God has been speaking to me about something. I've been pondering the issue and seeking guidance in the Scriptures. Last night a note in my Bible from 20 years ago caught my attention and focused my thoughts.
I've been noticing that I feel unsettled when brothers and sisters in Christ share with me that they've told others not to worry about not meeting a commitment because "Sandra will understand". I'm glad that people don't see me as a demanding, judgmental and unforgiving person, but somehow it's uncomfortable to think that my opinion is being used as a standard for anybody in terms of their Christian life. Let me see if I can clarify.
I believe that God tells His people what He expects from us. The Bible is full of specific directions and general principles to guide our behavior. For example, those who love God are to follow the dictates of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) in how we live, not only on the outside but also on the inside (Matthew 5:28). We are expected to worship God and Him only and details are given about what true worship looks like and what it requires. (Genesis 22:1-5, 24:26,27,47,48; Hebrews 12:28,29; John 4:24) There is a whole list of duties for the Christian from tending our personal relationship with God through body life and into the sharing of the Gospel.
Obedience to God's mandates is not a matter of what feels comfortable, or seems to be the best idea, or follows a majority vote. Our loving Father has clearly communicated His directions to His chosen offspring. The Lord Jesus explains, "If you love me, you will obey what I command." (John 14:15) That means spending consistent time in prayer, meditating on and memorizing His Word, plumbing the depths of the Scriptures through study, and being part of a corporate body that worships regularly. Among other characteristics, we are to be truth tellers and word keepers. (Acts 5:1-11; James 5:12) These are some of the basics of what might be called Christian duties. It's up to those who are truly members of God's family to bring our lives in line with His standards by His design and guidance. (Philippians 2:13)
God compares His people to a human body with various, interrelated parts that are valuable and necessary one to another. (1 Corinthians 12:12-31) We are meant to be in community where we encourage and challenge each other with hearts full of praise and gratitude for all that our heavenly Father has done for us. (Romans 12:15,16; Colossians 3:15,16) We are to look to the interests of others as we avoid judgementalism, being cautious to tend to the places where our lives do not meet His measure. (Philippians 2:4; Matthew 7:1-5)
These points of understanding are some of those I incorporate as I run the race set before me. (Hebrews 12:1,2) They are why when someone explains the reason they didn't meet a certain responsibility I do my best to offer a gracious response. My Daddy knows how far short I fall of His standards and accepts me as I am, not because I in myself am desirable, but because I am encased with the righteousness of His Beloved Son. He is full of forgiveness and grants me grace out of the richness of His mercy. (Exodus 33:19, Romans 9:15, Ephesians 2:4) How can I offer less to my siblings?
I trust that God knows what the circumstances were and the obedient response that was required. He knows each heart and what it needs - perfectly. It's not up to me to judge the soundness of the reason nor the condition of my sibling's heart. I admit that it's a bit more difficult at some times than others. There was the day I was told that Sunday morning was the only time someone's refrigerator could receive its necessary weekly cleaning. Then there are the moments when the thought floats through my mind that a sibling seems quite able to schedule all manner of activities but is somehow incapable of attending a Bible study or prayer meeting or accomplishing a task they arranged. I do better on some days than others and rejoice that God's Word is living and active, accomplishing His purpose - enlightening my mind and disciplining my heart. (Hebrews 4:12, Exodus 55:11)
The crux of my dilemma is that I am beginning to feel that some of my siblings may be misreading/mistaking my gracious response as a release from their Christian duty. My compassionate remark cannot be the final step in the process we all need to undertake as we pursue holiness. (1 Peter 1:15,16) I need to check my own heart and life. Do I allow the understanding of others when I display my weaknesses to be my measure of approval or acceptance? How do I receive the empathy offered by a sister who may have struggled in a similar way or her encouragement to persevere under God's principles? Do I adjust my personal expectations to match those of others? Or do I bring the whole collection of circumstances, behaviors and attitudes to my loving Father in prayer and through His Word? Do I aim primarily at His standards and priorities for righteousness in my inner life and outward behavior? (Matthew 6:33)
Paul makes it clear whose standard we are to meet. Just because Sister Suzy says she's not upset when I say I haven't been able to attend a meeting or meet a commitment I made doesn't make it okay. God knows what the situation was. He knows how tired I really was and whether or not I used that as an excuse because my heart wasn't really open to worship or pray or study, or if I simply changed my mind about doing what I said I would do. It doesn't really matter what anybody else thinks.
"Therefore, 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." (Romans 12:1) God is the only name listed. God is the One we are to please. Yes, we need to be gracious to our siblings. We are to urge and inspire each other in developing godly attitudes and actions. (Hebrews 10:24) We must not become standard-setters for each other. Our Savior and King is the authority to whom we must yield.
While we enjoy the horizontal relationship with which our Father has blessed us, let's be careful not to let it become a poor, sinful and dangerous substitute for our intimate relationship with Him - not on any level, for any reason, at any time. A dear sister expresses it this way, "We are to play to an audience of One."
Thank you, Lord, for granting the opportunity to communicate this glimpse into the spiritual life you nurture in us. Please cause each of us you've called to yourself to glorify you and enjoy you forever. Amen
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
PING and Providence
Curt and I recently spent three weeks in China. It seems only appropriate that my first post after returning would be based on "The Story About PING", a classic children's book by Marjorie Flack and Kurt Wiese. In case you don't know the tale, Ping is a "beautiful young duck" whose home was "a boat with two wise eyes on the Yangtze River". We didn't visit the Yangtze, but we did enjoy our time in Kunming and Beijing.
If you haven't read the book, don't despair, it may actually be easier for you to grasp what I'm trying to share. If you know the story well, I pray that you'll be right beside me as I unpack my thought process.
Our trips are filled with lots of motion and interaction. Planes, buses, taxis, cars, and our feet keep us active. The friends we meet and make keep us hearing about and sharing the goodness of the Lord in all circumstances. Nevertheless, the Spirit provides many, often subtle, opportunities to get to know the Father more intimately and grow in grace.
When things don't go according to plan, assuming there was any possibility to have any semblance of a plan, there is always a choice to make - trust God or freak out. It was at one such juncture on the faraway streets of China that I began to ponder my options. The situation was scary and there simply wasn't anything I could do about it. I wanted to trust my loving Father. After all, He's God, Maker of heaven and earth, the One who made me and called me, who sent His Son to shed His blood for my soul and then gave me to my Redeemer to shepherd through this life with the guidance of His appointed Counselor, the Holy Spirit of God. What better place to put my trust!
The truth is that I find it a lot easier to sense my confidence and trust in God when I'm having an intellectual discussion than in the midst of overwhelming trials. I chalk that up to my human frailties and life in a fallen world. Even as the crisis was unfolding I caught my inner self reminding me that God knows the end from the beginning. Not only that, but His sovereign hand controls all of the steps in between. And God coordinates each and every detail along the way for the benefit of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
"Okay then," I decided, "I can trust You, my Father, in this harrowing experience because You know exactly what's going to happen and it will be for my good. I have no idea what it will entail and, just so you know, my feelings are telling me to bail out right now."
Believe it or not, that's when PING came to mind.
You see, I had read the story to a group of children the day before. If you've read it, you will be where I was - knowing how the tale would end though the children did not. I knew what Ping's life was like on the Yangtze River with "his mother and his father and two sisters and three brothers and eleven aunts and seven uncles and forty-two cousins." I knew how Ping's days would unfold, what he would do and eat, and how he would feel about the Master's behavior at the end of the day. I even knew how Ping would react on that fateful day.
Those of you who don't know PING are sitting beside the children in my story hour. You're also sitting with me as I felt the panic rise as the helplessness of my situation washed over me in my crisis. What's Ping/am I going to do? What's going to happen to Ping/me? How's it all going to turn out - for Ping and me?
I began to contemplate how I might have had Ping's story unfold had I been the author. I'm not sure I would have had Ping choose to do what he did. I could have written the story to save Ping from the results of his decision. Ping would have had a much happier day, if he chose differently. Then it dawned on me that Ping might not learn the valuable lesson, if he didn't have to face the circumstances he did.
