Josiah, the grandson of Judah's most wicked king, Manasseh, for some reason initiated a reconstruction project for the dilapidated temple in Jerusalem (2 Kings 22-23).
In the middle of the project, the workers discovered an old scroll, which was brought to the king and read to him.
Upon hearing the words of this scroll, Josiah, tore his clothes and put on sackcloth.
He then begins a reformation in the land. The people of Jerusalem, from the most powerful to the most common, gathered before the king as he read this scroll out loud.
The king destroys the signs of idolatry that were throughout the land. Many right in the temple and the palace. Some that had stood for centuries.
Idols which Solomon had built.
The altars to the golden calf which Jeroboam had built in Bethel.
The places where the people had been sacrificing their children.
Bones were dug up, cremated and strewn across these idolatrous places to desecrate them.
The sorcerers were cast out of the land.
Josiah cleaned up the land - and it was pretty dirty!
All because of what he read in an old scroll.
The scroll?
The Book of the Law. The Torah. The five books of Moses.
It was that scroll, the Word of God, that changed Josiah and motivated him to do what is right.
No other book has that power to change a nation.
No other book has that power to change my life.
So be careful when you pick up your Bible to study it.
It might change your life.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Consuming Passion
"My soul is consumed with longing for Your righteous judgments all the time" (Psalm 119:20).
There are a lot of things that I look which I anticipate.
Meal times.
Pay day.
Bed time.
Vacation.
Going to church.
But to be consumed with longing for God's Word?
All my thoughts, desires and actions all day long driving me to study and to know God's Word?
I've got a ways to go in that area.
I do enjoy studying God's Word. I love to learn about God and His plan. I like to learn about the history and culture of the Bible.
But being consumed by longing for His Word?
What would that even look like?
Lord, work in my heart to give me that passion.
Guide my thoughts and desires and actions to know Your Word, so that I would know You better.
Help me not to study Your Word as a textbook, but as a means to know You better.
There are a lot of things that I look which I anticipate.
Meal times.
Pay day.
Bed time.
Vacation.
Going to church.
But to be consumed with longing for God's Word?
All my thoughts, desires and actions all day long driving me to study and to know God's Word?
I've got a ways to go in that area.
I do enjoy studying God's Word. I love to learn about God and His plan. I like to learn about the history and culture of the Bible.
But being consumed by longing for His Word?
What would that even look like?
Lord, work in my heart to give me that passion.
Guide my thoughts and desires and actions to know Your Word, so that I would know You better.
Help me not to study Your Word as a textbook, but as a means to know You better.
Monday, June 17, 2013
It's Over
Another Father's Day has come and gone.
No more posts on Facebook about the great things that dads have done.
No more greeting cards in Walmart about all the times that dads were there when we needed them.
No more comparing ourselves to other dads.
No more reminders about the failures that we have been as dads.
No more wanting to scream out about the pain and abandonment caused by dads.
Life will resume today.
At least until next year.
Surely, there must be some hope in the midst of this annual repetition. Even a glimmer of hope for dads who've messed up? A slight message of hope for the sons and daughters who have broken relationships with their dads?
The greatest hope is that we can have a relationship with a Father who will never leave us or do anything to harm us.
"I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty" (2 Corinthians 6:18).
"...He has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5).
Instead of seeking contentment and completion in being a great father, or having a great father, we can only find that satisfaction in a relationship with our heavenly Father. Earthly fathers will fail us; we will fail as fathers.
But our heavenly Father will never fail. He always does the right thing, says the right thing, gives the right thing and just the right time.
The second source of hope is that, since you are able to read this, you are still alive.
God has kept you alive for a purpose. You may have messed up as a dad. It may be too late to mend that relationship with your father or your children.
You can invest in the lives of other dads and other kids.
By God's grace you can finish strong.
No more posts on Facebook about the great things that dads have done.
No more greeting cards in Walmart about all the times that dads were there when we needed them.
No more comparing ourselves to other dads.
No more reminders about the failures that we have been as dads.
No more wanting to scream out about the pain and abandonment caused by dads.
Life will resume today.
At least until next year.
