People Of The Book - Part I

In doing research for my sermon today I ran across the following article by John Ortberg.  It was so good that I decided to re-post it here.  It's also a little long so I am going to break it up into 2 posts.  I found it highly informative and also very challenging.  The question that came to my mind is - 'Do I have the same view of God's Word that the Jews did?'  Enjoy!

Israel had a Book.  They called it the Tenakh.  Say that word out loud.  When you get to the end of it, it's like you're clearing your throat.  It's from three letters: T is for Torah; N is the Hebrew word for the prophets Nedi'im; K is for their word for writings Ketugim.

They had a Book that was unlike any other book that had existed before, because it contained truths and ideas that had never hit the world before.  This Book said that instead of there being little tribal gods all over the place, there was one God, that this God is holy and just and loving and good, and that He created all things and plans on redeeming all things.

This Book, unlike any of the other mythologies or religions of the peoples around Israel, said that human existence is not just an endless cycle of repetition over and over and over again, but that it is a story.

This Book said that it is God's story, and that the story had a beginning - that God said: Let there be light and there was - that it had a middle - there was a fall and God has begun this work of redemption and that one day it will reach a climax.  There's going to be an end to this story.  There is something to look forward to.

This Book said that this God created human beings in His own image.  That means that they have an indescribable splendor about them, and that they are accountable to this just and holy God.  That means they carry an indescribable responsibility, and that they can now know how to live.  Because of this Book, mankind is not stuck in darkness anymore.  It is very hard to recapture what the world was like before this Book came to it.  Those ideas changed the way that the world thinks and feels.

Lord, I thank you for this great book that You have given me, the Bible.  Thank you that it is available in my language.  That I can read it.  And understand it.  And memorize it.  Help me to realize just how valuable it is.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Cultivating A Thankful Spirit

We live in a negative-oriented world.  I don’t know if it’s the result of years of advertising which has created a pervasive sense dissatisfaction in our lives so that we will buy their products or not.  Maybe it’s due to the powerful influence of the media which constantly criticizes everyone and everything which has seeped into our consciousness.  Maybe it’s the fact that, as a result of our fallen, sinful nature, we are prone to being critical.  Negative.  Fault-finding.  The problem with all this negativity is that it suppresses thankfulness.  It causes us to focus more on what’s wrong than on what’s right.  More on what we don’t have than on what we do have.  The irony of all this is that we live in perhaps the most affluent society in the history of the world!  That says something about the inability of things to make us happy and thankful, doesn’t it?

The truth is that anyone can be negative.  Complaining.  Ungrateful.  These come naturally.  Like weeds that grow in a garden.  It takes a special kind of person to be thankful.  The reason why is that thankfulness needs to be sought after.  Cultivated.  Nurtured.   Thankfulness chooses to look past the bad and find the good in a situation.  And in others.  It chooses to see the glass as being half-full instead of half-empty.

How do we cultivate a thankful spirit?  With God’s help.  First, we need to incorporate thankfulness into our everyday prayers.  In the midst of all our prayers for strength, wisdom and help in our daily lives we need to return thanks for all the good things we have as well.  Food.  Clothing.  Shelter.  Vehicles.  Health.  Family.  Friends.  Freedom.  Salvation.  Second, we need to memorize Bible verses related to thankfulness.  Such as I Thessalonians 5:17 - “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  Or Colossians 3:15 - “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.”  Third, we need to guard our intake of negativity.  We need to be much more selective of the news that we watch.  The articles that we read.  Of the people that we associate with.  A constant influx of negativity is bound to affect us.  We need to substitute this with good news.  Uplifting and inspirational articles.  By associating with people who are upbeat.  Positive.  Cheerful.  People who radiate the love of Jesus.

I was listening to a sermon by Pastor James MacDonald recently in which he said the following.  “An attitude of gratitude will give you altitude.”  Isn’t that so true?  If we will maintain a thankful spirit it will help us to live above the chaos, strife and negativity of our world.  Isn’t this what we really want?  I think it is.  It is also what God wants for us.

Lord, I live in the midst of a negative culture.  A complaining culture.  An ungrateful culture.  Help me to not follow the crowd in this.  Help me instead to cultivate a thankful spirit.  A spirit of gratefulness.  Cheerfulness.  A spirit that willingly and joyfully gives thanks to You for all that You have given me.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Going Against The Flow

One of the things that I’ve noticed during my times of fishing is how much stuff a creek or river carries.  Depending upon its size, all kinds of things get transported downstream.  Leaves.  Branches.  Logs.  Articles of clothing.  Fishing poles.  (Oops!)  You name it.  Of course, in the summer there are also all the rafters who float down the river too, either for fun or fishing.

I read the following quote somewhere.  I’m not sure who to attribute it to.  I think it might have been G K. Chesterton.  Anyway the quote is as follows:  Only living things can go against the flow.  Sounds about right to me.  In all my years of fishing I don’t remember seeing one dead object flow upstream.  They always flow downstream.  The reason is simple.  They have no life that can resist the steady force of the water.  The result is that they are helplessly carried downstream.  At the mercy of wherever the water might deposit them.

One thing about Christianity is that it goes against the flow.  Against the flow of culture.  Against the flow of popular opinion.  Against the flow of the ‘world’.  This is why being a Christian is so hard at times.  We are going against the flow.  Constantly.  And if you’ve ever tried to swim upstream, you know from personal experience that it is hard.  Difficult.  Exhausting.  As Christians, every day we find ourselves swimming against the flow of a godless society.

