I was amazed and impressed at how David and Allyson had planned their future together. David told me about how they had set money aside, how they were working while attending school, and how they had methodically outlined their goals for the next several years. After he had told me all of this, I marveled as David concluded with, “Lord willing.”
How many people, including Christians, realize that we have very little control over our circumstances, successes, and fate? We are dependent on so many external forces and ultimately we are at the mercy of the LORD. This is why James counsels us, “…you do not even know what will happen tomorrow…you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord's will, we will…’” (James 4:14-15).
Anything more said is arrogance as James goes on to say, “All such boasting is evil” (James 4:16).
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Joy!
I used to hear a song that had the lines, “Don’t worry—be happy!” in it. That song made me think that our emotions could be turned on and off, like a kitchen faucet. I think that most people come to realize that we cannot “manufacture” our own happiness—at least, not on demand or permanently.
I’ve noticed that a lot of Christians also think that we have the ability to produce Christian character—one of them being, “joy.” Joy, like other Christian virtues, is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23); therefore, it is only logical that it stems from God (Romans 14:17) and can only be given by Him (Romans 15:13, Acts 14:17).
The thing that causes the greatest anguish is the absence of God. The thing that produces the greatest joy is seeing or encountering God. This is the way Jesus describes His death and resurrection. In John 16, Jesus said, "In a little while you will see me no more…you will weep and mourn…” (vs. 16, 20). Then Jesus spoke about His resurrection, “You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy…Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy” (vs. 20, 22). This is what we see whenever people heard about, saw, or encountered the risen LORD (Matthew 28:5-8, Luke 24:40, 50-53, John 20:19-20).
Remarkably, according to Scripture and Jesus Himself, even the Old Testament characters, Abraham and David were joyously looking forward to “this” day (John 8:56-57, Acts 2:24-35). But one of the most powerful and remarkable statements comes from a Psalm that a lot of people are familiar with. Many of us have heard it quoted a thousand times in hundreds of different settings. However, when we look at where this quote was taken from, our use of this quote almost sounds sacrilegious. Listen again to the quote in its context:
I’ve noticed that a lot of Christians also think that we have the ability to produce Christian character—one of them being, “joy.” Joy, like other Christian virtues, is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23); therefore, it is only logical that it stems from God (Romans 14:17) and can only be given by Him (Romans 15:13, Acts 14:17).
The thing that causes the greatest anguish is the absence of God. The thing that produces the greatest joy is seeing or encountering God. This is the way Jesus describes His death and resurrection. In John 16, Jesus said, "In a little while you will see me no more…you will weep and mourn…” (vs. 16, 20). Then Jesus spoke about His resurrection, “You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy…Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy” (vs. 20, 22). This is what we see whenever people heard about, saw, or encountered the risen LORD (Matthew 28:5-8, Luke 24:40, 50-53, John 20:19-20).
Remarkably, according to Scripture and Jesus Himself, even the Old Testament characters, Abraham and David were joyously looking forward to “this” day (John 8:56-57, Acts 2:24-35). But one of the most powerful and remarkable statements comes from a Psalm that a lot of people are familiar with. Many of us have heard it quoted a thousand times in hundreds of different settings. However, when we look at where this quote was taken from, our use of this quote almost sounds sacrilegious. Listen again to the quote in its context:
The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;
The Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day the Lord has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
--Psalms 118:22-23
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Rejoicing
There is something very interesting—on second thought, there is something that floors me every time I read Acts 5:12-41. No, it’s not that the apostles performed miraculous things. An angel appearing has sort of become expected. It is not that the apostles walked out of a secured cell without the guards knowing. It’s not even the “in your face” attitude of the apostles.
What is astonishing to me is that after the apostles were threatened and beaten, they went away “…rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name” (vs. 41). I don’t know if anyone’s noticed, but this is not normal behavior. In fact, today’s mental health professionals would probably classify this as masochistic tendencies.
Yet, this is what Scripture tells and even commands Christians to do. Listen to what some of our Brothers have said. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds…” (James 1:2). “…rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ…” (I Peter 4:13). “…we also rejoice in our sufferings…” (Romans 5:3). Even our LORD says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness…Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you…Rejoice and be glad…” (Matthew 5:10-12).
Some of our brothers have taken what was said to heart because the Hebrew writer said, “…you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property…” (Hebrews 10:32-34).
It is beyond me how anyone can rejoice during a trial or while they are suffering. If James didn’t give me a hint, I’d still be clueless. In the same breath that James talked about this phenomenon of rejoicing, he also said, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). Because James talked about rejoicing and wisdom within a few sentences of each other, it only makes sense to me that I could ask for this unimaginable joy the same way I ask for this wisdom that goes beyond my understanding. Why not? James goes on to say, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (vs. 17). Just thinking about the goodness and faithfulness of God is getting me excited and causing me to rejoice!