Surely, there must be some hope in the midst of this annual repetition. Even a glimmer of hope for dads who've messed up? A slight message of hope for the sons and daughters who have broken relationships with their dads?
The greatest hope is that we can have a relationship with a Father who will never leave us or do anything to harm us.
"I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty" (2 Corinthians 6:18).
"...He has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5).
Instead of seeking contentment and completion in being a great father, or having a great father, we can only find that satisfaction in a relationship with our heavenly Father. Earthly fathers will fail us; we will fail as fathers.
But our heavenly Father will never fail. He always does the right thing, says the right thing, gives the right thing and just the right time.
The second source of hope is that, since you are able to read this, you are still alive.
God has kept you alive for a purpose. You may have messed up as a dad. It may be too late to mend that relationship with your father or your children.
You can invest in the lives of other dads and other kids.
By God's grace you can finish strong.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Safety First!
The best protection is prevention.
The best offense is a good defense.
A stitch in time saves nine.
It's easier to prevent an accident than to clean up after one.
Those idioms and warnings reflect what God says in Psalm 119:9:
"How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to Your word."
Study God's Word to know God's Will.
And do it!
That will keep you from sin.
That is much easier than dealing with the consequences of sin.
But again selfishness and laziness get in the way.
We want to do what we want to do.
We want to enjoy the pleasures of sin.
We don't want to fight against temptation.
We don't want to study God's Word.
We don't want to do what we know is the godly response.
But that's the only way. No other method will work.
To keep yourself from sinning, know God's Word - and do it!
The best offense is a good defense.
A stitch in time saves nine.
It's easier to prevent an accident than to clean up after one.
Those idioms and warnings reflect what God says in Psalm 119:9:
"How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to Your word."
Study God's Word to know God's Will.
And do it!
That will keep you from sin.
That is much easier than dealing with the consequences of sin.
But again selfishness and laziness get in the way.
We want to do what we want to do.
We want to enjoy the pleasures of sin.
We don't want to fight against temptation.
We don't want to study God's Word.
We don't want to do what we know is the godly response.
But that's the only way. No other method will work.
To keep yourself from sinning, know God's Word - and do it!
Friday, June 14, 2013
Unhappy Christians
Does that describe you?
Are you able to paste on a smile at church, but really inside you're pretty depressed, discouraged and sad?
Do you think that you're missing out on the joy that others in church have?
Are you an unhappy Christian?
Maybe you are.
And there may be a good reason.
Which means there's also a solution to your unhappiness.
"Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the way of the LORD!
Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with their whole heart!"
(Psalm 119:1-2)
Put that in the opposite and maybe you'll discover the key to your unhappiness:
Sad are those whose way is not blameless, who do not walk in the way of the LORD!
Sad are those who do not keep His testimonies, who do not seek Him with their whole heart!
It's pretty simple: If you're sad, you're walking in sin, in disobedience to the Lord, and running from the Lord.
If you're happy, you're living in righteousness, walking in obedience, and seeking after the Lord.
Keep in mind that sadness and happiness are not pasted on emotions. Nor are they a resignation to fate.
Both of them are results of the life you choose to live.
Choose to live in obedience, seeking after the Lord with all your being and you will be happy.
Choose to live in sin, living for yourself, seeking to please others and you will be sad.
We want to be happy, but selfishness, laziness and fear keep us from being obedient. Rather than being happy, we are saddened. We learn that it's impossible to please ourselves or to please others and become trapped in a cycle of discouragement.
The solution is simple: Trust and obey. There really is no other way to be happy in Jesus!
Are you able to paste on a smile at church, but really inside you're pretty depressed, discouraged and sad?
Do you think that you're missing out on the joy that others in church have?
Are you an unhappy Christian?
Maybe you are.
And there may be a good reason.
Which means there's also a solution to your unhappiness.
"Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the way of the LORD!
Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with their whole heart!"
(Psalm 119:1-2)
Put that in the opposite and maybe you'll discover the key to your unhappiness:
Sad are those whose way is not blameless, who do not walk in the way of the LORD!
Sad are those who do not keep His testimonies, who do not seek Him with their whole heart!
It's pretty simple: If you're sad, you're walking in sin, in disobedience to the Lord, and running from the Lord.
