Shambala

One morning as I was driving around town, I turned on my radio to one of the Christian stations, but instead of getting Christian programming, there was a secular station with secular music. I was a little irritated, but I left on that station hoping that the Christian station would eventually come on.

A short time later, a song entitled, “Shambala” by “Three Dog Nite” played on the radio. When this song played, I found myself singing aloud (very loud) with the radio because it is one of the songs that was part of my past. As I was really getting into it, the Christian programming tried to come through. I got upset. I was upset because it was interrupting my worship.

Yes, my worship because I was changing the words to the song as I sang. Here’s what came out of my mouth:

Wash away my troubles, Wash away my pain

By the blood of Jesus Christ!

Wash away my sorrows, wash away my shame

By the blood of Jesus Christ!

How does the Light shine?

On the way with Jesus Christ.

How does the Light shine?

On the road with Jesus Christ!

I know that if anyone heard me, some may have felt uncomfortable and even offended by what I did. Some may even call me irreverent. However, I am reminded of Paul’s words when he said,

I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. –Romans 12:1-2a

If we don’t “…take captive every thought to make it obedient to Jesus Christ” (II Corinthians 10:5a), how will we “…be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2b)?

In the near future, I hope that we will all be captured by the beauty and majesty of our LORD Jesus Christ and together, with one mind, in one spirit, and with one voice, proclaim Him as LORD!

Discipline

Harboring the right conditions for growth or discipline is hard work. Anyone who has gone through this process would agree with the Hebrew writer who said, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.”

I must confess that my discipleship under Jesus Christ is more like a slave-master relationship. I am not always happy about the work that I’ve been given and quite often I do not appreciate how the LORD does His part. What often drives me to take the next step is the promise of peace. Listen to what the Hebrew writer says: “Later on, however, [discipline] produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11). The Hebrew writer doesn’t just promise peace, but “a harvest of peace.”

In this chaotic and stress filled world, who doesn’t want peace? Who will blame me for doing things for the sake of comfort? I crave it and this is what I am eyeing and pursuing.

Peace, however, is not the goal of discipline. Neither is righteousness, which is the other thing the Hebrew writer mentions. Righteousness and peace are really the bountiful fruits of discipline. But for this restless, spiritual adolescent, peace is my goal.

In the big picture, God’s goal is for us to participate in His Holiness (Hebrews 12:10). In other words, God wants us to be Godlike. God desires His children to grow up to become like Him. This is God’s joy. Growing up into Godliness should be the goal of discipline, so God wants us to fix our eyes on this. The Hebrew writer says,

…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus…who for the joy set fore Him endured the cross, scorning its shame…consider Him who endured such opposition…so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. –Hebrews 12:1-3

To accomplish God’s goal in my life, I have a brutal personal trainer named Fear. Fear is not the best trainer I have, but he sees to it that no bitter root grows in me. He pushes me to the Grace of God (Hebrews 12:15). Fear disciplines me by warning me that “without holiness no one will see God” (12:14). He puts me on alert that I could become an orphan if I abandon my birthright (12:16).

If God wants to grow something in me like righteousness and holiness, that’s fine. But in this season of my growth, I’m looking for peace, so I’ll endure the discipline if it will bring me a bumper crop of peace. I know that this is not what my eyes should be “fixed” on, but that’s okay because all of my trainers continuously remind me that peace is only a shadow of a reality. The reality is ultimately found in a Person and His name is Jesus. He is the true Prince of Peace.

Harboring the Right Conditions

I continually remind myself about “harboring the right conditions for growth.” One of the ways I do this is by preaching this message in all areas of my life because this is vital to my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual growth. Harboring the right conditions is essential to my health and well being because this process is ordained by God. The Bible doesn’t use this expression, but Scripture uses words like disciple, discipline, and discipleship to describe this principle and process.

Harboring the right conditions or discipleship speaks of a joint venture, a participation between man and God. One of the analogies of this in Scripture is the picture of a farmer. No farmer in his right mind would say, “I’m going to be in continual prayer so that the LORD will give me a bumper crop of corn this year” without the farmer going out to his field, preparing the soil, planting the seed, watering, fertilizing, and weeding the ground. Yet, I am sorry to say that I’ve met quite a few people who thought that all they had to do was pray.  They expected to reap what they did not sow and the results were disastrous.

