with the Lord go, I start in one place, and end up somewhere else, with new revelation or understanding being the result, today is a good example of that.
Nicodemus is alluding to Jesus being sent from God, which is actually HUGE news, as there had been a drought of hearing from God for over 300 years. Jesus uses this statement to leap into new revelation, explaining that they are entering into a time of the Kingdom of God being visible, here on earth, but that seeing it requires a "new birth" or a "birth form above". The Greek word used by John here, can be translated either way. Nicodemus, is instantly engaged, and drawn into the conversation. How is the new birth to be accomplished? I don't see this term being used anywhere in the Old Testament, thus Nicodemus is drawn in, asking for clarity.
Jesus thus releases the new revelation, to enter into the Kingdom of God, one must be born of the Spirit, indicating the Holy Spirit. This is far more than following the Law, trying to establish one's righteousness through actions, this requires God's action. This is really one of the first glimpses of the Gospel of Grace. It is something that is impossible for man, and only possible for God! Then Jesus speaks of being led by the Spirit, as being blown along by the wind, and this would be true of everyone born again or from above. Oh, that we might be aware of this heavenly wind in our lives!
As I reflect on these verses today, I am encouraged by two things. First, that Jesus is always working to draw us into deeper understanding. I think that all of us are being given a time of separation, a time of rest in which we can pursue Him more regularly, and gain greater revelation, just through regular conversation with Him. Secondly, I am encouraged to be conscious of the movement of the Holy Spirit, listening to the wind, and following where He is blowing.
My prayer for us all is that we might learn to converse with the Lord, to be led by the Lord and to learn from the Lord!
Blessings,
Sam
This morning, while all the verses in Chapter 19 are worthy of reflection, I found myself reflecting on the two men who took Jesus body, after He died, and buried him. The two are Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. We know nothing about Joseph, except that which is listed here and in all three of the other Gospels, that he was a rich man and a believer. However, I was reminded of a couple of mentions of Nicodemus, and he is first mentioned in John chapter 3, which is how I found myself reading and reflecting on these verses. The verses are as follows - John 3:1-8 NIV:
[1] "Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. [2] He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
[3] "Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. ”
[4] “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother's womb to be born!”
[5] Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. [6] Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. [7] You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' [8] The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
The specific verse that caught my attention is verse 3, which is Jesus' reply to Nicodemus's statement that they know Jesus is from God because of the signs He was performing. Jesus' response to this seems slightly off subject, for he doesn't address the specific subject, but introduces a whole new thought which results in revelation of new truth to Nicodemus. It seems to me that this is the way most of my conversations with the Lord go, I start in one place, and end up somewhere else, with new revelation or understanding being the result, today is a good example of that.
Nicodemus is alluding to Jesus being sent from God, which is actually HUGE news, as there had been a drought of hearing from God for over 300 years. Jesus uses this statement to leap into new revelation, explaining that they are entering into a time of the Kingdom of God being visible, here on earth, but that seeing it requires a "new birth" or a "birth form above". The Greek word used by John here, can be translated either way. Nicodemus, is instantly engaged, and drawn into the conversation. How is the new birth to be accomplished? I don't see this term being used anywhere in the Old Testament, thus Nicodemus is drawn in, asking for clarity.
Jesus thus releases the new revelation, to enter into the Kingdom of God, one must be born of the Spirit, indicating the Holy Spirit. This is far more than following the Law, trying to establish one's righteousness through actions, this requires God's action. This is really one of the first glimpses of the Gospel of Grace. It is something that is impossible for man, and only possible for God! Then Jesus speaks of being led by the Spirit, as being blown along by the wind, and this would be true of everyone born again or from above. Oh, that we might be aware of this heavenly wind in our lives!
As I reflect on these verses today, I am encouraged by two things. First, that Jesus is always working to draw us into deeper understanding. I think that all of us are being given a time of separation, a time of rest in which we can pursue Him more regularly, and gain greater revelation, just through regular conversation with Him. Secondly, I am encouraged to be conscious of the movement of the Holy Spirit, listening to the wind, and following where He is blowing.
My prayer for us all is that we might learn to converse with the Lord, to be led by the Lord and to learn from the Lord!
Blessings,
Sam
Friday, March 27, 2020
Trust in and Delight in the Lord!
This morning I am reflecting on some verses from Psalm 37:3-8 NIV:
[3] "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
[4] Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
[5] Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:
[6] He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.
[7] Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
[8] Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret---it leads only to evil."
If we just read the first part of the verses, where David is encouraging a particular action on the reader's part, we find a very helpful set of guidelines for these crazy days we are living through.
1) Trust in the Lord!
2) Take delight in the Lord!
3) Commit your way to the Lord!
4) Be still before the Lord!
5) Refrain from anger!
Each of those encouragements is worth reflection, especially as it relates to our day to day life of quarantine and dealing with the barrage of bad news, and dire predictions.
First, put your trust in the Lord! He loves you and is watching over You! He is not surprised by this virus and He is present in the midst of the anxiety and swirl around it. He is the eternal rock on which we can stand. When everything is changing around us, we can trust God to be the same every day.
Second, take delight in the Lord. To do this, we must turn our hearts and minds toward Him. Reflecting on our relationship with Him, seeing answered prayers, sweet encounters of His presence, times His word have spoken deeply to us! As we look to Him we will see His faithfulness, mercy, compassion and love have never changed!
Third, commit your way to the Lord! Give Him your day! Ask for His guidance and direction! Look to Him in big and small things and set Your heart to follow after Him in all his leading. Offer yourself into His service in whatever way you can during this time. Commit your life to Him, not to your own survival efforts
Fourth, be still before Him. We want to do things, we want to fix the problem, and most of us have no ability to make a major difference. However, by being still, by waiting, and looking to Him, we can grow in our relationship with Him, and learn to hear His voice more clearly. If we still our minds and turn towards Him and ask Him to speak, He will.
Fifth, we need to refrain from anger, from judgment, from over-reacting in fear. This is a choice we can make. We need to embrace the first 4 encouragements and let His peace settle over us. We need to let go of our need for control, and entrust ourselves unto Him, and let Him worry about retribution, righting wrongs, and intervening in the process. When we have been wronged, we want to extract payment from those responsible. We want to lay about us, and punish that which is causing our pain, or adding to our pain. We can get angry and frustrated when we are unable to lay hold of the responsible parties, and that is where we need to entrust judgment to God.
My prayer for each of us today is that we may walk in God's peace, in knowledge of His love for us, and in loving ways towards one another. Let us embrace our time of solitude to become closer to God, to allowing His words to change us and and give us life!
May the peace of Christ and His rest be yours today!
Sam
[3] "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
[4] Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
[5] Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:
[6] He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.
[7] Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
[8] Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret---it leads only to evil."
If we just read the first part of the verses, where David is encouraging a particular action on the reader's part, we find a very helpful set of guidelines for these crazy days we are living through.
1) Trust in the Lord!
2) Take delight in the Lord!
3) Commit your way to the Lord!
4) Be still before the Lord!
5) Refrain from anger!
Each of those encouragements is worth reflection, especially as it relates to our day to day life of quarantine and dealing with the barrage of bad news, and dire predictions.
First, put your trust in the Lord! He loves you and is watching over You! He is not surprised by this virus and He is present in the midst of the anxiety and swirl around it. He is the eternal rock on which we can stand. When everything is changing around us, we can trust God to be the same every day.
Second, take delight in the Lord. To do this, we must turn our hearts and minds toward Him. Reflecting on our relationship with Him, seeing answered prayers, sweet encounters of His presence, times His word have spoken deeply to us! As we look to Him we will see His faithfulness, mercy, compassion and love have never changed!
Third, commit your way to the Lord! Give Him your day! Ask for His guidance and direction! Look to Him in big and small things and set Your heart to follow after Him in all his leading. Offer yourself into His service in whatever way you can during this time. Commit your life to Him, not to your own survival efforts
Fourth, be still before Him. We want to do things, we want to fix the problem, and most of us have no ability to make a major difference. However, by being still, by waiting, and looking to Him, we can grow in our relationship with Him, and learn to hear His voice more clearly. If we still our minds and turn towards Him and ask Him to speak, He will.
Fifth, we need to refrain from anger, from judgment, from over-reacting in fear. This is a choice we can make. We need to embrace the first 4 encouragements and let His peace settle over us. We need to let go of our need for control, and entrust ourselves unto Him, and let Him worry about retribution, righting wrongs, and intervening in the process. When we have been wronged, we want to extract payment from those responsible. We want to lay about us, and punish that which is causing our pain, or adding to our pain. We can get angry and frustrated when we are unable to lay hold of the responsible parties, and that is where we need to entrust judgment to God.
My prayer for each of us today is that we may walk in God's peace, in knowledge of His love for us, and in loving ways towards one another. Let us embrace our time of solitude to become closer to God, to allowing His words to change us and and give us life!
May the peace of Christ and His rest be yours today!
