Bad Habits:
For we know that or old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; no longer mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.
Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace....
You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
Scripture: Romans 6:6-14, 18
Defining moments:
Every time you've turned to an old familiar, forbidden place for relief or revenge, every time you've reacted without thinking or given in when you should have toughed it out, you've unwittingly widened the entrance ramp onto the easy street compromise.
You've made it that much easier to come back for a return trip next time the urge strikes and to keep your car in the straight and narrow,
That's what habits are--really wide, open highways you can drive with your eyes closed. Roads you've traveled so many times that you've anticipated every bend, every bump. But you know better than anybody else that you have no business being out there. And if you just had the strength, you'd whip that car around right now and head back where it's safe.
So do it, because now your no has the power of God behind it. And every time you lean hard into His side for strength to resist, you close another entrance ramp. Yo shut down another access road. You play dead to the call of the highway. You win over habitual sin.
Next Up:
Taking on tough customers like these with the power of prayer and the truth of God's Word will get you ready to tackle any temptation when it slips in unnoticed.
Every habit opens a window for Satan to climb in again. But God has a way for you to shut him out.
" Being free from sin not only means I can be strong in Him to stop doing wrong. It also means in Him I have the ability to do what's right."
-Stuart Briscoe
Monday, February 18, 2019
Friday, February 8, 2019
Sweat the Small Stuff
Subtle Sins:
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or any kind of impurity, or greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person-such a man is an idolater-has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them....
Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. SIng and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Ephesians 5:3-7, 15-20
Defining Moments:
Ever tried cleaning up a room that was totally trashed? When the dresser drawers won't shut and the bed disguises an unseen colony of clothes and clutter--when the last shoe has finally dropped and you've been surrounded by the law of gravity--it's time to do the big stuff first. The glaring things. The obvious things. Like making your bed. Folding up your sweaters. Returning all the plates, forks, and glasses to the kitchen.
But underneath the chief culprits lies a second layer of vandals. Dust. Corners. Baseboards. Pockets of disarray you didn't notice before, but now-with all the major problems taken care of-they cry out for correction. On and on it goes. The light exposes another. You fix, tinker, and straighten. You want to be clean.
As a growing Christian, you need to stay constantly open to the white glove of God's Word-not to keep you endlessly frustrated with your faults, but to keep unseen sins from becoming an all day mess. What's under the rug can be more of a problem than you think.
Next Up:
Becoming a Christian doesn't automatically eliminate the bad habits you've formed over the years. But it does give you power to overcome them, one try at a time.
You may have to go out looking for the biggies. But the littlest sins can cause you the most trouble.
" The light Jesus brings helps us to see ourselves more clearly and not to be fooled by what is hidden inside."
-James Houston
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or any kind of impurity, or greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person-such a man is an idolater-has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them....
Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. SIng and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Ephesians 5:3-7, 15-20
Defining Moments:
Ever tried cleaning up a room that was totally trashed? When the dresser drawers won't shut and the bed disguises an unseen colony of clothes and clutter--when the last shoe has finally dropped and you've been surrounded by the law of gravity--it's time to do the big stuff first. The glaring things. The obvious things. Like making your bed. Folding up your sweaters. Returning all the plates, forks, and glasses to the kitchen.
But underneath the chief culprits lies a second layer of vandals. Dust. Corners. Baseboards. Pockets of disarray you didn't notice before, but now-with all the major problems taken care of-they cry out for correction. On and on it goes. The light exposes another. You fix, tinker, and straighten. You want to be clean.
As a growing Christian, you need to stay constantly open to the white glove of God's Word-not to keep you endlessly frustrated with your faults, but to keep unseen sins from becoming an all day mess. What's under the rug can be more of a problem than you think.
Next Up:
Becoming a Christian doesn't automatically eliminate the bad habits you've formed over the years. But it does give you power to overcome them, one try at a time.
You may have to go out looking for the biggies. But the littlest sins can cause you the most trouble.
" The light Jesus brings helps us to see ourselves more clearly and not to be fooled by what is hidden inside."
-James Houston
Sizing Up The Enemy
Any good ballplayer will tell you that half the price of victory is taking time to know your opponent-to analyze his tendencies, his strategies, the way he reacts in certain situations.
Victory in your Christian life is a lot like that. Oh, the power's on your side, bt you need to know what you're up against. Now get out there and win.
Victory in your Christian life is a lot like that. Oh, the power's on your side, bt you need to know what you're up against. Now get out there and win.
When God Whispers Your Name Chapter 13 questions
When Crickets Make You Cranky:
Points to Ponder:
" When we are mistreated, our animalistic response is to go on the hunt. Instinctively we double up our fists. Getting even is only natural. Which, incidentally, is precisely the problem. Revenge is natural, not spiritual. Getting even is the rule of the jungle. Giving grace is the rule of the kingdom."
1.) Does the " rule of the jungle" or the " rule of the kingdom" most often characterize your response to mistreatment?
2.) Give an example of how you react to mistreatment.
" Revenge is irreverent. When we strike back we are saying, ' I know vengeance is yours, God, but I just didn't think you'd punish enough. I thought I'd better take this situation into my own hands. You have a tendency to be a little soft.'"
1.) Have you ever felt the way the paragraph above describes? Explain.
2.) If you've ever acted out this feeling, what was the result?
" Forgiveness comes easier with a wide-angle lens. Joseph uses one to get the whole picture. He refuses to focus on the betrayal of his brothers without also seeing the loyalty of his God."
1.) How does forgiveness comes easier with a " wide-angle lens?"
2.) How is it made more difficult with a " telephoto lens"?
Wisdom from the Word:
Read Proverbs 20:22. What negative command is given here? What positive command is given? How do the two work together?
Read Genesis 50:15-21. Did Joseph have a right to be angry about the way his brothers mistreated him? How did he react? What was the result? If you were Joseph, how do you think you would have reacted?
Points to Ponder:
" When we are mistreated, our animalistic response is to go on the hunt. Instinctively we double up our fists. Getting even is only natural. Which, incidentally, is precisely the problem. Revenge is natural, not spiritual. Getting even is the rule of the jungle. Giving grace is the rule of the kingdom."
1.) Does the " rule of the jungle" or the " rule of the kingdom" most often characterize your response to mistreatment?
2.) Give an example of how you react to mistreatment.
" Revenge is irreverent. When we strike back we are saying, ' I know vengeance is yours, God, but I just didn't think you'd punish enough. I thought I'd better take this situation into my own hands. You have a tendency to be a little soft.'"
1.) Have you ever felt the way the paragraph above describes? Explain.
2.) If you've ever acted out this feeling, what was the result?
" Forgiveness comes easier with a wide-angle lens. Joseph uses one to get the whole picture. He refuses to focus on the betrayal of his brothers without also seeing the loyalty of his God."
1.) How does forgiveness comes easier with a " wide-angle lens?"
2.) How is it made more difficult with a " telephoto lens"?
Wisdom from the Word:
Read Proverbs 20:22. What negative command is given here? What positive command is given? How do the two work together?
Read Genesis 50:15-21. Did Joseph have a right to be angry about the way his brothers mistreated him? How did he react? What was the result? If you were Joseph, how do you think you would have reacted?
When God Whispers Your Name Chapter 13
When Crickets Make You Cranky:
Forgive Me if this is disjointed. As I write, I am angry. I am angered by a cricket. He's loud. He's obnoxious. He's hidden. And he's in big trouble if I ever find him.
I arrived at my office early. Two hours before my alarm sounded, I was here. Sleeves rolled back and computer humming. Beat the phones, I thought. Get a jump on the morning, I planned. Get a leg up on the day.
But Get your hands on that cricket is what I keep mumbling.
Now, I have nothing against nature. The melody of a canary, I love. The pleasant hum of the wind in the leaves, I relish. But the predawn hum of the wind in the cricket bugs me.
So I get on my knees and follow the sound through the office. I peek under boxes. I pull books off the shelves. I get on my belly and look under my desk. Humbling. I've been sabotaged by a-one-inch bug.
What is this insolent irritant that reduces a man to a bug-stalker?
Finally, I isolate the culprit.
Rats, he's behind a shelf. Out of my reach. Hidden in a haven of plywood. I can't get to him. All I can do is throw pens at the base of the shelf. So I do. Pop. Pop. Pop. One after another. A barrage of Bics. He finally shuts up.
But the silence lasts only a minute.
So forgive me if my thoughts are fragmented, but I'm launching artillery every other paragraph. This is no way to work. This is no way to start the day. My floor is cluttered. My pants are dirty. My train of thought is derailed. I mean, how can you write about anger with a stupid bug in your office?
Oooops. Guess I'm in the right frame of mind after all....
Anger. This morning it's easy to define: the noise of the soul. Anger. The unseen irritant of the heart. Anger. The relentless invader of silence.
Just like the cricket, anger irritates.
Just like the cricket, anger isn't easily silenced.
Just like the cricket, anger has a way of increasing in volume until it's the only sound we hear. The louder it gets the more desperate we become.
When we are mistreated, our animalistic response is to go on the hunt. Instinctively, we double up our fists.
Getting even is only natural. Which, incidentally, is precisely the problem. Revenge is natural, not spiritual. Getting even is the rule of the jungle. Giving grace is the rule of the kingdom.
Some of you are thinking, Easy for you to say, Max, sitting there in your office with a cricket as your chief irritant. You ought to try living with my wife. Or, You ought to have to cope with my past. Or, You ought to raise my kids. You don't know how my ex has mistreated me. You don't have any idea how hard my life has been.
And you're right, I don't. But I have a very clear idea how miserable your future will be unless you deal with your anger.
X-ray the soul of the vengeful and behold the tumor of bitterness: black, menacing, malignant. Carcinoma of the spirit. Its fatal fibers creep around the edge of the heart and ravage it. Yesterday you can't alter, but your reaction to yesterday you can. The past you cannot change, but your response to your past you can.
Impossible, you say? Let me try to show you otherwise.
Imagine you are from a large family- a dozen or so. A family more blended than the Brady bunch. All the children are from the same dad, but they have four or five different moms.
Imagine also that your dad is a sneak and has been one for a long time. Everybody knows it. Everybody knows he cheated your uncle out of the estate. Everybody knows he ran like a coward to avoid getting caught.
Let's also imagine that your great-uncle tricked your dad into marrying your mother's sister. He got your dad drunk before the wedding and had his ugly daughter go to the altar instead of the pretty one your dad thought he was marrying.
That didn't slow down your father, though. He just married them both. The one he loved couldn't have kids, so he slept with her maid. In fact, he had a habit of sleeping with most of the kitchen help; as a result, most of your siblings resemble the cooks.
Finally the bride your dad wanted to marry in the first place gets pregnant....and you are born.
You're the favored son...and your brothers know it.
You get a car. They don't. You get Armani; they get K-Mart. You get summer camp; they get summer jobs. You get educated; they get angry.
And they get even. They sell you to some foreign service project, put you on a plane for Egypt, and tell your dad you got shot by a sniper. You find yourself surrounded by people you don't know, learning a language you don't understand, and living in a culture you've never seen.
Imaginary tale? No. It's the story of Joseph. A avored son in a bizzare family, he had every reason to be angry.
He tried to make the best of it. He became the chief servant of the head of the secret service. His boss's wife tried to seduce him, and when he refused, she pouted and he ended up in prison. Pharaoh got wind of the fact that Joseph could interpret dreams and let him take a shot at some of Pharaoh's own.
When Joseph interpreted them he got promoted out of the prison into the palace as prime minister. The second highest position in all of Egypt. The only person Joseph bowed before was the king.
Meanwhile a famine hits and Jacob, Joseph's father, sends his sons to Egypt for a foreign loan. The brothers don't know it, but they are standing in front of the same brother they sold to the Gypsies some twenty-two years earlier.
They don't recognize Joseph, but Joseph recognizes them. A bit balder and paunchier, but they are the same brothers. Imagine Joseph's thoughts. The last time he saw these faces, he was looking up at them from the bottom of a pit. The last time he heard these voices, they were laughing at him. The last time they called his name, they called him every name in the book.
Now is his chance to get even. He has complete control. One snap of his fingers and these brothers are dead. Better yet, slap some manacles on their hands and feet and let them see what an Egyptian dungeon is like. Let them sleep in the mud. Let them mop floors. Let them learn Egyptian.
Revenge is within Joseph's power. And there is power in revenge, intoxicating power.
Haven't we tasted it? Haven't we been tempted to get even?
As we escort the offender into the courtroom, we announce, " He hurt me!" The jurors shake their heads in disgust. " He abandoned me!" we explain, and the chambers echo with our accusation. " Guilty!" the judge snarls as he slams the gavel. " Guilty!" the jury agrees. " Guilty!" the audience proclaims. We delight in this moment of justice. We relish this pound of flesh. So we prolong the event. We tell the story again and again and again.
Now let's freeze-frame that scene. I have a question. Not for all of you, but for a few of you. Some of you are in the courtroom. The courtroom of complaint. Some of you are rehashing the same hurt every chance you get with anyone who will listen.
For you, I have this question: Who made you God? I don't mean to be cocky, but why are you doing his work for him?
" Vengeance is Mine, " God declared. " I will repay" ( Hebrews 10:3)
" Don't say, ' I'll pay you back for the wrong you did.' Wait for the Lord, and he will make things right" ( Proverbs 20:22)
Judgment is God's job. To assume otherwise is to assume God can't do it.
Revenge is irreverent. When we strike back we are saying, " I know vengeance is yours, God, but I just didn't think you'd punish enough. I thought I'd better take this situation into my own hands. You have a tendency to be a little soft."
Joseph understands that. Rather than get even, he reveals his identity and has his father and the rest of the family brought to Egypt. He grants them safety and provides them a place to live. They live in harmony for seventeen years.
But then Jacob dies and the moment of truth comes. The brothers have a hunch that with Jacob gone they'll be lucky to get out of Egypt with their heads on their shoulders. So they go to Joseph and plead for mercy.
" Your father gave this command before he died....
" Tell Joseph to forgive you" ( Genesis 50:16-17). ( I have to smile at the thought of grown men talking like this. Don't they sounded like kids, whining, " Daddy said to be nice to us"?)
