the government’s job
1 I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
To hear some Christians talk, you'd think that it's the government's responsibility to advance righteousness and to be the steward, upholder, promoter, and protector of biblical truth and values. Actually, Christians in the US—where I live—have experienced an unusual season of history. We've had a government that, although led for the most part by people who are not authentically Christian, was built on the fundamental tenets of a biblical heritage. But that has now changed. In fact, it's helpful to remember that most Christians through the ages have lived under hostile, oppressive, pagan systems. And quite frankly, Christians have often done their best in those environments.
God never assigned government the task of upholding scriptural truth. Scripture assigns government the responsibilities of safety, stability, peace, and justice (Romans 13:1-5; 1 Timothy 2:2). We give the wrong impression of the biblical mandate for government when we feel betrayed because it is no longer an advocate for truth and righteousness. The advancement and proclamation of godly values is assigned to our lives, our homes, and our churches. We don't have the luxury of expecting that government will help us in the process.
Early Christians, during times of ruthless political regimes, took the responsibility to uphold their faith under great cultural pressure. They, not their governments, were the light of the world.
It was to these Christians that Paul delineated our responsibilities toward government. We are to honor those in authority over us, pray for them, and pay our taxes. Thankfully, Scripture doesn't say that we have to vote for them; but since they are ultimately placed in authority by God, we are commanded to give them due respect (Romans 13:1-7). This biblical perspective recognizes God's sovereign oversight, realigns our attitudes, and releases us to get on with the business of being the torchbearers he intends us to be. —Joe Stowell www.rbc.org
seeking: Father, how has reflecting on your sovereignty challenged my thinking today? How have you encouraged me with your presence?
responding: Who is in authority over me? How often do I pray for him or her? What is keeping me from praying more?
Father, help me to trust you with the authorities you place over me. I want to serve you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
following: God rules, and uses the people he chooses to rule others.
our journey
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Friday, November 17, 2006
What Thanksgiving Can Do
John Fischer
The worst moment for an atheist comes when he is really thankful and has no one to thank.
- Unknown
Thanksgiving is the theme song of the Christian. For a Christian not to be thankful is like a dog not to wag his tail at his owner's approach.
Thankful Christians walk around grateful for every breath, every sunset, every new morning, every color in the color spectrum, and every star in the sky. Like an alcoholic who is clean and sober, noticing beauty and taste for the first time, we are grateful just to be alive because we have been dead for so long.
It's hard to think of one vice that the virtue of thankfulness cannot render useless. One does not need to steal when one is thankful. A man does not covet his neighbor's wife when he is thankful for his own. No one craves more when he is grateful for what he has.
In the same way, a thankful heart cancels out pride and arrogance. No need to judge other people when you are thankful for who you are. No need to measure yourself by and compare yourself to others when you are thankful for what God has done in your life. No need to keep anyone out of the kingdom of God when you're overwhelmed that you got in. (God can let in anyone He wants. I am simply glad to be counted among the saved.)
You don't care if you get the important seat at the table when you are overcome with gratitude at simply being invited to the dinner. You don't put heavy weights on other people's shoulders when you are thankful that God has lightened your own load. You are not obsessed with what other people think of you when you are overwhelmed with the fact that God is thinking about you all the time. You don't demand respect when you are thankful for your place. You don't have to hide your own sin when you are already thankful for God's forgiveness. You don't have to protect your image when you are already number one with God. You don't have to condemn other people's blindness when it's only the grace of God that has allowed you to see. You don't have to try for the highest place when you are already grateful for whatever place you were given. You don't have to make a show of spirituality when you are thankful for having received the Spirit. You don't have to clothe yourself in holy robes when you have been already clothed in righteousness. You don't have to be full of yourself when you are thankful that God has filled you up with Himself.
Not only do we have a lot to be thankful for, our thankfulness can accomplish much.
PDL
John Fischer
The worst moment for an atheist comes when he is really thankful and has no one to thank.
- Unknown
Thanksgiving is the theme song of the Christian. For a Christian not to be thankful is like a dog not to wag his tail at his owner's approach.
Thankful Christians walk around grateful for every breath, every sunset, every new morning, every color in the color spectrum, and every star in the sky. Like an alcoholic who is clean and sober, noticing beauty and taste for the first time, we are grateful just to be alive because we have been dead for so long.