Sam
Thursday, March 26, 2020
It is Time for the Holy People of the Most High!
This morning I felt led to turn to the Book of Daniel the prophet. This is such an interesting book, and one that spoke prophetically about the future times, which then came to pass. I am reflecting on some verses this morning, that while written some 2200-2600 years ago, are encouraging to the Body of Christ today. Daniel uses the phrase "holy people of the Most High" and I think that could be applied to us, the Body of Christ. Here are the verses - Daniel 7:9-18,26-27 NIV:
[9] “As I looked, “thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. [10] A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.
[11] “Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. [12] (The other beasts had been stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time.)
[13] “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. [14] He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
[15] “I, Daniel, was troubled in spirit, and the visions that passed through my mind disturbed me. [16] I approached one of those standing there and asked him the meaning of all this. “So he told me and gave me the interpretation of these things: [17] 'The four great beasts are four kings that will rise from the earth. [18] But the holy people of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever---yes, for ever and ever.'
[26] “ 'But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. [27] Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.'
These verses are clearly seeing into the heavenly realm, and speaking of a time that was yet to come. I love the fact that the Ancient of Days was seated on His throne, for this is the place where judgments are given! The books were opened and court was seated - this is a heavenly courtroom. God's judgment was issued against the beasts, and they were slain or stripped of their authority. Today, let us pray for the Ancient of Days to judge this virus, and destroy it or strip it of its authority (ability to hurt us).
The Son of Man is clearly Jesus, and we know that He has already come to earth, and now sits on His throne at the right-hand of the Father (Heb 8:1, 12:2). What is interesting is that when this was all accomplished the very next thing that happened is that the "holy people of the Most High" receive the kingdom and possess it forever! (See verse 18 above). This wasn't seen by Daniel in the vision, but was described by the one who was helping Daniel understand it all. In fact, to make sure this fact wasn't missed it is reiterated again in verse 27. This is an amazing passage - "Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High."
Can we believe this is true? Do we realize that this is actually where we are at presently? Jesus is seated on the throne, so we are into the next act, and that my friends is the time of the "holy people of the Most High"! We have received the Kingdom, this is what Jesus handed to His disciples. The Kingdom of God was the one message that Jesus spent His whole ministry explaining and teaching to the Disciples. It was what He spent the 40 days after He rose from the dead, teaching and explaining (See Acts 1:3). The Book of Acts described the remainder of Paul's ministry this way - Acts 28:30-31 NIV: For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. [31] He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ---with all boldness and without hindrance!"
We are living in the time of the Kingdom of God, being stewarded by the "holy people of the Most High". My encouragement this morning is for us to step into that place of authority, sovereignty and power that we have been given! Let us press into the Lord, to receive instruction and guidance on how to do that which we are called to do! Let us take our rightful place, and learn to operate in authority and power, coupled with the humility, mercy, compassion and selflessness of Christ.
Amen and Amen!
[9] “As I looked, “thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. [10] A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.
[11] “Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. [12] (The other beasts had been stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time.)
[13] “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. [14] He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
[15] “I, Daniel, was troubled in spirit, and the visions that passed through my mind disturbed me. [16] I approached one of those standing there and asked him the meaning of all this. “So he told me and gave me the interpretation of these things: [17] 'The four great beasts are four kings that will rise from the earth. [18] But the holy people of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever---yes, for ever and ever.'
[26] “ 'But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. [27] Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.'
These verses are clearly seeing into the heavenly realm, and speaking of a time that was yet to come. I love the fact that the Ancient of Days was seated on His throne, for this is the place where judgments are given! The books were opened and court was seated - this is a heavenly courtroom. God's judgment was issued against the beasts, and they were slain or stripped of their authority. Today, let us pray for the Ancient of Days to judge this virus, and destroy it or strip it of its authority (ability to hurt us).
The Son of Man is clearly Jesus, and we know that He has already come to earth, and now sits on His throne at the right-hand of the Father (Heb 8:1, 12:2). What is interesting is that when this was all accomplished the very next thing that happened is that the "holy people of the Most High" receive the kingdom and possess it forever! (See verse 18 above). This wasn't seen by Daniel in the vision, but was described by the one who was helping Daniel understand it all. In fact, to make sure this fact wasn't missed it is reiterated again in verse 27. This is an amazing passage - "Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High."
Can we believe this is true? Do we realize that this is actually where we are at presently? Jesus is seated on the throne, so we are into the next act, and that my friends is the time of the "holy people of the Most High"! We have received the Kingdom, this is what Jesus handed to His disciples. The Kingdom of God was the one message that Jesus spent His whole ministry explaining and teaching to the Disciples. It was what He spent the 40 days after He rose from the dead, teaching and explaining (See Acts 1:3). The Book of Acts described the remainder of Paul's ministry this way - Acts 28:30-31 NIV: For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. [31] He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ---with all boldness and without hindrance!"
We are living in the time of the Kingdom of God, being stewarded by the "holy people of the Most High". My encouragement this morning is for us to step into that place of authority, sovereignty and power that we have been given! Let us press into the Lord, to receive instruction and guidance on how to do that which we are called to do! Let us take our rightful place, and learn to operate in authority and power, coupled with the humility, mercy, compassion and selflessness of Christ.
Amen and Amen!
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
A Personal Soundtrack
This morning as I sat down to pray, I was turning my mind and heart towards Him, and it was like I was suddenly I aware that I had all these favorite verses running through my head. It was almost like they had been playing in the background all along, and as I paid attention I suddenly heard them. Oh, that I would have my own life sound-track of God's Word constantly playing in the background!
Anyway, one of the verses that came to mind during that was a set of verses from my favorite Old Testament Prophet Isaiah. I haven't reflected on these for a long while, so this morning that is my goal. Here are the verses - Isaiah 40:25-31 NIV:
[25] “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.
[26] Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
[27] Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”?
[28] Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
[29] He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
[30] Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
[31] but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Oh Lord, we do need strength and power, for we are weary and weak! Oh Lord, I specifically pray this for our healthcare and medical professionals, those to whom the task of caring for all of the sick has fallen. Lord give them strength, give them power, give them wings like eagles that allow them to soar on the winds of Your Holy Spirit! Help them to run and not grow weary!
Going back tot he verses, I find the injection of verse 27 into what is essentially a song of praise interesting. Its like Isaiah is cruising along, praising God in His power and majesty and suddenly, this image of the tribe of Jacob comes to mind and he hears their specific complaints against God! As I was reading it this morning I was thinking, "what's that doing there?"
As I think more on this, I realize that is often my exact experience. I might be praising the Lord, or worshipping or reflecting upon His glorious word, and out of left field comes this thought, "yeah, He isn't that great, don't you remember how He didn't answer this particular prayer?" Another common thought, especially in difficult times is, "Why are you worshipping God? He is punishing you for all your sinful ways." I know well the voice of the deceiver, the liar, the accuser, and usually can just toss the thought aside and keep on pressing into worship and praise.
However, especially during long periods of difficulty, I find myself starting to agree with that ugly voice, and if I don't pay close attention, find my self all wrapped up in a self-pity party!
I love how Isaiah breaks into that pity-party train of thought with his verses, "Do you not know? Have you not heard?" All I need to do is exactly that, remind myself of all the good God as done! As I remind myself of His goodness and faithfulness, the lies are exposed and I am able to to continue to worship the Lord! In fact, as I think about it, more often then not, I am actually reminded of new reasons to thank God, and of other answered prayers!
This morning, this has been a good reflection to help me focus my thoughts and my heart's song on the goodness and faithfulness of God, in spite of the difficulty that is surrounding us. I am reminded of God's sovereignty, His awesome power, and His willingness to bless me with strength and encouragement!
I want those thoughts to be my life's soundtrack! I want to constantly be calling to mind all that the Lord has done and all the ways He has blessed me! I want my heart to be singing quietly in the background, so that when I can turn my mind fully to the Lord, my soundtrack's music comes pouring out of my mouth.
May the Lord Bless you and keep you safe this day!
Sam
Anyway, one of the verses that came to mind during that was a set of verses from my favorite Old Testament Prophet Isaiah. I haven't reflected on these for a long while, so this morning that is my goal. Here are the verses - Isaiah 40:25-31 NIV:
[25] “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.
[26] Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
[27] Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”?
[28] Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
[29] He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
[30] Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
[31] but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Oh Lord, we do need strength and power, for we are weary and weak! Oh Lord, I specifically pray this for our healthcare and medical professionals, those to whom the task of caring for all of the sick has fallen. Lord give them strength, give them power, give them wings like eagles that allow them to soar on the winds of Your Holy Spirit! Help them to run and not grow weary!
Going back tot he verses, I find the injection of verse 27 into what is essentially a song of praise interesting. Its like Isaiah is cruising along, praising God in His power and majesty and suddenly, this image of the tribe of Jacob comes to mind and he hears their specific complaints against God! As I was reading it this morning I was thinking, "what's that doing there?"
