To obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22)
This is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. (2 John 1:6)
A young son of a missionary in Zaire was playing in the yard when suddenly he heard his father yell to him from the porch, "Phillip, obey me instantly! Drop to your stomach!"
Without hesitation the boy did as his father commanded. His father then commanded, "Now crawl to me as fast as you can!"
Again, the boy immediately obeyed. "Now stand up and run to me!"
Phillip responded without questioning and ran into his fathers arms. When Phillip turned around and looked back at the tree where he was standing, he saw a huge, poisonous snake hanging from one of the branches. The boy could have hesitated and asked, "Why?" or said, "In just a minute," but he instantly obeyed. That simple act of obedience saved his life!
What seemingly odd thing is God commanding of you today that when obeyed could save your life??? His ways are higher than ours, and He sees much more than we do! Truly, "obedience is better than sacrifice."
Have a blessed weekend, and don't forget to thank the One who made it all possible!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Thursday's Thoughts
"For this reason, I kneel before the Father" (Ephesians 3:14)
Have you ever watched a bird sleeping on its perch and never falling off? How does it manage to do this?
The secret is the tendons of the bird's legs. They are so constructed that when the leg is bent at the knee, the claws contract and grip like a steel trap. The claws refuse to let go until the knees are unbent again. The bended knee gives the bird the ability to hold on to his perch so tightly.
From sleeping birds we can learn the secret of holding things which are most precious to us -- honesty, purity, thoughtfulness, honor, character. That secret is the knee bent in prayer, seeking to get a firmer grip on those values which make life worth living. When we hold firmly to God in prayer, we can rest assured he will hold tightly to us.
.........................
When you row another person across the river you get there yourself! ~unknown
Have you ever watched a bird sleeping on its perch and never falling off? How does it manage to do this?
The secret is the tendons of the bird's legs. They are so constructed that when the leg is bent at the knee, the claws contract and grip like a steel trap. The claws refuse to let go until the knees are unbent again. The bended knee gives the bird the ability to hold on to his perch so tightly.
From sleeping birds we can learn the secret of holding things which are most precious to us -- honesty, purity, thoughtfulness, honor, character. That secret is the knee bent in prayer, seeking to get a firmer grip on those values which make life worth living. When we hold firmly to God in prayer, we can rest assured he will hold tightly to us.
.........................
When you row another person across the river you get there yourself! ~unknown
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Wednesday's Wisdom
You shall not worry, for worry is the most unproductive of all human activities.
You shall not be fearful, for most of the things we fear never come to pass.
You shall not carry grudges, for they are the heaviest of all life's burdens.
You shall face each problem as it comes. You can only handle one at a time anyway.
You shall not take problems to bed with you, for they make very poor bedfellows.
You shall not borrow other people's problems. They can better care for them than you.
You shall not try to relive yesterday for good or ill, it is forever gone. Concentrate on what is happening in your life and be happy now!
You shall be a good listener, for only when you listen do you hear ideas different from your own.
You shall not become "bogged down" by frustration, for 90% of it is rooted in self-pity and will only interfere with positive action.
You shall count your blessings, never overlooking the small ones, for a lot of small blessings add up to a big one.
You shall.
You shall not be fearful, for most of the things we fear never come to pass.
You shall not carry grudges, for they are the heaviest of all life's burdens.
You shall face each problem as it comes. You can only handle one at a time anyway.
You shall not take problems to bed with you, for they make very poor bedfellows.
You shall not borrow other people's problems. They can better care for them than you.
You shall not try to relive yesterday for good or ill, it is forever gone. Concentrate on what is happening in your life and be happy now!
You shall be a good listener, for only when you listen do you hear ideas different from your own.
You shall not become "bogged down" by frustration, for 90% of it is rooted in self-pity and will only interfere with positive action.
You shall count your blessings, never overlooking the small ones, for a lot of small blessings add up to a big one.
You shall.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Monday's Meditation
“For we are God's fellow workers...” (1 Corinthians 3:9)
Brother Hammer served as the chairman. The other members of the tool belt informed him that he must leave, because he was too noisy. But brother Hammer said, “If I have to leave this carpenter's shop, then brother Gimlet must go too. He's insignificant and makes a very small impression.” (A gimlet is a small tool with a screw point, grooved shank, and a cross handle for boring holes).
Little brother Gimlet arose and said, “All right, but brother Screwdriver must go also. You have to turn him around and around to get anywhere with him.”
Brother Screwdriver turned to the other tools in the belt and said, “If you wish, I will go, but brother Plane must leave, too. All of his work is on the surface; there's no depth to what he does.”
To this brother Plane leveled his terse reply, “Well, then, brother Saw will have to depart too. The changes he proposes always cut too deep.”
Brother Saw complained, saying, “Brother Ruler will have to withdraw if I leave, for he's always measuring other folks as though he were the only one who is right.”
Brother Ruler then surveyed the group and said, “Brother Sandpaper doesn't belong here either. He's rougher than he ought to be, and is always rubbing people the wrong way.”
In the midst of the discussion, the Carpenter of Nazareth walked in. He had come to perform his day's work. He put on His tool belt and went to the workbench to make a pulpit. He employed the ruler, the saw, the plane, the hammer, the gimlet, the screwdriver, the sandpaper, and all the other tools. When the day's work was over, the pulpit was finished, and the carpenter went home. All the accusations against each of these tools were absolutely true, yet the carpenter used every one of them. No matter which tool He used, no other tool could have done the work better.
We are all “tools” in Jesus' tool box. Each of us has a purpose, ability, and a task to perform.
Brother Hammer served as the chairman. The other members of the tool belt informed him that he must leave, because he was too noisy. But brother Hammer said, “If I have to leave this carpenter's shop, then brother Gimlet must go too. He's insignificant and makes a very small impression.” (A gimlet is a small tool with a screw point, grooved shank, and a cross handle for boring holes).
Little brother Gimlet arose and said, “All right, but brother Screwdriver must go also. You have to turn him around and around to get anywhere with him.”
Brother Screwdriver turned to the other tools in the belt and said, “If you wish, I will go, but brother Plane must leave, too. All of his work is on the surface; there's no depth to what he does.”
To this brother Plane leveled his terse reply, “Well, then, brother Saw will have to depart too. The changes he proposes always cut too deep.”
Brother Saw complained, saying, “Brother Ruler will have to withdraw if I leave, for he's always measuring other folks as though he were the only one who is right.”
Brother Ruler then surveyed the group and said, “Brother Sandpaper doesn't belong here either. He's rougher than he ought to be, and is always rubbing people the wrong way.”
In the midst of the discussion, the Carpenter of Nazareth walked in. He had come to perform his day's work. He put on His tool belt and went to the workbench to make a pulpit. He employed the ruler, the saw, the plane, the hammer, the gimlet, the screwdriver, the sandpaper, and all the other tools. When the day's work was over, the pulpit was finished, and the carpenter went home. All the accusations against each of these tools were absolutely true, yet the carpenter used every one of them. No matter which tool He used, no other tool could have done the work better.
We are all “tools” in Jesus' tool box. Each of us has a purpose, ability, and a task to perform.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Friday's Feature
2 Kings 4:3
"Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side."
During the ministry of Elisha, a widow came to him for financial help. Creditors had threatened to take her two boys as slaves if she didn't pay her debt, but all the woman had left was a little oil. Elisha told her how to miraculously multiply her oil and pay her bills...and in the process bring great glory to God.
The woman gathered empty jars and began to fill them from her one small jar of oil. She continued to fill the jars until each one she collected was full; "Then the oil stopped flowing" (2 Kings 4:6). The woman was able to sell the oil and pay her debt.
Notice that the oil stopped flowing as soon as the last jar was full. If the woman would have collected half as many jars, the oil would have stopped flowing when the collected jars were filled. And if she would have collected twice as many jars, the oil would have continued until every last one was full. God's provision was equal to the number of jars she collected - equal to the number of jars she believed God would fill.
In our limited understanding of God we often place artificial restrictions on what we think He can accomplish, and our prayers become reduced to what we believe is actually possible. In this sense, our low level of faith has limited what God provides. Peter never would have stepped out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus if confined to the realm of his own understanding. Peter left room for God to work beyond what he could understand.
