“When the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3 CSB)
Remember “Chicken Little?” He got hit on the head by a falling acorn and concluded that the sky was falling. Told everybody he saw. Panic mode.
The verse quoted above is in that same vein. The question was posed by a pessimist, a cynic, who sees the shape the world is in and advises people to run for their lives. The idea is that when all the essentials of right living are virtually non-existent in a society, there really is nothing much that righteous people can do. So, we may as well sit down and shut up and give up. But believers have a response to this, as indicated in the rest of Psalm 11.
The first response is to remember. We remember that God is sovereign. God sees everything. He knows everything. Nothing escapes His notice, and He knows those who do evil. He knows also those who live rightly. And He reminds us that His judgment is coming. The triumph of His sovereignty will be forthcoming.
Our second response is to trust. We trust God with our hearts, our lives, our very souls. We also trust Him and believe that He will carry out His will. He is thus our Refuge. So, to Him we go and find rest and peace.
The pessimist, like Chicken Little, is wrong. The righteous remember and trust.
Lord, Guide our thoughts today once again to Your sovereignty and Your power. Help us to respond with remembrance and trust throughout the day. Amen.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Unity vs Disunity
“Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve.” (Luke 22:3 CSB)
Hollywood’s “spin doctors” have attempted to portray Judas as a victim, as a man who was himself betrayed and who was the real victim in the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus. Such attempts are purely speculative in the extreme and wholly untrue. The Bible records the truth about Judas. He was money-oriented. Satan found an open door. Judas cooperated willingly and knowingly with the opponents of Jesus and betrayed Him. The twelve had enjoyed a strong unity previously, but he introduced the element of disunity among the disciples when he decided to go to the chief priests and Pharisees.
And oddly enough, from Judas’ negative example, we learn at least one positive lesson. We learn that when unity is solid, it is like armor plating. When disunity enters or is allowed to enter, it is like a corrosive acid, or like a cancer. The solidarity of unity produces synergistic strength, where we are stronger together beyond the sum of our parts than we would be alone. Disunity or divisiveness, on the other hand, weakens us and makes us vulnerable to the attacks of Satan.
So, how do we achieve and maintain unity? First, we make it our number one priority to follow Jesus over everything else. Second, we learn what the Bible teaches us about the will of God and give His will priority over our own or anyone else’s. Third, we live a life focused on humility before God rather than pride and ego, which are the real sources of disunity. Fourth, we ask God to help us have the spiritual perception to realize when Satan is trying to get his foot in the door and create disunity, so that we can take our stand together against him. Fifth, we rely on the Holy Spirit to fight this battle and help us overcome all disunity and develop unity as fully as possible.
Lord, Help us to recognize how important unity is to You and to us as Your people. Help us to live together as Your people in the full unity that pleases and honors You. Amen.
Hollywood’s “spin doctors” have attempted to portray Judas as a victim, as a man who was himself betrayed and who was the real victim in the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus. Such attempts are purely speculative in the extreme and wholly untrue. The Bible records the truth about Judas. He was money-oriented. Satan found an open door. Judas cooperated willingly and knowingly with the opponents of Jesus and betrayed Him. The twelve had enjoyed a strong unity previously, but he introduced the element of disunity among the disciples when he decided to go to the chief priests and Pharisees.
And oddly enough, from Judas’ negative example, we learn at least one positive lesson. We learn that when unity is solid, it is like armor plating. When disunity enters or is allowed to enter, it is like a corrosive acid, or like a cancer. The solidarity of unity produces synergistic strength, where we are stronger together beyond the sum of our parts than we would be alone. Disunity or divisiveness, on the other hand, weakens us and makes us vulnerable to the attacks of Satan.
So, how do we achieve and maintain unity? First, we make it our number one priority to follow Jesus over everything else. Second, we learn what the Bible teaches us about the will of God and give His will priority over our own or anyone else’s. Third, we live a life focused on humility before God rather than pride and ego, which are the real sources of disunity. Fourth, we ask God to help us have the spiritual perception to realize when Satan is trying to get his foot in the door and create disunity, so that we can take our stand together against him. Fifth, we rely on the Holy Spirit to fight this battle and help us overcome all disunity and develop unity as fully as possible.