As I think more on this, I realize that is often my exact experience. I might be praising the Lord, or worshipping or reflecting upon His glorious word, and out of left field comes this thought, "yeah, He isn't that great, don't you remember how He didn't answer this particular prayer?" Another common thought, especially in difficult times is, "Why are you worshipping God? He is punishing you for all your sinful ways." I know well the voice of the deceiver, the liar, the accuser, and usually can just toss the thought aside and keep on pressing into worship and praise.
However, especially during long periods of difficulty, I find myself starting to agree with that ugly voice, and if I don't pay close attention, find my self all wrapped up in a self-pity party!
I love how Isaiah breaks into that pity-party train of thought with his verses, "Do you not know? Have you not heard?" All I need to do is exactly that, remind myself of all the good God as done! As I remind myself of His goodness and faithfulness, the lies are exposed and I am able to to continue to worship the Lord! In fact, as I think about it, more often then not, I am actually reminded of new reasons to thank God, and of other answered prayers!
This morning, this has been a good reflection to help me focus my thoughts and my heart's song on the goodness and faithfulness of God, in spite of the difficulty that is surrounding us. I am reminded of God's sovereignty, His awesome power, and His willingness to bless me with strength and encouragement!
I want those thoughts to be my life's soundtrack! I want to constantly be calling to mind all that the Lord has done and all the ways He has blessed me! I want my heart to be singing quietly in the background, so that when I can turn my mind fully to the Lord, my soundtrack's music comes pouring out of my mouth.
May the Lord Bless you and keep you safe this day!
Sam
Sunday, March 22, 2020
Live Unafraid!
Today, as I sit down to pray, these verses from Paul's letter to the church in Philippi seem more relevant - Philippians 1:12-14,19-20,27 NIV:
[12] "Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. [13] As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. [14] And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear."
[19]..."for I know that through your prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. [20] I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death."
[27] "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel."
Paul, as one of the primary evangelists, was writing this from prison. He was in chains, yet he saw the Church come alive in response to his imprisonment. I think that we are seeing something similar, except its not just Paul that is being locked up, but rather pretty much every congregation, every church body (at least here in the US).
I believe we are being given an unprecedented opportunity to be the light of Christ in our homes and in our neighborhoods and in our daily witness. The world is reeling from fear, and needs the witness of those that live without fear. Not saying that we walk around endangering others through flagrant disregard, but rather that we would live in such a way that whether we live unaffected or are infected, our lives are a witness of love, joy and peace.
Can our lives echo Paul's words, "now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death"?
Can we live our lives not reacting in fear, but rather steadfast in love and faith?
Can we look to others first?
In these radical times, those who live differently will shine!
I am unaccustomed to asking my neighbors if they need anything from the store when I go out. I am unaccustomed to calling my family, friends and neighbors regularly to check on them. I am unaccustomed to looking for ways I can serve others in my every day life. I am unaccustomed to much, and yet, I know I need to change my behavior to learn to serve, to love, to be a light.
I am not challenged with sickness, nor is anyone in my family, and for that I am grateful. I don't need to deal with that reality, but every day there are thousands who are dealing with that reality, and I am speaking of our healthcare and medical professions, and our law enforcement members. As many have rightfully noted, they are on the front lines in this battle, and they are unable to let fear rule their lives. Whether fearful or not, they continue to work and serve. Would the church step up to partner with those in their bodies, and those who are not, who serve in these capacities? Would the church learn to help, to provide meals, support and relief from other cares these people have? Can we find ways to love them in real and practical ways, in spite of these "shelter in place" rules?
Can the church do the same for the elderly, for those who are alone, and in need of help? Can we look for safe ways to ease the burden of life for those we know, those we know of, and those who are living in greatest fear?
I am reminded of a couple of scriptures - Matthew 5:14-16 NIV:
[14] “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
- and -
Philippians 2:13-16 NIV:
...[13] "for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
[14] "Do everything without grumbling or arguing, [15] so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky [16] as you hold firmly to the word of life."
Let us hold firmly to the "word of life" and let us let our lives shine in this present dark time! Let us run the race set before us with love, mercy, compassion, hope and faith! Let us embrace these days and live unafraid! Let us surround those in need of support, encouragement and help! Let us be the Body of Christ alive, unafraid and unshackled!
Amen and Amen!
[12] "Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. [13] As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. [14] And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear."
[19]..."for I know that through your prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. [20] I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death."
[27] "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel."
Paul, as one of the primary evangelists, was writing this from prison. He was in chains, yet he saw the Church come alive in response to his imprisonment. I think that we are seeing something similar, except its not just Paul that is being locked up, but rather pretty much every congregation, every church body (at least here in the US).
I believe we are being given an unprecedented opportunity to be the light of Christ in our homes and in our neighborhoods and in our daily witness. The world is reeling from fear, and needs the witness of those that live without fear. Not saying that we walk around endangering others through flagrant disregard, but rather that we would live in such a way that whether we live unaffected or are infected, our lives are a witness of love, joy and peace.
Can our lives echo Paul's words, "now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death"?
Can we live our lives not reacting in fear, but rather steadfast in love and faith?
Can we look to others first?
In these radical times, those who live differently will shine!
I am unaccustomed to asking my neighbors if they need anything from the store when I go out. I am unaccustomed to calling my family, friends and neighbors regularly to check on them. I am unaccustomed to looking for ways I can serve others in my every day life. I am unaccustomed to much, and yet, I know I need to change my behavior to learn to serve, to love, to be a light.
I am not challenged with sickness, nor is anyone in my family, and for that I am grateful. I don't need to deal with that reality, but every day there are thousands who are dealing with that reality, and I am speaking of our healthcare and medical professions, and our law enforcement members. As many have rightfully noted, they are on the front lines in this battle, and they are unable to let fear rule their lives. Whether fearful or not, they continue to work and serve. Would the church step up to partner with those in their bodies, and those who are not, who serve in these capacities? Would the church learn to help, to provide meals, support and relief from other cares these people have? Can we find ways to love them in real and practical ways, in spite of these "shelter in place" rules?
Can the church do the same for the elderly, for those who are alone, and in need of help? Can we look for safe ways to ease the burden of life for those we know, those we know of, and those who are living in greatest fear?
I am reminded of a couple of scriptures - Matthew 5:14-16 NIV:
[14] “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
- and -
Philippians 2:13-16 NIV:
...[13] "for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
[14] "Do everything without grumbling or arguing, [15] so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky [16] as you hold firmly to the word of life."
Let us hold firmly to the "word of life" and let us let our lives shine in this present dark time! Let us run the race set before us with love, mercy, compassion, hope and faith! Let us embrace these days and live unafraid! Let us surround those in need of support, encouragement and help! Let us be the Body of Christ alive, unafraid and unshackled!
Amen and Amen!
Saturday, March 21, 2020
He Is Waiting...
This morning as I sat down to pray, I was thinking about how wonderful it is that we are all being given an opportunity to learn to experience God's presence on our own. I love the feeling of God's presence when we gather as a body of believers to worship Him, but the truth is that He is every bit as present here in my living room, as I sit down to converse with Him. He loves our public gatherings, but He LOVES our private intimate times of one on one conversation. He is desirous of our listening to Him, of our relationship with Him!
I just did a quick word search and "listen" appears 371 times in the NASB. Hear and forms of it including hearing, 379 times. Heard is used 577 times. Clearly we are encouraged to listen, and to hear! Prayer, rather than the rote repetition of words, is really all about communication.
In the same way that many of us are now shuttered in with our family members, we are also effectively shuttered in with the Lord. In the same way that we can work on our interpersonal communications among those we now see all day long, every day, we can work on our "prayer" communications with the Lord! We can learn to listen, learn to still our minds and become aware of His speaking! We learn to cultivate a sense of His presence in His written Word as He guides us to what to read and reflect upon. We can learn to seek Him first, to press into prayer in ways we have never been able to previously! What a great opportunity!
This morning as I walked into the living room, where I usually pray, I had the distinct impression that He was waiting for me, and glad to see me! I guess that maybe I should be amazed by this, but the truth is that my meeting with Him in the morning is such a regular occurrence, that it just seems totally normal. The truth is not that He is waiting in the room, He is actually in me (John 14:20), waiting for me to turn my attention to Him! Even now, in this new reality, I find that I can easily become distracted and it still requires me to purposefully turn my heart and mind and attention to Him. I know that because I do so, that He is pleased to meet with me, to give me direction, guidance, correction and attention! My heart is often moved by His love and mercy!
When I meet with Him, I am so aware of my own weakness and sinfulness and yet, when He meets me, those are not His main concern. What He IS concerned with is me. His love is absolutely unconditional! He loves me for me. He doesn't require posturing, perfection, or preparation, He just wants my presence! What an amazing experience of love and acceptance!
My prayer for us all is that we might take this time to learn to be in His presence, on our own! Jesus used to leave the disciples to go alone to pray to His Father (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16), and we would do well to learn from His example. For us to become the true Body of Christ here on earth, we need to be able to represent Him, and to do that we need to know Him and be in relationship with Him and hear Him!
