This morning as I was getting out of bed, I was asking the Lord what I should reflect on this morning, and I believe I heard Ps. 36, so that will be where I start my reflection this morning.
Psalm 36:5-10 NIV:
[5] "Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
[6] Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.
[7] How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
[8] They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.
[9] For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
[10] Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart."
This is an interesting Psalm, for David actually spends the first four verses writing about the wicked and evil people that were surrounding him. However, I am not one to spend much time thinking about the bad, the evil one, or other such stuff, but rather I choose to focus on the Lord, and I do this intentionally. My Dad taught me a life lesson early on, and said that which we focus on is where we tend to go. He was speaking about drivers training at the time, and teaching us how to drive, and how not to focus on the things you didn't want to hit, but for some reason that message has resonated with me over and over in many areas of my life. Rather than focusing on the negative in any situation, I work to bring my mind, my attention and my focus on the positive. In this case, I could have spent some time reflecting on the bad and evil around me, but instead am choosing to focus on the goodness of the Lord.
In the same way, I would encourage those who are living in fear of this Covid-19 virus to stop listening to the news, and reading everything about it, and begin to fill your mind and heart with positive things. The more we listen to the voice of fear, the less we hear anything else! This morning I am going to reflect on the goodness of God, and I invite you to do the same. Holy week is often a bit dark as we remember the extent of the suffering Jesus endured out of love for us, but the week always ends with the Glory of Resurrection Sunday, Easter Sunday! Let us lift our eyes to His love and His promise to never leave us or forsake us!
So, back to the Psalm! The love of the Lord and His faithfulness are the first things David brings to mind when he turns his mind to the Lord! They are His chief characteristics, and the two things we should know about Him above all else. He loves us, and He is faithful to us! He will never not love us, He will never walk away from us! What a great reflection - God's love and faithfulness. It would be a wonderful thing if we spent today just recounting all the good things, all the daily blessings of the Lord! In David's thinking they were unending and unfathomable and impossible to know fully!
David goes on and then thinks about the righteousness and justice of God. Again, he is trying to provide some measure of them and ends with the highest mountains and the deepest oceans. Today man has explored the highest mountain, but still, almost 3000 years later we still haven't explored all the deepest places in the oceans. God is so far beyond our full comprehension, yet He makes Himself knowable to the least of us. His righteousness and justice relate to His always being and doing the right thing! His perception is perfect, thus His motives are always perfect. He has provided abundantly for us, and created an abundance of life and creation to surround us. He has given us free will, and minds that can reflect on His creation, that we can find Him in it. Even when we go astray, He loves us, and looks over us, and cares for us, and always treats us the same.
David, spends a whole one verse before he goes back to the Love of God. One gets a feeling that He really experienced God's love as His primary revelation! Oh that we would each know God primarily as the one who loves us! David comes back to the unfailing love of God, which really is just another way of expressing verse 5, God's love and faithfulness. God's love never falters, never lessens, never is interrupted, never takes a rest, never grows weary, never looks away, never stops! Can we believe this about His love for us today? Can we entrust ourselves to His great and unfailing love? Can we take refuge in the shadow of His wings, or in the protection of His arms? Can we believe that He loves us enough to protect us?
Continuing on, David remembers the abundant blessings he has received, the blessing of daily provision, the daily delights and blessings. If we were to make a list of all the Lord provides, we would never stop writing, for all good things, every gift and every blessing are ultimately from Him. He is the fountain of life! Our life, evey gift and physical ability, every thought, our bodies miraculous capabilities are all from Him. The order of the world, the incredible diversity in flora and fauna, the weather patterns, the elements are all part of His abundant creation. I love how people are posting positive pictures, places they have visited, things they have seen as a way to combat the constant flow of negative news. We would all benefit from reflection on the beauty with which we are surrounded.
Finally, a prayer that God would not change in His love towards who know Him. Since His love and faithfulness are never changing, it is almost an unneeded prayer, but yet it is reassuring to once again turn towards the Lord, recognizing that He is the source of life and goodness! It is good to be grateful for that which we have already received, and good to remind ourselves that the goodness we experience is from Him!
As a last note, as I was turning to Psalm 36, my eyes caught a verse from Psalm 34 the page before, which is a wonderful reminder these days. Psalm 34:7 NIV:
"The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them." What a great promise, that we have the Angel of the Lord encircling us, protecting us, delivering us!
May the peace of Christ, and the knowledge of God's unfailing Love, and His protective angels, give you peace of mind and heart this day!
Sam
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Wide Open Arms of Love
This morning I opened my Bible, and it opened to Luke 15, which is the story of the Prodigal Son. This is a story that Jesus told, and one of my favorites. I have reflected on it multiple times, and yet this morning I felt like the Lord opened my eyes to something new, something I have never seen before. I have always considered this one of the best illustrations of the Father's love for us, and I still think that is true, what I saw this morning was that it is also a beautiful analogy of the Gospel of Grace and the history of the Jews, and their struggle with this Good News.
Here is the story found in Luke 15:11-32 NIV:
[11] Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. [12] The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.
[13] “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. [14] After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. [15] So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. [16] He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
[17] “When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! [18] I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. [19] I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.' [20] So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
[21] “The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
[22] “But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. [23] Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. [24] For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
[25] “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. [26] So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. [27] 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'
[28] “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. [29] But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. [30] But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'
[31] “ 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. [32] But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' ”
As I began to think about this parable, I saw this interesting parallel between the description of the young son's sojourn and the history of the Jews. They are the chosen people, and God is their active protector, but they say they want a King, effectively rejecting God as their Ruler. This is like the young son asking for His inheritance, and setting off on His own. Like the young son, the Jews struggled with following God's law, instead constantly straying away from the Law and wasting their inheritance. However, God is constantly watching over them, waiting for them to return to Him, and always accepts them back.
This is where the Gospel of Grace is revealed, in the Father's welcoming the younger son home, He restores to his son, everything that he had wasted and turned his back on, just because He loves him. The son wants to earn his way back into relationship with the Father, but the Father will hear nothing of it, and immediately restores everything and re-establishes Him as an heir. This is what God did over and over for the Jews, and what He does for all who come to Him, as this is the Gospel of Grace, for it is clearly unmerited favor!