Unfortunately, over the years, I have seen some Christians who used to swim against the flow, give up.  They got tired of the effort.  Of the constant struggling.  They decided to just go with the flow.  In some cases this was not intended to be a permanent decision.  They were only going to drift for a little while.  Then start swimming upstream again.  Sadly, they never got around to resuming swimming.  Going with the flow was so effortless.  So easy.  So popular.  Next thing they knew they were pretty far downstream.  Not a pretty picture.  Tragic is how I would describe it.

The truth of the matter is that it takes a lot of dedication and dependance upon God to swim against the flow.  Daily.  Especially when we get tired.  Especially when others are effortlessly flowing past us downstream.  Smiles on their faces.  Seemingly enjoying life.  Calling us to join them.  But they are going a place we don’t want to go.  Away from God. 

After conquering most of the Promised Land, Joshua issued the following challenge to the Israelites in Joshua 24:15.  “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve....but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”  The fact is that no one goes upstream without making a decision to.  Without a lot of perseverance.  Without relying upon the Holy Spirit for strength every single day.

Like you, I get tired at times.  I wonder whether it’s really worth all the effort.  But deep down I know that it is.  Someday all the years of going against the flow is going to pay off.  Big time.  For us.  For our families.  For many others.  It will also bring praise for us from the lips of Jesus.  That’s enough to keep me going.  To keep going as long as I have to.  Until Jesus comes.

Lord, You never promised that following You would be easy.  In fact, many times You told us just exactly how difficult it would be.  In these days when so many people are going with the flow help me not to give up.  To keep my eyes on You.  To continue to swim against the current in the power of Your Holy Spirit.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Glimpses

What is a glimpse?  I would say that it is a quick glance.  A momentary thought.  We all have glimpses.  Glimpses of someone we see.  Glimpses of something on TV.  Glimpses of the past.  Glimpses of the future.  Thoughts that enter our consciousness for a split second.  The thing about glimpses is that they usually don’t last very long.  They are gone almost as fast as they arrived.

Lately I’ve been thinking about glimpses.  The kind of ‘aha’ moments where we put things together.  Where we see things clearly.  In proper perspective.  I have had several glimpses lately.  A couple weeks ago I was pretty frustrated one Saturday.  Things were not working out the way I had planned.  (As usual!)  I had to make an unplanned and unwanted trip to the hardware store.  As a result I was frustrated.  Frustration generally turns into anger.  Just at the point where I was about to get angry I had a glimpse.  The Holy Spirit brought James 1:2-4 to my mind.  “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”  This is one of Roy Van Deren’s favorite verses.  Consider it pure joy.  I don’t know that having to go to the hardware store is a trial but the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart to ease up.  Let it go.  So what?  I could still be happy.  Wow.  All of a sudden, for a fleeting moment, I saw my day from an eternal perspective.  Guess what?  I didn’t get angry.  I don’t know that I was jumping up and down over the derailment of my plans.  But suddenly I was OK with the change.

As I have already stated, I think that all of us experience these occasional glimpses in our lives.  Those times when God breaks through and speaks to our hearts.  Those times when we gain understanding about either a person or a situation.  I suppose some would call it an epiphany.  In my mind the difference between a glimpse and an epiphany is that a glimpse is fleeting.  An epiphany is a life-changing moment. 

So, the goal is to stop and take note of the glimpses that God brings our way each day.  Perhaps we are suddenly aware of His presence with us.  Or maybe a verse immediately comes to our mind.  At times like this it is very important that we pay attention to what God is revealing to us.  To note it.  Ponder it.  Reflect on it.  Write it down.  Most of all, to learn from it.  If we can, then that momentary glimpse has the chance to turn into an epiphany, a life-changing moment.

Lord, I thank you for the glimpses that You give me.  Usually when I least expect them.  Help me not to waste them.  But to reflect on them.  To learn from them.  Help me to turn them into permanent moments of truth which add to my maturity and my relationship with You.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Balance - Part II

Yesterday I mentioned that balance is my favorite word and how important it is in the world around us.  Today I want to look at balance in relation to us and to God.

Unfortunately, balance is not natural for humans or for society.  We tend toward im-balance.  Toward extremes.  Going off on a tangent.  It is something that everyone of us has exhibited in at least one area of our lives.  For some people their whole life is marked by imbalance.

 
People tend to be imbalanced in their eating, alcohol consumption, talking, work, time management, recreation, political & religious views, and just about every other area.  On a larger scale we find that nations tend to be imbalanced - pursuing policies of extreme involvement or isolationism.  Liberty or legalism.  Nationalism or globalism.

The problem is that lack of balance is not good for us.  Lack of balance can cause harm (even in that which is otherwise good).  Too much or not enough sun.  Too much or not enough exercise.  Too much or not enough vitamins.  Too much or not enough sleep.  Too much or not enough discipline.  Again, the list is endless.

One would expect that God, being perfect, would be balanced.  And this is precisely what we see in Him.  First of all, we see that God displays balance in His character.  His justice is balanced by His mercy.  His immanence (nearness) is balanced by His transcendence (distance).  His anger is balanced by His love.  Secondly, we see that God displays balance within Himself.  Father, Son & Holy Spirit - all perfectly balanced.  No ego trips.  No power struggles.  No selfishness or pride.  Just perfect cooperation, respect and understanding.  All the time.

It should come as no surprise then that Jesus also exhibited balance in His life.  Jesus spent much time ministering to people.  He balanced that by spending time alone with the Father.  He balanced meeting the physical needs of people (healing, hunger, etc.) with meeting their spiritual needs.  He balanced the need for work (sending His disciples out to minister) with the need for rest (and pulling His disciples aside).