Joseph's response? " When Joseph received the message, he cried" ( Genesis 50:17). " What more do I have to do?" his tears implore. " I've given you a home. I've provided for your families. Why do you still mistrust my grace?"
Please read carefully the two statements he makes to his brothers. First he asks, " Can I do what only God can do?"
May I restate the obvious? Revenge belongs to God! If vengeance is God's, then it is not ours. God has not asked us to settle the score or get even. Ever.
Why? The answer is found in the second part of Joseph's statement: " You meant to hurt me, but God turned your evil into good to save the lives of many people, which is being done."
Forgiveness comes easier with a wide-angle lens.
Joseph uses one to get the whole picture. He refuses to focus on the betrayal of his brothers without also seeing the loyalty of his God.
It always helps to see the big picture.
Some time ago I was in an airport lobby when I saw an acquaintance enter. He was a man I hadn't seen in a while but had thought about often. He'd been through a divorce, and I was close enough to it to know that he deserved some of the blame.
Why, that scoundrel! Just a few months out and here he has another lady?
Any thought of greeting him disappeared as I passed judgment on his character. But then he saw me. He waved at me. He motioned me over. I was caught. I was trapped. I'd have to go visit with the reprobate. So I did.
" Max, meet my aunt and her husband."
I gulped. I hadn't noticed the man.
" We're on our way to a family reunion. I know they would really like to meet you."
" We use your books in our home Bible study," my friend's uncle spoke up. " You've got some great insights." " If you only knew," I said to myself. I had committed a common sin of the unforgiving. I had cast a vote without knowing the story.
To forgive someone is to admit our limitations. We've been given only one piece of life's jigsaw puzzle. Only God has the cover of the box.
To forgive someone is to display reverence. Forgiveness is not saying the one who hurt you was right. Forgiveness is stating that God is fair and he will do what is right.
After all, don't we have enough things to do without trying to do God's work too?
Guess what. I just noticed something. The cricket is quiet. I got so wrapped up in this chapter I forgot him. I haven't thrown a pen for an hour.Guess he fell asleep. Could be that's what he wanted to do all along, but I kept waking him up with my Bics.
He ended up getting some rest. I ended up finishing this chapter. Remarkable what gets accomplished when we let go of our anger.
Forgive Me if this is disjointed. As I write, I am angry. I am angered by a cricket. He's loud. He's obnoxious. He's hidden. And he's in big trouble if I ever find him.
I arrived at my office early. Two hours before my alarm sounded, I was here. Sleeves rolled back and computer humming. Beat the phones, I thought. Get a jump on the morning, I planned. Get a leg up on the day.
But Get your hands on that cricket is what I keep mumbling.
Now, I have nothing against nature. The melody of a canary, I love. The pleasant hum of the wind in the leaves, I relish. But the predawn hum of the wind in the cricket bugs me.
So I get on my knees and follow the sound through the office. I peek under boxes. I pull books off the shelves. I get on my belly and look under my desk. Humbling. I've been sabotaged by a-one-inch bug.
What is this insolent irritant that reduces a man to a bug-stalker?
Finally, I isolate the culprit.
Rats, he's behind a shelf. Out of my reach. Hidden in a haven of plywood. I can't get to him. All I can do is throw pens at the base of the shelf. So I do. Pop. Pop. Pop. One after another. A barrage of Bics. He finally shuts up.
But the silence lasts only a minute.
So forgive me if my thoughts are fragmented, but I'm launching artillery every other paragraph. This is no way to work. This is no way to start the day. My floor is cluttered. My pants are dirty. My train of thought is derailed. I mean, how can you write about anger with a stupid bug in your office?
Oooops. Guess I'm in the right frame of mind after all....
Anger. This morning it's easy to define: the noise of the soul. Anger. The unseen irritant of the heart. Anger. The relentless invader of silence.
Just like the cricket, anger irritates.
Just like the cricket, anger isn't easily silenced.
Just like the cricket, anger has a way of increasing in volume until it's the only sound we hear. The louder it gets the more desperate we become.
When we are mistreated, our animalistic response is to go on the hunt. Instinctively, we double up our fists.
Getting even is only natural. Which, incidentally, is precisely the problem. Revenge is natural, not spiritual. Getting even is the rule of the jungle. Giving grace is the rule of the kingdom.
Some of you are thinking, Easy for you to say, Max, sitting there in your office with a cricket as your chief irritant. You ought to try living with my wife. Or, You ought to have to cope with my past. Or, You ought to raise my kids. You don't know how my ex has mistreated me. You don't have any idea how hard my life has been.
And you're right, I don't. But I have a very clear idea how miserable your future will be unless you deal with your anger.
X-ray the soul of the vengeful and behold the tumor of bitterness: black, menacing, malignant. Carcinoma of the spirit. Its fatal fibers creep around the edge of the heart and ravage it. Yesterday you can't alter, but your reaction to yesterday you can. The past you cannot change, but your response to your past you can.
Impossible, you say? Let me try to show you otherwise.
Imagine you are from a large family- a dozen or so. A family more blended than the Brady bunch. All the children are from the same dad, but they have four or five different moms.
Imagine also that your dad is a sneak and has been one for a long time. Everybody knows it. Everybody knows he cheated your uncle out of the estate. Everybody knows he ran like a coward to avoid getting caught.
Let's also imagine that your great-uncle tricked your dad into marrying your mother's sister. He got your dad drunk before the wedding and had his ugly daughter go to the altar instead of the pretty one your dad thought he was marrying.
That didn't slow down your father, though. He just married them both. The one he loved couldn't have kids, so he slept with her maid. In fact, he had a habit of sleeping with most of the kitchen help; as a result, most of your siblings resemble the cooks.
Finally the bride your dad wanted to marry in the first place gets pregnant....and you are born.
You're the favored son...and your brothers know it.
You get a car. They don't. You get Armani; they get K-Mart. You get summer camp; they get summer jobs. You get educated; they get angry.
And they get even. They sell you to some foreign service project, put you on a plane for Egypt, and tell your dad you got shot by a sniper. You find yourself surrounded by people you don't know, learning a language you don't understand, and living in a culture you've never seen.
Imaginary tale? No. It's the story of Joseph. A avored son in a bizzare family, he had every reason to be angry.
He tried to make the best of it. He became the chief servant of the head of the secret service. His boss's wife tried to seduce him, and when he refused, she pouted and he ended up in prison. Pharaoh got wind of the fact that Joseph could interpret dreams and let him take a shot at some of Pharaoh's own.
When Joseph interpreted them he got promoted out of the prison into the palace as prime minister. The second highest position in all of Egypt. The only person Joseph bowed before was the king.
Meanwhile a famine hits and Jacob, Joseph's father, sends his sons to Egypt for a foreign loan. The brothers don't know it, but they are standing in front of the same brother they sold to the Gypsies some twenty-two years earlier.
They don't recognize Joseph, but Joseph recognizes them. A bit balder and paunchier, but they are the same brothers. Imagine Joseph's thoughts. The last time he saw these faces, he was looking up at them from the bottom of a pit. The last time he heard these voices, they were laughing at him. The last time they called his name, they called him every name in the book.
Now is his chance to get even. He has complete control. One snap of his fingers and these brothers are dead. Better yet, slap some manacles on their hands and feet and let them see what an Egyptian dungeon is like. Let them sleep in the mud. Let them mop floors. Let them learn Egyptian.
Revenge is within Joseph's power. And there is power in revenge, intoxicating power.
Haven't we tasted it? Haven't we been tempted to get even?
As we escort the offender into the courtroom, we announce, " He hurt me!" The jurors shake their heads in disgust. " He abandoned me!" we explain, and the chambers echo with our accusation. " Guilty!" the judge snarls as he slams the gavel. " Guilty!" the jury agrees. " Guilty!" the audience proclaims. We delight in this moment of justice. We relish this pound of flesh. So we prolong the event. We tell the story again and again and again.
Now let's freeze-frame that scene. I have a question. Not for all of you, but for a few of you. Some of you are in the courtroom. The courtroom of complaint. Some of you are rehashing the same hurt every chance you get with anyone who will listen.
For you, I have this question: Who made you God? I don't mean to be cocky, but why are you doing his work for him?
" Vengeance is Mine, " God declared. " I will repay" ( Hebrews 10:3)
" Don't say, ' I'll pay you back for the wrong you did.' Wait for the Lord, and he will make things right" ( Proverbs 20:22)
Judgment is God's job. To assume otherwise is to assume God can't do it.
Revenge is irreverent. When we strike back we are saying, " I know vengeance is yours, God, but I just didn't think you'd punish enough. I thought I'd better take this situation into my own hands. You have a tendency to be a little soft."
Joseph understands that. Rather than get even, he reveals his identity and has his father and the rest of the family brought to Egypt. He grants them safety and provides them a place to live. They live in harmony for seventeen years.
But then Jacob dies and the moment of truth comes. The brothers have a hunch that with Jacob gone they'll be lucky to get out of Egypt with their heads on their shoulders. So they go to Joseph and plead for mercy.
" Your father gave this command before he died....
" Tell Joseph to forgive you" ( Genesis 50:16-17). ( I have to smile at the thought of grown men talking like this. Don't they sounded like kids, whining, " Daddy said to be nice to us"?)
Joseph's response? " When Joseph received the message, he cried" ( Genesis 50:17). " What more do I have to do?" his tears implore. " I've given you a home. I've provided for your families. Why do you still mistrust my grace?"
Please read carefully the two statements he makes to his brothers. First he asks, " Can I do what only God can do?"
May I restate the obvious? Revenge belongs to God! If vengeance is God's, then it is not ours. God has not asked us to settle the score or get even. Ever.
Why? The answer is found in the second part of Joseph's statement: " You meant to hurt me, but God turned your evil into good to save the lives of many people, which is being done."
Forgiveness comes easier with a wide-angle lens.
Joseph uses one to get the whole picture. He refuses to focus on the betrayal of his brothers without also seeing the loyalty of his God.
It always helps to see the big picture.
Some time ago I was in an airport lobby when I saw an acquaintance enter. He was a man I hadn't seen in a while but had thought about often. He'd been through a divorce, and I was close enough to it to know that he deserved some of the blame.
Why, that scoundrel! Just a few months out and here he has another lady?
Any thought of greeting him disappeared as I passed judgment on his character. But then he saw me. He waved at me. He motioned me over. I was caught. I was trapped. I'd have to go visit with the reprobate. So I did.
" Max, meet my aunt and her husband."
I gulped. I hadn't noticed the man.
" We're on our way to a family reunion. I know they would really like to meet you."
" We use your books in our home Bible study," my friend's uncle spoke up. " You've got some great insights." " If you only knew," I said to myself. I had committed a common sin of the unforgiving. I had cast a vote without knowing the story.
To forgive someone is to admit our limitations. We've been given only one piece of life's jigsaw puzzle. Only God has the cover of the box.
To forgive someone is to display reverence. Forgiveness is not saying the one who hurt you was right. Forgiveness is stating that God is fair and he will do what is right.
After all, don't we have enough things to do without trying to do God's work too?
Guess what. I just noticed something. The cricket is quiet. I got so wrapped up in this chapter I forgot him. I haven't thrown a pen for an hour.Guess he fell asleep. Could be that's what he wanted to do all along, but I kept waking him up with my Bics.
He ended up getting some rest. I ended up finishing this chapter. Remarkable what gets accomplished when we let go of our anger.
Thursday, February 7, 2019
When God Whispers Your Name
In his later years Beethoven would spend hours playing a broken harpsichord. The instrument was worthless. Keys were missing. Strings were stretched. It was out of tune, harsh on the ears.
Nevertheless the great pianist would play till tears came down his cheeks. To look at him, you'd think he was hearing the sublime. He was. For he was deaf. Beethoven was hearing the sound the instrument should make, not the one it did make.
Ever feel like Beethoven's harpsichord? Out of tune? Inadequate? Your service ill-timed, insignificant?
Ever wonder what God does when the instrument is broken? What happens to the song when the strings are out of tune? How does the Master respond when the keys don't work?
Does he turn and leave? Does he demand a replacement? Does he junk the old? Or does he patiently tune until he hears the song he longs to hear?
If you've asked those questions ( and who hasn't), I've got some thoughts for you to read. I've assembled a curious covey of testimonies. I thought you'd enjoy. In the following pages, you'll find:
- an explanation of why the Wizard of Oz is not in the Bible
- an account of a moody moon
- an early newspaper interview with Moses and Jehoshaphat
- the message of a cricket and the common diet of pre-chewed food
Some chapters are funny. Some serious. Some fictional. Some factual. But all have an answer for those who feel like Beethoven's harpsichord. All work together to encourage the tired instrument. All hope to show you how the Master Musicians fixes what we can't and hears music when we don't.
Nevertheless the great pianist would play till tears came down his cheeks. To look at him, you'd think he was hearing the sublime. He was. For he was deaf. Beethoven was hearing the sound the instrument should make, not the one it did make.
Ever feel like Beethoven's harpsichord? Out of tune? Inadequate? Your service ill-timed, insignificant?
Ever wonder what God does when the instrument is broken? What happens to the song when the strings are out of tune? How does the Master respond when the keys don't work?
Does he turn and leave? Does he demand a replacement? Does he junk the old? Or does he patiently tune until he hears the song he longs to hear?
If you've asked those questions ( and who hasn't), I've got some thoughts for you to read. I've assembled a curious covey of testimonies. I thought you'd enjoy. In the following pages, you'll find:
- an explanation of why the Wizard of Oz is not in the Bible
- an account of a moody moon
- an early newspaper interview with Moses and Jehoshaphat
- the message of a cricket and the common diet of pre-chewed food
Some chapters are funny. Some serious. Some fictional. Some factual. But all have an answer for those who feel like Beethoven's harpsichord. All work together to encourage the tired instrument. All hope to show you how the Master Musicians fixes what we can't and hears music when we don't.
When God Whispers Your Name Chapter 12 Questions
The Prophet:
Points to Ponder:
" One dresses like Jesus, but the other acts like Jesus. One introduced himself as an ambassador for Christ, the other didn't have to. One stirred my curiosity, but the other touched my heart."