It's hard to think of one vice that the virtue of thankfulness cannot render useless. One does not need to steal when one is thankful. A man does not covet his neighbor's wife when he is thankful for his own. No one craves more when he is grateful for what he has.
In the same way, a thankful heart cancels out pride and arrogance. No need to judge other people when you are thankful for who you are. No need to measure yourself by and compare yourself to others when you are thankful for what God has done in your life. No need to keep anyone out of the kingdom of God when you're overwhelmed that you got in. (God can let in anyone He wants. I am simply glad to be counted among the saved.)
You don't care if you get the important seat at the table when you are overcome with gratitude at simply being invited to the dinner. You don't put heavy weights on other people's shoulders when you are thankful that God has lightened your own load. You are not obsessed with what other people think of you when you are overwhelmed with the fact that God is thinking about you all the time. You don't demand respect when you are thankful for your place. You don't have to hide your own sin when you are already thankful for God's forgiveness. You don't have to protect your image when you are already number one with God. You don't have to condemn other people's blindness when it's only the grace of God that has allowed you to see. You don't have to try for the highest place when you are already grateful for whatever place you were given. You don't have to make a show of spirituality when you are thankful for having received the Spirit. You don't have to clothe yourself in holy robes when you have been already clothed in righteousness. You don't have to be full of yourself when you are thankful that God has filled you up with Himself.
Not only do we have a lot to be thankful for, our thankfulness can accomplish much.
PDL
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
living out of overflow
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:5-6
I wish that once we learned a spiritual lesson, we would never have to learn it again. With that in mind, recently I had to rediscover the truth of that powerful little phrase in Psalm 23, “My cup overflows” (v.5).
Where does that overflow come from and why isn't my cup full?
Too often we look at life from our capacity. We've got ten things to do today, three people to see, and no time for this or that. We measure it out by our capacity.
But God says, “I don't want you to live for me out of your capacity. Serve me out of your overflow. Focus on me again and you won't have to worry about how to measure out what you give. I'll keep pouring into your life and you can live off the overflow.”
You say, I have no idea how to experience that. What's my problem?
It's hard to accept, but often our problem boils down to sin. We call it more polite names, but anything that causes our cup to stop overflowing is sin. Call it “fatigue” and stop serving the Lord—but it's still sin. Call it “pressures at work” which makes you lose your peace—but it's really sin.
Not many of us think of our lack of abundance as sin, but that's why our cups do not quickly overflow again. Where sin is admitted and confessed, the blood of Jesus cleanses from all unrighteousness. Where his blood cleanses, his Spirit always witnesses in us and the cup runs over again. His blood, however, doesn't cleanse excuses.
When you find yourself holding back for fear of an empty tank, do these two things:
• Ask the Lord to reveal to you what is blocking the abundance in your life and confess it as sin.
• Increase your time in God's Word and in prayer.
Do this regularly and you won't ever have to worry again about having enough. —James MacDonald walkintheword.com
seeking: Father, what have you revealed about my own lack of overflow? What are you drawing out of me?
responding: How often this week have I felt weary in doing the right thing? What's going on? • How can I resist living the Christian life in my own strength?
Thank you, God, for your abundant provision. Let me live from the overflow and claim the opportunities you give me to live for you, to love you, and to serve you. How rich I am!
following: Live out of your overflow in Jesus.
our journey
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:5-6
I wish that once we learned a spiritual lesson, we would never have to learn it again. With that in mind, recently I had to rediscover the truth of that powerful little phrase in Psalm 23, “My cup overflows” (v.5).
Where does that overflow come from and why isn't my cup full?
Too often we look at life from our capacity. We've got ten things to do today, three people to see, and no time for this or that. We measure it out by our capacity.
But God says, “I don't want you to live for me out of your capacity. Serve me out of your overflow. Focus on me again and you won't have to worry about how to measure out what you give. I'll keep pouring into your life and you can live off the overflow.”
You say, I have no idea how to experience that. What's my problem?
It's hard to accept, but often our problem boils down to sin. We call it more polite names, but anything that causes our cup to stop overflowing is sin. Call it “fatigue” and stop serving the Lord—but it's still sin. Call it “pressures at work” which makes you lose your peace—but it's really sin.
Not many of us think of our lack of abundance as sin, but that's why our cups do not quickly overflow again. Where sin is admitted and confessed, the blood of Jesus cleanses from all unrighteousness. Where his blood cleanses, his Spirit always witnesses in us and the cup runs over again. His blood, however, doesn't cleanse excuses.