So, how should we feel about balance?  Well, if we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1) then we ought to also exhibit balance in our lives.  In Ephesians 5:18 we are commanded to be “filled with the Spirit”.  The Spirit of ‘balance’.  This is implied in Galatians 5:22-23 where one of the fruit of the Spirit is self-control.  No extremes.  No excesses.  No tangents.

Though God loves balance and it is the best thing for us, don’t expect everyone else to appreciate it.  Imbalanced people tend to judge us by whether we’re in their camp or not.  Liberal or conservative.  Legalistic or permissive.  Loving or judgmental.  Unfortunately I have found out over the years that if you are balanced you can get shot at by both sides.

That’s OK.  Balance beats extremism every day of the week.  It’s what we were created for.  It’s what God wants to see in our lives.  It is the key to usefulness.  Satisfaction.  Joy.

Lord, help me to be like You.  Balanced.  Balanced between work and rest.  Between ministry and family.  Between being ‘in the world’ but not ‘of the world’.  In those times when I get out of balance, speak to my heart and quickly bring me back.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Balance - Part I

When I was a child my life was characterized by a lack of balance.  I was impulsive.  I had anger issues.  I was immature.  Then I became a Christian and through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, I gained some much-needed self-control.  Ever since then my favorite word has been balance.  It has been an especially meaningful word to me since I entered ministry.  I see so many people, organizations and even ministries that are out of balance.  It is never a good thing.  Balance is.

One humorous incident related to balance is that once, during one of my messages, I asked the congregation what my favorite word was.  By this time I had mentioned it so frequently that I felt confident that the congregation knew the correct answer.  It was then that Herb White shouted out, ‘Beth’!  How could I publicly deny that Beth was my favorite word?  So I had to rephrase my question to what my second favorite word was!  It was then than balance was mentioned.

According to the dictionary, balance means to “match; offset, to keep in equilibrium”.  I suppose that this is a good definition.  Personally, it doesn’t do too much for me.  Needless to say balance is important.  Extremely important.  More than what we think.  It keeps things from going to extremes.  From wearing out prematurely.  From harm.  The following are some areas where we see the importance of balance:

•    Walking.  Fact is we couldn’t walk if we had no balance.  We would be bumbling and stumbling around, and running into things like some drunk.
•    Motors.  These need to be balanced for both optimal results and to prevent premature wear and tear.
•    Tires.  They need to be balanced for both a smoother ride and for longer wear.
•    Load/Cargo.  Whether it’s in a wheel barrow, plane, boat, truck (or someone’s head) cargo needs to be balanced.  If the load suddenly shifts an accident or tragedy could occur.
•    Meals.  Nutritionists tell us that to enjoy optimal health we should eat ‘balanced’ meals.
•    Our Government.  Intentional balance has been built in between the executive, legislative and judicial branches.
•    Nature.  We see this between predators vs. prey as they constantly fluctuate.

So, balance is pretty important in that it produces stability.  Optimal usage.  The best of both worlds.  Unfortunately, while it is so important, it can be hard to come by.  Or to maintain.  Life tends toward imbalance.  So do people.  That is the subject of tomorrow's post.

Lord, I thank you for the balance that I see all around me.  Sunshine and rain.  Hot and cold.  Work and rest.  I know that this balance is from You.  It is something that helps to keep our world stable.  Secure.  Livable.  Enjoyable.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Obstacles

Obstacles are things that are in our or someone else's way.  They can be most anything.  The first thought that comes to my mind is a tree that the wind has blown across a road.  Or a downed ‘live’ power line.  When we encounter something like this it stops us in our tracks.  We can’t reach our destination unless we remove the obstacle or find a way around it.  If we can’t do either of these then we have no choice but to go back.

Of course, one of the most famous concepts regarding obstacles is the ‘obstacle course’.  Whether it’s for recreation or in the military, an obstacle course is full of things that have to be overcome.  Through climbing.  Swinging.  Crawling.  Swimming.  Jumping.  The goal is to surmount every obstacle and make it to the finish line.

But obstacles don’t always have to be objects.  They can be people as well.  If you were playing football and were handed the ball, every person on defense would be a potential obstacle.  They want to tackle you.  Or, if possible, take the football from you.  So in order for you to score you have to somehow find a way to avoid or elude these obstacles.  In life, an obstacle may be a co-worker.  Or a boss.  Or someone in a relationship.  They are anyone who is standing in the way of where we want to go.

Finally, there are (for lack of a better word) intangible obstacles.  Not having an education.  Or training.  Or money.  Or a support system.  Or maybe it’s being too young.  Or too old.  Or the wrong gender.  Or the wrong nationality.  The point is that there are a lot of obstacles in life.  And, sooner or later, everyone encounters them.  Big and small.  It is how we handle these obstacles that separates the winners from the losers.  The people who persevere from the people who give up.

One saying that is in play here is this:
    When you want to do something, nothing is an obstacle.
    When you don’t want to do something, everything is an obstacle.

I see these principles at work everyday in the lives of Christians.  For example, a person is planning on a weekend camping trip.  But they get off work late on Friday.  They are tired.  It begins to rain.  They have a flat tire.  But since they really want to go camping, none of that matters.  They simply persevere and they get where they want to go.

On the other hand, let’s take going to church on Sunday morning.  This same person was up late Saturday night.  They are tired.  It’s raining.  They have a flat tire.  What happens?  Most of the time they don’t go.  There were too many obstacles in their way.  Funny but these were exactly the same obstacles involved in the camping trip.  But they went camping.  They didn’t make it to church.  What’s the difference?