1.) Which of these two men would you most like to meet? Explain
2.) Which of these two men would you most like to spend a week with? Explain.
" Something told me that if Jesus were here, in person, in San Antonio and I ran into him in a grocery store, I wouldn't recognize him by his rake, robe, and big Bible. But I would know him for his good heart and kind words."
1.) How do you think Jesus would dress if he walked the streets of our world today? Could you pick him out of a crowd? Explain.
2.) How do you think he would act?
Wisdom from the Word:
Read 1 John 2:3-6. How can we know that we have come to know Jesus? What happens to someone who obeys God's Word? If we claim to know Jesus, what are we to do?
Read Luke 6:43-45. How can you tell a bad " tree" from a good one? What sort of "fruit" would others say you bear?
Read Ephesians 5:1-2. What commands are we given in this passage? What example are we given?
Points to Ponder:
" One dresses like Jesus, but the other acts like Jesus. One introduced himself as an ambassador for Christ, the other didn't have to. One stirred my curiosity, but the other touched my heart."
1.) Which of these two men would you most like to meet? Explain
2.) Which of these two men would you most like to spend a week with? Explain.
" Something told me that if Jesus were here, in person, in San Antonio and I ran into him in a grocery store, I wouldn't recognize him by his rake, robe, and big Bible. But I would know him for his good heart and kind words."
1.) How do you think Jesus would dress if he walked the streets of our world today? Could you pick him out of a crowd? Explain.
2.) How do you think he would act?
Wisdom from the Word:
Read 1 John 2:3-6. How can we know that we have come to know Jesus? What happens to someone who obeys God's Word? If we claim to know Jesus, what are we to do?
Read Luke 6:43-45. How can you tell a bad " tree" from a good one? What sort of "fruit" would others say you bear?
Read Ephesians 5:1-2. What commands are we given in this passage? What example are we given?
When God Whispers Your Name Chapter 12
The Prophet:
I wanted breakfast. I got a prophet.
I stopped at the grocery store on the way to the office this morning. Had to run an errand and decided while I was there to run another. I went over to the deli to order some breakfast. For a couple of bucks you can get all the eggs and sausage you can handle. My waistline and the doctor keep me from doing this every day, but since I was in the store anyway and since I hadn't eaten....
A prophet had the same idea. Not a prophet in the Bible, but a prophet with a Bible. A thick, dog-eared blue-bound Bible. He was short and thin-a wispy fellow with cropped, unkempt hair, and a bushy, red beard.
By the time I got there, he was already ordering his food. Meticulously ordering his food. " Do you serve a breakfast taco with no meat?"
Yes.
" Just potatoes and eggs?"
Yes.
" Is it salted?"
" How many potatoes?"
The deli lady lifted the pan so he could see.
" And how many tacos?"
Maybe he wanted to be sure he got his money's worth. Maybe he observes a religious diet. Or maybe he was just picky. I couldn't tell. But I could see that he was polite, painfully polite.
He carried a rake. ( A modern version of the winnowing fork perhaps?) His robe was blue, and under it was a shirt that looked like a converted towel.
As one was preparing the prophet's food, a second worker appeared. He thought the prophet hadn't been waited on and asked if he needed help.
" No, I've been helped. But since you asked, may I ask you if you are a believer in Jesus Christ? I am his prophet and I am sent to you."
The worker didn't know how to respond. He looked at the deli lady, who looked over her shoulder and shrugged. He looked at me, then looked away. Then he looked back at the prophet and mumbled something like, " Thanks for coming," and asked me if I needed any help.
I did and told him what I wanted. And while I waited, out came the tacos for the prophet. He'd ordered a soft drink-with no ice. And water- in a paper cup. He was surprised at the color of his soft drink.
" I thought it would be orange."
" No, it's clear," the lady responded.
I half-hoped he'd try a miracle-changing the water from clear to orange. He didn't; he simply interpreted the moment. " In life it really doesn't matter what color your drinks are, does it?" He smiled at the lady, smiled at the man, and then smiled at me.
Since he had a Bible in one hand and a rake in the other, I wondered how he was going to carry the food. So I offered to help. He declined.
" Thank you in the name of Jesus for offering to help, but I can make it."
He stacked the plate on the top of the soft-drink cup and somehow picked up the water with the rake-holding, Bible-toting hand. In the process he almost lost it all, so I offered to help again.
" No, but in the name of Jesus I bless you for offering to help me."
" And," he turned to the deli lady, " I bless you in the name of Jesus Christ for your kind assistance."
" And," he caught the glance of the deli man, " I bless you in the name of Jesus Christ." He didn't say what for. A generic blessing, I assumed.
Having blessed us, he turned to leave. As far as I know, he made it to the table.
I watched the eyes of the cashier as she rang up my breakfast. Knowing absolutely nothing about her, I wondered what she was thinking. I wondered what her encounter with the prophet had done for her opinion of the One whom the prophet represented.
I wanted to say something, but didn't know what to say. I started to say; " Me and the prophet there, we are on the same team; we just have two different approaches. Being a Christian doesn't really mean carrying a rake."
But before I could think what to say, she'd turned to help someone else. So I turned to leave.
That's when I bumped into Lawrence. Lawrence is a friend from my church. Bumping into Lawrence is no small matter. He's an ex-pro football player. Everything about Lawrence is big, and everything about Lawrence is kind. A strong hug from Lawrence can last you a week.
And that's what he gave me....a good hug, a warm handshake, and a genuine question about my well-being. Not much, just a couple of minutes of kind concern. Then he went on his way and I went mine.
As I was leaving, I was struck by the contrast of the two encounters. Both the prophet and Lawrence are followers of Christ. Both are unashamed of their faith. Both love to carry a Bible. Both like to bless people. But that's where their similarities end.
One wears sandals and a robe, and the other wears tennis shoes and jeans.
One dresses like Jesus, but the other acts like Jesus.
One introduced himself as an ambassador for Christ; the other didn't have to.
One stirred my curiosity, but the other touched my heart.
And something told me that if Jesus were here, in person, in San Antonio, and I ran into him in a grocery store, I wouldn't recognize him by his rake, robe, and big Bible. But I would know him for his good heart and kind words.
I wanted breakfast. I got a prophet.
I stopped at the grocery store on the way to the office this morning. Had to run an errand and decided while I was there to run another. I went over to the deli to order some breakfast. For a couple of bucks you can get all the eggs and sausage you can handle. My waistline and the doctor keep me from doing this every day, but since I was in the store anyway and since I hadn't eaten....
A prophet had the same idea. Not a prophet in the Bible, but a prophet with a Bible. A thick, dog-eared blue-bound Bible. He was short and thin-a wispy fellow with cropped, unkempt hair, and a bushy, red beard.
By the time I got there, he was already ordering his food. Meticulously ordering his food. " Do you serve a breakfast taco with no meat?"
Yes.
" Just potatoes and eggs?"
Yes.
" Is it salted?"
" How many potatoes?"
The deli lady lifted the pan so he could see.
" And how many tacos?"
Maybe he wanted to be sure he got his money's worth. Maybe he observes a religious diet. Or maybe he was just picky. I couldn't tell. But I could see that he was polite, painfully polite.
He carried a rake. ( A modern version of the winnowing fork perhaps?) His robe was blue, and under it was a shirt that looked like a converted towel.
As one was preparing the prophet's food, a second worker appeared. He thought the prophet hadn't been waited on and asked if he needed help.
" No, I've been helped. But since you asked, may I ask you if you are a believer in Jesus Christ? I am his prophet and I am sent to you."
The worker didn't know how to respond. He looked at the deli lady, who looked over her shoulder and shrugged. He looked at me, then looked away. Then he looked back at the prophet and mumbled something like, " Thanks for coming," and asked me if I needed any help.
I did and told him what I wanted. And while I waited, out came the tacos for the prophet. He'd ordered a soft drink-with no ice. And water- in a paper cup. He was surprised at the color of his soft drink.
" I thought it would be orange."
" No, it's clear," the lady responded.
I half-hoped he'd try a miracle-changing the water from clear to orange. He didn't; he simply interpreted the moment. " In life it really doesn't matter what color your drinks are, does it?" He smiled at the lady, smiled at the man, and then smiled at me.
Since he had a Bible in one hand and a rake in the other, I wondered how he was going to carry the food. So I offered to help. He declined.
" Thank you in the name of Jesus for offering to help, but I can make it."
He stacked the plate on the top of the soft-drink cup and somehow picked up the water with the rake-holding, Bible-toting hand. In the process he almost lost it all, so I offered to help again.
" No, but in the name of Jesus I bless you for offering to help me."
" And," he turned to the deli lady, " I bless you in the name of Jesus Christ for your kind assistance."
" And," he caught the glance of the deli man, " I bless you in the name of Jesus Christ." He didn't say what for. A generic blessing, I assumed.
Having blessed us, he turned to leave. As far as I know, he made it to the table.
I watched the eyes of the cashier as she rang up my breakfast. Knowing absolutely nothing about her, I wondered what she was thinking. I wondered what her encounter with the prophet had done for her opinion of the One whom the prophet represented.
I wanted to say something, but didn't know what to say. I started to say; " Me and the prophet there, we are on the same team; we just have two different approaches. Being a Christian doesn't really mean carrying a rake."
But before I could think what to say, she'd turned to help someone else. So I turned to leave.
That's when I bumped into Lawrence. Lawrence is a friend from my church. Bumping into Lawrence is no small matter. He's an ex-pro football player. Everything about Lawrence is big, and everything about Lawrence is kind. A strong hug from Lawrence can last you a week.
And that's what he gave me....a good hug, a warm handshake, and a genuine question about my well-being. Not much, just a couple of minutes of kind concern. Then he went on his way and I went mine.
As I was leaving, I was struck by the contrast of the two encounters. Both the prophet and Lawrence are followers of Christ. Both are unashamed of their faith. Both love to carry a Bible. Both like to bless people. But that's where their similarities end.
One wears sandals and a robe, and the other wears tennis shoes and jeans.
One dresses like Jesus, but the other acts like Jesus.
One introduced himself as an ambassador for Christ; the other didn't have to.
One stirred my curiosity, but the other touched my heart.
And something told me that if Jesus were here, in person, in San Antonio, and I ran into him in a grocery store, I wouldn't recognize him by his rake, robe, and big Bible. But I would know him for his good heart and kind words.
When God Whispers Your Name Chapter 11 Questions
The Choice:
Points to Ponder:
" Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will see his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest. I choose God."
1.) What do you think of the philosophy of life expressed in the paragraph above? Does it work? Explain.
2.) What does MAx mean, " I choose God." How do you choose God?
Wisdom from the Word:
Read Galatians 5:22-23. Why is there no law against the things listed in this passage? To what are these things compared in verses 19-21? Which list do you find yourself in most often?
Read Deuteronomy 30:19-20 and Joshua 24:14-15. What choices are we given in these two passages? In what way are these choices the same ones we must make? What choice have you made? Explain.
Points to Ponder:
" Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will see his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest. I choose God."
1.) What do you think of the philosophy of life expressed in the paragraph above? Does it work? Explain.
2.) What does MAx mean, " I choose God." How do you choose God?
Wisdom from the Word:
Read Galatians 5:22-23. Why is there no law against the things listed in this passage? To what are these things compared in verses 19-21? Which list do you find yourself in most often?
Read Deuteronomy 30:19-20 and Joshua 24:14-15. What choices are we given in these two passages? In what way are these choices the same ones we must make? What choice have you made? Explain.
When God Whispers Your Name Chapter 11
The Choice:
It's quiet. It's early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.
In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.
For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I'm free to choose. And I choose.
I choose love...
No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I choose joy....
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical...the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I will choose peace....
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose patience....
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long. I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose kindness....
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I choose faithfulness....
Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. ANd my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I choose gentleness....
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I choose self-control....
I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my ead on my pillow and rest.
It's quiet. It's early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.
In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.
For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I'm free to choose. And I choose.
I choose love...
No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I choose joy....
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical...the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I will choose peace....
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose patience....
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long. I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose kindness....
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I choose faithfulness....
Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. ANd my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I choose gentleness....
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I choose self-control....
I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my ead on my pillow and rest.
Between Friends
Accountability:
The Lord sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, " There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor.
" The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had brought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him.
" Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come...."
Then Nathan said to David, " You are the man!.... Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword of the Ammonites....
" You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel."
Then David said to Nathan, " I have sinned against the Lord."
Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1-4, 7,9, 12-13
Defining Moments:
" I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me" ( Psalm 16:7-8).
He's there. Wherever you are. Whatever you're feeling. Without having to play a silly mind game or pretend something that's not real, you can just believe the fact that God is always with you, His power always within reach, His help always one word away.
But when it's late, when you've had a tough day, when a drink is sounding awfully good or the remote control is driving through a bad section of TV-land, the features on God's face can dim a little. His invisible presence can fade into your forgetfulness.
But if you've got a couple of friends you've promised to stay accountable to, if you dread the thought of facing them without a clear conscience and a good word of testimony, you can flash their faces through your mind or make a quick phone call and remember what a holy life is worth.
Look, we're all in this together.
Next Up:
You've made some good friends by joining the family of faith, but also some sworn enemies. Let's look at who's out to get you and what it's going to take to win.
God can help you be the person you want to be. But seek out somebody who'll help you see to it.
" I believe if a man gets close to a true spiritual champion, he will become one. We become like the people we associate with."
-Ronnie Floyd
The Lord sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, " There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor.
" The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had brought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him.
" Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come...."
Then Nathan said to David, " You are the man!.... Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword of the Ammonites....
" You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel."
Then David said to Nathan, " I have sinned against the Lord."
Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1-4, 7,9, 12-13
Defining Moments:
" I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me" ( Psalm 16:7-8).
He's there. Wherever you are. Whatever you're feeling. Without having to play a silly mind game or pretend something that's not real, you can just believe the fact that God is always with you, His power always within reach, His help always one word away.
But when it's late, when you've had a tough day, when a drink is sounding awfully good or the remote control is driving through a bad section of TV-land, the features on God's face can dim a little. His invisible presence can fade into your forgetfulness.