He is waiting for each of us, let us emrbace this time to meet with Him!
Blessings and Peace to You All!
Sam
Friday, March 20, 2020
A Time to Selah
In the Psalms there is a word that is often used "selah". Its meaning is not known for sure, but it is used 71 times in the Psalms. Most people think it means a musical interlude, or the invitation to stop and think. It seems to me that we are being given a moment in our collective lives to "selah", to stop and think, to listen to the music of our lives and those around us, to contemplate those things that matter most! What a beautiful gift is time! Let us choose to embrace this time and let us consider our lives, our loves, our passions and let us embrace those that are of greatest value.
Here is an example of "selah" used in one of my favorite Psalms - Psalm 84:1-8 NASB:
[1] "How lovely are Your dwelling places, O LORD of hosts!
[2] My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the LORD;
My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
[3] The bird also has found a house, And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young,
Even Your altars, O LORD of hosts, My King and my God.
[4] How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You. Selah.
[5] How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, In whose heart are the highways to Zion!
[6] Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring; The early rain also covers it with blessings.
[7] They go from strength to strength, Every one of them appears before God in Zion.
[8] O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; Give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah.
In this selah moment this morning, I was sitting down to pray and the thought hit me that we are now, each of us, as effective in ministry as anyone else, as churches are no longer meeting together, and we all have spheres of influence that we can minster light and hope to around us. We can love on our neighbors and family, we can be bearers of His presence, we can lay down our lives in real and practical ways. We can even live stream or post videos on line. We can give to those in need!
On the home front, we can improve our homes and family relationships. We can do those things we have put off previously due to busyness. We can spend quality time with our spouses and loved ones, having long and deep conversations. We can create call lists, of people we want to connect with, and work our way down the lists, and repeat as time allows. We can take the time to do those projects that would have previously interrupted our social lives!
I know for me, the opportunity to be home every evening, to cease my travels, is a blessing. I don't have to sleep in different hotel beds multiple nights per month. I can walk my dog every day, get up every morning and have time for prayer and reflection and coffee. I can eat at home and manage my diet much easier and with less temptations than eating out multiple times per month. I have created my list of projects and am starting to work my way through them in the evenings. I even got out the weights and started working out a few times a week. I can finish reading several books that I have started reading. My goal is to personally grow and prosper during these weeks and possibly months.
As I look on Facebook and other online social media, I am seeing more people turn towards positive and uplifting posts and I am encouraged. I am seeing people choosing to look out for each other, working to connect with and bless those around them. It really is a time for us to come together, to embrace those around us, and let the best parts of our human nature shine out! Its time to stop being focused on our own survival, and instead embrace this time of rest, this opportunity before us and "selah"!
Blessings,
Sam
Here is an example of "selah" used in one of my favorite Psalms - Psalm 84:1-8 NASB:
[1] "How lovely are Your dwelling places, O LORD of hosts!
[2] My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the LORD;
My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
[3] The bird also has found a house, And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young,
Even Your altars, O LORD of hosts, My King and my God.
[4] How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You. Selah.
[5] How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, In whose heart are the highways to Zion!
[6] Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring; The early rain also covers it with blessings.
[7] They go from strength to strength, Every one of them appears before God in Zion.
[8] O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; Give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah.
In this selah moment this morning, I was sitting down to pray and the thought hit me that we are now, each of us, as effective in ministry as anyone else, as churches are no longer meeting together, and we all have spheres of influence that we can minster light and hope to around us. We can love on our neighbors and family, we can be bearers of His presence, we can lay down our lives in real and practical ways. We can even live stream or post videos on line. We can give to those in need!
On the home front, we can improve our homes and family relationships. We can do those things we have put off previously due to busyness. We can spend quality time with our spouses and loved ones, having long and deep conversations. We can create call lists, of people we want to connect with, and work our way down the lists, and repeat as time allows. We can take the time to do those projects that would have previously interrupted our social lives!
I know for me, the opportunity to be home every evening, to cease my travels, is a blessing. I don't have to sleep in different hotel beds multiple nights per month. I can walk my dog every day, get up every morning and have time for prayer and reflection and coffee. I can eat at home and manage my diet much easier and with less temptations than eating out multiple times per month. I have created my list of projects and am starting to work my way through them in the evenings. I even got out the weights and started working out a few times a week. I can finish reading several books that I have started reading. My goal is to personally grow and prosper during these weeks and possibly months.
As I look on Facebook and other online social media, I am seeing more people turn towards positive and uplifting posts and I am encouraged. I am seeing people choosing to look out for each other, working to connect with and bless those around them. It really is a time for us to come together, to embrace those around us, and let the best parts of our human nature shine out! Its time to stop being focused on our own survival, and instead embrace this time of rest, this opportunity before us and "selah"!
Blessings,
Sam
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Why So Downcast? Put Your Hope In God!
As I sat down to pray, the phrase "Why so downcast" popped into my mind. Now that is not the way I feel, nor a normal question I ask myself, so I figured it must be an encouragement for us all. The phrase is found a couple of times in Psalms 42 & 43. I love the beauty of the inner conversation described here, and think we could use an internal pep-talk, like the Psalmist. Here is Psalm 42:1-11 NIV:
[1] "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.
[2] My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
[3] My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”
[4] These things I remember as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng.
[5] Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
[6] My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon---from Mount Mizar.
[7] Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.
[8] By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me---a prayer to the God of my life.
[9] I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?”
[10] My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?”
[11] Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
As I read through this psalm this morning, I see a couple of things. First, there is a constant struggle to keep perspective. The fear of unknowing, the pain of loneliness, the concern for ones future, the confrontation of one's true situation, the realization of the fragility of life and our economy, the constant barrage of bad news, all can make it difficult to keep a balanced, if not a positive outlook. The psalmist goes back and forth between reminding themselves of God's goodness, and feeling downcast.
I was thinking that the word "downcast" is important here, as in looking down, focused on oneself, and not seeing the bigger picture, the ways of God! When I am downcast, I have a hard time seeing past my present situation or circumstance, even to the point of remembering past good times. The psalmist ends the song with the charge to themselves to "Put your hope in God!" and we would do well to take the same approach.
God is bigger than all of this! God is intimately aware of our circumstances! God is the God of the impossible. Let us turn our eyes to Him. Let us remind ourselves of His blessings and goodness.
Let us turn to God in prayer and unload our cares and concerns in long conversation. Even though He is aware of our circumstances, He loves to hear from us, to hear us express our needs, cares and concerns. Then, let us listen to Him, and hear what He says in return. Let us learn to hear His voice in the midst of all the clamour and chaos. Let us listen to the deep chorus of love that surrounds us and lifts us up.
Let us quench our thirst for God, for His presence, for His word that brings peace and understanding! Let us press into Him with our whole hearts.
Finally, let us seek His will in how we can be His hands, His eyes, His ears to those around us! Jesus demonstrated an amazing ability to connect with those in need, in deeply personal ways. Let us be His representatives in these strange days, in which we find ourselves. Let us remind ourselves of His unfailing love, and let us remind others of the same, and be expressions of that love wherever we can!
Peace and Love!
Sam
[1] "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.
[2] My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
[3] My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”
[4] These things I remember as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng.
[5] Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
[6] My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon---from Mount Mizar.
[7] Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.
[8] By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me---a prayer to the God of my life.
[9] I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?”
[10] My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?”
[11] Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
As I read through this psalm this morning, I see a couple of things. First, there is a constant struggle to keep perspective. The fear of unknowing, the pain of loneliness, the concern for ones future, the confrontation of one's true situation, the realization of the fragility of life and our economy, the constant barrage of bad news, all can make it difficult to keep a balanced, if not a positive outlook. The psalmist goes back and forth between reminding themselves of God's goodness, and feeling downcast.
I was thinking that the word "downcast" is important here, as in looking down, focused on oneself, and not seeing the bigger picture, the ways of God! When I am downcast, I have a hard time seeing past my present situation or circumstance, even to the point of remembering past good times. The psalmist ends the song with the charge to themselves to "Put your hope in God!" and we would do well to take the same approach.
God is bigger than all of this! God is intimately aware of our circumstances! God is the God of the impossible. Let us turn our eyes to Him. Let us remind ourselves of His blessings and goodness.
Let us turn to God in prayer and unload our cares and concerns in long conversation. Even though He is aware of our circumstances, He loves to hear from us, to hear us express our needs, cares and concerns. Then, let us listen to Him, and hear what He says in return. Let us learn to hear His voice in the midst of all the clamour and chaos. Let us listen to the deep chorus of love that surrounds us and lifts us up.
Let us quench our thirst for God, for His presence, for His word that brings peace and understanding! Let us press into Him with our whole hearts.
