WAX ON, WAX OFF
Genesis 39:20-22
20 Joseph's master took him and put him in prison, . . . 21 the Lord was with him; He showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. 22 So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there.
41:39-4139 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, 40 ". . . You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you. . . . 41 I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt."
If you like to root for the underdog, you gotta love the movie The Karate Kid. It's about a teenager named Daniel who gets in trouble with the local bullies. He turns to an elderly Japanese neighbor, Mr. Miyagi, to teach him karate. But instead of learning how to beat down the baddies, Daniel spends his time doing chores for Mr. Miyagi: sanding floors, waxing cars, painting fences.
Soon Daniel gets fed up. He confronts Mr. Miyagi and finally gets the karate lesson he wants. You can see the realization dawn on Daniel's face as Mr. Miyagi shows him that the simple movements of "wax on, wax off," "paint the fence," and "sand the floor" can block punches and kicks. The whole time Daniel was doing those seemingly mindless chores, he was actually learning valuable lessons.
Sometimes that's the way it is for us too. We go through our routine--day after day--and feel as if nothing is happening. We're not getting anywhere. We're in a rut. Then one day it dawns on us that God has been teaching us all along.
Think about Joseph. While he was stuck in prison, the warden put him in charge of all the inmates. It's likely that the skills Joseph learned there helped him manage the whole land of Egypt years later (Genesis 41:39-43).
What about Moses? He spent 40 years as a shepherd. I imagine that could get a little mind-numbing at times. Little did he know that herding those sheep was preparing him for the enormous task of herding the Israelites through the desert (Acts 7:30,36).
What is your life like? Boring? Routine? Do you ever wonder what it's all for? Keep going! No matter what your task, put your heart in it. "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (Colossians 3:17).
God is teaching you something. Are you willing to learn? --Tracy Carbaugh
DESTINATION POINTS
* What would I like to change about my life?
* What could God be wanting to teach me?
LINKS
Holy Tension
bottom line: Be teachable--not unreachable.
soul journey
Monday, February 28, 2005
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Only the Lowly
John Fischer
Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call sinners, not those who think they are already good enough. (Mark 2:17)?
If Jesus has come to call sinners and those who need a doctor, what does that say about those of us who have heard the call and are currently following Him? It means we’re the sick ones—the sinners—the ones who got the call. (Or do you cross some line after you are called to where you are presumably good enough and don’t need a doctor anymore?) Why do we miss something this obvious?
This is good news for the lowly. But it’s more than that. It’s good news for only the lowly. Those who don’t see themselves as lowly don’t get the call. You really don’t get it about Jesus until you realize that He turned everything religious on its head. Holy, righteous people don’t get to follow Jesus, and it stands to reason because they don’t need to. They’re already okay. They called themselves.
Of course this doesn’t mean that lowly people don’t get to be righteous. In fact they are the most righteous because they don’t see themselves that way. Their righteousness is not in their own eyes, it is in the eyes of Christ. Truly righteous people keep seeing themselves as lowly, and they stand continually amazed in the presence of a very holy God who sees them as healthy and whole.
This is also why these people are quick to serve. Because they already see everyone as better than themselves, serving is a genuine thing. It’s the appropriate thing to do: give credit where credit is due—to someone other than me. Thus serving is not some magnanimous move of a proud man stooping to play the role of a servant because that’s what you’re supposed to do if you follow Christ. No, serving is doing what comes naturally from the humble place one occupies all the time.
Conversely, people who see themselves as above others are going to have a very hard time serving anybody. So I suppose I could turn this around and say that if I have a hard time serving, why is that? Is it because I see myself as better than most other people? (Why do you think I know so much about this? Because I’m so good at thinking this way. Believe me, I speak of what I know.)
“But wait a minute,” someone is sure to say, “someone has to be good enough. Someone has to be healthy. Someone has to be the example others can look up to.” Yes, this is true, but just make sure you don’t think it’s you, because the minute you think you’re the one, you put yourself in a group of people Jesus didn’t come for. And who wants to be there?
PDL
John Fischer
Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call sinners, not those who think they are already good enough. (Mark 2:17)?
If Jesus has come to call sinners and those who need a doctor, what does that say about those of us who have heard the call and are currently following Him? It means we’re the sick ones—the sinners—the ones who got the call. (Or do you cross some line after you are called to where you are presumably good enough and don’t need a doctor anymore?) Why do we miss something this obvious?
This is good news for the lowly. But it’s more than that. It’s good news for only the lowly. Those who don’t see themselves as lowly don’t get the call. You really don’t get it about Jesus until you realize that He turned everything religious on its head. Holy, righteous people don’t get to follow Jesus, and it stands to reason because they don’t need to. They’re already okay. They called themselves.
Of course this doesn’t mean that lowly people don’t get to be righteous. In fact they are the most righteous because they don’t see themselves that way. Their righteousness is not in their own eyes, it is in the eyes of Christ. Truly righteous people keep seeing themselves as lowly, and they stand continually amazed in the presence of a very holy God who sees them as healthy and whole.
This is also why these people are quick to serve. Because they already see everyone as better than themselves, serving is a genuine thing. It’s the appropriate thing to do: give credit where credit is due—to someone other than me. Thus serving is not some magnanimous move of a proud man stooping to play the role of a servant because that’s what you’re supposed to do if you follow Christ. No, serving is doing what comes naturally from the humble place one occupies all the time.
Conversely, people who see themselves as above others are going to have a very hard time serving anybody. So I suppose I could turn this around and say that if I have a hard time serving, why is that? Is it because I see myself as better than most other people? (Why do you think I know so much about this? Because I’m so good at thinking this way. Believe me, I speak of what I know.)
“But wait a minute,” someone is sure to say, “someone has to be good enough. Someone has to be healthy. Someone has to be the example others can look up to.” Yes, this is true, but just make sure you don’t think it’s you, because the minute you think you’re the one, you put yourself in a group of people Jesus didn’t come for. And who wants to be there?
PDL
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Stand by Your Man
Matthew Kinne
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Academy Awards: Best Picture; Ron Howard, Best Director; Jennifer Connelly, Best Supporting Actress; Best Adapted Screenplay
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense thematic material, sexual content, and a scene of violence
Read: Hebrews 3:1–6
God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. (1 Corinthians 1:9)
A Beautiful Mind is a portrait of courage and faithfulness in the midst of a seemingly endless horror: schizophrenia. Alicia Nash (Jennifer Connelly) meets her man, John Nash (Russell Crowe), brilliant math and physics scholar, at Harvard. After they marry, Alicia discovers that John is mentally ill. He believes in people and situations that do not exist. Though John is hospitalized, fired from his job, and even endangers the life of his family members, Alicia tells John, “I need to believe that something extraordinary is possible.” Though John is not totally cured of his malady, his extraordinary wife and his old colleagues make it possible for John to live a productive life and go on to win the Nobel Prize.
Faithfulness is more than loyalty; it is being “full of faith.” At their darkest hour, Alicia expresses that she needs more faith and hope, and through the years she finds the strength to hold on to hope. Her love helps conquer the worst symptoms of schizophrenia, and John eventually emerges from his fog as a functioning, fulfilled person.
God demonstrates his faithfulness continually. Testimonies of his faithfulness can be found throughout the Scriptures. He is the same today, yesterday, and forever, and his word is true. He rewards and recognizes faithfulness to his people. When you face a dark time, cry out, “God, show yourself faithful.” He will be there even if you can’t sense his presence. In this age He doesn’t always thwart the plans of evil, but you can be assured that in the midst of trouble he is there with you. Like David said in Psalm 23:4, Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
He is faithful to you. Are you faithful to him?
PRAYER IDEA: Thank God that he is always near and faithful.
cbn
Matthew Kinne
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Academy Awards: Best Picture; Ron Howard, Best Director; Jennifer Connelly, Best Supporting Actress; Best Adapted Screenplay
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense thematic material, sexual content, and a scene of violence
Read: Hebrews 3:1–6
God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. (1 Corinthians 1:9)
A Beautiful Mind is a portrait of courage and faithfulness in the midst of a seemingly endless horror: schizophrenia. Alicia Nash (Jennifer Connelly) meets her man, John Nash (Russell Crowe), brilliant math and physics scholar, at Harvard. After they marry, Alicia discovers that John is mentally ill. He believes in people and situations that do not exist. Though John is hospitalized, fired from his job, and even endangers the life of his family members, Alicia tells John, “I need to believe that something extraordinary is possible.” Though John is not totally cured of his malady, his extraordinary wife and his old colleagues make it possible for John to live a productive life and go on to win the Nobel Prize.
Faithfulness is more than loyalty; it is being “full of faith.” At their darkest hour, Alicia expresses that she needs more faith and hope, and through the years she finds the strength to hold on to hope. Her love helps conquer the worst symptoms of schizophrenia, and John eventually emerges from his fog as a functioning, fulfilled person.
God demonstrates his faithfulness continually. Testimonies of his faithfulness can be found throughout the Scriptures. He is the same today, yesterday, and forever, and his word is true. He rewards and recognizes faithfulness to his people. When you face a dark time, cry out, “God, show yourself faithful.” He will be there even if you can’t sense his presence. In this age He doesn’t always thwart the plans of evil, but you can be assured that in the midst of trouble he is there with you. Like David said in Psalm 23:4, Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
He is faithful to you. Are you faithful to him?
PRAYER IDEA: Thank God that he is always near and faithful.
cbn
Thursday, February 24, 2005
TWO WORDS
James 4:7-10
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn, and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.
In the annals of advertising history, perhaps the most efficient slogan of all time is California milk producers' seven-letter, two-word question, "Got Milk?"
With those two words and the accompanying ad campaign, the group spawned an entire grocery list of knock-offs. "Got [fill in the blank]?" has become an institution. In surveys, the "Got Milk?" slogan was recognized by more than 90 percent of the people polled.
So, if "Got Milk?" is so good at reminding people to drink moo juice, perhaps we can come up with some two-word slogans to help us live more godly lives.
Let's try it by turning to James 4:7-10. That passage gives us four specific guidelines for living in a way that pleases God. If we were writing an ad campaign for each, we might come up with the following:
Give In! Verse 7 tells us to submit to God. It's not easy, but it's vital that we do. He's sovereign and He loves us, so why not let Him run the show.
Get Close! Verse 8 reminds us of the value of drawing near to God. He's there, and we need to reach out to Him. The gap between us and God will mirror the gap between us and true joy.
Clean Up! Verse 8 also reminds us to make sure our hearts are clean. The cleansing occurs when we confess our sins to God.
Get Down! James is pretty clear in saying that we need to be humble before God, and that includes viewing our sin as something to weep over (v.9). That leads to true humility in God's presence (v.10).
Give In! Get Close! Clean Up! Get Down!
Those pairs of words may not look as good on a T-shirt as Got Milk. But they sure will look better on you. --Dave Branon
DESTINATION POINTS
* When is it hard for me to submit to God? Are there any specific commands from Scripture that seem too hard? * What things can I do to get closer to God? Have I done them today?
* As I look at my life, do I see anything I need to clean up?
LINKS
Got Milk?
bottom line: Got godliness?
soul journey
James 4:7-10
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn, and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.
In the annals of advertising history, perhaps the most efficient slogan of all time is California milk producers' seven-letter, two-word question, "Got Milk?"
With those two words and the accompanying ad campaign, the group spawned an entire grocery list of knock-offs. "Got [fill in the blank]?" has become an institution. In surveys, the "Got Milk?" slogan was recognized by more than 90 percent of the people polled.
So, if "Got Milk?" is so good at reminding people to drink moo juice, perhaps we can come up with some two-word slogans to help us live more godly lives.
