I want you all to take a moment today and reflect upon the last year. I am doing that, and all of the things that have happened are rushing to the surface. I read the Bible in 87 days this year, wrote two books, pubilshed 4 times as much in this year than any prior year on the blog...
I also rediscovered a passion for music in percussion, sang in my church many, many times, and found a new favorite band. I watched my love for my wife grow beyond what I thought possible, and watched my love for my kids literally expand in exponential style. I watched friends become successful in dreams, and sat in awe of their courage.
2011 has had some odd turns, as well. But even through all the downturns, the odd injuries and trips to the emergency room, the arguments and moments of concern, this year has taught me one thing above all: God is AWESOME!!! And this is true, as it always has been and always will be, for all of us. I know this, because with each missed step and each negative feeling, I realized that I was relying more and more on the Father... and less on myself.
The point is, for all of us, we need to make certain that we all focus intently upon how much we rely upon the Creator. We, all of us, try so hard to manage things under our own strength, and we ignore the simplest means of assistance that is so obvious and so poweful... prayer! So make a resolution to make 2012 a revolution in your prayer life. And never, ever turn back!
As always, I pray grace and peace over each and every one of you. And I pray that 2012 will be, for all of us, a year fully dedicated to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit!
God bless you all!!!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Number six...
This next Commandment has another very specific and pointed message, just as the prior one did. But the one thing I wanted to look into was exactly what the word "kill" meant, so I sought out reputable insight from my mentors, and I came to an interesting discovery. This is, like the others, pertaining to the intent of the matter... and the best and most modern word to describe the intent of "kill" would be "murder."
Basically, God instructed the people not to maliciously and premeditatedly seek to harm with lethal force. We are not to murder, regardless of the circumstances. Now, there are some who have taken it all to a horrid extreme, saying that we should not kill at all, because that's what the Bible says... but that's not exactly what it means. It means that we should not "murder."
Honestly, I was searching and searching for an anecdote to this one, but there's just really nothing to it beyond this: don't murder anyone. Just don't do it.
On another note, I feel it should be pointed out quite clearly that all of the Commandments have this level of laser-focus attached to them. Whether you realize it or not, there is no option in any of them to avoid or side-step or invent your own interpretation of it. And each one speaks to the intent of the heart... the intent of your own heart and mine, and what we think. Because, as we'll see tomorrow, the heart is what makes all the difference in our lives.
God bless you all!!!
"Thou shalt not kill."
Exodus 20:13
Basically, God instructed the people not to maliciously and premeditatedly seek to harm with lethal force. We are not to murder, regardless of the circumstances. Now, there are some who have taken it all to a horrid extreme, saying that we should not kill at all, because that's what the Bible says... but that's not exactly what it means. It means that we should not "murder."
Honestly, I was searching and searching for an anecdote to this one, but there's just really nothing to it beyond this: don't murder anyone. Just don't do it.
On another note, I feel it should be pointed out quite clearly that all of the Commandments have this level of laser-focus attached to them. Whether you realize it or not, there is no option in any of them to avoid or side-step or invent your own interpretation of it. And each one speaks to the intent of the heart... the intent of your own heart and mine, and what we think. Because, as we'll see tomorrow, the heart is what makes all the difference in our lives.
God bless you all!!!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Number five...
This one will be among the more difficult for me, as I have certainly not kept it in the way that I should have. So before starting into it, I'll just say that this passage will speak almost entirely to me, and if you learn something from it or are able to pull something from it then that is God at work.
This Commandment begins the set of how we are to relate to other people on the planet. And today, I am aware that the first four have to be in place for this fifth one and all that follow to happen. I am also aware that this one cannot precede the four before it, and cannot have more importance than those four. And more than anything, I am aware that because of the ordering of these first five, my relationship with God the Father should reflect into my relationships with my parents.
But it does not... not all the time.