LORD, thank You for this wisdom and this joy that can only come from You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
What is astonishing to me is that after the apostles were threatened and beaten, they went away “…rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name” (vs. 41). I don’t know if anyone’s noticed, but this is not normal behavior. In fact, today’s mental health professionals would probably classify this as masochistic tendencies.
Yet, this is what Scripture tells and even commands Christians to do. Listen to what some of our Brothers have said. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds…” (James 1:2). “…rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ…” (I Peter 4:13). “…we also rejoice in our sufferings…” (Romans 5:3). Even our LORD says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness…Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you…Rejoice and be glad…” (Matthew 5:10-12).
Some of our brothers have taken what was said to heart because the Hebrew writer said, “…you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property…” (Hebrews 10:32-34).
It is beyond me how anyone can rejoice during a trial or while they are suffering. If James didn’t give me a hint, I’d still be clueless. In the same breath that James talked about this phenomenon of rejoicing, he also said, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). Because James talked about rejoicing and wisdom within a few sentences of each other, it only makes sense to me that I could ask for this unimaginable joy the same way I ask for this wisdom that goes beyond my understanding. Why not? James goes on to say, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (vs. 17). Just thinking about the goodness and faithfulness of God is getting me excited and causing me to rejoice!
LORD, thank You for this wisdom and this joy that can only come from You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Boldness
Reminiscing about what Sarah taught me about courage (yesterday’s blog) reminded me of the courage and the boldness of the apostles in Acts 5. The apostles were arrested and thrown into prison for doing good works and preaching “the good news.” While they were in prison, an angel of the LORD came and miraculously set them free. After they were released, they went back out into a public place and continued to preach and teach. When their former captors found out that the apostles had “escaped,” they brought them back and demanded that the apostles not preach in Jesus’ name. The apostles boldly responded, “We must obey God rather than men!”
The apostle’s declaration made me think about my own convictions. I wondered how many times in my life I was doing something good, something just, or something right only to be confronted by a strong opposition. I wondered how many times I backed down when I saw trouble brewing. I wondered how many times I didn’t back down and found myself in a whole heap of trouble. I wondered how many times I was “miraculously” saved from a bad situation. I wondered how many times I walked away unscathed from a conflict and kept my mouth shut because I thought my “rescue” was the goal of heaven.
When the apostles declared “We must obey God rather than men” it would seem that they were bold because they heard the voice of God (4:20) and prayed accordingly (4:29). I wonder how many times I silence the voice of heaven and live helplessly in life because I have not acted on what I have heard…
The apostle’s declaration made me think about my own convictions. I wondered how many times in my life I was doing something good, something just, or something right only to be confronted by a strong opposition. I wondered how many times I backed down when I saw trouble brewing. I wondered how many times I didn’t back down and found myself in a whole heap of trouble. I wondered how many times I was “miraculously” saved from a bad situation. I wondered how many times I walked away unscathed from a conflict and kept my mouth shut because I thought my “rescue” was the goal of heaven.
When the apostles declared “We must obey God rather than men” it would seem that they were bold because they heard the voice of God (4:20) and prayed accordingly (4:29). I wonder how many times I silence the voice of heaven and live helplessly in life because I have not acted on what I have heard…
Monday, August 16, 2010
Courage
Sarah was probably about 5 or 6 years old when she asked the LORD for courage in one of her bedtime prayers. When I heard her request, I thought I’d “man up” and do my fatherly and spiritual responsibility by informing her how to “pray with understanding.” I was ready to expound to her the meaning of courage, but before I did, I asked Sarah, “What is courage?”
She immediately responded with, “Not turning away”.
I was astonished. Not only did she understand it, but she defined it better than I would have. With my ego being somewhat deflated, I still had hopes of getting in a word of wisdom. “You know, Sarah,” I continued, “I was going to tell you that courage meant not being afraid…”
She cut me off. She never let me finish my sentence. She just looked at me so knowingly and said, “Dad, you can be afraid and still have courage. Courage just means that you face something and not run away from it.”
I was flabbergasted. I’m the daddy. I’m the one who was supposed to teach. I am the one who was supposed to explain to her the great mysteries and fallacies of life. She’s the one who was supposed to be dazzled by my great wisdom and understanding—not visa versa.
I would have admitted to Sarah that her understanding far exceeded mine except that I didn’t quite have the courage...
She immediately responded with, “Not turning away”.
I was astonished. Not only did she understand it, but she defined it better than I would have. With my ego being somewhat deflated, I still had hopes of getting in a word of wisdom. “You know, Sarah,” I continued, “I was going to tell you that courage meant not being afraid…”
She cut me off. She never let me finish my sentence. She just looked at me so knowingly and said, “Dad, you can be afraid and still have courage. Courage just means that you face something and not run away from it.”
