Many people "study" their Bible like they tour an art museum. Perhaps you've stood in front of an Expressionist masterpiece--paint splatters and unrecognizable forms--scratched your head and left without any idea what the painting means. You know there's a truth hidden beneath the color, shapes and textures, but you have neither the tools or the patience to discover it. The same applies to our approach to God's Word. God is the Master Artist who has left us with a marvelous work/Word filled with life-changing truth. What we need are the tools to make sense of the meaning.
The first step to appreciating God's Word is "Preparation." It's the work before the work. We prepare to study our Bible by inviting the Holy Spirit to lead us. In 1 Corinthians 2:10-16, we learn that the Spirit of God reveals the heart and mind of God. And, Jesus said that He would send His Holy Spirit as a counselor (aka "advisor" or "teacher") to lead us into truth. So, apart from the Spirit's influence, I cannot make sense of the meaning of the Scriptures. On the other hand, because of the indwelling Spirit, I may discern God's leading.
It makes sense, therefore, that I prepare my heart before I dive into my study. I want to read with the "mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16). So, I start my study praying: "Holy Spirit, open my eyes that I may see; open my mind that I may understand; open my heart that I may receive what You want to show me; and open my hands to do what I learn."
The first step to Bible Study is to get in step with the Spirit.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
right tool, right way
I remember a fellow once using the phrase "Right tool, wrong way." This was probably his response to me using a hammer to break rocks or a screwdriver to scrape dried paint off a table. For a tool to be useful, it should be used as it was designed.
This week, our Bible Study looked at 2 Timothy 2:15: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." These words were penned by the Apostle Paul who was warning his young disciple to use the tool of God's Word in a way it was intended. Included in this verse are several coordinate truths.
First, there is an incorrect way to handle God's Word. It is possible for me to read, study and use my Bible the wrong way. While it might sound strange [don't we all get credit for simply opening our Bibles up this morning?!], I must remember that the worst of heresies were forged by people with the best of intentions. They just didn't handle the Word correctly.
Second, to be cavalier in the way I handle God's Word may lead to my shame. The word literally means "accusation." Flippant interpretation and application of spiritual truth makes me guilty. When life doesn't "work," I've got no one to blame but myself.
Third, I am accountable before God in the way I wield His weapon [the Bible is called a "sword in Ephesians 6:17]. Because the Bible is God's Word[s], I want to make sure I represent God accurately. A seminary professor once told our class, "You better not say 'Thus sayeth the Lord unless the Lord thus sayeth'!"
In the coming posts, I will spend a little time writing about how to study the Bible well. A few great resources for those who want to go deeper include Dr. Howard Hendrick's Living By The Book and Fee and Stuart's How To Read The Bible For All It's Worth. I hope you'll follow the next few posts to learn how to use the right tool the right way.
This week, our Bible Study looked at 2 Timothy 2:15: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." These words were penned by the Apostle Paul who was warning his young disciple to use the tool of God's Word in a way it was intended. Included in this verse are several coordinate truths.
First, there is an incorrect way to handle God's Word. It is possible for me to read, study and use my Bible the wrong way. While it might sound strange [don't we all get credit for simply opening our Bibles up this morning?!], I must remember that the worst of heresies were forged by people with the best of intentions. They just didn't handle the Word correctly.
Second, to be cavalier in the way I handle God's Word may lead to my shame. The word literally means "accusation." Flippant interpretation and application of spiritual truth makes me guilty. When life doesn't "work," I've got no one to blame but myself.
Third, I am accountable before God in the way I wield His weapon [the Bible is called a "sword in Ephesians 6:17]. Because the Bible is God's Word[s], I want to make sure I represent God accurately. A seminary professor once told our class, "You better not say 'Thus sayeth the Lord unless the Lord thus sayeth'!"