I do not show the honor and love to both of my parents that I should 100% of the time, as I do have certain things that I refuse to forgive. And I do have things that I keep to myself... better stated, I have things I keep FOR myself, that I will not let go of. I can honestly say that I do love both of my parents, and that has never been something I have had to question. But this particular Commandment doesn't say to "love" them, does it? No... it says to show them honor.
And please notice, self, that it does not distinguish between the two. It doesn't say that it's okay for me to honor one and not the other. And it makes no mention of a divorce clause that would allow for me to only honor the one I live with. It doesn't allow for interpretation as to which father or mother, in the case of step or foster parents, but rather says "thy father and thy mother," which, in that time, would have been your biological parents. And it doesn't accept excuses at all.
And you begin to wonder, "Well, he's a Christian man and writer, and he's a father who certainly wants to be honored, so why doesn't he do it himself?" Good question: and when I come to the real answer one day, I promise, I'll post it for the world to see. I think that it is because I harbor things, as mentioned before, and that I grew up in a broken home. I never knew my parents to be a couple, and I never once heard them say nice things to or about each other. In fact, they made a point (both of them) to point out that they were NOT speaking ill of one another in my presence... which spoke volumes each and every time. (Yes, I recognize the irony in this that I cannot tell their story or mine with them in it in an honorable fashion.)
And to speak to the other part of your question, the answer would be yes, I certainly want my children to honor my wife and me. I want better for them than what I had, which is the goal of every parent I have ever met, including my own. And I suppose, in that small way of delivering better for my children than I had, I show one form of honor to my parents by fulfilling their dream of me having better than what they had. But I'm not certain if that is what the passage means, as it seems more all-inclusive in the honoring that we should put forth.
The point is that we all probably fall a little short on this at times... at least, I hope I'm not the only one. But our constant return and apology, growth and accountability, honesty and love to our mother and father (yes, to BOTH of them) is honor that we can show. And to add to that, when we honor the first four, and live for the LORD our God with purposeful fervency, we can better know how to show honor to our parents. And then all we have to do is do it. All I have to do is do it.
Remember: honor is harder than love, because it requires that we humble ourselves, and that is an act of our own will.
God bless you all!!!
"Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth."
Exodus 20:12
This Commandment begins the set of how we are to relate to other people on the planet. And today, I am aware that the first four have to be in place for this fifth one and all that follow to happen. I am also aware that this one cannot precede the four before it, and cannot have more importance than those four. And more than anything, I am aware that because of the ordering of these first five, my relationship with God the Father should reflect into my relationships with my parents.
But it does not... not all the time.
I do not show the honor and love to both of my parents that I should 100% of the time, as I do have certain things that I refuse to forgive. And I do have things that I keep to myself... better stated, I have things I keep FOR myself, that I will not let go of. I can honestly say that I do love both of my parents, and that has never been something I have had to question. But this particular Commandment doesn't say to "love" them, does it? No... it says to show them honor.
And please notice, self, that it does not distinguish between the two. It doesn't say that it's okay for me to honor one and not the other. And it makes no mention of a divorce clause that would allow for me to only honor the one I live with. It doesn't allow for interpretation as to which father or mother, in the case of step or foster parents, but rather says "thy father and thy mother," which, in that time, would have been your biological parents. And it doesn't accept excuses at all.
And you begin to wonder, "Well, he's a Christian man and writer, and he's a father who certainly wants to be honored, so why doesn't he do it himself?" Good question: and when I come to the real answer one day, I promise, I'll post it for the world to see. I think that it is because I harbor things, as mentioned before, and that I grew up in a broken home. I never knew my parents to be a couple, and I never once heard them say nice things to or about each other. In fact, they made a point (both of them) to point out that they were NOT speaking ill of one another in my presence... which spoke volumes each and every time. (Yes, I recognize the irony in this that I cannot tell their story or mine with them in it in an honorable fashion.)
And to speak to the other part of your question, the answer would be yes, I certainly want my children to honor my wife and me. I want better for them than what I had, which is the goal of every parent I have ever met, including my own. And I suppose, in that small way of delivering better for my children than I had, I show one form of honor to my parents by fulfilling their dream of me having better than what they had. But I'm not certain if that is what the passage means, as it seems more all-inclusive in the honoring that we should put forth.