But if you've got a couple of friends you've promised to stay accountable to, if you dread the thought of facing them without a clear conscience and a good word of testimony, you can flash their faces through your mind or make a quick phone call and remember what a holy life is worth.
Look, we're all in this together.
Next Up:
You've made some good friends by joining the family of faith, but also some sworn enemies. Let's look at who's out to get you and what it's going to take to win.
God can help you be the person you want to be. But seek out somebody who'll help you see to it.
" I believe if a man gets close to a true spiritual champion, he will become one. We become like the people we associate with."
-Ronnie Floyd
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
When God Whispers Your Name Chapter 10 Questions
Chapter 10 Groceries and Grace:
points to ponder:
" We, too, have been graced with a surprise. Even more than that of the lady. For though her debt was high, she could pay it. We can't begin to pay ours. We, like the woman, have been given a gift. Not just at the checkout stand, but at the judgment seat. And we, too, have become a bride. Not just for a moment, but for eternity. And not just for groceries, but for a feast."
1.) In what way have we been " graced with a surprise"?
2.) Why can't we begin to pay our debt?
3.) What gift will we be given at the judgment seat?
4.) What is the feast Max mentions?
5.) In what way have we become a bride?
6.) Do you expect to be at the feast? Explain
Wisdom from the Word:
Read Romans 5:6-11. For whom did Christ die? Why is this an example of grace? What is the result of embracing grace? Is this characteristic of your experience? Explain.
Read Revelation 19:6-9. What is the mood of the event described in this passage? Who are the main participants? Do you expect to be there? Why or why not?
points to ponder:
" We, too, have been graced with a surprise. Even more than that of the lady. For though her debt was high, she could pay it. We can't begin to pay ours. We, like the woman, have been given a gift. Not just at the checkout stand, but at the judgment seat. And we, too, have become a bride. Not just for a moment, but for eternity. And not just for groceries, but for a feast."
1.) In what way have we been " graced with a surprise"?
2.) Why can't we begin to pay our debt?
3.) What gift will we be given at the judgment seat?
4.) What is the feast Max mentions?
5.) In what way have we become a bride?
6.) Do you expect to be at the feast? Explain
Wisdom from the Word:
Read Romans 5:6-11. For whom did Christ die? Why is this an example of grace? What is the result of embracing grace? Is this characteristic of your experience? Explain.
Read Revelation 19:6-9. What is the mood of the event described in this passage? Who are the main participants? Do you expect to be there? Why or why not?
When God Whispers Your Name Chapter 10
Groceries and Grace:
This Story made its way to me from a friend who heard it from a friend who heard it from who knows who. Chances are it has suffered through each of the generations--but even if there is only a splinter of fact in what I heard, it's worth retelling.
Seems a fellow is doing some shopping at a commissary on a military base. Doesn't need much, just some coffee and a loaf of bread. He is standing in line at the checkout stand. Behind him is a woman with a full cart. Her basket overflows with groceries, clothing, and a VCR.
At his turn he steps up to the register. The clerk invites him to draw a piece of paper out of a fishbowl. " If you pull out the correct slip,then all your groceries are free," the clerk explains.
" How many ' correct slips' are there?" asks the buyer.
" Only one."
The bowl is full so the chances are slim, but the fellow tries anyway, and wouldn't you know it, he gets the winning ticket! What a surprise. But then he realizes he is only buying coffee and bread. What a waste.
But this fellow is quick. He turns to the lady behind him--the one with the mountain of stuff--and proclaims, " Well, what do you know, Honey? We won! We don't have to pay a penny."
She stares at him. He winks at her. And somehow she has the wherewithal to play along. She steps beside him. Puts her arm in his and smiles. And for a moment they stand side-by-side, wedded by good fortune. In the parking lot she consummates the temporary union with a kiss and a hug and goes on her way with a grand story to tell her friends.
I know, I know. What they did was a bit shady. He shouldn't have lied and she shouldn't have pretended. But that taken into account, it's still a nice story.
A story not too distant from our own. We, too, have been graced with a surprise. Even more than that of the lady. For though her debt was high, she could pay it. We can't begin to pay ours.
We, like the woman, have been given a gift. Not just at the checkout stand, but at the judgment seat.
And we, too, have become a bride. Not just for a moment, but for eternity. And not just for groceries, but for the feast.
Don't we have a grand story to tell our friends?
This Story made its way to me from a friend who heard it from a friend who heard it from who knows who. Chances are it has suffered through each of the generations--but even if there is only a splinter of fact in what I heard, it's worth retelling.
Seems a fellow is doing some shopping at a commissary on a military base. Doesn't need much, just some coffee and a loaf of bread. He is standing in line at the checkout stand. Behind him is a woman with a full cart. Her basket overflows with groceries, clothing, and a VCR.
At his turn he steps up to the register. The clerk invites him to draw a piece of paper out of a fishbowl. " If you pull out the correct slip,then all your groceries are free," the clerk explains.
" How many ' correct slips' are there?" asks the buyer.
" Only one."
The bowl is full so the chances are slim, but the fellow tries anyway, and wouldn't you know it, he gets the winning ticket! What a surprise. But then he realizes he is only buying coffee and bread. What a waste.
But this fellow is quick. He turns to the lady behind him--the one with the mountain of stuff--and proclaims, " Well, what do you know, Honey? We won! We don't have to pay a penny."
She stares at him. He winks at her. And somehow she has the wherewithal to play along. She steps beside him. Puts her arm in his and smiles. And for a moment they stand side-by-side, wedded by good fortune. In the parking lot she consummates the temporary union with a kiss and a hug and goes on her way with a grand story to tell her friends.
I know, I know. What they did was a bit shady. He shouldn't have lied and she shouldn't have pretended. But that taken into account, it's still a nice story.
A story not too distant from our own. We, too, have been graced with a surprise. Even more than that of the lady. For though her debt was high, she could pay it. We can't begin to pay ours.
We, like the woman, have been given a gift. Not just at the checkout stand, but at the judgment seat.
And we, too, have become a bride. Not just for a moment, but for eternity. And not just for groceries, but for the feast.
Don't we have a grand story to tell our friends?
Strength in Numbers
Why You Belong in Church:
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all it parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ....
If the foot should say, " Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, " Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body, " it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body.
If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body....
But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.
If one part suffers, every part suffer with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12, 15-2, 24b-26
Defining Moments:
Your week may be filled with sales meetings and lunch plans, with night classes and homework, with diapers and runny noses. Whatever ordinary means to you. You may be having a squabble with your sister or a hassle with your landlord. You may be knee deep in credit card bills or trying not to worry about that curious new pain in your side.
The week has a way of wearing you down, of hitting you head-on with more troubles and temptations than you were hoping to handle. You can fall into a bed on Saturday night a limp rag. A sigh. A surrender. You may feel almost as far out of God's plan as you were before you gave your life to Him.
But no matter what your week's been like, you can walk into God's house on Sunday morning and know that you're right where you're supposed to be--that you're part of something bigger than yourself, a place where you belong, a member of an eternal family. You need them, and they need you. And together, you can find the strength to face another week. To go on another day.
Next Up:
More than Sunday morning, though, you need a face-to-face connection with a few close Christian friends who can help to keep you living what you say you believe.
Lone Rangers look pretty tough on the big screen. But underneath, they're nothing but palefaces.
" It's only as we, as a body of Christian, grow together in Jesus Christ that we will truly reflect faith, hope, and love."
-Gene Getz
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all it parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ....
If the foot should say, " Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, " Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body, " it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body.
If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body....
But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.
If one part suffers, every part suffer with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12, 15-2, 24b-26
Defining Moments:
Your week may be filled with sales meetings and lunch plans, with night classes and homework, with diapers and runny noses. Whatever ordinary means to you. You may be having a squabble with your sister or a hassle with your landlord. You may be knee deep in credit card bills or trying not to worry about that curious new pain in your side.
The week has a way of wearing you down, of hitting you head-on with more troubles and temptations than you were hoping to handle. You can fall into a bed on Saturday night a limp rag. A sigh. A surrender. You may feel almost as far out of God's plan as you were before you gave your life to Him.
But no matter what your week's been like, you can walk into God's house on Sunday morning and know that you're right where you're supposed to be--that you're part of something bigger than yourself, a place where you belong, a member of an eternal family. You need them, and they need you. And together, you can find the strength to face another week. To go on another day.
Next Up:
More than Sunday morning, though, you need a face-to-face connection with a few close Christian friends who can help to keep you living what you say you believe.
Lone Rangers look pretty tough on the big screen. But underneath, they're nothing but palefaces.
" It's only as we, as a body of Christian, grow together in Jesus Christ that we will truly reflect faith, hope, and love."
-Gene Getz
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Guidance for the Young
Proverbs 3:1-35
My son, do not forget my law. But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you.
Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart, and also find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord Nor detest His correction; For whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights. Happy is the man who finds wisdom. And the man who gains understanding; For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver. And her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies. And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. SHe is a tree of life to those who take hold of her. And happy are all who retain her. The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens; By HIs knowledge the depths were broken up. And clouds drop down dew. My son, let them not depart from your eyes. Keep sound wisdom and discretion So they will be life to your soul. And grace to your neck. Then you will walk safely in your way, And your foot will not stumble. When you lie down you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due. When it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor " go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it," when you have it with you. Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he dwells by you for safety's sake. Do not strive with a man without cause. If he has done you no harm. Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways; For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord. But His secret counsel is with the upright. The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just. Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble. The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools.
My son, do not forget my law. But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you.
Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart, and also find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord Nor detest His correction; For whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights. Happy is the man who finds wisdom. And the man who gains understanding; For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver. And her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies. And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. SHe is a tree of life to those who take hold of her. And happy are all who retain her. The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens; By HIs knowledge the depths were broken up. And clouds drop down dew. My son, let them not depart from your eyes. Keep sound wisdom and discretion So they will be life to your soul. And grace to your neck. Then you will walk safely in your way, And your foot will not stumble. When you lie down you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due. When it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor " go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it," when you have it with you. Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he dwells by you for safety's sake. Do not strive with a man without cause. If he has done you no harm. Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways; For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord. But His secret counsel is with the upright. The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just. Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble. The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools.
When God Whispers Your Name Chapter 9 Questions
Chapter 9:
Points to Ponder:
" Take your pick. Just choose one option and the ten million dollars is yours.' A deep voice from another microphone begins reading the list: ' Put your children up for adoption; become a prostitute for a week; give up your American citizenship; abandon your church; abandon your family; kill a stranger; have a sex-change operation; leave your spouse; change your race.' " That's the list.' the host proclaims. ' Now make your choice.'"
1.) If you were a contestant on this show, how would you respond?
2.) What is your price?
" A schoolboy was once asked to define the parts of speech I and mine. He answered ' aggressive pronouns.'"
1.) What is the problem with " aggressive pronouns"?
2.) What is the cost of selfishness?
Wisdom from the Word:
read Luke 12:13-21. What point about greed does Jesus make in this passage? What is His main point?
Read Deuteronomy 10:14-15. According to this passage, why does greed make no sense? What is the connection between verses 14 and 15?
Read Hebrews 13:5-6. What negative command is given here? What positive command? What reason is given for obeying the commands? What results from obeying the commands?
Points to Ponder:
" Take your pick. Just choose one option and the ten million dollars is yours.' A deep voice from another microphone begins reading the list: ' Put your children up for adoption; become a prostitute for a week; give up your American citizenship; abandon your church; abandon your family; kill a stranger; have a sex-change operation; leave your spouse; change your race.' " That's the list.' the host proclaims. ' Now make your choice.'"
1.) If you were a contestant on this show, how would you respond?
2.) What is your price?
" A schoolboy was once asked to define the parts of speech I and mine. He answered ' aggressive pronouns.'"
1.) What is the problem with " aggressive pronouns"?
2.) What is the cost of selfishness?
Wisdom from the Word:
read Luke 12:13-21. What point about greed does Jesus make in this passage? What is His main point?
Read Deuteronomy 10:14-15. According to this passage, why does greed make no sense? What is the connection between verses 14 and 15?
Read Hebrews 13:5-6. What negative command is given here? What positive command? What reason is given for obeying the commands? What results from obeying the commands?
What is Your Price?
Attending a game show wasn't your idea of a vacation activity, but your kids wanted to go, so you gave in. Now that you're here, you are beginning to enjoy it. The studio frenzy is contagious. The music is upbeat. The stage is colorful. And the stake are high.
" Higher than they've ever been!" The show host brags. " Welcome to What Is Your Price?" You're just about to ask your spouse if that is his real hair when he announces the pot: " Ten million dollars!"
The audience needs no prompting; they explode with applause.
" It's the richest game in history," the host beams. " Someone today will walk out of here with a check for ten million!"
" Won't be me," you chuckle to your oldest child. " I've never had any luck at luck."
" Shhhh," she whispers, pointing at the stage. " They're about to draw the name."
Guess whose name they call. In the instant it takes to call it, you go from spectator to player. Your kids shrick, your spouse screams, and a thousand eyes watch the pretty girl take your hand and walk you to the stage.
" Open the curtain!" the host commands. You turn and watch as the curtains part and you gasp at the sight. A bright red wheelbarrow full of money--overflowing with money. The same girl who walked you to the stage now pushes the wheelbarrow in your direction, parking it in front of you.
" Ever seen ten million dollars?" asks the pearly toothed host.
" Not in a while," you answer. The audience laughs like you were a stand up comic.
" Dig your hands in it," he invites. " Go ahead, dive in."
You look at your family. One child is drooling, one is praying, and your mate is giving you two thumbs up. How can you refuse? You burrow in up to your shoulders and rise up, clutching a chestful of one-hundred-dollar bills.ours.
" It can be yours. It can be all yours. The choice is up to you. The only question you have to answer is, ' What is your price?"
Applause rings again, the band plays, and you swallow hard. Behind you a second curtain opens, revealing a large place card. " What are you willing to give?" is written on the top. The host explains the rules. " All you have to do is agree to one condition and you will receive the money."
" Ten million dollars!" you whisper to yourself.