In the coming posts, I will spend a little time writing about how to study the Bible well. A few great resources for those who want to go deeper include Dr. Howard Hendrick's Living By The Book and Fee and Stuart's How To Read The Bible For All It's Worth. I hope you'll follow the next few posts to learn how to use the right tool the right way.
Friday, July 17, 2009
from kislev to nisan
Four months to respond. If it took my kids that long to obey, they'd be grounded for a very long time. Yet, that's the distance from Nehemiah 1:1 to 2:1. In that time, God's servant sensed a calling to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls. But, it took a while for him to actually pack his bags and head west. Four months.
I sat outside this morning, studying my Bible and noticed this interesting delay. Then, Jenna joined me and we had a brief conversation about "impulse purchases"--the temptation to buy last-minute mints, batteries and tabloids at the checkout counter. I counseled her about the value of waiting. Wisdom is born out of the time spent to make good decisions.
Perhaps this explains Nehemiah's delay. He could have immediately saddled up the royal camels and followed his heart to his homeland. Instead, he waited--perhaps to confirm God's direction, perhaps to complete his commitments, perhaps to gather his resources or perhaps to simply let any residue of self-serving impulsivity evaporate. Whatever the reason, his waiting seemed to be the right thing to do.
When God calls, I don't want to delay in doing what I know I should do. Still, I don't want to foolishly move forward without taking time to pray, seek godly counsel, gather my resources, and exercise wisdom. In the end, the time between Kislev and Nisan may just be what enables me to not only do God's will, but do it well.
I sat outside this morning, studying my Bible and noticed this interesting delay. Then, Jenna joined me and we had a brief conversation about "impulse purchases"--the temptation to buy last-minute mints, batteries and tabloids at the checkout counter. I counseled her about the value of waiting. Wisdom is born out of the time spent to make good decisions.
Perhaps this explains Nehemiah's delay. He could have immediately saddled up the royal camels and followed his heart to his homeland. Instead, he waited--perhaps to confirm God's direction, perhaps to complete his commitments, perhaps to gather his resources or perhaps to simply let any residue of self-serving impulsivity evaporate. Whatever the reason, his waiting seemed to be the right thing to do.
When God calls, I don't want to delay in doing what I know I should do. Still, I don't want to foolishly move forward without taking time to pray, seek godly counsel, gather my resources, and exercise wisdom. In the end, the time between Kislev and Nisan may just be what enables me to not only do God's will, but do it well.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
peacefully over-par
I picked Pearson up from his golf tournament today and listened as he described every stroke for his short, nine holes of play. He found himself trapped in several bunkers and even got caught in the weeds once or twice. Yet, surprisingly, his spirit was positive, optimistic and looking forward to a second round of play tomorrow.
In their book, The Mulligan: A Parable of Second Chances, Wally Armstrong and Ken Blanchard highlight the "NATO" principle. It affirms that, no matter what, I am "not attached to the outcomes." In other words, I am not my score. No matter how many shots I strike poorly or where I land, who I am isn't ultimately determined by how well I perform [which is really great news if you've ever seen me on the golf course]. With God, there is no scorecard.
This fits my focus on position and condition in yesterday's sermon [Colossians 3:1-4]. Some days, I'm on my game. Every mechanic of my spiritual life comes together and I play like a pro. I'm loving God, serving my family and making great choices with my time, money and resources. On other days, I feel like a Christian amateur, failing at all the fundamentals. My life is in the weeds or out of bounds. However, because of my position Christ, I am not my score. My condition may change, but my position is always par for the course. That truth keeps me coming back to the tee box, hoping to play a better hole each day.
In their book, The Mulligan: A Parable of Second Chances, Wally Armstrong and Ken Blanchard highlight the "NATO" principle. It affirms that, no matter what, I am "not attached to the outcomes." In other words, I am not my score. No matter how many shots I strike poorly or where I land, who I am isn't ultimately determined by how well I perform [which is really great news if you've ever seen me on the golf course]. With God, there is no scorecard.