The point is that we all probably fall a little short on this at times... at least, I hope I'm not the only one. But our constant return and apology, growth and accountability, honesty and love to our mother and father (yes, to BOTH of them) is honor that we can show. And to add to that, when we honor the first four, and live for the LORD our God with purposeful fervency, we can better know how to show honor to our parents. And then all we have to do is do it. All I have to do is do it.
Remember: honor is harder than love, because it requires that we humble ourselves, and that is an act of our own will.
God bless you all!!!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Number four...
So, to add some light-hearted comedy to this study, I have to tell you that I was fully intent upon posting this on the 25th... Christmas Day... which was a Sunday this year. However, since it is the Commandment about keeping the Sabbath holy, and this is the Sabbath to trump all Sabbaths (because it's Christmas on a Sunday!), I decided it would wait.
This is the last of the long Commandments, but it is packed with some pretty distinct and clear detail. As I read it again and again, I am aware that there is no option for doing work on the seventh day in my home. And that means that the laundry has to remain undone, or be done prior to this sabbath day. The dishes need to be complete ahead of time, or they can wait. The yard needs to already be finished, or it can wait. And for all you folks out there, like me, who have trouble letting things sit when they could be done (like dishes and laundry and yard work), please understand that the Commandment is not intended to create slovenly living.
Hang on for this one, because it's a doozie: you rest from your work and labor so that you can focus totally and completely on the Father. He deserves for all seven of the days in the week to be 100% about Him, but He gave us this land to work and subdue and be masters over, and that means we must honor that gift through the work of our hands. But on the seventh day, we focus entirely upon Him.
Now here's another fun little twist that maybe you'll hear for the first time today. You need to stop the working of your mind, as well. And you say, "but that's just thinking, right?" Wrong. The active thoughts on everything that is NOT God the Father serve no purpose. And the effort spent thinking about how you "should" look and act according to the rules of men is aimed at achievement of the pleasing of men, and that makes it contrary to God's purpose in creating us to worship Him, and only Him. So you have to stop thinking about what you're going to wear, or what he/she wore that is inappropriate, and "I would never let my child walk out of the house looking like that, I mean can you believe that... we need to pray for that family." Sound familiar?
The sabbath is intended to bring us back into focus on the main theme of life, our chorus in the song of living, if you will, and that theme is God. (Go ahead, be shocked that the theme of your life is not yourself... it took me a minute, as well.) That is why we rest and keep it holy to the LORD, rather than making it about something we can do ourselves.
Now, I heard a teacher say once that it doesn't necessarily have to be Sunday that is kept holy, for those folks who work on the weekends. It can be a Tuesday, if that is your day to consecrate to the Father, and rest from all your labors. I understand the logic of that, and I'm grateful for the teacher who said it (honestly I cannot recall who it was, but thanks if you're reading), because I work every other Sunday. So I need a seventh day that is not set on a Sunday every other week, just as many people do.
But the point, in my observation, is that we should take one out of every seven days and consecrate it entirely to the Father in prayer and reflection, with no work or works at all during that day. This certainly will not be an easy task for any of us, but I look forward to making it happen along with each of you!
As an added thought, I would like to point out for those who may not have seen it that these first four have all been pointed directly at our right relationship with God the Father. Notice (in paraphrasing summary): no other gods, no idols, no light use of His name, sabbath kept holy to Him. He is the first four of the ten, and it is written this way to make one thing evident to all of humanity, and that is that God is more important than anything on this planet, living or dead, animate or inanimate, and you must be able to see that. It is vital that we all see that.
God bless you all!!
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work. But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it."
Exodus 20:8-11
This is the last of the long Commandments, but it is packed with some pretty distinct and clear detail. As I read it again and again, I am aware that there is no option for doing work on the seventh day in my home. And that means that the laundry has to remain undone, or be done prior to this sabbath day. The dishes need to be complete ahead of time, or they can wait. The yard needs to already be finished, or it can wait. And for all you folks out there, like me, who have trouble letting things sit when they could be done (like dishes and laundry and yard work), please understand that the Commandment is not intended to create slovenly living.