On the other extreme, I know people who think that everything was a result of their efforts without the help of anyone else. This too is foolishness because we are all interdependent on something or somebody, and in more ways than we can imagine. In speaking of God’s role, the apostle Paul has this perspective, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow” (I Corinthians 3:6).

God makes it grow! We cannot make anything grow. We cannot add years to our lives, much less give life (Matthew 6:27, Luke 12:25). We have to do our part, but really, we are at the mercy of God. It is God that gives the increase, ask Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:28-37).

 This theme is repeated in Scripture, but lest we forget, Paul reminds us of our partnership with the LORD, “Let us not be weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). The Hebrew writer adds, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11).

 Harboring the right conditions for growth is hard. Sometimes it means doing nothing. Actually, I call it doing nothing. It’s really a discipline and Scripture calls this discipline, “waiting on the LORD.” Paul says it this way, “…having done all you can, stand” (Ephesians 6:13). Why? Because, “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

 Ultimately, and fortunately, we are dependent on God for growth. Only a fool would think otherwise.

Worry

Most of us worry about something. Whether it’s about our family, our health, the economy, etc. we all have a tendency to be anxious about something. Most of the time, we are “concerned” for good reasons. Other times, the things that people worry about are incredulous and even beyond the outer limits of our thoughts and imagination. Whether our fears are “normal” or abnormal, over they years I’ve heard repeatedly that most of the things that we worry about never happens. I think that it is on this basis that we try and comfort ourselves, as well as others with, “Don’t worry.” I am learning that these words are ineffective and futile.

It would be different if we came equipped with “on” and “off” buttons. We could then turn off worry and turn on happy. But we weren’t built that way. No matter how many times we tell ourselves, “Don’t worry” or “That is illogical and unreasonable,” we cannot turn off worry. Besides, the most inconceivable could happen.

There was a man who lost everything—his possession, his children, and his health. On second thought, he did have one thing left, a nagging wife. After suffering a while, he revealed his heart, “What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me” (Job 3:25).

This snapshot from the life of Job, stops me from saying, “That’s silly! Stop worrying! Everything will be all right.” Because as unreasonable as something may sound, there is a possibility that our worst nightmare could happen.

So, how can we stop worrying? How do we stop our hearts from pounding? How do keep from going out of our minds? How can we put our anxieties to rest? How do we bury our fears?

The bad new is that we can’t. But David knew Who could. David confidently said, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…” Why not? David confesses and declares, “…for You [God] are with me” (Psalms 23:4).

It should be more than a comforting thought that, “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). If it isn’t, we’ve got some work to do, because John says, “…perfect love drives out fear…” (I John 4:18).

Jimmy

In his rear view mirror, Jimmy watched the speeding car weave in and out of traffic. As the car approached him, Jimmy recognized the other vehicle and when it was right in back of him, Jimmy slammed on his brakes. In his rear view mirror, he watched the other car come to a screeching halt. By watching the lips, facial expression, and gestures of the driver behind him, Jimmy was certain that the driver behind him was irate. Jimmy then turned around and pointed his finger at the driver in back of him. When the driver saw Jimmy, his jaw dropped, his facial expression changed, and he drove around Jimmy and sped off. When Jimmy’s son recognized his father, he had an abrupt change in his attitude.

I laughed when I heard this story and like so many of Jesus’ parables, I saw myself in the story. Cruising through life, I often find myself in a place where I become irritated, frustrated, angry, or indignant with others. Often, while I am throwing a hissy-fit or breathing murderous threats, I hear the words, “Whatever you’ve done to these, you’ve done to Me” (Matthew 25:31-46), or “If you forgive, your heavenly Father will forgive you” (Matthew 6:14). These words force me to put on the brakes and to come to a stand still, knowing that the Father is watching me. And even though I know that He accepts and loves me, during these times I find it hard to look into my Father’s eyes, much less go to Him.

As I understand the story, Jimmy’s son did not come home for a few days. It’s my prayer that the LORD will grant me humility so that I will never leave “home” and always be quick to repent.