The older son, I believe, represents those who believe that favor can only be earned, and those who judge everyone accordingly. I also believe , as of this morning, that this represents the Jewish people's rejection of the Gospel of Grace, and the salvation that is available to them in the new covenant. Clearly this is not true of all Jews for the first disciples were all Jewish, but rather represents the teachers of the Law, and proponents of it. Theirs is an angry response to those who receive freely, that which they have worked so diligently to establish. Notice the Father doesn't reject the older son, but instead reaffirms His love and relationship with him (verse 31).
So as I am thinking about this, I realize that many of us are being confronted with their own personal state of affairs. It is hard to run away from your true situation when you are asked to "shelter in place". I know the Lord has certainly been using this time to get my attention about a few areas of my life, helping me to see where I need to return to Him. I imagine that possibly many of us are coming to our senses (verses 17 above) and realizing we need to return to the Lord! The Good News is that His response is always the same, He is waiting with open arms, ready to welcome us right back into full relationship.
This Holy week is a time for us to reflect upon the depth of God's love for us, and His decision to fulfill all the requirements of the Law, so that we all might be restored to rightful relationship with the Father. We have before us the opportunity to consider our lives and to "come to our senses" and turn away from any sin and/or the reliance on anything that we are trying to pursue life through that is not the Lord.
The timing of this "shelter in place" rule is interesting, for we are going to celebrate Holy week on our own for our first time. Since we really can't do many of the things that we would normally do, many of us might be confronted with who we are in our relationship with God. Many of us tend to view ourselves from a "what we do" perspective. Oh that we would take this time to reflect and rediscover our true selves. We are meant to live full lives in constant relationship with our loving Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Its not about doing, its about embracing our identity and our inheritance in Him. Its about embracing the one who gave everything to reestablish for us the opportunity for full relationship!
May the Lord bless You, and embrace you with wide open arms of love! May you find rest for Your souls, in Him.
Sam
Here is the story found in Luke 15:11-32 NIV:
[11] Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. [12] The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.
[13] “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. [14] After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. [15] So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. [16] He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
[17] “When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! [18] I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. [19] I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.' [20] So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
[21] “The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
[22] “But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. [23] Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. [24] For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
[25] “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. [26] So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. [27] 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'
[28] “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. [29] But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. [30] But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'
[31] “ 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. [32] But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' ”
As I began to think about this parable, I saw this interesting parallel between the description of the young son's sojourn and the history of the Jews. They are the chosen people, and God is their active protector, but they say they want a King, effectively rejecting God as their Ruler. This is like the young son asking for His inheritance, and setting off on His own. Like the young son, the Jews struggled with following God's law, instead constantly straying away from the Law and wasting their inheritance. However, God is constantly watching over them, waiting for them to return to Him, and always accepts them back.
This is where the Gospel of Grace is revealed, in the Father's welcoming the younger son home, He restores to his son, everything that he had wasted and turned his back on, just because He loves him. The son wants to earn his way back into relationship with the Father, but the Father will hear nothing of it, and immediately restores everything and re-establishes Him as an heir. This is what God did over and over for the Jews, and what He does for all who come to Him, as this is the Gospel of Grace, for it is clearly unmerited favor!
The older son, I believe, represents those who believe that favor can only be earned, and those who judge everyone accordingly. I also believe , as of this morning, that this represents the Jewish people's rejection of the Gospel of Grace, and the salvation that is available to them in the new covenant. Clearly this is not true of all Jews for the first disciples were all Jewish, but rather represents the teachers of the Law, and proponents of it. Theirs is an angry response to those who receive freely, that which they have worked so diligently to establish. Notice the Father doesn't reject the older son, but instead reaffirms His love and relationship with him (verse 31).
So as I am thinking about this, I realize that many of us are being confronted with their own personal state of affairs. It is hard to run away from your true situation when you are asked to "shelter in place". I know the Lord has certainly been using this time to get my attention about a few areas of my life, helping me to see where I need to return to Him. I imagine that possibly many of us are coming to our senses (verses 17 above) and realizing we need to return to the Lord! The Good News is that His response is always the same, He is waiting with open arms, ready to welcome us right back into full relationship.
This Holy week is a time for us to reflect upon the depth of God's love for us, and His decision to fulfill all the requirements of the Law, so that we all might be restored to rightful relationship with the Father. We have before us the opportunity to consider our lives and to "come to our senses" and turn away from any sin and/or the reliance on anything that we are trying to pursue life through that is not the Lord.
The timing of this "shelter in place" rule is interesting, for we are going to celebrate Holy week on our own for our first time. Since we really can't do many of the things that we would normally do, many of us might be confronted with who we are in our relationship with God. Many of us tend to view ourselves from a "what we do" perspective. Oh that we would take this time to reflect and rediscover our true selves. We are meant to live full lives in constant relationship with our loving Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Its not about doing, its about embracing our identity and our inheritance in Him. Its about embracing the one who gave everything to reestablish for us the opportunity for full relationship!
May the Lord bless You, and embrace you with wide open arms of love! May you find rest for Your souls, in Him.
Sam
Monday, April 6, 2020
"You Will all Be Scattered, Each To Your Own Home" John 16:32
This morning, I was reading through John 16 and 17, as these are some of the last things Jesus said, according to John and as such, I would count them very important, for Jesus knew His time with His followers was short. Anyway a couple of lines really hit home today, due to their uncanny resemblance to our present situation. The context is Jesus is addressing the Apostles following the last supper, and is giving them final directions. He has just finished telling them for effectively the last time that He returning to God the Father, and because He was being so clear the apostles say they finally believe that He is from God. This is the context in which Jesus speaks verses that I am reflecting on today - John 16:31-33 NIV:
[31] “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. [32] “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
[33] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
As I read verses 32, I was struck by the absolute parallels we are presently experiencing! We are all scattered, each to their own home! I think in the past that statement has never had much impact, but today, in light of our present situation, they rang true like a major gong!