Hmmmm, maybe my adjusted version wouldn't address Ping's maturity level too cleanly. Perhaps he'd be right back where he was on page one. I conceded that there might be some wisdom in the authors' addressing Ping's growth and development in the first instance. My version might have appeared more gentle, but I might not be serving Ping's best. It was interesting to contemplate such possibilities having the inside knowledge.
My crisis continued to unfold. I asked the Lord for His intervention and, impatiently, some insight into how the terror was supposed to be good for me.
Suddenly, I saw the comparison between the author of a book and the Author of life. I knew what was going to happen to Ping only because I'd already read the book. God knows what's going to happen in my life because He's the Author of it. God knows what my life is like on Loon Pond with my Honey. He knows how my days will unfold, what I will do and eat, and how I will feel about what comes across my path. He even knows how I will react in the face of every situation.
I am not able to read ahead in the book of my life. I am as unfamiliar with the upcoming pages as those of you who haven't read the book are unfamiliar with what happens to Ping. Whenever I read PING aloud I find a sweet, secret sort of confidence that may echo with those of you who know the story. As the children walk through the ups and downs of Ping's adventure they may wonder what will happen. They may feel the same tension that Ping experiences. Until the last page they don't know how it will turn out, but I do.
I know the end of Ping's story so I don't go through any of my listeners' wonderings or feelings. I walk with the first-time hearers appreciating their responses and hoping to communicate the calm assurance that it will be a "happily ever after" ending. When I close the cover and look up we rejoice together that Ping is safe at home. I catch a glimpse of what my walk with my Father might be like from His vantage point. God knows what's coming. He is not subject to the doubt and emotional stirrings we experience. He is communicating His calm assurance about the just and joyous rewards of heaven. "No eye has seen, nor ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." Isaiah 64:4; Corinthians 2:9
I am able to rest in the everlasting arms of my Father as I remember His perfect, sovereign providence. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11 "And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 Amen
If you haven't read the book, don't despair, it may actually be easier for you to grasp what I'm trying to share. If you know the story well, I pray that you'll be right beside me as I unpack my thought process.
Our trips are filled with lots of motion and interaction. Planes, buses, taxis, cars, and our feet keep us active. The friends we meet and make keep us hearing about and sharing the goodness of the Lord in all circumstances. Nevertheless, the Spirit provides many, often subtle, opportunities to get to know the Father more intimately and grow in grace.
When things don't go according to plan, assuming there was any possibility to have any semblance of a plan, there is always a choice to make - trust God or freak out. It was at one such juncture on the faraway streets of China that I began to ponder my options. The situation was scary and there simply wasn't anything I could do about it. I wanted to trust my loving Father. After all, He's God, Maker of heaven and earth, the One who made me and called me, who sent His Son to shed His blood for my soul and then gave me to my Redeemer to shepherd through this life with the guidance of His appointed Counselor, the Holy Spirit of God. What better place to put my trust!
The truth is that I find it a lot easier to sense my confidence and trust in God when I'm having an intellectual discussion than in the midst of overwhelming trials. I chalk that up to my human frailties and life in a fallen world. Even as the crisis was unfolding I caught my inner self reminding me that God knows the end from the beginning. Not only that, but His sovereign hand controls all of the steps in between. And God coordinates each and every detail along the way for the benefit of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
"Okay then," I decided, "I can trust You, my Father, in this harrowing experience because You know exactly what's going to happen and it will be for my good. I have no idea what it will entail and, just so you know, my feelings are telling me to bail out right now."
Believe it or not, that's when PING came to mind.
You see, I had read the story to a group of children the day before. If you've read it, you will be where I was - knowing how the tale would end though the children did not. I knew what Ping's life was like on the Yangtze River with "his mother and his father and two sisters and three brothers and eleven aunts and seven uncles and forty-two cousins." I knew how Ping's days would unfold, what he would do and eat, and how he would feel about the Master's behavior at the end of the day. I even knew how Ping would react on that fateful day.
Those of you who don't know PING are sitting beside the children in my story hour. You're also sitting with me as I felt the panic rise as the helplessness of my situation washed over me in my crisis. What's Ping/am I going to do? What's going to happen to Ping/me? How's it all going to turn out - for Ping and me?
I began to contemplate how I might have had Ping's story unfold had I been the author. I'm not sure I would have had Ping choose to do what he did. I could have written the story to save Ping from the results of his decision. Ping would have had a much happier day, if he chose differently. Then it dawned on me that Ping might not learn the valuable lesson, if he didn't have to face the circumstances he did.
Hmmmm, maybe my adjusted version wouldn't address Ping's maturity level too cleanly. Perhaps he'd be right back where he was on page one. I conceded that there might be some wisdom in the authors' addressing Ping's growth and development in the first instance. My version might have appeared more gentle, but I might not be serving Ping's best. It was interesting to contemplate such possibilities having the inside knowledge.
My crisis continued to unfold. I asked the Lord for His intervention and, impatiently, some insight into how the terror was supposed to be good for me.
Suddenly, I saw the comparison between the author of a book and the Author of life. I knew what was going to happen to Ping only because I'd already read the book. God knows what's going to happen in my life because He's the Author of it. God knows what my life is like on Loon Pond with my Honey. He knows how my days will unfold, what I will do and eat, and how I will feel about what comes across my path. He even knows how I will react in the face of every situation.
I am not able to read ahead in the book of my life. I am as unfamiliar with the upcoming pages as those of you who haven't read the book are unfamiliar with what happens to Ping. Whenever I read PING aloud I find a sweet, secret sort of confidence that may echo with those of you who know the story. As the children walk through the ups and downs of Ping's adventure they may wonder what will happen. They may feel the same tension that Ping experiences. Until the last page they don't know how it will turn out, but I do.
I know the end of Ping's story so I don't go through any of my listeners' wonderings or feelings. I walk with the first-time hearers appreciating their responses and hoping to communicate the calm assurance that it will be a "happily ever after" ending. When I close the cover and look up we rejoice together that Ping is safe at home. I catch a glimpse of what my walk with my Father might be like from His vantage point. God knows what's coming. He is not subject to the doubt and emotional stirrings we experience. He is communicating His calm assurance about the just and joyous rewards of heaven. "No eye has seen, nor ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." Isaiah 64:4; Corinthians 2:9
I am able to rest in the everlasting arms of my Father as I remember His perfect, sovereign providence. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11 "And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 Amen
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Rock and Sand
Have you ever had an occasion when it seemed that brand new words somehow appeared in the text of your Bible? It happened to me recently and I've been contemplating the incident ever since.
As I was preparing to lead a study my research took me to the end of Luke chapter 6. That's where the parable of the wise and foolish builders is recorded. I passed my eyes casually over the words asking the Spirit to make the connection for me to the topic of the study. When I read verse 48, "He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock."(NIV) My antennae went up and my mind was suddenly in red alert mode.
Where in the world did those words, "dug down deep and laid the foundation" come from? I honestly couldn't remember ever having read them before. I rushed to the concordance and found that the same parable is also recorded in Matthew 7. Sure enough, those specific words do not appear there. Verse 24 ends with, "like a wise man who built his house on the rock". I realized that the Matthew passage must be the only one I'd previously read.
These kinds of discoveries are one of the ways the Lord reaches into my occasionally relaxed attitude about His Word and grabs my attention. I began to ponder the additional detail provided in Luke and asking the Spirit to guide my thinking. The insights I was given have stuck with me and I've already shared them with a number of friends.
You see, the picture I had from the Matthew passage was of two men who built similar houses - one set on a rock and the other set on a sandy beach. Old Yankees like me understand that important difference because we've weathered Nor'easters and hurricanes along the New England coast. Anything set on sand will surely be washed away, while things set on a rock are much more secure.
I have to admit though that there were times when my image of two identical houses caused me some discomfort. You see, I have witnessed times when structures have been washed right off of rocky islands. But God's Word is God's Word and He said the house on the rock stood firm under the onslaught of a storm. That was good enough for me.
What joy and delight to have the Luke version of the parable clarify the situation. The man who built his house on the rock "dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock". (Luke 6:48) He wasn't going to take any chances on having the precious structure he labored over washed away by any outside threat. He put his back into the task and excavated until he found rock solid enough to secure the foundation and support the entire house. He wanted his home to be secure for the long haul so he began by applying himself to the task of setting it on solid footing.