This fits my focus on position and condition in yesterday's sermon [Colossians 3:1-4]. Some days, I'm on my game. Every mechanic of my spiritual life comes together and I play like a pro. I'm loving God, serving my family and making great choices with my time, money and resources. On other days, I feel like a Christian amateur, failing at all the fundamentals. My life is in the weeds or out of bounds. However, because of my position Christ, I am not my score. My condition may change, but my position is always par for the course. That truth keeps me coming back to the tee box, hoping to play a better hole each day.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
deep[er] thoughts
Since I began "tweeting" a few days ago, I have found myself thinking more deeply. I know the networking function is intended to be more casual, but I have chosen to use it primarily to "spur others on to love and good deeds" [Hebrews 10:24]. While I do occasionally post random notes about my sometimes random life, I am finding that many tweets are causing me to stop and ask "What's important?" or "What do I see?" or "What does it mean?" This is a great way to invest my mind.
For a pastor's view on the value of Tweeting and a huge motivation for my new practice, see this article.
I hope you'll follow me.
For a pastor's view on the value of Tweeting and a huge motivation for my new practice, see this article.
I hope you'll follow me.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
tweet tweet
We had an amazing meeting at PBC today with Matt Powell who led our staff through some of the basics and benefits of social networking. So, I jumped aboard Twitter and will probably find myself in the deep end soon. Follow me at: @Pastor_Daniels or click on "Follow Me" on the Twitter list in the margin below. Hopefully, I'll figure out how to start tweeting before any of you wake up from your nests in the morning.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
2 kinds of suffering
As I continue to converse with others regarding Sunday's message ["The Satisfaction of Suffering"], I find the most common comment has been a clarification between suffering for being a Christian and suffering for simply being human. Peter writes, "If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name" [1 Peter 4:16]. This means there is a suffering that is distinctly "Christian" and is different from other sorts of suffering experienced by people everywhere.
So, in Colossians 1:24, when Paul writes, "Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church," he isn't rejoicing in his cancer diagnosis, his job loss or the untimely extra expense of replacing his air conditioner. He is talking about the unique suffering he experienced because a) he was a Christian and, b) was making Christ known with his life.
In a conversation with one of our elders, I described it this way: We should suffer to communicate the Gospel and we can communicate the Gospel in our suffering. In the first case, we accept difficulty, inconvenience and loss along the way as we choose to make Christ known. In the second case, we have opportunity to make Christ known through the unexpected and usual suffering we face in our life. In both cases, Christ may be exalted. But there is a distinctive difference in the suffering.
So, in Colossians 1:24, when Paul writes, "Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church," he isn't rejoicing in his cancer diagnosis, his job loss or the untimely extra expense of replacing his air conditioner. He is talking about the unique suffering he experienced because a) he was a Christian and, b) was making Christ known with his life.
In a conversation with one of our elders, I described it this way: We should suffer to communicate the Gospel and we can communicate the Gospel in our suffering. In the first case, we accept difficulty, inconvenience and loss along the way as we choose to make Christ known. In the second case, we have opportunity to make Christ known through the unexpected and usual suffering we face in our life. In both cases, Christ may be exalted. But there is a distinctive difference in the suffering.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
when dying is gain
This week, I preached Colossians 1:24-2:5...one of the most challenging passages of Scripture to me. Several years ago, I was riveted by a sermon by John Piper first preached to students at Wheaton College in 1996. The title of the message--"Doing Missions When Dying is Gain"--is convicting enough to make most folks not listen to the message at all. However, I promise that you will never think the same about suffering and the Kingdom when you're done. You may download an audio copy or manuscript HERE.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
turncoats and tradition
On Thursday and Friday, we took Grant to Texas A&M in College Station to explore the campus. he is two years away from high school graduation, but is getting a head start to begin making decisions about his future. While the tour was wonderful, I felt like I was selling my soul--betraying my Longhorn history.
