Abandoned. Rejected. Ignored. Overlooked.
We've all had those experiences.
A spouse leaves. A child turns his back. A friend doesn't write back. A neighbor moves away.
Depending on the length and the intimacy of the relationship, the pain can be deep.
But think of this:
When Jesus was on the cross, He cried out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?"
God the Father and God the Son had had a perfect relationship for all of eternity. Not just a few decades.
And they had a perfect relationship. Holy. Without sin. Without suspicion. Without guilt. Without secrets.
Unlike any relationship that you or I will ever have.
But as Jesus hung on the cross, His eternally-loving Father forsook Him.
Why?
It wasn't because Jesus all of a sudden sinned and broke that relationship.
It was because of your sins.
As Jesus hung on the cross, He was bearing the sins of the world - which includes all of your sins and all of my sins.
The prophet Habbakkuk wrote, "You are too holy to gaze upon sin." God cannot even look at sin.
So, as His Son with whom He had had a perfect relationship for all of eternity, hung on the cross with all the sins of the world, God turned His back on Him.
The perfect eternal relationship was broken because of something you did.
But it was broken so that it could be restored. It was broken so that you and I could have a loving relationship with God the Father and God the Son.
Think of it this way: Their relationship was broken, so that we could be a part of that relationship!
We can have the love of the Father poured out on us because of what Jesus did.
Wow!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Trust and obey
Farming is a risky business. The farmer prepares the soil. Plants the seed. Takes out crop insurance. Fertilizer. Insecticide. Herbicide. He does all the right things, but he still has to wait for rain.
Too much rain and the crop is ruined.
Too little rain and the crop is ruined.
A farmer has to trust God to provide rain, so that he'll have a crop to harvest to provide for his family.
In Leviticus 25, God commanded the Israelite farmers to give the land a year of rest. When they arrived in the Promised Land, they were to count off the years. For six years they were to plant and harvest.
But in the seventh year, they were not to plant. Not a single seed.
What did that mean?
No planting or harvesting in year seven. But in year eight, plant a crop.
So they had to have enough of a harvest in year six to feed them, their families, and their livestock for two years. Enough to sell for purchasing other necessities for two years. Enough to have seed for planting in the eighth year. Remember, they couldn't just go to the Co-Op to buy seed. They had to store it.
How would you react at the end of year six?
What a relief! We don't have to do all this work of planting and harvesting next year!
But when it came time to plant, would you start to wonder if God really meant that He would provide for two years? Would you start worrying about whether or not you should sharpen the plow?
There's just a small window of opportunity for getting that harvest in the ground in order for it to get the rain it needs.
What if God didn't really mean it?
What if you had done something to incur God's wrath, so that He wouldn't provide for you and your family?
Besides, Jimmy's gonna need a new truck this year...and the little ones will need new shoes...and I'd really like to take my wife on that cruise with the seed company.
Do you see why it was so hard for the Israelites to keep the Sabbath year? The following two chapters detail the benefits of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. And yet it was still hard to do.
Do you see how trusting and obeying are inseparable?
God doesn't call us to give the land a Sabbath rest every seven years. But He does call us to obey Him.
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved." (Acts 16:31).
Believe that Jesus died for the penalty of your sins - that's the obedience.
And you shall be saved - that's the trust.
Trust God's Word. He said that the blood of His Son is sufficient to pay the penalty for your sins. Just like He told the Israelite farmer that He would provide enough of a harvest in year six to get him and his family through until year nine.
There's nothing else you can do. Nothing else that God expects you to do.
Trust and obey.
Too much rain and the crop is ruined.
Too little rain and the crop is ruined.
A farmer has to trust God to provide rain, so that he'll have a crop to harvest to provide for his family.
In Leviticus 25, God commanded the Israelite farmers to give the land a year of rest. When they arrived in the Promised Land, they were to count off the years. For six years they were to plant and harvest.
But in the seventh year, they were not to plant. Not a single seed.
What did that mean?
No planting or harvesting in year seven. But in year eight, plant a crop.
So they had to have enough of a harvest in year six to feed them, their families, and their livestock for two years. Enough to sell for purchasing other necessities for two years. Enough to have seed for planting in the eighth year. Remember, they couldn't just go to the Co-Op to buy seed. They had to store it.
How would you react at the end of year six?
What a relief! We don't have to do all this work of planting and harvesting next year!
But when it came time to plant, would you start to wonder if God really meant that He would provide for two years? Would you start worrying about whether or not you should sharpen the plow?
There's just a small window of opportunity for getting that harvest in the ground in order for it to get the rain it needs.
What if God didn't really mean it?
What if you had done something to incur God's wrath, so that He wouldn't provide for you and your family?
Besides, Jimmy's gonna need a new truck this year...and the little ones will need new shoes...and I'd really like to take my wife on that cruise with the seed company.
Do you see why it was so hard for the Israelites to keep the Sabbath year? The following two chapters detail the benefits of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. And yet it was still hard to do.
Do you see how trusting and obeying are inseparable?
God doesn't call us to give the land a Sabbath rest every seven years. But He does call us to obey Him.
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved." (Acts 16:31).
Believe that Jesus died for the penalty of your sins - that's the obedience.
And you shall be saved - that's the trust.
Trust God's Word. He said that the blood of His Son is sufficient to pay the penalty for your sins. Just like He told the Israelite farmer that He would provide enough of a harvest in year six to get him and his family through until year nine.
There's nothing else you can do. Nothing else that God expects you to do.
Trust and obey.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Need a miracle?
"And He did not do many mighty works there because of
their unbelief" (Mt 13:38).
In His hometown, the city of Nazareth, Jesus was not able to
do many miracles. The reason: their unbelief. They knew Him as one of the
carpenter's sons. They knew His family and His childhood. But they didn't
believe that He was the Son of God, the Messiah.
Is the same thing happening in our lives? We see all the
problems in our lives, yet we don't experience miracles. Disease, broken
relationships, spiritual stagnation and wayward children. Those are all
realities of our lives. And miracles are needed. God needs to get involved and
bring about change.
Is unbelief the reason we don't experience the miracles we
so desperately need?
Perhaps it's because our belief is the wrong place.
Biblical faith is not wishing for everything to go smoothly.
Biblical faith is based on the Bible, the promises of God.
And this may be a surprise to you: there is no promise in
the Bible that everything will go smoothly.
We live in a sin-cursed world. That means we have to
experience disease and death. That means relationships will be broken. That
means there will be problems.
So if we are putting our faith in a promise of smooth
sailing, our faith is misplaced.
Instead, we need to dig into the Scriptures to see God's
promises to us in these difficult days.
Health is not promised. But strength is. But resurrection
is.
Restored relationships are not promised. But we can live at
peace with others. But we can forgive as we have been forgiven.
Monday, February 25, 2013
He lifted me up...eventually
"He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
Out of the miry bog,
And set my feet upon a rock,
Making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth,
A song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
And put their trust in the LORD."
(Psalm 40:2-3)
We love to sing this song, don't we? God has redeemed us. He lifted us up out of the miry mess of sin. He put us on Jesus Christ, our solid rock. He guides us. He gives us a reason for singing. People notice the change in us and put their trust in the LORD, too.
It's a great passage that helps us to look back at what God has done, what He is doing and what He will do.
But we don't like to sing the first verse of this Psalm - at least not the first line:
"I waited patiently for the LORD,
He inclined to me and heard my cry."
(v 1)
Waiting patiently for the LORD?
Are you crazy?
In our microwave-mentality waiting patiently is not on the radar.
We want God to answer our prayers right away and in the right way - our way. We already know what is best for us and our situation.
All we need is God to step in and straighten out that spouse who has so many problems.
We're just waiting for Him to heal that son who has cancer.
We want Him to move the heart and hands of our boss to give us that promotion.