Hang on for this one, because it's a doozie: you rest from your work and labor so that you can focus totally and completely on the Father. He deserves for all seven of the days in the week to be 100% about Him, but He gave us this land to work and subdue and be masters over, and that means we must honor that gift through the work of our hands. But on the seventh day, we focus entirely upon Him.
Now here's another fun little twist that maybe you'll hear for the first time today. You need to stop the working of your mind, as well. And you say, "but that's just thinking, right?" Wrong. The active thoughts on everything that is NOT God the Father serve no purpose. And the effort spent thinking about how you "should" look and act according to the rules of men is aimed at achievement of the pleasing of men, and that makes it contrary to God's purpose in creating us to worship Him, and only Him. So you have to stop thinking about what you're going to wear, or what he/she wore that is inappropriate, and "I would never let my child walk out of the house looking like that, I mean can you believe that... we need to pray for that family." Sound familiar?
The sabbath is intended to bring us back into focus on the main theme of life, our chorus in the song of living, if you will, and that theme is God. (Go ahead, be shocked that the theme of your life is not yourself... it took me a minute, as well.) That is why we rest and keep it holy to the LORD, rather than making it about something we can do ourselves.
Now, I heard a teacher say once that it doesn't necessarily have to be Sunday that is kept holy, for those folks who work on the weekends. It can be a Tuesday, if that is your day to consecrate to the Father, and rest from all your labors. I understand the logic of that, and I'm grateful for the teacher who said it (honestly I cannot recall who it was, but thanks if you're reading), because I work every other Sunday. So I need a seventh day that is not set on a Sunday every other week, just as many people do.
But the point, in my observation, is that we should take one out of every seven days and consecrate it entirely to the Father in prayer and reflection, with no work or works at all during that day. This certainly will not be an easy task for any of us, but I look forward to making it happen along with each of you!
As an added thought, I would like to point out for those who may not have seen it that these first four have all been pointed directly at our right relationship with God the Father. Notice (in paraphrasing summary): no other gods, no idols, no light use of His name, sabbath kept holy to Him. He is the first four of the ten, and it is written this way to make one thing evident to all of humanity, and that is that God is more important than anything on this planet, living or dead, animate or inanimate, and you must be able to see that. It is vital that we all see that.
God bless you all!!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Number three...
This process is moving more slowly than past studies, but there is a reason for that. It is specifically because we need the time to soak in the words, and reflect upon the Truths that are embedded within them. We need that time, each and every one of us, whether you choose to admit it or not. Also, I feel I should warn you that I will challenge you today with this one... I will challenge us all.
Before anyone starts thinking I'm perfect in this, let me admit openly that I am certainly NOT. I slip in all areas of this particular Commandment, and have violated it more times that I think would be possible to count. So as I write through this, please understand that I speak to myself as much or more in each and every letter stroked from my keyboard.
For starters, for all you folks who use a phrase similar to one that takes the LORD's name in vain, and then back away from correction by exclaiming that you say something different with different consonants, because you're of a certain faith or from a certain region of the country or that's just how you've always said it, "but it's not that, because I would never actually say that," I need to stop and tell you that you are not fooling anyone. Given the region of the country I grew up in, and the large number of people who fall under strictly regimented faiths there, I know better. Further, there was a time that I stood side-by-side with those same folks, attempting desperately to convince myself and others that I wasn't saying that dreaded phrase, so I understand both the guilt of it and the need to explain, even though no one asks, that "I actually said {this} which ends with a 'T' instead of a 'D,' and therefore I did not use the LORD's name in vain." No. Stop it.