Lord, Help us to recognize how important unity is to You and to us as Your people. Help us to live together as Your people in the full unity that pleases and honors You. Amen.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
A Dose of Reality
“For they did not take the land by their sword – their arm did not bring them victory – but by Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face.” (Psalm 44:3 CSB) “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” (1 Corinthians 3:6 CSB)
Something in us does not like to wait. Most of us have a disdain for patience. We prefer to take action to guide events (and sometimes people) toward our objectives. And there is something in us that makes us think we actually can. We tend to believe that we can be in control.
Maybe we need a dose of reality. The psalmist got his dose. He came to realize that the victory of the Israelites in their invasion of Canaan was less about Israel’s military prowess and way more about God’s power. The Corinthians got their dose. Paul reminded them that the growth they experienced in their church came not from Paul’s actions (planting) or Apollos’ actions (watering) but from God’s action. God gave the growth.
Here is our dose of reality: 1) God’s purposes are greater and deeper than ours, 2) God knows what He’s doing, 3) God knows what He wants to accomplish, and 4) the only role we have is to be obedient to whatever He leads us to do. That was true for the Israelites. It was true also for the Corinthians. And now, it is true for us.
Our objectives and desires must be guided by the template of God’s objectives and desires. Anytime we move beyond what He wants, we begin to experience with what we want, and that makes it far too easy to miss the target. God will let us try, so that He can make a point. His point is that the only real success, the only real victory, is that one that He achieves when we follow His lead in full obedience.
Lord, Open our eyes today and show us once again the truth and wisdom we need today to make Your objectives our objectives, and to live life in obedience to the leading of Your Spirit, for Your glory. Amen.
Something in us does not like to wait. Most of us have a disdain for patience. We prefer to take action to guide events (and sometimes people) toward our objectives. And there is something in us that makes us think we actually can. We tend to believe that we can be in control.
Maybe we need a dose of reality. The psalmist got his dose. He came to realize that the victory of the Israelites in their invasion of Canaan was less about Israel’s military prowess and way more about God’s power. The Corinthians got their dose. Paul reminded them that the growth they experienced in their church came not from Paul’s actions (planting) or Apollos’ actions (watering) but from God’s action. God gave the growth.
Here is our dose of reality: 1) God’s purposes are greater and deeper than ours, 2) God knows what He’s doing, 3) God knows what He wants to accomplish, and 4) the only role we have is to be obedient to whatever He leads us to do. That was true for the Israelites. It was true also for the Corinthians. And now, it is true for us.
Our objectives and desires must be guided by the template of God’s objectives and desires. Anytime we move beyond what He wants, we begin to experience with what we want, and that makes it far too easy to miss the target. God will let us try, so that He can make a point. His point is that the only real success, the only real victory, is that one that He achieves when we follow His lead in full obedience.
Lord, Open our eyes today and show us once again the truth and wisdom we need today to make Your objectives our objectives, and to live life in obedience to the leading of Your Spirit, for Your glory. Amen.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Hope
“Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:11 CSB)
Clinical depression diagnosed by a physician normally requires a medical solution. Sometimes, however, we may experience depression that is not quite that severe and is more temporary. Like a headache, it may not feel temporary, but actually it is. This kind of depression is more the result of circumstances that “get us down.” A life situation such as your job, your family, your finances, or your health can result in this kind of depression.
The psalmist went through this kind. And HOPE is what brought him through it. He put his hope in God. He DECIDED to put his hope in God. Hope, like love and trust, is basically a decision we make. We decide we are going to do it and thus do it. Indeed, a decision to put your hope in God is also a decision to love Him and trust Him.
Hope is defined in some circles as “the feeling that things will turn out for the best.” That is a rather popular view, culturally inspired. But that is not what Christians believe. We do not believe that things just turn out OK. We believe that God works all things together for good, for those who love Him and who are called according to His purposes. That is why we decide that we will put our hope in Him.
Lord, In faith and out of love for You, we put our hope in You for everything we encounter this day. Amen.
Clinical depression diagnosed by a physician normally requires a medical solution. Sometimes, however, we may experience depression that is not quite that severe and is more temporary. Like a headache, it may not feel temporary, but actually it is. This kind of depression is more the result of circumstances that “get us down.” A life situation such as your job, your family, your finances, or your health can result in this kind of depression.