I Can't Do Everything

This morning when I got to my desk, and looked at all things to do, notes to myself, and prayer requests, I blurted out, “I can’t do everything, LORD!” He said to me, “That’s My job.”

I didn’t actually hear an audible voice, but that was the thought that immediately went through my mind after I spoke those words. The thought brought a smile and I may have even heard myself chuckling.

Instantly, I understood that I was not God and did not have His attributes (namely, the big 3 Omni’s—Omnipresence, Omniscience, and Omnipotence). This one thought put a lot of things in perspective. Did I say “things?” I meant me. This one thought helped me see things in perspective.

I routinely have these kinds of “conversations.” Often while I am alone, I speak my frustration, anxiety, exasperation, anguish, joy, etc. I usually begin or end these conversations with, “LORD.” Whether I am aware of Him or not, He often “answers” me. This also reminds me of one conversation that I have repeatedly in which I cry out, “LORD, have mercy on me!” His consistent answer? “More than you know…”

The Bottom Line

One of the things that has helped me maneuver through life is a question that I ask myself continually—“What’s the bottom line?” Knowing the answer to this question has helped me sort through and work through the details of life more effectively and efficiently. This question, “What’s the bottom line,” has also grounded me in my faith. It has helped me build bridges with those who profess to be Christians, and it has also helped to tear down barriers with those who are “outside” the Christian Faith.

I think that knowing the bottom line, I mean really knowing the bottom line, will help eliminate the divisions that exist amongst Christians and the world, Christians and other Christians, and Christians and God.

For the most part, I think that all Christians agree that salvation is by “grace through faith,” however, how we translate this is where we get into trouble. When I listen carefully to what we say, grace often means works. In other words, often we equate being saved with our actions or our responses. Reading the Bible, going to church, confession, prayer, conduct, repentance, and being baptized are all good and necessary things, but none of these save us. Come to think of it, not even our faith saves us.

As I interpret Scripture, only God can save and only Jesus has the authority to save. In other words, what comes out of Jesus’ mouth will determine my eternal destiny. This is the bottom line. This is how I read all of Scripture, including passages like Matthew 7:15-23 and Matthew 25:31-46. The “bottom line” levels the playing field, helps keep arrogance at bay, and sends a welcoming invitation to humility.

There are two questions that I have to ask myself in response to the bottom line. These questions are, “Do I believe this?” and “Can I trust Him?” These answers can be tricky because I have to continually remind myself that my answer (or response) does not really determine my future. These questions can only help me recognize in what, or in whom I am putting my trust and confidence.

In the end, if the song I am singing is not, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ Name…” I had better start changing my tune because the bottom line is that the ground I am standing on is sinking sand.

Static

I’m able to get as many as 5 Christian radio stations when I’m traveling in my car—sometimes. A lot of times, I have to really strain to hear the broadcasts because of the static. I am not usually irritated or frustrated by this interference because I’ve accepted this as, “it is what it is,” and I am also really absorbed in trying to follow the speaker’s message and train of thought.

This morning I thought about how interference is so much a part of my Christian life. First, there are so many “dead spots” in my life. Sometimes I feel like I am in a valley or out of the station’s range. I try to tune in to station G-O-D, and find nothing but silence.

Other times, there is so much commotion in life, that the static makes it hard to hear the voice of God. Still other times there are other stations that fill the same air waves and there are two voices that occupy the same air space. This makes it difficult to filter out the other messenger and listen to the program that I want to hear.

Fortunately, station G-O-D’s tower stands far above all of this. Jesus says, “But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself” (John 12:32). Even though God’s message may not be intelligible when it reaches our ears, His tower is unmistakable and is visible for all to see.

Jacob and Esau

In Bible Class someone once said, “Esau seems to have a much better character than Jacob. I don’t understand why God would choose Jacob over Esau. How does this work?” I thought that this was a good observation and a very good question. If Jacob and Esau were businessmen and Jacob was a Christian and Esau was not, I would do business with Esau rather than Jacob. The reason is obvious. I would trust Esau much more than I would Jacob. This sounds like a paradox, doesn’t it? But this is part of the beauty of Scripture—it reveals the hearts of men and declares the faithfulness of God.