One of the things I appreciated about the A&M environment was its strong commitment to tradition--from the 12th Man story, to the game time yells to the beautiful "century tree." There is a statue on the main mall of A&M founder with a stack of pennies at his feet. Lore has it that if a student "pays" homage to the man, they will do better on their exams. As our tour guide explained the pastime, I could see Grant doing the math, wondering how much money he would be leaving if he got his degree there.
There is a difference between tradition and traditionalism. The former is a perpetuated pattern of behavior or belief that maintains a respect for the past. Tradition roots us in memories and meaning. Tradition is what families and communities carry forward in a new generation. In contrast, traditionalism doesn't encourage the present with the past; It traps it. Traditionalism forces itself on the present and refuses to budge.
In Matthew 15:2, the Pharisees wondered why Jesus' disciples broke with "the tradition of the elders." In Colossians 2:8, Paul warned about the "traditions of men." In these cases, the problem wasn't tradition per se, but traditionalism. The religious elite couldn't break with the basic principles of the past in order to embrace what God was doing in the present. They were driving forward looking in their rear view mirror.
As a pastor and father, I want my church and immediate family to cherish tradition. I long for a continuity between what God is doing today and what we will remember tomorrow. But, I am on guard against traditionalism. In this case, I'd rather be an Aggie than a Pharisee.
One of the things I appreciated about the A&M environment was its strong commitment to tradition--from the 12th Man story, to the game time yells to the beautiful "century tree." There is a statue on the main mall of A&M founder with a stack of pennies at his feet. Lore has it that if a student "pays" homage to the man, they will do better on their exams. As our tour guide explained the pastime, I could see Grant doing the math, wondering how much money he would be leaving if he got his degree there.
There is a difference between tradition and traditionalism. The former is a perpetuated pattern of behavior or belief that maintains a respect for the past. Tradition roots us in memories and meaning. Tradition is what families and communities carry forward in a new generation. In contrast, traditionalism doesn't encourage the present with the past; It traps it. Traditionalism forces itself on the present and refuses to budge.
In Matthew 15:2, the Pharisees wondered why Jesus' disciples broke with "the tradition of the elders." In Colossians 2:8, Paul warned about the "traditions of men." In these cases, the problem wasn't tradition per se, but traditionalism. The religious elite couldn't break with the basic principles of the past in order to embrace what God was doing in the present. They were driving forward looking in their rear view mirror.
As a pastor and father, I want my church and immediate family to cherish tradition. I long for a continuity between what God is doing today and what we will remember tomorrow. But, I am on guard against traditionalism. In this case, I'd rather be an Aggie than a Pharisee.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
take me out to the ballgame
I took Pearson to the ballpark to catch the final game between the Rangers and Blue Jays. A storm blew in from the west--the likes of what I've never seen before. The stands emptied and everyone escaped to the concourse, packed like sardines. As the lightning flashed, the winds picked up and the torrent increased, I silently studied the exits and safe places. My senses were on alert.Several biblical thoughts ran through my mind to pass the time:
1. What must Noah have thought?
2. 1 Corinthians 10:13 -When tempted, God always provides a way of escape.
3. 1 Peter 5:8 - Be on guard, against the Devil's attack.
4. Matthew 5:45 - God causes his rain to fall on the righteous and the unrighteous.
5. Luke 17:24 - The Son of man will come with flashes of lightning and thunder.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
my new hobby
Thanks to Craig Porter for the lessons in lake surfing. Not too graceful, but a whole lot of fun!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
truly rich
I have been meeting with a small group of men in my community for the last 8-9 weeks to encourage one another in our spiritual lives. We have been studying the 30 Core Competencies of our church: 10 Beliefs, 10 Virtues and 10 Practices. For a while, I've decided to add some thoughts about each Competency to my blog so that readers can follow our discussions.