O please do not read this message as just a formula for worldly prosperity! God's Word never teaches that we are all to be rich with material wealth (this is an ugly distortion of His truth). But God desires for each of us to trust Him beyond the bounds of our best analysis, and to draw closer than what we believe is ever possible. Peter didn't need to understand how the atomic structure of water might be altered to provide stability, he simply needed to know with certainty that Jesus was calling; "Lord, if it's You, tell me to come to You on the water" (Matthew 14:28).
We serve an Awesome God - more awesome than we will ever comprehend; "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:9). We must never believe there's a problem too big for God to handle; "He is able to do immeasurably more..." (Ephesians 3:20). Let's pray with a faith that truly believes, and let's refuse to place limits on God's provision. If we truly believe He is awesome we will pray like it.
"Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side."
During the ministry of Elisha, a widow came to him for financial help. Creditors had threatened to take her two boys as slaves if she didn't pay her debt, but all the woman had left was a little oil. Elisha told her how to miraculously multiply her oil and pay her bills...and in the process bring great glory to God.
The woman gathered empty jars and began to fill them from her one small jar of oil. She continued to fill the jars until each one she collected was full; "Then the oil stopped flowing" (2 Kings 4:6). The woman was able to sell the oil and pay her debt.
Notice that the oil stopped flowing as soon as the last jar was full. If the woman would have collected half as many jars, the oil would have stopped flowing when the collected jars were filled. And if she would have collected twice as many jars, the oil would have continued until every last one was full. God's provision was equal to the number of jars she collected - equal to the number of jars she believed God would fill.
In our limited understanding of God we often place artificial restrictions on what we think He can accomplish, and our prayers become reduced to what we believe is actually possible. In this sense, our low level of faith has limited what God provides. Peter never would have stepped out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus if confined to the realm of his own understanding. Peter left room for God to work beyond what he could understand.
O please do not read this message as just a formula for worldly prosperity! God's Word never teaches that we are all to be rich with material wealth (this is an ugly distortion of His truth). But God desires for each of us to trust Him beyond the bounds of our best analysis, and to draw closer than what we believe is ever possible. Peter didn't need to understand how the atomic structure of water might be altered to provide stability, he simply needed to know with certainty that Jesus was calling; "Lord, if it's You, tell me to come to You on the water" (Matthew 14:28).
We serve an Awesome God - more awesome than we will ever comprehend; "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:9). We must never believe there's a problem too big for God to handle; "He is able to do immeasurably more..." (Ephesians 3:20). Let's pray with a faith that truly believes, and let's refuse to place limits on God's provision. If we truly believe He is awesome we will pray like it.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Wednesday's Wisdom
It is clear that John was very selective with the miracles and teachings of Jesus he included in his gospel. Not wanting anyone to think that these were all of Jesus' works, John acknowledges at the end of his gospel, "Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presences of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book -- If everyone one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." (20:30; 21:25)
There is no denying Jesus accomplishments in His short life on earth are astonishing. But, while considering all that Jesus did, another incredible, often overlooked and rarely noted thing about Jesus surfaces – the many things Jesus did not do. Think for a minute about all the things Jesus did not do.
This may seem an odd thing to point out. We are more prone to listing activity. The more a person does the more important they are, right? Awards are presented with speeches that chronicle the recipient's accomplishment and involvements. The more organizations and companies they are involved in, the more impressed we are and the higher we esteem them. Why, then, bother considering what Jesus did not do?
Jesus is our example and the example He set for us includes a focused life. For Jesus, doing the will of the Father was the core of His every action. "My food is to do the will of Him Who sent me and to finish His work." (John 4:24) Jesus allowed nothing to divert Him from His calling. Luke tells us that "Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem," and when others attempted to convince Him otherwise, He refused to be distracted. See, faithfulness to the will of God requires not doing as well as doing - for Jesus - and for us.
How did we get deluded into believing that we can and are suppose to do everything? Why have we bought into the bazaar concept that busier is better and everyone should be able to do everything they want to do? When did we fall victim to the philosophy that the abundant life is defined by how much we do? The ancient adage, "If you want to defeat them, distract them," is true both physically and spiritually. One very effective way of distracting someone is to get them busy doing so much they don't have time to do what they need to. As someone once said, "if Satan can't get you to sin, he makes you busy."
There was a man who lived in the desert. He dressed rather oddly, even for his day, and his diet was very unusual - locus and honey. When John wrote about this man in his gospel he simply stated that he "did no great work but everything he said about Jesus was true." This man, whose only achievement, whose only legacy, was truthful and faithful speech about Jesus, is the man that Jesus said; "among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist." (Matthew 11:11)
It is absolutely imperative that we maintain our life's focus, which must be as Jesus, the will of the Father. We need to awaken to the enemy's wiles of distraction. We need to recognize the fallacy that importance and greatness is determined by accomplishments. It's time for Christians to refuse to be drawn into the lifestyle of trying to do and be everything. We must be ruthless with our schedules and prayerfully exercising sound judgment about everything we involve ourselves in.
Hey, we need to slow down, dare we even stop for a time, and contemplate the life of Jesus, considering not only His great accomplishments, but what He did not do as well.
Think about it.
There is no denying Jesus accomplishments in His short life on earth are astonishing. But, while considering all that Jesus did, another incredible, often overlooked and rarely noted thing about Jesus surfaces – the many things Jesus did not do. Think for a minute about all the things Jesus did not do.
This may seem an odd thing to point out. We are more prone to listing activity. The more a person does the more important they are, right? Awards are presented with speeches that chronicle the recipient's accomplishment and involvements. The more organizations and companies they are involved in, the more impressed we are and the higher we esteem them. Why, then, bother considering what Jesus did not do?
Jesus is our example and the example He set for us includes a focused life. For Jesus, doing the will of the Father was the core of His every action. "My food is to do the will of Him Who sent me and to finish His work." (John 4:24) Jesus allowed nothing to divert Him from His calling. Luke tells us that "Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem," and when others attempted to convince Him otherwise, He refused to be distracted. See, faithfulness to the will of God requires not doing as well as doing - for Jesus - and for us.
How did we get deluded into believing that we can and are suppose to do everything? Why have we bought into the bazaar concept that busier is better and everyone should be able to do everything they want to do? When did we fall victim to the philosophy that the abundant life is defined by how much we do? The ancient adage, "If you want to defeat them, distract them," is true both physically and spiritually. One very effective way of distracting someone is to get them busy doing so much they don't have time to do what they need to. As someone once said, "if Satan can't get you to sin, he makes you busy."
There was a man who lived in the desert. He dressed rather oddly, even for his day, and his diet was very unusual - locus and honey. When John wrote about this man in his gospel he simply stated that he "did no great work but everything he said about Jesus was true." This man, whose only achievement, whose only legacy, was truthful and faithful speech about Jesus, is the man that Jesus said; "among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist." (Matthew 11:11)
It is absolutely imperative that we maintain our life's focus, which must be as Jesus, the will of the Father. We need to awaken to the enemy's wiles of distraction. We need to recognize the fallacy that importance and greatness is determined by accomplishments. It's time for Christians to refuse to be drawn into the lifestyle of trying to do and be everything. We must be ruthless with our schedules and prayerfully exercising sound judgment about everything we involve ourselves in.
Hey, we need to slow down, dare we even stop for a time, and contemplate the life of Jesus, considering not only His great accomplishments, but what He did not do as well.
Think about it.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Tuesday's Tab
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8)
Always trust God's timing. When God says "no", it's because He already has a better plan. When God says "wait", there's a reason. Trust Him!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Always trust God's timing. When God says "no", it's because He already has a better plan. When God says "wait", there's a reason. Trust Him!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Monday, January 18, 2010
Monday's Meditation
In Psalm 141:3 the Psalmist writes,
"Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips." (NIV)
"Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips." (NLT)
"Help me to guard my words whenever I say something." (CEV)
Father, put a guard over my mouth when I am about to say something I should not say. Whether it is a word that is untrue, a word that is negative, a word that is critical, or a word that discourages, Lord, stop the words before they come out of my mouth. Close the door of my lips and prevent the words from leaving my mouth.