Let's try it by turning to James 4:7-10. That passage gives us four specific guidelines for living in a way that pleases God. If we were writing an ad campaign for each, we might come up with the following:
Give In! Verse 7 tells us to submit to God. It's not easy, but it's vital that we do. He's sovereign and He loves us, so why not let Him run the show.
Get Close! Verse 8 reminds us of the value of drawing near to God. He's there, and we need to reach out to Him. The gap between us and God will mirror the gap between us and true joy.
Clean Up! Verse 8 also reminds us to make sure our hearts are clean. The cleansing occurs when we confess our sins to God.
Get Down! James is pretty clear in saying that we need to be humble before God, and that includes viewing our sin as something to weep over (v.9). That leads to true humility in God's presence (v.10).
Give In! Get Close! Clean Up! Get Down!
Those pairs of words may not look as good on a T-shirt as Got Milk. But they sure will look better on you. --Dave Branon
DESTINATION POINTS
* When is it hard for me to submit to God? Are there any specific commands from Scripture that seem too hard? * What things can I do to get closer to God? Have I done them today?
* As I look at my life, do I see anything I need to clean up?
LINKS
Got Milk?
bottom line: Got godliness?
soul journey
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
We’ll Leave the Light On for Ya’
John Fischer
Carol, a regular reader of these devotions, sent me her story of an encounter with a homeless man outside of Union Station in Washington D.C., who was mumbling and talking incoherently to no one in particular. As she described it, it was rush hour, and streams of people approaching him on the crosswalk would quickly avert their eyes, look to the ground, and step up their pace as they passed him by. “As I got close to him,” Carol related, “I started to look away and he suddenly whirled around and looked straight up into my face. His face softened, and he smiled and pointed to me and said, ‘Now, that… that is an angel!’”
Now there could be many theories as to what was really going on here, from a schizophrenic with insight to a demon-possessed man who recognized Christ in her, but the point here is that she had an effect on this person without doing or saying anything.
And not only that, the experience had an effect on her. She went on to remark: “The most amazing part of it for me was, I was really depressed that day and the last thing I imagined anyone would see in me was Light.”
Don’t ever underestimate yourself when Christ is living inside you. No matter what is happening to you, God has his own agenda He is working out in your life, and He may or may not inform you about it. No matter. He’s got plans, and He’s got purposes, and He’s got you. That’s a powerful combination.
You’re for real. Your faith is for real. God and His angels and demons are for real. There is a lot happening with our daily routine that is anything but routine. Wake up to this: You have a mission right where you are; your mission is to go through your day believing. And don’t let a little depression stop you, because God’s got something going on anyway. Carol’s story gives us just a little glimpse of this: God’s purposes are always at work in us. God’s got a light on, and other people can see it even when we can’t.
“But this precious treasure—this light and power that now shine within us—is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).
So regardless of what is happening to you, leave the light on for someone else. God may just have something to say, even when you think you don’t.
PDL
John Fischer
Carol, a regular reader of these devotions, sent me her story of an encounter with a homeless man outside of Union Station in Washington D.C., who was mumbling and talking incoherently to no one in particular. As she described it, it was rush hour, and streams of people approaching him on the crosswalk would quickly avert their eyes, look to the ground, and step up their pace as they passed him by. “As I got close to him,” Carol related, “I started to look away and he suddenly whirled around and looked straight up into my face. His face softened, and he smiled and pointed to me and said, ‘Now, that… that is an angel!’”
Now there could be many theories as to what was really going on here, from a schizophrenic with insight to a demon-possessed man who recognized Christ in her, but the point here is that she had an effect on this person without doing or saying anything.
And not only that, the experience had an effect on her. She went on to remark: “The most amazing part of it for me was, I was really depressed that day and the last thing I imagined anyone would see in me was Light.”
Don’t ever underestimate yourself when Christ is living inside you. No matter what is happening to you, God has his own agenda He is working out in your life, and He may or may not inform you about it. No matter. He’s got plans, and He’s got purposes, and He’s got you. That’s a powerful combination.
You’re for real. Your faith is for real. God and His angels and demons are for real. There is a lot happening with our daily routine that is anything but routine. Wake up to this: You have a mission right where you are; your mission is to go through your day believing. And don’t let a little depression stop you, because God’s got something going on anyway. Carol’s story gives us just a little glimpse of this: God’s purposes are always at work in us. God’s got a light on, and other people can see it even when we can’t.
“But this precious treasure—this light and power that now shine within us—is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).
So regardless of what is happening to you, leave the light on for someone else. God may just have something to say, even when you think you don’t.
PDL
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
SAFE INVESTMENT
Matthew 6:19-24
19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
The Kennedy family has likely been the most photographed family in America, and the late Jacques Lowe was their most favored photographer. Many of the images he captured are intricately woven into Kennedy history.
Lowe, who died in May 2001, guarded the valuable negatives of his famous photographs with great care. Stored in a fireproof bank vault, he never allowed anyone else to enter the vault. If a media publication, a museum, or any other organization wanted prints, he would go and take care of it himself.
On a day when tragedy struck the United States, however, the family of Jacques Lowe was doubly devastated. All of his negatives were still locked up in a vault at a bank in the World Trade Center. On September 11, 2001, the 40,000 images, valued at more than $2 million were lost. No one could have imagined that Lowe's treasures were not safe.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus was proclaiming a new reality, a new order, a new kind of treasure. He was painting a picture of what it looks like for a bit of heaven to come to earth, an image to help us live now in light of the day when Jesus sets all things right. In this future gaze, the present is transformed and there are breakthroughs of the kingdom of God in human time and space.
It is interesting that in the center of this heady discourse, Jesus dealt with the issues of money and greed. Nothing forces our hand on what we believe about the convergence of the temporal and the eternal like money. How we spend and how we give show what we are living for, and whom we are living for.
Selfishly absorbed by our present circumstances, we might think our lack of generosity to God's kingdom is just a case of playing it safe. We know, after all, what we get when we use all our resources on ourselves . . . now.
Jesus suggests otherwise. The only safe investment is the one that is made for kingdom purposes. --Winn Collier
DESTINATION POINTS
* What does my use of money show about whom or what I worship?
* How could I invest wisely--giving more away to God's kingdom purposes?
LINKS
J.F.K.--The Unseen Photographs
Photographs of John F. Kennedy
Integrating Biblical Faith and Finances
bottom line: Greed will ruin your eternal investments.
soul journey
Matthew 6:19-24
19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
The Kennedy family has likely been the most photographed family in America, and the late Jacques Lowe was their most favored photographer. Many of the images he captured are intricately woven into Kennedy history.
Lowe, who died in May 2001, guarded the valuable negatives of his famous photographs with great care. Stored in a fireproof bank vault, he never allowed anyone else to enter the vault. If a media publication, a museum, or any other organization wanted prints, he would go and take care of it himself.
On a day when tragedy struck the United States, however, the family of Jacques Lowe was doubly devastated. All of his negatives were still locked up in a vault at a bank in the World Trade Center. On September 11, 2001, the 40,000 images, valued at more than $2 million were lost. No one could have imagined that Lowe's treasures were not safe.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus was proclaiming a new reality, a new order, a new kind of treasure. He was painting a picture of what it looks like for a bit of heaven to come to earth, an image to help us live now in light of the day when Jesus sets all things right. In this future gaze, the present is transformed and there are breakthroughs of the kingdom of God in human time and space.
It is interesting that in the center of this heady discourse, Jesus dealt with the issues of money and greed. Nothing forces our hand on what we believe about the convergence of the temporal and the eternal like money. How we spend and how we give show what we are living for, and whom we are living for.
Selfishly absorbed by our present circumstances, we might think our lack of generosity to God's kingdom is just a case of playing it safe. We know, after all, what we get when we use all our resources on ourselves . . . now.
Jesus suggests otherwise. The only safe investment is the one that is made for kingdom purposes. --Winn Collier
DESTINATION POINTS
* What does my use of money show about whom or what I worship?
* How could I invest wisely--giving more away to God's kingdom purposes?
LINKS
J.F.K.--The Unseen Photographs
Photographs of John F. Kennedy
Integrating Biblical Faith and Finances
bottom line: Greed will ruin your eternal investments.
soul journey
Monday, February 21, 2005
How Long Can You Go?
John Fischer
If you’ve ever wondered how far God would go to show His love, look in the mirror and wonder no more. We need not look any further than ourselves to find the most shocking and amazing displays of God’s grace. If we think otherwise, it is only because we have not seen ourselves as we truly are.
It has been said and sung many times: “There but for the grace of God go I.” At first this sounds grateful, but such sentiment masks a dangerous pride. It is actually not unlike the statement of a religious leader in Jesus’ day as he looked upon a sinner on his knees who was crying out for God’s mercy. “I thank you, God,” said the Pharisee, “that I am not a sinner like everyone else, especially like that tax collector over there” (Luke 18:11 NLT)! It is a view that focuses on someone else’s misfortune. Someone else is worse than I am. Much better to be thinking and praying, “Here, because of the grace of God, and for no other reason, am I.” I am the only person I truly know about when it comes to sin. I am the authority on the subject.
The Pharisee hasn’t a clue about the sinner—who he is or what he has done. He has no point of reference to judge the man’s life but from his own inflated view of himself. If he had even the slightest clue about his own sin, he would realize he doesn’t have any business making the assumption that the sinner is any worse than he is. The only prayer any of us can pray on the subject of sin is: “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.” This is the one prayer that sends heaven scurrying.
It is best to steer completely clear of the comparison game. Any attempt to better ourselves at the mercy of someone else’s failure will always bring a twisted view of us and others.
The immensity of God’s mercy is not displayed in what He did for the world, or for someone else. It is not displayed in someone else’s story about how low they were before Christ picked them up (of course, never as low as we would ever go—heaven forbid!). Nor is it discovered through some theological understanding or study of the many nuances of His grace. No, the immensity of God’s mercy is revealed finally—and only—in the incredible realization that, lo and behold, it found out the worst of the lot. God’s mercy looked down from heaven and found out me!
PDL
John Fischer
If you’ve ever wondered how far God would go to show His love, look in the mirror and wonder no more. We need not look any further than ourselves to find the most shocking and amazing displays of God’s grace. If we think otherwise, it is only because we have not seen ourselves as we truly are.
It has been said and sung many times: “There but for the grace of God go I.” At first this sounds grateful, but such sentiment masks a dangerous pride. It is actually not unlike the statement of a religious leader in Jesus’ day as he looked upon a sinner on his knees who was crying out for God’s mercy. “I thank you, God,” said the Pharisee, “that I am not a sinner like everyone else, especially like that tax collector over there” (Luke 18:11 NLT)! It is a view that focuses on someone else’s misfortune. Someone else is worse than I am. Much better to be thinking and praying, “Here, because of the grace of God, and for no other reason, am I.” I am the only person I truly know about when it comes to sin. I am the authority on the subject.
The Pharisee hasn’t a clue about the sinner—who he is or what he has done. He has no point of reference to judge the man’s life but from his own inflated view of himself. If he had even the slightest clue about his own sin, he would realize he doesn’t have any business making the assumption that the sinner is any worse than he is. The only prayer any of us can pray on the subject of sin is: “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.” This is the one prayer that sends heaven scurrying.
It is best to steer completely clear of the comparison game. Any attempt to better ourselves at the mercy of someone else’s failure will always bring a twisted view of us and others.