If you're happy, you're living in righteousness, walking in obedience, and seeking after the Lord.
Keep in mind that sadness and happiness are not pasted on emotions. Nor are they a resignation to fate.
Both of them are results of the life you choose to live.
Choose to live in obedience, seeking after the Lord with all your being and you will be happy.
Choose to live in sin, living for yourself, seeking to please others and you will be sad.
We want to be happy, but selfishness, laziness and fear keep us from being obedient. Rather than being happy, we are saddened. We learn that it's impossible to please ourselves or to please others and become trapped in a cycle of discouragement.
The solution is simple: Trust and obey. There really is no other way to be happy in Jesus!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Not Ashamed of Power
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith'" (Romans 1:16-17).
Today I am starting a new part-time job as a spiritual care provider for a hospice organization. I'm excited and a little nervous. Nervous because I've not been around a lot of death and dying. Excited because I'll have opportunities to tell others about the power of the gospel.
To talk with the dying and their families about the hope in Jesus Christ is a unique privilege. Often people are at a point where they are willing to listen to issues of eternity. They will expect a chaplain to offer hope, to read from the Bible, to pray with them.
I'm thankful that God has given me this opportunity and challenge.
I'm praying that I'll use these opportunities each time I visit with the patients and their families.
It's not my work that will bring people into heaven, but God's powerful message of the gospel.
It's His power that sent His Son to die on the cross for the sins of the world.
It's His power that makes that offer to all.
It's His power that gives me the words to speak.
Knowing that God is doing the real work and I get to be His spokesperson to these people is an awesome responsibility.
Today I am starting a new part-time job as a spiritual care provider for a hospice organization. I'm excited and a little nervous. Nervous because I've not been around a lot of death and dying. Excited because I'll have opportunities to tell others about the power of the gospel.
To talk with the dying and their families about the hope in Jesus Christ is a unique privilege. Often people are at a point where they are willing to listen to issues of eternity. They will expect a chaplain to offer hope, to read from the Bible, to pray with them.
I'm thankful that God has given me this opportunity and challenge.
I'm praying that I'll use these opportunities each time I visit with the patients and their families.
It's not my work that will bring people into heaven, but God's powerful message of the gospel.
It's His power that sent His Son to die on the cross for the sins of the world.
It's His power that makes that offer to all.
It's His power that gives me the words to speak.
Knowing that God is doing the real work and I get to be His spokesperson to these people is an awesome responsibility.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Zealous, but not Thorough
In 2 Kings 10, Jehu was anointed to be king over Israel. At the time of his anointing, he was commanded to wipe out the family of Ahab.
He set right out to do that. He assassinated Jehoram, Ahab's son who was reigning. After Jezebel had put on her make-up, Jehu commanded that she be thrown from the window. She died and the dogs ate all but her hands and feet. 70 sons were beheaded and their heads delivered in baskets to Jehu. The king of Judah and members of the Judean royal family were killed, because they were visiting the Israelite royal family. Jehu deceived the Baal worshipers into their temple and had them all executed, turning the temple into a latrine.
All of Ahab's descendants, his advisers, and the religious system that his wife had introduced were eliminated from the land.
Jehu was zealous for the work of the Lord. He had been given a command and he pursued it with passion.
"But Jehu was not careful to walk in the law of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn from the sins of Jeroboam, which he made Israel to sin" (v 31).
Jehu was zealous, but not thorough.
He wiped out the previous dynasty, but didn't devote himself completely to the Lord.
He wiped out the false worship of Baal, but not the false worship of the golden calves.
For whatever reason, Jehu fell short. It looks like he did what was necessary to secure his position as king, but he didn't follow the law of the LORD with all his heart.
It's easy for us to do the same thing. We do the things that are expected of us. We do the ministries that are seen. We're zealous about teaching, cooking, prayer, fellowship and activities at church.
But our actions at home when we're alone reveal that we are not walking in the law of the Lord with all of our hearts.
To everyone else we look like we're on fire for the Lord. Zealous about the things of God. Yet God knows our hearts. He knows the sins in our thought lives. He knows the sins in our homes.
We cannot fool God.