The Hebrew writer said, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for” (Hebrews 11:1). This is why God remembered Jacob. Jacob believed the blessing and the promise of God to his grandfather Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3, 15:1-6) and he wanted it so bad that he was willing to lie, cheat, and steal for it (Genesis 27, 25:27-34). Esau did not think very much of God’s promise and this is why he was called “godless” (Genesis 25:27-34, Hebrews 12:16-17).

We often think of ungodliness only as evil and wicked people. It includes that, but in a broader definition, a godless person is someone who does not believe in God. With this definition, a “good” person can be godless, while a person with a less than sparkling character can be a person of faith. While I wrestle with this definition, I can almost grasp how grace was extended to Jacob.

Jacob’s behavior was not the thing that impressed God. Jacob is mentioned with the people of faith in Hebrews 11 just because he believed God. This is the thing that was outstanding to God (Hebrews 11:6). This is why the Scripture tells us repeatedly that “the righteous shall live by faith” (Romans 4).

My life’s struggle seems to be somewhere in between the conflict and contrast of Jacob and Esau. Sometimes I see myself as Esau with God nowhere in sight. But then there are other times I believe God. But I don’t think that my faith is even as “pure” and “noble” as Jacob’s was. The reason why I believe is because I often feel like there’s nothing else for me to grab on to except the promises and goodness of God; it’s kind of like the last resort.

However, my faith journey is not over yet and I am hoping, really hoping that at the end of the road is a God who is not ashamed to be my God.

Nakedness

The Book, Shyness starts out by telling the story of George, a 4½ year old, who wore leg braces to correct the effects of infantile paralysis. Because of his condition, George had a morbid fear of people and would hide from them. To help George overcome this fear, his mother made a mask out of a brown paper shopping bag and convinced George that when he wore the mask, he became someone else. With the aid of the bag, his mother, and his schoolteacher, George overcame his fear of people. George was able to stay in school and eventually was able to take his mask off while he was around his classmates. 

This sounds like troubling behavior, but adults have the same fears. We probably don’t recognize it because we are so much more sophisticated. I think that more often than not, we hide behind our titles, degrees, athleticism, intelligence, talents, religion, politics, etc. This is not who we are. We are afraid that if we reveal who we are, others will make fun of or shun us. In a way, we are like fugitives, ever trying to cover up our “criminal character”. 

This is nothing new. This is part of our roots. After Adam and Eve had eaten of the forbidden fruit, God called out to them, “Where are you?” Adam responded, “I heard You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” (Genesis 3:8-11) 

 “Coming clean” means that we reveal our nakedness. It involves shame. It may mean rejection. It involves risk. It involves pain. It’s a price that most of us are unwilling to pay and so we continue to hide behind the mask we put on. 

But this is a bad thing. Unless the mask comes off, we can never deal with who we really are and worse yet, we can never know the God who calls to us, “Where are you?”

Spiritual Gifts

When I read about Spiritual gifts in I Corinthians 12, I think that God’s given me the gift of understanding. I believe this because I can read about or hear Biblical statements and concepts, and understand them. Perhaps not fully, but I know I understand its messages because the themes are repetitive and they continuously confirm what I “heard” initially. Sometimes God says it “in your face” and other times the message is much more subtle. Take “God’s Grace” for example. Sometimes God looks straight into our eyeballs and says, “By grace are you have been saved…” (Ephesians 2:8). Other times we have to stretch and strain to hear God whisper the same idea, “In Him we live and move and have our being…” (Acts 17:28)

I also think that I have the gift of tongues or language because I hear statements like the ones above and I “hear” how they are connected. The statements or concepts speak to me in a language of their own. I know that this is true because when I try to communicate these ideas to others, it is unintelligible to them.

If Paul didn’t spend half of chapter 14 of I Corinthians on prophecy and interpretation, I wouldn’t bother seeking these “gifts.” I would have been satisfied in what God’s given me and would be happy indulging myself in them for the rest of my life. “Translating” what I understand is very frustrating and way too much work. My attitude is, if people don’t “get it,” well, they just don’t get it—there’s nothing that I can do about it! But Paul’s plea, “Try to excel in gifts that build up the church” (I Corinthians 14:12) following the lecture on love (I Corinthians 13) really bites.