The immensity of God’s mercy is not displayed in what He did for the world, or for someone else. It is not displayed in someone else’s story about how low they were before Christ picked them up (of course, never as low as we would ever go—heaven forbid!). Nor is it discovered through some theological understanding or study of the many nuances of His grace. No, the immensity of God’s mercy is revealed finally—and only—in the incredible realization that, lo and behold, it found out the worst of the lot. God’s mercy looked down from heaven and found out me!
PDL
Sunday, February 20, 2005
GIFT-WRAPPED GARBAGE
Hebrews 11:23-26
23 By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.
When the garbage collectors of New York go on strike, it's bad news for the locals. In fact, it doesn't take long till it becomes a crisis. That's why, so the story goes, one ingenious citizen found a different way to dispose of his trash.
Each day, before he left for work, he wrapped his refuse in shiny wrapping paper or placed it in a pretty gift bag. Then he parked his vehicle on a city street, leaving the beautiful package on the front seat of his car--with the window open.
His plan never failed. Whenever he returned to the car, he found that someone had kindly collected his garbage.
Clever, huh? The people who took those packages were enticed by glossy wrapping and glitzy ribbon and what they believed was inside. But when they tore off the paper, they were greeted by a stinkin' mess.
Doesn't that remind you of the way sin is disguised? Sometimes it's prettied up or called by another name--but we know what it really is. Temptation slyly winks at us and urges us to grab all the pleasure we can. "Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed" (James 1:14).
As a young man, Moses enjoyed a wonderful life in the house of Pharaoh. Yet, "he chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time" (Hebrews 11:25). Moses had an eternal perspective for his life.
People say that if you live with an odor long enough, you don't even notice it anymore. For God, though, the stench is intolerable. That's why He gives us a way out of the garbage can of temptation that leads to sin. "He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Got some trash you need to toss? --Cindy Kasper
DESTINATION POINTS
* Have I become accustomed to the smell of sin in my life? Am I ready to get rid of it and confess my sin to God? (1 John 1:9).
* How can I protect myself from giving in to sin?
LINKS
Resisting The Lure: Recognizing The Dangers Of Sexual Temptation
The Forgiveness Of God
bottom line: Temptation makes sin look mighty fine.
soul journey
Hebrews 11:23-26
23 By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.
When the garbage collectors of New York go on strike, it's bad news for the locals. In fact, it doesn't take long till it becomes a crisis. That's why, so the story goes, one ingenious citizen found a different way to dispose of his trash.
Each day, before he left for work, he wrapped his refuse in shiny wrapping paper or placed it in a pretty gift bag. Then he parked his vehicle on a city street, leaving the beautiful package on the front seat of his car--with the window open.
His plan never failed. Whenever he returned to the car, he found that someone had kindly collected his garbage.
Clever, huh? The people who took those packages were enticed by glossy wrapping and glitzy ribbon and what they believed was inside. But when they tore off the paper, they were greeted by a stinkin' mess.
Doesn't that remind you of the way sin is disguised? Sometimes it's prettied up or called by another name--but we know what it really is. Temptation slyly winks at us and urges us to grab all the pleasure we can. "Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed" (James 1:14).
As a young man, Moses enjoyed a wonderful life in the house of Pharaoh. Yet, "he chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time" (Hebrews 11:25). Moses had an eternal perspective for his life.
People say that if you live with an odor long enough, you don't even notice it anymore. For God, though, the stench is intolerable. That's why He gives us a way out of the garbage can of temptation that leads to sin. "He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Got some trash you need to toss? --Cindy Kasper
DESTINATION POINTS
* Have I become accustomed to the smell of sin in my life? Am I ready to get rid of it and confess my sin to God? (1 John 1:9).
* How can I protect myself from giving in to sin?
LINKS
Resisting The Lure: Recognizing The Dangers Of Sexual Temptation
The Forgiveness Of God
bottom line: Temptation makes sin look mighty fine.
soul journey
Saturday, February 19, 2005
OLDER, BUT BETTER
1 Corinthians 15:41-44
41 The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor. 42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.
Don't you just love old buildings? I'm not talking about the gas station on the corner that was built in 1965. I mean the really old ones. Like the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. And the Coliseum in Rome. I'm talking about buildings with character, dignity, and with historic significance.
Problem is, these ancient edifices are falling apart. As a result, other people who love them have to spend huge amounts of time and money to make sure they don't crumble away.
But it's not just the Parthenon. It's that way with everything we build, no matter how magnificent. Even the most well-built structure will weaken as time goes by.
What's true of buildings is also true of us--in one way. While we never think it's possible when we are in our twenties, eventually our bodies will begin to look like the Parthenon--worse for the wear.
There is a delicious and exciting dichotomy in our existence, however. While aging may take away the physical vibrancy of youth, there's another part of us that can be headed in the other direction. Spiritually, we can improve day by day even while our body heads toward its mortal end (now, there's a pleasant concept).
Our knees may get a little creaky and slow us down, but our prayer-life can be picking up speed. Our eyes may grow a little dimmer and need help, but the Word of God can shine brighter and become more precious to us as the days pass. It's the spirit that we nurture, knowing that the natural body is just temporary.
The eventual failure of the body is a given, but the spiritual renewal we need isn't. It takes an investment to nurture our relationship with God.
Whether you live in a body that is still fresh as a modern building or one that is looking a little like the Coliseum--you are getting older. But your spiritual life can grow stronger every day. --Dave Branon
DESTINATION POINTS
* If I had a spiritual mirror I could look into, would I look better or worse today than I did 5 years ago?
* Judged by the time I spend on it, which am I more interested in--my physical appearance or my spiritual well-being?
* What do I want to look like spiritually this time next year?
LINKS
The Parthenon
Roman Colosseum
Finishing Well
bottom line: Older can be better--on the inside.
soul journey
1 Corinthians 15:41-44
41 The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor. 42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.
Don't you just love old buildings? I'm not talking about the gas station on the corner that was built in 1965. I mean the really old ones. Like the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. And the Coliseum in Rome. I'm talking about buildings with character, dignity, and with historic significance.
Problem is, these ancient edifices are falling apart. As a result, other people who love them have to spend huge amounts of time and money to make sure they don't crumble away.
But it's not just the Parthenon. It's that way with everything we build, no matter how magnificent. Even the most well-built structure will weaken as time goes by.
What's true of buildings is also true of us--in one way. While we never think it's possible when we are in our twenties, eventually our bodies will begin to look like the Parthenon--worse for the wear.
There is a delicious and exciting dichotomy in our existence, however. While aging may take away the physical vibrancy of youth, there's another part of us that can be headed in the other direction. Spiritually, we can improve day by day even while our body heads toward its mortal end (now, there's a pleasant concept).
Our knees may get a little creaky and slow us down, but our prayer-life can be picking up speed. Our eyes may grow a little dimmer and need help, but the Word of God can shine brighter and become more precious to us as the days pass. It's the spirit that we nurture, knowing that the natural body is just temporary.
The eventual failure of the body is a given, but the spiritual renewal we need isn't. It takes an investment to nurture our relationship with God.
Whether you live in a body that is still fresh as a modern building or one that is looking a little like the Coliseum--you are getting older. But your spiritual life can grow stronger every day. --Dave Branon
DESTINATION POINTS
* If I had a spiritual mirror I could look into, would I look better or worse today than I did 5 years ago?
* Judged by the time I spend on it, which am I more interested in--my physical appearance or my spiritual well-being?
* What do I want to look like spiritually this time next year?
LINKS
The Parthenon
Roman Colosseum
Finishing Well
bottom line: Older can be better--on the inside.
soul journey
Thursday, February 17, 2005
THE LOOK
Colossians 4:2-6
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
As I waited for my blood test, I noticed a young woman with tears in her eyes who was sitting across from me. Her bald head (matching my own), let me know that she was a fellow chemotherapy patient. She had the look. After six chemo cycles of my own, I knew the look well.
Prior to my cancer diagnosis, I wouldn't have felt the same things when this stranger entered the room. Sure, there would have been some empathy and compassion--but nothing like what I was experiencing in the waiting room on this day. Real compassion. Heartfelt concern. Intimate empathy.
After talking with her for a few minutes, I learned that Diana was having a tough time. The treatments were making her sick and the meds weren't helping at all. I asked, "Diana, may I pray for you?"
She nodded and leaned forward in her seat with her head bowed. As I prayed, the words flowed freely from my lips. I wasn't concerned that other patients were near us. Prior to my own diagnosis, this would have been an awkward--not natural--act.
What was the difference? In the previous months, God had allowed me to experience some things that gave me "permission" to speak to the deep needs of a stranger. He had also given me courage to show His love more boldly.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that God will use you to minister to a particular group of people only after you've experienced their challenge. But it is true that people will be naturally drawn to you if you've drunk from their "cup."
What has God allowed you to go through? What gives you permission to speak with others about their deepest need--Jesus? Paul wrote in Colossians about our need to take advantage of faith-sharing opportunities. He said we should be "watchful," be "wise," and "make the most of every opportunity" (4:2,5).
Use your "look" to present people a clear image of Jesus today! --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* What difficulties of my own can be the key to reaching out to others with similar struggles?
* How can I become more courageous in sharing what God has done for me?
bottom line: Pain can be a starting place for sharing your faith.
soul journey
Colossians 4:2-6
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
As I waited for my blood test, I noticed a young woman with tears in her eyes who was sitting across from me. Her bald head (matching my own), let me know that she was a fellow chemotherapy patient. She had the look. After six chemo cycles of my own, I knew the look well.
Prior to my cancer diagnosis, I wouldn't have felt the same things when this stranger entered the room. Sure, there would have been some empathy and compassion--but nothing like what I was experiencing in the waiting room on this day. Real compassion. Heartfelt concern. Intimate empathy.
After talking with her for a few minutes, I learned that Diana was having a tough time. The treatments were making her sick and the meds weren't helping at all. I asked, "Diana, may I pray for you?"
She nodded and leaned forward in her seat with her head bowed. As I prayed, the words flowed freely from my lips. I wasn't concerned that other patients were near us. Prior to my own diagnosis, this would have been an awkward--not natural--act.
What was the difference? In the previous months, God had allowed me to experience some things that gave me "permission" to speak to the deep needs of a stranger. He had also given me courage to show His love more boldly.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that God will use you to minister to a particular group of people only after you've experienced their challenge. But it is true that people will be naturally drawn to you if you've drunk from their "cup."
What has God allowed you to go through? What gives you permission to speak with others about their deepest need--Jesus? Paul wrote in Colossians about our need to take advantage of faith-sharing opportunities. He said we should be "watchful," be "wise," and "make the most of every opportunity" (4:2,5).
Use your "look" to present people a clear image of Jesus today! --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* What difficulties of my own can be the key to reaching out to others with similar struggles?
* How can I become more courageous in sharing what God has done for me?
bottom line: Pain can be a starting place for sharing your faith.
soul journey
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
WHAT'S UNDER MY VEIL?
Philippians 2:19-30
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon . . . 20 I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. . . . 25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. . . . 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. . . . 29 Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.
When writer Robert Louis Stevenson arrived in Samoa, he was invited to address students training for the pastorate at the Malua Institute. He told the story of a veiled prophet who was a great teacher and light among the people. He wore the veil, he said, because his countenance was so glorious that none could bear the sight of his face. Eventually, the veil decayed and fell away, revealing nothing but an ugly old man.
In Philippians 2, Paul unveiled the character of two men--Timothy and Epaphroditus. Let's take a peek under Timothy's veil. In verse 19, Paul said that Timothy was genuinely concerned about the needs of others. The kingdom of God was his priority, and it showed up in how he cared for other people first. When we pull up the veil again, we see Timothy living a life of consistency before others (v.22). He was as good as he appeared to be. Duplicity had no place in his life. His private and public life were united in perfect harmony.