The parable took on a whole new perspective. It's possible that the wise and foolish man's houses did look identical to a passerby during beautiful weather - perhaps even surrounded by lovely landscaping. It would be when the "torrent struck" (v. 48, 49) that the difference would become obvious. The wiseman's house with the firm foundation set on rock would not even be shaken. The foolish man's house with an insufficient foundation would "collapse and its destruction [be] complete." (v. 49) The importance and value of the support below the surface would be clear to even the casual observer. One building much as it was before the storm, the other in shambles.
The spiritual comparison is easy to make. The person who humbly approaches God for wisdom builds their life on the solid foundation of a relationship with Him through Christ's atoning sacrifice, the truth of His Word, and a loving desire to be a doer of that word and not a hearer only. (James 1:22) Such a life will be sustained and unshaken when the storms strike. No amount of wind, rain, hail, trials, struggles, loss, deprivation, opposition, persecution, etc. will move such a life. "God's solid foundation stands firm." 2 Timothy 2:19
The person who stands alone builds their life on the foolishness of their own thinking. Such a life cannot withstand the storms that threaten it. Wind, rain, and all the pressures of this fallen world will cause such a life to collapse and be totally destroyed. "He who trusts in himself is a fool." (Proverbs 28:26a)
Hallelujah that God indwells His people by the power of the Holy Spirit. He leads and guides us according to the Father's wisdom. "For in Him we live and move and have our being." (Acts 17:28) Christ Himself calls out to His Father for our protection. "I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. ... My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." (John 17:9,15)
Praise God that He always keeps His promises. (Numbers 23:19) He is the refuge for the righteous and we are secure in Him. (Hebrews 6:13-20)
Then it dawned on me - no wonder sanctification is hard, often dirty work. The process is represented in this parable by digging down until we find rock that is solid enough for a foundation on which to secure the building called my life. Plumbing the incredible depths of the unshakable truths of Scripture and seeking an intimate relationship with God Himself take time and effort. There's a lot of dirt and filth to dig through both in my heart and the world around me. We shouldn't be surprised by the effort or the muck.
Thank you, Lord, for this glimpse at the awesome work of salvation that provides the solid rock for my sanctification. Please continue to work out your good purpose in my life and cause me to stand firm amidst any and all dangers and evil that you alone might be glorified and your Name hallowed in all the earth. Amen
As I was preparing to lead a study my research took me to the end of Luke chapter 6. That's where the parable of the wise and foolish builders is recorded. I passed my eyes casually over the words asking the Spirit to make the connection for me to the topic of the study. When I read verse 48, "He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock."(NIV) My antennae went up and my mind was suddenly in red alert mode.
Where in the world did those words, "dug down deep and laid the foundation" come from? I honestly couldn't remember ever having read them before. I rushed to the concordance and found that the same parable is also recorded in Matthew 7. Sure enough, those specific words do not appear there. Verse 24 ends with, "like a wise man who built his house on the rock". I realized that the Matthew passage must be the only one I'd previously read.
These kinds of discoveries are one of the ways the Lord reaches into my occasionally relaxed attitude about His Word and grabs my attention. I began to ponder the additional detail provided in Luke and asking the Spirit to guide my thinking. The insights I was given have stuck with me and I've already shared them with a number of friends.
You see, the picture I had from the Matthew passage was of two men who built similar houses - one set on a rock and the other set on a sandy beach. Old Yankees like me understand that important difference because we've weathered Nor'easters and hurricanes along the New England coast. Anything set on sand will surely be washed away, while things set on a rock are much more secure.
I have to admit though that there were times when my image of two identical houses caused me some discomfort. You see, I have witnessed times when structures have been washed right off of rocky islands. But God's Word is God's Word and He said the house on the rock stood firm under the onslaught of a storm. That was good enough for me.
What joy and delight to have the Luke version of the parable clarify the situation. The man who built his house on the rock "dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock". (Luke 6:48) He wasn't going to take any chances on having the precious structure he labored over washed away by any outside threat. He put his back into the task and excavated until he found rock solid enough to secure the foundation and support the entire house. He wanted his home to be secure for the long haul so he began by applying himself to the task of setting it on solid footing.
The parable took on a whole new perspective. It's possible that the wise and foolish man's houses did look identical to a passerby during beautiful weather - perhaps even surrounded by lovely landscaping. It would be when the "torrent struck" (v. 48, 49) that the difference would become obvious. The wiseman's house with the firm foundation set on rock would not even be shaken. The foolish man's house with an insufficient foundation would "collapse and its destruction [be] complete." (v. 49) The importance and value of the support below the surface would be clear to even the casual observer. One building much as it was before the storm, the other in shambles.
The spiritual comparison is easy to make. The person who humbly approaches God for wisdom builds their life on the solid foundation of a relationship with Him through Christ's atoning sacrifice, the truth of His Word, and a loving desire to be a doer of that word and not a hearer only. (James 1:22) Such a life will be sustained and unshaken when the storms strike. No amount of wind, rain, hail, trials, struggles, loss, deprivation, opposition, persecution, etc. will move such a life. "God's solid foundation stands firm." 2 Timothy 2:19
The person who stands alone builds their life on the foolishness of their own thinking. Such a life cannot withstand the storms that threaten it. Wind, rain, and all the pressures of this fallen world will cause such a life to collapse and be totally destroyed. "He who trusts in himself is a fool." (Proverbs 28:26a)
Hallelujah that God indwells His people by the power of the Holy Spirit. He leads and guides us according to the Father's wisdom. "For in Him we live and move and have our being." (Acts 17:28) Christ Himself calls out to His Father for our protection. "I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. ... My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." (John 17:9,15)
Praise God that He always keeps His promises. (Numbers 23:19) He is the refuge for the righteous and we are secure in Him. (Hebrews 6:13-20)
Then it dawned on me - no wonder sanctification is hard, often dirty work. The process is represented in this parable by digging down until we find rock that is solid enough for a foundation on which to secure the building called my life. Plumbing the incredible depths of the unshakable truths of Scripture and seeking an intimate relationship with God Himself take time and effort. There's a lot of dirt and filth to dig through both in my heart and the world around me. We shouldn't be surprised by the effort or the muck.
Thank you, Lord, for this glimpse at the awesome work of salvation that provides the solid rock for my sanctification. Please continue to work out your good purpose in my life and cause me to stand firm amidst any and all dangers and evil that you alone might be glorified and your Name hallowed in all the earth. Amen
Monday, September 7, 2009
Suitcases and Horizons
The traveling I do is often misunderstood. Some folks think that just because I get on an airplane and go to some faraway place that I must be on vacation. Others realize that I am in the service of our Risen Savior as He blesses me with outreach opportunities for sharing the gospel. Though ministry to those the Father sets before me is the stated purpose, the trips I make have another eternal impact.
Case in point:
Last week I realized that it was only seven more days until I needed to be ready to go to the airport. I pulled out my suitcases and piled the items I was preparing to take with me into them. Curt thoughtfully weighed the two I would be checking and the larger carry-on. They were within the allowable limits so I relaxed with a sigh and went on with other tasks.
This particular journey will include three destinations. Each stop will entail a variety of activities. There will be a mixture of group gatherings, family meetings, and individual consultations. As you can imagine, besides the packing, there are a lot of other preparations that need to be made for the trip. In the midst of all of that, there are also the task before me at home. It's important to take care of the responsibilities I will leave behind. Needless to say I was busy.
A few days ago the Lord gave me the impetus to move along in the packing process. This step usually doesn't happen until much closer to my departure date, but my main goal for this trip is to "remain in the vine" so I responded. John 15:4 I dutifully organized the materials and placed them into the available space. As the suitcases I intended to check filled up I moved things into the larger carry-on. When I was done I realized there was no room left for clothes. 8-0 I decided to continue "resting" which took me to the other activities of my day.
The next day I began the process of laying out clothes. I concentrated on choosing the bare minimum - underwear, one skirt, two sleeveless and two short-sleeve blouses, a spare pair of slacks. I switched from my handy little cosmetic carrier to a zip-lock baggie for my toiletry items. Hurrah, I was able to tucked everything into hollow corners. Then it was time to do the final weight check.