Jesus' initial question to the apostles, upon them stating that they finally believe He came from God, seems to be an incredulous statement, couched as a question. Like, finally after 3 years of interaction and observation, they finally may the last jump in logic and faith because Jesus spoke clearly. I can almost feel the Lord's eyes rolling back into His head. :-)
The next sentence is what Jesus knows prophetically, that they will all be scattered, and the question, "Do you now believe?" is most appropriate! When their proximity to Jesus is severed, when they no longer have their brethren by their sides, when they are no longer gathered as a group, do they still believe, even then?
What a great question for us to consider today! Do we still believe, even though we can't meet together? Do we still pursue relationship with Him, even though we have limited outside influence and pressure to do so? Will we still observe and pray through the events of Holy week, like we would if we were gathering in church? Does our faith actually impact our daily life, when we are left to our own? All good questions, and ones we would do well to consider.
Jesus then goes on to say that He has said all these things that they might, in Him, have peace! Notice that the peace is available in Jesus, and I think its safe to say, only in Jesus! Lately, my honey and I have talked about these present times, and have often wondered how those living without faith are coping? Many of my friends in time have walked from their faith, choosing to follow after science and logic and human advancement as the answers to life, and many seem to be utterly despondent now, full of fear, angry and hurting. My heart goes out to them, for my heart is at peace, even in the swirl of craziness, and it has nothing to do with ignorance, but rather has everything to do with Jesus' last statement, "But take heart! I have overcome the world!"
He is the unchanging rock on which I stand! He holds me in His arms. I am unswayed by the storms of life, and choose to believe, in spite of the seeming chaos, that He is firmly in control, and as we turn our eyes to Him, we will see our path before us (Prov 3:5-6)! He promises to meet us as we draw near to Him, and as we return to Him (Is 55:6-7). For those that have turned away to pursue meaning for their lives in other streams of thought, He is always waiting, ready to receive You back with open arms (Lk 15:20), regardless of what you have thought, said or done!
Going back to statement that "you will all be scattered, each to your own home" my final prayer is that we would all individually press into Him in this time of scattering. We are not alone, we have the Lord living with us! He is desirous of deeper relationship, of allowing our faith and belief in Him to draw us to Him in every area of our lives. His question, "Do you now believe?" is for us today! We get to choose today and everyday, whether we will believe in Him and walk out our lives in relationship with Him, or not! Let us pray for all to return to the Lord, believing in Him and letting His peace settle their hearts! Take Heart! For He has overcome the world!
Amen!
May Christ's peace be with you today!
Sam
[31] “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. [32] “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
[33] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
As I read verses 32, I was struck by the absolute parallels we are presently experiencing! We are all scattered, each to their own home! I think in the past that statement has never had much impact, but today, in light of our present situation, they rang true like a major gong!
Jesus' initial question to the apostles, upon them stating that they finally believe He came from God, seems to be an incredulous statement, couched as a question. Like, finally after 3 years of interaction and observation, they finally may the last jump in logic and faith because Jesus spoke clearly. I can almost feel the Lord's eyes rolling back into His head. :-)
The next sentence is what Jesus knows prophetically, that they will all be scattered, and the question, "Do you now believe?" is most appropriate! When their proximity to Jesus is severed, when they no longer have their brethren by their sides, when they are no longer gathered as a group, do they still believe, even then?
What a great question for us to consider today! Do we still believe, even though we can't meet together? Do we still pursue relationship with Him, even though we have limited outside influence and pressure to do so? Will we still observe and pray through the events of Holy week, like we would if we were gathering in church? Does our faith actually impact our daily life, when we are left to our own? All good questions, and ones we would do well to consider.
Jesus then goes on to say that He has said all these things that they might, in Him, have peace! Notice that the peace is available in Jesus, and I think its safe to say, only in Jesus! Lately, my honey and I have talked about these present times, and have often wondered how those living without faith are coping? Many of my friends in time have walked from their faith, choosing to follow after science and logic and human advancement as the answers to life, and many seem to be utterly despondent now, full of fear, angry and hurting. My heart goes out to them, for my heart is at peace, even in the swirl of craziness, and it has nothing to do with ignorance, but rather has everything to do with Jesus' last statement, "But take heart! I have overcome the world!"
He is the unchanging rock on which I stand! He holds me in His arms. I am unswayed by the storms of life, and choose to believe, in spite of the seeming chaos, that He is firmly in control, and as we turn our eyes to Him, we will see our path before us (Prov 3:5-6)! He promises to meet us as we draw near to Him, and as we return to Him (Is 55:6-7). For those that have turned away to pursue meaning for their lives in other streams of thought, He is always waiting, ready to receive You back with open arms (Lk 15:20), regardless of what you have thought, said or done!
Going back to statement that "you will all be scattered, each to your own home" my final prayer is that we would all individually press into Him in this time of scattering. We are not alone, we have the Lord living with us! He is desirous of deeper relationship, of allowing our faith and belief in Him to draw us to Him in every area of our lives. His question, "Do you now believe?" is for us today! We get to choose today and everyday, whether we will believe in Him and walk out our lives in relationship with Him, or not! Let us pray for all to return to the Lord, believing in Him and letting His peace settle their hearts! Take Heart! For He has overcome the world!
Amen!
May Christ's peace be with you today!
Sam
Sunday, April 5, 2020
The Father's Pride in His Son
This morning my thoughts upon waking were that today is Palm Sunday. I was thinking about the occurrence of that day, and wondering why the Father had Jesus go through this day's events, in light of what was soon to follow, and in light of the previous three years of ministry that were mostly accomplished without fanfare or show. I thought this line of thought worth reflecting upon, for in this event we see some more of the Father's heart towards His Son. Here is Luke's account, for this event is found in all four of the Gospels.
Luke 19:28-40 NIV:
[28] "After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. [29] As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, [30] “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. [31] If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' say, 'The Lord needs it.' ”
[32] Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. [33] As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
[34] They replied, “The Lord needs it.”
[35] They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. [36] As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.
[37] When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
[38] “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
[39] Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”
[40] “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
As I mentioned earlier, I was thinking about this event in the context of the rest of Jesus' ministry, and it seemed like a strange addition. The Lord had kept a relatively low profile, choosing to spend most of His time in Galilean countryside, rather in Judea or Jerusalem. He purposely directed people to not spread the news about healings they received (see Matt 8:4). At one point His brothers wanted Him to go to Jerusalem, and become a popular public person, and Jesus resisted that request (See John 7:3-4). In light of these, a parade into Jerusalem where He is proclaimed the coming King is just odd.