When we pull up Epaphroditus' veil, we see that he demonstrated what it meant to live in Christian community. He was a brother caring for others, a fellow worker who served others, and a soldier who was loyal to others. Also, he placed the cause of Jesus before his own. The text says he put his life at risk to see others become new and better followers of Jesus. He committed himself to a life of sacrifice and service. He put service before personal security.
What's under your veil? If we lifted it today, what would we find? Would we find the ugliness of egotism, jealousy, selfishness, and pride? Or would we find the glory of Christlike character demonstrated through selfless and sacrificial service and consistent living? Your ideal is what you wish you were. Your reputation is what people say you are. Your character is what you really are. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* What do I find most difficult about living a selfless life?
* How can I grow in my positive character traits?
* What will it take for me to risk and sacrifice more for the cause of Jesus?
bottom line: Character is what you are when no one is looking.
soul journey
Philippians 2:19-30
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon . . . 20 I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. . . . 25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. . . . 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. . . . 29 Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.
When writer Robert Louis Stevenson arrived in Samoa, he was invited to address students training for the pastorate at the Malua Institute. He told the story of a veiled prophet who was a great teacher and light among the people. He wore the veil, he said, because his countenance was so glorious that none could bear the sight of his face. Eventually, the veil decayed and fell away, revealing nothing but an ugly old man.
In Philippians 2, Paul unveiled the character of two men--Timothy and Epaphroditus. Let's take a peek under Timothy's veil. In verse 19, Paul said that Timothy was genuinely concerned about the needs of others. The kingdom of God was his priority, and it showed up in how he cared for other people first. When we pull up the veil again, we see Timothy living a life of consistency before others (v.22). He was as good as he appeared to be. Duplicity had no place in his life. His private and public life were united in perfect harmony.
When we pull up Epaphroditus' veil, we see that he demonstrated what it meant to live in Christian community. He was a brother caring for others, a fellow worker who served others, and a soldier who was loyal to others. Also, he placed the cause of Jesus before his own. The text says he put his life at risk to see others become new and better followers of Jesus. He committed himself to a life of sacrifice and service. He put service before personal security.
What's under your veil? If we lifted it today, what would we find? Would we find the ugliness of egotism, jealousy, selfishness, and pride? Or would we find the glory of Christlike character demonstrated through selfless and sacrificial service and consistent living? Your ideal is what you wish you were. Your reputation is what people say you are. Your character is what you really are. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* What do I find most difficult about living a selfless life?
* How can I grow in my positive character traits?
* What will it take for me to risk and sacrifice more for the cause of Jesus?
bottom line: Character is what you are when no one is looking.
soul journey
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
The Wonderful Effect of Divine Love
Thomas รก Kempis
The Disciple
I BLESS You, O heavenly Father, Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, for having condescended to remember me, a poor creature. Thanks to You, O Father of mercies, God of all consolation, Who with Your comfort sometimes refresh me, who am not worthy of it. I bless You always and glorify You with Your only-begotten Son and the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, forever and ever.
Ah, Lord God, my holy Lover, when You come into my heart, all that is within me will rejoice. You are my glory and the exultation of my heart. You are my hope and refuge in the day of my tribulation. But because my love is as yet weak and my virtue imperfect, I must be strengthened and comforted by You. Visit me often, therefore, and teach me Your holy discipline. Free me from evil passions and cleanse my heart of all disorderly affection so that, healed and purified within, I may be fit to love, strong to suffer, and firm to persevere.
Love is an excellent thing, a very great blessing, indeed. It makes every difficulty easy, and bears all wrongs with equanimity. For it bears a burden without being weighted and renders sweet all that is bitter. The noble love of Jesus spurs to great deeds and excites longing for that which is more perfect. Love tends upward; it will not be held down by anything low. Love wishes to be free and estranged from all worldly affections, lest its inward sight be obstructed, lest it be entangled in any temporal interest and overcome by adversity.
Nothing is sweeter than love, nothing stronger or higher or wider; nothing is more pleasant, nothing fuller, and nothing better in heaven or on earth, for love is born of God and cannot rest except in God, Who is above all created things.
One who is in love flies, runs, and rejoices; he is free, not bound. He gives all for all and possesses all in all, because he rests in the one sovereign Good, Who is above all things, and from Whom every good flows and proceeds. He does not look to the gift but turns himself above all gifts to the Giver.
Love often knows no limits but overflows all bounds. Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of troubles, attempts more than it is able, and does not plead impossibility, because it believes that it may and can do all things. For this reason, it is able to do all, performing and effecting much where he who does not love fails and falls.
Love is watchful. Sleeping, it does not slumber. Wearied, it is not tired. Pressed, it is not straitened. Alarmed, it is not confused, but like a living flame, a burning torch, it forces its way upward and passes unharmed through every obstacle.
If a man loves, he will know the sound of this voice. For this warm affection of soul is a loud voice crying in the ears of God, and it says: "My God, my love, You are all mine and I am all Yours. Give me an increase of love, that I may learn to taste with the inward lips of my heart how sweet it is to love, how sweet to be dissolved in love and bathe in it. Let me be rapt in love. Let me rise above self in great fervor and wonder. Let me sing the hymn of love, and let me follow You, my Love, to the heights. Let my soul exhaust itself in praising You, rejoicing out of love. Let me love You more than myself, and let me not love myself except for Your sake. In You let me love all those who truly love You, as the law of love, which shines forth from You, commands."
Love is swift, sincere, kind, pleasant, and delightful. Love is strong, patient and faithful, prudent, long-suffering, and manly. Love is never self-seeking, for in whatever a person seeks himself there he falls from love. Love is circumspect, humble, and upright. It is neither soft nor light, nor intent upon vain things. It is sober and chaste, firm and quiet, guarded in all the senses. Love is subject and obedient to superiors. It is mean and contemptible in its own eyes, devoted and thankful to God; always trusting and hoping in Him even when He is distasteful to it, for there is no living in love without sorrow. He who is not ready to suffer all things and to stand resigned to the will of the Beloved is not worthy to be called a lover. A lover must embrace willingly all that is difficult and bitter for the sake of the Beloved, and he should not turn away from Him because of adversities.
cbn
Thomas รก Kempis
The Disciple
I BLESS You, O heavenly Father, Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, for having condescended to remember me, a poor creature. Thanks to You, O Father of mercies, God of all consolation, Who with Your comfort sometimes refresh me, who am not worthy of it. I bless You always and glorify You with Your only-begotten Son and the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, forever and ever.
Ah, Lord God, my holy Lover, when You come into my heart, all that is within me will rejoice. You are my glory and the exultation of my heart. You are my hope and refuge in the day of my tribulation. But because my love is as yet weak and my virtue imperfect, I must be strengthened and comforted by You. Visit me often, therefore, and teach me Your holy discipline. Free me from evil passions and cleanse my heart of all disorderly affection so that, healed and purified within, I may be fit to love, strong to suffer, and firm to persevere.
Love is an excellent thing, a very great blessing, indeed. It makes every difficulty easy, and bears all wrongs with equanimity. For it bears a burden without being weighted and renders sweet all that is bitter. The noble love of Jesus spurs to great deeds and excites longing for that which is more perfect. Love tends upward; it will not be held down by anything low. Love wishes to be free and estranged from all worldly affections, lest its inward sight be obstructed, lest it be entangled in any temporal interest and overcome by adversity.
Nothing is sweeter than love, nothing stronger or higher or wider; nothing is more pleasant, nothing fuller, and nothing better in heaven or on earth, for love is born of God and cannot rest except in God, Who is above all created things.
One who is in love flies, runs, and rejoices; he is free, not bound. He gives all for all and possesses all in all, because he rests in the one sovereign Good, Who is above all things, and from Whom every good flows and proceeds. He does not look to the gift but turns himself above all gifts to the Giver.
Love often knows no limits but overflows all bounds. Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of troubles, attempts more than it is able, and does not plead impossibility, because it believes that it may and can do all things. For this reason, it is able to do all, performing and effecting much where he who does not love fails and falls.
Love is watchful. Sleeping, it does not slumber. Wearied, it is not tired. Pressed, it is not straitened. Alarmed, it is not confused, but like a living flame, a burning torch, it forces its way upward and passes unharmed through every obstacle.
If a man loves, he will know the sound of this voice. For this warm affection of soul is a loud voice crying in the ears of God, and it says: "My God, my love, You are all mine and I am all Yours. Give me an increase of love, that I may learn to taste with the inward lips of my heart how sweet it is to love, how sweet to be dissolved in love and bathe in it. Let me be rapt in love. Let me rise above self in great fervor and wonder. Let me sing the hymn of love, and let me follow You, my Love, to the heights. Let my soul exhaust itself in praising You, rejoicing out of love. Let me love You more than myself, and let me not love myself except for Your sake. In You let me love all those who truly love You, as the law of love, which shines forth from You, commands."
Love is swift, sincere, kind, pleasant, and delightful. Love is strong, patient and faithful, prudent, long-suffering, and manly. Love is never self-seeking, for in whatever a person seeks himself there he falls from love. Love is circumspect, humble, and upright. It is neither soft nor light, nor intent upon vain things. It is sober and chaste, firm and quiet, guarded in all the senses. Love is subject and obedient to superiors. It is mean and contemptible in its own eyes, devoted and thankful to God; always trusting and hoping in Him even when He is distasteful to it, for there is no living in love without sorrow. He who is not ready to suffer all things and to stand resigned to the will of the Beloved is not worthy to be called a lover. A lover must embrace willingly all that is difficult and bitter for the sake of the Beloved, and he should not turn away from Him because of adversities.
cbn
Monday, February 14, 2005
Be Still My Soul
Cathy Irvin
If someone asked you, how busy are you these days, what would your response be? I know what mine would be,"Are you kidding?" Not to be sarcastic, but seriously, who isn't? With work, family and church ministry, it is a hurried kind of life. Right? Wrong. The Word tells us that these scriptures should be our guidelines for living.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalm 46:10)
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
I once read a book titled, Come Away My Beloved by Frances J. Roberts. When I read it I felt like I could hear the Lord speak to me. It was full of words that blessed and encouraged me.
We must find quiet time. It is essential to our physical and spiritual well being. Jesus told us to occupy until He comes. Some people believe that this means there is too much to be done here on earth and that we shouldn't waste any time. But He meant for us to be about His business, which is winning souls for the kingdom of God. How can we diligently work for the Lord without taking time to minister to Him? We need to rest and get a second wind? How many lay-men and lay-women in the church, as well as pastors, have burned out simply because they did not take time to rest?
I am talking about being too busy all the time. There are boundaries and there are also priorities every day. We should not try to cram everything into one day.
I think it is time to take some mini-breaks or time outs during our day to focus on God. I know the Lord has been speaking to me to take a break so we can talk. Recently, He showed me that I was overly concerned about exercising a certain amount of time each week and concentrating too much on my eating habits. Instead, He wanted me to take the same amount of time to devote to some special prayer time.
I knew He was talking about a prayer group at work. I am adjusting my life and making time to do what He wants me to do. I find that I come away fulfilled and refreshed. It is because I have been with the Lord. I am about the Father's business instead of dealing endlessly with my own affairs.
Whenever I make what I call a "divine appointment "with the Lord by praising Him, singing to Him, and talking to Him, I immediately get in His presence. I allow Him to minister to me too by having times where I don't say a word. Those times to me are like getting a refreshing drink from a crisp cool stream or feeling the mist off a waterfall.
