Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)
11 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.
I'm reading through Jeremiah this month and happened to be meditating on this verse this morning. We've heard this verse many times before and we all know it. But how fervently do we really believe it? God doesn't have "dreams" for us to experience joy. He has PLANS. God doesn't have "goals" for us to live fulfilled lives. He has PLANS. God doesn't have "hopes" that our lives will turn out well. He has PLANS. God is not some cosmic well-wisher, His word promises a plan for each of us, individually, with only our best interests in mind. So let us not lose heart when difficulty comes. He knows what's best for us. And faithful submission to Him and His call for our lives will only bring us more joy along the journey.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
Victims
I really didn't want to read the story of David and Bathsheba this morning. Of all the stories in the Bible, I think that's the one that's most troubling to me. It's partly the heinous nature of the sin path that David goes down: lust, adultery, deceiving, murder. How could a man after God's own heart do this? It's partly the closeness with which I can associate with David's actions: I know all to well about being up when I shouldn't, looking where I shouldn't, acting in ways I shouldn't act, and doing everything in my power to keep it a secret. Who knows what else I would've been capable of doing had not God kept opportunity for other sins outside my reach. The story sends chills down my spine...or maybe up my spine, whichever is worse...
So as I approached the dreaded story this morning on my path through the life of David, I prayed for God to show me something unique--a different take on the all-too-familiar storyline. As I read, it began to strike me how awful all of this must have been for Bathsheeba. First she gets ogled by a "peeping Dave", then she is summoned to be "had" by the king. I can't help but think that in this culture, she basically had no choice but to do the king's bidding--if so, this is not just adultery, but rape. To make the bad memory last a lifetime, she ends up pregnant as a result of David's "conquest." After this, her husband comes back to the area, but she doesn't get to spend any time with him because his focus is doing his job as a commander in the army. Right or wrong on Uriah's part, it had to be tough on her to have her husband so close yet so far at a time when she really needed him. Soon after this, she learns of her husband's death. To add the final insult to injury, David--the man who caused all of this pain for her--takes her as another one of his many wives. What do I know...maybe this was actually a good thing for her to be taken in by the king. However, I can't help but think it would only cause her more pain to not be able to escape from the man who mistreated her and had her husband killed to cover it up--to now be his legal property.
For once, when I read this passage in II Samuel 11, my mind was not on David and his sin...but on Bathsheba and her suffering. Every sin has it's victims. They may not be as obvious as the victims in this Bible story, but sin always has it's victims. This is definitely something for me to keep in mind when desire comes knocking at the door of my flesh. Am I willing to victimize someone for the sake of my pleasures? For God's glory and for the sake of all the Bathsheba's out there, I hope not.
So as I approached the dreaded story this morning on my path through the life of David, I prayed for God to show me something unique--a different take on the all-too-familiar storyline. As I read, it began to strike me how awful all of this must have been for Bathsheeba. First she gets ogled by a "peeping Dave", then she is summoned to be "had" by the king. I can't help but think that in this culture, she basically had no choice but to do the king's bidding--if so, this is not just adultery, but rape. To make the bad memory last a lifetime, she ends up pregnant as a result of David's "conquest." After this, her husband comes back to the area, but she doesn't get to spend any time with him because his focus is doing his job as a commander in the army. Right or wrong on Uriah's part, it had to be tough on her to have her husband so close yet so far at a time when she really needed him. Soon after this, she learns of her husband's death. To add the final insult to injury, David--the man who caused all of this pain for her--takes her as another one of his many wives. What do I know...maybe this was actually a good thing for her to be taken in by the king. However, I can't help but think it would only cause her more pain to not be able to escape from the man who mistreated her and had her husband killed to cover it up--to now be his legal property.
For once, when I read this passage in II Samuel 11, my mind was not on David and his sin...but on Bathsheba and her suffering. Every sin has it's victims. They may not be as obvious as the victims in this Bible story, but sin always has it's victims. This is definitely something for me to keep in mind when desire comes knocking at the door of my flesh. Am I willing to victimize someone for the sake of my pleasures? For God's glory and for the sake of all the Bathsheba's out there, I hope not.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Who do you worship for?