This week, we looked at the Core Belief of "Stewardship" which simply affirms: "I believe that everything I am or own belongs to God." We studied 1 Timothy 6:17-19 where the unmistakable theme of Paul's charge was "riches." First, he cautions Timothy not to put his hope in material riches but to put his hope in spiritual riches found in God. If Timothy pursues rich deeds instead of dollars, he will eventually discover a treasure in heaven. This passage echoes Jesus' words in Matthew 6:19-21:
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
The main point of both texts is that the truly rich life is determined, not by what we gain, but by what we give. In this way, it really is "more blessed to give than to receive" [Acts 20:35]. God supplies us with material riches to bless others in need. Through acts of generosity and grace, we enjoy spiritual richness which lay an eternal foundation and leads to true life.
In his excellent book, What's So Amazing About Grace, Philip Yancey reflects on "the atrocious mathematics of the Gospel." Jesus suggested that the first should come last, the least would become greatest, and leaders are servants. Paul noted that "dying is gain." The constant theme is that God's people are to become the "biggest losers." Addition by subtraction. Which means that stewardship is not about me simply managing my stuff. Rather, stewardship is me recognizing that my stuff is God's stuff, given on loan, to give away to others. As I spend myself to meet the needs in my community, I live. And then I realize how very rich I truly am.
This week, we looked at the Core Belief of "Stewardship" which simply affirms: "I believe that everything I am or own belongs to God." We studied 1 Timothy 6:17-19 where the unmistakable theme of Paul's charge was "riches." First, he cautions Timothy not to put his hope in material riches but to put his hope in spiritual riches found in God. If Timothy pursues rich deeds instead of dollars, he will eventually discover a treasure in heaven. This passage echoes Jesus' words in Matthew 6:19-21:
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
The main point of both texts is that the truly rich life is determined, not by what we gain, but by what we give. In this way, it really is "more blessed to give than to receive" [Acts 20:35]. God supplies us with material riches to bless others in need. Through acts of generosity and grace, we enjoy spiritual richness which lay an eternal foundation and leads to true life.
In his excellent book, What's So Amazing About Grace, Philip Yancey reflects on "the atrocious mathematics of the Gospel." Jesus suggested that the first should come last, the least would become greatest, and leaders are servants. Paul noted that "dying is gain." The constant theme is that God's people are to become the "biggest losers." Addition by subtraction. Which means that stewardship is not about me simply managing my stuff. Rather, stewardship is me recognizing that my stuff is God's stuff, given on loan, to give away to others. As I spend myself to meet the needs in my community, I live. And then I realize how very rich I truly am.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
maintaining unity
This morning, during our staff chapel, I used Pastor John Piper's excellent reflections on preserving unity amid diversity. As a leadership team, we must strive to "preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" [Ephesians 4:3]. Piper's six principles are worth reading for anyone. See his Taste&See post here.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
humility wins out
Kris Allen wins. He's the newest American Idol--a dark horse leading from the back of the pack. He is the exact opposite of his contender, Adam Lambert. He's understated, unspectacular and unpretentious. And, for this reason, he was the underdog...not expected to win according to Idol blog posts. But, character upstaged talent. In a surprising move, America voted for humility.
No doubt, Kris will need some coaching to help him stand in the spotlight. But, I'd like to think that his meekness, not his music, won the day. It makes me wonder if this is what attracted so many people to Jesus. The Lord would never have gone platinum with back-up singers, yet He was humble--completely unexpected for a Messiah.
As I watched Kris' genuinely-surprised win, I longed to be more unvarnished and less perfected. More heart, less haughtiness. A little more like Kris, and much more like Christ.
No doubt, Kris will need some coaching to help him stand in the spotlight. But, I'd like to think that his meekness, not his music, won the day. It makes me wonder if this is what attracted so many people to Jesus. The Lord would never have gone platinum with back-up singers, yet He was humble--completely unexpected for a Messiah.