As I was thinking through this, I felt like I heard the Lord say, "It was because He is the greatest King of all time, and He should receive Glory and praise from men!" I certainly agree with that thought, and believe this also shows us the heart of the Father. Previously, Jesus was glorified and transfigured on the Mount, but that was a very private experience, being witnessed only by the three apostles, Peter, James and John. We see four major times where the Father showed His affection for His beloved Son, the first being His birth, the second His baptism, the third His transfiguration and finally here as Jesus enters Jerusalem.
We know that Jesus only did what the Father told him to do (John 5:19). Thus, we can assume that Jesus was doing this at the Father's direction. I think we assume that 'of course Jesus must have had a parade, He was so great!' but we are thinking this already knowing the whole story. We know that His riding into Jerusalem on the colt of a donkey was prophetically proclaimed by Zechariah 9:9, and that appears to be the reason for this, but the gathering of the people, the spreading palm branches and cloaks, and proclaiming Him the coming King, was apparently stirred up by the Father, for when Jesus was asked to quiet them down, He replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
I see in this proclamation Jesus acknowledging the pride the Father had for His Son! The Father in Heaven is a good Father, even a great Father. Jesus went to great lengths to speak of Him, to help us to understand how loving, merciful and compassionate the Father is towards us. He likened earthly fathers to His heavenly Father, in their love for their children, but always said the Heavenly Father was much more loving, giving, and forgiving!
As a father, I am very proud of my son, and often speak of Him. My desire is that people know him, know how good he is, know what a great father he is, know what a great husband, and know how much I love him! I see in me shadows of what the Heavenly Father must be like and must feel for His Son Jesus. What Father wouldn't want to see their son lauded and praised for who He is and what He has accomplished? I see in this parade of praise and proclamation the Father just releasing a small amount of His infinite love for His Son, and that love caused creation to come about. I believe that what Jesus said about the rocks is true, if the people wouldn't proclaim His praise the rocks surely would have!
Finally, I am reminded of the words Jesus prayed in His last great prayer found in John 17. I am quoting the first and last verses of this great prayer - John 17:1,25-26 NIV:
[1] After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.
[25] “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me.
[26] I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
Yes, Lord, we want the love You have for the Father, and the Love the Father has for His son to be in us! We want the world to know that You are the God of love! We want the world to know how great You are, far above every king and great man that has ever lived! We want to see You receive the Glory You are due! We want to see Your name lifted high above every other name!
We cry out with Jesus, "Father the hour has come. Glorify Your Son!"
Amen!
Luke 19:28-40 NIV:
[28] "After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. [29] As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, [30] “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. [31] If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' say, 'The Lord needs it.' ”
[32] Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. [33] As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
[34] They replied, “The Lord needs it.”
[35] They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. [36] As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.
[37] When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
[38] “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
[39] Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”
[40] “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
As I mentioned earlier, I was thinking about this event in the context of the rest of Jesus' ministry, and it seemed like a strange addition. The Lord had kept a relatively low profile, choosing to spend most of His time in Galilean countryside, rather in Judea or Jerusalem. He purposely directed people to not spread the news about healings they received (see Matt 8:4). At one point His brothers wanted Him to go to Jerusalem, and become a popular public person, and Jesus resisted that request (See John 7:3-4). In light of these, a parade into Jerusalem where He is proclaimed the coming King is just odd.
As I was thinking through this, I felt like I heard the Lord say, "It was because He is the greatest King of all time, and He should receive Glory and praise from men!" I certainly agree with that thought, and believe this also shows us the heart of the Father. Previously, Jesus was glorified and transfigured on the Mount, but that was a very private experience, being witnessed only by the three apostles, Peter, James and John. We see four major times where the Father showed His affection for His beloved Son, the first being His birth, the second His baptism, the third His transfiguration and finally here as Jesus enters Jerusalem.
We know that Jesus only did what the Father told him to do (John 5:19). Thus, we can assume that Jesus was doing this at the Father's direction. I think we assume that 'of course Jesus must have had a parade, He was so great!' but we are thinking this already knowing the whole story. We know that His riding into Jerusalem on the colt of a donkey was prophetically proclaimed by Zechariah 9:9, and that appears to be the reason for this, but the gathering of the people, the spreading palm branches and cloaks, and proclaiming Him the coming King, was apparently stirred up by the Father, for when Jesus was asked to quiet them down, He replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
I see in this proclamation Jesus acknowledging the pride the Father had for His Son! The Father in Heaven is a good Father, even a great Father. Jesus went to great lengths to speak of Him, to help us to understand how loving, merciful and compassionate the Father is towards us. He likened earthly fathers to His heavenly Father, in their love for their children, but always said the Heavenly Father was much more loving, giving, and forgiving!
As a father, I am very proud of my son, and often speak of Him. My desire is that people know him, know how good he is, know what a great father he is, know what a great husband, and know how much I love him! I see in me shadows of what the Heavenly Father must be like and must feel for His Son Jesus. What Father wouldn't want to see their son lauded and praised for who He is and what He has accomplished? I see in this parade of praise and proclamation the Father just releasing a small amount of His infinite love for His Son, and that love caused creation to come about. I believe that what Jesus said about the rocks is true, if the people wouldn't proclaim His praise the rocks surely would have!
Finally, I am reminded of the words Jesus prayed in His last great prayer found in John 17. I am quoting the first and last verses of this great prayer - John 17:1,25-26 NIV:
[1] After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.
[25] “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me.
[26] I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
Yes, Lord, we want the love You have for the Father, and the Love the Father has for His son to be in us! We want the world to know that You are the God of love! We want the world to know how great You are, far above every king and great man that has ever lived! We want to see You receive the Glory You are due! We want to see Your name lifted high above every other name!
We cry out with Jesus, "Father the hour has come. Glorify Your Son!"
Amen!