He set right out to do that. He assassinated Jehoram, Ahab's son who was reigning. After Jezebel had put on her make-up, Jehu commanded that she be thrown from the window. She died and the dogs ate all but her hands and feet. 70 sons were beheaded and their heads delivered in baskets to Jehu. The king of Judah and members of the Judean royal family were killed, because they were visiting the Israelite royal family. Jehu deceived the Baal worshipers into their temple and had them all executed, turning the temple into a latrine.
All of Ahab's descendants, his advisers, and the religious system that his wife had introduced were eliminated from the land.
Jehu was zealous for the work of the Lord. He had been given a command and he pursued it with passion.
"But Jehu was not careful to walk in the law of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn from the sins of Jeroboam, which he made Israel to sin" (v 31).
Jehu was zealous, but not thorough.
He wiped out the previous dynasty, but didn't devote himself completely to the Lord.
He wiped out the false worship of Baal, but not the false worship of the golden calves.
For whatever reason, Jehu fell short. It looks like he did what was necessary to secure his position as king, but he didn't follow the law of the LORD with all his heart.
It's easy for us to do the same thing. We do the things that are expected of us. We do the ministries that are seen. We're zealous about teaching, cooking, prayer, fellowship and activities at church.
But our actions at home when we're alone reveal that we are not walking in the law of the Lord with all of our hearts.
To everyone else we look like we're on fire for the Lord. Zealous about the things of God. Yet God knows our hearts. He knows the sins in our thought lives. He knows the sins in our homes.
We cannot fool God.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
My Testimony in Song
Many changes have taken place in my life over the last two years. It's been a difficult time, but today as I was reading Psalm 116, I saw my testimony of those two years.
"I love the LORD, because He has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy.
Because He inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live."
Having tried to hide my sin for decades, I cried out to the Lord for help and He heard me.
"The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. Then I called on the name of the LORD; 'O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!' Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful. The LORD preserves the simple; when I was brought low, He saved me."
In my desperation and hopelessness, I was ready to end it all. I saw no other way. I was distressed, because I didn't want to deal with my sins and the consequences. It was at that bottom, that the Lord turned my eyes to Him for deliverance.
"Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you. For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living."
Now I am able to rest in the Lord and enjoy His bounty in my life. He spared my life. He keeps me from falling into sin. He has kept me alive for a reason.
"I believed, even when I spoke: 'I am greatly afflicted;' I said in my alarm, 'All mankind are liars.'"
It has been a difficult time, and often I thought my friends were against me. But those who are true friends were and still are trying to help me.
"What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD, I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people."
God has blessed me and now I can bless others.
"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints."
But in His timing, not mine.
"O LORD, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant, You have loosed my bonds."
He is the one who has set me free. Free to be His servant.
"I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD, I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people, in the courts of the house of the LORD, in your midst, O Jerusalem."
Nothing better can be done than to give God thanks for what He has done.
"Praise the LORD!"
"I love the LORD, because He has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy.
Because He inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live."
Having tried to hide my sin for decades, I cried out to the Lord for help and He heard me.
"The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. Then I called on the name of the LORD; 'O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!' Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful. The LORD preserves the simple; when I was brought low, He saved me."
In my desperation and hopelessness, I was ready to end it all. I saw no other way. I was distressed, because I didn't want to deal with my sins and the consequences. It was at that bottom, that the Lord turned my eyes to Him for deliverance.
"Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you. For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living."
Now I am able to rest in the Lord and enjoy His bounty in my life. He spared my life. He keeps me from falling into sin. He has kept me alive for a reason.
"I believed, even when I spoke: 'I am greatly afflicted;' I said in my alarm, 'All mankind are liars.'"
It has been a difficult time, and often I thought my friends were against me. But those who are true friends were and still are trying to help me.
"What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD, I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people."
God has blessed me and now I can bless others.
"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints."
But in His timing, not mine.
"O LORD, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant, You have loosed my bonds."
He is the one who has set me free. Free to be His servant.
"I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD, I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people, in the courts of the house of the LORD, in your midst, O Jerusalem."
Nothing better can be done than to give God thanks for what He has done.
"Praise the LORD!"
Monday, June 10, 2013
You Can Be Certain
Many people aren't sure if they'll make it to heaven.