As I watched Kris' genuinely-surprised win, I longed to be more unvarnished and less perfected. More heart, less haughtiness. A little more like Kris, and much more like Christ.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
mom to me
Almost 20 years ago, I "left and cleft" [my made-up past tense of "cleave"]. Snipping the apron strings of my natural mom, I married my college sweetheart who became mother to our three fantastic kids. During our marriage, she's also been quite a "mom" to me. Tiffany is tireless in the way she takes care of our family needs, invests in our children and serves me as a perfect helpmate. She inspires my walk with Jesus Christ and makes me want to be more of a husband to her. So, this Mother's Day, I thank God for my mom, Fran Daniels. But, I also thank God for a mother who takes first place, at least in my heart. Tiffany, I thank God for you!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
for you and 10 friends
This week, I received three seemingly unrelated emails that converged into one very disturbing reality. The first email offered me free money (amazing!). That's right. Apparently, the federal government has stacks of cash laying around in the basement of some building just waiting to be claimed. If I would respond quickly, I might qualify! First come, first served. Honest.
The second email urgently pleaded with me to sign a petition to fight a piece of legislation. The tone of the letter was reminiscent of Edmund Burke's warning: "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." If I "click here" I really could make difference.
Like you, I get dozens of these emails a day. Fortunately, most of them get rerouted to my junk mail folder and I never have to deal with them. It's the third email that troubles me. It's a reflection on "the joy that comes from appreciating the little things in life," or something nostalgic like that. I get one of these messages, usually with an attached Powerpoint presentation, embedded hymn audio, Thomas Kinkade painting or tear-jerking story scribed in 8 different exotic fonts.
This week's email of the "little things" included puppies, the breath of a sleeping baby, fresh laundry on the backyard line and the tinkle of wind chimes in the spring breeze. Then [and this is my frustration], I read the line: "Send this to at least 10 friends right now and see what God does! Don't break the chain. If you REPLY and add nine friends to this list, you will be amazed at the incredible 'little things' that will begin to happen in your own life."
Oh brother. In the words of John Stossel, "Give me a break!"
Do we really believe that there's a blessing to be gained because we spammed 9 friends (now former friends) with an email framed with 1980's clip art pictures? Does anyone really think they can twist God's arm into giving them the goods because they passed on the poem? If you do, I know a rich woman in Uganda who would like to send you $100,000.
I can guess three reasons why we continue to get these emails...even from well-intentioned Christians. First, many people are desperate for a touch from God. Their time with God has grown so cold that they're genuinely hoping that something--anything--will ignite the fire of revival. Second, some have lost a view of sovereignty. Many people in the Bible viewed God's blessings as something to be earned. No doubt, God rewards faith [Hebrews 11:6]. But, God does many good things apart from human action. He isn't a divine marionette waiting for us to pull His strings. He does act in mysterious ways. Finally, some are unsure of their identity. To confess, I have been tempted to forward some of these emails because I haven't wanted to be the one that copped out, broke the chain or caused the universe to spin off its axis. That's fear. And, it's a misunderstanding of who I really am in Christ.
So, please don't be offended if I don't pass the emails along. I'll connect with God and enjoy His goodness the old fashioned way: by grace. I hope you will too.
[Please send this posting to 10 of your friends in the next 10 minutes so they will be encouraged too :-)]
The second email urgently pleaded with me to sign a petition to fight a piece of legislation. The tone of the letter was reminiscent of Edmund Burke's warning: "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." If I "click here" I really could make difference.
Like you, I get dozens of these emails a day. Fortunately, most of them get rerouted to my junk mail folder and I never have to deal with them. It's the third email that troubles me. It's a reflection on "the joy that comes from appreciating the little things in life," or something nostalgic like that. I get one of these messages, usually with an attached Powerpoint presentation, embedded hymn audio, Thomas Kinkade painting or tear-jerking story scribed in 8 different exotic fonts.
This week's email of the "little things" included puppies, the breath of a sleeping baby, fresh laundry on the backyard line and the tinkle of wind chimes in the spring breeze. Then [and this is my frustration], I read the line: "Send this to at least 10 friends right now and see what God does! Don't break the chain. If you REPLY and add nine friends to this list, you will be amazed at the incredible 'little things' that will begin to happen in your own life."