Saturday, April 4, 2020
Freedom From the Law of Expectation
This morning I felt like I should spend some time in Galatians, chapter four. Recently, many of my reflections have been encouragement in this strange time we are living in, and these verses from Paul's letter seemed like a strange addition, but as I reflected I saw a deeper connection. Here are the verses - Galatians 4:4-7 NIV:
[4] "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. [6] Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba , Father.” [7] So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir."
I have spent quite a bit of time reflecting on our adoption to the family of God, and it is such good news. This morning I was thinking about these verses in light of being redeemed from under the law, which really, in context, is referring to the Jewish people. Paul is writing this to the Galatians, most of whom were not Jews, and thus not under the Law. Rather than focusing on this this specific legal conversation, I felt like the message of the Lord to me today was to look at my life and determine what "laws" He is setting us free from in these present days!
Much has been said on-line by people of faith concerning this time of resting in God, a reset of sorts, and I think that is true. I also think we are seeing the Lord setting us free from previous expectations of what the Church should look like, and how the Church should act, and what services should entail, and a whole assortment of "religious" ideas that have become 'law' for many congregations. The term "this is the way we do" anything should cause us to pause, and consider why we do things a certain way. Have we become so used to things a certain way, that we can't entertain change? I think that this time of "sheltering in place" is causing all of us to reconsider our faith, and the essential components of our faith life. If we find ourselves desiring to just go back to the way things were before, we might need to press in a bit deeper to the Lord, He wants us to grow and experience increase in our lives personally, as well as corporately.
In the same way that the Galatians were being sold a gospel-plus (this is essentially what the circumcision party was pushing) we might have grown up under a gospel-plus expression of faith! The Christian faith does not require beautiful buildings, choirs and professional sounding worship teams, it does not require professional pastors and teachers, it does not require Sunday services, the repeating of rote prayers, or any of a number of things we have come to associate with our faith! Our faith is fundamentally about our personal relationship with the Lord! He is who we interact with, and who we worship with our lives. Singing and music is wonderful, but that is not worship. Worship is laying down our lives to embrace relationship with our Lord! Living our faith is so much more than Sunday attendance, or church services, it is all about the day to day decisions we make about how we speak, and how we think, and how we live our lives, how we love our families and friends, and allowing our faith to impact and change us in all of these areas. We are meant to be followers of Christ, every moment of every day.
I believe that we are experiencing an opportunity for us to stop and think about what it means to truly be a son and daughter of God, for again that is what our faith is all about, relationship with Him! Let us stop and ask the Lord to show us what is most important, and let us choose to make those a priority in our lives, even after our present "shelter in place" restrictions are lifted. Let us take a serious look at our church, at our worship experience, at our expression and lets lose the gospel-plus stuff.
I pray that we would come out of this time with a deeper sense of our relationship with our Lord, with each other and how we as sons and daughters of God should live our lives. I pray that the Lord would set us free from the 'law' of expectations and our gospel-plus experience.
Amen!
May the Lord bless you, and keep your safe!
Sam
[4] "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. [6] Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba , Father.” [7] So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir."
I have spent quite a bit of time reflecting on our adoption to the family of God, and it is such good news. This morning I was thinking about these verses in light of being redeemed from under the law, which really, in context, is referring to the Jewish people. Paul is writing this to the Galatians, most of whom were not Jews, and thus not under the Law. Rather than focusing on this this specific legal conversation, I felt like the message of the Lord to me today was to look at my life and determine what "laws" He is setting us free from in these present days!
Much has been said on-line by people of faith concerning this time of resting in God, a reset of sorts, and I think that is true. I also think we are seeing the Lord setting us free from previous expectations of what the Church should look like, and how the Church should act, and what services should entail, and a whole assortment of "religious" ideas that have become 'law' for many congregations. The term "this is the way we do" anything should cause us to pause, and consider why we do things a certain way. Have we become so used to things a certain way, that we can't entertain change? I think that this time of "sheltering in place" is causing all of us to reconsider our faith, and the essential components of our faith life. If we find ourselves desiring to just go back to the way things were before, we might need to press in a bit deeper to the Lord, He wants us to grow and experience increase in our lives personally, as well as corporately.
In the same way that the Galatians were being sold a gospel-plus (this is essentially what the circumcision party was pushing) we might have grown up under a gospel-plus expression of faith! The Christian faith does not require beautiful buildings, choirs and professional sounding worship teams, it does not require professional pastors and teachers, it does not require Sunday services, the repeating of rote prayers, or any of a number of things we have come to associate with our faith! Our faith is fundamentally about our personal relationship with the Lord! He is who we interact with, and who we worship with our lives. Singing and music is wonderful, but that is not worship. Worship is laying down our lives to embrace relationship with our Lord! Living our faith is so much more than Sunday attendance, or church services, it is all about the day to day decisions we make about how we speak, and how we think, and how we live our lives, how we love our families and friends, and allowing our faith to impact and change us in all of these areas. We are meant to be followers of Christ, every moment of every day.
I believe that we are experiencing an opportunity for us to stop and think about what it means to truly be a son and daughter of God, for again that is what our faith is all about, relationship with Him! Let us stop and ask the Lord to show us what is most important, and let us choose to make those a priority in our lives, even after our present "shelter in place" restrictions are lifted. Let us take a serious look at our church, at our worship experience, at our expression and lets lose the gospel-plus stuff.
I pray that we would come out of this time with a deeper sense of our relationship with our Lord, with each other and how we as sons and daughters of God should live our lives. I pray that the Lord would set us free from the 'law' of expectations and our gospel-plus experience.
Amen!
May the Lord bless you, and keep your safe!
Sam
Friday, April 3, 2020
The Importance of Family
This morning I am reflecting on a couple of verses from John's Gospel that occur just before Jesus' death. Here are the verses - John 19:25-27 NIV:
[25] "Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. [26] When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” [27] and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home."
I was wondering why I felt led to these verses, as in the greater scheme of Jesus' passion, death and resurrection they are almost a footnote. However, I felt like the Lord was highlighting them this morning, to identify the importance of family in times of loss and distress. In these verses, immediately before dying, Jesus takes care of His mother Mary. He entrusts her to John, and John notes that from that day forward Mary lived with him. We believe that Jesus had brothers (see Matt 12:46; John 2:12; John 7:5) and yet He asked John to take her into His home.