At first I thought everything was fine though the larger carry-on was way too heavy. I figured I'd just have to get help to put it into the overhead compartment ... and disguise how much effort I'd have to use to drag it around with me. ;-) Then Curt discovered that the airlines have changed the weight limits for baggage. Oh no!! My mind started to race. "What am I going to do with the six pounds I need to take out of that one bag." "There simply is no more space and I can't add another carry-on, what now?" "I only have three more days until I fly out." "I can't leave any of this stuff behind."
The Spirit delivered the warning, "Remember, Sandra, your number one goal for this trip is to 'rest in the vine'." Thank you, Jesus.
I turned my mind to the Word of God and the promises it contains. "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5,6 "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10
I settled back into the Truth. I was able to release the concern and tension and put the solution into God's omnipotent hands. After all, there were plenty of other tasks to occupy my time and attention. I shared the need through an email to a group of colleagues asking for their prayer and put down the topic completely. It was a blessed opportunity to let God be God. Amen
Through a series of events that I will keep to myself for the privacy of those involved, God put a check into my hands for the amount needed to check a third suitcase - less than 24 hours after the request for prayer was posted. Hallelujah! I need to stick with my limited wardrobe and the zip-lock baggie, but nothing has to be left behind. Oh, the Lord is good! His mercies are not only new every morning. They are sweet!
Yes, this is an incredible victory for the benefit of those God has called me/us to serve. The curriculum and materials I will deliver will be a serious encouragement to their growth in grace as they build families under Christ. I praise His Holy Name for these blessings. There is another level to the dynamic that is becoming more and more obvious as the years unfold. God uses scenarios like this on each trip to encourage, reinforce and refine for my faith. Only He would know about the connection I would make with horizons.
I was praising God for the various details of His intervention - the funds for the additional suitcase, the hearts He moved to make it happen, the speedy timing, etc. Of course the peace that I'd been given was high on the list. I began to ponder God's faithfulness in allowing me to meet the #1 goal of this particular journey in the face of possible catastrophe. Hmmm, how did He work in me to accomplish such a breakthrough?
I was reminded of a particular skill taught me by my father, a retired member of the US Coast Guard. When you're out on the water and you're looking for something such as a buoy or landmark, the best way to find it is to scan the horizon. I've had plenty of opportunity to verify his words as I was raised on the ocean. My experience confirms the truth of His statement. If my eyes fixate on a specific spot, I am unable to locate anything. If I move them back and forth across the horizon, I am much more likely to pick up the marker I seek.
Curt has confirmed the same training and results from his time at sea with the US Navy. When he went to serve his night duty watch, he was expected to arrive early so that his eyes would get accustomed to the dark. Then he was to constantly scan the horizon to pick up any objects that might appear. In this way, he was more likely to be successful. That was the normal responsibility of anyone on watch, day or night.
The situation with the suitcases could have followed the old pattern of anxiety, confusion, frustration, and so on. Instead God intervened and short-circuited all of that unhealthy, unproductive angst. He led me to continue in the other tasks before me as I waited on Him for the solution. Philippians 2:13 I was to "remain in the vine" as I went about my routine. My reward came when His provision popped up on the horizon.
This latest episode in my divine education is a blessed one. I praise God that His answer was so specific and speedy. It is not always so, but He knows my needs and desires and always responds perfectly. This glimpse is especially poignant. I can assure you that in the future I will be much more likely to apply my head and hands to the task before me as my eyes scan the horizon for my Daddy's intervention.
What victory there is in yielding to the Father's will. What joy there is in trusting the "ever-present help in trouble". Psalm 46:1
Case in point:
Last week I realized that it was only seven more days until I needed to be ready to go to the airport. I pulled out my suitcases and piled the items I was preparing to take with me into them. Curt thoughtfully weighed the two I would be checking and the larger carry-on. They were within the allowable limits so I relaxed with a sigh and went on with other tasks.
This particular journey will include three destinations. Each stop will entail a variety of activities. There will be a mixture of group gatherings, family meetings, and individual consultations. As you can imagine, besides the packing, there are a lot of other preparations that need to be made for the trip. In the midst of all of that, there are also the task before me at home. It's important to take care of the responsibilities I will leave behind. Needless to say I was busy.
A few days ago the Lord gave me the impetus to move along in the packing process. This step usually doesn't happen until much closer to my departure date, but my main goal for this trip is to "remain in the vine" so I responded. John 15:4 I dutifully organized the materials and placed them into the available space. As the suitcases I intended to check filled up I moved things into the larger carry-on. When I was done I realized there was no room left for clothes. 8-0 I decided to continue "resting" which took me to the other activities of my day.
The next day I began the process of laying out clothes. I concentrated on choosing the bare minimum - underwear, one skirt, two sleeveless and two short-sleeve blouses, a spare pair of slacks. I switched from my handy little cosmetic carrier to a zip-lock baggie for my toiletry items. Hurrah, I was able to tucked everything into hollow corners. Then it was time to do the final weight check.
At first I thought everything was fine though the larger carry-on was way too heavy. I figured I'd just have to get help to put it into the overhead compartment ... and disguise how much effort I'd have to use to drag it around with me. ;-) Then Curt discovered that the airlines have changed the weight limits for baggage. Oh no!! My mind started to race. "What am I going to do with the six pounds I need to take out of that one bag." "There simply is no more space and I can't add another carry-on, what now?" "I only have three more days until I fly out." "I can't leave any of this stuff behind."
The Spirit delivered the warning, "Remember, Sandra, your number one goal for this trip is to 'rest in the vine'." Thank you, Jesus.
I turned my mind to the Word of God and the promises it contains. "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5,6 "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10
I settled back into the Truth. I was able to release the concern and tension and put the solution into God's omnipotent hands. After all, there were plenty of other tasks to occupy my time and attention. I shared the need through an email to a group of colleagues asking for their prayer and put down the topic completely. It was a blessed opportunity to let God be God. Amen
Through a series of events that I will keep to myself for the privacy of those involved, God put a check into my hands for the amount needed to check a third suitcase - less than 24 hours after the request for prayer was posted. Hallelujah! I need to stick with my limited wardrobe and the zip-lock baggie, but nothing has to be left behind. Oh, the Lord is good! His mercies are not only new every morning. They are sweet!
Yes, this is an incredible victory for the benefit of those God has called me/us to serve. The curriculum and materials I will deliver will be a serious encouragement to their growth in grace as they build families under Christ. I praise His Holy Name for these blessings. There is another level to the dynamic that is becoming more and more obvious as the years unfold. God uses scenarios like this on each trip to encourage, reinforce and refine for my faith. Only He would know about the connection I would make with horizons.
I was praising God for the various details of His intervention - the funds for the additional suitcase, the hearts He moved to make it happen, the speedy timing, etc. Of course the peace that I'd been given was high on the list. I began to ponder God's faithfulness in allowing me to meet the #1 goal of this particular journey in the face of possible catastrophe. Hmmm, how did He work in me to accomplish such a breakthrough?
I was reminded of a particular skill taught me by my father, a retired member of the US Coast Guard. When you're out on the water and you're looking for something such as a buoy or landmark, the best way to find it is to scan the horizon. I've had plenty of opportunity to verify his words as I was raised on the ocean. My experience confirms the truth of His statement. If my eyes fixate on a specific spot, I am unable to locate anything. If I move them back and forth across the horizon, I am much more likely to pick up the marker I seek.
Curt has confirmed the same training and results from his time at sea with the US Navy. When he went to serve his night duty watch, he was expected to arrive early so that his eyes would get accustomed to the dark. Then he was to constantly scan the horizon to pick up any objects that might appear. In this way, he was more likely to be successful. That was the normal responsibility of anyone on watch, day or night.
The situation with the suitcases could have followed the old pattern of anxiety, confusion, frustration, and so on. Instead God intervened and short-circuited all of that unhealthy, unproductive angst. He led me to continue in the other tasks before me as I waited on Him for the solution. Philippians 2:13 I was to "remain in the vine" as I went about my routine. My reward came when His provision popped up on the horizon.
This latest episode in my divine education is a blessed one. I praise God that His answer was so specific and speedy. It is not always so, but He knows my needs and desires and always responds perfectly. This glimpse is especially poignant. I can assure you that in the future I will be much more likely to apply my head and hands to the task before me as my eyes scan the horizon for my Daddy's intervention.