Father, take control of what I say. Help me think before I speak. Help me pause before I speak. Help me consider my audience before I speak. Some things are inappropriate for some to hear. Some things are inappropriate for all to hear. Some things do not need to leave my mouth. Father, guard my lips and control what I say.
Father, help me guard my words when I say something. Help me make sure that the words I speak are worth hearing. If they are not, let me be silent. Being quiet may be better than being foolish. Being silent may be better than being critical, judgmental, or destructive.
Father, sometimes there are words of encouragement that need to pass through my lips, let them through. Sometimes there are words of hope that need to be spoken, let me speak them. Sometimes there are words of exhortation that need to be shared, please don't let me remain quiet during those moments.
Father, there are times when someone needs to hear that I love them, let me say those words. There are times when someone needs to hear that I appreciate them, let me say those words. There are times when someone needs to hear something hopeful, let me say those words.
Father, there are times when I am afraid to speak. Please remove the fear that prevents me from speaking on behalf of the weak, the oppressed and the helpless. Please remove the fear that keeps me quiet when a child is neglected, abused, or ignored. Please remove the fear that prevents me from speaking when someone needs to hear of Your love for them. Help me never to miss an opportunity to speak for You.
Father, there are times when I need to speak, and times when I need to be quiet. Give me the wisdom to know the difference and the courage to respond accordingly.
Father, guard my lips. Open them when they need to be opened and allow the words that need to pass through them to pass. Close them when they need to be closed and prevent any word that might do damage to another soul from passing through.
Help me to guard my words whenever I say something.
"Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips." (NIV)
"Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips." (NLT)
"Help me to guard my words whenever I say something." (CEV)
Father, put a guard over my mouth when I am about to say something I should not say. Whether it is a word that is untrue, a word that is negative, a word that is critical, or a word that discourages, Lord, stop the words before they come out of my mouth. Close the door of my lips and prevent the words from leaving my mouth.
Father, take control of what I say. Help me think before I speak. Help me pause before I speak. Help me consider my audience before I speak. Some things are inappropriate for some to hear. Some things are inappropriate for all to hear. Some things do not need to leave my mouth. Father, guard my lips and control what I say.
Father, help me guard my words when I say something. Help me make sure that the words I speak are worth hearing. If they are not, let me be silent. Being quiet may be better than being foolish. Being silent may be better than being critical, judgmental, or destructive.
Father, sometimes there are words of encouragement that need to pass through my lips, let them through. Sometimes there are words of hope that need to be spoken, let me speak them. Sometimes there are words of exhortation that need to be shared, please don't let me remain quiet during those moments.
Father, there are times when someone needs to hear that I love them, let me say those words. There are times when someone needs to hear that I appreciate them, let me say those words. There are times when someone needs to hear something hopeful, let me say those words.
Father, there are times when I am afraid to speak. Please remove the fear that prevents me from speaking on behalf of the weak, the oppressed and the helpless. Please remove the fear that keeps me quiet when a child is neglected, abused, or ignored. Please remove the fear that prevents me from speaking when someone needs to hear of Your love for them. Help me never to miss an opportunity to speak for You.
Father, there are times when I need to speak, and times when I need to be quiet. Give me the wisdom to know the difference and the courage to respond accordingly.
Father, guard my lips. Open them when they need to be opened and allow the words that need to pass through them to pass. Close them when they need to be closed and prevent any word that might do damage to another soul from passing through.
Help me to guard my words whenever I say something.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Weekend Wonder
"Our Father who is in heaven …” With these words Jesus escorts us into the Great House of God. Shall we follow him? There is so much to see. Every room reveals his heart, every stop will soothe your soul. And no room is as essential as this one we enter first. Walk behind him as he leads us into God’s living room.
Sit in the chair that was made for you and warm your hands by the fire which never fades. Take time to look at the framed photos and find yours. Be sure to pick up the scrapbook and find the story of your life. But please, before any of that, stand at the mantle and study the painting which hangs above it.
Your Father treasures the portrait. He has hung it where all can see.
Stand before it a thousand times and each gaze is as fresh as the first. Let a million look at the canvas and each one will see himself. And each will be right.
Captured in the portrait is a tender scene of a father and a son. Behind them is a great house on a hill. Beneath their feet is a narrow path. Down from the house the father has run. Up the trail the son has trudged. The two have met, here, at the gate.
We can’t see the face of the son; it’s buried in the chest of his father. No, we can’t see his face, but we can see his tattered robe and stringy hair. We can see the mud on the back of his legs, the filth on his shoulders and the empty purse on the ground. At one time the purse was full of money. At one time the boy was full of pride. But that was a dozen taverns ago. Now both the purse and the pride are depleted. The prodigal offers no gift or explanation. All he offers is the smell of pigs and a rehearsed apology: “Father, I have sinned against God and done wrong to you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (Luke 15:21).
He feels unworthy of his birthright. “Demote me. Punish me. Take my name off the mailbox and my initials off the family tree. I am willing to give up my place at your table.” The boy is content to be a hired hand. There is only one problem. Though the boy is willing to stop being a son, the father is not willing to stop being a father.
Though we can’t see the boy’s face in the painting, we can’t miss the father’s. Look at the tears glistening on the leathered cheeks, the smile shining through the silver beard. One arm holds the boy up so he won’t fall, the other holds the boy close so he won’t doubt.
“Hurry!” he shouts. “Bring the best clothes and put them on him. Also, put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get our fat calf and kill it so we can have a feast and celebrate. My son was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost but now he is found!” (Luke 15:22–24).
How these words must have stunned the young man, “My son was dead …” He thought he’d lost his place in the home. After all, didn’t he abandon his father? Didn’t he waste his inheritance? The boy assumed he had forfeited his privilege to sonship. The father, however, doesn’t give up that easily. In his mind, his son is still a son. The child may have been out of the house, but he was never out of his father’s heart. He may have left the table, but he never left the family. Don’t miss the message here. You may be willing to stop being God’s child. But God is not willing to stop being your Father. (Max Lucado)
Sit in the chair that was made for you and warm your hands by the fire which never fades. Take time to look at the framed photos and find yours. Be sure to pick up the scrapbook and find the story of your life. But please, before any of that, stand at the mantle and study the painting which hangs above it.
Your Father treasures the portrait. He has hung it where all can see.
Stand before it a thousand times and each gaze is as fresh as the first. Let a million look at the canvas and each one will see himself. And each will be right.
Captured in the portrait is a tender scene of a father and a son. Behind them is a great house on a hill. Beneath their feet is a narrow path. Down from the house the father has run. Up the trail the son has trudged. The two have met, here, at the gate.
We can’t see the face of the son; it’s buried in the chest of his father. No, we can’t see his face, but we can see his tattered robe and stringy hair. We can see the mud on the back of his legs, the filth on his shoulders and the empty purse on the ground. At one time the purse was full of money. At one time the boy was full of pride. But that was a dozen taverns ago. Now both the purse and the pride are depleted. The prodigal offers no gift or explanation. All he offers is the smell of pigs and a rehearsed apology: “Father, I have sinned against God and done wrong to you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (Luke 15:21).
He feels unworthy of his birthright. “Demote me. Punish me. Take my name off the mailbox and my initials off the family tree. I am willing to give up my place at your table.” The boy is content to be a hired hand. There is only one problem. Though the boy is willing to stop being a son, the father is not willing to stop being a father.
Though we can’t see the boy’s face in the painting, we can’t miss the father’s. Look at the tears glistening on the leathered cheeks, the smile shining through the silver beard. One arm holds the boy up so he won’t fall, the other holds the boy close so he won’t doubt.
“Hurry!” he shouts. “Bring the best clothes and put them on him. Also, put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get our fat calf and kill it so we can have a feast and celebrate. My son was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost but now he is found!” (Luke 15:22–24).