We know that He can do it. We trust Him to do it. We've got the faith and we're praying.
Just do it, God!
Isn't that how we pray so often?
We want to be lifted up out of the mess that we're in. We don't want to wait patiently for the LORD.
Go back and read verses 1-3 together.
Look at the subject and verbs of the sentences.
What was the only thing that David did?
He waited patiently.
That's a life of submission. That's a life of trust. That's a life of obedience.
David waited patiently. God acted.
Out of the miry bog,
And set my feet upon a rock,
Making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth,
A song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
And put their trust in the LORD."
(Psalm 40:2-3)
We love to sing this song, don't we? God has redeemed us. He lifted us up out of the miry mess of sin. He put us on Jesus Christ, our solid rock. He guides us. He gives us a reason for singing. People notice the change in us and put their trust in the LORD, too.
It's a great passage that helps us to look back at what God has done, what He is doing and what He will do.
But we don't like to sing the first verse of this Psalm - at least not the first line:
"I waited patiently for the LORD,
He inclined to me and heard my cry."
(v 1)
Waiting patiently for the LORD?
Are you crazy?
In our microwave-mentality waiting patiently is not on the radar.
We want God to answer our prayers right away and in the right way - our way. We already know what is best for us and our situation.
All we need is God to step in and straighten out that spouse who has so many problems.
We're just waiting for Him to heal that son who has cancer.
We want Him to move the heart and hands of our boss to give us that promotion.
We know that He can do it. We trust Him to do it. We've got the faith and we're praying.
Just do it, God!
Isn't that how we pray so often?
We want to be lifted up out of the mess that we're in. We don't want to wait patiently for the LORD.
Go back and read verses 1-3 together.
Look at the subject and verbs of the sentences.
What was the only thing that David did?
He waited patiently.
That's a life of submission. That's a life of trust. That's a life of obedience.
David waited patiently. God acted.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Motivation to do what is right
I remember as a child going to various tourist traps. Before Adventureland in Altoona, there was Riverview Park in Des Moines. It probably wasn't very big, but to a kid from a small town it was great.
In addition to the rides, there were little booths in the park, that probably aren't allowed any more. If you dropped a coin in to this machine, a chicken would come out and play a song on the piano. Not a mechanical chicken. Not a digital chicken on a computer screen. A real live chicken pecking out a tune on a toy piano.
I was amazed at how they could teach a chicken to play the piano. He didn't even have any music to read!
At the end of the song, a hatch would open and corn was dispensed for a reward. The chicken had learned that playing the piano led to a reward.
Like I said, those gizmos probably are illegal in all 50 states now.
But we do the same thing when we're training our children. Do your job and get a sticker.
And we do the same thing with ourselves. If I work hard at a good job, I'll have a good retirement.
And bosses use the same method with their employees. Increase sales this month and you'll get a bonus.
Giving rewards as a motivation to good behavior is not wrong. The New Testament speaks of several crowns that will be rewarded based on good things that believers have done.
How about this motivation found in Leviticus 19:2?
"You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy."
The rest of the chapter gives a variety of commands about idolatry, honoring parents, sexual behavior, witchcraft and keeping the Sabbath.
Each time the motivation is the same, "For I the LORD your God am holy."
What is your motivation for living a holy life?
Rewards?
Fear of punishment?
Fitting in at church?
Tradition?
The problem with those motivations is that they are easy to excuse. Rewards are so far off. No one will know, so why do I need to fear punishment? Everyone else at church has their sins, too. Tradition needs to be changed anyway.
But God's holiness never changes.
God's desire for us to be like Him never changes.
So when you are tempted to sin, remember God's holiness. Not even a fleck of sin in Him.
And remember that that is God's desire for you. Not even a fleck of sin in you.
And in case you thought maybe this is only for the Old Testament believers, it's repeated in 1 Peter 1:15-16.
"Be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy."
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Snowpacalypse!
For a week we were glued to the weather forecast. A massive storm had started in Russia and was headed our way. We tracked it as it crossed into Alaska. The forecasters tracked its path and estimated when it would hit.
They also estimated its intensity. Snow in Tucson and Phoenix. Headed to Kansas.
What happened?
Schools were let out early and cancelled. Sporting events, clubs, and fund raisers were called off. Milk, bread, eggs and beer supplies in the stores were disappearing. People left work early. Get home before the storm hits.
We listened intently to the forecast. We checked websites that showed an hourly progression of the storm. In Iowa we listened to reports of the massive snowfall in Wichita. We hunkered down for the night with enough supplies for the weekend.
What happened?
We listened to the forecast and we believed it. We heard "Lots of snow!" and we made preparations.
Entire states were mobilized by the word of the forecasters. Everyone was acting on the information that we had received.
What would happen if we took God's Word as seriously as we do the weather forecast?
Evidently, we don't.
If we did, entire states would be mobilized. It wouldn't just be the preacher. We all would.
We wouldn't worry (1 Peter 5:7).
We would resist temptation (1 Peter 5:8).
We wouldn't lie (Eph 4:25).
We wouldn't get angry (Eph 4:26-27).
We would work hard for our money (Eph 4:28).
We would speak encouraging words (Eph 4:29).
We would not be bitter (Eph 4:31).
We would be kind and forgiving (Eph 4:30).
We would believe that Jesus died for our sins (2 Cor 5:21).
We would tell others that Jesus died for their sins (Mt 28:19-20).
What would happen if we obeyed God as much as we obeyed the weatherman?
What would happen if YOU obeyed God as much as you obeyed the weatherman?
They also estimated its intensity. Snow in Tucson and Phoenix. Headed to Kansas.
What happened?
Schools were let out early and cancelled. Sporting events, clubs, and fund raisers were called off. Milk, bread, eggs and beer supplies in the stores were disappearing. People left work early. Get home before the storm hits.
We listened intently to the forecast. We checked websites that showed an hourly progression of the storm. In Iowa we listened to reports of the massive snowfall in Wichita. We hunkered down for the night with enough supplies for the weekend.
What happened?
We listened to the forecast and we believed it. We heard "Lots of snow!" and we made preparations.
Entire states were mobilized by the word of the forecasters. Everyone was acting on the information that we had received.
What would happen if we took God's Word as seriously as we do the weather forecast?
Evidently, we don't.
If we did, entire states would be mobilized. It wouldn't just be the preacher. We all would.
We wouldn't worry (1 Peter 5:7).
We would resist temptation (1 Peter 5:8).
We wouldn't lie (Eph 4:25).
We wouldn't get angry (Eph 4:26-27).
We would work hard for our money (Eph 4:28).
We would speak encouraging words (Eph 4:29).
We would not be bitter (Eph 4:31).
We would be kind and forgiving (Eph 4:30).
We would believe that Jesus died for our sins (2 Cor 5:21).
We would tell others that Jesus died for their sins (Mt 28:19-20).
What would happen if we obeyed God as much as we obeyed the weatherman?
What would happen if YOU obeyed God as much as you obeyed the weatherman?
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Selfish Servants
The book of Leviticus gives the regulations and responsibilities of the Old Testament priesthood.
The sacrifices that were brought had to be offered in specific ways depending on the sin.
The priests functioned as doctors, inspecting for signs of leprosy.
The priests functioned as house inspectors, looking for signs of mold in homes.
The priests functioned as intercessors for the people.
It was a lot of work to be a priest, if you followed the rules.
They had a lot of power. And as you read through the historical and prophetic books of the Old Testament you'll discover that often the priests were abusing that power.
It was hard work. Let's change the rules. Relax the standards.
It was powerful. If we do this, these people won't bring in the sacrifices that I use to feed my family. This man has been very generous to the temple, let's not require him to bring in those sacrifices.
They had to offer sacrifices for their own sins before they could represent the people before God.
Human nature hasn't changed. We like to take the easy way. We like it when people like us.
We'd be just as miserable at being priests as the priests of the Old Testament.