Finally, let us seek His will in how we can be His hands, His eyes, His ears to those around us! Jesus demonstrated an amazing ability to connect with those in need, in deeply personal ways. Let us be His representatives in these strange days, in which we find ourselves. Let us remind ourselves of His unfailing love, and let us remind others of the same, and be expressions of that love wherever we can!
Peace and Love!
Sam
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
A Brief Encouragement From 2nd Peter
This morning I am reflecting on a few verses from 2 Peter 1:2-8 NIV:
[2] "Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."
[3] "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. [4] Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."
[5] "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; [6] and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; [7] and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. [8] For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
I am grateful for such inspiration and timely words.
First, we are praying grace and peace for all during these difficult days! Note that they are truly found in the knowledge of God and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Second, His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life! He is inviting us to participate in the divine nature, that is the Body of Christ alive and present, the Kingdom of God in our very midst! Now we have been given the opportunity to separate ourselves from much of the world, to bring God's presence into our lives in our homes!
Third, we have before us the opportunity to practice faith, goodness, increase our knowledge, self-control, perseverance and ultimately godliness! If we have these qualities, they will keep us from being unproductive and ineffective!
As we look at our changed world, let us ask the Lord, how we can change ourselves to be more like Him! Let us embrace the opportunity to love one another, to connect to one another, to call and encourage those who are most important in our lives. Let us practice an awareness of His presence! Let us embrace time in the Word, and in worship in our own homes.
Let us choose to not just survive, but prosper in our lives in those areas that are most important, our relationships, our faith, and our personal character.
Blessings and peace to you all.
[2] "Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."
[3] "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. [4] Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."
[5] "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; [6] and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; [7] and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. [8] For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
I am grateful for such inspiration and timely words.
First, we are praying grace and peace for all during these difficult days! Note that they are truly found in the knowledge of God and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Second, His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life! He is inviting us to participate in the divine nature, that is the Body of Christ alive and present, the Kingdom of God in our very midst! Now we have been given the opportunity to separate ourselves from much of the world, to bring God's presence into our lives in our homes!
Third, we have before us the opportunity to practice faith, goodness, increase our knowledge, self-control, perseverance and ultimately godliness! If we have these qualities, they will keep us from being unproductive and ineffective!
As we look at our changed world, let us ask the Lord, how we can change ourselves to be more like Him! Let us embrace the opportunity to love one another, to connect to one another, to call and encourage those who are most important in our lives. Let us practice an awareness of His presence! Let us embrace time in the Word, and in worship in our own homes.
Let us choose to not just survive, but prosper in our lives in those areas that are most important, our relationships, our faith, and our personal character.
Blessings and peace to you all.
Monday, March 16, 2020
A Day for Gratitude!
Today as I sat down to pray, I felt like the theme should be gratitude.
It is so tempting to look at the craziness and hardship that is fast approaching and become all concerned and give into anxiety. And that is exactly the right word - tempting. More than anything the enemy of our souls wants us to give into fear, to lose faith in our loving Lord, to become overwhelmed by anxiety! The enemy wants us divided and self-focused, looking only at our own situation.
To push back against that temptation, I am reminded of a couple of verses from Paul's letter to the Philippians 4:4-8 NIV:
[4] "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
[8] Finally, brothers and sisters, 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."
- and Philippians 4:11-13 NIV:
[11] "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. [12] I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. [13] I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
So, I am focusing on thankfunesss and gratitude today! I am going to look at my life, this present situation and choose to be grateful, to be thankful, to enjoy this time!
I am so grateful that we do have the ability to communicate widely, to effectively share life, videos, pictures, texts, and phone calls with pretty much anyone anywhere in the world.
I am grateful that my job has allowed me to work from home for the last 20+ years, when I am not traveling, and because of that, its pretty much normal life for me, in spite of the new social limits.
I am thankful that I live in a small neighborhood where I know all my neighbors and we look out for each other.
I am thankful that I have a warm and dry house, with enough food.
I am grateful that I can focus on things here at home in the evenings, and be productive everyday.
I am thankful that I live where electricity and water are abundantly available!
I am thankful for good friends and my family living close enough that I can visit without needing to travel great distances.
I am thankful for comprehensive news coverage, even when its overblown, as we are able to react early rather than later! (Read about the 1918 flu if you want to be grateful for our early response)
I am thankful for all the health-care workers who are laying down their lives to care for the those affected.
I am grateful for the best health-care system in the world!
I am thankful for teachers and schools who now have the ability to teach most subjects on-line. I know it will be a huge challenge, but one that I am sure they will succeed at doing.
I am thankful for the nearby stores and services that provide all the things I need to live.
I am grateful for a faith family at our church that encourages me to continually press into the Lord, in prayer and worship.
I am grateful for the removal of many unnecessary things, that help us to focus on the important things, like family.
I am grateful that we have an abundance of online resources, and entertainment, although I prefer the old fashioned cards and games!
I am grateful that the weather is not making life more difficult, (at least that is true here in KC).
I am grateful that we entering into spring, and reminded of the new life that follows winter.
I am grateful for my relationship with the Lord, for he helps me to gain a healthy and balanced perspective, and gives me peace.
Finally, and certainly not last, I am grateful that I get to be home with my love everyday for the next weeks!
I know our world will be changed, but I am praying it will be for the better! I am grateful for every good gift that I have been given, and grateful for the opportunity to live in days of such abundance and blessing. I know that I will have many opportunities to love in real and active ways in the coming days, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so!
May God Bless us all and help us to look to Him and look after one another!
Amen!
It is so tempting to look at the craziness and hardship that is fast approaching and become all concerned and give into anxiety. And that is exactly the right word - tempting. More than anything the enemy of our souls wants us to give into fear, to lose faith in our loving Lord, to become overwhelmed by anxiety! The enemy wants us divided and self-focused, looking only at our own situation.
To push back against that temptation, I am reminded of a couple of verses from Paul's letter to the Philippians 4:4-8 NIV:
[4] "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
[8] Finally, brothers and sisters, 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."
- and Philippians 4:11-13 NIV:
[11] "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. [12] I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. [13] I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
So, I am focusing on thankfunesss and gratitude today! I am going to look at my life, this present situation and choose to be grateful, to be thankful, to enjoy this time!
I am so grateful that we do have the ability to communicate widely, to effectively share life, videos, pictures, texts, and phone calls with pretty much anyone anywhere in the world.
I am grateful that my job has allowed me to work from home for the last 20+ years, when I am not traveling, and because of that, its pretty much normal life for me, in spite of the new social limits.
I am thankful that I live in a small neighborhood where I know all my neighbors and we look out for each other.
I am thankful that I have a warm and dry house, with enough food.
I am grateful that I can focus on things here at home in the evenings, and be productive everyday.
I am thankful that I live where electricity and water are abundantly available!
I am thankful for good friends and my family living close enough that I can visit without needing to travel great distances.
I am thankful for comprehensive news coverage, even when its overblown, as we are able to react early rather than later! (Read about the 1918 flu if you want to be grateful for our early response)
I am thankful for all the health-care workers who are laying down their lives to care for the those affected.
I am grateful for the best health-care system in the world!
I am thankful for teachers and schools who now have the ability to teach most subjects on-line. I know it will be a huge challenge, but one that I am sure they will succeed at doing.
I am thankful for the nearby stores and services that provide all the things I need to live.
I am grateful for a faith family at our church that encourages me to continually press into the Lord, in prayer and worship.
I am grateful for the removal of many unnecessary things, that help us to focus on the important things, like family.
I am grateful that we have an abundance of online resources, and entertainment, although I prefer the old fashioned cards and games!
I am grateful that the weather is not making life more difficult, (at least that is true here in KC).
I am grateful that we entering into spring, and reminded of the new life that follows winter.
I am grateful for my relationship with the Lord, for he helps me to gain a healthy and balanced perspective, and gives me peace.
Finally, and certainly not last, I am grateful that I get to be home with my love everyday for the next weeks!
I know our world will be changed, but I am praying it will be for the better! I am grateful for every good gift that I have been given, and grateful for the opportunity to live in days of such abundance and blessing. I know that I will have many opportunities to love in real and active ways in the coming days, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so!
May God Bless us all and help us to look to Him and look after one another!
Amen!
Sunday, March 15, 2020
Conduct Yourselves In A Manner Worthy Of The Gospel
This morning I am reflecting on a long set of verses from Paul's letter to the Philippians, which he wrote while in jail, a very specific type of quarantine. I thought it appropriate to reflect on his prayers and words, as He was locked away, and unable to minister as He desired. Here are the verses - Philippians 1:3-14,20-30 NIV:
[3] "I thank my God every time I remember you. [4] In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy [5] because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, [6] being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
[7] It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. [8] God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
[9] And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, [10] so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, [11] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ---to the glory and praise of God. [12] Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. [13] As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. [14] And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear."
[20] "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. [21] For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. [22] If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! [23] I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; [24] but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
[25] Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, [26] so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. [27] Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel [28] without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved---and that by God. [29] For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, [30] since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have."