When you find yourself holding back for fear of an empty tank, do these two things:
• Ask the Lord to reveal to you what is blocking the abundance in your life and confess it as sin.
• Increase your time in God's Word and in prayer.
Do this regularly and you won't ever have to worry again about having enough. —James MacDonald walkintheword.com
seeking: Father, what have you revealed about my own lack of overflow? What are you drawing out of me?
responding: How often this week have I felt weary in doing the right thing? What's going on? • How can I resist living the Christian life in my own strength?
Thank you, God, for your abundant provision. Let me live from the overflow and claim the opportunities you give me to live for you, to love you, and to serve you. How rich I am!
following: Live out of your overflow in Jesus.
our journey
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Handel-ing the Messiah
Dan Betzer
My friend Dr. Don Meyer, the president of Valley Forge Christian College, has written a delightful little book called "Think About It." It is a compilation of newspaper columns Don has written for area publications.
One selection concerns George Frideric Handel, the great composer. In the early 1700s, Handel's popularity had begun to wane and creditors were knocking. His health was marred by depression, insomnia, and rheumatism. In his late 50s, he faced a bleak future.
Then, in 1741, Handel received a letter from a wealthy landowner, Charles Jennens, who had written some lyrics for him in the past. In this letter, Jennens sent a compilation of scriptures which focused on the Christ of God. Handel felt deeply moved in his spirit and began to write.
Within seven days he had completed part one of "Messiah," which concerned Jesus' birth. He wrote the redemption part in another nine days and then, in less than one week, Handel completed the resurrection and future reign of Christ portion including the "Hallelujah Chorus."
On April 13, 1742, "Messiah" made its debut in Dublin to a rousing reception. Handel lived another 17 years and led many more performances of his masterpiece.
Why do we stand today when this great work is presented? When King George II of England first heard "Messiah," he stood. Since no one remains seated when a king stands, the audience also stood. The majestic "Hallelujah Chorus" was performed in our church this week and we all stood and applauded! And were blessed.
Just think -- Handel might never have written "Messiah" had Jennens not sent him that letter.
cbn
Dan Betzer
My friend Dr. Don Meyer, the president of Valley Forge Christian College, has written a delightful little book called "Think About It." It is a compilation of newspaper columns Don has written for area publications.
One selection concerns George Frideric Handel, the great composer. In the early 1700s, Handel's popularity had begun to wane and creditors were knocking. His health was marred by depression, insomnia, and rheumatism. In his late 50s, he faced a bleak future.
Then, in 1741, Handel received a letter from a wealthy landowner, Charles Jennens, who had written some lyrics for him in the past. In this letter, Jennens sent a compilation of scriptures which focused on the Christ of God. Handel felt deeply moved in his spirit and began to write.
Within seven days he had completed part one of "Messiah," which concerned Jesus' birth. He wrote the redemption part in another nine days and then, in less than one week, Handel completed the resurrection and future reign of Christ portion including the "Hallelujah Chorus."
On April 13, 1742, "Messiah" made its debut in Dublin to a rousing reception. Handel lived another 17 years and led many more performances of his masterpiece.
Why do we stand today when this great work is presented? When King George II of England first heard "Messiah," he stood. Since no one remains seated when a king stands, the audience also stood. The majestic "Hallelujah Chorus" was performed in our church this week and we all stood and applauded! And were blessed.
Just think -- Handel might never have written "Messiah" had Jennens not sent him that letter.
