Archive for January, 2007

Congratulations, you finished (now start again)!

Wednesday, January 31st, 2007

I can’t believe a year is up and we have read through the Bible! I know for me, it was a very positive experience and I enjoyed reading what God was teaching each of you as well. So I want to congratulate each of you who jumped in and started reading and journaling, I am hopeful that you will join us again and commit yourself to spending time each day in God’s Word.

Some of you have just started this January for the first time, and some of us who just finished last years reading schedule will now join with you. Please take time to share your comments and thoughts with the rest of us. If you are not journaling with others, that is very much worth doing. I have found that even once a week it is nice to meet friends over a cup of coffee and read and journal together. Check the Sunday bulletin for times and places and join in. Have another great year in God’s Word, it is fresh and new every day, abides forever and has the power to change our lives. What a blessing that we can read it together.

No Gimmick.

Tuesday, January 30th, 2007

“Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name.” - Malachi 3:16

CCF just completed an event called Seek Week, where the intent was to earnestly and deliberately seek the Lord’s will and direction in our lives both individually and corporately. Through fasting, meditation, prayer, and worship, we all gathered together as a community with this common goal, and some really amazing things occurred as a result. The Lord made clear to me that time with Him is not something that I should take for granted, nor should I expect it to happen by accident. It wasn’t the program of Seek Week that made for a richer relationship with God; it was an earnest heart dedicated to knowing him better. No gimmick.

The Lord listens and hears us when we call out to Him. He may not always answer us in the immediacy we expect, and the results are not always what we had envisioned. The result is not the point; it is the openness of the creator God to listen to our prayers that is compelling. Once He has heard, His plan for deliverance and blessing always out way our quick fix and yelps for relief from a situation. I think of Joseph’s life in Genesis, and how this principle plays out with 13 years of slave/prisoner circumstance for a boy who had naiveté concerning the hatred of his brothers. After much turmoil, the earnest Joseph remains faithful to the Lord, and the Lord is faithful in delivering him from his circumstances in a way he could not have imagined while sitting on the cold dungeon floor.

All of us can relate to a time of strife, pain, and uncertainty in the midst of difficult situations in our lives. The Lord’s promise to us, is that He will hear us. When we call out to Him, we need to do so with an open heart to His deliverance, no matter what it looks like or how long it takes. Once we are freed from our trouble, we are to remember. One contemporary version of the “scroll of remembrance” mentioned above, is my journal. For some of us, it is in a ‘Disciplines of Grace’ book this year, and for others it is a file or two on their computer. Yet for others, it is physical scars, memories, or rectified relationships. Whatever your scroll of remembrance, do not forget it in the midst of your current or next trial. He is good, and will deliver you.

Lord, help me to remember you in times of trial. You have a plan and a purpose, and work good through all. Help me rely on your timing, not my own. Remind me of your provision when in need. Keep me in a dedicated relationship with you, that you might be always ripe in my heart, and able to work.

Who Speaks For Them? :: Proverbs 31:8-9

Monday, January 29th, 2007

I was watching a video tape recently with some folks from our church who are interested in helping elderly people with their struggles and problems. The subject matter of the program was touching.

It dealt with people who have reached a place in life where they can no longer meet all the demands of life on their own. It described the struggles that some face with their loss of independence and how many times they need advocates to help them through the trials that come as we age.

And I thought “How many people (young, old, disabled, or disadvantaged) have been minimized or marginalized because they were unable to advocate for themselves.”

Who will speak for the needy?

God says that we, the godly, should speak for the needy…

Proverbs 31:8-9

8 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,

for the rights of all who are destitute.

9 Speak up and judge fairly;

defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

We are commanded to defend and protect those who are unable to care for themselves. We should be advocates for the destitute, defenders of the poor, and helpers to the helpless.

How am I helping the cause of the needy?

What can I do today to come to the aid of the poor?

Perhaps this is difficult because it might expose us to the difficult side of life. It might take up some of our time or money or both. It might make us uncomfortable. We might even be taken advantage of.

Besides, my help would only be a drop in the bucket, the need is so great.

Does it really matter? Doesn’t God already know all this? Of course He does! And He still calls us to help.

Maybe it is because EVERY individual is precious to Him and if we only help one person for one day it pleases Him.

Father, make us a people of compassion pleading the cause of the voiceless. Amen.

Green means GO!

Sunday, January 28th, 2007

Matthew 28:18-20

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

Who has the ultimate authority?

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me”

What does he command us to do?