How these words must have stunned the young man, “My son was dead …” He thought he’d lost his place in the home. After all, didn’t he abandon his father? Didn’t he waste his inheritance? The boy assumed he had forfeited his privilege to sonship. The father, however, doesn’t give up that easily. In his mind, his son is still a son. The child may have been out of the house, but he was never out of his father’s heart. He may have left the table, but he never left the family. Don’t miss the message here. You may be willing to stop being God’s child. But God is not willing to stop being your Father. (Max Lucado)
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Thursday's Thoughts
"the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10),
Our live-in grandson loved helium-filled balloons when he was younger, and I was thinking about the last one we bought. It was from the dollar store, and we chose it out of a book. The clerk got it out of the drawer. It went through three distinct phases. First, it was totally flat and folded up into a little square. Then the clerk gave it a shot of helium that made it big and fly high. In fact, without a string to tie it down, it would have flown away and ended up somewhere in another country. I knew from past experience, though, that there was another phase coming. It's flying high days can't last forever. One day before long we found it all soft, mushy, and slowly shriveling up on the floor.
The life and times of a helium balloon aren't all that different from the life and times of folks like you and me. We start out flat, we open our lives to Jesus Christ, He enlarges our life, gives us some victorious seasons where we're flying high, and then often overnight, we've gone flat and we've hit the ground. It doesn't have to be that way.
If you know that cycle all too well, you need to see how this cycle worked in the life of one of God's great servants in the Bible. Elijah was one of the most powerful of God's ancient prophets. And he was flying high in God that day on Mount Carmel when he single-handedly challenged 450 prophets of the idol Baal to a spiritual showdown. It was sort of a spiritual "Gunfight at the O. K. Corral." Elijah's challenge is to see whose God will consume with fire from heaven the sacrifice that's been laid on the altar.
Our word for today from the Word of God begins with 1 Kings 18:37 as Elijah prays in front of this army of false prophets: "Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that You, O Lord, are God, and that You are turning their hearts back again." The entire prayer is only 60 words, but Elijah mentions God nine times in those 60 words. On Mt. Carmel, it is clearly all about the Lord God. And the fire falls, consuming the sacrifice and causing everybody to cry, "The Lord! He is God!"
Now fast forward to the next chapter. The king has threatened Elijah's life and in fear he runs to the desert. He sits under a tree, and in the Bible's words, "prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, Lord,' he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.' ... I have been very zealous for the Lord God ... I am the only one left'" (1 Kings 19:4-5, 10). On Mt. Carmel, it was all about God. In the desert, it was all about me. And that's the difference between flying high and falling flat. During the victory time, it's all about the Lord. But often in the aftermath of a victory, something happens that makes it suddenly all about me, and we crash.
Jesus said the devil is a thief who comes "to steal and kill and destroy" (John 10:10). And every time God does something good in your life, the devil is there with some cheap shot he wants to use to rob you of the joy of what God has done. Don't fall for it. It's like you've just won the Super Bowl, you're walking off the field, and your defeated opponent says, "I'll make you pay for this." And he gives you a bloody nose. Yes, he hurt you a little, but he can't change the outcome. You still won, and nothing he can do can change the victory. So when the joy-robber comes in after the victory and tries to get you all focused on yourself, you tell him, "I know who this is, and I am not falling for it! We won, and you can't change it!"
Life won't always be "flying high" moments like Elijah's Mt. Carmel, but you can be consistently joyful and hopeful and positive, even when some of the air goes out. Because "the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10), not the joy of your circumstances. It's your Lord who inflates you with His joy, His victory, so you don't have to lie deflated in a corner ever again!
Our live-in grandson loved helium-filled balloons when he was younger, and I was thinking about the last one we bought. It was from the dollar store, and we chose it out of a book. The clerk got it out of the drawer. It went through three distinct phases. First, it was totally flat and folded up into a little square. Then the clerk gave it a shot of helium that made it big and fly high. In fact, without a string to tie it down, it would have flown away and ended up somewhere in another country. I knew from past experience, though, that there was another phase coming. It's flying high days can't last forever. One day before long we found it all soft, mushy, and slowly shriveling up on the floor.
The life and times of a helium balloon aren't all that different from the life and times of folks like you and me. We start out flat, we open our lives to Jesus Christ, He enlarges our life, gives us some victorious seasons where we're flying high, and then often overnight, we've gone flat and we've hit the ground. It doesn't have to be that way.
If you know that cycle all too well, you need to see how this cycle worked in the life of one of God's great servants in the Bible. Elijah was one of the most powerful of God's ancient prophets. And he was flying high in God that day on Mount Carmel when he single-handedly challenged 450 prophets of the idol Baal to a spiritual showdown. It was sort of a spiritual "Gunfight at the O. K. Corral." Elijah's challenge is to see whose God will consume with fire from heaven the sacrifice that's been laid on the altar.
Our word for today from the Word of God begins with 1 Kings 18:37 as Elijah prays in front of this army of false prophets: "Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that You, O Lord, are God, and that You are turning their hearts back again." The entire prayer is only 60 words, but Elijah mentions God nine times in those 60 words. On Mt. Carmel, it is clearly all about the Lord God. And the fire falls, consuming the sacrifice and causing everybody to cry, "The Lord! He is God!"
Now fast forward to the next chapter. The king has threatened Elijah's life and in fear he runs to the desert. He sits under a tree, and in the Bible's words, "prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, Lord,' he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.' ... I have been very zealous for the Lord God ... I am the only one left'" (1 Kings 19:4-5, 10). On Mt. Carmel, it was all about God. In the desert, it was all about me. And that's the difference between flying high and falling flat. During the victory time, it's all about the Lord. But often in the aftermath of a victory, something happens that makes it suddenly all about me, and we crash.
Jesus said the devil is a thief who comes "to steal and kill and destroy" (John 10:10). And every time God does something good in your life, the devil is there with some cheap shot he wants to use to rob you of the joy of what God has done. Don't fall for it. It's like you've just won the Super Bowl, you're walking off the field, and your defeated opponent says, "I'll make you pay for this." And he gives you a bloody nose. Yes, he hurt you a little, but he can't change the outcome. You still won, and nothing he can do can change the victory. So when the joy-robber comes in after the victory and tries to get you all focused on yourself, you tell him, "I know who this is, and I am not falling for it! We won, and you can't change it!"
Life won't always be "flying high" moments like Elijah's Mt. Carmel, but you can be consistently joyful and hopeful and positive, even when some of the air goes out. Because "the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10), not the joy of your circumstances. It's your Lord who inflates you with His joy, His victory, so you don't have to lie deflated in a corner ever again!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Wednesday's Wisdom
"Hope is hearing the melody of the future. Faith is to dance to it."
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." 1 Peter 1: 3 RSV
They had been in Jerusalem and watched as their beloved friend and leader, Jesus, had been taken away from them. Defeat loomed like a dangerous cliff in front of them. Disappointment was a fog blanketing their path. Tears of sadness rolled down their cheeks. They were perplexed and confused. What's more they were afraid - for their own lives and for their own future. The casualty left by the events that put these two men into such a state of desperation, was their hope. Don't even mention the word; for these two travelers from Jerusalem to Emmaus had seen their "hope" go down the drain.
Jesus was dead and missing. An empty tomb told the sad tale. At least that's how things looked from their perspective. Hopeless was the word of the day. And for you and me, this is exactly how things may look from our perspectives right now. You have a child you love who has succumbed to the clutches of drugs - the situation looks hopeless. Your 33-year marriage has been hit by the bomb of adultery and betrayal - the situation looks hopeless. Your grandchild was just diagnosed with an unknown disease - the situation looks hopeless. Or you have just taken another drink and you promised yourself you would do better. You have lost all faith in yourself - you feel hopeless.
This is exactly why Jesus came to walk with two men on a lonely stretch of road outside of Jerusalem. From a human viewpoint - Jesus was dead, His body stolen, and His enemies gloating -- probably already planning a strategy to wipe out all the other "fools" who believed in Him. And while these two disciples were thinking the worst - the most unbelievable - BEST - not only had happened, it was happening - right in their presence.