The key to overcoming obstacles can be seen in a single word.  Desire.  That’s it.  The fact is that when we really want to do something we won’t take no for an answer.  By George, no one or nothing is going to stop us!  Because we really want to do it.  But when we are ambivalent toward something, when we don’t want to do something, it is amazing how everything becomes an obstacle.

Sadly, it is the lack of desire that I see that keeps most Christians from being transformed into the person that Jesus wants them to be.  They have all kinds of time, enthusiasm and energy for what they want to do.  But very little for what Jesus wants them to do.  Sad.  Really sad.

So, the next time that you don’t feel like doing something that Jesus wants you to do, stop.  Pray.  Ask Jesus to infuse into you a desire to do His will.  And then overcome that obstacle.  Don’t let anything or anyone stop you from becoming all that He wants you to be!

“He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne.”  Revelation 3:21

Lord, give me a burning, passionate desire to serve You.  As I encounter various obstacles in my path, give me the strength, patience and perseverance to get past all of them.  Help me to be an overcomer.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Weak Without Prayer

Somewhere along the line, a number of years ago, I purchased a small magnet.  The kind that goes on a refrigerator.  When I say small it is only 1" x 2".  However, the message is huge.  The magnet says: Seven days without prayer makes one ‘weak’.  Isn’t that so true? 

Going without prayer is a lot like going without food.  If I am correct, most of us rarely, if ever, miss a meal.  We might eat a little late on occasion but we don’t usually miss a meal.  Generally the only people who miss meals are people who are too busy.  However, almost no one misses a second meal.  The only individuals I know who do this are on a fast.  Depending upon the length of the fast, they may miss a number of meals.  (Funny, they call it a 'fast' when time goes so slow!)

If you’ve ever missed a meal, you know what it’s like.  It is not pleasant.  Your stomach begins to rumble as its walls seem to touch each other.  And then there’s all those weird noises.  You know, the ones that are embarrassing when others hear them.  You get a little tired.  Maybe even a headache.  Perhaps you get a bit irritable, too.  And if you miss multiple meals the symptoms only intensify.  Very tired.  Bad headache.  Lots of noises from the stomach area.  The reality is that we need to eat in order to live.  If we don’t feed our bodies on a regular basis we will begin to lose energy.  Steam.  Alertness.  Go too long without food and we run the risk of having no life at all.  Period.

Going without prayer has the same effect on us spiritually.  Not quite as rapidly as with food but the same principle applies.  Skip our prayer time one day and we immediately notice it.  The peace isn’t there.  Neither is the joy.  Or the strength.  We begin to feel a little weak.  We get discouraged easily.  Problems seem bigger than they really are.  We are more prone to giving in to sin.  We become more irritable.

Now, suppose that we go without prayer for a long time.  Several days.  A week.  Is it possible that we could go a month or two without prayer?  I hope not!  Anyway, the result is that we really begin to notice the effects of it.  And so do others around us.  We can’t seem to do anything right.  Everything is a chore.  Everything goes wrong.  There is little joy or sense of satisfaction.  Life stinks.

So, why do we skip prayer?  Why do we sometimes forget about it?  Or worse yet, feel like we can get by without it?  Who knows?  Part of it is because we are too busy.  Because we don’t feel that prayer is that important?  So, we don’t make it a priority.  Another reason is the Enemy.  He will do everything within his power to keep us from the source of spiritual life and power.  Boy, does he do a good job.

The other day as I drove 7 hours to Billings by myself I had plenty of time.  Instead of listening to music or sermons as I normally do, I spent time in prayer.  A lot of it.  And do you know what?  It was good.  I enjoyed it.  You might say I ‘caught up some’.  The challenge is to carve time out of my life daily. for prayer.  Routinely.  To make it a priority.  For good, quality prayer.  Prayer that touches the heart of God.  Prayer that impacts my world.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of Him.”    1 John 5:14-15

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”   Philippians 4:6-7

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."     James 5:16

Lord, thank you for the incredible privilege of being able to talk to You.  The Sovereign Lord of the Universe.  Anytime.  Anywhere.  About anything.  Help me not to neglect this great privilege.  Help me to pray.  Often.  And Hard.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Empty Me

Today while driving back from Billings I was thinking about God’s holiness.  His separateness.  And what that looks like.  It’s something I want to understand more.  And something I want more of in my life.  As I was reflecting on this, a song came to my mind.  It is Jeremy Camp’s Empty Me.  I absolutely love the words.  I want to be holy.  Like God.  Once again I have included a link to the song as well as the words.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWk42LFOQXM&ob=av2n 

Empty Me

Holy Fire burn away, my desire for anything,
That is not of You and is of me,
I want more of You and less of me.

Holy Fire burn away, my desire for anything,
That is not of You and is of me,
I want more of You and less of me, yeah.

Empty me, empty me, yeah,
Fill, won't You fill me,
With You, with You, yeah.

Holy Fire, burn away, my desire for anything,
That is not of You and is of me,
I want more of You and less of me, yeah.

Empty me, empty me, yeah.
Fill, won't You fill me, with You, with You, empty me now.

Well won't You empty me, well won't You empty me now,
Well won't You empty me, well won't You empty me now,
I want more, I want more, I want more of You, Jesus.
I want more, I want more, oh.
Thank you, Jesus.
Thank you, Jesus, oh yeah,
Thank you, Jesus, yeah.
Holy Fire, Holy Fire, Holy Fire, Holy Fire.