I know we all want to be productive and we don't deliberately want to abuse the temple of the Lord. We should understand that our bodies do not function well under too much stress. Constantly staying busy will cause us to be ill and can dull our senses to the voice of the Father. We need to hear the gentle voice of the Lord when He calls to us saying, "Be still and know that I am God."
cbn
Cathy Irvin
If someone asked you, how busy are you these days, what would your response be? I know what mine would be,"Are you kidding?" Not to be sarcastic, but seriously, who isn't? With work, family and church ministry, it is a hurried kind of life. Right? Wrong. The Word tells us that these scriptures should be our guidelines for living.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalm 46:10)
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
I once read a book titled, Come Away My Beloved by Frances J. Roberts. When I read it I felt like I could hear the Lord speak to me. It was full of words that blessed and encouraged me.
We must find quiet time. It is essential to our physical and spiritual well being. Jesus told us to occupy until He comes. Some people believe that this means there is too much to be done here on earth and that we shouldn't waste any time. But He meant for us to be about His business, which is winning souls for the kingdom of God. How can we diligently work for the Lord without taking time to minister to Him? We need to rest and get a second wind? How many lay-men and lay-women in the church, as well as pastors, have burned out simply because they did not take time to rest?
I am talking about being too busy all the time. There are boundaries and there are also priorities every day. We should not try to cram everything into one day.
I think it is time to take some mini-breaks or time outs during our day to focus on God. I know the Lord has been speaking to me to take a break so we can talk. Recently, He showed me that I was overly concerned about exercising a certain amount of time each week and concentrating too much on my eating habits. Instead, He wanted me to take the same amount of time to devote to some special prayer time.
I knew He was talking about a prayer group at work. I am adjusting my life and making time to do what He wants me to do. I find that I come away fulfilled and refreshed. It is because I have been with the Lord. I am about the Father's business instead of dealing endlessly with my own affairs.
Whenever I make what I call a "divine appointment "with the Lord by praising Him, singing to Him, and talking to Him, I immediately get in His presence. I allow Him to minister to me too by having times where I don't say a word. Those times to me are like getting a refreshing drink from a crisp cool stream or feeling the mist off a waterfall.
I know we all want to be productive and we don't deliberately want to abuse the temple of the Lord. We should understand that our bodies do not function well under too much stress. Constantly staying busy will cause us to be ill and can dull our senses to the voice of the Father. We need to hear the gentle voice of the Lord when He calls to us saying, "Be still and know that I am God."
cbn
Sunday, February 13, 2005
The Devotion of Hearing
Samuel answered, ’Speak, for Your servant hears’ —1 Samuel 3:10
Just because I have listened carefully and intently to one thing from God does not mean that I will listen to everything He says. I show God my lack of love and respect for Him by the insensitivity of my heart and mind toward what He says. If I love my friend, I will instinctively understand what he wants. And Jesus said, "You are My friends . . ." ( John 15:14 ). Have I disobeyed some command of my Lord’s this week? If I had realized that it was a command of Jesus, I would not have deliberately disobeyed it. But most of us show incredible disrespect to God because we don’t even hear Him. He might as well never have spoken to us.
The goal of my spiritual life is such close identification with Jesus Christ that I will always hear God and know that God always hears me (see John 11:41 ). If I am united with Jesus Christ, I hear God all the time through the devotion of hearing. A flower, a tree, or a servant of God may convey God’s message to me. What hinders me from hearing is my attention to other things. It is not that I don’t want to hear God, but I am not devoted in the right areas of my life. I am devoted to things and even to service and my own convictions. God may say whatever He wants, but I just don’t hear Him. The attitude of a child of God should always be, "Speak, for Your servant hears." If I have not developed and nurtured this devotion of hearing, I can only hear God’s voice at certain times. At other times I become deaf to Him because my attention is to other things—things which I think I must do. This is not living the life of a child of God. Have you heard God’s voice today?
my utmost for His highest
Samuel answered, ’Speak, for Your servant hears’ —1 Samuel 3:10
Just because I have listened carefully and intently to one thing from God does not mean that I will listen to everything He says. I show God my lack of love and respect for Him by the insensitivity of my heart and mind toward what He says. If I love my friend, I will instinctively understand what he wants. And Jesus said, "You are My friends . . ." ( John 15:14 ). Have I disobeyed some command of my Lord’s this week? If I had realized that it was a command of Jesus, I would not have deliberately disobeyed it. But most of us show incredible disrespect to God because we don’t even hear Him. He might as well never have spoken to us.
The goal of my spiritual life is such close identification with Jesus Christ that I will always hear God and know that God always hears me (see John 11:41 ). If I am united with Jesus Christ, I hear God all the time through the devotion of hearing. A flower, a tree, or a servant of God may convey God’s message to me. What hinders me from hearing is my attention to other things. It is not that I don’t want to hear God, but I am not devoted in the right areas of my life. I am devoted to things and even to service and my own convictions. God may say whatever He wants, but I just don’t hear Him. The attitude of a child of God should always be, "Speak, for Your servant hears." If I have not developed and nurtured this devotion of hearing, I can only hear God’s voice at certain times. At other times I become deaf to Him because my attention is to other things—things which I think I must do. This is not living the life of a child of God. Have you heard God’s voice today?
my utmost for His highest
Saturday, February 12, 2005
PAIN'S PROMISE
Psalm 51:15-19
15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. 18 In Your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight You; then bulls will be offered on Your altar.
It was late but Meredith, distressed and teary, needed to talk. Earlier that evening her fiancรฉ had called off their wedding. She now faced the humiliating task of telling family and friends the news, as well as wrapping and returning all those beautiful engagement presents. The pain plunged deep within Meredith's heart, because years earlier a previous love had done the same thing to her.
A couple of months later, however, Meredith could share with a small group of close friends: "I never want to go through it again--but it's been good! I've never felt God as close to me as I have these past few months."
Ever had that experience--God seeming closest during a crisis you'd never want to repeat?
For me, the number of journal pages devoted to a year indicate how good or how bad it was. My 2001 is rather slim while my 1998 journal bulged with worries and fears. Yet, that year's edition holds some of the most life-changing, destiny-directing lessons I've learned.
God wastes nothing, not even suffering. He can use our pain to build our faith, even when that suffering is the result of sin. King David's affair with Bathsheba resulted in murder and grief, and the child born from that union was lost in judgment upon David (2 Samuel 12:14).
Then in God's timing, Solomon was born (2 Samuel 12:24). This man, when offered anything he wanted, chose wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-9). He became Israel's king and composed many of the proverbs we enjoy (see Proverbs 10-22:16, 25-29, Psalms 72 and 127). The world would have been better without David's personal failure, but it would have been poorer without Solomon.
Neither suffering nor sin is beyond God's redemptive reach. Pain is not without its rewards either. "We also rejoice in our sufferings," wrote the apostle Paul, "because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4).
It's encouraging to know that the pain we feel can be used by God in beautiful ways. --Sheridan Voysey
DESTINATION POINTS
* When have I felt especially close to God? What was happening in my life?
* If God uses pain for my good, how should I respond in times of suffering?
LINKS
On the Threshold
bottom line: God can transform your brokenness into beauty.
soul journey
Psalm 51:15-19
15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. 18 In Your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight You; then bulls will be offered on Your altar.
It was late but Meredith, distressed and teary, needed to talk. Earlier that evening her fiancรฉ had called off their wedding. She now faced the humiliating task of telling family and friends the news, as well as wrapping and returning all those beautiful engagement presents. The pain plunged deep within Meredith's heart, because years earlier a previous love had done the same thing to her.
A couple of months later, however, Meredith could share with a small group of close friends: "I never want to go through it again--but it's been good! I've never felt God as close to me as I have these past few months."
Ever had that experience--God seeming closest during a crisis you'd never want to repeat?
For me, the number of journal pages devoted to a year indicate how good or how bad it was. My 2001 is rather slim while my 1998 journal bulged with worries and fears. Yet, that year's edition holds some of the most life-changing, destiny-directing lessons I've learned.
God wastes nothing, not even suffering. He can use our pain to build our faith, even when that suffering is the result of sin. King David's affair with Bathsheba resulted in murder and grief, and the child born from that union was lost in judgment upon David (2 Samuel 12:14).
Then in God's timing, Solomon was born (2 Samuel 12:24). This man, when offered anything he wanted, chose wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-9). He became Israel's king and composed many of the proverbs we enjoy (see Proverbs 10-22:16, 25-29, Psalms 72 and 127). The world would have been better without David's personal failure, but it would have been poorer without Solomon.
Neither suffering nor sin is beyond God's redemptive reach. Pain is not without its rewards either. "We also rejoice in our sufferings," wrote the apostle Paul, "because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4).
It's encouraging to know that the pain we feel can be used by God in beautiful ways. --Sheridan Voysey
DESTINATION POINTS
* When have I felt especially close to God? What was happening in my life?
* If God uses pain for my good, how should I respond in times of suffering?
LINKS
On the Threshold
bottom line: God can transform your brokenness into beauty.
soul journey
Thursday, February 10, 2005
HEARING GOD'S VOICE
2 Peter 1:16-21
16 We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased." 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with Him on the sacred mountain. 19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
We all want evidence that supports our faith in Jesus. One proof we'd like sometimes is an audible word from God--a voice out of the sky saying something like, "I'm here and everything will be all right." That's because people we love talk audibly to us every day, so we'd like the One who loves us most to talk to us in a voice we can hear.
It appears that only a small number of followers of God have ever heard directly from Him in a voice that could be picked up by the human ear. Moses heard the voice of God a number of times, but we have no record of his hearing it for the first 80 years of his life. Yet through all those years of God's silence, Moses didn't abandon the faith of his fathers. What an example that is for us.
Consider this: We're surrounded by material evidence of God's existence in the created world every day. But from the creation, we know mainly of His eternal power and His awesome nature (Romans 1:20). We don't get personal messages there. We also have the Bible--the inspired Word of God--but it's a written message.
So do we ever get any kind of audible messages from God? Yes we do: from His people as they are led by His Holy Spirit--speaking truth in accordance with His written Word.
In the apostle Paul's letters, we're told that the church is made up of people who are the body of Christ. That means they're aligned with Jesus' truth, and are reaching out as if He were here in the flesh today: touching, serving, speaking truthful words of encouragement, correction, and guidance to one another.
The next time a believer speaks to you--one who lives a solid life and has demonstrated godly wisdom based in God's Word--listen up! There may be some biblical truth you need to hear. --Dean Ohlman
DESTINATION POINTS
* How are other believers in Jesus the hands, feet, and voice of God to me?
* How can I be the voice of God to others?
* How often do my words serve a godly and eternal purpose?
LINKS
The Church We NeedWhat Does It Take To Follow Christ?God's Talking to You!
bottom line: My voice can bring God's message to others.
soul journey
2 Peter 1:16-21
16 We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased." 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with Him on the sacred mountain. 19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
We all want evidence that supports our faith in Jesus. One proof we'd like sometimes is an audible word from God--a voice out of the sky saying something like, "I'm here and everything will be all right." That's because people we love talk audibly to us every day, so we'd like the One who loves us most to talk to us in a voice we can hear.
It appears that only a small number of followers of God have ever heard directly from Him in a voice that could be picked up by the human ear. Moses heard the voice of God a number of times, but we have no record of his hearing it for the first 80 years of his life. Yet through all those years of God's silence, Moses didn't abandon the faith of his fathers. What an example that is for us.
Consider this: We're surrounded by material evidence of God's existence in the created world every day. But from the creation, we know mainly of His eternal power and His awesome nature (Romans 1:20). We don't get personal messages there. We also have the Bible--the inspired Word of God--but it's a written message.