Several years ago I was meditating on this verse, and decided to look at all the accounts of Jesus' death, and realized that "his mother's sister" as described by John, was actually the mother of James and John, the wife of Zebedee (see Matt 27:56), and thus John's mom. As in the rest of His Gospel, John didn't refer to himself by name, often referring to himself as the one Jesus loved, or even one of the sons of Zebedee, in this case He didn't call out the fact that His mom was actually Mary's sister, making him Jesus' first-cousin.
The importance here this morning, seems to be that during times of loss and difficulty that Jesus is highlighting the significance of family, and even extended family. Jesus knew that His mother would need support and protection, and thus He asked John to take her in (at least that is my opinion). Dealing with a loved one's death is excruciating, and Jesus knew the next few days, and the following years would be very difficult, and by asking John to take Mary in, was effectively surrounding her with her own family (her sister) and hiding her somewhat from what would surely come, namely persecution of His family, friends and followers.
This morning, I am more aware of the importance of family in this time of social distancing, and sheltering in place. It is so easy for us to withdraw into our own cocoon of protection and self-preservation, that we can inadvertantly reduce our communication with and support of our family, and extended family. We are all dealing with loss in this time, loss of freedom, loss of relational interaction. In fact, as I was thinking about this present situation, I realized that many are experiencing stages of grief as identified by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. As we look back at the last few weeks, I think many of us could see a very similar pattern in our lives, and may even find that we are somewhere on this scale even now.
As I reflect back to Jesus' direction to Mary and John, I see Him placing her somewhere where she could be supported and loved during her time of grief. It was highly likely that Mary was present when Jesus ascended, and even if she wasn't, the fact that He was no longer present on earth meant she was going to be grieving His absence. Being with her sister would provide her family support that she would not have likely received had she gone back to Nazareth.
Anyway, my thought this morning, is that we all need to be connecting with our families during this time. We need to make sure that social distancing does not decrease our relational connectedness. Secondly, it is important that we support our family members as they deal with this present situation. This is like nothing most of us have ever experienced and we are all trying to find our way, and make our way through. It is important that we connect regularly with the ones we love, with those who love us unconditionally. It is important that we look to our families, and look after our families. It is VERY important that we check in regularly with our parents, especially those that might be alone. We see people coming together to help one another, and God has given us families as our first and most important social group. Generally, our brothers and sisters know us like no one else, and staying in contact with one another during times like these is so important.
In summary, let us strengthen one another, and strengthen our family ties during this period. Let us choose to invest in relationships even in this time of social distancing. Let us choose to come along side one another and help each other. Let us give grace to one another as we go through the stages of grief over the loss of so much that is familiar. Let us look tot hose around us who have lost jobs, and family members and let us welcome them into our families - through phone calls, video-chats, or whatever means necessary. Let us pray for a strengthening of our families and society through this time.
Amen.
[25] "Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. [26] When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” [27] and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home."
I was wondering why I felt led to these verses, as in the greater scheme of Jesus' passion, death and resurrection they are almost a footnote. However, I felt like the Lord was highlighting them this morning, to identify the importance of family in times of loss and distress. In these verses, immediately before dying, Jesus takes care of His mother Mary. He entrusts her to John, and John notes that from that day forward Mary lived with him. We believe that Jesus had brothers (see Matt 12:46; John 2:12; John 7:5) and yet He asked John to take her into His home.
Several years ago I was meditating on this verse, and decided to look at all the accounts of Jesus' death, and realized that "his mother's sister" as described by John, was actually the mother of James and John, the wife of Zebedee (see Matt 27:56), and thus John's mom. As in the rest of His Gospel, John didn't refer to himself by name, often referring to himself as the one Jesus loved, or even one of the sons of Zebedee, in this case He didn't call out the fact that His mom was actually Mary's sister, making him Jesus' first-cousin.
The importance here this morning, seems to be that during times of loss and difficulty that Jesus is highlighting the significance of family, and even extended family. Jesus knew that His mother would need support and protection, and thus He asked John to take her in (at least that is my opinion). Dealing with a loved one's death is excruciating, and Jesus knew the next few days, and the following years would be very difficult, and by asking John to take Mary in, was effectively surrounding her with her own family (her sister) and hiding her somewhat from what would surely come, namely persecution of His family, friends and followers.
This morning, I am more aware of the importance of family in this time of social distancing, and sheltering in place. It is so easy for us to withdraw into our own cocoon of protection and self-preservation, that we can inadvertantly reduce our communication with and support of our family, and extended family. We are all dealing with loss in this time, loss of freedom, loss of relational interaction. In fact, as I was thinking about this present situation, I realized that many are experiencing stages of grief as identified by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. As we look back at the last few weeks, I think many of us could see a very similar pattern in our lives, and may even find that we are somewhere on this scale even now.
As I reflect back to Jesus' direction to Mary and John, I see Him placing her somewhere where she could be supported and loved during her time of grief. It was highly likely that Mary was present when Jesus ascended, and even if she wasn't, the fact that He was no longer present on earth meant she was going to be grieving His absence. Being with her sister would provide her family support that she would not have likely received had she gone back to Nazareth.
Anyway, my thought this morning, is that we all need to be connecting with our families during this time. We need to make sure that social distancing does not decrease our relational connectedness. Secondly, it is important that we support our family members as they deal with this present situation. This is like nothing most of us have ever experienced and we are all trying to find our way, and make our way through. It is important that we connect regularly with the ones we love, with those who love us unconditionally. It is important that we look to our families, and look after our families. It is VERY important that we check in regularly with our parents, especially those that might be alone. We see people coming together to help one another, and God has given us families as our first and most important social group. Generally, our brothers and sisters know us like no one else, and staying in contact with one another during times like these is so important.
In summary, let us strengthen one another, and strengthen our family ties during this period. Let us choose to invest in relationships even in this time of social distancing. Let us choose to come along side one another and help each other. Let us give grace to one another as we go through the stages of grief over the loss of so much that is familiar. Let us look tot hose around us who have lost jobs, and family members and let us welcome them into our families - through phone calls, video-chats, or whatever means necessary. Let us pray for a strengthening of our families and society through this time.