Lord, help me to understand Your Holiness.  What it means for You.  What it means for me.  Empty me of everything in my life that is not holy.  Fill me with Your Holy Spirit.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

God vs Jesus

The title of this post sounds a little like a boxing or wrestling match, doesn’t it?  “In this corner, we have God.  And in this corner we have Jesus!”  Now some of you are probably thinking, “Wait a minute.  Jesus is God.  What exactly are you trying to say?”  OK, let me explain.

For quite some time I have been disturbed by the average person’s use of the word ‘God’.  We hear it all the time don’t we?  We probably use it quite a bit ourselves.  When someone is excited, or when they are confronted with tragedy, the first words out of their mouths are, “Oh, my God!”  (Personally I don’t like this saying but that is for a different post.)  There are others who, when they are thankful for something, say “Thank God for _________”.  Even we, as Christians, have a tendency to overuse the word ‘God’.  We say things such, “God was certainly looking out for me!” when we have a close call with an accident, etc.

My problem with the use of the word ‘God’ is this: Just exactly who are people referring to when they say this?  You say, “Hello!  They are referring to God!”  I know that.  I mean exactly what kind of God are they referring to?  For example, are they referring to a concept?  Or a Divine Being?  Or the Creator of the Universe?  Or is it simply a phrase that they use that has no meaning at all?  The problem in our culture, as I see it, is that the word ‘God’ has become too generic.  It means different things to different people.  It has become watered down.  Lost its significance.  The fact is that many people use the word without the slightest idea of who they are referring to.  Now, on one hand, I am glad that the name of God comes up so frequently.  On the other hand, I think that our overuse of ‘God’ has innoculated us to who God really is.

Now, as Christians, when we use the word ‘God’ we know in what context we are using it.  We are referring to our Heavenly Father.  The Creator and Ruler of the Universe.  The One who loves us with an everlasting love.  The problem is that unbelievers don’t share this same context.  So, what I am proposing to do is to substitute the word ‘Jesus’ into our conversations in place of the word ‘God’.  I think it’s vitally important that we do this.  Think of how different our conversations would be:  “Thank you Jesus for a wonderful day!”  “Jesus was really looking out for me there.”  “Jesus knows best.”  Do you see the difference?  Instead of the vague and general ‘God’, we are using a specific name, Jesus.  Everyone knows who Jesus is.  It makes it crystal-clear who we are referring to. 

Unfortunately, using the name of Jesus may make some people uncomfortable.  The reason why is that the generic ‘God’ can be made into anyone’s image.  Unbelievers are comfortable using ‘God’.  So are members of cults.  And Muslims.  And Hindus.  But when we talk about ‘Jesus’ it’s a different story.  He is a specific person mentioned in Scripture.  He claims to be God’s Son.  The Savior of the world.  Obviously, a number of people don’t believe this.  When we use the name ‘Jesus’ we might offend them.  Or they may feel a twinge of guilt.  Or they may begin to label us as ‘Jesus freaks’.  However, I think that the advantage of substituting the name of Jesus for God in our conversations is worth it.  It directs people’s thoughts to a specific person.  To the One who died on the cross for our sins.  The One who will return to earth soon.  Who will be the Judge of all humankind.

So, I would encourage you to be a little more specific and intentional in your conversations.  Let’s talk about Jesus more.  After all, He is the most important person in human history.  His life divides history.  His death was the greatest act of love in human history.  His resurrection is the greatest miracle of human history.  Someday He is coming and will re-enter human history.  Jesus.  Jesus.  Jesus.

“For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in Heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”   Philippians 2:9-11

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12

Lord, I thank you for Jesus.  It is through His name that I am saved.  Help me to treasure and  respect and love His name.  And to frequently use it in my conversations.  In the wonderful name of Jesus, Amen.

Patience vs Control

A number of years I was going through the book of James in Sunday School class.  At one point I came to James 5:7-12 where it talks about patience.  It was then that an insight came to me.  An insight into the relationship between patience and self-control.  I was even inspired to draw a chart to illustrate it.

Control

Patience

The chart illustrates the following principle: The amount of patience that we need in a situation is inversely proportional to the amount of control that we have.  Allow me to explain.

As you can see to the left, when control is high patience is low.  This illustrates the fact that the more control that we have in a situation, the less patience we need.  This is the reason why rich and powerful people are often very impatient.  With the snap of their fingers, or a single phone call, they can make things happen.  They get things done.  Fast.  Their way.  As a result they usually don’t have much patience.  They don't need to.  They are usually in control.

Now follow the chart to the right.  The less control that we have, the more patience we need. Pretty simple.  By the time we get all the way over to the far right we find that we have little, if any, control.  Which means that we need a lot of patience.  So, poor people and those with little or no power in a situation, often have to be patient.  They can’t immediately change a situation to their liking.  They have to live with it.  Sometimes for quite a while.  This requires patience.

So, the next time you come upon a situation in your life that you’d like to change, think about this chart.  If you have a high degree of control in the situation, chances are that you won’t need much patience.  But if have little control, remember that you are going to need a lot of patience.  Food for thought.  I hope that it helps.

“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him.”  Psalm 37:7

Lord, I thank you that even though many times I am not in control of a situation, You are.  Help me to be patient until You choose to act.  Then may I respond in gratefulness and worship.  In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Life Expectancy

We’ve all heard the term ‘life expectancy’.  In human terms, it applies to how long a person (under normal conditions) can expect to live.  As of 2009, the current life expectancy is 78.2 for the average American.  This is pretty significant considering that in England at the turn on the 20th century the life expectancy was in the mid-50's.  We’ve come a long way.