The psalmist went through this kind. And HOPE is what brought him through it. He put his hope in God. He DECIDED to put his hope in God. Hope, like love and trust, is basically a decision we make. We decide we are going to do it and thus do it. Indeed, a decision to put your hope in God is also a decision to love Him and trust Him.
Hope is defined in some circles as “the feeling that things will turn out for the best.” That is a rather popular view, culturally inspired. But that is not what Christians believe. We do not believe that things just turn out OK. We believe that God works all things together for good, for those who love Him and who are called according to His purposes. That is why we decide that we will put our hope in Him.
Lord, In faith and out of love for You, we put our hope in You for everything we encounter this day. Amen.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Foolish Message?
“For those who are perishing the message of the cross is foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is God’s power.” (1 Corinthians 1:18 CSB)
What is the message of the cross? It’s very simple, really.
There is a God who is sovereign over the entire universe, which He created, including mankind. Originally, mankind was sinless but was given the freedom to make personal choices. When tempted, mankind disobeyed God’s clear instructions and committed sin. God then condemned man and in His holiness and righteousness decreed that man must die for his sin. However, because of His grace and love, God planned a means for providing man an opportunity to be saved from the penalty of sin. He sent His Son, Jesus, to take the penalty for man by dying on the cross, thus taking on Himself the judgment that was due man. Jesus died in man’s place. The blood Jesus shed on this cross spiritually “covered” the sins of man, thus, providing the means for man’s forgiveness and, therefore, his salvation. To seal this and demonstrate the power of the cross, God’s power, Jesus rose from the dead. Anyone who therefore believes in Jesus, the Messiah of God, the Christ, God’s Anointed One, His Son, who receives Jesus into his or her heart by a faith commitment, receives also the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
Only those who receive this message into their hearts on the basis of a faith commitment actually understand it. They understand because they personally experience God’s power and His illumination through faith, through personal commitment.
Those who deny the reality of sin, who believe that humanity is the epitome of all existence, the highest order in the universe, or who are committed to human rationality find this message to be nonsense and foolishness. The pride of humanism keeps them from knowing the truth. Unfortunately, that same pride will lead them to their destruction.
There is nothing at all foolish with God’s grace and the cross of Jesus. The only thing foolish here is the destructive pride that so many prefer.
Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul. Thank You, Lord, for making me whole. Thank You, Lord, for giving to me Thy great salvation so rich and free. Amen.
What is the message of the cross? It’s very simple, really.
There is a God who is sovereign over the entire universe, which He created, including mankind. Originally, mankind was sinless but was given the freedom to make personal choices. When tempted, mankind disobeyed God’s clear instructions and committed sin. God then condemned man and in His holiness and righteousness decreed that man must die for his sin. However, because of His grace and love, God planned a means for providing man an opportunity to be saved from the penalty of sin. He sent His Son, Jesus, to take the penalty for man by dying on the cross, thus taking on Himself the judgment that was due man. Jesus died in man’s place. The blood Jesus shed on this cross spiritually “covered” the sins of man, thus, providing the means for man’s forgiveness and, therefore, his salvation. To seal this and demonstrate the power of the cross, God’s power, Jesus rose from the dead. Anyone who therefore believes in Jesus, the Messiah of God, the Christ, God’s Anointed One, His Son, who receives Jesus into his or her heart by a faith commitment, receives also the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
Only those who receive this message into their hearts on the basis of a faith commitment actually understand it. They understand because they personally experience God’s power and His illumination through faith, through personal commitment.
Those who deny the reality of sin, who believe that humanity is the epitome of all existence, the highest order in the universe, or who are committed to human rationality find this message to be nonsense and foolishness. The pride of humanism keeps them from knowing the truth. Unfortunately, that same pride will lead them to their destruction.
There is nothing at all foolish with God’s grace and the cross of Jesus. The only thing foolish here is the destructive pride that so many prefer.
Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul. Thank You, Lord, for making me whole. Thank You, Lord, for giving to me Thy great salvation so rich and free. Amen.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Faith
“Therefore, … by faith…” (Romans 5:1 CSB)
Faith is a powerful force that produces five remarkable results: 1) a declaration of righteousness from the Lord, 2) peace with God, 3) access to God’s grace, 4) hope borne from affliction, and 5) hearts filled with God’s love.