The dead Jesus was alive. The tomb was empty because Jesus had risen. Oh, and those gloating enemies - well, over 2,000 years later they're still trying to make the followers of Jesus look like fools - to no avail. Hope wasn't crushed by a wooden cross, or a large stone, or legions of Roman soldiers, or even by disappointed followers.
Hope sprung through rock, broke the Roman seal and disabled the Roman soldiers. Hope waited for the faithful women. Hope wiped Mary Magdalene's tears. Hope sent a message to contrite Peter. And hope walked step-by-step with two men who were trying to rise above what appeared to be a hopeless situation.
But there's something very important for you and me to remember. Hope was not sustained by a leap of faith in the dark. The foundation of hope is not built on shifting sand but on the Word of God.
When Jesus joined the two men from Emmaus, He could have identified Himself immediately and put all their grief and sorrow to rest. But He didn't. He wanted those two men and all His believers down through the ages to never forget that we can depend only on a hope that is rock solid. So Jesus, carefully and methodically, took His followers through the Scripture, letting the rock of His Word lay the foundation upon which the truth about Himself was built. This wasn't the Son of God saying, "Look here boys, snap out of your blues. I'm alive! Happy days are here again!"
No, Jesus did something so wonderful, it shines today as a beacon of light on our path whenever we find ourselves - confused, perplexed, disappointed, and fearful. Jesus said, "Go to my Word. Feast on My word. From Genesis to Revelation - look for Me. You don't live by 'bread alone' but by My Word."
It was the truth of the Scripture which released hope in these men's hearts.
It is the same today. As the old hymn written by Edward Mote so beautifully says: "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness." A story that is told from Genesis through Revelation. A hope that is the golden thread that keeps me walking with the Man who is present with me at all times. It is this hope we will find as we study God's Word every day in 2010. A hope that conquers disappointment, sorrows, and fear. A hope we can count on throughout 2010 - no matter what we face.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Tuesday's Tidbits
Now is the time to answer the call. No excuses!
Excuses I'm not perfect. I have all kinds of problems. I don't know the Bible well enough. I have no ability. I don't have any gifts. I'm limited. I'm just not worthy... Well, did you know that....
Moses stuttered.
David's armor didn't fit.
John Mark deserted Paul.
Timothy had ulcers.
Hosea's wife was a prostitute.
Amos' only training was in the school of fig-tree pruning.
Jacob was a liar.
David had an affair.
Solomon was too rich.
Jesus was too poor.
Abraham was too old.
David was too young.
Peter was afraid of death.
Lazarus was dead.
John was self-righteous.
Naomi was a widow.
Paul was a persecutor of the church.
Moses was a murderer.
Jonah ran from God's will.
Miriam was a gossip.
Gideon and Thomas both doubted.
Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal.
Elijah was burned out.
John the Baptist was a loudmouth.
Martha was a worry-wart.
Noah got drunk.
Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse?
So did Peter, Paul - well, lots of folks did.
God doesn't require a job interview for salvation. He's our Heavenly Father. He doesn't look at financial gain or loss. He's not prejudiced or partial, not judging, grudging, sassy, or brassy, not deaf to our cry, not blind to our need. He knows who we are and what we are and loves us in spite of ourselves. The enemy says, "you're not worthy." Jesus says, "So what, I am." The enemy looks back and sees our mistakes. God looks back and sees the cross!.
There are lots of reasons why God shouldn't call us. But if we are in love with Him, if we hunger for Him, He'll use us in spite of who we are, where we've been, what we have done, or the fact that we are not perfect!
Excuses I'm not perfect. I have all kinds of problems. I don't know the Bible well enough. I have no ability. I don't have any gifts. I'm limited. I'm just not worthy... Well, did you know that....
Moses stuttered.
David's armor didn't fit.
John Mark deserted Paul.
Timothy had ulcers.
Hosea's wife was a prostitute.
Amos' only training was in the school of fig-tree pruning.
Jacob was a liar.
David had an affair.
Solomon was too rich.
Jesus was too poor.
Abraham was too old.
David was too young.
Peter was afraid of death.
Lazarus was dead.
John was self-righteous.
Naomi was a widow.
Paul was a persecutor of the church.
Moses was a murderer.
Jonah ran from God's will.
Miriam was a gossip.
Gideon and Thomas both doubted.
Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal.
Elijah was burned out.
John the Baptist was a loudmouth.
Martha was a worry-wart.
Noah got drunk.
Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse?
So did Peter, Paul - well, lots of folks did.
God doesn't require a job interview for salvation. He's our Heavenly Father. He doesn't look at financial gain or loss. He's not prejudiced or partial, not judging, grudging, sassy, or brassy, not deaf to our cry, not blind to our need. He knows who we are and what we are and loves us in spite of ourselves. The enemy says, "you're not worthy." Jesus says, "So what, I am." The enemy looks back and sees our mistakes. God looks back and sees the cross!.
There are lots of reasons why God shouldn't call us. But if we are in love with Him, if we hunger for Him, He'll use us in spite of who we are, where we've been, what we have done, or the fact that we are not perfect!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Monday's Meditation
"Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips." (NIV)
"Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips." (NLT)
"Help me to guard my words whenever I say something." (CEV)
Pray for your words...lest they get you in trouble.
Father, put a guard over my mouth when I am about to say something I should not say. Whether it is a word that is untrue, a word that is negative, a word that is critical, or a word that discourages, Lord, stop the words before they come out of my mouth. Close the door of my lips and prevent the words from leaving my mouth.
Father, take control of what I say. Help me think before I speak. Help me pause before I speak. Help me consider my audience before I speak. Some things are inappropriate for some to hear. Some things are inappropriate for all to hear. Some things do not need to leave my mouth. Father, guard my lips and control what I say.
Father, help me guard my words when I say something. Help me make sure that the words I speak are worth hearing. If they are not, let me be silent. Being quiet may be better than being foolish. Being silent may be better than being critical, judgmental, or destructive.
Father, sometimes there are words of encouragement that need to pass through my lips, let them through. Sometimes there are words of hope that need to be spoken, let me speak them. Sometimes there are words of exhortation that need to be shared, please don't let me remain quiet during those moments.
Father, there are times when someone needs to hear that I love them, let me say those words. There are times when someone needs to hear that I appreciate them, let me say those words. There are times when someone needs to hear something hopeful, let me say those words.
Father, there are times when I am afraid to speak. Please remove the fear that prevents me from speaking on behalf of the weak, the oppressed and the helpless. Please remove the fear that keeps me quiet when a child is neglected, abused, or ignored. Please remove the fear that prevents me from speaking when someone needs to hear of Your love for them. Help me never to miss an opportunity to speak for You.
Father, there are times when I need to speak, and times when I need to be quiet. Give me the wisdom to know the difference and the courage to respond accordingly.
Father, guard my lips. Open them when they need to be opened and allow the words that need to pass through them to pass. Close them when they need to be closed and prevent any word that might do damage to another soul from passing through.
Help me to guard my words whenever I say something.
"Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips." (NLT)
"Help me to guard my words whenever I say something." (CEV)
Pray for your words...lest they get you in trouble.
Father, put a guard over my mouth when I am about to say something I should not say. Whether it is a word that is untrue, a word that is negative, a word that is critical, or a word that discourages, Lord, stop the words before they come out of my mouth. Close the door of my lips and prevent the words from leaving my mouth.
Father, take control of what I say. Help me think before I speak. Help me pause before I speak. Help me consider my audience before I speak. Some things are inappropriate for some to hear. Some things are inappropriate for all to hear. Some things do not need to leave my mouth. Father, guard my lips and control what I say.
Father, help me guard my words when I say something. Help me make sure that the words I speak are worth hearing. If they are not, let me be silent. Being quiet may be better than being foolish. Being silent may be better than being critical, judgmental, or destructive.
Father, sometimes there are words of encouragement that need to pass through my lips, let them through. Sometimes there are words of hope that need to be spoken, let me speak them. Sometimes there are words of exhortation that need to be shared, please don't let me remain quiet during those moments.
Father, there are times when someone needs to hear that I love them, let me say those words. There are times when someone needs to hear that I appreciate them, let me say those words. There are times when someone needs to hear something hopeful, let me say those words.