Will I have done enough good things? Will St Peter let me in the pearly gates? Did I go to church enough? Did I give enough to the church?
John says that we can know for certain that we have eternal life.
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that yo may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13).
So what are "these things" that he has written about?
The letter is full of evidences of having eternal life and John is pretty clear about it. He often says, "By this you know..."
Here's a list by chapter:
It's not a guessing game. It's not wishful thinking. It's confidence.
Go through the list and evaluate yourself.
Do you have eternal life, or not?
Will I have done enough good things? Will St Peter let me in the pearly gates? Did I go to church enough? Did I give enough to the church?
John says that we can know for certain that we have eternal life.
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that yo may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13).
So what are "these things" that he has written about?
The letter is full of evidences of having eternal life and John is pretty clear about it. He often says, "By this you know..."
Here's a list by chapter:
- Dealing with sins. Admitting sin. Confessing sin. Claiming the blood of Christ to cleanse us from our sins, not our works. Enjoying fellowship with God, Jesus and others.
- Obeying Christ. Abiding in Christ. Not loving the world. Loving one another. Believing that Christ came in the flesh. Practicing righteousness.
- Anticipation of being in the presence of Christ. Not continuing to sin. Loving in action, not just word. Heart does not condemn. Obedience. Testimony of the Spirit.
- Loving one another. Having the Spirit. Confessing that Jesus is the Son of God. Abiding in love. Loving brothers.
- Overcoming the world through Jesus Christ. Believing in Jesus. Answered prayer. Not continuing in sin. Free from the power of the evil one.
It's not a guessing game. It's not wishful thinking. It's confidence.
Go through the list and evaluate yourself.
Do you have eternal life, or not?
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Loving the World or Enjoying God's Blessings?
"Do not love the world or the things in the world..." (1 John 2:15a).
It's challenging to walk that line of loving the world and enjoying God's blessings.
We are commanded often to not love the world. The rest of the above verse says that if we love the world, the love the Father is not in us. And a few verses later John reminds us that the world and it's desires are passing, so loving them is pointless (v 17).
Yet we have examples of wealthy people in the Bible, who became wealthy because God blessed them. Abraham and Solomon easily come to mind. One lesson of Ecclesiastes is that we should enjoy the good things that God has given us. The woman of Proverbs 31 is praised by her husband and children. There are good things that can happen to us in this world, and there's nothing wrong with them.
How can we tell if we are loving the world, or enjoying the blessings that God has poured out on us?
Perhaps we can ask ourselves some questions of self-evaluation:
It's challenging to walk that line of loving the world and enjoying God's blessings.
We are commanded often to not love the world. The rest of the above verse says that if we love the world, the love the Father is not in us. And a few verses later John reminds us that the world and it's desires are passing, so loving them is pointless (v 17).
Yet we have examples of wealthy people in the Bible, who became wealthy because God blessed them. Abraham and Solomon easily come to mind. One lesson of Ecclesiastes is that we should enjoy the good things that God has given us. The woman of Proverbs 31 is praised by her husband and children. There are good things that can happen to us in this world, and there's nothing wrong with them.
How can we tell if we are loving the world, or enjoying the blessings that God has poured out on us?
Perhaps we can ask ourselves some questions of self-evaluation:
- How do I react if the things around me are taken away?
- How do I react if I don't get the things that I want?
If my responses in either of those situations is sinful, then I'm loving the things of the world than God. If I respond in bitterness, anger, envy, jealousy or greed, then having those things is more important to me than living to please God.
The objects have become more important than the Giver.
Enjoy the blessings from God, but don't let them take the place of God.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Who is like the LORD our God?
Psalm 113 begins with a call to praise the LORD. All day, every day and everywhere the LORD's name is to be praised.
Why?
Because He is above all nations. He is sovereign over the rulers, over the United Nations, over the Taliban. He is more powerful than the electoral college, the Supreme Court, or Wall Street.
And because His glory is above the heavens. He is more glorious than any star, any planet, any cloud nebulae. He is more magnificent than any mountain, any waterfall, any ocean. He is more amazing than the tiniest microbes, the growing trees or the human body.
He is seated on high, yet He looks down on the earth.
"Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?" (v 5-6).