Oh brother. In the words of John Stossel, "Give me a break!"
Do we really believe that there's a blessing to be gained because we spammed 9 friends (now former friends) with an email framed with 1980's clip art pictures? Does anyone really think they can twist God's arm into giving them the goods because they passed on the poem? If you do, I know a rich woman in Uganda who would like to send you $100,000.
I can guess three reasons why we continue to get these emails...even from well-intentioned Christians. First, many people are desperate for a touch from God. Their time with God has grown so cold that they're genuinely hoping that something--anything--will ignite the fire of revival. Second, some have lost a view of sovereignty. Many people in the Bible viewed God's blessings as something to be earned. No doubt, God rewards faith [Hebrews 11:6]. But, God does many good things apart from human action. He isn't a divine marionette waiting for us to pull His strings. He does act in mysterious ways. Finally, some are unsure of their identity. To confess, I have been tempted to forward some of these emails because I haven't wanted to be the one that copped out, broke the chain or caused the universe to spin off its axis. That's fear. And, it's a misunderstanding of who I really am in Christ.
So, please don't be offended if I don't pass the emails along. I'll connect with God and enjoy His goodness the old fashioned way: by grace. I hope you will too.
[Please send this posting to 10 of your friends in the next 10 minutes so they will be encouraged too :-)]
looking up
A temporary Sunday School teacher was struggling to open a combination lock on the supply cabinet. She had been told the combination, but couldn't quite remember. Finally, she went to the pastor's study and asked for help. The pastor came into the room and began to turn the dial. After the first two numbers he paused and stared blankly for a moment, and then he looked serenely heavenward while his lips moved silently. Suddenly he looked back at the lock and quickly turned to the final number, opening the lock. The teacher was amazed. "I'm in awe at your faith, pastor," she said. "It's really nothing," the pastor answered. "The number is on a piece of tape on the ceiling."
Tomorrow morning, I'm scheduled to attend a gathering at a downtown church to support my friend, Jerry McCullough, Arlington School Superintendent, who will be speaking at a breakfast for the National Day of Prayer. Though our President has chosen not to recognize the day like previous Presidents [see today's news report], thousands of other Americans from all walks of life will pause to remember the importance of prayer.
I preached on prayer this last week as a conclusion to our short, Spiritual Warfare series. But, let me be honest: Prayer is hard for me. It always has been. I actually enjoy the dialogue of prayer. It's just the discipline of getting to the conversation that is a daily challenge for me.
Still, I am convinced that prayer is where spiritual battles are fought. Prayer is how we lay claim to the power of God to "stand firm" with spiritual victory. Prayer is how we wear the armor of God [Ephesians 6:10-20]. Prayer is turning to God, talking to God and trusting in God. Apart from the practice of prayer, none of us can unlock the supply cabinet of heaven--God's resources for abundant living. So I write to remind you--and me--to keep looking up in prayer.
Tomorrow morning, I'm scheduled to attend a gathering at a downtown church to support my friend, Jerry McCullough, Arlington School Superintendent, who will be speaking at a breakfast for the National Day of Prayer. Though our President has chosen not to recognize the day like previous Presidents [see today's news report], thousands of other Americans from all walks of life will pause to remember the importance of prayer.
I preached on prayer this last week as a conclusion to our short, Spiritual Warfare series. But, let me be honest: Prayer is hard for me. It always has been. I actually enjoy the dialogue of prayer. It's just the discipline of getting to the conversation that is a daily challenge for me.
Still, I am convinced that prayer is where spiritual battles are fought. Prayer is how we lay claim to the power of God to "stand firm" with spiritual victory. Prayer is how we wear the armor of God [Ephesians 6:10-20]. Prayer is turning to God, talking to God and trusting in God. Apart from the practice of prayer, none of us can unlock the supply cabinet of heaven--God's resources for abundant living. So I write to remind you--and me--to keep looking up in prayer.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
this means war
For the last few weeks, I have been preaching on spiritual warfare. And, waking the dragon sure makes things heat up. I know that I'm not the only one facing the assault of the devil, the flesh and the world. How important it is to "stand firm" and be courageous.