What victory there is in yielding to the Father's will. What joy there is in trusting the "ever-present help in trouble". Psalm 46:1
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Heavy and Light
It was a small ladies Bible study around the table on our deck. God was blessing us with lovely weather and good conversation. I was unprepared for the full-blown glimpse I was about to receive.
The topic of the day was humility and we were going through a string of verses that held a variety of points. I admit that I hadn't paid much attention to that word in my previous readings of Matthew 11:28-30. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
We began to talk about the passage and one of the ladies made a comment that went something like this. "I know what a yoke is and they are heavy things. I don't see how a yoke could ever be called light. Actually, this verse doesn't make any sense to me at all." I began making my way through what I thought was a reasoned explanation by pointing out that the One who spoke the words was Jesus the Christ.
It was easy enough to talk about Jesus' call for those who are "weary and burdened" to come to Him for rest. That covers pretty much all of us living in this fallen world. I was able to mention some of the specific struggles that were tiring burdens for some of us. I paused before taking on the next sentence though. It's an interesting combination of directions and results.
Jesus seems to be telling those who are already dragging a heavy load to add the weight of a heavy farm implement. The key is that it is His yoke that he calls us to take on our shoulders. To make the point, I took out a pen and drew a simple yoke with two neckbands. Jesus isn't directing His people to pick up a dead weight and add it to the burdens we are already carrying. He's calling us to put ourselves under a yoke to spread out the burden.
I've learned a lot about yokes lately. Directions for making a yoke include measuring the animal. Time needs to be spent carving, sanding, and finishing the wood for a proper fit. It's not a complicated piece of equipment, but it is highly efficient for harnessing power. A pair of oxen under yoke are able to pull more than double the weight a single ox can handle on his own.
Sharing the load is only one benefit of a yoke. One of the ways to train a young or inexperienced ox is to yoke it with an older, experienced animal. The yoke itself becomes an educational method as the pair shoulder the weight-bearing task. The one needing the training is directly connected to the appropriate tutor making it difficult to miss the important lessons.
Jesus' call is not to take up just any yoke. It's His yoke that He wants us to put on. The goal is not merely to offload some of the weight of the struggles we face by sharing them with someone else. Jesus offers Himself as a yoke-mate. He is the One who will shoulder the weight; the weight of the yoke itself as well as the struggles. He wants us to be right next to Him that we might learn His ways.
I looked to the next phrase to continue my way through the passage - "for I am gentle and humble in heart". Right here in this particular analogy Jesus shares these two particular attributes. As with the idea of a heavy yoke being light, gentle and humble don't seem to be attributes to esteem when looking to accomplish a formidable task. What could gentleness and humility have to do with it?
I silently and earnestly asked the Spirit for help and picked up my pencil. To buy some time, I drew a simple yoke to illustrate what we were discussing and wrote J-e-s-u-s in the left neckband. Then it hit me. Jesus is describing His own heart condition when He is under His yoke. Our Older Brother is setting the example for coming under His tutelage as we make our way through this life.
I've often thought about being yoked with Jesus as His helping me manage burdens. I've even imagined Him pulling me along to keep my path nice and straight. But truly seeing the word humble for the first time in the analogy was a major glimpse. I shared the insight with the ladies in the study, but it was much more than that.
The study was over and the ladies were gone. I looked at my drawing and began to consider my own stiff-necked heart. I know I'm one of God's chosen and I look forward with biblical hope to eternity with Him. I also know that the trials of this life are too heavy for me. I want/need to be under Jesus' direct tutelage every moment. I thought about what it would take to come under His yoke.
To be humble is to be "not proud or arrogant; modest ... having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience ... courteously respectful." Interestingly, Webster's Unabridged Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language, Gramercy Books 1989, also gives the following examples. "I am humble in the presence of the starry firmament. I am your humble disciple in all things of the spirit."
Oh yes, I'm aware of my humble position before the holy, triune God. He has taught me well that it is in Him that I live and move and have my being. Acts 17:27 I can do nothing on my own to please Him. He is the One who works in me to will and to act according to His good purpose. Philippians 2:13 It is Jesus who presents me before the throne of grace. Hebrews 7:25 It is the Spirit who testifies on my behalf. Romans 8
Acknowledging these truths and many others, in my mind's eye I lower my head and come along side Jesus under His yoke. The neckband slips on easily and is a perfect fit. My soul is indeed at rest. The burdens of this life are lighter as my Savior and Lord shoulders them with and for me. He has much to teach me and I long to learn. Jesus is calling all of His children to bow their heads and take up His yoke. How about you?
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
The topic of the day was humility and we were going through a string of verses that held a variety of points. I admit that I hadn't paid much attention to that word in my previous readings of Matthew 11:28-30. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
We began to talk about the passage and one of the ladies made a comment that went something like this. "I know what a yoke is and they are heavy things. I don't see how a yoke could ever be called light. Actually, this verse doesn't make any sense to me at all." I began making my way through what I thought was a reasoned explanation by pointing out that the One who spoke the words was Jesus the Christ.
It was easy enough to talk about Jesus' call for those who are "weary and burdened" to come to Him for rest. That covers pretty much all of us living in this fallen world. I was able to mention some of the specific struggles that were tiring burdens for some of us. I paused before taking on the next sentence though. It's an interesting combination of directions and results.
Jesus seems to be telling those who are already dragging a heavy load to add the weight of a heavy farm implement. The key is that it is His yoke that he calls us to take on our shoulders. To make the point, I took out a pen and drew a simple yoke with two neckbands. Jesus isn't directing His people to pick up a dead weight and add it to the burdens we are already carrying. He's calling us to put ourselves under a yoke to spread out the burden.
I've learned a lot about yokes lately. Directions for making a yoke include measuring the animal. Time needs to be spent carving, sanding, and finishing the wood for a proper fit. It's not a complicated piece of equipment, but it is highly efficient for harnessing power. A pair of oxen under yoke are able to pull more than double the weight a single ox can handle on his own.
Sharing the load is only one benefit of a yoke. One of the ways to train a young or inexperienced ox is to yoke it with an older, experienced animal. The yoke itself becomes an educational method as the pair shoulder the weight-bearing task. The one needing the training is directly connected to the appropriate tutor making it difficult to miss the important lessons.
Jesus' call is not to take up just any yoke. It's His yoke that He wants us to put on. The goal is not merely to offload some of the weight of the struggles we face by sharing them with someone else. Jesus offers Himself as a yoke-mate. He is the One who will shoulder the weight; the weight of the yoke itself as well as the struggles. He wants us to be right next to Him that we might learn His ways.
I looked to the next phrase to continue my way through the passage - "for I am gentle and humble in heart". Right here in this particular analogy Jesus shares these two particular attributes. As with the idea of a heavy yoke being light, gentle and humble don't seem to be attributes to esteem when looking to accomplish a formidable task. What could gentleness and humility have to do with it?
I silently and earnestly asked the Spirit for help and picked up my pencil. To buy some time, I drew a simple yoke to illustrate what we were discussing and wrote J-e-s-u-s in the left neckband. Then it hit me. Jesus is describing His own heart condition when He is under His yoke. Our Older Brother is setting the example for coming under His tutelage as we make our way through this life.
I've often thought about being yoked with Jesus as His helping me manage burdens. I've even imagined Him pulling me along to keep my path nice and straight. But truly seeing the word humble for the first time in the analogy was a major glimpse. I shared the insight with the ladies in the study, but it was much more than that.
The study was over and the ladies were gone. I looked at my drawing and began to consider my own stiff-necked heart. I know I'm one of God's chosen and I look forward with biblical hope to eternity with Him. I also know that the trials of this life are too heavy for me. I want/need to be under Jesus' direct tutelage every moment. I thought about what it would take to come under His yoke.
To be humble is to be "not proud or arrogant; modest ... having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience ... courteously respectful." Interestingly, Webster's Unabridged Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language, Gramercy Books 1989, also gives the following examples. "I am humble in the presence of the starry firmament. I am your humble disciple in all things of the spirit."