He is exalted, yet He concerns Himself with the needs of man.
He lifts up the poor from the garbage heap to set him with nobles. He lifts the individual out of the pit of sin and seats him at the right hand of Christ. That's pretty amazing!
He gives the barren woman children. He performs miracles which medicine can't explain. He puts a baby in the womb of a woman. He heals cancer patients. He makes the lame to walk.
High and powerful, yet concerned about the needs of His creation.
That's my God!
Why?
Because He is above all nations. He is sovereign over the rulers, over the United Nations, over the Taliban. He is more powerful than the electoral college, the Supreme Court, or Wall Street.
And because His glory is above the heavens. He is more glorious than any star, any planet, any cloud nebulae. He is more magnificent than any mountain, any waterfall, any ocean. He is more amazing than the tiniest microbes, the growing trees or the human body.
He is seated on high, yet He looks down on the earth.
"Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?" (v 5-6).
He is exalted, yet He concerns Himself with the needs of man.
He lifts up the poor from the garbage heap to set him with nobles. He lifts the individual out of the pit of sin and seats him at the right hand of Christ. That's pretty amazing!
He gives the barren woman children. He performs miracles which medicine can't explain. He puts a baby in the womb of a woman. He heals cancer patients. He makes the lame to walk.
High and powerful, yet concerned about the needs of His creation.
That's my God!
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
You don't have to sin!
"My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin" (1 John 1:1a).
Wow! John is pretty bold to write that he has the secret to a life without sin.
I'm guessing that most of us would like to read what that secret is.
Then we just have to study what John has written, so we'll back up to the beginning of 1 John.
John begins by writing about the Word of life, Jesus Christ. He has eternally been with the Father, but was revealed to man. He came to earth and revealed the Father to us (1:1-2).
Christ was revealed so that we can have fellowship with the Father, with His Son Jesus Christ and with other believers (v 3).
And when we enjoy this type of fellowship, our joy can be full (v 4).
So Christ came that we can have relationships and joy.
How do we maintain fellowship with the Father, the Son and other believers, gaining the by-product of joy?
By having a biblical view of God and sin.
God is light. Sin is darkness. Light and darkness can't exist in the same place at the same time.
If we want to have fellowship, we have to choose not to sin (v 5-7) and admit our sinfulness and sins (v 8-10).
We can choose not to sin, but if we fail and choose sinfully, there's still hope.
The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin (v 7). Because He is faithful and just, He will forgive us and cleanse us (v 10). He is the advocate with the Father on our behalf (2:1) and He has satisfied God with His sacrifice (2:2).
Put it all together and we have no reason to sin.
We can choose to have fellowship with God, Jesus and other believers, filled with joy.
Or we can choose to live a secret life of sinfulness, filled with fear of discovery.
What's your choice?
Wow! John is pretty bold to write that he has the secret to a life without sin.
I'm guessing that most of us would like to read what that secret is.
Then we just have to study what John has written, so we'll back up to the beginning of 1 John.
John begins by writing about the Word of life, Jesus Christ. He has eternally been with the Father, but was revealed to man. He came to earth and revealed the Father to us (1:1-2).
Christ was revealed so that we can have fellowship with the Father, with His Son Jesus Christ and with other believers (v 3).
And when we enjoy this type of fellowship, our joy can be full (v 4).
So Christ came that we can have relationships and joy.
How do we maintain fellowship with the Father, the Son and other believers, gaining the by-product of joy?
By having a biblical view of God and sin.
God is light. Sin is darkness. Light and darkness can't exist in the same place at the same time.
If we want to have fellowship, we have to choose not to sin (v 5-7) and admit our sinfulness and sins (v 8-10).
We can choose not to sin, but if we fail and choose sinfully, there's still hope.
The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin (v 7). Because He is faithful and just, He will forgive us and cleanse us (v 10). He is the advocate with the Father on our behalf (2:1) and He has satisfied God with His sacrifice (2:2).
Put it all together and we have no reason to sin.
We can choose to have fellowship with God, Jesus and other believers, filled with joy.
Or we can choose to live a secret life of sinfulness, filled with fear of discovery.
What's your choice?
Monday, June 3, 2013
God Save the Queen.