There should be some consolation in knowing that Paul is not singling me out. Paul’s preaching this to the Church at Corinth and God’s speaking this to ALL His people everywhere. I just don’t understand why I’m taking this so personal…Who am I kidding? I understand.

God Said...

When I open up the Bible and read the first chapter of Genesis, I notice that every time God opens His mouth to say, “Let there be…” I repeatedly hear the words, “it was so” immediately following God’s declaration (Genesis 1:3, 6-7, 9, 14-15, 24, 29-30). There seems to be virtually very little or no time between God’s spoken word and the existence of the universe. This is so mind-boggling.

Interestingly, the New Testament book of John introduces us to God as, “The Word.” John declares that “The Word” created the universe and that “The Word” is the originator of life (John 1:1-4). In verse 14, John tells claims that “The Word” came to earth as a human being, lived among humans, and was recognized as God’s Son (vs. 14). John finally says that “The Word” was named Jesus (vs. 17). Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John describe the earthly life of Jesus and convincingly, these books are called the Gospels because they proclaim the Good News of God on earth.

The New Testament writers continually claim that the Person and Character of God is revealed in the Person of Jesus (One of the many places that tell me this is Hebrews 1:1-3) and when I read through the Gospels, I am reminded of the God in Genesis 1.

Modern medicine says that healing takes treatment and time. After being treated, people are not always cured. When I read through the Gospels, I see Jesus encountering people with all kind of sickness and disease and Jesus healed multitudes of people. Most of the time, Jesus “spoke,” and it was so, just like in Genesis.

Psychotherapy says that people can be helped with their mental and emotional problems through counseling which takes time. Sometimes people are helped other times they are not. When Jesus met people with demons, He told the demons to leave, and it was so.

Meteorologists and economic analysts try to forecast the future. My friends and I laugh at the weathermen because they are wrong so often. Jesus predicted many things like Peter’ denial and the destruction of Jerusalem and it was so (Matthew 26:31-34, 68-75, 24:1-2).

Scientists tell us that there are laws of nature. Jesus overrules nature by calming a storm and by walking on the water (Matthew 8:23-27, 14:25-31). Jesus also commanded a fig tree to die and it was so (Matthew 21:18-19).

Most people recognize that death is final. However, when Jesus said that a young girl was not dead, the people laughed at Him. Jesus went to the girl, took her hand, and she got up, just as He had said (Matthew 9:23-25).

Over and over again, Jesus predicted that He was going to die, but He was going to live again (Matthew 16:21, 26:1-2, 20:17-19). And it was so, just as He said (Matthew 28:1-10).

Jesus said, “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). John says, “To all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God” (John 1:12-13). Paul adds, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (II Corinthians 5:17)

It will be a wondrous thing when the multitudes in heaven will gather together and with one voice shout, “It is so!”

Marthe

When Marthe got married, she questioned why my “congratulatory” note to her was so long and why my message to her husband was so very short. I don’t remember what I wrote to her or how long it really was, but I do remember the message to her husband. I quoted Ephesians 5:25, which says, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her…”

I don’t remember if I said anything else to him, but that would have been enough. As a husband, this verse of scripture has and continues to stir a lot of emotions within me. As a young man, I would have really appreciated it if Paul had said the first part of the sentence without the qualifier. I would have been very content if Paul had just said, “Husbands love your wives” PERIOD. Instead, Paul brings men this admonishment, “just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” What a sobering thought!

It was on this understanding, that I entered my marriage covenant. On one hand I was anxious and fearful because of the tremendous, heavy, and awesome responsibility that I was taking on. On the other hand, this statement has also brought great joy and relief because it reminds me of what Jesus has done and continues to do for me. Separated from this qualifier, husbands stand alone. Having this qualifier, men are not only connected to their wives, but are joined together not only with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, but the lover of our souls!

Politicians

My stomach churns during election time because of all the negative campaigns that bombards us. One thing that especially disgusts me is when a candidate tells the world that their opponent is a liar that cannot be trusted, only to have them throw in their hat in support of the person that they had just proclaimed to be incompetent of doing the job a few days earlier.

I know that there are professing Christians that run for office, but when I watch and listen to them, I wonder how many of them actually read their Bibles and if they do, I wonder if they understand what they are reading. I am also pondering what a God fearing person running for office would look like.