Oh yes, I'm aware of my humble position before the holy, triune God. He has taught me well that it is in Him that I live and move and have my being. Acts 17:27 I can do nothing on my own to please Him. He is the One who works in me to will and to act according to His good purpose. Philippians 2:13 It is Jesus who presents me before the throne of grace. Hebrews 7:25 It is the Spirit who testifies on my behalf. Romans 8
Acknowledging these truths and many others, in my mind's eye I lower my head and come along side Jesus under His yoke. The neckband slips on easily and is a perfect fit. My soul is indeed at rest. The burdens of this life are lighter as my Savior and Lord shoulders them with and for me. He has much to teach me and I long to learn. Jesus is calling all of His children to bow their heads and take up His yoke. How about you?
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Monday, July 20, 2009
Thanks and Glory
When I was a kid I was taught that a thank you note was an important piece of social etiquette. I'm not sure why that lesson stuck so securely to my life, but it did. When I became a mother I wanted to prepare my children for the grown up world and thank you notes became part of their lives too. In that process God showed me that expressing thanks was more about developing thankful hearts than meeting an unwritten moral code.
I've noticed that this small social grace has, for the most part, fallen out of fashion. Thankfully that never happens to God's Word. The Scriptures abound with the call for God's people to be thankful - actively, expressively thankful. Lately I've been pondering 2 Corinthians 4:15 and it has opened up a wider horizon on the topic of thanks-giving.
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
First, I had to look back to find out to what "all this" refers. The previous verses outline the assurance believers have of being raised to new life in and with Jesus. *1* These indescribable gifts are given "for your benefit." Since this book was written to the church of God in Corinth, I understand that the benefits are for followers of Jesus. *2*
"So that" implies there is a specific purpose for the aforementioned gifts to be given. I learn that God's grace is "reaching more and more people" as He calls His chosen ones to Himself with the desired consequence being the "overflow" of "thanksgiving." What more reasonable and expected result could there be from a heart redeemed from the wrath of a holy God, reconciled with the Creator, and secured for an eternity of praise, worship and service to the King of Glory? *3*
For me, the end of this verse is the most powerful piece, "to the glory of God". I have long sought to fulfill the ultimate goal of a grateful, fallen child's heart as described by the Westminster Shorter Catechism - The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever." I am thunderstruck by the possibility . . . probability . . . the reality that hearts overflowing with thankfulness for the gift of grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-10) actually bring glory to God! *4*
When one recognizes and comes to realize more fully the immeasurable parameters and value of the gift, thankfulness is the only possible response. As one ponders our own undeserving nature and imperfect performance, thankfulness erupts that God bases His covenant on His own character and not ours. As one considers the blessings of His daily presence and promised inheritance, thankfulness automatically overwhelms and flows forth from our being.
The very gifts that God Himself grants stimulate the heart condition of thankfulness that He craves and calls for from His chosen people. We can't help but tell others how loving are the ways of our Father, how compassionate is the ministry of The Son, how intimate is the counsel of the Spirit. Simply by telling others of God's amazing grace to me we are/I am enabled and empowered to reach the goal by The One who set it in place. Hallelujah!! *5*
I wonder what it would look like if God's people were to send a thank you note toward heaven every time they recognized one of His blessings. Would the halls be littered with envelopes? Would the gates wear out with mail deliveries? Would the air be filled with messages winging heavenward? Would our pockets be empty from the cost of postage?
Here's my tentative but confident beginning contribution to that scenario:
*1* Thank you, God, for your gift of salvation through Christ and the glorious eternal life in Your presence that awaits those who believe.
*2* Thank you, Father, for your personal gift of faith and the future you have in store for me.
*3* Thank you, Jesus, for your substitutionary and atoning sacrifice that grants the abundant life both now and for ever more.
*4* Thank you, Holy Spirit, for this fresh, illuminating glimpse.
*5* Thank you, perfect Triune God, for waking me up this morning in my right mind and setting me on my way. May you alone be honored and glorified. Amen
I've noticed that this small social grace has, for the most part, fallen out of fashion. Thankfully that never happens to God's Word. The Scriptures abound with the call for God's people to be thankful - actively, expressively thankful. Lately I've been pondering 2 Corinthians 4:15 and it has opened up a wider horizon on the topic of thanks-giving.
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
First, I had to look back to find out to what "all this" refers. The previous verses outline the assurance believers have of being raised to new life in and with Jesus. *1* These indescribable gifts are given "for your benefit." Since this book was written to the church of God in Corinth, I understand that the benefits are for followers of Jesus. *2*
"So that" implies there is a specific purpose for the aforementioned gifts to be given. I learn that God's grace is "reaching more and more people" as He calls His chosen ones to Himself with the desired consequence being the "overflow" of "thanksgiving." What more reasonable and expected result could there be from a heart redeemed from the wrath of a holy God, reconciled with the Creator, and secured for an eternity of praise, worship and service to the King of Glory? *3*
For me, the end of this verse is the most powerful piece, "to the glory of God". I have long sought to fulfill the ultimate goal of a grateful, fallen child's heart as described by the Westminster Shorter Catechism - The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever." I am thunderstruck by the possibility . . . probability . . . the reality that hearts overflowing with thankfulness for the gift of grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-10) actually bring glory to God! *4*
When one recognizes and comes to realize more fully the immeasurable parameters and value of the gift, thankfulness is the only possible response. As one ponders our own undeserving nature and imperfect performance, thankfulness erupts that God bases His covenant on His own character and not ours. As one considers the blessings of His daily presence and promised inheritance, thankfulness automatically overwhelms and flows forth from our being.
The very gifts that God Himself grants stimulate the heart condition of thankfulness that He craves and calls for from His chosen people. We can't help but tell others how loving are the ways of our Father, how compassionate is the ministry of The Son, how intimate is the counsel of the Spirit. Simply by telling others of God's amazing grace to me we are/I am enabled and empowered to reach the goal by The One who set it in place. Hallelujah!! *5*
I wonder what it would look like if God's people were to send a thank you note toward heaven every time they recognized one of His blessings. Would the halls be littered with envelopes? Would the gates wear out with mail deliveries? Would the air be filled with messages winging heavenward? Would our pockets be empty from the cost of postage?
Here's my tentative but confident beginning contribution to that scenario:
*1* Thank you, God, for your gift of salvation through Christ and the glorious eternal life in Your presence that awaits those who believe.
*2* Thank you, Father, for your personal gift of faith and the future you have in store for me.
*3* Thank you, Jesus, for your substitutionary and atoning sacrifice that grants the abundant life both now and for ever more.
*4* Thank you, Holy Spirit, for this fresh, illuminating glimpse.
*5* Thank you, perfect Triune God, for waking me up this morning in my right mind and setting me on my way. May you alone be honored and glorified. Amen
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Economics and Neighbors
Economics is a major topic of conversation these days and for good reason. I confess that I try to avoid the raging dialogue and have been fairly successful in my efforts. This week God gave me a glimpse of His divine economics and it took my breath away.
I was in a serious conversation with a woman who was sharing her struggles with relationships. As I listened it seemed to me that her desire to please God by caring for others might be a bit out of balance. In an effort to make her love visible to those around her she was extending herself to the point of exhaustion. She was overspending in the area of finances, time, energy and peace.
This woman is a committed follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and rests in his righteousness alone. He has bound our lives up together and created a Titus 2 relationship. In that context I felt led to speak to her about the bigger picture I was discerning. I prayed and ventured forth.
We spoke deeply and candidly and God blessed the conversation. I prayed that he would give me a portion of Scripture to make the concept clear. The words of Jesus in the second half of Matthew 19:19 came to mind, "Love your neighbor as yourself".
I quoted the verse to the woman and she came right back saying, “If I was going to love my neighbor or anybody else the way I love myself, it would be pretty bad.” I was stunned - first because her response was so quick and certain, then because I recognized the truth of her remark, and finally because I wasn’t sure what to say next. I called out to the One who had given me the verse and asked for help. That’s when I learned about God’s “reverse economics”.
You see, Matthew 19:19 communicates more than what appears in the initial reading. Yes, Jesus calls his people to love others the way we love ourselves. Love for others is meant to be predicated upon, built on, the foundation of our love for our own selves. Now before we go too far with this self love idea we need to consider the words of Philippians 2:4, "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Both of these verses set up a balance between two parties, an equivalency. In order for us to love our neighbor, we must first love ourselves. The expectation that God’s people will look out for the interests of others comes from the expectation that they are already looking out for their own interests. The precepts of these verses can be considered in reverse order. God speaks to the importance of taking care of ourselves while speaking against selfishness.