Not one million or two, but ten million. No small sum. Nice nest egg. Ten million bucks would go a long way, right? Tuition paid off. Retirement guaranteed. Would open a few doors on a few cars or a new house ( or several.)
You could be quite the benefactor with such a sum. Help a few orphanages. Feed a few nations. Build some church buildings. Suddenly you understand: This is the opportunity of a lifetime.
" Take your pick. Just choose one option and the money is yours."
A deep voice from another microphone begins reading the list.
" Put your children up for adoption."
" Become a prostitute for a week."
" Give up your American citizenship."
" Abandon your church."
" Abandon your family."
" Kill a stranger."
" Have a sex-change operation."
" Leave your spouse."
" Change your race."
" That's the list," the host proclaims. " Now make your choice."
The theme music begins, the audience is quite, and your pulse is racing. You have a choice to make. No one can help you. You are on the stage. The decision is yours. No one can tell you what to pick.
But there is one thing I can tell you. I can tell you what others would do. Your neighbors have given their answers. In a national survey that asked the same question, many said what they would do. Seven percent of those who answered would murder for the money. Six percent would change their race. Four percent would change their sex.
If money is the gauge of the heart, then this study revealed that money is on the heart of most Americans. In exchange for ten million dollars:
25% would abandon their family.
25% would abandon their church.
25% would become a prostitute for a week.
16% would give up their American citizenship.
3% would put up their children for adoption.
Even more revealing than what Americans would do for ten million dollars is that most would do something. Two thirds of those polled would agree to at least one--some to several--of the options. The majority, in other words, would not leave the stage empty-handed. They would pay the price to own the wheelbarrow. What would you do? Or better, what are you doing?
" Get real, Max" you are saying, " I've never had a shot at ten million."
Perhaps not, but you've had a chance to make a thousand or a hundred or ten. The amount may not have been the same but the choices are. Which makes the question even more disturbing. Some are willing to give up their family, faith, or morals for far less than ten million dollars.
Jesus had a word for that: greed.
Jesus also had a definition for greed. He called it the practice of measuring life by possessions.
Greed equates a person's worth with a person's purse.
1.) You got a lot= you are a lot.
2.) You got a little= you are a little.
The consequence of such a philosophy is predictable. If you are the sum of what you own, then by all means own it all. No price is too high. No payment is too much. Now, very few would be guilty of blatant greed. Jesus knew that. That's why he cautioned us against " all kinds of greed." ( Luke 12:15). Greed wears many faces.
When we lived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I went to visit a member of our church. He had been a strong leader in the congregation, but for several Sundays we didn't see or hear from him.
Friends told me he had inherited some money and was building a house. I found him at the construction site. He'd inherited three hundred dollars. With the money he purchased a tiny lot adjacent to a polluted swamp. The plot of land was the size of a garage. On it he was, by hand, constructing a one-room house. He gave me a tour of the project--it took about twenty seconds.
We sat in front and talked. I told him we'd missed him, that the church needed him back. He grew quiet and turned and looked at his house. When he turned again his eyes were moist.
" You're right, Max" he confessed. " I guess I just got too greedy."
Greedy? I wanted to say. You're building a hut in a swamp and you call it greed? But I didn't say anything because he was right. Greed is relative. Greed is not defined by what something costs; it is measured by what it costs you.
If anything costs you your faith or your family, the price is too high.
Such is the point Jesus makes in the parable of the portfolio. Seems a fellow made a windfall profit off an investment. The land produced a bumper crop. He found himself with excess cash and an enviable question, " What will I do with my earnings?"
Doesn't take him long to decide. He will save it. He will find away to store it so he can live the good life. His plan? Accumulate. His aim? Wine, dine, shine, and recline. Move to the sunbelt, play golf, kick back, and relax.
Suddenly, the man dies and another voice is heard. The voice of God. God has nothing kind to say to the man. His initial words are " Foolish man!"
On earth the man was respected. He is honored with a nice funeral and a mahogany casket. Gray flannels fill the auditorium with admiration for the canny business man. But on the front pew is a family already starting to bicker over their dad's estate. " Foolish man!" God declares. " So who will get those things you have prepared for yourself?" ( Luke 12:20).
The man spent his life building a house of cards. He never saw the storm. And now, the wind has blown.
The storm wasn't the only thing he didn't see.
He never saw God. Note his first words after the capital gain. " What will I do?" He went to the wrong place and asked the wrong question. What if he'd gone to God and asked, " What would you have me to do?"
The man's sin is not that he planned for the future. His sin was that his plans did not include God.
Imagine if someone treated you like this. Let's say you bring over a housesitter to care for your home over a weekend. You leave her with keys, money, and instructions. And you leave to enjoy your trip.
When you return, you find your hose has been painted purple. The locks have been changed, so you ring the doorbell and the housesitter answers. Before you can say anything, she escorts you in proclaiming, " Look how I decorated my house!"
The fireplace has been replaced with an indoor waterfall. Carpet has been replaced with pink tile, and portraits of Elvis on black velvet line the walls.
" This isn't your house!" you proclaim. " It's mine."
" Those aren't your possessions, " God reminds us.
" They are mine."
" The Lord owns the world and everything in it--the heavens, even the highest heavens, are his" ( Deut. 10:14.
God's foremost rule of finance is: We own nothing. We are managers, not owners. Stewards, not landlords. Maintenance people, not proprietors. Our money is not ours; it is his.
This man, however, gave no thought to that. Please note that Jesus didn't criticize this man's affluence. He criticized his arrogance. The rich man's words testify to his priority.
This is what I will do:
I will tear down...
I will store...
Then I can say to myself, " I have enough good things." ( Luke 12:18-19)
A schoolboy was once asked to define the parts of speech, I and mine. He answered, " aggressive pronouns." This rich man was aggressiv
ely self-centered. His world was fenced in by himself. He was blind. He didn't see God. He didn't see others. He saw only self.
" Foolish man," God told him. " Tonight your life will be taken from you."
Strange, isn't it, that this man had enough sense to acquire wealth but not enough to get ready for eternity? Stranger still, that we make the same mistake. I mean, it's not as if God kept the future a secret. One glance at a cemetery should remind us; everyone dies. One visit to a funeral should convince us; we don't take anything with us.
Hearses pull no U-Hauls.
Dead men push no ten-million-dollar wheelbarrows.
The game show was pretend, but the facts are real.
You are on a stage. You have been given a prize. The stakes are high. Very high.
What is your price?
" Higher than they've ever been!" The show host brags. " Welcome to What Is Your Price?" You're just about to ask your spouse if that is his real hair when he announces the pot: " Ten million dollars!"
The audience needs no prompting; they explode with applause.
" It's the richest game in history," the host beams. " Someone today will walk out of here with a check for ten million!"
" Won't be me," you chuckle to your oldest child. " I've never had any luck at luck."
" Shhhh," she whispers, pointing at the stage. " They're about to draw the name."
Guess whose name they call. In the instant it takes to call it, you go from spectator to player. Your kids shrick, your spouse screams, and a thousand eyes watch the pretty girl take your hand and walk you to the stage.
" Open the curtain!" the host commands. You turn and watch as the curtains part and you gasp at the sight. A bright red wheelbarrow full of money--overflowing with money. The same girl who walked you to the stage now pushes the wheelbarrow in your direction, parking it in front of you.
" Ever seen ten million dollars?" asks the pearly toothed host.
" Not in a while," you answer. The audience laughs like you were a stand up comic.
" Dig your hands in it," he invites. " Go ahead, dive in."
You look at your family. One child is drooling, one is praying, and your mate is giving you two thumbs up. How can you refuse? You burrow in up to your shoulders and rise up, clutching a chestful of one-hundred-dollar bills.ours.
" It can be yours. It can be all yours. The choice is up to you. The only question you have to answer is, ' What is your price?"
Applause rings again, the band plays, and you swallow hard. Behind you a second curtain opens, revealing a large place card. " What are you willing to give?" is written on the top. The host explains the rules. " All you have to do is agree to one condition and you will receive the money."
" Ten million dollars!" you whisper to yourself.
Not one million or two, but ten million. No small sum. Nice nest egg. Ten million bucks would go a long way, right? Tuition paid off. Retirement guaranteed. Would open a few doors on a few cars or a new house ( or several.)
You could be quite the benefactor with such a sum. Help a few orphanages. Feed a few nations. Build some church buildings. Suddenly you understand: This is the opportunity of a lifetime.
" Take your pick. Just choose one option and the money is yours."
A deep voice from another microphone begins reading the list.
" Put your children up for adoption."
" Become a prostitute for a week."
" Give up your American citizenship."
" Abandon your church."
" Abandon your family."
" Kill a stranger."
" Have a sex-change operation."
" Leave your spouse."
" Change your race."
" That's the list," the host proclaims. " Now make your choice."
The theme music begins, the audience is quite, and your pulse is racing. You have a choice to make. No one can help you. You are on the stage. The decision is yours. No one can tell you what to pick.
But there is one thing I can tell you. I can tell you what others would do. Your neighbors have given their answers. In a national survey that asked the same question, many said what they would do. Seven percent of those who answered would murder for the money. Six percent would change their race. Four percent would change their sex.
If money is the gauge of the heart, then this study revealed that money is on the heart of most Americans. In exchange for ten million dollars:
25% would abandon their family.
25% would abandon their church.
25% would become a prostitute for a week.
16% would give up their American citizenship.
3% would put up their children for adoption.
Even more revealing than what Americans would do for ten million dollars is that most would do something. Two thirds of those polled would agree to at least one--some to several--of the options. The majority, in other words, would not leave the stage empty-handed. They would pay the price to own the wheelbarrow. What would you do? Or better, what are you doing?
" Get real, Max" you are saying, " I've never had a shot at ten million."
Perhaps not, but you've had a chance to make a thousand or a hundred or ten. The amount may not have been the same but the choices are. Which makes the question even more disturbing. Some are willing to give up their family, faith, or morals for far less than ten million dollars.
Jesus had a word for that: greed.
Jesus also had a definition for greed. He called it the practice of measuring life by possessions.
Greed equates a person's worth with a person's purse.
1.) You got a lot= you are a lot.
2.) You got a little= you are a little.
The consequence of such a philosophy is predictable. If you are the sum of what you own, then by all means own it all. No price is too high. No payment is too much. Now, very few would be guilty of blatant greed. Jesus knew that. That's why he cautioned us against " all kinds of greed." ( Luke 12:15). Greed wears many faces.
When we lived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I went to visit a member of our church. He had been a strong leader in the congregation, but for several Sundays we didn't see or hear from him.
Friends told me he had inherited some money and was building a house. I found him at the construction site. He'd inherited three hundred dollars. With the money he purchased a tiny lot adjacent to a polluted swamp. The plot of land was the size of a garage. On it he was, by hand, constructing a one-room house. He gave me a tour of the project--it took about twenty seconds.
We sat in front and talked. I told him we'd missed him, that the church needed him back. He grew quiet and turned and looked at his house. When he turned again his eyes were moist.
" You're right, Max" he confessed. " I guess I just got too greedy."
Greedy? I wanted to say. You're building a hut in a swamp and you call it greed? But I didn't say anything because he was right. Greed is relative. Greed is not defined by what something costs; it is measured by what it costs you.
If anything costs you your faith or your family, the price is too high.
Such is the point Jesus makes in the parable of the portfolio. Seems a fellow made a windfall profit off an investment. The land produced a bumper crop. He found himself with excess cash and an enviable question, " What will I do with my earnings?"
Doesn't take him long to decide. He will save it. He will find away to store it so he can live the good life. His plan? Accumulate. His aim? Wine, dine, shine, and recline. Move to the sunbelt, play golf, kick back, and relax.
Suddenly, the man dies and another voice is heard. The voice of God. God has nothing kind to say to the man. His initial words are " Foolish man!"
On earth the man was respected. He is honored with a nice funeral and a mahogany casket. Gray flannels fill the auditorium with admiration for the canny business man. But on the front pew is a family already starting to bicker over their dad's estate. " Foolish man!" God declares. " So who will get those things you have prepared for yourself?" ( Luke 12:20).
The man spent his life building a house of cards. He never saw the storm. And now, the wind has blown.
The storm wasn't the only thing he didn't see.
He never saw God. Note his first words after the capital gain. " What will I do?" He went to the wrong place and asked the wrong question. What if he'd gone to God and asked, " What would you have me to do?"
The man's sin is not that he planned for the future. His sin was that his plans did not include God.
Imagine if someone treated you like this. Let's say you bring over a housesitter to care for your home over a weekend. You leave her with keys, money, and instructions. And you leave to enjoy your trip.
When you return, you find your hose has been painted purple. The locks have been changed, so you ring the doorbell and the housesitter answers. Before you can say anything, she escorts you in proclaiming, " Look how I decorated my house!"
The fireplace has been replaced with an indoor waterfall. Carpet has been replaced with pink tile, and portraits of Elvis on black velvet line the walls.
" This isn't your house!" you proclaim. " It's mine."
" Those aren't your possessions, " God reminds us.
" They are mine."
" The Lord owns the world and everything in it--the heavens, even the highest heavens, are his" ( Deut. 10:14.
God's foremost rule of finance is: We own nothing. We are managers, not owners. Stewards, not landlords. Maintenance people, not proprietors. Our money is not ours; it is his.
This man, however, gave no thought to that. Please note that Jesus didn't criticize this man's affluence. He criticized his arrogance. The rich man's words testify to his priority.
This is what I will do:
I will tear down...
I will store...
Then I can say to myself, " I have enough good things." ( Luke 12:18-19)
A schoolboy was once asked to define the parts of speech, I and mine. He answered, " aggressive pronouns." This rich man was aggressiv
ely self-centered. His world was fenced in by himself. He was blind. He didn't see God. He didn't see others. He saw only self.
" Foolish man," God told him. " Tonight your life will be taken from you."
Strange, isn't it, that this man had enough sense to acquire wealth but not enough to get ready for eternity? Stranger still, that we make the same mistake. I mean, it's not as if God kept the future a secret. One glance at a cemetery should remind us; everyone dies. One visit to a funeral should convince us; we don't take anything with us.