Stan Boelman, missionary in England posted this on Sunday on his Facebook page:
Happy Coronation anniversary to the Queen. 60 years ago today, Elizabeth was crowned as "Her Majesty Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, Ireland and the British Dominions beyond the Seas Queen, Defender of the Faith, Duchess of Edinburgh, Countess of Merioneth, Baroness Greenwich, Duke of Lancaster, Lord of Mann, Duke of Normandy, Sovereign of the Most Honourable Order of the Garter, Sovereign of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Sovereign of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, Sovereign of the Most Illustrious Order of Saint Patrick, Sovereign of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Sovereign of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Sovereign of the Distinguished Service Order, Sovereign of the Imperial Service Order, Sovereign of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India, Sovereign of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire, Sovereign of the Order of British India, Sovereign of the Indian Order of Merit, Sovereign of the Order of Burma, Sovereign of the Royal Order of Victoria and Albert, Sovereign of the Royal Family Order of King Edward VII, Sovereign of the Order of Merit, Sovereign of the Order of the Companions of Honour, Sovereign of the Royal Victorian Order, Sovereign of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem." God save the Queen.
That's quite a list of titles.
I suppose there are people who know what they all mean. Talk about wearing a lot of hats.
And 60 years is a long time for her to hold all those positions. Not many of us have held any job for 60 years.
But it made me think of another sovereign.
That would be "Sovereign" with a capital "S."
The Queen of England does deserve respect because of her position and her title.
But God is sovereign over her.
In fact, God is sovereign over the whole universe. From the massive amounts of empty space to the subatomic particles. He's in control over all of those.
No one crowned Him to be sovereign. He didn't inherit the title. He didn't defeat any enemies to gain the throne.
He has always been and always will be sovereign.
So while we may celebrate the Queen of England's 60 year reign, let's not to celebrate and submit to our Sovereign Lord (Psalm 93).
Happy Coronation anniversary to the Queen. 60 years ago today, Elizabeth was crowned as "Her Majesty Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, Ireland and the British Dominions beyond the Seas Queen, Defender of the Faith, Duchess of Edinburgh, Countess of Merioneth, Baroness Greenwich, Duke of Lancaster, Lord of Mann, Duke of Normandy, Sovereign of the Most Honourable Order of the Garter, Sovereign of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Sovereign of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, Sovereign of the Most Illustrious Order of Saint Patrick, Sovereign of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Sovereign of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Sovereign of the Distinguished Service Order, Sovereign of the Imperial Service Order, Sovereign of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India, Sovereign of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire, Sovereign of the Order of British India, Sovereign of the Indian Order of Merit, Sovereign of the Order of Burma, Sovereign of the Royal Order of Victoria and Albert, Sovereign of the Royal Family Order of King Edward VII, Sovereign of the Order of Merit, Sovereign of the Order of the Companions of Honour, Sovereign of the Royal Victorian Order, Sovereign of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem." God save the Queen.
That's quite a list of titles.
I suppose there are people who know what they all mean. Talk about wearing a lot of hats.
And 60 years is a long time for her to hold all those positions. Not many of us have held any job for 60 years.
But it made me think of another sovereign.
That would be "Sovereign" with a capital "S."
The Queen of England does deserve respect because of her position and her title.
But God is sovereign over her.
In fact, God is sovereign over the whole universe. From the massive amounts of empty space to the subatomic particles. He's in control over all of those.
No one crowned Him to be sovereign. He didn't inherit the title. He didn't defeat any enemies to gain the throne.
He has always been and always will be sovereign.
So while we may celebrate the Queen of England's 60 year reign, let's not to celebrate and submit to our Sovereign Lord (Psalm 93).
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Finally! A Sermon about Something!
Pastor Dave Tebbenkamp has been preaching a series through Ecclesiastes entitled, "Sermons about Nothing." Today was the last sermon and it was a sermon about something!
Throughout the book, Solomon has been telling of his experiences through his life. He had tried everything, been everywhere and knew more than anyone else. Yet his sermon repeats the phrase, "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity."
All of his experiences amounted to a meaningless life...without God.
But with God, all of those experiences have meaning.
"When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: fear God and keep His commands" (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Work hard.