Next, I would like to point out a staggering statistic for the same group, and add to that group all other people who speak English as a primary language. In 2009, computer folks decided to try and count how many words were actually in the English language, using some 5 million+ books as a measurement. Their counter stopped at 1,000,000 different words. Therefore, I submit to you that out of over 1,000,000 words, it is absolutely possible to find a phrase of expression that displays disgust without using either God or Jesus as a part of said phrase. I tell my small group of high schoolers all the time that there are literally countless words in our language, and only about ten to twelve that are considered "bad" ones... so speak around those. Think on that for a minute.
Tying to that last point, I would like to ask a question: given all that we know God did, starting from creation itself and moving through to the beautiful sunrise this morning as I drove to my office, who on earth has the right to blame Him or question Him for anything at all? Have you not heard that He is above us in thought and action (Isaiah 55:8-9)? Have you not heard that He is sovereign (Proverbs 16:1-4)? Have you not heard that He created us (Genesis 1:27)? And if this is the first time you're hearing all of that now, then I must also share with you that mankind, the creation, failed. We failed in the garden, and were banished from paradise (Genesis 3). We failed on the earth, and were washed away entirely (Genesis 6-9). And we failed in the desert, after being miraculously freed from bondage at the hands of the Egyptians, even as Moses was receiving these Ten Commandments directly from God (Exodus 32). We failed Him, and yet He remained faithful to His promise, which is why Jesus came to redeem us all back to the Father. So again, why would any of us think that we have the right to question Him about anything at all, under any circumstance, ever?
Let me put a finer point on it. If you have ever said that God made a mistake, that is blasphemy. If you have ever assumed that God wasn't present, that is blasphemy. If there is anything you believe that God cannot do, that is blasphemy. If you ever think that a decision God made was wrong, that is blasphemy. If you have ever thought that God ignored you or didn't hear you, that is blasphemy. And if you ever thought that something you have said or done influenced a decision of His... that, too, is blasphemy. And back in the Old Testament days, blasphemy was no joke. It is sad that we are so flippant with it today.
The point today, folks, is that we need to understand that our words matter. When we speak, certainly someone is listening to every word we say, and there are thoughts that follow each word they hear. People will decide if everything that is being said comes from selfish ambition, driving all things back to the person speaking. People will decide if the person's words and deeds actually line up, or are they really the best Jekyll and Hyde act on the scene right now. And these people that do the deciding... they're mostly the ones you love and care for the most in life... they're your family. Does that sting for you as much as it does for me?
Final thoughts, from a dear and trusted friend: "I think using the Lord’s name in vain reaches far beyond expressions of disgust. How many times have you heard jokes in which God is one of the characters? How many times have you seen God’s name or names plastered on a trinket? I remember seeing a set of drink coasters with the many names of God on them – how familiar and common. This is not honoring the name of God, but rather trivializing it. The Hebrews would not even speak the name Yahweh. Something to think about. As I remember, when the scribes were copying Scripture, they would bathe, change clothes and get a new pen before they would write Yahweh... EVERY TIME! And we write it on T-Shirts... scary."
How right he is... and whether we choose to admit this or not, it is the truth. And whether it makes us uncomfortable or not, it is the truth. And, on a side note of learning, do you know why we try to hide from the truth so often behind words and feelings and movements and fads and rationalizations? We hide from it, because it is intangible, without feeling or emotion, and it IS or IS NOT, and there is nothing we can ever do to change that.
God bless you all!!!
Before anyone starts thinking I'm perfect in this, let me admit openly that I am certainly NOT. I slip in all areas of this particular Commandment, and have violated it more times that I think would be possible to count. So as I write through this, please understand that I speak to myself as much or more in each and every letter stroked from my keyboard.
"Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain."
Exodus 20:7
For starters, for all you folks who use a phrase similar to one that takes the LORD's name in vain, and then back away from correction by exclaiming that you say something different with different consonants, because you're of a certain faith or from a certain region of the country or that's just how you've always said it, "but it's not that, because I would never actually say that," I need to stop and tell you that you are not fooling anyone. Given the region of the country I grew up in, and the large number of people who fall under strictly regimented faiths there, I know better. Further, there was a time that I stood side-by-side with those same folks, attempting desperately to convince myself and others that I wasn't saying that dreaded phrase, so I understand both the guilt of it and the need to explain, even though no one asks, that "I actually said {this} which ends with a 'T' instead of a 'D,' and therefore I did not use the LORD's name in vain." No. Stop it.