Hearses pull no U-Hauls.
Dead men push no ten-million-dollar wheelbarrows.
The game show was pretend, but the facts are real.
You are on a stage. You have been given a prize. The stakes are high. Very high.
What is your price?
Out in the Open
Confession and Repentance:
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble....
If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness....
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are yet was without sin.
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Scripture: Proverbs 28:13-14, 1 John 1:6-9; Hebrews 4:4-16
Defining Moments:
God is no pushover. His call to holy living is very clear, very firm, very hard to misunderstand. Let's not trick ourselves into thinking that His heart of compassion has made Him soft on sin.
But rest in this: " He remembers that we are dust" ( Psalms 13:14). He knows where we've come from. He understands the bad habits we've molded over the years, the comfortable corners we run to when we're tired or upset or discouraged. Truth is, the anger we feel pressing down on us is more ours than His, for while we could kick ourselves for caving again, He's heartbroken that we've sold ourselves out so cheaply, that we've chosen the path of pain when He has offered us the path of peace.
So as you catch yourself in compromise, confess your mistake. And promise ( with God's help) that you'll turn your back on this foolishness. Confession gets your sin out in front where you can deal with it. Repentance takes it out to the curb where God can haul it off with the rest of your garbage. And leave you feeling clean again.
Next Up:
God hasn't saved you just so you could enjoy life in a better mood. He has placed you in a community of faith, where your little part can be multiplied in ministry.
Nobody expects you to be perfect. But by owning up to your mistakes, you get a whole lot closer to it.
" Christianity is strange. It orders man to acknowledge that he is evil, even abominable. Yet it also bids him to be like God."
-Blaise Pascal
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble....
If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness....
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are yet was without sin.
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Scripture: Proverbs 28:13-14, 1 John 1:6-9; Hebrews 4:4-16
Defining Moments:
God is no pushover. His call to holy living is very clear, very firm, very hard to misunderstand. Let's not trick ourselves into thinking that His heart of compassion has made Him soft on sin.
But rest in this: " He remembers that we are dust" ( Psalms 13:14). He knows where we've come from. He understands the bad habits we've molded over the years, the comfortable corners we run to when we're tired or upset or discouraged. Truth is, the anger we feel pressing down on us is more ours than His, for while we could kick ourselves for caving again, He's heartbroken that we've sold ourselves out so cheaply, that we've chosen the path of pain when He has offered us the path of peace.
So as you catch yourself in compromise, confess your mistake. And promise ( with God's help) that you'll turn your back on this foolishness. Confession gets your sin out in front where you can deal with it. Repentance takes it out to the curb where God can haul it off with the rest of your garbage. And leave you feeling clean again.
Next Up:
God hasn't saved you just so you could enjoy life in a better mood. He has placed you in a community of faith, where your little part can be multiplied in ministry.
Nobody expects you to be perfect. But by owning up to your mistakes, you get a whole lot closer to it.
" Christianity is strange. It orders man to acknowledge that he is evil, even abominable. Yet it also bids him to be like God."
-Blaise Pascal
Monday, February 4, 2019
The Value of Wisdom
Proverbs 2:1-22
My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding. Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding. If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures. Then you will understand the fear of the Lord. And find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice. Equity and every good path. When wisdom enters your heart and knowledge is pleasant to your soul. Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you, to deliver you from the way of evil. From the man who speaks perverse things, From those who leave the paths of uprightness. To walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice in doing evil. And delight in the perversity of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, and who are devious in their paths; To deliver you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words. Who forsakes the companion of her youth, And forgets the covenant of her God. And her paths are dead; None who go to her return, Nor do they regain the paths of life--so you may walk in the way of goodness, and keep to the paths of righteousness. For the upright will remain in it; But the wicked will be cut off from the earth. And the unfaithful will be uprooted from it.
My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding. Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding. If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures. Then you will understand the fear of the Lord. And find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice. Equity and every good path. When wisdom enters your heart and knowledge is pleasant to your soul. Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you, to deliver you from the way of evil. From the man who speaks perverse things, From those who leave the paths of uprightness. To walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice in doing evil. And delight in the perversity of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, and who are devious in their paths; To deliver you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words. Who forsakes the companion of her youth, And forgets the covenant of her God. And her paths are dead; None who go to her return, Nor do they regain the paths of life--so you may walk in the way of goodness, and keep to the paths of righteousness. For the upright will remain in it; But the wicked will be cut off from the earth. And the unfaithful will be uprooted from it.
When God Whispers Your Name Chapter 8 Questions
Chapter 8:
Points to Ponder:
" Are we still stunned by God's coming? Still staggered by the event? Does Christmas still spawn the same speechless wonder it did two thousand years ago?"
1.) Are you " still stunned by God's coming"?
2.) How do you stay ready to allow God to stun you?
" Why is it that ot of a hundred or so of God's children only two paused to consider his son? What is this December demon that steals our eyes and stills our tongues? Isn't this the season to pause and pose Gabriel's questions? The tragedy is not that I can't answer them, but that I am too busy to ask them."
1.) How do you explain " this December demon that steals our eyes and stills our tongues"?
2.) Which of Gabriel's questions most intrigue you? Why?
Wisdom from the Word
Read Luke 1:5-20; 26-38. Compare verse 18 with verse 34. Why do you think Gabriel reacted so differently to these questions? Do you think Gabriel was a very gracious " personality"? Explain.
Read Daniel 8:15-19; 9:20-22. What do you learn about Gabriel's personality from these passages? If he were to appear to you, how do you think you'd respond?
Points to Ponder:
" Are we still stunned by God's coming? Still staggered by the event? Does Christmas still spawn the same speechless wonder it did two thousand years ago?"
1.) Are you " still stunned by God's coming"?
2.) How do you stay ready to allow God to stun you?
" Why is it that ot of a hundred or so of God's children only two paused to consider his son? What is this December demon that steals our eyes and stills our tongues? Isn't this the season to pause and pose Gabriel's questions? The tragedy is not that I can't answer them, but that I am too busy to ask them."
1.) How do you explain " this December demon that steals our eyes and stills our tongues"?
2.) Which of Gabriel's questions most intrigue you? Why?
Wisdom from the Word
Read Luke 1:5-20; 26-38. Compare verse 18 with verse 34. Why do you think Gabriel reacted so differently to these questions? Do you think Gabriel was a very gracious " personality"? Explain.
Read Daniel 8:15-19; 9:20-22. What do you learn about Gabriel's personality from these passages? If he were to appear to you, how do you think you'd respond?
When God Whispers Your Name Chapter 8
Gabriel's Questions:
Gabriel Must have scratched his head at this one.
He wasn't one to question his God-given missions.
Sending fire and dividing seas were all in an eternity's work for this angel. When God sent, Gabriel went.
And when word got out that God was to become man, Gabriel was enthused. He could envision the moment:
The Messiah in a blazing chariot.
The King descending on a fiery cloud.
An explosion of light from which the Messiah would emerge.
That's what he expected. What he never expected, however, was what he got: a slip of paper with a Nazarene address. " God will become a baby," it read. " Tell the mother to name the child Jesus. And tell her not to be afraid."
Gabriel was never one to question, but this time he had to wonder.
God will become a baby? Gabriel had seen babies before. He had been platoon leader on the bulrush operation. He remembered what little Moses looked like.
That's okay for humans, he thought to himself. But God?
The heavens can't contain him; how could a body? Besides, have you seen what comes out of those babies? Hardly befitting for the Creator of the universe. Babies must be carried and fed, bounced and bathed. To imagine some mother burping God on her shoulder-why, that was beyond what even an angel could imagine.
And what of his name--what was it--Jesus? Such a common name. There's a Jesus in every cul-de-sac. Come on, even Gabriel has more punch to it than Jesus. Call the baby Eminence or Majesty or Heaven-sent. Anything but Jesus.
So Gabriel scratched his head. What happened to the good ol' days? Flaming swords. That's the action he liked.
But Gabriel had his orders. Take the message to Mary. Must be a special girl, he assumed as he traveled. But Gabriel was in for another shock. One peek told him Mary was no queen. The mother-to-be of God was not regal. She was a Jewish peasant who'd barely outgrown her acne and had a crush on a guy named Joe.
And speaking of Joe--what does this fellow know? Might as well be a weaver in Spain or a cobbler in Greece. He's a carpenter. Look at him over there, sawdust in his beard and nail apron around his waist. You're telling me God is going to have dinner every night with him? You're telling me the source of wisdom is going to call this guy " Dad"? You're telling me a common laborer is going to be charged with giving food to God?
What if he gets laid off?
What if he gets cranky?
What if he decides to run off with a pretty young girl from down the street? Then where will we be?
It was all Gabriel could do to keep from turning back. " This is a peculiar idea you have, God," he must have muttered to himself.
Are God's guardians given to such musings?
Are we? Are we still stunned by God's coming? Still staggered by the event? Does Christmas still spawn the same speechless wonder it did two thousand years ago?
I've been asking that question lately--to myself. As I write, Christmas is only days away and something just happened that has me concerned that the pace of the holidays may e overshadowing the purpose of the holidays.
I saw a manger in a mall. Correct that. I barely saw a manger in a mall. I almost didn't see it. I was in a hurry. Guests coming. Santa dropping in. Sermons to be prepared. Services to be planned. Presents to be purchased.
The crush of things was so great that the creche of Christ was almost ignored. I nearly missed it. And had it not been for the child and his father, I would have.
But out of the corner of my eye, I saw them. The little boy, three, maybe four years old, in jeans and high-tops starring at the manger's infant. The father, in baseball hat and work clothes, looking over his son's shoulder, gesturing first at Joseph, then Mary, then the baby. He was telling the little fellow the story.
And oh, the twinkle in the boy's eyes. The wonder on his little face. He didn't speak. He just listened. And I didn't move. I just watched. What questions were filling the little boy's head? Could they have been the same as Gabriel's? What sparked the amazement on his face? Was it the magic?
And why is it that out of a hundred or so of God's children only two paused to consider his son? What is this December demon that steals our eyes and stills our tongues? Isn't this the season to pause and pose Gabriel's questions?
The tragedy is not that we can't answer them, but that we are too busy to ask them.
Only heaven knows how long Gabriel fluttered unseen above Mary before he took a breath and broke the news. But he did. He told her the name. He told her the plan. He told her not to be afraid. And when he announced, " With God nothing is impossible!" he said it as much for himself as for her.
For even though he couldn't answer the questions, he knew who could, and that was enough. And even though we can't answer them all, taking time to ask a few would be a good start.
Gabriel Must have scratched his head at this one.
He wasn't one to question his God-given missions.
Sending fire and dividing seas were all in an eternity's work for this angel. When God sent, Gabriel went.
And when word got out that God was to become man, Gabriel was enthused. He could envision the moment:
The Messiah in a blazing chariot.
The King descending on a fiery cloud.
An explosion of light from which the Messiah would emerge.
That's what he expected. What he never expected, however, was what he got: a slip of paper with a Nazarene address. " God will become a baby," it read. " Tell the mother to name the child Jesus. And tell her not to be afraid."
Gabriel was never one to question, but this time he had to wonder.
God will become a baby? Gabriel had seen babies before. He had been platoon leader on the bulrush operation. He remembered what little Moses looked like.
That's okay for humans, he thought to himself. But God?
The heavens can't contain him; how could a body? Besides, have you seen what comes out of those babies? Hardly befitting for the Creator of the universe. Babies must be carried and fed, bounced and bathed. To imagine some mother burping God on her shoulder-why, that was beyond what even an angel could imagine.
And what of his name--what was it--Jesus? Such a common name. There's a Jesus in every cul-de-sac. Come on, even Gabriel has more punch to it than Jesus. Call the baby Eminence or Majesty or Heaven-sent. Anything but Jesus.
So Gabriel scratched his head. What happened to the good ol' days? Flaming swords. That's the action he liked.
But Gabriel had his orders. Take the message to Mary. Must be a special girl, he assumed as he traveled. But Gabriel was in for another shock. One peek told him Mary was no queen. The mother-to-be of God was not regal. She was a Jewish peasant who'd barely outgrown her acne and had a crush on a guy named Joe.
And speaking of Joe--what does this fellow know? Might as well be a weaver in Spain or a cobbler in Greece. He's a carpenter. Look at him over there, sawdust in his beard and nail apron around his waist. You're telling me God is going to have dinner every night with him? You're telling me the source of wisdom is going to call this guy " Dad"? You're telling me a common laborer is going to be charged with giving food to God?
What if he gets laid off?
What if he gets cranky?
What if he decides to run off with a pretty young girl from down the street? Then where will we be?
It was all Gabriel could do to keep from turning back. " This is a peculiar idea you have, God," he must have muttered to himself.
Are God's guardians given to such musings?
Are we? Are we still stunned by God's coming? Still staggered by the event? Does Christmas still spawn the same speechless wonder it did two thousand years ago?
I've been asking that question lately--to myself. As I write, Christmas is only days away and something just happened that has me concerned that the pace of the holidays may e overshadowing the purpose of the holidays.
I saw a manger in a mall. Correct that. I barely saw a manger in a mall. I almost didn't see it. I was in a hurry. Guests coming. Santa dropping in. Sermons to be prepared. Services to be planned. Presents to be purchased.
The crush of things was so great that the creche of Christ was almost ignored. I nearly missed it. And had it not been for the child and his father, I would have.
But out of the corner of my eye, I saw them. The little boy, three, maybe four years old, in jeans and high-tops starring at the manger's infant. The father, in baseball hat and work clothes, looking over his son's shoulder, gesturing first at Joseph, then Mary, then the baby. He was telling the little fellow the story.
And oh, the twinkle in the boy's eyes. The wonder on his little face. He didn't speak. He just listened. And I didn't move. I just watched. What questions were filling the little boy's head? Could they have been the same as Gabriel's? What sparked the amazement on his face? Was it the magic?
And why is it that out of a hundred or so of God's children only two paused to consider his son? What is this December demon that steals our eyes and stills our tongues? Isn't this the season to pause and pose Gabriel's questions?