Sometimes a passage of scripture intersects life in such a way as to create a blog. This morning's reading out of 2 Samuel 6 contained an interesting little spat between David and his wife. It's hard to tell exactly what's going on: was David's wife mad at him, embarrassed by him, jealous of him? Either way, in verse 20, she accuses him of doing something for "the maidens" (OT for hotties), but David's response in verse 21 was "it was [for] the Lord."
I'm not about to jump in and take sides in this domestic dispute, but the words of David really stood out to me as profound. They came back in my mind as I worshipped tonight at Frontline. In spite of being an introvert with a slim to quite slim dating resume, I still like the maidens. I have a constantly updated "list" of girls in my mind that I am interested in--even if it's a complete stranger or someone who is totally out of my league. This can often be a distraction as my "girldar" is tracking who is where or picking up a target in close proximity at Frontline. So it's in this setting that David's words came back to me... "it was [for] the Lord."
Is my worship for the Lord? Or is it for the girl two rows over? My focus when I'm at church--whether it's worshiping or listening or fellowshiping--needs to be for the Lord. If I can make David's words my internal motto, the distracting maidens won't keep me from worshipping Him fully, listening intently, or fellowshiping genuinely. Thanks for the good word, David!
P.S. I'm pretty sure "fellowshiping" is not a word, but it fits so nice!
I'm not about to jump in and take sides in this domestic dispute, but the words of David really stood out to me as profound. They came back in my mind as I worshipped tonight at Frontline. In spite of being an introvert with a slim to quite slim dating resume, I still like the maidens. I have a constantly updated "list" of girls in my mind that I am interested in--even if it's a complete stranger or someone who is totally out of my league. This can often be a distraction as my "girldar" is tracking who is where or picking up a target in close proximity at Frontline. So it's in this setting that David's words came back to me... "it was [for] the Lord."
Is my worship for the Lord? Or is it for the girl two rows over? My focus when I'm at church--whether it's worshiping or listening or fellowshiping--needs to be for the Lord. If I can make David's words my internal motto, the distracting maidens won't keep me from worshipping Him fully, listening intently, or fellowshiping genuinely. Thanks for the good word, David!
P.S. I'm pretty sure "fellowshiping" is not a word, but it fits so nice!
Can I praise Him in the storm?
Providentially, I stumbled upon Psalm 57 yesterday. I was just looking for a quick Psalm to read before bed, but it turns out that it's a Psalm David wrote while hiding from Saul in a cave. Having just read through this passage in my trek through I Samuel (chapters 23 and 24), it meant so much more to me. I had a better sense of what a desperate time this was for David. He was deep in the midst of running for his life from his own king and father-in-law, Saul.
The first 6 verses of this Psalm illustrate the danger that David was in as he hid Osama-like in a cave with Saul and his men in hot pursuit. Yet, in the midst of this danger and uncertainty here was this amazing Psalm of praise in v. 7-11:
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.
I will praise You, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of You among the peoples.
For great is Your love, reaching to the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be over all the earth.
I was really struck by the fact that David was able to praise God in the midst of such a distressing time. It reminded me of the Casting Crowns song, Praise You in This Storm (http://www.myspace.com/castingcrowns), and it made me wonder how well I do that.
My storms are minor compared to David's, yet praise is often the farthest thing from my mind in the midst of a bad day. Maybe if that were different--maybe if my instinctive reaction to problems was praise--my experience in the midst of life's storms would be different. Maybe then I wouldn't wallow in self-pity and unhappiness, but focus on His will and be content no matter how fierce the weather.
The first 6 verses of this Psalm illustrate the danger that David was in as he hid Osama-like in a cave with Saul and his men in hot pursuit. Yet, in the midst of this danger and uncertainty here was this amazing Psalm of praise in v. 7-11:
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.