I wonder what a candidate’s campaign would look like if they did not use the tactics of the world (II Corinthians 10:2-4), play by God’s rules (I John 2:6), and trusting fully in the LORD (I Peter 2:23b)?

I wonder what a candidate would look like if they treated their opponent as they would want to be treated and loved their opponent as they loved themselves (Matthew 5:43-44, 7:12, Luke 6:31, 35)?

I wonder what a candidate would look like if they did not trade insult for insult (I Peter 2:23a), but blessed their opponent instead (Romans 12:14, Luke 6:27-28)?

I wonder what a candidate would look like if he respected the people who are still in office (Romans 13:1-2, I Timothy 2:1-3)?

I wonder what a candidate would look like if they were very deliberate in what they said (James 1:26, 3:2, Philippians 1:27) by not bragging about their past or future accomplishments (James 3:14, 4:16) but considering the possibilities only if the LORD permits it (James 4:15).

I know!!! A politician who practiced these things would probably look like an idiot. But then again, they’d most likely resemble Jesus.

Speak, LORD

To my displeasure, my eyes were open well before my alarm went off this morning. In the back of my mind, I know I was preaching to Sarah, “If you ever have trouble sleeping, get up and say, ‘Speak LORD, for your servant is listening.’” But I was burying that thought deep in my subconscious. I closed my eyes and pleaded, “LORD, 20 more minutes. Please let me sleep just 20 more minutes.”

As I lay in bed I thought of the Children of Israel on the outskirts of Canaan. The 12 spies had just come back with their scouting report. Lifting up a humungous cluster of grapes, they said, “The land does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit!” (Numbers 13:27) Then they reported that the people who lived there were big and strong and lived in huge fortified cities. Ten of the spies were insistent that the Israelites were like grasshoppers compared to the people that lived in Cannan and were convinced that they would not be able to conquer them.

I can identify with the people of Israel. I often count the costs and come to the conclusion that I am not able to proceed. I hear myself saying, “I don’t have the resources, time, or energy. It will cost me financially, my status, my reputation, or my life. I can’t do it.”

I think my judgment as well as the Israelite’s assessment of their situation was correct. However, Caleb and Joshua opposed such thinking. It wasn’t because they were looking at the situation through rose-colored glasses, but it was because they believed what the LORD had said. God not only told Moses that He was going to lead the Israelites to a land of abundance (Exodus 3:8, 17), but He was going to give it to them (Numbers 13:2). In spite of great opposition, this is where Caleb and Joshua chose to take their stand.

2,000 years ago another Joshua spoke out against our natural inclinations. Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you” (Matthew 6:33). Throughout history, even though the details are different, the Biblical bottom line is the same—“Trust God!”

My alarm clock rang. As I got up to turn it off, I wasn’t sure if I was awake or asleep for the last 20 minutes, but I was sure of one thing—I was refreshed.

Another thought crossed my mind as I headed up the hallway to offer up the first fruits of my day. Ironically, instead of making a beeline to thank the LORD for giving me rest for the day, I was heading to the coffeemaker and the computer…Now I’m sitting here wondering if I was responding to two other altar calls before heading to the throne of grace…

Redeeming the Time

I feel like I’ve had a lot of “down time” or wasted time in my life. I’ve spent lots of time waiting in doctor’s offices, waiting for my number to be called at the Motor Vehicle Department, in grocery store lines, and in traffic jams, just to name a few.

Whenever I find myself groaning or sighing because of my lack of patience or think about how time is slipping through my fingers, I am always reminded of Paul’s statement about “redeeming the time.” The NIV translates Paul in this way:

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. (Ephesians 5:15-17)

One of the ways that time can be redeemed is through prayer. No matter what we’re doing, where we are, and what the circumstance is, we can pray. We can pray for ourselves (including our patience). We can pray for the people that are surrounding us and we can ask the LORD to work in the lives of people and circumstances that are on the other side of our planet. As my friend Cho, in his South Korean accent would say, “It is epishent!” James says that prayer is powerful and effective (James 5:16).