Study hard.
Enjoy your career.
Fix great food.
Build a house.
Have a family.
Go on vacation.
Accumulate wealth.
Enjoy the arts.
Keep your body fit.
Enjoy your retirement years.
There is nothing wrong with these. But if any, some or all of them are the sum total of your life, you'll come up short.
If you're living for any, some or all of them, you'll be disappointed.
Just ask Solomon. He did it all 100 times better than most of us will be able to afford.
But what he found was that these things with God in the picture will give meaning to life.
Work hard and fear God.
Study hard and fear God.
Enjoy your career and fear God.
Build a house and fear God.
Get the picture?
Fearing God in all of life's endeavors will give them each an eternal perspective. No longer is it living from one event to the next. No longer is it looking for the next kick. Nor is it avoiding those "kicks" for some hyper-spiritual reason.
Rather, it's putting God into your life in every aspect. Seeking to please Him in everything you do.
That will give you a life with meaning.
Throughout the book, Solomon has been telling of his experiences through his life. He had tried everything, been everywhere and knew more than anyone else. Yet his sermon repeats the phrase, "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity."
All of his experiences amounted to a meaningless life...without God.
But with God, all of those experiences have meaning.
"When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: fear God and keep His commands" (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Work hard.
Study hard.
Enjoy your career.
Fix great food.
Build a house.
Have a family.
Go on vacation.
Accumulate wealth.
Enjoy the arts.
Keep your body fit.
Enjoy your retirement years.
There is nothing wrong with these. But if any, some or all of them are the sum total of your life, you'll come up short.
If you're living for any, some or all of them, you'll be disappointed.
Just ask Solomon. He did it all 100 times better than most of us will be able to afford.
But what he found was that these things with God in the picture will give meaning to life.
Work hard and fear God.
Study hard and fear God.
Enjoy your career and fear God.
Build a house and fear God.
Get the picture?
Fearing God in all of life's endeavors will give them each an eternal perspective. No longer is it living from one event to the next. No longer is it looking for the next kick. Nor is it avoiding those "kicks" for some hyper-spiritual reason.
Rather, it's putting God into your life in every aspect. Seeking to please Him in everything you do.
That will give you a life with meaning.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
A Heart of Integrity
God told Solomon:
"As for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, with a heart of integrity and in what is right..." (1 Kings 9:4a).
Wait! Wasn't David the king who committed adultery and murder?
What's this "heart of integrity and in what is right?"
That's usually what we think about David. How can God say that David walked with a heart of integrity when he committed those awful sins?
I wonder if it's an attempt to maximize the sins of David to make our sins look not so bad. We try to rationalize that our sins aren't so bad.
"God said that David walked with a heart of integrity, and I'm certainly not THAT bad!"
The heart of integrity is not seen in David's sin, but in David's response to the sin.
After committing the sins, he was in physical, emotional and spiritual anguish (Psalm 32).
When Nathan confronted David, the king's response revealed his heart of integrity (Psalm 51).
David confessed, repented and lived with the consequences.
Two lessons to learn:
"As for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, with a heart of integrity and in what is right..." (1 Kings 9:4a).
Wait! Wasn't David the king who committed adultery and murder?
What's this "heart of integrity and in what is right?"
That's usually what we think about David. How can God say that David walked with a heart of integrity when he committed those awful sins?
I wonder if it's an attempt to maximize the sins of David to make our sins look not so bad. We try to rationalize that our sins aren't so bad.
"God said that David walked with a heart of integrity, and I'm certainly not THAT bad!"
The heart of integrity is not seen in David's sin, but in David's response to the sin.
After committing the sins, he was in physical, emotional and spiritual anguish (Psalm 32).
When Nathan confronted David, the king's response revealed his heart of integrity (Psalm 51).
David confessed, repented and lived with the consequences.
Two lessons to learn:
- We look at the sin and condemn. God looks at our response to the sin. David responded like God desired. He didn't remain in the sin, but chose to return to God and godly living.
- God can use us, even when we fall into sin. It's not the end of life and ministry. We have to choose to get out of the pit of sin like David: confession and repentance.
Will God look at your life and say that you walked with a heart of integrity and in what is right?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)