We'd be selfish servants, too.
I'm thankful that we have a High Priest, Jesus Christ, who has done the work for us. He has offered the perfect sacrifice. He didn't need to offer a sacrifice for His sins, because He had none. He's not lazy. He's not partial.
He's the perfect High Priest.
We can trust Him and His sacrifice so that we are perfect before God.
We can trust His intercessory work.
He is all that we need.
The sacrifices that were brought had to be offered in specific ways depending on the sin.
The priests functioned as doctors, inspecting for signs of leprosy.
The priests functioned as house inspectors, looking for signs of mold in homes.
The priests functioned as intercessors for the people.
It was a lot of work to be a priest, if you followed the rules.
They had a lot of power. And as you read through the historical and prophetic books of the Old Testament you'll discover that often the priests were abusing that power.
It was hard work. Let's change the rules. Relax the standards.
It was powerful. If we do this, these people won't bring in the sacrifices that I use to feed my family. This man has been very generous to the temple, let's not require him to bring in those sacrifices.
They had to offer sacrifices for their own sins before they could represent the people before God.
Human nature hasn't changed. We like to take the easy way. We like it when people like us.
We'd be just as miserable at being priests as the priests of the Old Testament.
We'd be selfish servants, too.
I'm thankful that we have a High Priest, Jesus Christ, who has done the work for us. He has offered the perfect sacrifice. He didn't need to offer a sacrifice for His sins, because He had none. He's not lazy. He's not partial.
He's the perfect High Priest.
We can trust Him and His sacrifice so that we are perfect before God.
We can trust His intercessory work.
He is all that we need.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
I am truly blessed!
Psalm 37 contrasts the righteous with the wicked. The righteous are blessed and the wicked are cursed.
Here's a list of some of the blessings of the righteous:
- The LORD gives him what he desires (4).
- The LORD acts on his behalf (5).
- The LORD gives him an inheritance (9, 29).
- The LORD gives him abundant peace (11).
- The LORD upholds him (17).
- The LORD gives him a lasting heritage (18).
- The LORD protects them (19).
- The LORD provides for them in times of famine (19).
- The LORD guides his every step (23).
- The LORD upholds him (24).
- The LORD does not forsake him (25).
- The LORD provides for him and his children (25).
- The LORD does not forsake him (28).
- The LORD defends him against the wicked (32-33).
- The LORD delivers him (39-40).
When I look at that list, I see a lot of things that the LORD has done for me. But then I look at my life and realize that I am not righteous. My words are not always pleasing to God. My thoughts are not always godly thoughts. My actions are not always bringing glory to God.
So why am I blessed?
Certainly, because of God's grace giving me what I don't deserve.
But also because I have the righteousness of Christ credited to my account.
"But He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us that we might become the righteous of God in Him" (2 Cor 5:21).
I am blessed because God the Father is blessing me on account of the righteousness of Christ.
God is blessing me because of His Son.
It's almost like I'm just in the way.
God is showering His blessings on His Son, pouring out His eternal love on His Son, by blessing me.
It's not because of my righteousness. It's not because of anything that I have done.
It's all about Jesus.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
You and Peter are an awful lot alike.
Jesus had been with His disciples for quite a while. They had seen Him perform miracles that left them awestruck. They had heard Him teach in parables and with authority. They had experienced His power over Satan. They were eyewitnesses to His winning debates with the religious leaders.
Then Jesus turned to them and asked, "Who do people say that I am?" (Mk 8:27). Several theories were brought up, but then Jesus asked, "But who do YOU say that I am?"
Peter quickly responded, "You are the Christ" (v 29).
What did that mean? "Christ" is the Greek word for "anointed" and is parallel to "Messiah" in the Old Testament.
Based on the evidence that he had seen and his knowledge of the Old Testament, Peter rightly concluded that Jesus was the promised anointed one. He was the one who would fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament, establishing a kingdom, setting His people free, performing miracles, representing God, and much more.
Essentially, Peter admitted that Jesus was the Son of God. Jesus was God Himself. Deity. Holy. Loving. All-knowing. And all the other attributes that God has.
But in the next few verses Jesus begins to explain that He would be killed and rise again after three days.
Peter's response to this? He began to rebuke Jesus (vs 31-32).
Wait a minute! Didn't Peter just say that Jesus was God?
So now Peter is saying that God doesn't know what He's talking about?
That's what it looks like.
We would never do that, would we?
What was it like in church on Sunday? Did you sing praise songs about the greatness of God? Did you hear testimonies about the things that God is doing in the lives of others? Did someone pray thanking God and pouring out requests to Him? Did you hear a sermon or a lesson about what God wants you to do?
So everyone there seemed to be saying the same thing that Peter was saying: "You are the Christ."
But what did yesterday look like?
Did you argue with God? Did you choose to do your own thing, rather than what God wanted you to do?
"God, you can't really mean that!"
We're not much different than Peter. Praising God one day and going our own way the next.
Fortunately, that wasn't the end of the line for Peter. Jesus called Peter Satan. And corrected Peter's thinking, "For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man" (v 35).
Lord, help us today to set our minds on the things of God, not on the things of man!
Then Jesus turned to them and asked, "Who do people say that I am?" (Mk 8:27). Several theories were brought up, but then Jesus asked, "But who do YOU say that I am?"
Peter quickly responded, "You are the Christ" (v 29).
What did that mean? "Christ" is the Greek word for "anointed" and is parallel to "Messiah" in the Old Testament.
Based on the evidence that he had seen and his knowledge of the Old Testament, Peter rightly concluded that Jesus was the promised anointed one. He was the one who would fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament, establishing a kingdom, setting His people free, performing miracles, representing God, and much more.
Essentially, Peter admitted that Jesus was the Son of God. Jesus was God Himself. Deity. Holy. Loving. All-knowing. And all the other attributes that God has.
But in the next few verses Jesus begins to explain that He would be killed and rise again after three days.
Peter's response to this? He began to rebuke Jesus (vs 31-32).
Wait a minute! Didn't Peter just say that Jesus was God?
So now Peter is saying that God doesn't know what He's talking about?
That's what it looks like.
We would never do that, would we?
What was it like in church on Sunday? Did you sing praise songs about the greatness of God? Did you hear testimonies about the things that God is doing in the lives of others? Did someone pray thanking God and pouring out requests to Him? Did you hear a sermon or a lesson about what God wants you to do?
So everyone there seemed to be saying the same thing that Peter was saying: "You are the Christ."
But what did yesterday look like?
Did you argue with God? Did you choose to do your own thing, rather than what God wanted you to do?
"God, you can't really mean that!"
We're not much different than Peter. Praising God one day and going our own way the next.
Fortunately, that wasn't the end of the line for Peter. Jesus called Peter Satan. And corrected Peter's thinking, "For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man" (v 35).
Lord, help us today to set our minds on the things of God, not on the things of man!
Monday, February 18, 2013
4 4 3 2 - That's the formula for me and you!
Anyone remember that song? We learned it in elementary school in the 70's.
Is it coming back to you?
The song taught us nutrition. I think it was 4 servings of grains and cereals, 4 servings of vegetables or fruits, 3 servings of dairy and 2 servings of meat. That's what we were to eat each day.
The USDA has a different system of teaching us now. It has evolved from a pyramid to a plate. Fruits and vegetables fill up half the plate. The other half with proteins and grains.
Of course, you've got to go organic. No GMO - genetically manipulated organisms. Red meat only once or twice a week. Dark green leafy vegetables are better than the white starchy ones. Vegan. Vegetarian.
Those foods may be good for you, but it's interesting that we spend so much time, energy and money on food and nutrition. Even for those who aren't on a diet, food is a frequent topic of conversation.
We do need to take care of the bodies that God has given to us. We need to be healthy and strong for as long as possible so that we can use the resource of our body to honor God and serve others.