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…”

Where does our help come from?

“…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”

The Creator and Sustainer of heaven and earth has given me the green light.  It’s time for me to GO.  It’s time for me to proclaim Jesus and make disciples.  And I am not alone.  The same God who is telling me to go also promises to be with me always.  And He is faithful.

“I lift my eyes up to the hills; where does my help come from?  My help comes from the LORD; the Maker of heaven and earth.”

God, give me the strength for today, that I might testify without shame and with great confidence.  Use me and teach me today.  AMEN

I Will Certainly Be With You

Saturday, January 27th, 2007

Exodus 3:11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”

In my journey with Christ, I have asked this question more than once. My self-consciousness always seems to kick in at just the wrong moments. When there are big tasks ahead of me, I suddenly remember the reality that I am no pastor, and that I often feel under qualified for the tasks that God puts before me. In a way it comforts me that a man like Moses struggled with the same fears of inadequacy that I deal with, but that still doesn’t solve the issue. It isn’t until I look to the next verse that I am comforted.

So He said, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

My problem lies in the reality that I focus on my inadequacies, of which there are many. But when I can recognize that in those places where I fall short the Lord is certainly with me.

I am reminded of a verse that I feel is tossed around a lot in Christian circles, but can really take on a lot of meaning when you look at it in these terms. 2nd Corinthians 12:9-10 says

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

God’s strength is always adequate in our lives when He has called us to do something. He will never leave us out to fend for ourselves because He is certainly with us! What power there is in knowing and serving Christ!

-Lord I pray today that you would help me to recognize that I am never left alone, but I can always trust in your strength for every situation in my life. Help me not to focus only on the places where I fall short, but help me to focus on your strength that is always sufficient for me.

Deep Concern

Friday, January 26th, 2007

Exodus 2:25  “He looked down on the Israelites and felt deep concern for their welfare.”

God knew what His people were going through.  He could see it, he heard it, he remembered his promise to Abraham and in the midst of the suffering he felt deep concern for what these people were struggling to endure.

It reminds me that God knows my struggles, he sees what is going on in my life, and he cares about my “stuff.”  He has deep concern for me and wants what is best for me.  He is concerned about my welfare, my decisions, every aspect of my life.  What’s crazy is that he cares more for me than I do.  That is a humbling thought.  It is also sobering and encouraging too.  Because God has deep concern for me, I need to respond daily with a desire to serve him, live for him, and do his will.  He is concerned for me.  I need to realize how awesome that is and keep that in perspective as I live each day.

Lord, thank you for your deep concern.  Thank you for your amazing love.  Keep me reminded, dear Jesus, of how much you gave on my behalf and help me to give back accordingly.  Father God may I care about what you care about and live today as an extension of you to others.

am I? I am not

Thursday, January 25th, 2007

Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50:19-21

Joseph has such a strong testimony of God’s provision in his life. Joseph is being used here as an instrument to reveal who God is to his brothers. The behavior that Joseph shows toward his brothers is nothing short of a miracle, and preparing for that response did not happen overnight.

God had Joseph in Egypt. God takes us to the desert to reveal who he is in our lives. As Joseph was faithful day to day, God gave Joseph a heart for him. The version that I read today of this passage was the New Kings James. In verse 19 Joseph asked his brothers, “for am I in the place of God?” Joseph was ready to face his brothers because of the I AM, not the am I.

I want to be ready in my mind and heart with a testimony of what God has done in my life. I have seen a miracle of restoration in my own family recently. I know personally the pain of rejection of a sibling. I can see in the scripture this morning that I did not prepare myself to meet up with my sister. We need to be faithful in the daily tasks before us. God has a plan to use me right now in this time of history. I need to give the desires of my heart to God, and go about his business. What a blessing to have my family restored, but more importantly, I have seen the Lord in the land of the living…In the land of my heart. He has healed me, and placed in my heart, love and grace toward my sister. When the time came to be with her after many years, I am so glad that love and grace is what I found in my heart. God put those things there. He has restored the years that the locusts have eaten. Joel 2:25

God is God, and I am not. Joseph was able to be used by God in a mighty way because while he was in the desert he did not dwell in revenge, hatred, bitterness, sadness, (the list could go on and on). No, Joseph went about God’s work day to day, and in the meantime God did the work in Joseph’s heart. That is revealed when he meets with his brothers. That is the power of the I AM! (and your not!)