I will praise You, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of You among the peoples.
For great is Your love, reaching to the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be over all the earth.
I was really struck by the fact that David was able to praise God in the midst of such a distressing time. It reminded me of the Casting Crowns song, Praise You in This Storm (http://www.myspace.com/castingcrowns), and it made me wonder how well I do that.
My storms are minor compared to David's, yet praise is often the farthest thing from my mind in the midst of a bad day. Maybe if that were different--maybe if my instinctive reaction to problems was praise--my experience in the midst of life's storms would be different. Maybe then I wouldn't wallow in self-pity and unhappiness, but focus on His will and be content no matter how fierce the weather.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
JC the HP=FOREVA'!
Hebrews 7:23 -end of chapter:
There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.
He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has been set apart from sinners and has been given the highest place of honor in heaven. Unlike those other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices every day. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he offered himself as the sacrifice for the people’s sins. The law appointed high priests who were limited by human weakness. But after the law was given, God appointed his Son with an oath, and his Son has been made the perfect High Priest forever.
For me this was a refreshing look at Jesus, atleast the High Priest part of him! It's comforting to visualize him in heaven literally interceding for me. What a High Priest! Psalms 110 speaks of God's oath about Jesus eternal High Priesthood. Praise him for his great love!
There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.
He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has been set apart from sinners and has been given the highest place of honor in heaven. Unlike those other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices every day. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he offered himself as the sacrifice for the people’s sins. The law appointed high priests who were limited by human weakness. But after the law was given, God appointed his Son with an oath, and his Son has been made the perfect High Priest forever.
For me this was a refreshing look at Jesus, atleast the High Priest part of him! It's comforting to visualize him in heaven literally interceding for me. What a High Priest! Psalms 110 speaks of God's oath about Jesus eternal High Priesthood. Praise him for his great love!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
New Year's Day meets Groundhog Day
I love New Year's Day: sleeping in late, college football all day long...wait, that sounds like pretty much every Saturday in the fall... I guess the real reason that I love New Year's Day is the fresh start: new calendar, new tax year, new resolutions, etc. Now that I'm out of school, my year no longer revolves around a semester calendar. January 1st is the starting point of my internal calendar--a clean slate. It's a fresh feeling that I wish I could take enjoy every day of the year.
When it comes to the spiritual part of my life--the most important part--it is possible to experience the fresh feeling of a clean slate every day. My sins and failures don't begin to pile up on January 1st and finally get erased the following December 31st. No, every day--every moment--I can experience the fresh start of a new spiritual year thanks to God's forgiveness. Because every day is January 1st in Christ, there's no need for clever spiritual resolutions at the start of a new calendar year. The only resolution I need is to live every day in the light of newness that God so graciously provides.
Lamentations 3:22-24
Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
When it comes to the spiritual part of my life--the most important part--it is possible to experience the fresh feeling of a clean slate every day. My sins and failures don't begin to pile up on January 1st and finally get erased the following December 31st. No, every day--every moment--I can experience the fresh start of a new spiritual year thanks to God's forgiveness. Because every day is January 1st in Christ, there's no need for clever spiritual resolutions at the start of a new calendar year. The only resolution I need is to live every day in the light of newness that God so graciously provides.
Lamentations 3:22-24
Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Recovery without 'roids (or HGH)
One of the nice things about being in a closer walk with God is quicker recovery. I didn't enter church tonight in the right frame of mind. As the drumsticks cracked to open the time of worship, I realized how sinful my thoughts and attitudes were and was quickly able to throw that up to God in prayer. Before the words of the first song were sung, I had done enough business with God to truly worship Him in spite of my recent faults.
Not only did He help me worship by quickly taking my junk from me, but He used that junk to teach me a lesson. Whenever I'm unhappy, it's almost without fail because I'm being selfish and self-focused. In times of being down, the antidote is to take my eyes off of myself and focus on the Lord and the needs of those around me.
"The art of losing myself in bringing You praise..." The words of that worship song rang true in my life tonight.