cbn
Friday, November 10, 2006
Too Good
by John Fischer
Well, Dwight had an up and down year, and on November 14, 2005 he lost his battle with cancer, but won his battle with Satan over any claim on his eternal soul. He is free at last. This is always so hard, but especially hard when a person has made himself as vulnerable as Dwight has during this process. His emails are now collected in a cancer journal (www.dwightozard.com) that some of you may want to look into but not without a warning: “Danger, contents are painfully real, as in 'Cancer books suck.'” But you will also find things like: “I've discovered that nurses are among the most underpaid and underappreciated people in the world. I've discovered that my best friends are exactly that. I've discovered that my family--all of it, genetic and 'in-law'--are the best. I've discovered my own capacity for ingratitude. I've discovered my wife's unending patience and that she deserves more than I can give her. And I've discovered that a lot of the stuff I've discovered, other people don't think about nearly as much as they should.” As you can see, Dwight was an excellent writer so his work is hard to dismiss. As happens for Christians who walk this road, his faith and hope held up to the end, but not by glossing over the reality of his situation or his real feelings. This is a kind of faith we rarely see, but need to know exists. If it weren't for people like Dwight, we might get the impression that faith paints everything a rosy color and wonder if there is something wrong when our own picture stays bleak and gray. Truth is, faith might not change the picture, but it will come alongside and hold you up and, most importantly, carry you to the end, because the end for those who believe is only the beginning. The following is from an entry in Dwight's journal only a few weeks ago: Either way, we want to just make the most of this thing, to use a metaphor that I'm certain is inappropriate, given my disease, to suck the marrow out the bones of life, to live deeply and without reservation, hesitation or fear. To breathe deep the air of spring and the breath of God, to savor the depths of flavors and the best of God's good earth and to "taste and see" the goodness of God, to hold the things that matter close to the heart, to treasure the hard parts of loving and frolic like a 4-year old in a mud puddle in the good, easy parts. Don't waste this thing.
A year ago almost to the day, in a devotional titled "Sad Little Shovels," I quoted a friend of mine who was battling cancer with an unforgettable explanation of what he was about to go through during one of his treatments. “One doctor referred to [it] as getting hit by the train, then the trucks on the train pull out and hit you, and then their cargo of charging horses run over you too. Only then do the guys with the sad little shovels come and get you and sweep you away.”
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Point; and Have Patience
John Fischer
One of our regular readers is a seventysomething granddad that occasionally responds to me via email. This last week my “soccer devotionals” recalled to him his own experiences watching his kids and grandkids performing in various athletic programs, one of them being T-ball, that first experience children have with baseball, hitting the ball off a “T” and hopefully running to the right base while the other team tries to gather up the ball and get it to first base, or second, or third, or what-the-heck throw home just in case we missed the runner everywhere else.
He remarked on how much fun it was to watch the excitement of the kids, but the part he felt was most important to see was the patience shown those little ones by their coaches. “We all need to be able to show that kind of patience with individuals seeking their way to Christ” he wrote. “Helping to point the direction of the goal can be very helpful to the young Christian.”
This, in fact, is an excellent way to express our mission in the world as those who point the way to Christ. When you consider we are working in tandem with the Holy Spirit, you realize we don't have to do everything, teach everything, correct everything, solve everything, or save everybody. Most of the time, we simply point the way.
Come to think of it, our kindergarten soccer players never really learned how to pass the ball to a teammate. They never learned you could hit the ball with your head. They don't know a thing about “offsides,” offensive or defensive positions, or what a goalie is. We just pointed them to the goal and told them to kick the ball in that direction. That was it. They will learn the rest in time, and they will learn at their own pace. Some will get it faster than others. Some won't get it at all.
And what does this require of us? Granddad said, “Patience.” He's right. We can't force anybody to believe. Can't push them closer to the goal. As parents, we're not even allowed on the field. It's the kids' thing. They have to get it themselves. Game after game. Practice after practice. And suddenly, the light goes on. They get it, and they start initiating their own search. They become impassioned about God and the truth, and we didn't create it, we just pointed them in the right direction. (And probably prayed a whole lot.)
We point; and have patience. Point; and have patience. That's pretty much it.
PDL
John Fischer
One of our regular readers is a seventysomething granddad that occasionally responds to me via email. This last week my “soccer devotionals” recalled to him his own experiences watching his kids and grandkids performing in various athletic programs, one of them being T-ball, that first experience children have with baseball, hitting the ball off a “T” and hopefully running to the right base while the other team tries to gather up the ball and get it to first base, or second, or third, or what-the-heck throw home just in case we missed the runner everywhere else.
He remarked on how much fun it was to watch the excitement of the kids, but the part he felt was most important to see was the patience shown those little ones by their coaches. “We all need to be able to show that kind of patience with individuals seeking their way to Christ” he wrote. “Helping to point the direction of the goal can be very helpful to the young Christian.”
This, in fact, is an excellent way to express our mission in the world as those who point the way to Christ. When you consider we are working in tandem with the Holy Spirit, you realize we don't have to do everything, teach everything, correct everything, solve everything, or save everybody. Most of the time, we simply point the way.