As I read through these verses two specific verses stand out - verse 14 and 27. We are living in unprecedented times, and we have before us significant opportunities to increase our living in faith and love. As many churches are not meeting over these next weeks, the questions is how will we, as members of the Body of Christ respond? Will we take a vacation from our faith expression, or will we become responsible for our own walk and deepening of our faith?
I like verse 14 because Paul is seeing a change come over the Body of Christ, because of his being locked away. Oh, that the Body of Christ would rise to the occasion before us and be examples to all of love, peace, faith, grace, mercy and compassion. Let us look for opportunities to serve, to lay down our own lives for those around us! Let us embrace the communities we find ourselves in, and looking to the Lord, radiate His love!
Verse 27 is a wonderful reminder that we cannot react as the world is reacting! We must conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel, which is the Good News! We must not lose our sense of unity, but rather work to maintain and grow our sense of community. Let us not bow to fear and emotion, withdrawing into a protective stance, but let us radiate love and faith in this dark time.
Let us embrace one another in love and affection, whether via electronic means, or practical ways of caring, being willing to share that which we have with those in need. Let us not forget about those that struggle in the best of times with loneliness and social separation, they need to be checked on, loved on, and cared for in meaningful ways.
I am reminded of one final set of verses from the end of Paul's letter to the Philippians 4:4-7 NIV:
[4] "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Amen and Amen!
[3] "I thank my God every time I remember you. [4] In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy [5] because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, [6] being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
[7] It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. [8] God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
[9] And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, [10] so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, [11] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ---to the glory and praise of God. [12] Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. [13] As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. [14] And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear."
[20] "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. [21] For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. [22] If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! [23] I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; [24] but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
[25] Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, [26] so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. [27] Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel [28] without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved---and that by God. [29] For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, [30] since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have."
As I read through these verses two specific verses stand out - verse 14 and 27. We are living in unprecedented times, and we have before us significant opportunities to increase our living in faith and love. As many churches are not meeting over these next weeks, the questions is how will we, as members of the Body of Christ respond? Will we take a vacation from our faith expression, or will we become responsible for our own walk and deepening of our faith?
I like verse 14 because Paul is seeing a change come over the Body of Christ, because of his being locked away. Oh, that the Body of Christ would rise to the occasion before us and be examples to all of love, peace, faith, grace, mercy and compassion. Let us look for opportunities to serve, to lay down our own lives for those around us! Let us embrace the communities we find ourselves in, and looking to the Lord, radiate His love!
Verse 27 is a wonderful reminder that we cannot react as the world is reacting! We must conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel, which is the Good News! We must not lose our sense of unity, but rather work to maintain and grow our sense of community. Let us not bow to fear and emotion, withdrawing into a protective stance, but let us radiate love and faith in this dark time.
Let us embrace one another in love and affection, whether via electronic means, or practical ways of caring, being willing to share that which we have with those in need. Let us not forget about those that struggle in the best of times with loneliness and social separation, they need to be checked on, loved on, and cared for in meaningful ways.
I am reminded of one final set of verses from the end of Paul's letter to the Philippians 4:4-7 NIV:
[4] "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Amen and Amen!
Saturday, March 14, 2020
Let Our Love and Peace Be A Light
In light of all the craziness and panic that is filling the world, my prayer is that the church, and that means the people of faith, would be a light to the world around them! That we might rest in the peace of Christ, and in so doing be ministers of peace and love.
Here are just a couple of the verses I have been reflecting upon this morning.
An appropriate psalm for today - Psalm 91:1-16 NIV:
[1] "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
[2] I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
[3] Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.
[4] He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
[5] You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
[6] nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
[7] A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
[8] You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
[9] If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling,
[10] no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.
[11] For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
[12] they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
[13] You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
[14] “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
[15] He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
[16] With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation. ”
A couple of other verses that come to mind.
John 13:34-35 NIV:
[34] “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Matthew 5:13-16 NIV:
[13] “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."
[14] “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV:
[28] “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Let us not lose our peace, and thus lose that which differentiates us from the world.
Let us love one another, as Jesus loved us, laying down our lives for one another.
Let us reach out in this time of fear and panic, and speak words of peace and comfort.
Let our light, the light of Christ, shine brightly in this dark time.
Amen!
Here are just a couple of the verses I have been reflecting upon this morning.
An appropriate psalm for today - Psalm 91:1-16 NIV:
[1] "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
[2] I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
[3] Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.
[4] He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
[5] You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
[6] nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
[7] A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
[8] You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
[9] If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling,
[10] no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.
[11] For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
[12] they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
[13] You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
[14] “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
[15] He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
[16] With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation. ”
A couple of other verses that come to mind.
John 13:34-35 NIV:
[34] “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Matthew 5:13-16 NIV:
[13] “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."
[14] “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV:
[28] “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Let us not lose our peace, and thus lose that which differentiates us from the world.
Let us love one another, as Jesus loved us, laying down our lives for one another.
Let us reach out in this time of fear and panic, and speak words of peace and comfort.
Let our light, the light of Christ, shine brightly in this dark time.
Amen!
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Critical Learning Through Experience
This morning I am reflecting on a couple of interesting verses from John's Gospel and his recounting of the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead. Here are the verses - John 11:14-15 TPT:
[14] "Then Jesus made it plain to them, "Lazarus is dead. [15] And for your sake, I'm glad I wasn't there, because now you have another opportunity to see who I am so that you will learn to trust in me. Come, let's go and see him."
(Please note, I have quoted from The Passion Translation, as it does a good job of reflecting the original language in a very readable format.)
Jesus' statement to His disciples is very interesting to me. They had been aware of the request from Martha and Mary for Jesus to hurry, as Lazarus was very sick, and yet Jesus stayed where he was a for a few more days. He was using language that was not perfectly clear and the disciples, as was often the case, weren't understanding what He was saying. I would be tempted to lose my patience, but Jesus just explains again this time, perfectly clear so that don't misunderstand Him and tells them "Lazarus is dead." He continues, "And for your sake, I'm glad I wasn't there." That statement is a bit mind-blowing!
Stepping back a bit, we sometimes have a hard time putting ourselves in the place of the disciples as we know the rest of the story. Here is Jesus speaking about the death of one of his close friends, someone these disciples knew, and He seems to be putting the needs of the disciples before the needs of Lazarus, Martha and Mary. That is actually hard for me to get my mind around! We know that Jesus is the most loving man who ever lived, because He perfectly represented the Father (Heb 1:2) and God is love (1 John 4:16b), yet here He is seemingly ignoring the pleas for help from close friends, and then saying it is for the sake of the disciples that He is doing this! We could call this a teachable moment, but that seems just a shadow of what is really happening here!
This is apparently a super critical point that God needs the disciples to understand completely! The Father, who Jesus is obeying perfectly in this situation, is orchestrating something much more significant here! He is setting the stage for the coming Passion of Jesus, and He knows the disciples must understand that HE has power and authority over death! There can be no doubt, an no questions!
My heart wonders how often the Father leads me into situations specifically to teach me critical lessons about Him?
Jesus continues on and says the reason "for your sake", is that "Now you have a another opportunity to see who I am am so that you will learn to trust in me!" I think that sentence pretty much summarizes all our lives! The Lord is constantly desiring for us to see and understand more of who He is, that we might trust in Him! We are being encouraged to "Come higher up, come further in" (to quote C.S. Lewis from the Chronicles of Narnia, the Last Battle), and deeper and deeper into His love. We cannot stay in this same place relationally, for God's Kingdom, of which we are a part, is constantly expanding (Is 9:7). There is so much more to learn about the Lord, and learning through relational experience is key! He doesn't just want us to know the Truth, He wants us to experience the Truth!
When Jesus sent out the 12 on their first 'missions' trip, this is what He told them - Matthew 10:7-8 NASB:
[7] "And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' [8] Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give."
He called the twelve to proclaim the Kingdom and then demonstrate the reality of the Kingdom. This practical experience of God's loving intervention was meant to convince people of God's love, acceptance and involvement in their lives. They were no longer supposed to just believe words, but now they had experience to back their understanding!
So, going back to the original verses of reflection, Jesus, is telling the disciples that this experience will cement their understanding of who He really is, namely the Son of God. He is setting the stage for His next great pronouncement about who He is! The story continues with them arriving in Bethany and interacting with the sisters and Jesus says to Martha the following - John 11:25-26 NASB: ..."I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, [26] and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" He then proceeded to command Lazarus, dead for 4 days, to come out of the grave, and he did!
I am encouraged this morning that the Lord wants me to fully understand who He is, not just in knowledge, but in experience as well! He wants me listen and learn, to look and see and understand! He wants to set my heart on fire with the reality of who He is, and who He says I am!
Oh Lord, help me to hear, listen and embrace Your truth! Let my life be changed by You! Help me to not miss what You are saying!
[14] "Then Jesus made it plain to them, "Lazarus is dead. [15] And for your sake, I'm glad I wasn't there, because now you have another opportunity to see who I am so that you will learn to trust in me. Come, let's go and see him."