Father, there are times when I am afraid to speak. Please remove the fear that prevents me from speaking on behalf of the weak, the oppressed and the helpless. Please remove the fear that keeps me quiet when a child is neglected, abused, or ignored. Please remove the fear that prevents me from speaking when someone needs to hear of Your love for them. Help me never to miss an opportunity to speak for You.
Father, there are times when I need to speak, and times when I need to be quiet. Give me the wisdom to know the difference and the courage to respond accordingly.
Father, guard my lips. Open them when they need to be opened and allow the words that need to pass through them to pass. Close them when they need to be closed and prevent any word that might do damage to another soul from passing through.
Help me to guard my words whenever I say something.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Friday's Feature
When you pray continually about a concern, don't be surprised at how Christ answers.
Paul prayed to visit Rome so he could teach the Christians there. When he finally arrived in Rome, it was as a prisoner.
Paul prayed for a safe trip, and he did arrive safely - after getting arrested, slapped in the face, shipwrecked, and bitten by a poisonous snake.
God's way of answering our prayers are often far from what we expect. When we sincerely pray, God will answer - although in his timing and sometimes in ways we do not expect.
Have a safe and blessed weekend, and don't forget to go to give honor to God.
Paul prayed to visit Rome so he could teach the Christians there. When he finally arrived in Rome, it was as a prisoner.
Paul prayed for a safe trip, and he did arrive safely - after getting arrested, slapped in the face, shipwrecked, and bitten by a poisonous snake.
God's way of answering our prayers are often far from what we expect. When we sincerely pray, God will answer - although in his timing and sometimes in ways we do not expect.
Have a safe and blessed weekend, and don't forget to go to give honor to God.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Thursday's Thoughts
Is your life predictable? Do you do the same thing, day after day? Do you feel as though 2010 will be just as dull and monotonous as 2009? There is a wonderful passage that gives you a practical example of how one man changed his life. It outlines for you the ABC's of how to change your life.
Mark 10:46-52 - Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. [47] When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" [48] Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" [49] Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." [50] Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. [51] "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." [52] "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
From this passage, we can discover the ABC's to help us change our life.
A - Assume Responsibility For Your Own Life!
v. 47 - When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
We live in a generation that tries to blame someone else for its problems.
Teenagers blame their parents,
Parents blame their children,
Workers blame their co-workers or their boss.
Things happen that you can't control - but you can control your response. Let me repeat that. Things happen that you can't control - but you can control your response! I hear people say all the time. He makes me so mad or she makes me so mad.
Nobody can make you mad. You're the only person who can make you mad. People can do things that upset you, things you don't like, things that hurt you. But you decide how you're going to respond.
Look back at the scripture. See what did Bartimaeus did and did not do.
1. He didn't blame someone else.
He didn't think that God or anyone else owed him something.
2. He did go to Jesus. He humbled himself and sought help and deliverance.
B - Believe You Can Change (V. 51).
[51] "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."
He believed he wouldn't walk away the same.
He believed that he'd be DIFFERENT.
So often people pray...
"God, if you'll just change my employer,
if you'll just change my husband or my wife
if you'll just change my children or my Friend,
if you'll just change my boss, or co-worker, or relative
God never promises that he will change your situation. God does promise that he will change YOU. He'll change your attitude... your perspective... Your outlook... Then you can change your attitude toward your situation.
C - Clarify What It Is You Really Need
[51] - "What do you want me to do for you?"
Specific prayers get specific answers. How often do we pray, "God bless the missionaries overseas." Jesus already knew what the man needed. Jesus just wanted the man to say it.
How often do we play communication games with each other? A wife says, "He doesn't meet my needs." "Well, does he know what you need?" "Sure, he loves me, he ought to know." " Maybe he ought to know, but that doesn't necessarily mean he really knows. You have to tell him what your needs are."
Another example: "I'm so mad at him." "Well, does he know why you're mad at him." "Of course, he does. He knows what he did!" "How does he know? Did you tell him?" "I don't have to tell him. He knows."
We do the same thing with God. We assume that since God knows everything, we don't have to tell him. But that's just exactly the opposite of the way God operates. He wants us to tell Him what we need. Exactly what we need. Jesus will meet your needs when you tell Him what your needs are. But sometimes He doesn't meet your needs because you never tell Him what you really want and how you really feel.
Notice his cry - "Have mercy on me." He was a Beggar. But, notice, he didn't cry out for food, or clothing, or money or housing. He was given his sight that day. He was healed that day - because he realized that his most basic need was for mercy and grace. He needed what only Jesus was offering - and because of that, he was healed.
D - Decide to Stop Worrying
1. First, Stop Worrying About What Other People Will Say
(v. 48) Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more.
What were they telling him?
Shut up! Nobody wants to hear what you have to say!
This isn't the right place.. This isn't the right time...
Nobody's ever done it that way before...
You can't do that - just be quiet
We have to quit worrying about what other people think. In this particular situation, everybody else was wrong. Everyone else told him he shouldn't do it that way. He didn't care what the protocol was. He didn't care if all the people agreed that you just don't approach Jesus that way. He knew he needed help and he wasn't going to be quiet until he got what he needed! How about you???
Have you prayed for something and God hasn't answered you yet?
Keep on calling out to God.
Do you have a need and God hasn't met it yet.
Keep on calling out to God.
Are you hurting and don't have an answer?
Keep on calling out to God.
Are people telling you to give up?
Are people telling you to quit?
Are people telling you that God doesn't care?
Are you worried about what other people think or what other people will say?
Are you concerned about how it might look?
Are you worried that other people will think you crazy or you're a fanatic?
Stop worrying.
Don't quit.
Don't give up
JUST CRY OUT EVEN LOUDER
One of the greatest attributes a Christian can have is persistence and perseverance. Jesus tells a parable about the neighbor who comes at midnight and is rewarded for his persistence. Someone once said, God doesn't answer shallow prayers, He answers desperate prayer.
2. Second, Stop Waiting for the Ideal Circumstances
v. 46 As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus was sitting by the roadside begging.
Bartimaeus almost missed his chance. Jesus was on his way out of town. This is the last time Jesus would come to Jericho. If he had missed JESUS, he never would have been healed.
We have to quit waiting for just the right time.
We have to quit waiting for the right opportunity to come along. It may not happen.
We have to do something NOW.
E - Exercise Your Faith
[50] Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
Sometimes, we have to do something different.
We can't do the same old thing and expect different results.
If we're really going to change,
If we want life to be different,
we have to do something bold and dramatic - radical even. When's the last time you got radical with God?
Bartimaeus did something unique and unusual for that day and time. It was not normal for a man to cast aside his garment. It was not the usual protocol for a man to leave his garment. Sometimes we have to do something totally out of the norm. Totally different. Hebrews 12:1 says, let us lay aside every weight, every sin that so easily entangles us." Notice those words, lay aside every weight and every sin.
We know the sins. But what are the weights? Whatever is keeping you from keeping Jesus first in your life. Whatever is keeping you from running to Jesus. Whatever is holding you back from surrendering your life to the LORDSHIP of Jesus so he can do a miracle in your life.
F - Follow Jesus
[52] "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
He was a beggar, he was blind, he had been healed. It would have been so easy to go into town and tell everybody what had happened - to show the priest, to show his friends and relatives, to let the whole town know that he had been healed - but that's not what the scripture says. It simply says, "He followed Jesus!"
2010 can be totally different from 2009 if you'll...
A - Assume responsibility for your own life
B - Believe you can change
C - Clarify what it is you really need.
D - Decide to stop worrying
1. Stop worrying what other people will say
2. Stop waiting for the ideal circumstances
E - Exercise Your Faith
F - Follow Jesus!
Mark 10:46-52 - Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. [47] When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" [48] Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" [49] Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." [50] Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. [51] "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." [52] "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
From this passage, we can discover the ABC's to help us change our life.
A - Assume Responsibility For Your Own Life!
v. 47 - When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
We live in a generation that tries to blame someone else for its problems.
Teenagers blame their parents,
Parents blame their children,
Workers blame their co-workers or their boss.