Amen.
Thursday, April 2, 2020
Two Centurions Who Were Significant
This morning I am reflecting on two stories of two Centurions, one found in Luke 7, the other found in Acts 10. I started in Luke, and was reminded of the other. They are both stories of significant faith. Here is the story found in Luke 7:1-10 NIV:
[1] "When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. [2] There a centurion's servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. [3] The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. [4] When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, [5] because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” [6] So Jesus went with them.
He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. [7] That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. [8] For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it.”
[9] When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” [10] Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well."
I love the Centurion's understanding of the Kingdom reality, seen in verse 8. He understands that Jesus has authority over sickness, and asks Him to command the sickness to leave. This is a very appropriate request of Jesus, for He does have all authority and power (Matt 28:18) and he certainly has authority over sickness. As representatives of Him, we do too! That is how authority works! When the Centurion sent his servant to do something, it was covered under his authority, and the servant could do things in his master's name. Do we believe that Jesus still has authority over sickness?
The second story is a significant turning point in the life of the church, and really the whole world, and it also involves a Centurion with great faith. Here are the verses I am reflecting on today - Acts 10:1-8,24-29,44-48 NIV:
[1] "At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. [2] He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. [3] One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”
[4] Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked.
The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. [5] Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. [6] He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”
[7] When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. [8] He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.
- for brevity, I left out several verses where Peter has a significant vision and the men sent by Cornelius arrive and they find Peter and convince him to come with them -
[24] The following day he (Peter) arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. [25] As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. [26] But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”
[27] While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. [28] He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. [29] So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”
- for brevity, I left out the verses where Cornelius recounts his experience and Peter starts to share the Gospel -
[44] While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. [45] The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. [46] For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, [47] “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” [48] So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days."
This was clearly a divine coordinated event, for God sent visions to both Peter and Cornelius, coordinated so that as Peter is finishing his vision the men from Cornelius arrive at the very house he is staying at, looking for him. What plays out in the following verses is the first wholly sanctioned conversion of Gentiles! I love how in verse 44 the Holy Spirit doesn't even wait for Peter to finish talking!!
I love this story for so many reasons, but today I am reminded of the huge leap of faith that was required on both Cornelius's and Peter's part. Cornelius was inviting into his home one of the leaders of this group that was being persecuted and even put to death, as this happened after Stephen's martyrdom. By accepting Christ, he was walking away from much of what He was committed to believe.
Peter, on the other hand, was walking into a Roman Centurion's house, and he was well aware of the persecution that was burning brightly all around him. At this point they may not have realized that Saul has experienced a conversion, so he might have been expecting that this was a trap laid out to capture him. Regardless, Peter followed and trusted his faith in the Lord. He realized that this was a divinely coordinated and inspired meeting. He probably didn't know how significant it was going to be, but He obeyed what He was told to do.
Again, this is a great example of authority, and obedience, out of faith. Both men obeyed what they were told to do, and trusted God that He had a good plan, not a plan to endanger them. Both men were willing to entrust their very lives to God.
Finally, as I was describing earlier, this is clearly a divinely inspired event. God can do, and still does these very same things today. I like to say that God's middle name is coincidence, as I don't believe things happen just by chance. I believe that God can and will do the same things in our day! Let us pray that the Lord orchestrates a quick end to this virus, and restoration of all that has been lost as a result. Let us put our faith in God, and ask that He, in His power and authority, command an end to this all! Let us pray that He sends help from Heaven, directs people's paths, connects the right people to one another, and protects all involved. Let us pray that He releases a wave of healing unlike anything we have ever seen or heard about previously. Let us pray for a turning point for our whole world!
Amen and Amen!
[1] "When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. [2] There a centurion's servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. [3] The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. [4] When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, [5] because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” [6] So Jesus went with them.
He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. [7] That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. [8] For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it.”
[9] When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” [10] Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well."
I love the Centurion's understanding of the Kingdom reality, seen in verse 8. He understands that Jesus has authority over sickness, and asks Him to command the sickness to leave. This is a very appropriate request of Jesus, for He does have all authority and power (Matt 28:18) and he certainly has authority over sickness. As representatives of Him, we do too! That is how authority works! When the Centurion sent his servant to do something, it was covered under his authority, and the servant could do things in his master's name. Do we believe that Jesus still has authority over sickness?
The second story is a significant turning point in the life of the church, and really the whole world, and it also involves a Centurion with great faith. Here are the verses I am reflecting on today - Acts 10:1-8,24-29,44-48 NIV:
[1] "At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. [2] He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. [3] One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”
[4] Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked.
The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. [5] Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. [6] He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”
[7] When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. [8] He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.
- for brevity, I left out several verses where Peter has a significant vision and the men sent by Cornelius arrive and they find Peter and convince him to come with them -
[24] The following day he (Peter) arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. [25] As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. [26] But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”
[27] While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. [28] He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. [29] So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”
- for brevity, I left out the verses where Cornelius recounts his experience and Peter starts to share the Gospel -
[44] While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. [45] The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. [46] For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, [47] “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” [48] So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days."
This was clearly a divine coordinated event, for God sent visions to both Peter and Cornelius, coordinated so that as Peter is finishing his vision the men from Cornelius arrive at the very house he is staying at, looking for him. What plays out in the following verses is the first wholly sanctioned conversion of Gentiles! I love how in verse 44 the Holy Spirit doesn't even wait for Peter to finish talking!!
I love this story for so many reasons, but today I am reminded of the huge leap of faith that was required on both Cornelius's and Peter's part. Cornelius was inviting into his home one of the leaders of this group that was being persecuted and even put to death, as this happened after Stephen's martyrdom. By accepting Christ, he was walking away from much of what He was committed to believe.
Peter, on the other hand, was walking into a Roman Centurion's house, and he was well aware of the persecution that was burning brightly all around him. At this point they may not have realized that Saul has experienced a conversion, so he might have been expecting that this was a trap laid out to capture him. Regardless, Peter followed and trusted his faith in the Lord. He realized that this was a divinely coordinated and inspired meeting. He probably didn't know how significant it was going to be, but He obeyed what He was told to do.