So do we ever get any kind of audible messages from God? Yes we do: from His people as they are led by His Holy Spirit--speaking truth in accordance with His written Word.
In the apostle Paul's letters, we're told that the church is made up of people who are the body of Christ. That means they're aligned with Jesus' truth, and are reaching out as if He were here in the flesh today: touching, serving, speaking truthful words of encouragement, correction, and guidance to one another.
The next time a believer speaks to you--one who lives a solid life and has demonstrated godly wisdom based in God's Word--listen up! There may be some biblical truth you need to hear. --Dean Ohlman
DESTINATION POINTS
* How are other believers in Jesus the hands, feet, and voice of God to me?
* How can I be the voice of God to others?
* How often do my words serve a godly and eternal purpose?
LINKS
The Church We NeedWhat Does It Take To Follow Christ?God's Talking to You!
bottom line: My voice can bring God's message to others.
soul journey
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
LOST BOOKS OF THE BIBLE
Galatians 1:6-8
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!
1 John 4:1-3
1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ put a spotlight on Jesus of Nazareth and attracted an international audience. But a new media event on the horizon will most certainly confuse people about Him. The bestselling "historical" novel The Da Vinci Code will soon be a movie directed by Ron Howard. Everybody likes a good story, but some readers are taking the book to be fact.
Sadly, author Dan Brown radically misrepresents history. Central to the plotline is the allegation that the "lost books of the Bible" have been suppressed by the church. In his book, he states that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and had children with her. He argues that the New Testament portrait of Jesus is only an invention of the church to consolidate its power and suppress the "divine feminine."
We do know that ancient documents were found at Nag Hammadi, Egypt, in 1945. The Secret Books of James and The Gospel of Thomas are just a few of the titles in this collection. Although not written down at the time of Christ, their claims have set off speculation about an alternative to traditional Christianity. Denying the biblical Jesus, these books promote goddess worship, self-deity, and secret knowledge.
So why were they excluded from the Bible? They didn't measure up to the criteria used in determining authentic Scripture: Was it written by an apostle? Did the book have universal acceptance by all the churches? Did the Holy Spirit speak through it? These gnostic gospels did not pass the test, but the New Testament books did.
In Unger's Bible Handbook, we read, "By AD 200 the New Testament contained essentially the same books as we have today. These were regarded with the same authority and finality by Christians then as they are now."
As friends read The Da Vinci Code and when the film version hits the theaters, we need to be ready to respond to its false claims with the truth of God's eternal Word (1 Peter 3:15). --Dennis Fisher
DESTINATION POINTS
* Which of my friends have read "The Da Vinci Code"? Why not pray for a loving spirit to bring their attention to Jesus?
* How does the book "The Da Vinci Code" exhibit a spirit of antichrist? (1 John 4:3).
LINKS
Decoding "The Da Vinci Code"Can I Really Trust The Bible
bottom line: The "lost books" were found to be untrue.
soul journey
Galatians 1:6-8
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!
1 John 4:1-3
1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ put a spotlight on Jesus of Nazareth and attracted an international audience. But a new media event on the horizon will most certainly confuse people about Him. The bestselling "historical" novel The Da Vinci Code will soon be a movie directed by Ron Howard. Everybody likes a good story, but some readers are taking the book to be fact.
Sadly, author Dan Brown radically misrepresents history. Central to the plotline is the allegation that the "lost books of the Bible" have been suppressed by the church. In his book, he states that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and had children with her. He argues that the New Testament portrait of Jesus is only an invention of the church to consolidate its power and suppress the "divine feminine."
We do know that ancient documents were found at Nag Hammadi, Egypt, in 1945. The Secret Books of James and The Gospel of Thomas are just a few of the titles in this collection. Although not written down at the time of Christ, their claims have set off speculation about an alternative to traditional Christianity. Denying the biblical Jesus, these books promote goddess worship, self-deity, and secret knowledge.
So why were they excluded from the Bible? They didn't measure up to the criteria used in determining authentic Scripture: Was it written by an apostle? Did the book have universal acceptance by all the churches? Did the Holy Spirit speak through it? These gnostic gospels did not pass the test, but the New Testament books did.
In Unger's Bible Handbook, we read, "By AD 200 the New Testament contained essentially the same books as we have today. These were regarded with the same authority and finality by Christians then as they are now."
As friends read The Da Vinci Code and when the film version hits the theaters, we need to be ready to respond to its false claims with the truth of God's eternal Word (1 Peter 3:15). --Dennis Fisher
DESTINATION POINTS
* Which of my friends have read "The Da Vinci Code"? Why not pray for a loving spirit to bring their attention to Jesus?
* How does the book "The Da Vinci Code" exhibit a spirit of antichrist? (1 John 4:3).
LINKS
Decoding "The Da Vinci Code"Can I Really Trust The Bible
bottom line: The "lost books" were found to be untrue.
soul journey
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
The Heart Specialist
Missey Butler
I made a decision a while back to follow up on a promise that was made to me years ago. That promise is found in the book of Ezekiel. God said He would give me a new heart and take away the stony heart. (Ezekiel 36:26) Yet, I have to be honest. For years, off and on, I had heard that wonderful Scripture. But somehow, my interpretation translated into a future happening -- a "down-the-road" kind of experience.
I felt that one day, I would wake up and discover that my heart was brand new. Then, spiritually speaking, my life would finally begin to take shape.
Many years passed and the promise seemed to become more and more elusive to me. The dream never seemed to manifest the way I believed it would. I tried everything from "confess and possess" to "believe and receive." I was always quick to remind myself what it says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, that I am a new creation in Christ. Old things have passed away and behold all things have become new.
It seemed that the harder I would try to walk by faith and be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, sooner or later that old stony heart would re-appear. After a while, I found myself questioning foundational things like, "Am I really saved? Or, "Is not my heart the symbol God uses to represent Himself in me. And if that is the case, I really don't like what I see."
So, I began an intensive search for what was causing my unhealthy heart condition. I decided to make an appointment with a well-known heart specialist (also known as, the Great Physician). When I called Him, He was very gracious to fit me into His already busy schedule. Although He never said it, I'm sure He recognized me to be a "code blue" in need of urgent care!
While under His examination, my Doctor helped me to recall a certain country song that I dearly loved. With steel guitar lazily whining in the background, I began to replay an almost forgotten lyric over and over in my mind. It went something like this...
The heart won't lie … sometimes life gets in the way … but this foolish heart still says, that the heart won't lie!
Suddenly, I became aware that my thoughts were being rerouted to the truth of God's Word. I heard these words reverberate within my Spirit!
The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)
What's that? You mean my heart does lie? So much for romantic love songs.
The reality was this. My heart "can" lie, no doubt about it. Talk about a wake-up call! I quickly began to discover some rather serious instruction regarding this important life pump. God seemed to be saying that you better look closely at this little ticker, because it has a tendency toward evil.
As Blaise Pascal said in a very thought provoking statement, "The heart has her reasons for which the mind knows nothing about."
Wow! I was beginning to recognize how easily my heart had become deceived. Proverbs sends up another warning when it says,
Guard your heart with all diligence because out of it flow the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).
With a healthy dose of reality, I started to see that this little "command center" in the middle of my being was a direct indicator of just how my life was going. After all, this vital organ itself is also known to be the very seat of my affections:
Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matthew 6:21).
After the series of tests were completed, I was relieved to see my cardiologist enter the room. With chart in hand, like a wise old country doctor, He sat down before me and looked intently over His glasses at me and did a little more probing.
"My dear, it is very simple. Where is your treasure? What is it you love most?" Then He asked me a very interesting question. "How familiar are you with the beloved disciple John? Do you recall the famous painting of the Last Supper? Did you notice what John was doing? He was leaning against the breast of Jesus, listening to the very heartbeat of the Lord."
"My beloved, I believe I have the cure for your heart problem. My prescribed remedy for you is this - Do what John did. Once in the morning and once in the evening, in the stillness and the quiet, lay your head against the Master's chest and allow His heartbeat to become your own. Get plenty of rest and don't forget to call Me in the morning. You will soon begin to experience an immediate improvement."
"And never forget - miracles often happen when we are unaware of them. One day you will begin to notice more of a Christ-likeness in all you think and do. Know then, that your new heart has been divinely transplanted as it beats in perfect rhythm with the Master's."
I was in deep thought as I walked out of the clinic that day. I happened to look down at the handwritten prescription I was given. There, my heart specialist wrote these words - "As often as you can, spend time in my Word and learn of Me. Always remember that my desire for you is to be fully persuaded that what I have promised - I am able to perform (Romans 4: 21).
I knew at that moment, no follow-up visits would be necessary. I was already beginning to feel better. After all, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine (Proverbs 17:22). The Great Physician had been accurate in His diagnosis!
As I continued down the sidewalk, I smiled to myself when I remembered that "in Him I live and move and have my being." The truth of God's Word had always been there for me. Even after all the years of disappointment, my "Promisekeeper" had proven Himself faithful by making good on His promise to me. It was quite a joyous moment when I realized there was no longer any need for concern, that my heart was going to be just fine!
cbn
Missey Butler
I made a decision a while back to follow up on a promise that was made to me years ago. That promise is found in the book of Ezekiel. God said He would give me a new heart and take away the stony heart. (Ezekiel 36:26) Yet, I have to be honest. For years, off and on, I had heard that wonderful Scripture. But somehow, my interpretation translated into a future happening -- a "down-the-road" kind of experience.
I felt that one day, I would wake up and discover that my heart was brand new. Then, spiritually speaking, my life would finally begin to take shape.
Many years passed and the promise seemed to become more and more elusive to me. The dream never seemed to manifest the way I believed it would. I tried everything from "confess and possess" to "believe and receive." I was always quick to remind myself what it says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, that I am a new creation in Christ. Old things have passed away and behold all things have become new.
It seemed that the harder I would try to walk by faith and be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, sooner or later that old stony heart would re-appear. After a while, I found myself questioning foundational things like, "Am I really saved? Or, "Is not my heart the symbol God uses to represent Himself in me. And if that is the case, I really don't like what I see."
So, I began an intensive search for what was causing my unhealthy heart condition. I decided to make an appointment with a well-known heart specialist (also known as, the Great Physician). When I called Him, He was very gracious to fit me into His already busy schedule. Although He never said it, I'm sure He recognized me to be a "code blue" in need of urgent care!
While under His examination, my Doctor helped me to recall a certain country song that I dearly loved. With steel guitar lazily whining in the background, I began to replay an almost forgotten lyric over and over in my mind. It went something like this...
The heart won't lie … sometimes life gets in the way … but this foolish heart still says, that the heart won't lie!
Suddenly, I became aware that my thoughts were being rerouted to the truth of God's Word. I heard these words reverberate within my Spirit!
The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)
What's that? You mean my heart does lie? So much for romantic love songs.
The reality was this. My heart "can" lie, no doubt about it. Talk about a wake-up call! I quickly began to discover some rather serious instruction regarding this important life pump. God seemed to be saying that you better look closely at this little ticker, because it has a tendency toward evil.
As Blaise Pascal said in a very thought provoking statement, "The heart has her reasons for which the mind knows nothing about."
Wow! I was beginning to recognize how easily my heart had become deceived. Proverbs sends up another warning when it says,
Guard your heart with all diligence because out of it flow the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).
With a healthy dose of reality, I started to see that this little "command center" in the middle of my being was a direct indicator of just how my life was going. After all, this vital organ itself is also known to be the very seat of my affections:
Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matthew 6:21).
After the series of tests were completed, I was relieved to see my cardiologist enter the room. With chart in hand, like a wise old country doctor, He sat down before me and looked intently over His glasses at me and did a little more probing.