I'm all for a healthy diet and exercise program.
But it's not really all that important.
Jesus said, "There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him" (Mk 7:15).
He explained it to His disciples this way, "Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled? ... What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person" (vs 18-23).
Jesus is not advocating a fast-food diet, because it doesn't matter what we eat.
Jesus is saying that what goes into your body is not as important as what comes out. What comes out reveals what is in your heart, your inner being, your soul. What you say, think and do reveals who you really are.
And if we honestly look at what comes out in our words, thoughts and actions, we would agree that we're pretty filthy.
So how can we change that?
Just like your physical body can be changed by what you eat and how you exercise, so can your inner man be changed by what you feed it and how you exercise it.
"How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to Your word."
(Psa 119:9)
Feed yourself on God's Word. Use God's Word as the filter for the decisions you make. Think through the principles of God's Word.
"Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stands in the way of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And on His law he meditates day and night."
(Psalm 1:1-2).
Guard your companions - real and virtual. Talk show hosts, screenwriters and actors, and anchormen on TV influence you as much as the guys drinking coffee together every afternoon. The videos you watch on YouTube. Your Facebook friends. The tweets you follow. All those will influence your heart.
So how can you change what comes out of your heart?
Change what goes into your heart.
Is it coming back to you?
The song taught us nutrition. I think it was 4 servings of grains and cereals, 4 servings of vegetables or fruits, 3 servings of dairy and 2 servings of meat. That's what we were to eat each day.
The USDA has a different system of teaching us now. It has evolved from a pyramid to a plate. Fruits and vegetables fill up half the plate. The other half with proteins and grains.
Of course, you've got to go organic. No GMO - genetically manipulated organisms. Red meat only once or twice a week. Dark green leafy vegetables are better than the white starchy ones. Vegan. Vegetarian.
Those foods may be good for you, but it's interesting that we spend so much time, energy and money on food and nutrition. Even for those who aren't on a diet, food is a frequent topic of conversation.
We do need to take care of the bodies that God has given to us. We need to be healthy and strong for as long as possible so that we can use the resource of our body to honor God and serve others.
I'm all for a healthy diet and exercise program.
But it's not really all that important.
Jesus said, "There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him" (Mk 7:15).
He explained it to His disciples this way, "Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled? ... What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person" (vs 18-23).
Jesus is not advocating a fast-food diet, because it doesn't matter what we eat.
Jesus is saying that what goes into your body is not as important as what comes out. What comes out reveals what is in your heart, your inner being, your soul. What you say, think and do reveals who you really are.
And if we honestly look at what comes out in our words, thoughts and actions, we would agree that we're pretty filthy.
So how can we change that?
Just like your physical body can be changed by what you eat and how you exercise, so can your inner man be changed by what you feed it and how you exercise it.
"How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to Your word."
(Psa 119:9)
Feed yourself on God's Word. Use God's Word as the filter for the decisions you make. Think through the principles of God's Word.
"Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stands in the way of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And on His law he meditates day and night."
(Psalm 1:1-2).
Guard your companions - real and virtual. Talk show hosts, screenwriters and actors, and anchormen on TV influence you as much as the guys drinking coffee together every afternoon. The videos you watch on YouTube. Your Facebook friends. The tweets you follow. All those will influence your heart.
So how can you change what comes out of your heart?
Change what goes into your heart.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
How many goats today?
"If anyone of the common people sins unintentionally in doing any one of the things that by the LORD's commandments ought not to be done, and realizes his guilt, or the sin which he has committed is made known to him, he shall bring for his offering a goat, a female without blemish, for his sin which he has committed" (Leviticus 4:27-28).
So how many goats do you need to sacrifice today for the sins you committed yesterday?
Think hard.
Let me help. Just go through the Ten Commandments.
1. You shall have no other gods before me. Did you place anything or anyone ahead of God yesterday, even for just a moment?
2. You shall not bow down to worship any graven images. Did you worship any created thing or person?
3. You shall not take the name of the LORD in vain. Did you use any of God's names as a curse, or slang, or in a joke, or in any way that was not bringing honor to Him?
4. Remember the Sabbath day. Good thing yesterday was Friday!
5. Honor your father and your mother. How did you talk to your parents or about them yesterday? Are you caring for their needs?
6. You shall not murder. Did you kill anyone? Did you hate anyone?
7. You shall not commit adultery. Have sex with anyone other than your spouse - even in your mind?
8. You shall not steal. Did you take anything from someone else? Were you lazy at work? Were you late to an appointment?
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Did you lie about someone to make yourself look better? Did you attack someone's character?
10. You shall not covet. Did you yearn after something that belongs to someone else? New TV? Six-pack abs? New car? What were you thinking during the commercials yesterday?
How did you do?
How many goats do you need to sacrifice today?
What about tomorrow?
And the next day?
And every day?
For the rest of your life?
Better start a goat farm.
Your situation is pretty hopeless.
Just keep reading.
John the Baptist said of Jesus, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). Imagine that!
One sacrifice that would take away the sin of the world.
One sacrifice that would take away all of your guilt before God.
One sacrifice that would remove the burden of your sins from your shoulders.
One sacrifice that would make it possible for you to stand in the presence of a holy God.
One sacrifice.
All you have to do is accept that sacrifice. God has already promised that that one sacrifice is sufficient.
"But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the satisfaction for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world" (1 John 2:1-2).
God is satisfied with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jesus paid the price for all of your sins already.
Trust God. Take Him at His word. Your debt has been paid. Stop trying to pay it on your own.
So how many goats do you need to sacrifice today for the sins you committed yesterday?
Think hard.
Let me help. Just go through the Ten Commandments.
1. You shall have no other gods before me. Did you place anything or anyone ahead of God yesterday, even for just a moment?
2. You shall not bow down to worship any graven images. Did you worship any created thing or person?
3. You shall not take the name of the LORD in vain. Did you use any of God's names as a curse, or slang, or in a joke, or in any way that was not bringing honor to Him?
4. Remember the Sabbath day. Good thing yesterday was Friday!
5. Honor your father and your mother. How did you talk to your parents or about them yesterday? Are you caring for their needs?
6. You shall not murder. Did you kill anyone? Did you hate anyone?
7. You shall not commit adultery. Have sex with anyone other than your spouse - even in your mind?
8. You shall not steal. Did you take anything from someone else? Were you lazy at work? Were you late to an appointment?
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Did you lie about someone to make yourself look better? Did you attack someone's character?
10. You shall not covet. Did you yearn after something that belongs to someone else? New TV? Six-pack abs? New car? What were you thinking during the commercials yesterday?
How did you do?
How many goats do you need to sacrifice today?
What about tomorrow?
And the next day?
And every day?
For the rest of your life?
Better start a goat farm.
Your situation is pretty hopeless.
Just keep reading.
John the Baptist said of Jesus, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). Imagine that!
One sacrifice that would take away the sin of the world.
One sacrifice that would take away all of your guilt before God.
One sacrifice that would remove the burden of your sins from your shoulders.
One sacrifice that would make it possible for you to stand in the presence of a holy God.
One sacrifice.
All you have to do is accept that sacrifice. God has already promised that that one sacrifice is sufficient.
"But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the satisfaction for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world" (1 John 2:1-2).
God is satisfied with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jesus paid the price for all of your sins already.
Trust God. Take Him at His word. Your debt has been paid. Stop trying to pay it on your own.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Think you've got problems?
Let me introduce you to a man.
He was crazy. No, it wasn't that he was a lot of fun. Or that everyone thought he was crazy. He was insane.
No one could control him. He was so strong that the strongest restraints could not hold him. He would just break them to pieces.
He lived in the cemetery. That's creepy.
He was a cutter. All day long. Every day.
He screamed. He moaned. He wailed. Night and day.
From the cemetery. Imagine a funeral procession. A widow coming to her former husband's grave.