Things happen that you can't control - but you can control your response. Let me repeat that. Things happen that you can't control - but you can control your response! I hear people say all the time. He makes me so mad or she makes me so mad.
Nobody can make you mad. You're the only person who can make you mad. People can do things that upset you, things you don't like, things that hurt you. But you decide how you're going to respond.
Look back at the scripture. See what did Bartimaeus did and did not do.
1. He didn't blame someone else.
He didn't think that God or anyone else owed him something.
2. He did go to Jesus. He humbled himself and sought help and deliverance.
B - Believe You Can Change (V. 51).
[51] "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."
He believed he wouldn't walk away the same.
He believed that he'd be DIFFERENT.
So often people pray...
"God, if you'll just change my employer,
if you'll just change my husband or my wife
if you'll just change my children or my Friend,
if you'll just change my boss, or co-worker, or relative
God never promises that he will change your situation. God does promise that he will change YOU. He'll change your attitude... your perspective... Your outlook... Then you can change your attitude toward your situation.
C - Clarify What It Is You Really Need
[51] - "What do you want me to do for you?"
Specific prayers get specific answers. How often do we pray, "God bless the missionaries overseas." Jesus already knew what the man needed. Jesus just wanted the man to say it.
How often do we play communication games with each other? A wife says, "He doesn't meet my needs." "Well, does he know what you need?" "Sure, he loves me, he ought to know." " Maybe he ought to know, but that doesn't necessarily mean he really knows. You have to tell him what your needs are."
Another example: "I'm so mad at him." "Well, does he know why you're mad at him." "Of course, he does. He knows what he did!" "How does he know? Did you tell him?" "I don't have to tell him. He knows."
We do the same thing with God. We assume that since God knows everything, we don't have to tell him. But that's just exactly the opposite of the way God operates. He wants us to tell Him what we need. Exactly what we need. Jesus will meet your needs when you tell Him what your needs are. But sometimes He doesn't meet your needs because you never tell Him what you really want and how you really feel.
Notice his cry - "Have mercy on me." He was a Beggar. But, notice, he didn't cry out for food, or clothing, or money or housing. He was given his sight that day. He was healed that day - because he realized that his most basic need was for mercy and grace. He needed what only Jesus was offering - and because of that, he was healed.
D - Decide to Stop Worrying
1. First, Stop Worrying About What Other People Will Say
(v. 48) Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more.
What were they telling him?
Shut up! Nobody wants to hear what you have to say!
This isn't the right place.. This isn't the right time...
Nobody's ever done it that way before...
You can't do that - just be quiet
We have to quit worrying about what other people think. In this particular situation, everybody else was wrong. Everyone else told him he shouldn't do it that way. He didn't care what the protocol was. He didn't care if all the people agreed that you just don't approach Jesus that way. He knew he needed help and he wasn't going to be quiet until he got what he needed! How about you???
Have you prayed for something and God hasn't answered you yet?
Keep on calling out to God.
Do you have a need and God hasn't met it yet.
Keep on calling out to God.
Are you hurting and don't have an answer?
Keep on calling out to God.
Are people telling you to give up?
Are people telling you to quit?
Are people telling you that God doesn't care?
Are you worried about what other people think or what other people will say?
Are you concerned about how it might look?
Are you worried that other people will think you crazy or you're a fanatic?
Stop worrying.
Don't quit.
Don't give up
JUST CRY OUT EVEN LOUDER
One of the greatest attributes a Christian can have is persistence and perseverance. Jesus tells a parable about the neighbor who comes at midnight and is rewarded for his persistence. Someone once said, God doesn't answer shallow prayers, He answers desperate prayer.
2. Second, Stop Waiting for the Ideal Circumstances
v. 46 As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus was sitting by the roadside begging.
Bartimaeus almost missed his chance. Jesus was on his way out of town. This is the last time Jesus would come to Jericho. If he had missed JESUS, he never would have been healed.
We have to quit waiting for just the right time.
We have to quit waiting for the right opportunity to come along. It may not happen.
We have to do something NOW.
E - Exercise Your Faith
[50] Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
Sometimes, we have to do something different.
We can't do the same old thing and expect different results.
If we're really going to change,
If we want life to be different,
we have to do something bold and dramatic - radical even. When's the last time you got radical with God?
Bartimaeus did something unique and unusual for that day and time. It was not normal for a man to cast aside his garment. It was not the usual protocol for a man to leave his garment. Sometimes we have to do something totally out of the norm. Totally different. Hebrews 12:1 says, let us lay aside every weight, every sin that so easily entangles us." Notice those words, lay aside every weight and every sin.
We know the sins. But what are the weights? Whatever is keeping you from keeping Jesus first in your life. Whatever is keeping you from running to Jesus. Whatever is holding you back from surrendering your life to the LORDSHIP of Jesus so he can do a miracle in your life.
F - Follow Jesus
[52] "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
He was a beggar, he was blind, he had been healed. It would have been so easy to go into town and tell everybody what had happened - to show the priest, to show his friends and relatives, to let the whole town know that he had been healed - but that's not what the scripture says. It simply says, "He followed Jesus!"
2010 can be totally different from 2009 if you'll...
A - Assume responsibility for your own life
B - Believe you can change
C - Clarify what it is you really need.
D - Decide to stop worrying
1. Stop worrying what other people will say
2. Stop waiting for the ideal circumstances
E - Exercise Your Faith
F - Follow Jesus!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Wednesday's Wisdom
My desk is messy. My clothes don’t fit. The dog needs grooming.
Life coaches agree that people zap their energy and increase their stress by putting up with a multitude of things that bug them, what life coaches call “tolerations.” So, why not start your New Year right by identifying—and then eliminating—those things that deplete your energy and dampen your spirit.
Life coaches agree that people zap their energy and increase their stress by putting up with a multitude of things that bug them, what life coaches call “tolerations.” So, why not start your New Year right by identifying—and then eliminating—those things that deplete your energy and dampen your spirit.
Here are four common tolerations, along with practical suggestions for addressing them or eliminating them from your life:
Health Tolerations
If you live with chronic illness, you probably realize there are some things you just can’t control. But what about the things you can? Why add to your distress by eating too much junk food, not taking your prescribed medication, or failing to do your exercises, designed to increase your range of motion or reduce your pain? Take a few minutes and write down your health goals. Just make sure they’re realistic.
Don’t set a goal of jogging three miles a day when you struggle to walk to the curb each day to pick up the day’s mail. When making your list, make sure your goals are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. A goal of eating healthier this year is too vague, but eating five serving of vegetables a day is SMART.
Environmental Tolerations
It’s hard to keep on top of housework and home repairs when you’re in constant pain and struggling to make it on one income. But, let’s be honest. If you feel well enough to sit at your desk and work, couldn’t you take a few extra minutes to clear that pile of papers from your desk so you could actually see your computer screen?
But what about bigger projects around the house that you can’t do yourself? If finances are tight and you can’t afford to hire someone to tackle larger projects, barter your services instead. For example, if you’re a graphic designer, offer to create a brochure for your neighbor’s new business in exchange for sweeping off your walk or deck. You get the idea.
People Tolerations
Face it. Some people are just toxic. They consistently say hurtful things like, “But you look so good!” or “You really should try harder to get to church on Sunday.” They chide you for canceling at the last minute and raise their eyebrows when you serve a store bought cake for your child’s birthday party instead of making one yourself.
If you’re chronically ill, limit your contact with people like this. It’s a little more difficult if you’re dealing with toxic family members. To maintain your sanity and preserve your health, learn to maintain appropriate boundaries.
Spiritual Tolerations
Are there areas in your spiritual life you need to address? Do you struggle with unforgiveness or harbor resentment or bitterness toward your spouse or children for failing to understand your pain, help with the housework, or give you the emotional support you need? Nothing will rob your joy or sap your strength more quickly than unforgiveness.
Don’t tolerate sin in your life for one more day. God’s Word tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).” Help is just a prayer away. The benefits you’ll gain from identifying and removing tolerations from your life are significant. You’ll be amazed at what a difference it will make. So, start the New Year right by making room in your life for what matters most.