On the other hand, I’ve noticed that I spend a good amount of time on “wishful” thinking. While there are probably some good things that could be said about wishful thinking, how resourceful or beneficial is wishful thinking? In contrast to prayer, it’s probably like the difference between a dream and reality…

The Great Commission

Anyone who has attended an evangelistic church has heard the terms “omission” and “commission.” I don’t remember how it’s been said, but one of the things that I have heard is that “omission of the great commission is a great sin. “

When I look at our history, there seems to be an issue that is as great, or even greater than the sin of “omission of the great commission,” which is the omission of His authority. As Christians, we pay close attention to Jesus when He speaks and we even understand that Jesus is LORD. Yet, we often find ourselves in the Apostle’s shoes when they argued over, “who’s the greatest” (Luke 22:24-30).

“Who’s in charge” has to be settled before we can go on a mission, do a project, or do anything. In Matthew 28:18, before Jesus commissions His disciples, He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me…” If we do not continually acknowledge Him, we will not go in His power, His wisdom, and His spirit. If we are not constantly remembering or reaffirming His authority, we will consistently find ourselves in power struggles, robbing Him of His glory, and be in danger of making disciples not of Him, but of ourselves.

Moses was a pretty smart guy. He did not want any success that the LORD was not overseeing (Exodus 33:1-3). Moses told the LORD that if He was not going to lead them, to please not bother sending them. Moses added, “How will anyone know that You are pleased with me and with Your people unless You go with us? What else will distinguish me and Your people from all the other people on the face of the earth" (Exodus 33:12-16)?

Many times we have wonderful dreams, worthy goals, and noble causes. And often our great visions begin with the Word of God and His promises. But if we do not repeatedly surrender to His authority then we will be no different than any other people. This is also why James warns us that it is a wicked thing to not acknowledge His rule (James 4:13-16).

The Psalmist said, “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain” (Psalms 127:1). What a comforting thought! What this says to me is that under the LORD’S leadership, nothing is a waste of time. “Success” is guaranteed every time. The “project” may fall apart, but we have this reward: “Surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Life Is Difficult

One day I was complaining to my boss about how we did business. I told him the way the company did things made no sense and it made our job very, very, difficult. My boss gave me a short lecture and made three very clear points. Number one, life is difficult. Two, it is what it is. And finally, stop your whining and crying.

As I reflected on what my boss said, I had a feeling of deja vu because I know that I’ve had similar conversations with the LORD. Whenever I’m having a “why” moment, I often hear Jesus saying, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). And just in case I turn a deaf ear to the LORD, Scripture continually repeats itself and Peter bluntly says, “Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you (I Peter 3:12).

Paul makes the point, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man” (I Corinthians 10:13). In other words, “it is what is” and later Paul goes on to say, “Do everything without complaining or arguing” (Philippians 2:14).

But this is where the familiarity ends and if I continue to seek God, His Presence leads me into His reality. God says that He understands (Hebrews 4:15). God doesn’t say deal with it or figure it out by yourself, instead He says that He would be with us always (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5, John 14:18).

He said that He would help us in our trouble (Psalms 46:1), and either provide a way of escape or give us the power to overcome our difficulties (I Corinthians 10:13).

God said that He would give us His Spirit (John 14:16, 16:7, II Corinthians 1:21-22), so that we can rejoice always (I Thessalonians 5:16), even in the most difficult times (James1:2).

Yup, life is difficult. But it’s nothing that God can’t handle (Jeremiah 32:27, John 16:33).

Treasures

I don’t know anyone who detailed a car after they rented it. Nor do I know anyone who remodeled their apartment after they signed the lease for it. If I did hear of someone who did such a thing, I would have a few names for them that I choose not to reveal. The only reason why I would be hesitant to “pass judgment” on them is because I treat some of my possessions as if they belonged to me for all of eternity.

In the midst of life’s pursuits, Jesus reminds us, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19). As absurd as the picture painted above, Jesus is reducing the material things that we value as rubbish. And if we apply Jesus’ words to things that we prize greatly, His words are highly offensive. But Jesus wants us to take His words seriously—so that we can assess the condition of our heart, our relationship to God, and how it relates to our final destination.