And the crazy man is screaming and wailing just a few feet away.
Wild hair.
Oh, and he was naked, too.
What would you do? What could you do?
All sorts of methods have been used. For years.
Everyone had given up on him. No one was even trying to help him anymore.
It looked hopeless.
But then Jesus came.
Jesus came and cast out the evil spirits that had controlled this man for a very long time.
Imagine what people saw then.
The man was sitting. That was something completely different than what they had ever seen him do. He was at rest.
The man was clothed. They had never seen him like that.
The man was in his right mind. No more screaming. No more wild look in his eyes. No more sharp rocks in his hands. Maybe even a smile across his face.
This man who had been controlled by demons for a very long time was changed in an instant.
Because Jesus came.
His life was a mess. It couldn't have gotten much worse. It had been that way for a very, very long time.
But then Jesus came.
Your problems may seem as bad as this man's. Or maybe not. Maybe you've been struggling with a problem for a very long time. It seems to have control over you. You see no hope. All you see is that it has control and you're just living day to day.
But then Jesus will come.
Just like this man, Jesus can solve your problems. Only Jesus can.
You've tried everything else already, right?
Let Jesus take care of your problems.
He can do it.
I know.
He was crazy. No, it wasn't that he was a lot of fun. Or that everyone thought he was crazy. He was insane.
No one could control him. He was so strong that the strongest restraints could not hold him. He would just break them to pieces.
He lived in the cemetery. That's creepy.
He was a cutter. All day long. Every day.
He screamed. He moaned. He wailed. Night and day.
From the cemetery. Imagine a funeral procession. A widow coming to her former husband's grave.
And the crazy man is screaming and wailing just a few feet away.
Wild hair.
Oh, and he was naked, too.
What would you do? What could you do?
All sorts of methods have been used. For years.
Everyone had given up on him. No one was even trying to help him anymore.
It looked hopeless.
But then Jesus came.
Jesus came and cast out the evil spirits that had controlled this man for a very long time.
Imagine what people saw then.
The man was sitting. That was something completely different than what they had ever seen him do. He was at rest.
The man was clothed. They had never seen him like that.
The man was in his right mind. No more screaming. No more wild look in his eyes. No more sharp rocks in his hands. Maybe even a smile across his face.
This man who had been controlled by demons for a very long time was changed in an instant.
Because Jesus came.
His life was a mess. It couldn't have gotten much worse. It had been that way for a very, very long time.
But then Jesus came.
Your problems may seem as bad as this man's. Or maybe not. Maybe you've been struggling with a problem for a very long time. It seems to have control over you. You see no hope. All you see is that it has control and you're just living day to day.
But then Jesus will come.
Just like this man, Jesus can solve your problems. Only Jesus can.
You've tried everything else already, right?
Let Jesus take care of your problems.
He can do it.
I know.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
How much are you loved?
The ads the last few weeks have prepared us for this day. In their efforts to sell more cards, more chocolate, more flowers, more diamonds and more cruises, they have been teaching a subtle message. This message is so subtle, but it permeates advertising for Valentine's Day.
The message is this, "If you love someone, you'll buy them this product. The more you love them, the bigger thing you'll buy."
The more you spend, the more you love.
I wonder if those advertisers know that they are proclaiming a biblical principle in their messages.
The more you spend, the more you love.
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).
Can you spend anymore than sacrificing your life?
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
Can you give anything greater than your only son?
"But God demonstrated His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
Is it hardest to give to those who are your enemies?
But that's exactly what God did for you. He loved you so much that He wanted you to spend all of eternity with Him in His presence. He doesn't want you to go anywhere else but where He is. You might even say that God is a jealous lover. He wants you all for Himself.
The problem is that you and God are polar opposites.
You are a sinner. You do bad things. You think bad thoughts. You say mean words.
God is holy. God never does anything wrong. God never thinks any bad thoughts. God never says anything hurtful.
So God wants you to spend eternity with Him, but your sin separates you from Him.
So God in love had to do something. He had to give His Son to you, even though you hated Him.
That's why Jesus died on the cross. Jesus became a man with flesh and blood so that He could die. He demonstrated God's love through that act.
So how much are you loved?
You are loved so much that the holy God sacrificed His Son so that you could spend eternity with Him!
But just like those gifts that might show up today, you have to accept this gift. You have to believe that what God said is true.
Accepting this gift will be much greater than any card, roses, cruises, diamonds - or even chocolate - that you might get today!
The message is this, "If you love someone, you'll buy them this product. The more you love them, the bigger thing you'll buy."
The more you spend, the more you love.
I wonder if those advertisers know that they are proclaiming a biblical principle in their messages.
The more you spend, the more you love.
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).
Can you spend anymore than sacrificing your life?
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
Can you give anything greater than your only son?
"But God demonstrated His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
Is it hardest to give to those who are your enemies?
But that's exactly what God did for you. He loved you so much that He wanted you to spend all of eternity with Him in His presence. He doesn't want you to go anywhere else but where He is. You might even say that God is a jealous lover. He wants you all for Himself.
The problem is that you and God are polar opposites.
You are a sinner. You do bad things. You think bad thoughts. You say mean words.
God is holy. God never does anything wrong. God never thinks any bad thoughts. God never says anything hurtful.
So God wants you to spend eternity with Him, but your sin separates you from Him.
So God in love had to do something. He had to give His Son to you, even though you hated Him.
That's why Jesus died on the cross. Jesus became a man with flesh and blood so that He could die. He demonstrated God's love through that act.
So how much are you loved?
You are loved so much that the holy God sacrificed His Son so that you could spend eternity with Him!
But just like those gifts that might show up today, you have to accept this gift. You have to believe that what God said is true.
Accepting this gift will be much greater than any card, roses, cruises, diamonds - or even chocolate - that you might get today!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
A Time for Penance
On the heels of Fat Tuesday is Ash Wednesday. Today begins the time of Lent. From now until Easter many will be involved in acts of penance, performing acts of contrition. A time of fasting. A time of introspection. For some an attempt to gain favor with God.
Is that even possible?
Is there any way that we can gain favor with God?
Is there any thing that we can do that will make us right with God?
No.
Nada.
Nichts.
Not one single thing.
Not even a great big pile of things.
Not even a great big pile of things every day of your life is enough to gain favor with God.
And when your life on earth is over, there is definitely nothing you can do or anyone else can do for you.
So how can we gain favor with God?
Only through His mercy.
"But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:4-5).
"Not because of works done by us in righteousness." Do you get that? Not even the good things you have done with good intentions will merit any favor with God.
God's goodness.
God's loving kindness.
God's mercy.
God's washing.
God's Holy Spirit.
It's all God's work.
Usually we do it the other way around. If we want someone to like us, we do things to make them happy. We find out what they like. We do what they like. We hope that we've done enough that they'll like us.
God's plan is just the opposite. He starts out by loving us already. Then He demonstrated that love by sending His Son to die on the cross for our sins. Even though we didn't deserve it. Even though we hated God. Even though we were going away from Him. (Romans 5:8).
Then He showers us with His goodness, loving kindness, and mercy. He places the gift of righteousness in front of us. He wants us to take it. He wants us to be clean, so He washes us. He wants to make us anew, so He gives us His Spirit.
He does all the work.
All we have to do is accept the gift.
No more working. No more rituals. No more wondering if we've done enough good to counter all the bad.
Jesus paid it all!
All to Him I owe!
Sin had left a crimson stain.
He washed it white as snow.
Is that even possible?
Is there any way that we can gain favor with God?
Is there any thing that we can do that will make us right with God?
No.
Nada.
Nichts.
Not one single thing.
Not even a great big pile of things.
Not even a great big pile of things every day of your life is enough to gain favor with God.
And when your life on earth is over, there is definitely nothing you can do or anyone else can do for you.