But I want to look at the term ‘life expectancy’ in a different way.  Allow me to use the following analogy.  Having played softball for many years, when it comes to defense, there are two different kinds of players.  The first player is poor in this aspect of the game or lacking in confidence.  So when they are out of the field they are worried.  Uptight.  Nervous.  Silently they say to themselves, ‘I hope they don’t hit it to me’.  Or ‘I hope I don’t make an error’.  This could be the 3rd baseman who’s afraid that he won’t be able to handle the hot smash down the line or the outfielder who fears he’ll miss the fly ball.  Chances are that when the ball is hit to them they do miss or misplay it.  Their negative, apprehensive attitude becomes almost like a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Then we have the fielder who is good, who is confident in their defensive abilities.  When they take the field it’s a completely different story.  They are confident.  Relaxed.  Maybe even cocky.  Silently they say to themselves, ‘I hope you hit it to me’.  Or, ‘If I get the chance I’m going to get you out!’  This might be the Shortstop who’s anticipating making a double play or the outfielder who wants to make the diving grab.  Chances are that when the ball is hit to them, they make the catch.  They make the play.  Their positive, confident attitude allows them to do exactly what they were envisioning doing.  So we have two different players with two different results.  What made the difference.  Attitude.  Specifically ‘expectancy’.

Going back to the term ‘life expectancy’ some people have a pretty negative one.  Perhaps they come from a divorced family.  Or maybe their family was poor.  Or dysfunctional.  Maybe they don’t have great physical looks.  Or many talents & abilities.  Whatever it is, they don’t expect much out of life.  In fact, they go through life silently hoping that they don’t get ‘put on the spot’.  As such, they are fairly pessimistic.  They don’t expect good things to happen to them.  To accomplish very much.  To make a difference in the lives of others.  As a result, they are not disappointed.  Things go wrong.  Bad things happen to them.  They live their lives in dread of what negative thing is going to happen to them next.  Is this the way that God would want us to live?  Hardly.

God wants His children to live life expectantly.  Optimistically.  Confidently.  Not in our own resources but in His!  He wants us to attack life.  To be bold.  To enjoy it.  To live it with wonder and expectation.  What blessings is He going to give me today?  How is He going to use me?  In what ways is He going to work through me?  The reality is that one of God’s desires for us is to bless us - and make us a blessing for others.  In Jeremiah 29:11 (one of my favorite verses) God says, “‘I know the plans I have for you’, says the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Now for those of us who are optimistic by nature, this isn’t too much of a stretch for us to live life expectantly.  For those of us who are pessimistic by nature, this is a huge change to try to initiate.  But with God’s help, anyone can acquire a good ‘life expectancy’!

Lord, I thank you that, for the Christian, the future is always bright.  Help me to avoid living my life in fear and dread.  Instead, help me to live it in wonder and anticipation.  What blessings am I going to receive today?  How are you going to use me to bring You glory?  To positively impact the lives of others?  To make a difference in my world?  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Hummingbirds And Survival

I learned a couple interesting facts about hummingbirds several weeks ago that I did not know previously.  It seems that, with the exception of insects, hummingbirds have the highest metabolism of all animals.  That is, while they are flying.  Apparently they need this sky-high (pun alert!) metabolism because of the speed at which their wings beat.  It is said that a Blue-throated hummingbird once was measured at 1,260 beats a minute.  (Do you ever wonder exactly who measures this and how they do it?   I do!)  Anyway, the average human heart beats at 72 beats per minute.  This means that a hummingbird’s heart beats approximately 18 times faster than a human heart.  (I’m exhausted just thinking about that!)

Another interesting fact is that hummingbirds consume their own weight in nectar each day.  Their own weight.  Each day.  Every day.  I don’t know if this is a good comparison or not but could that be the equivalent of us eating between 150 - 250 lbs of food per day?  If it is a good comparison can you imagine what we would all look like?  Let’s not go there!  In order to get that much nectar a hummingbird has to visit hundreds of flowers per day.  And you thought that hummingbirds had it easy, didn’t you?  The reality is, get this, that every hummingbird is only hours away from starving to death.  Hours!  That's right.  It seems that hummingbirds are barely able to store enough food to survive overnight.  (Yikes!  Remember that the next time you get up during the night to raid the refrigerator!)

The way that hummingbirds survive nights is by slowing down their metabolism.  Down to 50 - 180 beats per minute.  That is quite a decrease from 1,260.  This places them in a hibernation-like state known as torpor.  When in torpor both their heart rate and their breathing is drastically reduced.  This results in less energy burned.  Which results in less need for food.  One again, hummingbirds are another example of the creative genius of God!

What do these facts have to do with us?  I don’t know that it’s a direct correlation but it speaks to me of our dependency upon God.  First of all, He is the One who sustains us.  The fact is that all of us are only one heartbeat away from eternity.  It is God who, moment by moment, gives us the breath of life.  Secondly, it reminds me of our need to constantly be feasting on God.  His Spirit.  His Word.  His very life.  No, we won’t shrivel up and die if we miss a few hours of God.  But the point is that we need Him.  That’s right, need Him.  The longer we go without intimate contact with God the worse condition we become spiritually.  Sin begins to creep in.  And discouragement.  Complaining.  Jealousy.  You name it.

What we need to do then, is to recognize how utterly dependent upon God we really are.  David recognized this.  In Psalm 42:1-2 he writes, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.”  Sounds pretty desperate to me.  The kind of desperation I need to bring to the table every day.  Yep, every day.  I am an incredibly needy person.  And only God can satisfy my needs.  And give me hope.  And joy.  And strength.  And life itself.