Next, I would like to point out a staggering statistic for the same group, and add to that group all other people who speak English as a primary language. In 2009, computer folks decided to try and count how many words were actually in the English language, using some 5 million+ books as a measurement. Their counter stopped at 1,000,000 different words. Therefore, I submit to you that out of over 1,000,000 words, it is absolutely possible to find a phrase of expression that displays disgust without using either God or Jesus as a part of said phrase. I tell my small group of high schoolers all the time that there are literally countless words in our language, and only about ten to twelve that are considered "bad" ones... so speak around those. Think on that for a minute.
Tying to that last point, I would like to ask a question: given all that we know God did, starting from creation itself and moving through to the beautiful sunrise this morning as I drove to my office, who on earth has the right to blame Him or question Him for anything at all? Have you not heard that He is above us in thought and action (Isaiah 55:8-9)? Have you not heard that He is sovereign (Proverbs 16:1-4)? Have you not heard that He created us (Genesis 1:27)? And if this is the first time you're hearing all of that now, then I must also share with you that mankind, the creation, failed. We failed in the garden, and were banished from paradise (Genesis 3). We failed on the earth, and were washed away entirely (Genesis 6-9). And we failed in the desert, after being miraculously freed from bondage at the hands of the Egyptians, even as Moses was receiving these Ten Commandments directly from God (Exodus 32). We failed Him, and yet He remained faithful to His promise, which is why Jesus came to redeem us all back to the Father. So again, why would any of us think that we have the right to question Him about anything at all, under any circumstance, ever?
Let me put a finer point on it. If you have ever said that God made a mistake, that is blasphemy. If you have ever assumed that God wasn't present, that is blasphemy. If there is anything you believe that God cannot do, that is blasphemy. If you ever think that a decision God made was wrong, that is blasphemy. If you have ever thought that God ignored you or didn't hear you, that is blasphemy. And if you ever thought that something you have said or done influenced a decision of His... that, too, is blasphemy. And back in the Old Testament days, blasphemy was no joke. It is sad that we are so flippant with it today.
The point today, folks, is that we need to understand that our words matter. When we speak, certainly someone is listening to every word we say, and there are thoughts that follow each word they hear. People will decide if everything that is being said comes from selfish ambition, driving all things back to the person speaking. People will decide if the person's words and deeds actually line up, or are they really the best Jekyll and Hyde act on the scene right now. And these people that do the deciding... they're mostly the ones you love and care for the most in life... they're your family. Does that sting for you as much as it does for me?
Final thoughts, from a dear and trusted friend: "I think using the Lord’s name in vain reaches far beyond expressions of disgust. How many times have you heard jokes in which God is one of the characters? How many times have you seen God’s name or names plastered on a trinket? I remember seeing a set of drink coasters with the many names of God on them – how familiar and common. This is not honoring the name of God, but rather trivializing it. The Hebrews would not even speak the name Yahweh. Something to think about. As I remember, when the scribes were copying Scripture, they would bathe, change clothes and get a new pen before they would write Yahweh... EVERY TIME! And we write it on T-Shirts... scary."
How right he is... and whether we choose to admit this or not, it is the truth. And whether it makes us uncomfortable or not, it is the truth. And, on a side note of learning, do you know why we try to hide from the truth so often behind words and feelings and movements and fads and rationalizations? We hide from it, because it is intangible, without feeling or emotion, and it IS or IS NOT, and there is nothing we can ever do to change that.
God bless you all!!!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Number two...