"Lord, enable me to lose myself so that I may be unhindered in bringing You praise and bringing light to the lives of others. Thanks for showing me that there is more to life than my personal happiness. Open up my eyes to things unseen--soften my heart to know that bringing You glory is all that matters in life. Thank You for Your patient teaching, Amen."
Not only did He help me worship by quickly taking my junk from me, but He used that junk to teach me a lesson. Whenever I'm unhappy, it's almost without fail because I'm being selfish and self-focused. In times of being down, the antidote is to take my eyes off of myself and focus on the Lord and the needs of those around me.
"The art of losing myself in bringing You praise..." The words of that worship song rang true in my life tonight.
"Lord, enable me to lose myself so that I may be unhindered in bringing You praise and bringing light to the lives of others. Thanks for showing me that there is more to life than my personal happiness. Open up my eyes to things unseen--soften my heart to know that bringing You glory is all that matters in life. Thank You for Your patient teaching, Amen."
The Lord Keeps His Promises
I Samuel 30: 8, 18 - 19: (emphasis added)
So David inquired of the Lord, saying, "Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?" And He answered him, "Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all."
So David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away, and David rescued his two wives. And nothing of theirs was lacking, either small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything which they had taken from them; David recovered all.
Whenever David turned to God for direction, the answer was sure and the blessing was great. Don't let that lesson be lost in your own life: go to God for all decisions and be willing to follow Him as He leads. The road may be uncanny, but He will not lead you astray.
So David inquired of the Lord, saying, "Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?" And He answered him, "Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all."
So David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away, and David rescued his two wives. And nothing of theirs was lacking, either small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything which they had taken from them; David recovered all.
Whenever David turned to God for direction, the answer was sure and the blessing was great. Don't let that lesson be lost in your own life: go to God for all decisions and be willing to follow Him as He leads. The road may be uncanny, but He will not lead you astray.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Worth the Wait
And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not answer him...then Saul said to his servants, "Find me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her." I Sam 28:6-7
When God doesn't answer, wait. Wait, and if necessary, get right with him. But by all means, do not go off looking for answers on your own. In Chapter 28, Saul seeks the counsel of a medium when he doesn't get an answer from God on how to fight the Philistines. The chapter mentions that he had earlier cast "the mediums and spiritists out of the land" (v. 3). Yet in desperation, he turns to a medium, and even promises her safety in spite of the Levitical laws that required stoning such a person (Lev. 20:27). He gets an answer in v.19, but it's not the one he wanted: he would die in battle the next day.
I don't struggle with consulting mediums for battle plans, but there are plenty of applications for waiting on the Lord in my life. It can be painful to sit and wait for the Lord to lead. However, it sure beats the misery of running away on my own and running head-first into His wrath.
When God doesn't answer, wait. Wait, and if necessary, get right with him. But by all means, do not go off looking for answers on your own. In Chapter 28, Saul seeks the counsel of a medium when he doesn't get an answer from God on how to fight the Philistines. The chapter mentions that he had earlier cast "the mediums and spiritists out of the land" (v. 3). Yet in desperation, he turns to a medium, and even promises her safety in spite of the Levitical laws that required stoning such a person (Lev. 20:27). He gets an answer in v.19, but it's not the one he wanted: he would die in battle the next day.
I don't struggle with consulting mediums for battle plans, but there are plenty of applications for waiting on the Lord in my life. It can be painful to sit and wait for the Lord to lead. However, it sure beats the misery of running away on my own and running head-first into His wrath.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Peace Out
So I'm rocking the morning quiet time on Christmas Day, and I come across an awesome connection between the familiar Christmas verse about "peace on earth, goodwill toward men" (Luke 2:14) and the OT (Isaiah 53:5): "...the chastisement for our peace was upon Him..."
In front of the family manger, it struck me that the only reason we can have "peace on earth" is that our punishment was on Christ. This connection definitely brought new life to the old Christmas cliche and gave me a deeper appreciation for the moments of "peace" I experience in my daily life.