The tragedy is not that we can't answer them, but that we are too busy to ask them.
Only heaven knows how long Gabriel fluttered unseen above Mary before he took a breath and broke the news. But he did. He told her the name. He told her the plan. He told her not to be afraid. And when he announced, " With God nothing is impossible!" he said it as much for himself as for her.
For even though he couldn't answer the questions, he knew who could, and that was enough. And even though we can't answer them all, taking time to ask a few would be a good start.
Peace, Be Still
Meditation and Quietude:
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes....
Wait for the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.
I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in its native soil, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.
Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace.
But all sinners will be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off.
The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.
Scripture: Psalm 37:4-7, 34-40
Defining Moments:
The New Agers came in, started talking about focusing and finding their center ( and stuff like that, and made people think of meditation as some heebie-jeebie, hippie holdover that feels at home on a PBS special, but not on our living room sofas.
Just because someone misuses God's gift, however, doesn't diminish its importance. Meditation is a much-needed Christian discipline. When you seek a silent place away from the pull of the newspaper or the approaching drumbeats of a work deadline, when you feast on a single verse of the Scripture, letting the Holy Spirit bring to your mind new lessons to learn, new twists on the truth, new insights to gather....
You will learn to recognize God's voice and grow in your relationship.
You don't have to go out looking for demands and distractions. They'll find you-enough to fill every second of your life with noise and activity, yet still leave you restless and dissatisfied. Come quietly before God. Meditate on His Word. And enjoy His satisfying rest.
Next Up:
Now we're getting somewhere. The next step in growing as a Christian is learning how to keep your life an open book before God. And let nothing come between you.
There's a quiet place beyond the buzz of the TV and the telephone. And God's saving you a seat.
" We must carefully plan solitude. We do not take the spiritual life seriously if we do not set aside some time to be with, and listen to, God."
-Henri Nouwen
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes....
Wait for the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.
I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in its native soil, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.
Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace.
But all sinners will be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off.
The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.
Scripture: Psalm 37:4-7, 34-40
Defining Moments:
The New Agers came in, started talking about focusing and finding their center ( and stuff like that, and made people think of meditation as some heebie-jeebie, hippie holdover that feels at home on a PBS special, but not on our living room sofas.
Just because someone misuses God's gift, however, doesn't diminish its importance. Meditation is a much-needed Christian discipline. When you seek a silent place away from the pull of the newspaper or the approaching drumbeats of a work deadline, when you feast on a single verse of the Scripture, letting the Holy Spirit bring to your mind new lessons to learn, new twists on the truth, new insights to gather....
You will learn to recognize God's voice and grow in your relationship.
You don't have to go out looking for demands and distractions. They'll find you-enough to fill every second of your life with noise and activity, yet still leave you restless and dissatisfied. Come quietly before God. Meditate on His Word. And enjoy His satisfying rest.
Next Up:
Now we're getting somewhere. The next step in growing as a Christian is learning how to keep your life an open book before God. And let nothing come between you.
There's a quiet place beyond the buzz of the TV and the telephone. And God's saving you a seat.
" We must carefully plan solitude. We do not take the spiritual life seriously if we do not set aside some time to be with, and listen to, God."
-Henri Nouwen
Friday, February 1, 2019
The Beginning of Knowledge
Proverbs 1:1-33
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel.
To know wisdom and instruction. To perceived the words of understanding. To receive the instruction of wisdom. Justice, judgment, and equity: To give prudence to the simple. To the young man knowledge and discretion- A wise man will hear and increase learning. And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel. To understand a proverb and an enigma. The words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. But fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head. And chains about your neck. My Son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. If they say, " Come with us. Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause: Let us swallow them alive like Sheol. And whole, like those who go down to the Pit: We shall find all kinds of precious possessions. We shall fill our houses with spoil; Cast in your lot among us. Let us all have one purse"- My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path; For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood. They lurk secretly for their own lives. So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain: It takes away the life of it's owners. Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares. She cries out in the chief concourses, At the openings of the gates in the city She speaks her words: " How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning. And fools hate knowledge. Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you. I will make my words known to you. Because I have called and you refused. I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded. Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind. When distress and anguish comes upon you. " Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, they would have none of my counsel. And despised my every rebuke. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way. And be filled to the full with their own fancies. For the turning away of the simple will slay them. And the complacency of fools will destroy them; But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil."
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel.
To know wisdom and instruction. To perceived the words of understanding. To receive the instruction of wisdom. Justice, judgment, and equity: To give prudence to the simple. To the young man knowledge and discretion- A wise man will hear and increase learning. And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel. To understand a proverb and an enigma. The words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. But fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head. And chains about your neck. My Son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. If they say, " Come with us. Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause: Let us swallow them alive like Sheol. And whole, like those who go down to the Pit: We shall find all kinds of precious possessions. We shall fill our houses with spoil; Cast in your lot among us. Let us all have one purse"- My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path; For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood. They lurk secretly for their own lives. So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain: It takes away the life of it's owners. Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares. She cries out in the chief concourses, At the openings of the gates in the city She speaks her words: " How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning. And fools hate knowledge. Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you. I will make my words known to you. Because I have called and you refused. I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded. Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind. When distress and anguish comes upon you. " Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, they would have none of my counsel. And despised my every rebuke. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way. And be filled to the full with their own fancies. For the turning away of the simple will slay them. And the complacency of fools will destroy them; But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil."
When God Whispers Your Name Chapter 7 Questions
Behind the Shower Curtain Chapter 7
Points to Ponder:
I've been surprised by God's judgment, but I'm still stunned by his grace."
1.) Have you ever been surprised by god's judgment? By His grace? Explain.
2.) Why is grace usually more of a surprise to us than judgment?
" Seems that God is looking for ways to get us home than for ways to keep us out. I challenge you to find one soul who came to God seeking grace and did not find it."
1.) What ways did God use to get you " home"?
2.) Accept Max's challenge--can you think of one biblical person who sought God's grace but didn't find it? How significant is this? Why?
" I'm not watering-down the truth or compromising the gospel. But if a fellow with a pure heart calls God, Father, can't I call that same man, Brother? If God doesn't make doctrinal perfection a requirement for family, should I?
1.) What do you think Max means by " a fellow with a pure heart"?
2.) What would happen if " doctrinal perfection" were made " a requirement for family membership"?
Points to Ponder:
I've been surprised by God's judgment, but I'm still stunned by his grace."
1.) Have you ever been surprised by god's judgment? By His grace? Explain.
2.) Why is grace usually more of a surprise to us than judgment?
" Seems that God is looking for ways to get us home than for ways to keep us out. I challenge you to find one soul who came to God seeking grace and did not find it."
1.) What ways did God use to get you " home"?
2.) Accept Max's challenge--can you think of one biblical person who sought God's grace but didn't find it? How significant is this? Why?
" I'm not watering-down the truth or compromising the gospel. But if a fellow with a pure heart calls God, Father, can't I call that same man, Brother? If God doesn't make doctrinal perfection a requirement for family, should I?
1.) What do you think Max means by " a fellow with a pure heart"?
2.) What would happen if " doctrinal perfection" were made " a requirement for family membership"?
When God Whispers Your Name Chapter 7
Behind the Shower Curtain:
I'm going to have to install a computer in my shower.
That's where I have my best thoughts.
I had a great one today.
I was mulling over a recent conversation I had with a disenchanted Christian brother. He was upset with me. So upset that he was considering rescinding his invitation for me to speak to his group. Seems he'd heard I was pretty open about who I have fellowship with.
He'd read the words I wrote: " If God calls a person his child, shouldn't I call him my brother?" And, " If God accepts others with their errors and misinterpretations, shouldn't we?"
He didn't like that. " Carrying it a bit too far," he told me. " Fences are necessary," he explained. " Scriptures are clear on such matters." He read me a few and then urged me to be careful to whom I give grace.
" I don't give it," I assured. " I only spotlight where God already has."
Didn't seem to satisfy him. I offered to bow out of the engagement ( the break would be nice), but he softened and told me to come after all.
That's where I'm going today. That's why I was thinking about him in the shower. And that's why I need a waterproof computer. I had a great thought. A why-didn't-I-think-to-say-that? insight.
I hope to see him today. If the subject resurfaces, I'll say it. But in case it doesn't, I'll say it to you. ( It's too good to waste.) Just one sentence:
I've never been surprised by God's judgment, but I'm still stunned by his grace.
God's judgment has never been a problem for me. In fact, it always seemed right. Lightning bolts on Sodom. Fire on Gomorrah. Good job, God. Egyptians swallowed in the Red Sea. They had it coming. Forty years of wandering to loosen the stiff necks of the Israelites? Would've done it myself. Ananias and Sapphira? You bet.
Discipline is easy for me to swallow. Logical to assimilate. Manageable and appropriate.
But God's grace? Anything but.
Examples? How much time do you have?
David the psalmist becomes David the voyeur, but by God's grace becomes David the psalmist again.
Peter denied Christ before he preached Christ.
Zacchaeus, the crook. The cleanest part of his life was the money he'd laundered. But Jesus still had time for him.
The thief on the cross: hellbent and hung-out-to-die one minute, heaven bound and smiling the next.
Story after story. Prayer after prayer. Surprise after surprise. Seems that God is looking more for ways to get us home than for ways to keep us out. I challenge you to find one soul who came to God seeking grace and did not find it. Search the pages. Read the stories. Envision the encounters. Find one person who came seeking a second chance and left with a stern lecture. I dare you. Search.
You won't find it. You will find a strayed sheep on the other side of the creek. He's lost. He knows it. He's stuck and embarrassed. What will the other sheep say? What will the shepherd say? You will find a shepherd who finds him? Oh boy. Duck down. Put hooves over the eyes. The belt is about to fly. But the belt is never felt. Just hands. Large, open hands reaching under his body and lifting the sheep up,up,up until he's placed upon the shepherd's shoulders. He's carried back to the flock and given a party! " Cut the grass and comb the wool," he announces. " We are going to have a celebration!" The other sheep shake their heads in disbelief. Just like we will. At our party. When we get home. When we watch the Shepherd shoulder into our midst one unlikely soul after another. Seems to me God gives a lot more grace than we'd ever imagine. We could do the same. I'm not for watering down the truth or compromising the gospel. But if a fellow with a pure heart calls God Father, can't I call that same man brother? If God doesn't make doctrinal perfection a requirement for family membership, should I? And if we never agree, can't we agree to disagree? If God can tolerate my mistakes, can't I tolerate the mistakes of others? If God can over look my errors, can't I overlook the errors of others? If God allows me with my foibles and failures to call him Father, shoudn't I extend the same grace to others? One thing's for sure. When we get to heaven, we'll be surprised at some of the folks we see. And some of them will be surprised when they seeus.
I'm going to have to install a computer in my shower.
That's where I have my best thoughts.
I had a great one today.
I was mulling over a recent conversation I had with a disenchanted Christian brother. He was upset with me. So upset that he was considering rescinding his invitation for me to speak to his group. Seems he'd heard I was pretty open about who I have fellowship with.
He'd read the words I wrote: " If God calls a person his child, shouldn't I call him my brother?" And, " If God accepts others with their errors and misinterpretations, shouldn't we?"
He didn't like that. " Carrying it a bit too far," he told me. " Fences are necessary," he explained. " Scriptures are clear on such matters." He read me a few and then urged me to be careful to whom I give grace.
" I don't give it," I assured. " I only spotlight where God already has."
Didn't seem to satisfy him. I offered to bow out of the engagement ( the break would be nice), but he softened and told me to come after all.
That's where I'm going today. That's why I was thinking about him in the shower. And that's why I need a waterproof computer. I had a great thought. A why-didn't-I-think-to-say-that? insight.
I hope to see him today. If the subject resurfaces, I'll say it. But in case it doesn't, I'll say it to you. ( It's too good to waste.) Just one sentence:
I've never been surprised by God's judgment, but I'm still stunned by his grace.
God's judgment has never been a problem for me. In fact, it always seemed right. Lightning bolts on Sodom. Fire on Gomorrah. Good job, God. Egyptians swallowed in the Red Sea. They had it coming. Forty years of wandering to loosen the stiff necks of the Israelites? Would've done it myself. Ananias and Sapphira? You bet.
Discipline is easy for me to swallow. Logical to assimilate. Manageable and appropriate.
But God's grace? Anything but.
Examples? How much time do you have?
David the psalmist becomes David the voyeur, but by God's grace becomes David the psalmist again.
Peter denied Christ before he preached Christ.
Zacchaeus, the crook. The cleanest part of his life was the money he'd laundered. But Jesus still had time for him.
The thief on the cross: hellbent and hung-out-to-die one minute, heaven bound and smiling the next.
Story after story. Prayer after prayer. Surprise after surprise. Seems that God is looking more for ways to get us home than for ways to keep us out. I challenge you to find one soul who came to God seeking grace and did not find it. Search the pages. Read the stories. Envision the encounters. Find one person who came seeking a second chance and left with a stern lecture. I dare you. Search.
You won't find it. You will find a strayed sheep on the other side of the creek. He's lost. He knows it. He's stuck and embarrassed. What will the other sheep say? What will the shepherd say? You will find a shepherd who finds him? Oh boy. Duck down. Put hooves over the eyes. The belt is about to fly. But the belt is never felt. Just hands. Large, open hands reaching under his body and lifting the sheep up,up,up until he's placed upon the shepherd's shoulders. He's carried back to the flock and given a party! " Cut the grass and comb the wool," he announces. " We are going to have a celebration!" The other sheep shake their heads in disbelief. Just like we will. At our party. When we get home. When we watch the Shepherd shoulder into our midst one unlikely soul after another. Seems to me God gives a lot more grace than we'd ever imagine. We could do the same. I'm not for watering down the truth or compromising the gospel. But if a fellow with a pure heart calls God Father, can't I call that same man brother? If God doesn't make doctrinal perfection a requirement for family membership, should I? And if we never agree, can't we agree to disagree? If God can tolerate my mistakes, can't I tolerate the mistakes of others? If God can over look my errors, can't I overlook the errors of others? If God allows me with my foibles and failures to call him Father, shoudn't I extend the same grace to others? One thing's for sure. When we get to heaven, we'll be surprised at some of the folks we see. And some of them will be surprised when they seeus.