So how can we gain favor with God?
Only through His mercy.
"But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:4-5).
"Not because of works done by us in righteousness." Do you get that? Not even the good things you have done with good intentions will merit any favor with God.
God's goodness.
God's loving kindness.
God's mercy.
God's washing.
God's Holy Spirit.
It's all God's work.
Usually we do it the other way around. If we want someone to like us, we do things to make them happy. We find out what they like. We do what they like. We hope that we've done enough that they'll like us.
God's plan is just the opposite. He starts out by loving us already. Then He demonstrated that love by sending His Son to die on the cross for our sins. Even though we didn't deserve it. Even though we hated God. Even though we were going away from Him. (Romans 5:8).
Then He showers us with His goodness, loving kindness, and mercy. He places the gift of righteousness in front of us. He wants us to take it. He wants us to be clean, so He washes us. He wants to make us anew, so He gives us His Spirit.
He does all the work.
All we have to do is accept the gift.
No more working. No more rituals. No more wondering if we've done enough good to counter all the bad.
Jesus paid it all!
All to Him I owe!
Sin had left a crimson stain.
He washed it white as snow.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Mardi Gras
Today is Fat Tuesday, which is the translation of the French term, "mardi gras." It is the last day of feasting and frivolity before the time of fasting and solemnity preceding Easter. For some it will be a day of eating donuts, pancakes and other fatty foods, before they give up something for Lent. For many others it's a day of wild parties, where various acts of sinful behavior are committed. Often these acts are committed behind masks, so that there can be no harm done, no guilt credited. Millions around the world will return to their homes in a drunken or doped up stage, having participated in various acts of indecency and sexual perversion.
Followers of Jesus Christ will decry mardi gras activities. They will avoid drunkenness, drugs and debauchery. They will stay away from the activities of carnival (festival of the flesh).
Well, at least the extremes...
How many will fulfill the desires of the works of the flesh listed in Galatians 6?
"Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies and things like these..." (Gal 6:19-20)
By the way, you don't get to pick and choose. Not even 99.99% is a passing grade. Not even an occasional event of one of these works gets you off the hook. Even a thought of one makes you as guilty as the one whose life is characterized by all of them.
But that's okay.
We'll get cleaned up before AWANA and prayer meeting on Wednesday.
I'll do my hair up nice and smile real pretty in the choir.
My sermon on Sunday will be so good, that no one will suspect anything.
How is that any different than Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday?
Wallow in sin, but show up sparkly clean at church?
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires" (vs 22-24).
"Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness" (Romans 6:12-13).
The Christian life that is a cycle of Fat Tuesdays and Ash Wednesdays is not what God intends. We have been declared to be holy. We are to live holy.
All the time.
Followers of Jesus Christ will decry mardi gras activities. They will avoid drunkenness, drugs and debauchery. They will stay away from the activities of carnival (festival of the flesh).
Well, at least the extremes...
How many will fulfill the desires of the works of the flesh listed in Galatians 6?
"Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies and things like these..." (Gal 6:19-20)
By the way, you don't get to pick and choose. Not even 99.99% is a passing grade. Not even an occasional event of one of these works gets you off the hook. Even a thought of one makes you as guilty as the one whose life is characterized by all of them.
But that's okay.
We'll get cleaned up before AWANA and prayer meeting on Wednesday.
I'll do my hair up nice and smile real pretty in the choir.
My sermon on Sunday will be so good, that no one will suspect anything.
How is that any different than Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday?
Wallow in sin, but show up sparkly clean at church?
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires" (vs 22-24).
"Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness" (Romans 6:12-13).
The Christian life that is a cycle of Fat Tuesdays and Ash Wednesdays is not what God intends. We have been declared to be holy. We are to live holy.
All the time.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Consecration
While the children of were at Mt Sinai, their new religious rituals were being established. Laws, sacrifices, holy days, festivals and a meeting place were given to the people for their worship and relationship with Jehovah.
They were starting anew. Nothing like this had been done before.
One part of the process was the consecration of the priests, recorded in Exodus 29.
One bull, two rams, unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil and unleavened wafers smeared with oil were to be brought to the entrance of the tent of meeting.
Aaron and his sons were to be washed and Aaron would be clothed with the high priestly garments. Aaron's sons would be clothed in the priestly attire. The animals sacrificed, the horns of the altar smeared in blood.
With the blood of the second ram, Moses was to perform a particular ceremony to Aaron and his sons:
"...you shall kill the ram and take part of its blood and put it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron and on the tips of the right ears of his son, and on the thumbs of their right hands and on the great toes of their right fee, and thrown the rest of the blood against the sides of the altar. Then you shall take part of the blood that is on the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments, and on his sons and his sons' garments with him. He and his garments shall be holy, and his sons and his sons' garments with him" (vs 20-21).
The blood of the sacrifice was what made the high priest and his sons, as well as their garments holy, sanctified, set apart. From that point on these men were separated from the rest of the people. These garments were to be worn in the performance of their duties of representing the people before God. These men and their clothing were no longer common; they were separated unto God.
Although the believer does not go through this ritual of consecration, they have been consecrated by a much greater sacrifice than the blood of a ram. We have been called to be holy, to live holy lives, sanctified to God.
"...but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct...knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot" (1 Pet 1:15-19).
What can wash away my sins?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
Oh, precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow!
No other fount I know!
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
Friday, February 8, 2013
Praise Him!
The first chapter of Mark reveals the authority that Jesus had.
He taught with authority, which was so different than the other teachers the people were astonished (v 22).
He cast out demons with authority (vs 23-27). People had not seen this kind of authority, although they were familiar with exorcisms. Jesus spoke and the demons obeyed. No rituals. No incense. No incantations.
He had authority over sickness (vs 30-35; 40-45). Unlike the physicians and their therapies, Jesus spoke and the sick were healed immediately.
Psalm 29 describes the power of the voice of the LORD. The voice of the LORD controls the great forces of nature.
"The voice of the LORD is over the waters,
The God of glory thunders,
the Lord, over many waters.
The voice of the LORD is powerful.\'
The voice of the LORD is full of majesty.
the voice of the LORD breaks the cedars,
The LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf,
And Sirion like a young wild ox.
The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire.
The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness;
The LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth
And strips the forests bare,
and in His temple all cry, "Glory!"
(vs 3-9)
The power of the LORD is revealed in His voice.
He spoke the entire universe into existence.
He spoke and demons were cast out.
He spoke and the sick were healed.
He spoke and revealed God.
Can anyone else do those things?
Truly, He is worthy to be praised!
He taught with authority, which was so different than the other teachers the people were astonished (v 22).
He cast out demons with authority (vs 23-27). People had not seen this kind of authority, although they were familiar with exorcisms. Jesus spoke and the demons obeyed. No rituals. No incense. No incantations.
He had authority over sickness (vs 30-35; 40-45). Unlike the physicians and their therapies, Jesus spoke and the sick were healed immediately.
Psalm 29 describes the power of the voice of the LORD. The voice of the LORD controls the great forces of nature.
"The voice of the LORD is over the waters,
The God of glory thunders,
the Lord, over many waters.
The voice of the LORD is powerful.\'
The voice of the LORD is full of majesty.
the voice of the LORD breaks the cedars,
The LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf,
And Sirion like a young wild ox.
The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire.
The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness;
The LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth
And strips the forests bare,
and in His temple all cry, "Glory!"
(vs 3-9)
The power of the LORD is revealed in His voice.
He spoke the entire universe into existence.
He spoke and demons were cast out.
He spoke and the sick were healed.
He spoke and revealed God.
Can anyone else do those things?
Truly, He is worthy to be praised!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Take care of it!
Have you ever gotten really mad at someone? I mean really, really, really mad? You're so angry with someone that you can't think of anything good that they have ever done. You're so angry that you never again want to see them, to speak to them, or even hear about them. You want God to zap them with lightning.