In front of the family manger, it struck me that the only reason we can have "peace on earth" is that our punishment was on Christ. This connection definitely brought new life to the old Christmas cliche and gave me a deeper appreciation for the moments of "peace" I experience in my daily life.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Really?
I Sam 23:2-5
Therefore David inquired of the Lord, saying, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?" And the Lord said to David, "Go and attack the Philistines, and save Keilah."
But David's men said to him, "Look, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?"
Then David inquired of the Lord once again. And the Lord answered him and said, "Arise, go down to Keilah. For I will deliver the Philistines into your hand."
And David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines, struck them with a mighty blow, and took away their livestock. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
In v.4, David gives God a "really?". God had told him in v.2 what to do. However, when David's buddies question God's plan out of fear, David double checks with God again...you know, just in case. Silly. God's answer was no different the second time around, yet this time He was more direct in His answer: "I will deliver the Philistines into your hand."
So often, I want the full scoop before I'm willing to move forward in anything. However, when it comes to following God's leading, may I not be so presumptuous as to question Him. I may not get it, I may fear it, but I better do it. How can I glorify God when I question Him? "Lord, help me not to question You or hold out for more information when You prompt me to go. May my focus be on You--not on myself or others. May I obey You fully and without question, for Your glory. Amen."
God didn't mislead David, and He won't mislead us. Trust Him without question.
Therefore David inquired of the Lord, saying, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?" And the Lord said to David, "Go and attack the Philistines, and save Keilah."
But David's men said to him, "Look, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?"
Then David inquired of the Lord once again. And the Lord answered him and said, "Arise, go down to Keilah. For I will deliver the Philistines into your hand."
And David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines, struck them with a mighty blow, and took away their livestock. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
In v.4, David gives God a "really?". God had told him in v.2 what to do. However, when David's buddies question God's plan out of fear, David double checks with God again...you know, just in case. Silly. God's answer was no different the second time around, yet this time He was more direct in His answer: "I will deliver the Philistines into your hand."
So often, I want the full scoop before I'm willing to move forward in anything. However, when it comes to following God's leading, may I not be so presumptuous as to question Him. I may not get it, I may fear it, but I better do it. How can I glorify God when I question Him? "Lord, help me not to question You or hold out for more information when You prompt me to go. May my focus be on You--not on myself or others. May I obey You fully and without question, for Your glory. Amen."
God didn't mislead David, and He won't mislead us. Trust Him without question.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Band of Brothers
"David...escapted to the cave of Adullam. So when his brothers and all his father's house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them." I Sam 22:1-2
The amazing power of fellowship. It doesn't matter if every guy is a first round draft pick or a McDonald's All-American. Even the motliest of motley crews can bring tremendous power and encouragement to an individual. Reading the verses above, David's "brothers" seem more like a band of losers. However, their presence seems instrumental in David's turnaround: he went from fearfully hiding in a cave at the beginning of the chapter to bravely assuring a shaken priest that "with me you shall be safe" at the end of the chapter. More importantly, in the beginning of chapter 23 we see David returning to his Lord--seeking His will for his next course of action ("David inquired of the Lord, saying, 'Shall I go and attack these Philistines?'" I Sam 23:2).
I'm thankful for my small group brothers who give me the encouragement and boldness to take chances, make a doctor's appointment, leave work at a reasonable hour, own my junk, make morning time with God a consistent part of life, stay out the ditch of self-pity, manage my time better, persevere in running, and push on to greater service of others for the Lord's glory.
Thanks brothers!
The amazing power of fellowship. It doesn't matter if every guy is a first round draft pick or a McDonald's All-American. Even the motliest of motley crews can bring tremendous power and encouragement to an individual. Reading the verses above, David's "brothers" seem more like a band of losers. However, their presence seems instrumental in David's turnaround: he went from fearfully hiding in a cave at the beginning of the chapter to bravely assuring a shaken priest that "with me you shall be safe" at the end of the chapter. More importantly, in the beginning of chapter 23 we see David returning to his Lord--seeking His will for his next course of action ("David inquired of the Lord, saying, 'Shall I go and attack these Philistines?'" I Sam 23:2).