Lord, I need You.  Every day.  Every hour.  Every moment.  Keep me from being self-sufficient.  Help me to learn to become completely dependent upon You.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Golden Rule

Most likely you’ve heard of the Golden Rule.  I don’t think that it’s quite as popular today as it was a half-century ago but it’s still fairly well-known.  I remember my grandmother had it on a plaque that hung in her dining room.  The Golden Rule was stated by Jesus.  It is so simple, yet so profound, that it has lasted 2,000 years.  It is found in two places, Matthew and Luke.  I prefer the Luke passage myself:

    “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”   Luke 6:31  KJV

The problem with the Golden Rule today is that it has been perverted.  Twisted.  Hijacked.  Made into something much different than it originally meant.  This perversion has significantly altered the meaning and therefore, the effect, of it.  Let me put the original version and the perverted version side-by-side so that you can see the difference:

    Do unto others what you would have them do unto you.

    Do unto others what they have done unto you.

Do you see the difference?  It’s right there.  The original version, the Jesus version, is about  treating others the way that we want to be treated.  It’s proactive.  It’s basic principle is love.  Respect.  Compassion.  The perverted version, however, is very different.  It’s about treating people the way that they have treated us.  As such, it is reactionary.  It’s basic principle is payback.  If people have been nice to us, then we should be nice to them.  If people have been mean to us, then we should be mean to them.

Unfortunately much of our culture believes (or at least ‘lives out’) the perverted version.  They keep score.  They keep an eye on the competition.  Or their co-worker.  Or their neighbor.  Or their spouse.  Everything is about the other person.  How are they treating us?  That's part of the problem.  It's selfish.  Or 'me' oriented.  Another part of the problem has to do with our perception of how we are being treated.  So if we perceive that we have been slighted, that we have been treated unfairly, we are going to respond accordingly.  And if they live by the same perverted version, then they are going to respond, in kind, to us.  And we wonder why our world is in the shape it’s in?

Yes, Jesus knew exactly what He was doing when He gave the Golden Rule.  If we would only learn to treat others the way that we want to be treated, the world would be a much better place.  Sure, there is no guarantee that others are going to treat us the way that we want to be treated but that’s precisely the point.  Love treats others properly.  Regardless of how it is treated in return.

What we need to do is to get rid of the perverted version.  We need an army of men, women, teenagers and children who are willing to restore the Jesus version to it’s place of prominence.  Our world needs to see it in action.  They need to experience its transforming power.  It’s the only way true change is going to come.

Lord, I thank you for the incredible simplicity as well as the profoundness of the Golden Rule.  May I be a part of that great army that is committed to living it out in the world on a daily basis.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Afraid Of Bugs?

Somewhere along the line our 4-year-old granddaughter has become afraid of bugs.  Now I know that bugs and girls don’t generally go together all that well.  But Ava is really afraid of bugs!  For example, she will not get into our small swimming pool if she sees a bug floating on the water.  And if she’s in the back yard at our house and a bug even gets near her, she runs toward the house.  For Ava, bugs represent danger.  And I don’t know why.  As far as I know I don’t believe that she has ever been stung by a bee.  Or bitten by any bug other than a mosquito.  (The common experience that we all share!)  Chances are that she probably learned this fear from someone.  Like most fears, hers is irrational.

We have tried to work with her on this.  We have shared with her that most bugs don’t bite or sting.  That most bugs will leave you alone if you leave them alone (mosquitoes excepted).  That all bugs are very small in proportion to humans, even to small children.  The reality is that we have nothing to fear from bugs.  Unfortunately she’s not convinced yet.  We’ll just have to keep working with her on this.

As I thought about Ava’s aversion to bugs, aren’t we all like this at times?  A fairly small situation comes into our lives, a situation that’s relatively minor, and what do we do?  We begin to build it up in our minds.  What if this happens?  What if that happens?  Pretty soon we have made our minor problem into a problem of healthy proportions.  Now the problem is huge.  Bigger than us.  Ready to swallow us alive.  There is no way that we can handle it. 

This is where God’s Word comes in so handy.  It puts our problems into perspective.  We see that, in comparison to God, our problems are the size of a tiny bug.  And just about as dangerous.  I like what Jeremiah says in 32:17.  “Ah, Lord God, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm!  Nothing is too difficult for You.”  In other words, God can do all things.  The same God who spoke the universe into existence can take care of our problem.  Or any combination of problems.  All we need to do is to put the situation into His hands.  Do whatever we’re supposed to do.  And leave the rest to Him.  No problem!

Lord, help me to see my problems from Your perspective.  They are no match for Your great power.  Your understanding.  Your wisdom.  I thank you that nothing is too difficult for You.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

It Is You - Newsboys

In honor of the Newsboys concert tonight I am posting a link and the words to one of my favorite Newsboys songs, It Is You. I love this song.  It is so worshipful and God-focused.  When it's all said and done, it's all about God.  He is worthy to be praised and worshiped!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Vv4Q-4uY9c

As we lift up our hands, will You meet us here?
As we call on your name, will You meet us here?
We have come to this place, to worship You,
God of mercy and grace.

It is You, we adore,
It is You, praises are for,
Only You, the heaven's declare,
It is You, it is You.

Holy, holy is our God Almighty,
Holy, holy is His name alone,
Holy, holy is our God Almighty,
Holy, holy is His name alone.

It is You, we adore,
It is You, only You.

As we lift up our hands will You meet us here?
As we call on your name, will You meet us here?
We have come to this place, to worship You,
God of mercy and grace.

It is You, we adore,
It is You, praises are for, 
Only You, the heaven's declare,
It is You, it is You.