"My dear, it is very simple. Where is your treasure? What is it you love most?" Then He asked me a very interesting question. "How familiar are you with the beloved disciple John? Do you recall the famous painting of the Last Supper? Did you notice what John was doing? He was leaning against the breast of Jesus, listening to the very heartbeat of the Lord."
"My beloved, I believe I have the cure for your heart problem. My prescribed remedy for you is this - Do what John did. Once in the morning and once in the evening, in the stillness and the quiet, lay your head against the Master's chest and allow His heartbeat to become your own. Get plenty of rest and don't forget to call Me in the morning. You will soon begin to experience an immediate improvement."
"And never forget - miracles often happen when we are unaware of them. One day you will begin to notice more of a Christ-likeness in all you think and do. Know then, that your new heart has been divinely transplanted as it beats in perfect rhythm with the Master's."
I was in deep thought as I walked out of the clinic that day. I happened to look down at the handwritten prescription I was given. There, my heart specialist wrote these words - "As often as you can, spend time in my Word and learn of Me. Always remember that my desire for you is to be fully persuaded that what I have promised - I am able to perform (Romans 4: 21).
I knew at that moment, no follow-up visits would be necessary. I was already beginning to feel better. After all, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine (Proverbs 17:22). The Great Physician had been accurate in His diagnosis!
As I continued down the sidewalk, I smiled to myself when I remembered that "in Him I live and move and have my being." The truth of God's Word had always been there for me. Even after all the years of disappointment, my "Promisekeeper" had proven Himself faithful by making good on His promise to me. It was quite a joyous moment when I realized there was no longer any need for concern, that my heart was going to be just fine!
cbn
Monday, February 07, 2005
WHAT WE'RE FIGHTING FOR
Luke 4:16-19
16 He went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom. And He stood up to read. 17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it is written: 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
Galatians 5:1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
The movie Gettysburg brings to life the three bloodiest days of US history. Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain (played by Jeff Daniels) learns that his 20th Maine Regiment is going to receive 120 Union soldiers who had mutinied.
"Here's the situation," Chamberlain tells them. "The whole Reb army is up the road a ways, waiting for us. This is no time for argument. I tell you, we could surely use you fellows. . . . You know who we are. But if you fight alongside us, there's a few things you must know. . . . This is a different kind of army. If you look back through history, you'll see men fighting for pay, for women, for some other kind of loot. They fight for land, power, because the king leads them, or just because they like killing. But we are here for something new. . . . We are an army out to set other men free."
In Luke 4:18, Jesus identified Himself as the subject of Isaiah's prophecy, as the One who would come to set people free--to "proclaim freedom." The "good news" includes both the joyful announcement in Luke 1:19 and the message of the angel in Luke 2:10-11. The "year of the Lord's favor" is reminiscent of the year of Jubilee (held once every 50 years) when debts were forgiven and slaves were set free (Leviticus 25:8-17). It was a demonstration of God's sovereign grace that brings freedom from the guilt and the effects of sin.
Today, Jesus is creating an army of His followers, who have been set free by His precious blood. He has given us the message that can set people free. You are part of a chosen group of people, a kingdom of priests, God's holy army, and His treasured possession. This is so you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of darkness into the wonderful light of His love and grace.
Let's go and see people set free through the life-changing message of Jesus. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* Have I been set free by the love and grace of God through Jesus?
* Who in my world has been set free spiritually because of my verbal or lifestyle witness?
* Whose freedom can I pray for and actively seek this week?
bottom line: Help others find freedom in Jesus
soul journey
Luke 4:16-19
16 He went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom. And He stood up to read. 17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it is written: 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
Galatians 5:1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
The movie Gettysburg brings to life the three bloodiest days of US history. Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain (played by Jeff Daniels) learns that his 20th Maine Regiment is going to receive 120 Union soldiers who had mutinied.
"Here's the situation," Chamberlain tells them. "The whole Reb army is up the road a ways, waiting for us. This is no time for argument. I tell you, we could surely use you fellows. . . . You know who we are. But if you fight alongside us, there's a few things you must know. . . . This is a different kind of army. If you look back through history, you'll see men fighting for pay, for women, for some other kind of loot. They fight for land, power, because the king leads them, or just because they like killing. But we are here for something new. . . . We are an army out to set other men free."
In Luke 4:18, Jesus identified Himself as the subject of Isaiah's prophecy, as the One who would come to set people free--to "proclaim freedom." The "good news" includes both the joyful announcement in Luke 1:19 and the message of the angel in Luke 2:10-11. The "year of the Lord's favor" is reminiscent of the year of Jubilee (held once every 50 years) when debts were forgiven and slaves were set free (Leviticus 25:8-17). It was a demonstration of God's sovereign grace that brings freedom from the guilt and the effects of sin.
Today, Jesus is creating an army of His followers, who have been set free by His precious blood. He has given us the message that can set people free. You are part of a chosen group of people, a kingdom of priests, God's holy army, and His treasured possession. This is so you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of darkness into the wonderful light of His love and grace.
Let's go and see people set free through the life-changing message of Jesus. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* Have I been set free by the love and grace of God through Jesus?
* Who in my world has been set free spiritually because of my verbal or lifestyle witness?
* Whose freedom can I pray for and actively seek this week?
bottom line: Help others find freedom in Jesus
soul journey
Sunday, February 06, 2005
“Ooops! About That Self-Esteem Thing…”
John Fischer
I just read an article in the newspaper by an author and professor of psychology at a state university who was involved in a task force over thirty years ago to study the benefits of a high self-esteem. It was thought, at the time, that improving self-esteem would solve such problems as crime, teen pregnancy, school failure, drug abuse and domestic violence. The professor admitted that even back then, the evidence didn’t come in as conclusively as they hoped for, but they kept on touting the value of self-esteem anyway, expecting that time would reveal mountains of new evidence.
Well, five years ago, this same gentleman was named to another task force to wade through those mountains of research and study on self-esteem, and come up with some open-minded conclusions. And what did they find? They found out that boosting a person’s self-esteem didn’t make them better; it only made them think they were better, which tended to make them more arrogant and less of a benefit to those around them. In other words, boosting self-esteem caused more problems than it solved.
It’s amazing how such a casual article on the opinion page of a national newspaper can admit that the learned community of the western world has been selling us a lie for a generation. “A generation—and many millions of dollars—later,” he writes, “it turns out we may have been mistaken.”
Of course it’s not all their fault. We bought it. We liked believing in the values of self-esteem. It felt so good to have a clinically proven reason to boost the self.
It does explain a lot, however. For one thing, it explains how finding that we were made not for ourselves but for Someone else and for a purpose beyond ourselves has been like salve to an oozing wound of a society that bought the lie. Why else would 20 million people, raised on the values of self-esteem, buy a book that started out: “It’s not about you”?
After thirty years of following the wrong trail, this psychology professor concluded, “my recommendation is this: Forget about self-esteem and concentrate more on self-control and self-discipline.” It’s nice to have it confirmed, though our Bibles have been saying this all along. For instance, here’s something to meditate on today:
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind….Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. (Romans 12:2-3 NLT)
Self-esteem is important—Jesus assumed a healthy self-esteem when he told us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves—but I don’t think it’s something most of us need to spend a lot of time on. Better to put esteem into loving God and serving others, and I think we’ll come along just fine.
PDL
John Fischer
I just read an article in the newspaper by an author and professor of psychology at a state university who was involved in a task force over thirty years ago to study the benefits of a high self-esteem. It was thought, at the time, that improving self-esteem would solve such problems as crime, teen pregnancy, school failure, drug abuse and domestic violence. The professor admitted that even back then, the evidence didn’t come in as conclusively as they hoped for, but they kept on touting the value of self-esteem anyway, expecting that time would reveal mountains of new evidence.
Well, five years ago, this same gentleman was named to another task force to wade through those mountains of research and study on self-esteem, and come up with some open-minded conclusions. And what did they find? They found out that boosting a person’s self-esteem didn’t make them better; it only made them think they were better, which tended to make them more arrogant and less of a benefit to those around them. In other words, boosting self-esteem caused more problems than it solved.
It’s amazing how such a casual article on the opinion page of a national newspaper can admit that the learned community of the western world has been selling us a lie for a generation. “A generation—and many millions of dollars—later,” he writes, “it turns out we may have been mistaken.”
Of course it’s not all their fault. We bought it. We liked believing in the values of self-esteem. It felt so good to have a clinically proven reason to boost the self.
It does explain a lot, however. For one thing, it explains how finding that we were made not for ourselves but for Someone else and for a purpose beyond ourselves has been like salve to an oozing wound of a society that bought the lie. Why else would 20 million people, raised on the values of self-esteem, buy a book that started out: “It’s not about you”?
After thirty years of following the wrong trail, this psychology professor concluded, “my recommendation is this: Forget about self-esteem and concentrate more on self-control and self-discipline.” It’s nice to have it confirmed, though our Bibles have been saying this all along. For instance, here’s something to meditate on today:
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind….Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. (Romans 12:2-3 NLT)
Self-esteem is important—Jesus assumed a healthy self-esteem when he told us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves—but I don’t think it’s something most of us need to spend a lot of time on. Better to put esteem into loving God and serving others, and I think we’ll come along just fine.
PDL
Saturday, February 05, 2005
SMOKEY'S MIRACLES
Luke 15:3-7
3 Jesus told them this parable: 4 "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
For years, Smokey Robinson was one of the biggest names in pop music. He wrote hit songs like "The Tracks of My Tears," "My Girl," and "Shop Around." He's in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.
But in the mid-1980s, his life took an unexpected turn. "My life was going exactly as I would have written it," he says, looking back. "But drugs don't care who you are or what you're doing."
What started as a way to unwind and hang out with friends turned into a 2-year addiction. Smokey sums it up this way: "I was dead." But he remembers the day he came alive again. A friend took him to a storefront church. "I turned it over to God. The Lord freed me that night, and when I came out of there I was healed."
Today Smokey wants the world to know about his relationship with Jesus, and he's using his musical talent to do it. His latest album of gospel songs is his way of giving praise and honor to God for His love and grace.
No matter who we are or where we come from, we can lose our way. We never think that we'll be the one to fall into drugs or some other addiction--but it can happen.
One thing you can be sure of: If you're a lost sheep, the Good Shepherd will come looking for you. He wants to carry you home on His strong shoulders (Luke 15:5-6). If you're one of His sheep, He knows you by name. He goes ahead of you and calls you to follow Him. He will lead you if you listen to His voice. "He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out" (John 10:3).
If you've lost your way, if you're far from God, don't give up--there's hope. Turn to Him, He can heal you. Know someone who's wandering, but doesn't recognize the danger? Keep praying. Keep pointing him or her to Jesus. He can do miracles. --Tracy Carbaugh
DESTINATION POINTS
* Which of these Smokey Robinson song titles best describes my life right now: "You Can Depend on Me," "I'll Try Something New," "Choosey Beggar," "Tears of a Clown"?
* Why did Jesus use the metaphor of a shepherd and sheep to describe His relationship with His people?
* What do I need to turn over to Jesus?
LINKS
The Way BackHow To Have A Revival
bottom line: Every sheep needs the Shepherd.
soul journey
Luke 15:3-7
3 Jesus told them this parable: 4 "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
For years, Smokey Robinson was one of the biggest names in pop music. He wrote hit songs like "The Tracks of My Tears," "My Girl," and "Shop Around." He's in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.
But in the mid-1980s, his life took an unexpected turn. "My life was going exactly as I would have written it," he says, looking back. "But drugs don't care who you are or what you're doing."