I was flabbergasted. I’m the daddy. I’m the one who was supposed to teach. I am the one who was supposed to explain to her the great mysteries and fallacies of life. She’s the one who was supposed to be dazzled by my great wisdom and understanding—not visa versa.
I would have admitted to Sarah that her understanding far exceeded mine except that I didn’t quite have the courage...
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Communion With Amy
Amy had been battling with brain cancer for over 4 years and her last operation left her paralyzed on her right side. Amy’s paralysis and declining health made it very difficult for Tom and Amy to go out, so once a week Robin and I would go and visit them and help them in whatever ways we could.
One of the things that they missed was going to church and being with their church family and because of this, Tom asked if we could share communion or the Lord’s Supper together. So every time Robin and I went to visit them, we “broke bread” together.
One day as we were having Communion, I wondered if what we were doing was a worthwhile endeavor. Amy had difficulty communicating—her vocabulary was limited to a few words and a few short phrases that she used over and over. She had problems processing information and a lot of times the answers that she gave did not match the questions that were being asked of her. In addition, Amy was not only paralyzed, but she had a very difficult time hearing. Her puzzled looks and her, “What?” “What?” and “Why?” were a good part of her responses.
So I seriously wondered how much Amy would be able to participate in what we were doing. I was uneasy and began to question, “Is this worthwhile?”
Tom then took out his guitar and started singing the song, “Amazing Grace.” Not the old version that most people are familiar with, but a newer version of this old hymn. I was amazed when Amy closed her eyes and started singing the song with us. Every word she sang was clear and her melody was in harmony with the rest of us.
The modern day version adds a chorus to it—“ Hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me, Hallelujah, all my stains are washed away, washed away!”
The words that Amy sang blessed my heart. It was both beautiful and wonderful to hear Amy sing these words. Hearing Amy sing this song with us answered the question I had, “Is this worthwhile?” The answer was a resounding, “Yes!” because I believe that it was these words that carried Amy out of this life and into His Presence.
One of the things that they missed was going to church and being with their church family and because of this, Tom asked if we could share communion or the Lord’s Supper together. So every time Robin and I went to visit them, we “broke bread” together.
One day as we were having Communion, I wondered if what we were doing was a worthwhile endeavor. Amy had difficulty communicating—her vocabulary was limited to a few words and a few short phrases that she used over and over. She had problems processing information and a lot of times the answers that she gave did not match the questions that were being asked of her. In addition, Amy was not only paralyzed, but she had a very difficult time hearing. Her puzzled looks and her, “What?” “What?” and “Why?” were a good part of her responses.
So I seriously wondered how much Amy would be able to participate in what we were doing. I was uneasy and began to question, “Is this worthwhile?”
Tom then took out his guitar and started singing the song, “Amazing Grace.” Not the old version that most people are familiar with, but a newer version of this old hymn. I was amazed when Amy closed her eyes and started singing the song with us. Every word she sang was clear and her melody was in harmony with the rest of us.
The modern day version adds a chorus to it—“ Hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me, Hallelujah, all my stains are washed away, washed away!”
The words that Amy sang blessed my heart. It was both beautiful and wonderful to hear Amy sing these words. Hearing Amy sing this song with us answered the question I had, “Is this worthwhile?” The answer was a resounding, “Yes!” because I believe that it was these words that carried Amy out of this life and into His Presence.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Barbeques
I love barbeques, especially when the meat is soaked in a good marinade. God does too! In Numbers 28, God tells Moses how to prepare a barbeque that would be pleasing to Him. God told Moses what kind of meat He wanted, what to look for in the meat, and how to prepare it. He then told Moses to pour alcohol over the meat while it was on the grill. As the alcohol was being poured over the meat, I imagine the flames soaring heavenward and the smell reaching the nostrils of God. When the recipe was followed correctly, the aroma that it produced would be pleasing to the LORD.
I have a strong suspicion that this is what was on Paul’s mind when he wrote, “I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure…” (II Timothy 4:6)
I hear Paul saying that his life has been poured out and mingled with the Lamb of God. Perhaps I am reading too much into it, but I hear Paul saying that his life has been consumed with the sacrifice of Jesus, is now rising to the throne of God, and is producing an aroma that is soothing and pleasing to the LORD.
When I think about Paul’s life, he was under fire and in the pits a lot. I don’t think he minded though, because I think that Paul knew that he was headed for a banquet—a banquet fit for a King.
I have a strong suspicion that this is what was on Paul’s mind when he wrote, “I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure…” (II Timothy 4:6)
I hear Paul saying that his life has been poured out and mingled with the Lamb of God. Perhaps I am reading too much into it, but I hear Paul saying that his life has been consumed with the sacrifice of Jesus, is now rising to the throne of God, and is producing an aroma that is soothing and pleasing to the LORD.
When I think about Paul’s life, he was under fire and in the pits a lot. I don’t think he minded though, because I think that Paul knew that he was headed for a banquet—a banquet fit for a King.
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