As we continue to move through the Ten Commandments, I pray that you are also taking on the challenge to memorize these powerful verses in the King James version. It's tough with this next one, but worth it. But before that, we need to recap a couple of things: we know Who we're talking to at this point, and Who is speaking to us and giving these commands. We are also aware that nothing (yes, friend, I said NOTHING) can come before the Father. And so, today, we arrive at the Second Commandment from the Lord.
So what does all that mean? Well, put simply, it means that God is God, and we are to bow to nothing and no one else. We are not to fashion or fabricate images and worship the images, anthropomorphizing the Creator into a limited being like ourselves. You see, He is not limited by time or space or any other thing, and He is in fact over and above every single thing... because He made them all.
Idol worship goes back to some pretty old roots, where images were cast and carved and bowed to, food was offered to them, dances were done before them, and so on and so forth. But the reality that comes through in each case is that when there were multiple priests on a high place, with multiple altars and bulls they selected, they could not call down fire from Heaven upon even one of them... but Elijah called upon God, and God sent fire.
Similarly, in Egypt during the time of Moses, the magicians of the day were able to make some of the miracles repeat, but then they were silenced and unable to compete with the power of God as the final judgments were passed upon the land.
Put simply, no matter who it is that is trying so desperately to craft for themselves a god that will be as powerful as God already is, they are unsuccessful. Only the LORD created the universe, and none can match that. Only the LORD created man, and none can match that. And only the LORD sent us salvation through Christ, something that can only be achieved through that Name above all other names, Jesus Christ. Therefore, as a simple point of order, I'm going to go ahead and say that idol worship, even the use of the term "idol" for any person or thing or idea or ideal, is pure blasphemy.
No person, no thing, no concept, no thought no NOTHING is worthy of placement in equal proportion to Him... period.
God bless you all!!!
"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments."
Exodus 20:4-6
So what does all that mean? Well, put simply, it means that God is God, and we are to bow to nothing and no one else. We are not to fashion or fabricate images and worship the images, anthropomorphizing the Creator into a limited being like ourselves. You see, He is not limited by time or space or any other thing, and He is in fact over and above every single thing... because He made them all.
Idol worship goes back to some pretty old roots, where images were cast and carved and bowed to, food was offered to them, dances were done before them, and so on and so forth. But the reality that comes through in each case is that when there were multiple priests on a high place, with multiple altars and bulls they selected, they could not call down fire from Heaven upon even one of them... but Elijah called upon God, and God sent fire.
Similarly, in Egypt during the time of Moses, the magicians of the day were able to make some of the miracles repeat, but then they were silenced and unable to compete with the power of God as the final judgments were passed upon the land.
Put simply, no matter who it is that is trying so desperately to craft for themselves a god that will be as powerful as God already is, they are unsuccessful. Only the LORD created the universe, and none can match that. Only the LORD created man, and none can match that. And only the LORD sent us salvation through Christ, something that can only be achieved through that Name above all other names, Jesus Christ. Therefore, as a simple point of order, I'm going to go ahead and say that idol worship, even the use of the term "idol" for any person or thing or idea or ideal, is pure blasphemy.
No person, no thing, no concept, no thought no NOTHING is worthy of placement in equal proportion to Him... period.
God bless you all!!!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Number one...
We looked yesterday at one of the foundational principles of the "Big Ten," and discovered that they are not mere suggestions for us. They are commands... a mandate... rules... laws... whatever you choose to call something said by One in authority over those that are under said Authority. I know, I know, American dogma says that no one can tell you what to do, and that you are your own being, and that you are in complete control of your destiny. However, the real secret that people who have access to mass-media as an outlet won't acknowledge is that God is the boss, and we are made to serve and worship. Further, we are made to serve and worship Him, and Him alone.
Since we're in the process of memorizing this set of ten, and doing so in order, at least this is a short one to start with, right? I mean, it's only eight words, and even in the KJV text, it's not really that complicated. Or is it? And we say as we read this, "clearly we don't go and worship other gods on altars, and there is no such thing as Baal, and it's not like we 'worship' anything other than the Father, so why is this one tough at all? I don't think we have issues here." Yeah... except for when anyone refers to someone else as "a god" because they are attractive or excessively talented in one particular area, or when someone makes the statement that they "worship the ground" that someone walks on for the same reasons. And, friends, you should know that just because you don't personally know or associate with anyone who actively worships idols and other "gods" does not mean that those people do not exist. (And since we're supposed to be the salt and light in the world that brings those people to the truth, if you don't know any, then you need to step outside your circle.)