Lord, I have seen the miracle of your healing in my own family. Lord thank you that you turn what is meant for evil into good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Lord I desire to be faithful to you, and help me to remember that it is not what I do, but what you do.  

A Cry For Help

Wednesday, January 24th, 2007

Psalm 143 is David’s cry to God for help and guidance. . His life was endangered and he was crying out for protection and preservation. Possibly he is fleeing Saul, or Absalom, or even another enemy. It is called one of the penitential psalms, but it sounds a lot like self-vindication and indignation to me. Perhaps it’s just my 2007 ears.

Few if any of us can identify with being a king whose power is being sought by an approaching enemy. However, most of us can identify with those times of terror, when we were sure that all was hopeless and victory for the adversary was inevitable.

I have experienced such a time. There wasn’t a mighty army marching towards me, but if you could have looked inside and read my heart and mind, you’d assume there was. During this time I discovered two things about myself: I was a bigger wimp than I’d ever thought I was; but also, I knew more than I ever realized I knew. It’s been fun sharing this with people. It’s a little like “if we were stranded all alone on a deserted island with nothing, how much scripture could we recall; how many hymns and choruses could we sing?” Now I’m thinking probably more than I can recall right now. It just takes this giant whack and, boom – it’s there for you. Much of what I didn’t realize I knew has come from personal application, but much, too, has come because His servants have given their time and heart to teaching and I have reaped the riches of their labor.

So each time you take the time to share in the Lord in some manner, remember that it IS of great value; it is rooting itself somehow, somewhere in someone. I will remember with you.

Thank you Lord for saving me, for bringing me into your arms and holding me. Thank you for living in and through Your servants. They have lovingly hammered me over the years with Your truths and they’ve done a great job.

Seeing God as Sovereign

Tuesday, January 23rd, 2007

* This entry is for January 23 of the new DOG schedule.
Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. Genesis 45:5

The college ministry at First Baptist (CCF) has been going through the story of Joseph and his family in Genesis in our co-ed Bible studies. It’s been a rich time of searching the word as a group and has been especially applicable for a group of students who all come from various family backgrounds. There is something about Joseph’s story that resonates with people who desire to be loved and accepted by those around them, which I think is all of us. Yet the greatest part of this saga is God’s grace towards Joseph and the brothers. Throughout the entire story the Lord proves Himself to be sovereign, righteous and full of grace.

When I read this dialogue in 45 between Joseph and his brothers, I’m struck by the emotion that can be inferred. Joseph was sold by these very same brothers into slavery, because they would gain more by selling him than by killing him. A lifetime later he is ruler of Egypt and stands before them with the resources to inflict brutal punishment. Yet all he can do is love them. He has experienced God’s grace and provision first hand and now understands that his life is complete when he allows the Lord to use him. As Joseph faces his brothers he’s able to show them the grace of a God that loves them.

Lord, help me to see my life as a vessel to be used by you to bring truth to others. Teach me to trust you with every circumstance that I’m in, and give me the wisdom to see when you are refining me to be used for your Good works.

Lessons Learned the Hard Way

Sunday, January 21st, 2007

Psalm 141:5  Let a righteous man strike me – it is a kindness; let him rebuke me - it is oil on my head.  My head will not refuse it.
 
When I was in high school, the majority of my classes did not require a lot of study time.  In fact, I have very few memories of ever studying diligently for any test. I was able to “cruise” through high school and finished in the top five percent of my class.

 
My lack of study habits did not translate well when I went off to college, though.  Almost every class required a decent amount of study time.  Since I was used to “cruising” through school, I decided that I could get by without putting in the necessary hours with the books.  Instead of studying (or even going to class), I would go play basketball or tennis or do anything else besides that which I knew I should be doing.  Needless to say, my freshman year at college was a G.P.A. disaster, which took me the rest of my college years to recover from.

 
Had I acquired the necessary discipline earlier in life, my college time (and career path) might have been much different.  I don’t blame anybody but myself for my lack of discipline.  Even if there had been a wise person to show me the error of my ways, I doubt I would have listened.  A hard lesson learned is sometimes the best teacher.

 
Discipline is something that God uses to make us into His image.  It usually requires pain, sacrifice or hardship initially, but this is necessary because our natural reaction is to avoid discipline if we can.

 
David was a man of many experiences, and recognized the need for discipline in his life.   He states that he is willing to let a righteous man strike him or rebuke him if it will save him from sinning.  His words in the Psalm above remind me of the oft-quoted passage about discipline in Hebrews:

 
“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.”