All Eyes on Him
Praise and Worship:
Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all his benefits--who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's....
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger; abounding in love.
He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has removed our transgressions from us....
From everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children--with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts....
Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, O my soul.
Scripture: Psalm 103:1-5, 8-12, 17-18, 22
Defining Moments:
Let's face it. We're stuck on ourselves. Worried about the size of our cut in the bonus plan. Dying to get noticed for our part in the project. Hoping nobody wants the last piece of bread in the basket.
That's why worship is so important in the Christians's life, because it goes against the grain of our deep affection for ourselves. When we kick back our head in praise, when we lift our eyes away from the work of our own hands, we cross the bridge into another world. We see things the way they really are--God, in all His awesome glory, in perfect, patient control over everything that touches us. We see the source behind our strength, the provider of each penny, the fount of every blessing. We see Him fully aware of every need, ready and able to meet us at the exact moment we need an answer-this God who knows us so well, yet loves us so much. If there was ever a cure for selfishness, it's the prescription-strength power that flows when we empty ourselves of cares and conceit and lose our grip in the face of His greatness.
Next Up:
Get ready for something that's gone out of style in the mad dash of modern life--the sweet simplicity of a quiet moment to think, to read, to pray, to go deeper with God.
Wish you had all the words to thank God for all He's done for you? You'll find them when you worship.
" When we are empowered by worship, our day-to-day lives at home, at work, and at leisure take on a new dimension. They rise to the new life."
-Robert Webber
Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all his benefits--who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's....
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger; abounding in love.
He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has removed our transgressions from us....
From everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children--with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts....
Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, O my soul.
Scripture: Psalm 103:1-5, 8-12, 17-18, 22
Defining Moments:
Let's face it. We're stuck on ourselves. Worried about the size of our cut in the bonus plan. Dying to get noticed for our part in the project. Hoping nobody wants the last piece of bread in the basket.
That's why worship is so important in the Christians's life, because it goes against the grain of our deep affection for ourselves. When we kick back our head in praise, when we lift our eyes away from the work of our own hands, we cross the bridge into another world. We see things the way they really are--God, in all His awesome glory, in perfect, patient control over everything that touches us. We see the source behind our strength, the provider of each penny, the fount of every blessing. We see Him fully aware of every need, ready and able to meet us at the exact moment we need an answer-this God who knows us so well, yet loves us so much. If there was ever a cure for selfishness, it's the prescription-strength power that flows when we empty ourselves of cares and conceit and lose our grip in the face of His greatness.
Next Up:
Get ready for something that's gone out of style in the mad dash of modern life--the sweet simplicity of a quiet moment to think, to read, to pray, to go deeper with God.
Wish you had all the words to thank God for all He's done for you? You'll find them when you worship.
" When we are empowered by worship, our day-to-day lives at home, at work, and at leisure take on a new dimension. They rise to the new life."
-Robert Webber
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Be Anxious for Nothing: Think These Thoughts
Philippians 4:
Therefore, my beloved and longed for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.
I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice!
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel when I departed from Macedonia,no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Greet ever saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar's household.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen
Therefore, my beloved and longed for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.
I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice!
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel when I departed from Macedonia,no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Greet ever saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar's household.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen
When God Whispers Your Name Chapter 6 Questions
Chapter 6:
Points to Ponder
" If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior."
1.) Do you agree that our greatest need was forgiveness?
2.) Explain why you think this true.
" He became like us, so we could become like him."
1.) In what way did He become like us?
2.) In what way can we become like Him?
Wisdom from the Word:
Read Matthew 1:18-2:12. If you were to write a commercial Christmas card message based on this passage, what element of the story would you highlight? Why?
Read Luke 2:1-20. If you were to write a commercial Christmas card message based on this passage, what element of the story would highlight? Why?
Points to Ponder
" If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior."
1.) Do you agree that our greatest need was forgiveness?
2.) Explain why you think this true.
" He became like us, so we could become like him."
1.) In what way did He become like us?
2.) In what way can we become like Him?
Wisdom from the Word:
Read Matthew 1:18-2:12. If you were to write a commercial Christmas card message based on this passage, what element of the story would you highlight? Why?
Read Luke 2:1-20. If you were to write a commercial Christmas card message based on this passage, what element of the story would highlight? Why?
When God Whispers Your Name Chapter 6
god's Christmas Cards:
I'm monitoring my mailbox.
I don't usually spend time looking at it, but I am today. I don't want it to fall. Just a few days ago that wasn't a concern--but that was before the construction crew started clearing the lot across the street. And that was before the gravel-truck driver forgot to look in his rear view mirror.
Clunk.
So today our mailbox is upright again, propped up by three two-by-four on three sides. Not too attractive, but functional.
Strange what you think about while posting an eye on the postal receptacle. As I gaze at it, it occurs to me that the mailbox is a lot like a bus terminal--a turnstile for the good and the bad, the wanted and the unwanted. Just for fun, I'm making a list of letters I hope I never receive. ( Well, what do you think about when you're watching a box on a pole?)
Here's what I've written so far:
Dear Dad,
I'm writing to ask if there is a limitation to the number of cars our liability insurance covers...
Dear Max,
You know last summer when you broke the vase my Uncle Bill had left me? Remember I told you a hundred bucks would be fine, but you insisted I get it appraised? Well, boy, am I glad you did. I hope you are sitting down because the museum's curator of thirteenth-century art says...
Mr. Lucado,
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that the purebred puppy you were sending to Oakland, California, was inadvertently sent to Auckland, New Zealand...
Dear Max,
So why am I writing after all these years? Well, it seems that the university made a mistake. They swapped our transcripts. Isn't that a hoot? And all these years I thought I graduated by the skin of my teeth. And all these years you thought you were summa cum laude!
Dear Mrs. Lucado,
Recently you purchased from us a home pregnancy diagnostic kit. We are writing to inform you that there was a mistake in the instructions, and what you thought you were, you aren't, and what you thought you weren't, you are....
Groan.
I've never read any scientific data on it, but it seems to me that the unnecessary mail has the necessary mail outnumbered. ( Maybe you are like me and you sort your mail over a trash can. Maybe you are like me and wonder if there is anything in the world that doesn't have its own catalog. If you are a left-handed, right-winged, Ivy-League fan of jazz music, there is probably an underwear catalog just for you .)
Most mail is unnecessary. So why I am repairing my box?
Simple. It's December.
Were it any other time of the year, I might leave it on its side. Let the postman hang on to my bills for a few days. But I can't do that. Not this time of the year. Not December. Not the week before Christmas!
This is the week that mail is fun. This is the week of red envelopes, green stamps, and Christmas tree stickers. This is the week when your old roomie who married Hazel and moved to Phoenix writes to tell you their fourth child is on the way. This is the week of front-and-back newsletters describing the Grand canyon, graduations, and gallbladder surgeries.
So, as much for me as the mailman, I propped up the box.
Only a Scrooge doesn't want a Christmas card.
Some are funny. Got one today with elves pulling books off the "elf-help" shelf.
Others are touching, like the illustration of Mother Mary and the baby resting at the base of the Egyptian sphinx.
And a few are unforgettable. Every Christmas I read this reminder that came in the mail several years ago:
If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior.
Christmas cards. Punctuated promises. Phrases filled with the reason we do it all anyway.
He became like us, so we could become like him.
Angels still sing and the star still beckons.
He loves each one of us like there was only one of us to love.
Long after the sender's name is forgotten, the card's message lingers. Words of promise. A handful of seeds and syllables flung upon the fertile soil of December with hope of fruit born in July. For that reason, I keep the mailbox up.
My heart can use all the seeds it can get.
I'm monitoring my mailbox.
I don't usually spend time looking at it, but I am today. I don't want it to fall. Just a few days ago that wasn't a concern--but that was before the construction crew started clearing the lot across the street. And that was before the gravel-truck driver forgot to look in his rear view mirror.
Clunk.
So today our mailbox is upright again, propped up by three two-by-four on three sides. Not too attractive, but functional.
Strange what you think about while posting an eye on the postal receptacle. As I gaze at it, it occurs to me that the mailbox is a lot like a bus terminal--a turnstile for the good and the bad, the wanted and the unwanted. Just for fun, I'm making a list of letters I hope I never receive. ( Well, what do you think about when you're watching a box on a pole?)
Here's what I've written so far:
Dear Dad,
I'm writing to ask if there is a limitation to the number of cars our liability insurance covers...
Dear Max,
You know last summer when you broke the vase my Uncle Bill had left me? Remember I told you a hundred bucks would be fine, but you insisted I get it appraised? Well, boy, am I glad you did. I hope you are sitting down because the museum's curator of thirteenth-century art says...
Mr. Lucado,
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that the purebred puppy you were sending to Oakland, California, was inadvertently sent to Auckland, New Zealand...
Dear Max,
So why am I writing after all these years? Well, it seems that the university made a mistake. They swapped our transcripts. Isn't that a hoot? And all these years I thought I graduated by the skin of my teeth. And all these years you thought you were summa cum laude!
Dear Mrs. Lucado,
Recently you purchased from us a home pregnancy diagnostic kit. We are writing to inform you that there was a mistake in the instructions, and what you thought you were, you aren't, and what you thought you weren't, you are....
Groan.
I've never read any scientific data on it, but it seems to me that the unnecessary mail has the necessary mail outnumbered. ( Maybe you are like me and you sort your mail over a trash can. Maybe you are like me and wonder if there is anything in the world that doesn't have its own catalog. If you are a left-handed, right-winged, Ivy-League fan of jazz music, there is probably an underwear catalog just for you .)
Most mail is unnecessary. So why I am repairing my box?
Simple. It's December.
Were it any other time of the year, I might leave it on its side. Let the postman hang on to my bills for a few days. But I can't do that. Not this time of the year. Not December. Not the week before Christmas!
This is the week that mail is fun. This is the week of red envelopes, green stamps, and Christmas tree stickers. This is the week when your old roomie who married Hazel and moved to Phoenix writes to tell you their fourth child is on the way. This is the week of front-and-back newsletters describing the Grand canyon, graduations, and gallbladder surgeries.
So, as much for me as the mailman, I propped up the box.
Only a Scrooge doesn't want a Christmas card.
Some are funny. Got one today with elves pulling books off the "elf-help" shelf.
Others are touching, like the illustration of Mother Mary and the baby resting at the base of the Egyptian sphinx.
And a few are unforgettable. Every Christmas I read this reminder that came in the mail several years ago:
If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior.
Christmas cards. Punctuated promises. Phrases filled with the reason we do it all anyway.
He became like us, so we could become like him.
Angels still sing and the star still beckons.
He loves each one of us like there was only one of us to love.
Long after the sender's name is forgotten, the card's message lingers. Words of promise. A handful of seeds and syllables flung upon the fertile soil of December with hope of fruit born in July. For that reason, I keep the mailbox up.
My heart can use all the seeds it can get.
Diary of a Destiny
Keeping a Journal:
When I was in distress, I sought the Lord, at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted.
I remembered you, O God, and I groaned; I mused, and my spirit grew faint. You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak.
I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; I remembered my songs in the night.
My heart mused and my spirit inquired: " Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again?
" Had his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time?
" Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?"
Then I thought, " To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High,"
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?
Scripture: Psalm 77:2-13
Defining Moments:
When life is right on top of you, when you're wrestling with every detail of your current concerns and troubles, it's hard to imagine a day in the future when you won't be able to recall the way you feel right now or remember how difficult this certain decision was. More importantly, it seems impossible that you won't reflect on how God met you in your misery, pulling you through at the last minute, in ways you never expected.
But that day will come. And with it another new challenge, perhaps different but no less imposing, no less complex than the situation before.
Then one morning, your stomach in a knot, you'll pull out your personal journal, flip to a page dated two or three years back, and be suddenly transported to another time and place, to another crossroads conflict that seemed so huge at the time. Wow, you'd almost forgotten about it. Look how desperate you were. Feel the pain in your words. And remember the faithfulness of God--the God who's still here, to deal with the pressure that's so fresh today. Don't you feel better now?
Next Up:
Worship looks as good in your weekday outfits as it does in your Sunday clothes. Praising God through the day will dress up the way you think, act, and feel.
Trust the ones who've walked this way before. You'll be so glad you kept a record of your journey.
" Informed by the past, we can speak to God with specific hopes for the future, and with certain assurances about the present."
-Welton Gaddy
When I was in distress, I sought the Lord, at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted.
I remembered you, O God, and I groaned; I mused, and my spirit grew faint. You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak.
I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; I remembered my songs in the night.
My heart mused and my spirit inquired: " Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again?
" Had his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time?
" Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?"
Then I thought, " To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High,"
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?
Scripture: Psalm 77:2-13
Defining Moments:
When life is right on top of you, when you're wrestling with every detail of your current concerns and troubles, it's hard to imagine a day in the future when you won't be able to recall the way you feel right now or remember how difficult this certain decision was. More importantly, it seems impossible that you won't reflect on how God met you in your misery, pulling you through at the last minute, in ways you never expected.
But that day will come. And with it another new challenge, perhaps different but no less imposing, no less complex than the situation before.
Then one morning, your stomach in a knot, you'll pull out your personal journal, flip to a page dated two or three years back, and be suddenly transported to another time and place, to another crossroads conflict that seemed so huge at the time. Wow, you'd almost forgotten about it. Look how desperate you were. Feel the pain in your words. And remember the faithfulness of God--the God who's still here, to deal with the pressure that's so fresh today. Don't you feel better now?
Next Up:
Worship looks as good in your weekday outfits as it does in your Sunday clothes. Praising God through the day will dress up the way you think, act, and feel.
Trust the ones who've walked this way before. You'll be so glad you kept a record of your journey.
" Informed by the past, we can speak to God with specific hopes for the future, and with certain assurances about the present."
-Welton Gaddy
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
All for Christ
Philippians 3:
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.
Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of mutilation! For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church: concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Therefore, let us, as many as are mature have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame--who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
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