I'm thankful for my small group brothers who give me the encouragement and boldness to take chances, make a doctor's appointment, leave work at a reasonable hour, own my junk, make morning time with God a consistent part of life, stay out the ditch of self-pity, manage my time better, persevere in running, and push on to greater service of others for the Lord's glory.
Thanks brothers!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Avoiding the need for an escape hatch
In the end of I Sam 21, David goes mad. He literally feigns insanity to avoid a risky situation in front of the Philistine king in enemy territory. Was it a wise move? Should he be commended for taking the only escape hatch available to preserve his life--and the lineage to our Saviour?
Not so fast my friend!
What was David doing in enemy territory by himself, holding the sword of the Philistine champion he had previously killed? Why did he even need an escape hatch? If he had focused on God instead of continuing to run from Saul, I would venture to say that he would not have ended up here. Was he wrong for running for his life? Not necessarily. Was he wrong for not looking to God and trusting Him for deliverance? YES. David already experienced God's divine protection and deliverance when he took Goliath one-on-one--why couldn't God do the same again?
As I apply this to my own life, I had the thought that I need to follow God at every turn. If I keep my focus on Him that consistently, I can trust that I'm in His will and protected as He sees fit. Following the protection He provides, I will not need resort to my feeble efforts--I will not need to create my own escape hatch.
Not so fast my friend!
What was David doing in enemy territory by himself, holding the sword of the Philistine champion he had previously killed? Why did he even need an escape hatch? If he had focused on God instead of continuing to run from Saul, I would venture to say that he would not have ended up here. Was he wrong for running for his life? Not necessarily. Was he wrong for not looking to God and trusting Him for deliverance? YES. David already experienced God's divine protection and deliverance when he took Goliath one-on-one--why couldn't God do the same again?
As I apply this to my own life, I had the thought that I need to follow God at every turn. If I keep my focus on Him that consistently, I can trust that I'm in His will and protected as He sees fit. Following the protection He provides, I will not need resort to my feeble efforts--I will not need to create my own escape hatch.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
I wanna be, I wanna be like Paul. Like Paul, if I could be like Paul!
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
Wow, I want to be able to say what Paul does in vs. 7 at the end of my days! While it's a work in progress until then, I can focus on sharing my light with others through relationship building, and being a "light" Lord, am I fully poured out for you? Show me where I need to keep tipping over! Help me to fully carry out the ministry you have called me too. Lord, thank you for the disciplines you are growing me in, and how what I do everyday is the basis for fully carrying out ministry.
6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
Wow, I want to be able to say what Paul does in vs. 7 at the end of my days! While it's a work in progress until then, I can focus on sharing my light with others through relationship building, and being a "light" Lord, am I fully poured out for you? Show me where I need to keep tipping over! Help me to fully carry out the ministry you have called me too. Lord, thank you for the disciplines you are growing me in, and how what I do everyday is the basis for fully carrying out ministry.
Focusing on our Focus
Scene 1: "And the Philistine said to David, 'Come to me and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!' ... So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine." I Sam 17:45 and 48.
Scene 2: "And David said to Jonathan, 'Indeed tomorrow is the New Moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king to eat. But let me go, that I may hide in the field until the third day at evening.'" I Sam 20:5
What a difference a few chapters makes! In I Sam 17, David was the young buck boldly running to defeat a large enemy in the name of the Lord. In I Sam 20, the same David is running wildly away from his own king and father-in-law. What is behind this difference? What stands out to me is the lack of focus on God. In chapter 17, David was all about defending God's glory with no thought to his own life. In chapter 20, David's primary concern seems to be that his life is imminent danger.