One question I raised on Sunday is "What is spiritual warfare?" We blame difficulties in life on spiritual warfare but sometimes have no idea what it actually "is." I suggested the following definition: Spiritual Warfare is any conflict or challenge that threatens my confidence in who God is and what God is doing and tempts me to think, feel or act in an ungodly way. When I encounter something in life that causes me to forget the truth of what I know about God and leads me into temptation, instead of holiness, I am being spiritually attacked.
My friend, Scott Raines, woke up Monday morning to find that someone had stolen all four tires and rims off his truck. Finding my car on blocks isn't the way I want to start my week. I imagine my irritation, my anger, my overwhelming temptation to take revenge [if I could only find the culprit]. These feelings could cause me to be short with my wife, cynical about our police force and increasingly prejudicial toward certain groups of people. Having forgotten the sovereignty of God and His guarantee of final justice, I miss who He is and what He is doing and go right to ungodly thoughts, feelings and actions. That's spiritual warfare.
Fortunately, Scott handled things much better than I might have. He wrote me: "They are just wheels & tires. The funny part is I needed tires. During my prayer time on Monday after this, I thanked God for this knowing something good will come from it. Genesis 50:20 'You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.'"
One question I raised on Sunday is "What is spiritual warfare?" We blame difficulties in life on spiritual warfare but sometimes have no idea what it actually "is." I suggested the following definition: Spiritual Warfare is any conflict or challenge that threatens my confidence in who God is and what God is doing and tempts me to think, feel or act in an ungodly way. When I encounter something in life that causes me to forget the truth of what I know about God and leads me into temptation, instead of holiness, I am being spiritually attacked.
My friend, Scott Raines, woke up Monday morning to find that someone had stolen all four tires and rims off his truck. Finding my car on blocks isn't the way I want to start my week. I imagine my irritation, my anger, my overwhelming temptation to take revenge [if I could only find the culprit]. These feelings could cause me to be short with my wife, cynical about our police force and increasingly prejudicial toward certain groups of people. Having forgotten the sovereignty of God and His guarantee of final justice, I miss who He is and what He is doing and go right to ungodly thoughts, feelings and actions. That's spiritual warfare.
Fortunately, Scott handled things much better than I might have. He wrote me: "They are just wheels & tires. The funny part is I needed tires. During my prayer time on Monday after this, I thanked God for this knowing something good will come from it. Genesis 50:20 'You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.'"
My buddy took up the full armor of God [Ephesians 6:14-18] and survived the spiritual attack...only to be ready for the next one that is sure to come his way.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
reading and writing
This morning, God brought an image to mind. It was the thought of famed author, J.K. Rowling, writing another one of her "Harry Potter" tomes. I don't know why...I've never read one of the over-sized stories. But, I imagine that, as soon as one of sequels is released, she begins working on the next volume. But, her fans consume her material faster than she can produce it. They read faster than she can write.
Not so with God.
God is ever creating, ever planning, ever arranging, ever scripting. He is always adding to the story of what He's doing. And, He's doing it faster than we can live it. In other words, I will never get close to the end of what God is doing. I will never have to wait for Him to catch up with me. He will never run out of plot for my life and His purposes. I cannot out-read what God is writing.
Praise be to the Author of Life!
Not so with God.
God is ever creating, ever planning, ever arranging, ever scripting. He is always adding to the story of what He's doing. And, He's doing it faster than we can live it. In other words, I will never get close to the end of what God is doing. I will never have to wait for Him to catch up with me. He will never run out of plot for my life and His purposes. I cannot out-read what God is writing.
Praise be to the Author of Life!
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