(Please note, I have quoted from The Passion Translation, as it does a good job of reflecting the original language in a very readable format.)
Jesus' statement to His disciples is very interesting to me. They had been aware of the request from Martha and Mary for Jesus to hurry, as Lazarus was very sick, and yet Jesus stayed where he was a for a few more days. He was using language that was not perfectly clear and the disciples, as was often the case, weren't understanding what He was saying. I would be tempted to lose my patience, but Jesus just explains again this time, perfectly clear so that don't misunderstand Him and tells them "Lazarus is dead." He continues, "And for your sake, I'm glad I wasn't there." That statement is a bit mind-blowing!
Stepping back a bit, we sometimes have a hard time putting ourselves in the place of the disciples as we know the rest of the story. Here is Jesus speaking about the death of one of his close friends, someone these disciples knew, and He seems to be putting the needs of the disciples before the needs of Lazarus, Martha and Mary. That is actually hard for me to get my mind around! We know that Jesus is the most loving man who ever lived, because He perfectly represented the Father (Heb 1:2) and God is love (1 John 4:16b), yet here He is seemingly ignoring the pleas for help from close friends, and then saying it is for the sake of the disciples that He is doing this! We could call this a teachable moment, but that seems just a shadow of what is really happening here!
This is apparently a super critical point that God needs the disciples to understand completely! The Father, who Jesus is obeying perfectly in this situation, is orchestrating something much more significant here! He is setting the stage for the coming Passion of Jesus, and He knows the disciples must understand that HE has power and authority over death! There can be no doubt, an no questions!
My heart wonders how often the Father leads me into situations specifically to teach me critical lessons about Him?
Jesus continues on and says the reason "for your sake", is that "Now you have a another opportunity to see who I am am so that you will learn to trust in me!" I think that sentence pretty much summarizes all our lives! The Lord is constantly desiring for us to see and understand more of who He is, that we might trust in Him! We are being encouraged to "Come higher up, come further in" (to quote C.S. Lewis from the Chronicles of Narnia, the Last Battle), and deeper and deeper into His love. We cannot stay in this same place relationally, for God's Kingdom, of which we are a part, is constantly expanding (Is 9:7). There is so much more to learn about the Lord, and learning through relational experience is key! He doesn't just want us to know the Truth, He wants us to experience the Truth!
When Jesus sent out the 12 on their first 'missions' trip, this is what He told them - Matthew 10:7-8 NASB:
[7] "And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' [8] Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give."
He called the twelve to proclaim the Kingdom and then demonstrate the reality of the Kingdom. This practical experience of God's loving intervention was meant to convince people of God's love, acceptance and involvement in their lives. They were no longer supposed to just believe words, but now they had experience to back their understanding!
So, going back to the original verses of reflection, Jesus, is telling the disciples that this experience will cement their understanding of who He really is, namely the Son of God. He is setting the stage for His next great pronouncement about who He is! The story continues with them arriving in Bethany and interacting with the sisters and Jesus says to Martha the following - John 11:25-26 NASB: ..."I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, [26] and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" He then proceeded to command Lazarus, dead for 4 days, to come out of the grave, and he did!
I am encouraged this morning that the Lord wants me to fully understand who He is, not just in knowledge, but in experience as well! He wants me listen and learn, to look and see and understand! He wants to set my heart on fire with the reality of who He is, and who He says I am!
Oh Lord, help me to hear, listen and embrace Your truth! Let my life be changed by You! Help me to not miss what You are saying!
Monday, March 9, 2020
Trading Away Our Fears
Yesterday during worship the theme I was hearing had to do with fear, and trading our fears to God for faith. Living in fear is largely us agreeing with the thought that God can't or won't help us in our situation. We can look at many different fears, but the root of most of them, for those of us who are Christian, is a deep down distrust of God's attention or affection for us.
A while back I was struggling with an issue, and I found myself angry at God, because it was in following Him that I found myself in this particular situation. As I listened to my own grumbling, I found myself accusing God of not caring for me. Suddenly I felt the Lord break in and remind me of who the accuser is, namely satan (Rev. 12:10). He then showed me a picture of a court room, and on one side was satan, acting as a prosecutor, accusing God of not caring for me. God then asked me which side of the court I was on, and I realized I was siding with satan, rather than Him! Needless to say, I immediately repented, and changed the way I was thinking, and speaking and my whole attitude and perspective instantly changed. I realized that I had been agreeing with the enemy, and I was fearing for my future, and I was agreeing with satan's accusations of God, that He didn't really love me or care for me.
This is somewhat similar to what I found myself seeing yesterday. I felt like the Lord was inviting us to look at our hearts, and our thoughts and attitudes, and repent for our fears! I felt like He was allowing us to trade sides, and allowing us to recognize what we were struggling with and then aligning ourselves with Him. As I was reflecting on this, I was thinking that we wanted to trade our fears for the opposite, and that seemed like it was faith. As I have reflected a bit more this morning, I think I would say that the opposite of fear, is the knowledge of His perfect love which is experienced through faith. John writes the following - 1 John 4:16b,18 NIV:
[16b] "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them."
[18] "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."
In other words, if we really know and understand God's perfect love for us, we aren't going to fear! We aren't going to listen to the lies of the enemy, to his accusations We will know that God loves us, that He isn't going to punish us, and that He isn't rejecting us, for perfect love would do neither of those things!
The other verse has that I am reminded of has to do with God's ability to help us. As I wrote earlier, in fear we often believe that God won't or can't help us. In regards to not being able to help us, sometimes, we give our circumstances more power than God! Paul wrote a wonderful set of verses in his letter to the Romans 8:32-35,38-39 NIV:
[32] "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all---how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? [33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. [34] Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died---more than that, who was raised to life---is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?"
[38] "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
And finally Matthew 28:18 NIV:
[18] "Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."
HE has the power, and the authority over everything, including every sickness and disease! Jesus demonstrated that over and over as He healed everyone who came to him, regardless of their sickness or infirmity. God has as much power today as He ever did, so He is capable of healing our diseases and our infirmities.
Finally, I will say that there is also a legitimate fear of suffering and pain, which I know full well. The issue around this is how we are thinking about the cause of the suffering and pain. Are we thinking this is punishment from God for some sin we committed? Are we thinking that because we haven't been healed, in spite of many prayers, that God doesn't love us? If we find either of those or several related thoughts being embraced in our hearts and minds then we need to recognize once again that we are agreeing with the accuser.
My heart goes out to all who are sick and in pain, those who are crippled, wounded, hopeless, rejected, or whatever other condition that causes pain and suffering. I know well the struggle, the heart cry, and the longing and waiting for relief. My prayer for us all is that we might fully grasp how wide, deep, long and high is God's perfect love for us! I pray that we might find healing, freedom and relief in Him! I pray the the lies of the enemy would be silenced! I pray that the light of Christ would shine brightly in all our lives!
Let us trade in our fears and receive love and life! Let us lay down our agreements with the enemy of our souls, and let us choose instead the perfect Love of God, and embrace faith in Him and in His love! Let us step into freedom and life! Let us welcome the one who loves us from before the creation of the world! (Eph 1:4-5).
Amen and Amen!
A while back I was struggling with an issue, and I found myself angry at God, because it was in following Him that I found myself in this particular situation. As I listened to my own grumbling, I found myself accusing God of not caring for me. Suddenly I felt the Lord break in and remind me of who the accuser is, namely satan (Rev. 12:10). He then showed me a picture of a court room, and on one side was satan, acting as a prosecutor, accusing God of not caring for me. God then asked me which side of the court I was on, and I realized I was siding with satan, rather than Him! Needless to say, I immediately repented, and changed the way I was thinking, and speaking and my whole attitude and perspective instantly changed. I realized that I had been agreeing with the enemy, and I was fearing for my future, and I was agreeing with satan's accusations of God, that He didn't really love me or care for me.
This is somewhat similar to what I found myself seeing yesterday. I felt like the Lord was inviting us to look at our hearts, and our thoughts and attitudes, and repent for our fears! I felt like He was allowing us to trade sides, and allowing us to recognize what we were struggling with and then aligning ourselves with Him. As I was reflecting on this, I was thinking that we wanted to trade our fears for the opposite, and that seemed like it was faith. As I have reflected a bit more this morning, I think I would say that the opposite of fear, is the knowledge of His perfect love which is experienced through faith. John writes the following - 1 John 4:16b,18 NIV:
[16b] "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them."
[18] "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."
In other words, if we really know and understand God's perfect love for us, we aren't going to fear! We aren't going to listen to the lies of the enemy, to his accusations We will know that God loves us, that He isn't going to punish us, and that He isn't rejecting us, for perfect love would do neither of those things!