Come to think of it, our kindergarten soccer players never really learned how to pass the ball to a teammate. They never learned you could hit the ball with your head. They don't know a thing about “offsides,” offensive or defensive positions, or what a goalie is. We just pointed them to the goal and told them to kick the ball in that direction. That was it. They will learn the rest in time, and they will learn at their own pace. Some will get it faster than others. Some won't get it at all.
And what does this require of us? Granddad said, “Patience.” He's right. We can't force anybody to believe. Can't push them closer to the goal. As parents, we're not even allowed on the field. It's the kids' thing. They have to get it themselves. Game after game. Practice after practice. And suddenly, the light goes on. They get it, and they start initiating their own search. They become impassioned about God and the truth, and we didn't create it, we just pointed them in the right direction. (And probably prayed a whole lot.)
We point; and have patience. Point; and have patience. That's pretty much it.
PDL
Friday, November 03, 2006
what are you waiting for?
1 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers. John 10:1-5
"What are you waiting for, Miss?” The question startled me and snapped me out of my daydreams. Then, as I looked around and realized I was the only one in the Panera Bread, the question seemed a bit ridiculous. Nonetheless I smiled and replied, “a Frontega Chicken.” I watched the manager dutifully check my order. Then my mind went back to his question. What am I waiting for? Thoughts began to rise from the depths of my soul, awakening me to ponder life's journey and how Jesus guides us.
In John 10 we read about Jesus' parable of the Good Shepherd. The gatekeeper calls the sheep by name and he opens the gate for them. The sheep listen to him, for they know his voice. They don't follow the one who seeks to kill, steal, and destroy. In fact, they run away from him because they don't recognize his voice. Jesus is the Good Shepherd and the Gatekeeper. He opens the gate to life and leads the way. We come to know his voice and follow him.
Listening and learning to follow involves challenge, mystery, and trust. Challenge: the stranger is out to steal, kill, and destroy. Mystery: we don't know where the path will lead tomorrow. Trust: we are confident that Jesus is going before us and knows what is best for us.
He calls us and we follow. It's so simple and yet so profound. May we follow him with a passion that reveals our confidence in him and our desire to submit to his will.
What should we be waiting for? The voice of our Master. “When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice” (John 10:4). Where he leads us, by his loving voice, we must follow. —Sonya Williams
seeking: Jesus, what have I heard your voice telling me today? How will I respond?
responding: Have I lost the excitement of my first love in my journey with Jesus? • What do I hear him saying to me today?
Jesus, I thank you for your calming, leading, loving voice. Help me to stop listening to the world and its words that only lead me astray. I want to follow you alone.
following: Jesus leads the way to life.
our journey
1 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers. John 10:1-5
"What are you waiting for, Miss?” The question startled me and snapped me out of my daydreams. Then, as I looked around and realized I was the only one in the Panera Bread, the question seemed a bit ridiculous. Nonetheless I smiled and replied, “a Frontega Chicken.” I watched the manager dutifully check my order. Then my mind went back to his question. What am I waiting for? Thoughts began to rise from the depths of my soul, awakening me to ponder life's journey and how Jesus guides us.
In John 10 we read about Jesus' parable of the Good Shepherd. The gatekeeper calls the sheep by name and he opens the gate for them. The sheep listen to him, for they know his voice. They don't follow the one who seeks to kill, steal, and destroy. In fact, they run away from him because they don't recognize his voice. Jesus is the Good Shepherd and the Gatekeeper. He opens the gate to life and leads the way. We come to know his voice and follow him.
Listening and learning to follow involves challenge, mystery, and trust. Challenge: the stranger is out to steal, kill, and destroy. Mystery: we don't know where the path will lead tomorrow. Trust: we are confident that Jesus is going before us and knows what is best for us.
He calls us and we follow. It's so simple and yet so profound. May we follow him with a passion that reveals our confidence in him and our desire to submit to his will.
What should we be waiting for? The voice of our Master. “When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice” (John 10:4). Where he leads us, by his loving voice, we must follow. —Sonya Williams
seeking: Jesus, what have I heard your voice telling me today? How will I respond?
responding: Have I lost the excitement of my first love in my journey with Jesus? • What do I hear him saying to me today?
Jesus, I thank you for your calming, leading, loving voice. Help me to stop listening to the world and its words that only lead me astray. I want to follow you alone.
following: Jesus leads the way to life.
our journey