Those who have trouble recognizing that they have needs and/or that they should seek the Lord to meet them, and even those who find it difficult to accept that they have value as his creation are often unable to approach these verses as others do. Rather, they need to consider how well they treat those around them and begin to apply the same standards to themselves. The person who empties their pockets to buy endless non-essentials for others, but goes without basic necessities themselves is not following the biblical mandate. They are also doing harm to those around them.
Those who are constantly having their whims met and are rarely expected to contribute and/or demonstrate mature godly behavior are being given a false sense of the world. They are certainly not learning the truth of who God is nor his standards and expectations. When the inordinate support falls away as it ultimately will, the immature and irresponsible are open to collapse. Only the balanced biblical love relationship brings growth in grace – not selfish but definitely not selfless either.
God’s Word is rich and full. We can read it from Genesis to Revelation and back again and be refreshed every time. I pray that our Father, His Beloved Son, and the Holy Spirit bless you through the precious gift of Scripture.
I was in a serious conversation with a woman who was sharing her struggles with relationships. As I listened it seemed to me that her desire to please God by caring for others might be a bit out of balance. In an effort to make her love visible to those around her she was extending herself to the point of exhaustion. She was overspending in the area of finances, time, energy and peace.
This woman is a committed follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and rests in his righteousness alone. He has bound our lives up together and created a Titus 2 relationship. In that context I felt led to speak to her about the bigger picture I was discerning. I prayed and ventured forth.
We spoke deeply and candidly and God blessed the conversation. I prayed that he would give me a portion of Scripture to make the concept clear. The words of Jesus in the second half of Matthew 19:19 came to mind, "Love your neighbor as yourself".
I quoted the verse to the woman and she came right back saying, “If I was going to love my neighbor or anybody else the way I love myself, it would be pretty bad.” I was stunned - first because her response was so quick and certain, then because I recognized the truth of her remark, and finally because I wasn’t sure what to say next. I called out to the One who had given me the verse and asked for help. That’s when I learned about God’s “reverse economics”.
You see, Matthew 19:19 communicates more than what appears in the initial reading. Yes, Jesus calls his people to love others the way we love ourselves. Love for others is meant to be predicated upon, built on, the foundation of our love for our own selves. Now before we go too far with this self love idea we need to consider the words of Philippians 2:4, "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Both of these verses set up a balance between two parties, an equivalency. In order for us to love our neighbor, we must first love ourselves. The expectation that God’s people will look out for the interests of others comes from the expectation that they are already looking out for their own interests. The precepts of these verses can be considered in reverse order. God speaks to the importance of taking care of ourselves while speaking against selfishness.
Those who have trouble recognizing that they have needs and/or that they should seek the Lord to meet them, and even those who find it difficult to accept that they have value as his creation are often unable to approach these verses as others do. Rather, they need to consider how well they treat those around them and begin to apply the same standards to themselves. The person who empties their pockets to buy endless non-essentials for others, but goes without basic necessities themselves is not following the biblical mandate. They are also doing harm to those around them.
Those who are constantly having their whims met and are rarely expected to contribute and/or demonstrate mature godly behavior are being given a false sense of the world. They are certainly not learning the truth of who God is nor his standards and expectations. When the inordinate support falls away as it ultimately will, the immature and irresponsible are open to collapse. Only the balanced biblical love relationship brings growth in grace – not selfish but definitely not selfless either.
God’s Word is rich and full. We can read it from Genesis to Revelation and back again and be refreshed every time. I pray that our Father, His Beloved Son, and the Holy Spirit bless you through the precious gift of Scripture.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Jigsaw Puzzles and Busy Days
I have a jigsaw puzzle sitting on a portable table in my living room. Winter is the season when I enjoy putting puzzles together, but this one is waiting to be finished before I rebox it and return the table to the attic. My eyes wander to the unfinished task from time to time, but I haven’t been able to sit down and apply myself to it. I tell myself it’s because I’ve got too much else to do. Then I wonder if that’s really the case.
The truth is that there’s always plenty to do around our house. Even though there are only two of us somehow things still need to be cleaned and put back in order. It’s surprising how much time and effort it takes to coordinate the lives of two adults. Then there are the relationships and responsibilities that gather outside our door. They too seem to multiply as time passes. There isn’t really any time of year when my plate is empty.
Okay, I’ll confess. The parts that are left for this puzzle are the blue sky, the foliage on the trees, and a patch of grass. You get the idea - all of the areas that require serious concentration because there are few distinguishing details. When I get to this point in any puzzle it always takes a lot more time for each piece to be put in place. I guess it could be said that this stage is not as interesting or satisfying as the earlier ones.
Yes, I have a set way that I attack jigsaw puzzles. I begin by turning over the pieces, setting aside those with straight edges to put the outside edge together first. Then I choose an interesting object to put together, locating it approximately where it should be in the overall design. I’m a visual person so this stage is quite enjoyable as I make progress quickly and the picture takes shape.
The next stage is also enjoyable. I feel a surge of accomplishment each time I’m able to connect the various objects to each other and eventually fill in whole sections. It’s interesting how much time I’m able to “find” to work on a puzzle when I’m in this stage of the process. I’m not sure, but I think the laundry does itself on those days. ;-)
I shun large jigsaws with general patterns because I’m afraid they’ll be too difficult. I find the 1000 piece size puzzle with an interesting picture the most entertaining. I love getting the pieces to fit together right where they belong to recreate the image on the box. Nevertheless, I’ve noticed that I tend to reach the phase I’m currently in with almost every jigsaw puzzle project. It causes me to ponder.
I’ve decided that I’m glad that God is not the kind of puzzle person I am.
Thank you, Father, that you began this creation project at just the right time and in the perfect process. I rejoice that You know the edges from the middle, the top from the bottom, and the exact measurements to fit on the “table”. There’s no need for You to sort or set pieces aside because they’re all under your loving care. I am delighted, dear Abba Father, that my life is as dear to you as the entire masterpiece.
Thank you, God, that you never find the jumbled up pieces of any situation too difficult, no matter how large or small. Thank you that you are always interested in every detail, using each one to advance you plan. Thank you that you are never too busy to put the pieces of my life in order, applying joy, consequences, and contentment perfectly. My heart is filled with gratitude that You are not put off by intricate designs or patches of scenery.
I am thankful, my Lord and King, that you are able to work on more than one area of my life and indeed throughout the entire world at any given moment. I praise you that as you fit the pieces of your plan together you are molding each one for its own benefit as well as to complement and benefit every other piece as it contributes to the whole. May your Name be hallowed before the seen and the unseen world.
Abba Father, I rejoice that you are The One who created the world so you never need to wonder what it will/should look like. No referring to the cover of the box for You. Each piece, each day, each item will be in its place so that your masterpiece is complete on the day You have ordained. Oh what sweet rest there is in your sovereign arms. Hallelujah Amen
Friday, April 3, 2009
Word and Deed
My devotions this morning included a portion of Scripture that caused me to ponder the character of God and His presence in this fallen world. The last few months have given me a variety of reminders about the fallen aspects that have led me through deep shadows. Today I come before His throne with gratefulness and praises for sustaining me through His Word.
Isaiah 55:8-11 is a message directly from God. He begins by reminding us that His thoughts and ways are as high above ours as the heavens are above the earth. Our Heavenly Father goes on by comparing His divine faithfulness to the certainty of the water cycle - raining, watering, evaporating. He emphasizes the nourishing part of the watering phase by outlining the budding, flourishing, and harvesting it produces. In verse 11 God points out that, "so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
As surely as rain flows over the earth causing it to flourish, God's word flows over the earth causing His desires to be accomplished. As surely as rainwater returns to the skies having nourished the soil and thereby fed mankind, God's word returns to Him having achieved the purposes for which He sent it. As surely as rain brings moisture to dry ground and causes it to blossom, God's word brings life to troubled hearts and causes them to blossom.
How does God's word go out?
Genesis 1:3a And God said, 'Let there be light.'
In the beginning, God spoke.
Hebrews 1:1,2 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets . . . , but in the last days he has spoken to us by His Son.