The other verse has that I am reminded of has to do with God's ability to help us. As I wrote earlier, in fear we often believe that God won't or can't help us. In regards to not being able to help us, sometimes, we give our circumstances more power than God! Paul wrote a wonderful set of verses in his letter to the Romans 8:32-35,38-39 NIV:
[32] "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all---how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? [33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. [34] Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died---more than that, who was raised to life---is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?"
[38] "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
And finally Matthew 28:18 NIV:
[18] "Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."
HE has the power, and the authority over everything, including every sickness and disease! Jesus demonstrated that over and over as He healed everyone who came to him, regardless of their sickness or infirmity. God has as much power today as He ever did, so He is capable of healing our diseases and our infirmities.
Finally, I will say that there is also a legitimate fear of suffering and pain, which I know full well. The issue around this is how we are thinking about the cause of the suffering and pain. Are we thinking this is punishment from God for some sin we committed? Are we thinking that because we haven't been healed, in spite of many prayers, that God doesn't love us? If we find either of those or several related thoughts being embraced in our hearts and minds then we need to recognize once again that we are agreeing with the accuser.
My heart goes out to all who are sick and in pain, those who are crippled, wounded, hopeless, rejected, or whatever other condition that causes pain and suffering. I know well the struggle, the heart cry, and the longing and waiting for relief. My prayer for us all is that we might fully grasp how wide, deep, long and high is God's perfect love for us! I pray that we might find healing, freedom and relief in Him! I pray the the lies of the enemy would be silenced! I pray that the light of Christ would shine brightly in all our lives!
Let us trade in our fears and receive love and life! Let us lay down our agreements with the enemy of our souls, and let us choose instead the perfect Love of God, and embrace faith in Him and in His love! Let us step into freedom and life! Let us welcome the one who loves us from before the creation of the world! (Eph 1:4-5).
Amen and Amen!
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Listen and Do!
Verses for reflection this morning - James 1:19,22-27 NIV:
[19] "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,.."
[22] "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. [23] Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror [24] and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. [25] But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it---not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it---they will be blessed in what they do."
[26] "Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. [27] Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
The theme of late has been listening and doing. In these verses, James is taking a slightly different approach, but still the same message. I like that he says we should be quick to listen and slow to speak, can you imagine if we lived that way actually? We live in this age where everybody has their opinion, and we now have a way to share it with anyone and everyone. It seems to me that many have stopped listening and instead are just shouting out.
Lately I have been reflecting on the word being seed, and we are the soil (Matt 13:3-9). The good soil receives the seed and produces fruit/grain in abundance. Jesus finishes that parable saying, Matthew 13:9 NIV: "Whoever has ears, let them hear.” In other words, listening is the key! Listening, leads to understanding, understanding allows us to respond and do that which we need to do. We must both listen and do!
James shares one last line, relating to listening and speaking, encouraging those who do speak, to keep a tight rein on their tongue, even going so far to say that those who don't, offer worthless honor to God. Wow! James continues on this theme later in this letter as follows - James 3:9-11 NIV: "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. [10] Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. [11] Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?" His point here in the first chapter seems to be that the salt water, overrides the fresh. We know that it takes a long time to build trust, and only a moment or few words to destroy that trust. Oh Lord, help us to rein-in our words, that we might speak words that give life!
Finally, James drops a beautiful bit of truth, the Father is more concerned with our care for others than our religious observances. James is writing primarily to fellow Jews who became Christians, so his comments are directed to his audience. The Jews had many religious duties, and vestiges from the Law, and he was pointing them towards those the Father values highly! The widow and orphans are still underserved and under cared for even in our present day society. Would our hearts be stirred to help those that have no one to help them?
I am encouraged again this morning to make sure that I am listening well, and that I am slow to speak, and when I do speak,to make sure I am speaking words that give life! Lord help me to listen and do what the word says to do!
Amen!
[19] "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,.."
[22] "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. [23] Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror [24] and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. [25] But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it---not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it---they will be blessed in what they do."
[26] "Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. [27] Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
The theme of late has been listening and doing. In these verses, James is taking a slightly different approach, but still the same message. I like that he says we should be quick to listen and slow to speak, can you imagine if we lived that way actually? We live in this age where everybody has their opinion, and we now have a way to share it with anyone and everyone. It seems to me that many have stopped listening and instead are just shouting out.
Lately I have been reflecting on the word being seed, and we are the soil (Matt 13:3-9). The good soil receives the seed and produces fruit/grain in abundance. Jesus finishes that parable saying, Matthew 13:9 NIV: "Whoever has ears, let them hear.” In other words, listening is the key! Listening, leads to understanding, understanding allows us to respond and do that which we need to do. We must both listen and do!
James shares one last line, relating to listening and speaking, encouraging those who do speak, to keep a tight rein on their tongue, even going so far to say that those who don't, offer worthless honor to God. Wow! James continues on this theme later in this letter as follows - James 3:9-11 NIV: "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. [10] Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. [11] Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?" His point here in the first chapter seems to be that the salt water, overrides the fresh. We know that it takes a long time to build trust, and only a moment or few words to destroy that trust. Oh Lord, help us to rein-in our words, that we might speak words that give life!
Finally, James drops a beautiful bit of truth, the Father is more concerned with our care for others than our religious observances. James is writing primarily to fellow Jews who became Christians, so his comments are directed to his audience. The Jews had many religious duties, and vestiges from the Law, and he was pointing them towards those the Father values highly! The widow and orphans are still underserved and under cared for even in our present day society. Would our hearts be stirred to help those that have no one to help them?
I am encouraged again this morning to make sure that I am listening well, and that I am slow to speak, and when I do speak,to make sure I am speaking words that give life! Lord help me to listen and do what the word says to do!
Amen!
Sunday, March 1, 2020
The Heavenly Court is Seated!
This morning I am reflecting on some verses from the Book of the Prophet Daniel 7:9-14 NIV
[9] “As I looked, “thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. [10] A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.
[11] “Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. [12] (The other beasts had been stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time.)
[13] “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. [14] He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."
This is such an amazing glimpse of the Heavenly realm, and such an awesome perspective of the Glory of the Father and Jesus, the Son of Man! I love this statement, "His dominion is an everlasting dominion!" His rule, His laws, His nature and character are in place and sovereign over us forever! What a blessed Kingdom, what a blessed people, who are under this King's rule and reign!
As I read through these verses, two things stood out to me. First, verses 11 and 12 seem to be related (at least to me this morning) to God speaking judgement over the Coronvirus. Make no mistake, He is sovereign over everything, even disease and viruses. I felt like He was judging this virus and will break its power and that it would no longer have the ability to instill fear.
Lastly, the verse that has me thinking this morning is the last line of verse 10, "the court was seated, and the books were opened." This statement is directly related to what follows, the judging of the boastful words of the horn and the beast Daniel had seen. Daniel, in his vision asks for clarification and is given more understanding, which we find in the following verses. Here is the explanation he was given concerning seating of the court - Daniel 7:26-27 NIV:
[26] “ 'But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. [27] Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.'"
When the court sits, it is time for judgment to be released. It is time for that which must bow before God, to do so! The court has the ability to strip the power and destroy forever that which is putting itself forward as a power and authority over the earth. I can think of several such things that seem to be falsely exalted in our day, such as this new Coronavirus, cancer, aids, ebola, science as a final authority, and the wisdom of man. All of these will bow to the sovereignty of the Son of God! Oh that the Court of Heaven would sit and pronounce judgment today!
Amen and Amen!
[9] “As I looked, “thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. [10] A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.
[11] “Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. [12] (The other beasts had been stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time.)
[13] “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. [14] He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."
This is such an amazing glimpse of the Heavenly realm, and such an awesome perspective of the Glory of the Father and Jesus, the Son of Man! I love this statement, "His dominion is an everlasting dominion!" His rule, His laws, His nature and character are in place and sovereign over us forever! What a blessed Kingdom, what a blessed people, who are under this King's rule and reign!
As I read through these verses, two things stood out to me. First, verses 11 and 12 seem to be related (at least to me this morning) to God speaking judgement over the Coronvirus. Make no mistake, He is sovereign over everything, even disease and viruses. I felt like He was judging this virus and will break its power and that it would no longer have the ability to instill fear.
Lastly, the verse that has me thinking this morning is the last line of verse 10, "the court was seated, and the books were opened." This statement is directly related to what follows, the judging of the boastful words of the horn and the beast Daniel had seen. Daniel, in his vision asks for clarification and is given more understanding, which we find in the following verses. Here is the explanation he was given concerning seating of the court - Daniel 7:26-27 NIV:
[26] “ 'But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. [27] Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.'"
When the court sits, it is time for judgment to be released. It is time for that which must bow before God, to do so! The court has the ability to strip the power and destroy forever that which is putting itself forward as a power and authority over the earth. I can think of several such things that seem to be falsely exalted in our day, such as this new Coronavirus, cancer, aids, ebola, science as a final authority, and the wisdom of man. All of these will bow to the sovereignty of the Son of God! Oh that the Court of Heaven would sit and pronounce judgment today!
Amen and Amen!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)