To be declared righteous before God, known also as “justification,” is the result of what Jesus did for us on the cross. He took our sins upon Himself and crucified them. Our sins are now covered over by the blood of Jesus, so that the Father does not see them. In this way, Jesus presents us before the Father with a declaration of righteousness, meaning that there is now no condemnation against us for our sins. We are free to live rightly now.
This faith we now have is, in fact, a personal union with God who is our Creator, so that we now have peace with Him. There is no more enmity between us and God. There is only relational progress.
We have entered into God’s grace by way of this personal faith union. Grace is a relational realm in which we have direct access to God. It’s like being a king’s son or daughter.
Faith is the ride that takes us from affliction to hope. We all know that afflictions come. In one form or another. Our personal faith union with the Lord guides us from affliction to endurance, from there on to proven character, and from there on to hope. Hope is the future reality that awaits us, and in that there can be no disappointment.
God has put His Holy Spirit in us now. Because of our personal faith union with Him, His Spirit has poured out the love of God into our hearts.
Life is good. Thank You, Lord. I wish everyone knew this truth. Amen.
Faith is a powerful force that produces five remarkable results: 1) a declaration of righteousness from the Lord, 2) peace with God, 3) access to God’s grace, 4) hope borne from affliction, and 5) hearts filled with God’s love.
To be declared righteous before God, known also as “justification,” is the result of what Jesus did for us on the cross. He took our sins upon Himself and crucified them. Our sins are now covered over by the blood of Jesus, so that the Father does not see them. In this way, Jesus presents us before the Father with a declaration of righteousness, meaning that there is now no condemnation against us for our sins. We are free to live rightly now.
This faith we now have is, in fact, a personal union with God who is our Creator, so that we now have peace with Him. There is no more enmity between us and God. There is only relational progress.
We have entered into God’s grace by way of this personal faith union. Grace is a relational realm in which we have direct access to God. It’s like being a king’s son or daughter.
Faith is the ride that takes us from affliction to hope. We all know that afflictions come. In one form or another. Our personal faith union with the Lord guides us from affliction to endurance, from there on to proven character, and from there on to hope. Hope is the future reality that awaits us, and in that there can be no disappointment.
God has put His Holy Spirit in us now. Because of our personal faith union with Him, His Spirit has poured out the love of God into our hearts.
Life is good. Thank You, Lord. I wish everyone knew this truth. Amen.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Right Choice
“…Mary has made the right choice…” (Luke 10:41 CSB)
The village was Bethany, a few miles from Jerusalem. The house belonged to Martha apparently, and her sister, Mary, and her brother, Lazarus, lived with her. Martha invited Jesus to her home. As Jesus and His disciples and others listened to Him teaching, Martha focused on the task of preparing a meal for her honored Guest. Mary, however, did nothing, except sit at the feet of Jesus, listening and learning. Martha went to Jesus and complained that her sister was not helping and asked Him to tell her to come help. Jesus suggested to Martha that something more important was at hand.
While that may have stung, Martha needed to learn something about priorities. Jesus did not denigrate the task, but He did suggest that relationship trumps task.
Relationship is the higher priority. Relationship that intentionally thwarts task cannot be tolerated, particularly when a task involves the matter of carrying out the will of God. Jesus showed us that when the disciples attempted to prevent Him from going to the cross, but in the basic terms of our walk with God and one another, relationship takes priority.
Lord, Help us to always make the right choice. Amen.
The village was Bethany, a few miles from Jerusalem. The house belonged to Martha apparently, and her sister, Mary, and her brother, Lazarus, lived with her. Martha invited Jesus to her home. As Jesus and His disciples and others listened to Him teaching, Martha focused on the task of preparing a meal for her honored Guest. Mary, however, did nothing, except sit at the feet of Jesus, listening and learning. Martha went to Jesus and complained that her sister was not helping and asked Him to tell her to come help. Jesus suggested to Martha that something more important was at hand.
While that may have stung, Martha needed to learn something about priorities. Jesus did not denigrate the task, but He did suggest that relationship trumps task.
Relationship is the higher priority. Relationship that intentionally thwarts task cannot be tolerated, particularly when a task involves the matter of carrying out the will of God. Jesus showed us that when the disciples attempted to prevent Him from going to the cross, but in the basic terms of our walk with God and one another, relationship takes priority.
Lord, Help us to always make the right choice. Amen.
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