John 1:1,2 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
Through the prophets in Old Testament times and by His Son in the New Testament, God spoke.
2 Peter 1:21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
2 Timothy 3:16a All Scripture is God-breathed.
Through the men who spoke and recorded His words, God continues to speak.
What do God's words do?
Genesis 1:2a Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness over the surface of the deep.
Genesis 1:3-30 God said . . . And it was so.
God's words replace emptiness and darkness with order and beauty, life and work, love and blessings.
John 1:3,4 Through him [God's Son, the Word] all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
John 10:10b I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Romans 5:19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
Ephesians 4:12 For it was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
God's Word replaces emptiness and darkness with order and beauty, life and work, love and blessings in both the physical and spiritual realms.
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
God's words continue to replace emptiness and darkness with order and beauty, life and work, love and blessings. Hallelujah!!
How do God's words return?
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:31-2:1 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.
In creation, God's words accomplished what He desired and achieved the purpose for which He sent them.
Matthew 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
Matthew 9:13b For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.
Luke 19:10 The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
Ephesians 4:8, Psalm 68:18 When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.
Romans 8:34 Christ Jesus, who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Romans 5:11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
John 14:2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.
God's Word accomplished what He desired and achieved the purpose for which His Father sent Him. The Son reigns in heaven, actively sustaining, protecting, and preparing His people to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
Isaiah 55:11 It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Romans 5:1- Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
The Scriptures are filled with verses and passages that proclaim God's promises. They are too numerous to list here. I encourage you to seek the ones that will meet your own set of needs.
In His Holy Word, God is accomplishing that which He desires and achieves the purpose for which He sent them.
This glimpse into the character and presence of God has ignited my heart with flames of fresh life and light, peace and confidence, joy and hope. In my gratefulness I lift up all the glory, honor, praise and adoration I can imagine as a sanctified offering before His righteous throne. No matter what the circumstances I choose to wait humbly and expectantly for the blossoming that is sure to come under His hand. Amen
Isaiah 55:8-11 is a message directly from God. He begins by reminding us that His thoughts and ways are as high above ours as the heavens are above the earth. Our Heavenly Father goes on by comparing His divine faithfulness to the certainty of the water cycle - raining, watering, evaporating. He emphasizes the nourishing part of the watering phase by outlining the budding, flourishing, and harvesting it produces. In verse 11 God points out that, "so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
As surely as rain flows over the earth causing it to flourish, God's word flows over the earth causing His desires to be accomplished. As surely as rainwater returns to the skies having nourished the soil and thereby fed mankind, God's word returns to Him having achieved the purposes for which He sent it. As surely as rain brings moisture to dry ground and causes it to blossom, God's word brings life to troubled hearts and causes them to blossom.
How does God's word go out?
Genesis 1:3a And God said, 'Let there be light.'
In the beginning, God spoke.
Hebrews 1:1,2 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets . . . , but in the last days he has spoken to us by His Son.
John 1:1,2 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
Through the prophets in Old Testament times and by His Son in the New Testament, God spoke.
2 Peter 1:21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
2 Timothy 3:16a All Scripture is God-breathed.
Through the men who spoke and recorded His words, God continues to speak.
What do God's words do?
Genesis 1:2a Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness over the surface of the deep.
Genesis 1:3-30 God said . . . And it was so.
God's words replace emptiness and darkness with order and beauty, life and work, love and blessings.
John 1:3,4 Through him [God's Son, the Word] all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
John 10:10b I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Romans 5:19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
Ephesians 4:12 For it was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
God's Word replaces emptiness and darkness with order and beauty, life and work, love and blessings in both the physical and spiritual realms.
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
God's words continue to replace emptiness and darkness with order and beauty, life and work, love and blessings. Hallelujah!!
How do God's words return?
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:31-2:1 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.
In creation, God's words accomplished what He desired and achieved the purpose for which He sent them.
Matthew 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
Matthew 9:13b For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.
Luke 19:10 The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
Ephesians 4:8, Psalm 68:18 When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.
Romans 8:34 Christ Jesus, who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Romans 5:11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
John 14:2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.
God's Word accomplished what He desired and achieved the purpose for which His Father sent Him. The Son reigns in heaven, actively sustaining, protecting, and preparing His people to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
Isaiah 55:11 It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Romans 5:1- Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
The Scriptures are filled with verses and passages that proclaim God's promises. They are too numerous to list here. I encourage you to seek the ones that will meet your own set of needs.
In His Holy Word, God is accomplishing that which He desires and achieves the purpose for which He sent them.
This glimpse into the character and presence of God has ignited my heart with flames of fresh life and light, peace and confidence, joy and hope. In my gratefulness I lift up all the glory, honor, praise and adoration I can imagine as a sanctified offering before His righteous throne. No matter what the circumstances I choose to wait humbly and expectantly for the blossoming that is sure to come under His hand. Amen
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Walking Past Roaring Lions
January was a blur for me. Was it for you? As a matter of fact, I’m using all of the discipline our Father has built into me to put this piece together. I’m looking to Him now to direct my thoughts and fingers.
The last few months have been especially trying. We’ve all had seasons such as this so I’ll trust you understand and avoid going into the details. Suffice it to say that God is making His presence known as surely as a candle seems to burn more brightly in the darkest of rooms. On Saturday He blessed me with His glorious truth in an intriguing way.
Curt and I travel north 2.5 hours once a month to encourage a group of brothers and sisters who are seeking the Lord to plant and develop a body of true worshippers. One of the ways we pass the long car ride is for me to read aloud to Curt. We are currently working our way through The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan, a 1981 paperback version by Signet Classics, the Canadian publishing house of Penguin, Inc. The story is an allegory of our walk through justification and into the sanctification process. It’s quite insightful and includes numerous biblical references.
The passage I was reading this weekend takes place while “Christian” is making his way along the “narrow path.” Bunyan explains Christian’s visit to the cross; “his burden loosed from off his shoulders, and fell from off his back, and began to tumble, and so continued to do, till it came to the mouth of the sepulchre where it fell in and I saw it no more.” (p. 41) In other words, Christian came to faith in Jesus and was freed from his burden of sin. While this was a moving section, it was the closing paragraphs of the day’s reading that caused me to ponder.
Christian was making his way up a mountainous portion of the path when two other travelers came running down heading in the opposite direction. Their names were Timorous and Mistrust. Timorous explained that they too had been heading to the City of Zion, but that the further they went the more danger they met which finally caused them to turn back. Mistrust reported that the final barrier had been “a couple of lions in the way” which caused them to worry day and night about being ripped to shreds. They continued their retreat down the hill, but Christian pondered.
Christian understood that to go back home to the City of Destruction was to face certain death while to press on was to fear death all along the way with the safety of the Celestial City at its end. He decided to continue his journey and it wasn’t long before he was approaching a palace, a wonderful place for a much needed rest. However, Christian noticed there were two lions in the way. Though the lions were chained, Christian was unable to see their restraints and saw only death on the path ahead. He stopped in fear and began to think that he might do better following behind Timorous and Mistrust.
The Porter of the palace whose name was Watchful noticed Christian’s pause. He called out to him, “Is thy strength so small? Fear not the lions, for they are chained, and are placed there for trial of faith where it is, and for discovery of those that have none. Keep in the midst of the path, and no hurt shall come unto thee.” (p. 48) Christian heeded the directions and proceeded in spite of his trembling fear. The lions did indeed roar, but they caused him no harm. His safe passage caused him to clap his hands as he arrived at the gate where he asked what the palace was and for permission to stay the night. Porter Watchful answered, “This house was built by the Lord of the hill, and he built it for the relief and security of pilgrims.” (p. 48,49)
The path laid out for the believer is narrow, arduous, and long. The dangers are real and frightening. Praise, glory, and honor be to God that our lot is secure. Genesis 3:15, 1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 1:4, Philippians 1:6, Romans 8:31
Lord, thank you for this allegorical glimpse at the spiritual life in this world. Please empower me to put off the arguments of Timorous and Mistrust. Cause me, like Bunyan’s Pilgrim, to push on toward the Celestial City. May I be used as Bunyan’s Porter Watchful to encourage others in their journey on the narrow path that your Name would be glorified and our joy be made complete both now and forever. Amen
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