Again, this is a great example of authority, and obedience, out of faith. Both men obeyed what they were told to do, and trusted God that He had a good plan, not a plan to endanger them. Both men were willing to entrust their very lives to God.
Finally, as I was describing earlier, this is clearly a divinely inspired event. God can do, and still does these very same things today. I like to say that God's middle name is coincidence, as I don't believe things happen just by chance. I believe that God can and will do the same things in our day! Let us pray that the Lord orchestrates a quick end to this virus, and restoration of all that has been lost as a result. Let us put our faith in God, and ask that He, in His power and authority, command an end to this all! Let us pray that He sends help from Heaven, directs people's paths, connects the right people to one another, and protects all involved. Let us pray that He releases a wave of healing unlike anything we have ever seen or heard about previously. Let us pray for a turning point for our whole world!
Amen and Amen!
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Running the Race Marked Out For Us
This morning I once again felt the word for the day was perseverance. There are some awesome verses that have to do with perseverance, but the one location my heart was drawn towards this morning are found in Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV:
[1] "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, [2] fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [3] Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Last evening we had a couple hour Zoom call with a bunch of people from our church. It was such a good time of reconnecting, even if it was via an online video conference bridge. When I read these verses this morning, the first thing that popped into my mind as a photo of all of us on the call, we were definitely a "Cloud of witnesses" as Zoom is a cloud based application!
Back to the verses, here in the US, many of us have 'shelter in place" rules, thus we have a race marked out for us. It won't be easy, it will try the patience and perseverance of all. However, as encouraged, we can fix our eyes on Jesus, and run towards Him. We can remind each other and support each other. We can press into creative ways to deal with this time. Mostly, we want to take or eyes off ourselves, and our own struggles! In the greater scheme of our present situation, being cooped up in one's home or apartment is much better than being cooped up in a hospital breathing with the aid of a ventilator.
I find that if I stop thinking about all the things I wanted or planned to do, I am in a better place. I know that I am in a much better place than many, and in general, we in the United States are blessed. Let us look to each other, to help those in need, for this isn't a race we are running on our own, but one that we are running with everyone around us. Let us encourage, lift up, press in and press on with those around us. Let us take our minds off ourselves and look to the needs of those around us. Let us encourage one another to communicate honestly. We really are all in the same situation, but some are more affected than others. Let us be particularly aware of our brothers and sister who have been laid off, who have been furloughed.
I am reminded once again of Paul's encouragement to the Philippians 2:1-4 NIV:
[1] Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, [2] then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. [3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
If we really embrace verses 3 and 4, we will help ease the burden of this time for one another. If we all choose to look at this time unselfishly, and allow our hearts to be moved by our brothers and sisters in need, we will together be able to keep each other well, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, physically and financially.
It seems to me that for Jesus the joy set before Him was the salvation of the world. He saw the restoration of relationship with the Father, the forgiveness of sins, the empowering of the Holy Spirit, and the soon to be established church! He saw the Kingdom of God established and continuing His ministry on the earth! In the same way, we need to look beyond our present situation, and any suffering or temporary lack on our part, to the day we are able to step out from our shelters to embrace one another again!
We have really just started the race, and we have a long way in front of us, but we can set our eyes on Jesus, look to one another and continue to run with the endurance of the Holy Spirit powering us. Do not grow weary and lose heart, if you are tiring, call out for help, if you are weary reach out to others for assistance.
Lord help us to run this race as You would have us run! Help us to value others and not just look to our own interests but theirs as well. Help us to be united in heart, mind and spirit, as we follow the race marked out for us!
Amen, help us all Lord Jesus!
[1] "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, [2] fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [3] Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Last evening we had a couple hour Zoom call with a bunch of people from our church. It was such a good time of reconnecting, even if it was via an online video conference bridge. When I read these verses this morning, the first thing that popped into my mind as a photo of all of us on the call, we were definitely a "Cloud of witnesses" as Zoom is a cloud based application!
Back to the verses, here in the US, many of us have 'shelter in place" rules, thus we have a race marked out for us. It won't be easy, it will try the patience and perseverance of all. However, as encouraged, we can fix our eyes on Jesus, and run towards Him. We can remind each other and support each other. We can press into creative ways to deal with this time. Mostly, we want to take or eyes off ourselves, and our own struggles! In the greater scheme of our present situation, being cooped up in one's home or apartment is much better than being cooped up in a hospital breathing with the aid of a ventilator.
I find that if I stop thinking about all the things I wanted or planned to do, I am in a better place. I know that I am in a much better place than many, and in general, we in the United States are blessed. Let us look to each other, to help those in need, for this isn't a race we are running on our own, but one that we are running with everyone around us. Let us encourage, lift up, press in and press on with those around us. Let us take our minds off ourselves and look to the needs of those around us. Let us encourage one another to communicate honestly. We really are all in the same situation, but some are more affected than others. Let us be particularly aware of our brothers and sister who have been laid off, who have been furloughed.
I am reminded once again of Paul's encouragement to the Philippians 2:1-4 NIV:
[1] Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, [2] then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. [3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
If we really embrace verses 3 and 4, we will help ease the burden of this time for one another. If we all choose to look at this time unselfishly, and allow our hearts to be moved by our brothers and sisters in need, we will together be able to keep each other well, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, physically and financially.
It seems to me that for Jesus the joy set before Him was the salvation of the world. He saw the restoration of relationship with the Father, the forgiveness of sins, the empowering of the Holy Spirit, and the soon to be established church! He saw the Kingdom of God established and continuing His ministry on the earth! In the same way, we need to look beyond our present situation, and any suffering or temporary lack on our part, to the day we are able to step out from our shelters to embrace one another again!
We have really just started the race, and we have a long way in front of us, but we can set our eyes on Jesus, look to one another and continue to run with the endurance of the Holy Spirit powering us. Do not grow weary and lose heart, if you are tiring, call out for help, if you are weary reach out to others for assistance.
Lord help us to run this race as You would have us run! Help us to value others and not just look to our own interests but theirs as well. Help us to be united in heart, mind and spirit, as we follow the race marked out for us!
Amen, help us all Lord Jesus!
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Draw Near to God, Wash Your Hands
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
[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
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
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