What started as a way to unwind and hang out with friends turned into a 2-year addiction. Smokey sums it up this way: "I was dead." But he remembers the day he came alive again. A friend took him to a storefront church. "I turned it over to God. The Lord freed me that night, and when I came out of there I was healed."
Today Smokey wants the world to know about his relationship with Jesus, and he's using his musical talent to do it. His latest album of gospel songs is his way of giving praise and honor to God for His love and grace.
No matter who we are or where we come from, we can lose our way. We never think that we'll be the one to fall into drugs or some other addiction--but it can happen.
One thing you can be sure of: If you're a lost sheep, the Good Shepherd will come looking for you. He wants to carry you home on His strong shoulders (Luke 15:5-6). If you're one of His sheep, He knows you by name. He goes ahead of you and calls you to follow Him. He will lead you if you listen to His voice. "He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out" (John 10:3).
If you've lost your way, if you're far from God, don't give up--there's hope. Turn to Him, He can heal you. Know someone who's wandering, but doesn't recognize the danger? Keep praying. Keep pointing him or her to Jesus. He can do miracles. --Tracy Carbaugh
DESTINATION POINTS
* Which of these Smokey Robinson song titles best describes my life right now: "You Can Depend on Me," "I'll Try Something New," "Choosey Beggar," "Tears of a Clown"?
* Why did Jesus use the metaphor of a shepherd and sheep to describe His relationship with His people?
* What do I need to turn over to Jesus?
LINKS
The Way BackHow To Have A Revival
bottom line: Every sheep needs the Shepherd.
soul journey
Thursday, February 03, 2005
The Right Light
Read:1 John 1:1-7
He put the lampstand in the tabernacle of meeting, across from the table, on the south side of the tabernacle. —Exodus 40:24
Bible In One Year: Exodus 21-24
Eating in the dark is no fun. Low light in a restaurant is one thing; eating in a room with no light at all is another. The same is true in our walk with God. Unless we take advantage of the light He gives, we will miss seeing what He is doing for us.
We have an Old Testament picture of this—the tabernacle. As the priest entered a room called the Holy Place, he could see only by the light of a golden lampstand (Exodus 25:31-40). Like everything else in the room, it had been carefully fashioned according to the pattern God gave Moses (v.40).
The lampstand is a picture of spiritual light. The gold speaks of value. The oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit. The six branches coming out from the center shaft portray unity in plurality. The symbol of the almond blossom is linked to God's anointed priesthood (Numbers 17:1-8). When all this is combined with a New Testament reference that uses a golden lampstand to represent the church (Revelation 1:20), we have the complete picture. God gives light through the Spirit, who works through His congregation of anointed people (1 Peter 2:9).
Yes, the Holy Spirit provides us with the light we need. Are we daily spending time in prayer and reading God's Word so that we can take advantage of it? —Mart De Haan
Holy Ghost, with light divine,
Shine upon this heart of mine;
Chase the shades of night away,
Turn my darkness into day. —Reed
The light of God's holiness convicts the sinner and guides the saint.
daily bread
Read:1 John 1:1-7
He put the lampstand in the tabernacle of meeting, across from the table, on the south side of the tabernacle. —Exodus 40:24
Bible In One Year: Exodus 21-24
Eating in the dark is no fun. Low light in a restaurant is one thing; eating in a room with no light at all is another. The same is true in our walk with God. Unless we take advantage of the light He gives, we will miss seeing what He is doing for us.
We have an Old Testament picture of this—the tabernacle. As the priest entered a room called the Holy Place, he could see only by the light of a golden lampstand (Exodus 25:31-40). Like everything else in the room, it had been carefully fashioned according to the pattern God gave Moses (v.40).
The lampstand is a picture of spiritual light. The gold speaks of value. The oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit. The six branches coming out from the center shaft portray unity in plurality. The symbol of the almond blossom is linked to God's anointed priesthood (Numbers 17:1-8). When all this is combined with a New Testament reference that uses a golden lampstand to represent the church (Revelation 1:20), we have the complete picture. God gives light through the Spirit, who works through His congregation of anointed people (1 Peter 2:9).
Yes, the Holy Spirit provides us with the light we need. Are we daily spending time in prayer and reading God's Word so that we can take advantage of it? —Mart De Haan
Holy Ghost, with light divine,
Shine upon this heart of mine;
Chase the shades of night away,
Turn my darkness into day. —Reed
The light of God's holiness convicts the sinner and guides the saint.
daily bread
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
“But She’s Okay Now!”
John Fischer
Instant healing, that’s what my friend said I performed. Of course he was just kidding, but that’s what it seemed like to him.
We were talking on the phone and I realized I hadn’t told him that a co-worker of mine, someone he knew casually, had been undergoing a 9-month bout with cancer. Ironically, however, I had also just heard days before that after numerous chemo treatments, she had been proclaimed clear of cancer. (All visible signs of the cancer that had infiltrated several areas of her body, including her bone marrow, were completely gone.) I hadn’t really figured out how to talk about this to someone who wasn’t aware of her ordeal at all, so it came out rather oddly.
Something like: “I don’t think I ever told you that Sheryl has been fighting cancer for some time now.”
“Oh, no. I’m so sorry to hear that.”
I could sense his emotions starting to wrap around this reality, so as to not have him to go too far with unnecessary sympathies, I quickly interjected, But she’s okay now!” There was a pause.
“Wow, that was the quickest healing I’ve ever heard of,” he said laughing. “John,” he went on, “you just healed someone right in front of me!”
We enjoyed a good laugh over this, but later I got to thinking, there’s something to learn here. In a way, you could say my friend got the God’s eye view of Sheryl’s suffering.
Sheryl’s view was quite different. She got the day to day assault on her body with anti-cancer treatment and all it’s resulting consequences, and she got the day to day uncertainty as to whether any of this was going to do any good. Now this, too, was God’s view, because through the Holy Spirit, He goes through every step of our pain with us. The Holy Spirit even prays for us in groans we cannot even utter (Romans 8:26)! But God also has this other view: “But she’s okay now!” He knew that all along.
From God’s point of view our struggles are over that fast. He knows what He’s doing. He knows why things happen, even if we never do. He has His purposes, and that’s what faith is all about: believing this when we’re stuck in the long haul. All along the way God knows the outcome.
And I suppose there is a way you could say this was true for all of us who put our trust in God for whatever we are going through, and whatever the outcome, including even death itself. God sees it completed. His healing is instant. His comment is always going to be the same.
“But she’s okay now!”
PDL
John Fischer
Instant healing, that’s what my friend said I performed. Of course he was just kidding, but that’s what it seemed like to him.
We were talking on the phone and I realized I hadn’t told him that a co-worker of mine, someone he knew casually, had been undergoing a 9-month bout with cancer. Ironically, however, I had also just heard days before that after numerous chemo treatments, she had been proclaimed clear of cancer. (All visible signs of the cancer that had infiltrated several areas of her body, including her bone marrow, were completely gone.) I hadn’t really figured out how to talk about this to someone who wasn’t aware of her ordeal at all, so it came out rather oddly.
Something like: “I don’t think I ever told you that Sheryl has been fighting cancer for some time now.”
“Oh, no. I’m so sorry to hear that.”
I could sense his emotions starting to wrap around this reality, so as to not have him to go too far with unnecessary sympathies, I quickly interjected, But she’s okay now!” There was a pause.
“Wow, that was the quickest healing I’ve ever heard of,” he said laughing. “John,” he went on, “you just healed someone right in front of me!”
We enjoyed a good laugh over this, but later I got to thinking, there’s something to learn here. In a way, you could say my friend got the God’s eye view of Sheryl’s suffering.
Sheryl’s view was quite different. She got the day to day assault on her body with anti-cancer treatment and all it’s resulting consequences, and she got the day to day uncertainty as to whether any of this was going to do any good. Now this, too, was God’s view, because through the Holy Spirit, He goes through every step of our pain with us. The Holy Spirit even prays for us in groans we cannot even utter (Romans 8:26)! But God also has this other view: “But she’s okay now!” He knew that all along.
From God’s point of view our struggles are over that fast. He knows what He’s doing. He knows why things happen, even if we never do. He has His purposes, and that’s what faith is all about: believing this when we’re stuck in the long haul. All along the way God knows the outcome.
And I suppose there is a way you could say this was true for all of us who put our trust in God for whatever we are going through, and whatever the outcome, including even death itself. God sees it completed. His healing is instant. His comment is always going to be the same.
“But she’s okay now!”
PDL
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
GOD'S MASTERPIECE
Matthew 5:16
16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Ephesians 2:10
10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Michelangelo was once asked what he was doing as he chipped away at a shapeless rock. He replied, "I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free." Isn't God in the same business? He liberates sinners like us from our "shapeless" lives and releases us to serve and display His glory in the world.
Paul said in Ephesians 2:10 that we are God's work of art. In short, we are God's masterpieces. God is Creator, and He called the universe and humanity into being. God's creation is a great work of art, but it is not His greatest masterpiece. His greatest masterpiece is redemption--taking people who were dead in their sins and making them alive in Jesus by His amazing grace. This masterpiece is unparalleled because it cost God His Son.
What does being God's masterpiece require of us? Did God create us just to hang on the walls in the galleries of our homes and sit on pedestals in the museums of our churches? No, we have been created in Jesus for a purpose. We have been ordained to do good works.
According to Matthew 5:16, good works should be a natural result of letting the light of Jesus shine through us. When we have a genuine relationship with Him, they inevitably flow out of our lives. Also, good works should be attractive and positive. People should be drawn to Jesus based on the beauty of our lives, not repelled because of the ugly behavior they see. Our deeds should always point to the Father. The moment we start doing good for any other reason than to glorify our Father, we cease to be a work of art, and begin to become a piece of work.
Good works should be redemptive in nature. We engage in them not to be saved but because we are saved. "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10). --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* How can I make good works more a part of my journey with Jesus?
* How are my deeds attracting people to Jesus?
* How would my life be different if I helped people who couldn't pay me back?
LINKS:
Michelangelo Buonarroti
bottom line: God's art gallery is your life of good works.
soul journey
Matthew 5:16
16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Ephesians 2:10
10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Michelangelo was once asked what he was doing as he chipped away at a shapeless rock. He replied, "I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free." Isn't God in the same business? He liberates sinners like us from our "shapeless" lives and releases us to serve and display His glory in the world.
Paul said in Ephesians 2:10 that we are God's work of art. In short, we are God's masterpieces. God is Creator, and He called the universe and humanity into being. God's creation is a great work of art, but it is not His greatest masterpiece. His greatest masterpiece is redemption--taking people who were dead in their sins and making them alive in Jesus by His amazing grace. This masterpiece is unparalleled because it cost God His Son.
What does being God's masterpiece require of us? Did God create us just to hang on the walls in the galleries of our homes and sit on pedestals in the museums of our churches? No, we have been created in Jesus for a purpose. We have been ordained to do good works.
According to Matthew 5:16, good works should be a natural result of letting the light of Jesus shine through us. When we have a genuine relationship with Him, they inevitably flow out of our lives. Also, good works should be attractive and positive. People should be drawn to Jesus based on the beauty of our lives, not repelled because of the ugly behavior they see. Our deeds should always point to the Father. The moment we start doing good for any other reason than to glorify our Father, we cease to be a work of art, and begin to become a piece of work.
Good works should be redemptive in nature. We engage in them not to be saved but because we are saved. "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10). --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* How can I make good works more a part of my journey with Jesus?
* How are my deeds attracting people to Jesus?
* How would my life be different if I helped people who couldn't pay me back?
LINKS:
Michelangelo Buonarroti
bottom line: God's art gallery is your life of good works.
soul journey