What was it that they did that made you so angry?
Most likely they did something to offend you. Lies. Maybe even physically abused you. Emotional abuse. Theft. Life in this world of sinners is full of sin and you've no doubt been the recipient of some of it.
Usually we think that we have a right to be angry with people who hurt us. They have done some injustice and they don't deserve any kindness from me.
Look at David's prayer about those people:
"Do not drag me off with the wicked, with the workers of evil,
Who speak peace with their neighbors while evil is in their hearts.
Give to them according to their work and according to the evil of their deeds,
Give to them according to the work of their hands, render them their due reward.
Because they do not regard the works of the LORD or the work of His hands,
He will tear them down and build them up no more." (Ps 28:3-5)
Don't drag me off with them. Don't let me become like them. Don't let me be a part of their company and learn from them.
Give them what they deserve. Judge them accordingly. Punish them. God, You take it into Your hands. I'm not going to seek revenge.
Because they have disregarded You. Not because they have offended me. Not because they have hurt me.
Lord, You deal with those who have hurt me in the way that You seem fit. You know their hearts. You know what they have done. Their attack has been against You, not me. Don't let me become bitter and evil. Don't let me pick up their weapons and use them. I turn it over to You.
What was it that they did that made you so angry?
Most likely they did something to offend you. Lies. Maybe even physically abused you. Emotional abuse. Theft. Life in this world of sinners is full of sin and you've no doubt been the recipient of some of it.
Usually we think that we have a right to be angry with people who hurt us. They have done some injustice and they don't deserve any kindness from me.
Look at David's prayer about those people:
"Do not drag me off with the wicked, with the workers of evil,
Who speak peace with their neighbors while evil is in their hearts.
Give to them according to their work and according to the evil of their deeds,
Give to them according to the work of their hands, render them their due reward.
Because they do not regard the works of the LORD or the work of His hands,
He will tear them down and build them up no more." (Ps 28:3-5)
Don't drag me off with them. Don't let me become like them. Don't let me be a part of their company and learn from them.
Give them what they deserve. Judge them accordingly. Punish them. God, You take it into Your hands. I'm not going to seek revenge.
Because they have disregarded You. Not because they have offended me. Not because they have hurt me.
Lord, You deal with those who have hurt me in the way that You seem fit. You know their hearts. You know what they have done. Their attack has been against You, not me. Don't let me become bitter and evil. Don't let me pick up their weapons and use them. I turn it over to You.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Not by my might
"The LORD is my light and my salvation,
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life,
Of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh,
My adversaries and foes,
It is they who stumble and fall.
Though an enemy encamp against me,
My heart shall not fear;
Though war rise against me,
Yet I will be confident."
Ps 27:1-3
It's not because of my wisdom or insight, but God's.
It's not because of my strength, but God's.
God is my strength. When I rely on myself or anyone else, I'm doomed.
God is my light. When I try to discern on my own or from anyone else's insight, I'm lost.
It is God who will protect me.
It is God who will lead me.
And since He is God, what better protector and guide do I need?
Who better to protect me than the all-powerful Creator?
Who better to guide me than the all-knowing, loving and caring Father?
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life,
Of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh,
My adversaries and foes,
It is they who stumble and fall.
Though an enemy encamp against me,
My heart shall not fear;
Though war rise against me,
Yet I will be confident."
Ps 27:1-3
It's not because of my wisdom or insight, but God's.
It's not because of my strength, but God's.
God is my strength. When I rely on myself or anyone else, I'm doomed.
God is my light. When I try to discern on my own or from anyone else's insight, I'm lost.
It is God who will protect me.
It is God who will lead me.
And since He is God, what better protector and guide do I need?
Who better to protect me than the all-powerful Creator?
Who better to guide me than the all-knowing, loving and caring Father?
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
It's payback time!
Exodus 21 and 22 give laws of restitution. If a man committed murder, he was to be put to death. If a man steals an ox, he was to repay with five oxen. If a man strikes his slave and knocks out a tooth or an eye, the slave was to be set free. Anything stolen had to be returned with interest. If a man's ox kills another man's ox, settlement was to be made.
Those laws established the protection of private property. If a person owned something and someone took it from him, restitution had to be made.
Few of us will be guilty of murder or theft on a grand scale. Few will be victims of murder or theft on a grand scale. Yet we can still follow this principle of restitution in our relationships.
Let's say you make an appointment to meet a friend at 3:00. Your friend shows up a little before three, but you don't get there until 3:30. Essentially, you have stolen 30 minutes of his time. In addition to the transaction of forgiveness, is there a way that you can make restitution for the 30 minutes?
Or you borrow your neighbor's chain saw and it doesn't work quite right when you're halfway through the project. In addition to asking your neighbor for forgiveness, you could take it to the shop to get it fixed.
Often we think that if we have gone through the forgiveness transaction, the issue is finished. But these two chapters indicate that restitution is also required. If you've done something that is going to cost someone else, you need to pick up the tab.
Those laws established the protection of private property. If a person owned something and someone took it from him, restitution had to be made.
Few of us will be guilty of murder or theft on a grand scale. Few will be victims of murder or theft on a grand scale. Yet we can still follow this principle of restitution in our relationships.
Let's say you make an appointment to meet a friend at 3:00. Your friend shows up a little before three, but you don't get there until 3:30. Essentially, you have stolen 30 minutes of his time. In addition to the transaction of forgiveness, is there a way that you can make restitution for the 30 minutes?
Or you borrow your neighbor's chain saw and it doesn't work quite right when you're halfway through the project. In addition to asking your neighbor for forgiveness, you could take it to the shop to get it fixed.
Often we think that if we have gone through the forgiveness transaction, the issue is finished. But these two chapters indicate that restitution is also required. If you've done something that is going to cost someone else, you need to pick up the tab.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Fear God - Flee Sin
As they stood at the foot of Mt Sinai, the children of Israel were terrified by the fire, thunder, trumpets and smoke that accompanied God's voice. After they heard the ten commandments direct from God, they plead with Moses to mediate.
"You speak to us, and we will listen, but do not let God speak to us, lest we die" (Ex 20:19).
Moses answered, "Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of Him may be before you, that you may not sin" (v 20).
They weren't to be afraid of God's voice. He wasn't going to wipe them out because they heard his voice. Rather they were to fear God so they wouldn't sin. Be seeing and hearing the power and majesty of God they were to realize that God was to be feared. That was to motivate them to keep from sin.
Although we haven't seen or heard the same thing that the Israelites experienced, the fear of God should motivate us to fight sin.
Often when faced with temptation, we remember that God is a forgiving God. He has forgiven me in the past and He'll do it again. Or we remember that God is a loving God. He loves me, so He won't hold this against me.
Or sometimes we choose to think that God is not all-knowing, not present everywhere, not caring - or any other of His attributes.
But how could the fear of God keep us from sinning?
Remembering the price that God paid to redeem us.
Remembering that He is all-knowing, present everywhere, caring and loving.
Remembering that He is pleased when we are obedient and displeased when we are disobedient.
Remembering that He has poured His grace into our lives.
Remembering the power that He has given us to withstand temptation.
We don't need to see fire and smoke, we need to remember who God is and what He has done for us.
"You speak to us, and we will listen, but do not let God speak to us, lest we die" (Ex 20:19).
Moses answered, "Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of Him may be before you, that you may not sin" (v 20).
They weren't to be afraid of God's voice. He wasn't going to wipe them out because they heard his voice. Rather they were to fear God so they wouldn't sin. Be seeing and hearing the power and majesty of God they were to realize that God was to be feared. That was to motivate them to keep from sin.
Although we haven't seen or heard the same thing that the Israelites experienced, the fear of God should motivate us to fight sin.