We all wax and wane in our boldness and strengths. It's good to see that David is human just like we are. However, is the waxing and waning simply a natural part of life or naturally the result of a wrong focus in life? When we focus on God, we are strong enough in Him to face every obstacle that comes our way--every time.
"God give me the grace to keep my focus continually on You. Smooth out the ups and downs in my boldness by enabling me to consistently move forward in the the boldness that comes from following You. Amen."
Scene 2: "And David said to Jonathan, 'Indeed tomorrow is the New Moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king to eat. But let me go, that I may hide in the field until the third day at evening.'" I Sam 20:5
What a difference a few chapters makes! In I Sam 17, David was the young buck boldly running to defeat a large enemy in the name of the Lord. In I Sam 20, the same David is running wildly away from his own king and father-in-law. What is behind this difference? What stands out to me is the lack of focus on God. In chapter 17, David was all about defending God's glory with no thought to his own life. In chapter 20, David's primary concern seems to be that his life is imminent danger.
We all wax and wane in our boldness and strengths. It's good to see that David is human just like we are. However, is the waxing and waning simply a natural part of life or naturally the result of a wrong focus in life? When we focus on God, we are strong enough in Him to face every obstacle that comes our way--every time.
"God give me the grace to keep my focus continually on You. Smooth out the ups and downs in my boldness by enabling me to consistently move forward in the the boldness that comes from following You. Amen."
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Wise up!
"David behaved more wisely than all the sevants of Saul, so that his name became highly esteemed." I Sam 18:30.
Whether it's a well-timed witty comment or keen insight, I often find myself wanting to come across as "wise" so people will like me. I see in today's verse that wisdom can lead to high esteem...at least in the eye's of some. One verse earlier, this same wise guy (not wiseguy) David earned an enemy for always being "spot-on" (for our friends across the pond): "So Saul became David's enemy continually." This animosity was not because of something that David had done against Saul, Saul was just jealous of his position (I Sam 18:8-9, 28)
So, no matter how awesome you rise to be, there will always be someone who can't stand you. I guess the lesson here for me is to not worry about what people think of me...for good or for bad. My Lord and Saviour is the only one who I should seek to impress with my wise behavior.
Whether it's a well-timed witty comment or keen insight, I often find myself wanting to come across as "wise" so people will like me. I see in today's verse that wisdom can lead to high esteem...at least in the eye's of some. One verse earlier, this same wise guy (not wiseguy) David earned an enemy for always being "spot-on" (for our friends across the pond): "So Saul became David's enemy continually." This animosity was not because of something that David had done against Saul, Saul was just jealous of his position (I Sam 18:8-9, 28)
So, no matter how awesome you rise to be, there will always be someone who can't stand you. I guess the lesson here for me is to not worry about what people think of me...for good or for bad. My Lord and Saviour is the only one who I should seek to impress with my wise behavior.
Talk to the Owner
"...the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's..." I Samuel 17:47
Except for the medieval enthusiast, swords and spears are not something we interact with on a daily basis. However, it's a great reminder that the Lord is not limited to physical items to accomplish victory in our lives. The Lord is owner of the battles in which we are involved. It's almost like God participates in our daily lives like the kid with the cool electronic football game--He's in control and can intervene at any time. What a comfort that the Owner of the game of life is on our side!
Except for the medieval enthusiast, swords and spears are not something we interact with on a daily basis. However, it's a great reminder that the Lord is not limited to physical items to accomplish victory in our lives. The Lord is owner of the battles in which we are involved. It's almost like God participates in our daily lives like the kid with the cool electronic football game--He's in control and can intervene at any time. What a comfort that the Owner of the game of life is on our side!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Underdogs
App St. vs. Michigan, Diamondbacks vs. Yankees in the 2001 World Series, David vs. Goliath, ...everyone loves the underdog, and it seems like everyone knows this particular Bible story (especially the SportsCenter anchors). But what makes David's case unique?
Besides challenging a 9 foot 9 inch warrior to a fight to the death with the freedom of his countrymen riding on the outcome, there was something greater: David was standing up for God's honor. "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (I Sam 17:26).