In an interview several years ago, I like what funnyman Tim Allen, the star of “Home Improvement” had to say concerning his life. Allen said, “In these last couple of years I don’t sweat the small stuff. I realize that you don’t take a U-Haul behind your hearse.”

Tim Allen’s words paint yet another hilarious image, yet if we ponder its relevance in our lives, it might turn into a sobering and grave thought.

I Can Do All Things

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) has been my mantra throughout most of my Christian walk. I have my eyes fixed on this verse when I face huge obstacles and impossible situations. I also remind myself of this verse as I leave my “prayer closet” to face a normal day.

However, the reality of Paul’s statement has been sobering. There have been times when I’ve been kicked in my teeth and wondered what went wrong, only to discover that I had put a period after, “I can do all things.” Other times when the inconceivable occurs, I am reminded of another verse, that echoes Philippians 4:13, and that is, God is “able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work in us” (Ephesians 4:20).

These days I contemplate the Philippians statement in its immediate context. In the verses that immediately precede verse 13, Paul talks about contentment. Paul says,

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Then Paul concludes,

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

This paints a whole different picture of God’s power that should be at work in me. It’s not just about accomplishing tasks, overcoming obstacles, or doing something extraordinary. It is about being okay in the situation I’m in—not because it’s fair or unfair. And it’s certainly not about my comfort or discomfort. But it’s because His presence in my life (vs. 5, 9) which enables me to stand (3:21-4:1). This should satisfy me. This is the power and work of God.

Me thinks that I like the way Paul thinks better than the way I think.

Resolution

I think that it was R. C. Sproul that said that there are no maverick molecules in the universe. I don’t know the context of this statement, but it must have something to do with the idea that God holds ALL thing together (Colossians 1:17).

It is mind boggling to try and imagine a God that knows how many atoms there are in the universe and that He places each of them exactly where He wants them to be. But then again, Scripture does tell us that God put each star in place (Psalms 8:3) and has a name for each one (Psalms 147:4). The Bible also tells us that a bird cannot fall to the ground without His knowledge (Matthew 10:29) and that He knows how many hairs on our head (Luke 12:7—try multiplying that by 7 billion!). On top of that, He sees our every action (Proverbs 5:21), knows our every thought (Luke 16:15) and even our every motive (Proverbs 16:2)!

It is also a hard thing to wrap our minds around the thought that God is involved with “bad” things that happen in this world, especially to seemingly innocent people. But there is overwhelming evidence that He is! God foreknew that the Israelites would be slaves (Genesis 15:13-14), God sent a storm Jonah’s way (Jonah 1:4), He consented to Job’s suffering (Job 1-2), and not only did He stand by and watch His very own Son’s murder, but it was His Will that His Son die (Isaiah 53:10).

What is equally astonishing and fascinating is that just as the human body, solar system, and everything in nature is so intricately woven together by Him, He also knits the Bible together in a similar fashion. We may have difficulty “connecting the dots” and seeing the bigger picture because the Bible is filled with allusions, symbolism, metaphors, shadows, comparisons, and contrasts and quite often, the Bible does not take the time to explain itself or inform us as to what literary device it is using. On the other hand, we may be suffering from myopia, seeing that the Bible is “spiritually discerned.” I mean, I would have never known that “the rock” followed the Israelites around in the desert, nor would I have figured out that this rock was Jesus (I Corinthians 10:4) if the Apostle Paul didn’t tell us.

In all the awe and awesomeness of God, I think that God wants everyone to know one thing. This “one thing” links everything together—God, the universe, life, nature, mankind, and the Bible. This “One Thing” is the Person of Jesus Christ because He is the voice and embodiment of God (Hebrews 1:1-3). This is why Peter claims that EVERYTHING we need that pertains to life and godliness (or God) can be found in Jesus (II Peter 1:3). He is so profound that even the angels watch with curiosity and fascination how Jesus’ life and death affected and still affects the world (I Peter 1:10-12).

This is the time of the year that many people remember the details–even the microscopic ones of Jesus’ advent into the world. As I reflect on Jesus’ entrance into human history, I’m also looking around at our world, watching how everything seems to be falling into place (not apart), and am reminded that His return is imminent. As I look forward to the New Year, I am compelled to be serious, diligent, and vigilant in preparing myself to receive Him again.