Often when faced with temptation, we remember that God is a forgiving God. He has forgiven me in the past and He'll do it again. Or we remember that God is a loving God. He loves me, so He won't hold this against me.
Or sometimes we choose to think that God is not all-knowing, not present everywhere, not caring - or any other of His attributes.
But how could the fear of God keep us from sinning?
Remembering the price that God paid to redeem us.
Remembering that He is all-knowing, present everywhere, caring and loving.
Remembering that He is pleased when we are obedient and displeased when we are disobedient.
Remembering that He has poured His grace into our lives.
Remembering the power that He has given us to withstand temptation.
We don't need to see fire and smoke, we need to remember who God is and what He has done for us.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Talking about God
How do you answer the question: "How was your week?"
Think about Jethro asking his son-in-law, Moses, this question. As they meet up in the desert, Jethro asks, "So, how's it been goin'?"
Where would you start? What would you talk about?
Let's see: 10 Plagues. Pillar of Fire. Crossing the Red Sea. Drowning of Pharaoh's army. Complaining about bitter water. Manna.
Moses had had a pretty exciting time since he'd last talked to his father-in-law.
Although we don't have a record of their conversation, we do know how Jethro responded.
"And Jethro rejoiced for all the good that the LORD had done to Israel...Blessed be the LORD...Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods...And Jethro, Moses' father-in-law brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God' and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses' father-in-law before God" (Ex 17:9-12).
Jethro's response indicates that Moses talked about Jehovah, not himself. Moses pointed the conversation to what God had done, not about himself, his problems and how he conquered them.
The result was that Jethro praised God, brought sacrifices to Him and realized that He was supreme.
So how do people leave a conversation with you?
"Man, he's really got a lot of problems! I'm glad I'm not in his shoes."
"She sure had a quick solution to that problem. I wish I could be as clever as she is!"
Or do they see God? Do they see how God sustained you through the week? Do they know how God helped you overcome difficulties? Do they hear how God helped you resist temptation?
Do they even hear God's name in your conversation?
If not, then who is getting the glory?
Make a change in your conversations. Put God in the middle and take yourself out of it.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Fix your Focus
"They went three days into the wilderness and found no water...And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, 'What shall we drink?'" (Exodus 15:22-24)
These words are more intense in their context. Do you remember what is at the beginning of Exodus 15?
It's a praise service led by Moses. The people had just crossed the Red Sea on dry land. Then they turned around to see Pharaoh's army drown.
"I will sing to the LORD! The LORD is my strength and my song! Your right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy. In the greatness of Your majesty You overthrow Your adversaries. Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?"
All of that and more came from Moses leading the congregation in praise. And I imagine that having seen what they had just seen, no one was watching the clock or planning for the committee meeting when it was over.
A great praise service attributing to God the glory and honor and power due His name.
Three days later, God isn't able to provide water and Moses is to blame.
They took their focus off the greatness of God and started looking at their circumstances. They were concerned about their temporal needs and didn't think God could provide for them. He could wipe out the entire Egyptian economy and army, but couldn't take care of their daily needs.
It looks like they had a lesson to learn. God knew that the waters of Mara were bitter. He knew that they would see all that sparkling water, but not be able to drink it. He could have led them somewhere else. He could have fixed the problem before they got there.
God led them right to the edge of the water. God put them right in the middle of a problem.
Because He had something for them to learn.
It's much easier to complain like the Israelites did when I have a problem. I need to learn that God is using the problem to teach me. I need to call out to Him for help. I need to search His Word for solutions.
There may be some bitter water ahead. God knows that and He's got a lesson for me to learn.
These words are more intense in their context. Do you remember what is at the beginning of Exodus 15?
It's a praise service led by Moses. The people had just crossed the Red Sea on dry land. Then they turned around to see Pharaoh's army drown.
"I will sing to the LORD! The LORD is my strength and my song! Your right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy. In the greatness of Your majesty You overthrow Your adversaries. Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?"
All of that and more came from Moses leading the congregation in praise. And I imagine that having seen what they had just seen, no one was watching the clock or planning for the committee meeting when it was over.
A great praise service attributing to God the glory and honor and power due His name.
Three days later, God isn't able to provide water and Moses is to blame.
They took their focus off the greatness of God and started looking at their circumstances. They were concerned about their temporal needs and didn't think God could provide for them. He could wipe out the entire Egyptian economy and army, but couldn't take care of their daily needs.
It looks like they had a lesson to learn. God knew that the waters of Mara were bitter. He knew that they would see all that sparkling water, but not be able to drink it. He could have led them somewhere else. He could have fixed the problem before they got there.
God led them right to the edge of the water. God put them right in the middle of a problem.
Because He had something for them to learn.
It's much easier to complain like the Israelites did when I have a problem. I need to learn that God is using the problem to teach me. I need to call out to Him for help. I need to search His Word for solutions.
There may be some bitter water ahead. God knows that and He's got a lesson for me to learn.
Hope for the Helpless
"Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD?
And who shall stand in His holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart
Who does not lift up his soul to what is false
And does not swear deceitfully.
He will receive blessing from the LORD
And righteousness from the God of His salvation.
Such is the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek the face of the God of Jacob."
Psalm 24:3-6
I don't have a chance, do you?
Clean hands? No.
Pure heart? Not a chance.
Never following any sinful desires? Not even for a whole day.
Always tell the truth and always with pure motives? No way.
But I want to be in God's presence. I want to receive blessings from God.
But there's no way. I might be good for a few minutes...or seconds. But always?
I'm a sinner through and through. And you are, too.
This is quite a dilemma.
God has given us a desire to fellowship with Him. He has given us the requirements for fellowship with Him. Yet, when we look at ourselves and compare them with the standards, there is no chance that we'll ever be in fellowship with Him.
But there is a solution to this dilemma.
"For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Cor 5:21).
God made Christ to be sin, although He had never sinned. That's amazing.
So that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. That's double amazing.
Christ made an exchange. He had never sinned, but He became sin.
We had only sinned, but we can become the righteousness of God.
The sinless Son of God became sin. The sinful sons of men become righteousness.
That doesn't sound fair at all. And it's not.
It's grace.
Christ took what we deserved to give us what we don't deserve. He made it possible for us to have the fellowship with God for which He had created us. He made it possible for us to receive blessings from God.
Nothing that we have done. Everything that He has done.
"Amazing Grace -
How sweet the sound -
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found;
Was blind but now I see!"
And who shall stand in His holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart
Who does not lift up his soul to what is false
And does not swear deceitfully.
He will receive blessing from the LORD
And righteousness from the God of His salvation.
Such is the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek the face of the God of Jacob."
Psalm 24:3-6
I don't have a chance, do you?
Clean hands? No.
Pure heart? Not a chance.
Never following any sinful desires? Not even for a whole day.
Always tell the truth and always with pure motives? No way.
But I want to be in God's presence. I want to receive blessings from God.
But there's no way. I might be good for a few minutes...or seconds. But always?
I'm a sinner through and through. And you are, too.
This is quite a dilemma.
God has given us a desire to fellowship with Him. He has given us the requirements for fellowship with Him. Yet, when we look at ourselves and compare them with the standards, there is no chance that we'll ever be in fellowship with Him.
But there is a solution to this dilemma.
"For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Cor 5:21).
God made Christ to be sin, although He had never sinned. That's amazing.
So that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. That's double amazing.
Christ made an exchange. He had never sinned, but He became sin.
We had only sinned, but we can become the righteousness of God.
The sinless Son of God became sin. The sinful sons of men become righteousness.
That doesn't sound fair at all. And it's not.
It's grace.
Christ took what we deserved to give us what we don't deserve. He made it possible for us to have the fellowship with God for which He had created us. He made it possible for us to receive blessings from God.
Nothing that we have done. Everything that He has done.
"Amazing Grace -
How sweet the sound -
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found;
Was blind but now I see!"
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