Not only did he fight for the honor of God, he fought by the power of God. "Moreover David said, 'The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine'" (I Sam 17:37). David wasn't insane. He wasn't cocky. He wasn't insanely cocky. He was supremely confident in the Lord's ability to deliver him in this noblest of pursuits.
Living as a Christian in a secular world, I often feel like the underdog. Am I willing to stand up for God's honor? Am I ready to trust His power enough to step out in faith?
Besides challenging a 9 foot 9 inch warrior to a fight to the death with the freedom of his countrymen riding on the outcome, there was something greater: David was standing up for God's honor. "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (I Sam 17:26).
Not only did he fight for the honor of God, he fought by the power of God. "Moreover David said, 'The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine'" (I Sam 17:37). David wasn't insane. He wasn't cocky. He wasn't insanely cocky. He was supremely confident in the Lord's ability to deliver him in this noblest of pursuits.
Living as a Christian in a secular world, I often feel like the underdog. Am I willing to stand up for God's honor? Am I ready to trust His power enough to step out in faith?
Friday, December 14, 2007
Mourning the past, missing the present
I Samuel 16:1
"Now the Lord said to Samuel, 'How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.'"
How many times do I need to hear this message? Don't mourn over what God has taken away--keep your head up and see the new direction in which He's leading you. Unfortunately, things aren't as direct for us as they were for Samuel. Can you imagine if God said to you "I am sending you to Hottie McHotterson the Arlingtonite"? I would love the clarity, but alas... Even without the obvious direction, the lesson is still obviously there: Don't miss the open door God has for you because you are so worried about the one that He has just shut. In applying hindsight to this passage, the closed door of a self-centered, man-pleasing king was no loss compared to the opened door of a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22, I Sam 13:14).
"Now the Lord said to Samuel, 'How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.'"
How many times do I need to hear this message? Don't mourn over what God has taken away--keep your head up and see the new direction in which He's leading you. Unfortunately, things aren't as direct for us as they were for Samuel. Can you imagine if God said to you "I am sending you to Hottie McHotterson the Arlingtonite"? I would love the clarity, but alas... Even without the obvious direction, the lesson is still obviously there: Don't miss the open door God has for you because you are so worried about the one that He has just shut. In applying hindsight to this passage, the closed door of a self-centered, man-pleasing king was no loss compared to the opened door of a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22, I Sam 13:14).
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Close doesn't count when it comes to obedience
I Sam 15:
When God calls you to do something--no matter what--obey completely. In v. 3, God told Saul to "go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them. But kill both man and woman, infant and nursing child, ox and sheep, camel and donkey." However, in v.9 we see that while Saul and the people had no problem obeying the command to kill the babies, they stopped short at killing "the best of the sheep, the oxen, the falings, the lambs, and all that was good." The telling part comes next: they "were unwilling to utterly destroy them."
When we are unwilling to completely obey God's command, there are consequences. Saul's consequence comes in v. 26: "the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel." Though he had a reasonable excuse of sparing those animals for sacrifice to the Lord, it was not the sacrifce that the Lord desired--He desired obedience. "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice" (v.22).
What is God calling me to do? Will I respond with complete obedience?
When God calls you to do something--no matter what--obey completely. In v. 3, God told Saul to "go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them. But kill both man and woman, infant and nursing child, ox and sheep, camel and donkey." However, in v.9 we see that while Saul and the people had no problem obeying the command to kill the babies, they stopped short at killing "the best of the sheep, the oxen, the falings, the lambs, and all that was good." The telling part comes next: they "were unwilling to utterly destroy them."
When we are unwilling to completely obey God's command, there are consequences. Saul's consequence comes in v. 26: "the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel." Though he had a reasonable excuse of sparing those animals for sacrifice to the Lord, it was not the sacrifce that the Lord desired--He desired obedience. "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice" (v.22).
What is God calling me to do? Will I respond with complete obedience?
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