Holy, holy is our God Almighty,
Holy, holy is His name alone,
Holy, holy is our God Almighty,
Holy, holy is His name alone. 

As we lift up our hands, as we call on Your name,
Will you visit this place, by Your mercy and grace?
As we lift up our hands, as we call on Your name,
Will you visit this place, by Your mercy and grace?

It is You, we adore,
It is You, it is You.

Holy, holy is our God Almighty,
Holy, holy is His name alone,
Holy, holy is our God Almighty,
Holy, holy is His name alone.

Holy, holy is our God Almighty,
Holy, holy is His name alone,
Holy, holy is our God Almighty,
Holy, holy is His name alone.

It is You, we adore,
It is You, only You. 

The McDonald's Incident - Part IV

The end of the trail folks.  After our little ‘family incident’ at McDonald’s on Friday, we have been looking at how we should respond when we run into people with whom we have conflict issues.  Should we attack them?  Stick up for ourselves?  Put them in their place?  Show them who’s who?  Or should we try to escape?  Run away from them?  Avoid them?  Hope they will find someone else to pick on?  As we have seen, neither of these ways is healthy when facing conflict.  So, how should we react then?  Answer = God’s way!

God’s way, the Peacemaking way, is to deal with conflict.  To be proactive.  To try to find a solution to the problem.  Granted, every conflict situation might not work out the way that we (or God) wants it to.  We live in a sinful world.  People don’t always respond to reason.  Or to love.  (See the cross on that one.)  We can’t control what others do to us or how they respond to us.  The only thing that we can control is our own response.  So, what are some healthy, constructive ways that we can respond to conflict?

First, size the situation up.  Someone has offended us.  Hurt our feelings.  Maybe worse.  Perhaps they have hurt or offended someone that we love.  The question to ask is, Is this something that I can live with?  Overlook?  In Proverbs 19:11 we read, “The discretion of a person makes them slow to anger, and it is a glory to overlook a transgression.”  Two days ago when we looked at the Attack response we saw that one of the negatives to it is that a person who practices this approach can become aggressive.  They spend their whole life responding to real or perceived faults.  They just can’t let anything go.  As Christians, God wants us to be people who pass His forgiveness on to others.  This means letting some offenses go.  No curt reply.  No stares or glares.  No talking about the incident to others.  (This only serves to keep it alive.)  No altering of our relationship.  No revenge.  We give it to God.  He takes care of it.  End of the offense.

There is one huge issue that we need to consider when choosing this response.  If we do decide to let it go, the when need to LET IT GO!  In other words, if we decide to overlook the offense then we have to make sure that we don’t carry a judgmental or hurt spirit around with us.  Otherwise we haven’t dealt with the offense.  All we did was to escape from it.  We have already seen that this is not the proper way to deal with conflict because it never gets resolved.  If we are unable to overlook it (and, by the way, not all conflict should be overlooked) then we need to proceed to deal with it.

Second, take some positive action toward resolution.  To take this out of the realm of theory and into that of practice, I have reflected on how I might have handled the situation with our grandson better.  Here’s what I could have done:

Spoken to our grandson: Granted he’s only 2.  He really doesn’t understand very much other than the fact that some strange kid pushed him.  Multiple times.  What I could have done was to talk to him on his terms.  Inform him that it’s OK to tell the other kid to stop next time.  To stick up for himself.  In a good way rather than retaliating.  At 2 years of age he may or may not have understood this.  But older children and adults can.  This is a good place to start.

Spoken to the parent & grandparent:  I assume that they both knew that their son/grandson was pushing my grandson.  Maybe they didn’t think it was that big of a deal.  I could have calmly mentioned the situation to them.  (Now if I can’t do this calmly then I don’t want to go there because it could escalate into a rather unpleasant situation!)   You never know.  They might have been willing to talk to their son/grandson.  Or make him say he was sorry.  Then again, they might not have done anything.  I’ll never know.

Spoken to God: Wouldn’t it have been great (hindsight is 20-20 isn’t it?) if I would have got all 3 of my grandchildren together and talked to them?  Talked about how some children are mean.  Maybe they don’t have a loving family.  Maybe they don’t know Jesus.  Right then and there I could have had them join me in a quick prayer for the little boy.  We could also have prayed for his mother and grandmother as well.  What a lesson they would have learned in how to deal with conflict.  Take the offender to God!  Ask Him to work in their heart.  To give us a good attitude.  To give us a heart of love for him.  I guess I missed a great opportunity.  I hope that I have learned from this.

So, when a conflict situation comes up between you and another quietly ask God to help you.  Speak to the other person.  Let them know that they have offended you.  Maybe they don’t know.  By all means pray for that person.  We don’t know the things that they are dealing with.  Or what kind of upbringing they had.  Or if they know Jesus.  Ask God to work in their life.  To change your attitude toward that person.  To see them through the lens of God’s love.

It’s amazing what we can learn from a minor incident, isn’t it?  Now that I’ve had several days to reflect I feel that I have grown.  Maybe when the next situation comes along (there is always a ‘next’ situation) I will handle it better.  The way that God wants me to.  A way that makes Him irresistible to others.  A way that brings Him glory!

Lord, thank you for Your incredible grace and love in my life.  As I encounter situations involving conflict with others, help me to react the way that You want me to react.  Not to attack others.  Not to try to escape from them.  But to deal with the situation.  In a Christ-like manner.  With kindness.  Compassion.  Understanding.  Love.  Who knows, maybe it will be the means through which they enter the Kingdom?  In Jesus’ name, Amen.