I know times are difficult. Proverbs 15:16 says, "Better a little --with the fear of the Lord --than great wealth with turmoil." The "great wealth" can sound pretty good at times, but I hope your life this year has as little turmoil as possible!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Tuesday's Tab
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:4-7, NIV).
"A legend tells the story of a fisherman called Aaron. Aaron lived on the banks of a river. Walking home with his eyes half-closed one evening after a hard day's work, he was dreaming of what he could do if he were rich. As he walked his foot struck against a leather pouch filled with what seemed to him to be small stones.
"Absentmindedly he picked up the pouch and began throwing the pebbles into the water. 'When I am a rich man,' he said to himself, 'I'll have a large house.' And he threw another pebble into the river. He threw another one and thought, 'My wife and I will have servants and rich food, and many fine things.' And this went on until just one stone was left. As Aaron held it in his hand, a ray of light caught it and made it sparkle. He then realized that it was a valuable gem. He had been throwing away the real riches in his hand, while he dreamed of unreal riches in the future."
As we start a fresh New Year, let us remember all the riches we have in Christ Jesus, and all the blessings from God that we do have and not overlook these because of all the things we don't have—many of which for many of us we don't even need in order to live a contented and happy life.
As Charles Dickens once said, "Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some."
Contentment and happiness come from within and not from circumstances without. They come from changing the things we can and need to change, from accepting and learning to live with the things we cannot change—and having the wisdom to know the difference. They come from the attitude of one's heart and mind, and learning to trust God in everything.
"A legend tells the story of a fisherman called Aaron. Aaron lived on the banks of a river. Walking home with his eyes half-closed one evening after a hard day's work, he was dreaming of what he could do if he were rich. As he walked his foot struck against a leather pouch filled with what seemed to him to be small stones.
"Absentmindedly he picked up the pouch and began throwing the pebbles into the water. 'When I am a rich man,' he said to himself, 'I'll have a large house.' And he threw another pebble into the river. He threw another one and thought, 'My wife and I will have servants and rich food, and many fine things.' And this went on until just one stone was left. As Aaron held it in his hand, a ray of light caught it and made it sparkle. He then realized that it was a valuable gem. He had been throwing away the real riches in his hand, while he dreamed of unreal riches in the future."
As we start a fresh New Year, let us remember all the riches we have in Christ Jesus, and all the blessings from God that we do have and not overlook these because of all the things we don't have—many of which for many of us we don't even need in order to live a contented and happy life.
As Charles Dickens once said, "Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some."
Contentment and happiness come from within and not from circumstances without. They come from changing the things we can and need to change, from accepting and learning to live with the things we cannot change—and having the wisdom to know the difference. They come from the attitude of one's heart and mind, and learning to trust God in everything.
Tuesday's Tab
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:4-7, NIV).
"A legend tells the story of a fisherman called Aaron. Aaron lived on the banks of a river. Walking home with his eyes half-closed one evening after a hard day's work, he was dreaming of what he could do if he were rich. As he walked his foot struck against a leather pouch filled with what seemed to him to be small stones.
"Absentmindedly he picked up the pouch and began throwing the pebbles into the water. 'When I am a rich man,' he said to himself, 'I'll have a large house.' And he threw another pebble into the river. He threw another one and thought, 'My wife and I will have servants and rich food, and many fine things.' And this went on until just one stone was left. As Aaron held it in his hand, a ray of light caught it and made it sparkle. He then realized that it was a valuable gem. He had been throwing away the real riches in his hand, while he dreamed of unreal riches in the future."
As we start a fresh New Year, let us remember all the riches we have in Christ Jesus, and all the blessings from God that we do have and not overlook these because of all the things we don't have—many of which for many of us we don't even need in order to live a contented and happy life.
As Charles Dickens once said, "Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some."
Contentment and happiness come from within and not from circumstances without. They come from changing the things we can and need to change, from accepting and learning to live with the things we cannot change—and having the wisdom to know the difference. They come from the attitude of one's heart and mind, and learning to trust God in everything.
"A legend tells the story of a fisherman called Aaron. Aaron lived on the banks of a river. Walking home with his eyes half-closed one evening after a hard day's work, he was dreaming of what he could do if he were rich. As he walked his foot struck against a leather pouch filled with what seemed to him to be small stones.
"Absentmindedly he picked up the pouch and began throwing the pebbles into the water. 'When I am a rich man,' he said to himself, 'I'll have a large house.' And he threw another pebble into the river. He threw another one and thought, 'My wife and I will have servants and rich food, and many fine things.' And this went on until just one stone was left. As Aaron held it in his hand, a ray of light caught it and made it sparkle. He then realized that it was a valuable gem. He had been throwing away the real riches in his hand, while he dreamed of unreal riches in the future."
As we start a fresh New Year, let us remember all the riches we have in Christ Jesus, and all the blessings from God that we do have and not overlook these because of all the things we don't have—many of which for many of us we don't even need in order to live a contented and happy life.
As Charles Dickens once said, "Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some."
Contentment and happiness come from within and not from circumstances without. They come from changing the things we can and need to change, from accepting and learning to live with the things we cannot change—and having the wisdom to know the difference. They come from the attitude of one's heart and mind, and learning to trust God in everything.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Monday's Muse
"The Lord is my Strength and my impenetrable Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him." Psalm 28: 7 AMP
You and I are rejuvenated. Refreshed. Renewed. Isn't it amazing what God promises to do for us when we say, "Yes," to His transforming power in our lives?
Frankly, it gives me something to shout about! Something that brings gladness to my poor tired broken heart! What's more, God's transforming power gives me something to "rejoice" about!
From the beginning of the Bible, to the very end, we find that prophets, kings, apostles, peasants, shepherds and followers - all rejoiced when they recognized the transformation that was made possible when they said, "Yes," to the presence of God. The same can be true for you and me today.
The Welsh Anglican Bishop Rowan Williams describes the transformation God offers us this way:
"The gospel will not ever tell us we are innocent, but it will tell us we are loved, and in asking us to receive and consent to that love, it asks us to identify with, and make our own, love's comprehensive vision of all we are and have been. That is the transformation of desire as it affects our attitude to our own selves - to accept what we have been, so that all of it can be transformed."
I have to admit, I don't find myself rejoicing over all I have been in my life. Maybe you don't either. There may be rough or even painful patches in your journey that bring tears to your eyes and a stab to your heart. Sorrow, hardship and despair may have stalked you, trailing your every move. And as 2010 begins you don't feel like rejoicing. The Christian author and Irish-born missionary to India, Amy Carmichael, one well acquainted with struggle, penned this observation: "Sorrow is one of the things that is lent, not given. A thing that is lent can be taken away; a thing that is given is not taken away. Joy is given; sorrow is lent."
No matter what you face right now, God promises that in His presence, we will be filled with joy. So I'd like to give you a list of just a few of the reasons we should be filled with rejoicing this year. Here are ten reasons straight from the Bible:
1. Rejoice, His people...for He will be merciful to His people." Deuteronomy 32: 43 KJV
2. "Hannah prayed, 'I rejoice in Thy salvation.'' 1 Samuel 2: 1 KJV
3. "Glory ye in His holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord." 1 Chronicles 16: 10, KJV
4. "Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice: and let (women) say among the nations, 'The Lord reigneth.'" 1 Chronicles 16: 31 KJV
5. "O Lord God...let Thy saints rejoice in goodness." 2 Chronicles 6: 41 KJV
6. "But let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice." Psalm 5: 11, KJV
7. "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds' feet and He will make me to walk upon mine high places." Habakkuk 3: 18, 19 KJV
8. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5: 1, 2, KJV.
9. "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4: 12, 13, KJV
10. "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come." Revelation 19: 7, KJV
After this text coming from Revelation, the last book in the Bible - a text which speaks about a glorious day to come - I want to end our devotional today with the personal reason I find to rejoice in the New Year. Because God sent His Son to earth to bring redemption, transformation, and restoration to my life - like you and all God's children I can, as Luke transcribed these words of Jesus, himself:
"Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven" Luke 10: 20, KJV.
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