And therefore I submit to you a point of thought on this particular Commandment, in that while it may be easy to memorize, it is not as easy as we assume to live out. To make that a little more clear, let me put it another way: if anything in any situation, whether good or bad, ever comes even the smallest bit before God the Father, then you have violated the Commandment. And that holds true from the big decisions in life all the way down to the small ones. He deserves the placement before any and all things, in any and all situations, with absolute and reckless abandon to anything else, because He is WORTHY (Psalm 106:1), and nothing else really compares.
Further, I would challenge you today, along with the memorization of the verse itself, to redefine a word with me. Now this one may shock your vocabulary system a little, as it definitely does mine, but it is something that must be looked at, because words are powerful. Words are how we express what we feel (Matthew 12:34), and they can never be taken back once they are said. So I want to look at the word "awesome." For something to deserve this connotation, it must inspire awe. Now, to paint that picture, I will attempt to illustrate what true "awe" looks like.
Have you ever seen something that caused you to wish you could speak, but you were simply unable to form words or even sound? Have you ever seen something that makes you want to dance and leap, yet you are forced to your knees and unable to move? Have you ever seen something that makes you want to raise your hands high, yet you are unable to lift them from your side? Have you ever seen anything so bright that you wish to close your eyes, but are unable to look away? That is something that inspires awe... one glance that puts you on your knees, arms out, jaw dropped, unable to blink, unable to move, speechless, with total focus and nothing else on the brain, and the desire from the sight to leap and sing and shout and dance and wave your arms about with pure uninhibited joy. That is what something "awesome" is... and "awesome" is what God is.
Therefore, before you use that word today, please think about it. There are many other ways to describe something in any language (especially English), you know? Plus, to place any song or phrase or item of clothing or TV or book or person or church or any other thing on this earth on the same level as God... well, that's just wrong. But, before you get down on me for being legalistic, please know that I am grateful on all our behalf that Christ came to stand in our place, and that this is merely one way we can choose to show honor to God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit in our use of verbiage. And it is not an easy thing to eliminate such a popular expressionary term from everyday use, which is why I am thrilled that grace abounds and covers us.
However, just because we have grace does not excuse us from honoring Him. And, after all, with all He did for us (you know, the creation stuff, and the saving from bondage, and the eternal salvation granted through His death on a cross for our sins), is it really too much to ask that we make so small an adjustment?
God bless you all!!!
"Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
Exodus 20:3
Since we're in the process of memorizing this set of ten, and doing so in order, at least this is a short one to start with, right? I mean, it's only eight words, and even in the KJV text, it's not really that complicated. Or is it? And we say as we read this, "clearly we don't go and worship other gods on altars, and there is no such thing as Baal, and it's not like we 'worship' anything other than the Father, so why is this one tough at all? I don't think we have issues here." Yeah... except for when anyone refers to someone else as "a god" because they are attractive or excessively talented in one particular area, or when someone makes the statement that they "worship the ground" that someone walks on for the same reasons. And, friends, you should know that just because you don't personally know or associate with anyone who actively worships idols and other "gods" does not mean that those people do not exist. (And since we're supposed to be the salt and light in the world that brings those people to the truth, if you don't know any, then you need to step outside your circle.)
And therefore I submit to you a point of thought on this particular Commandment, in that while it may be easy to memorize, it is not as easy as we assume to live out. To make that a little more clear, let me put it another way: if anything in any situation, whether good or bad, ever comes even the smallest bit before God the Father, then you have violated the Commandment. And that holds true from the big decisions in life all the way down to the small ones. He deserves the placement before any and all things, in any and all situations, with absolute and reckless abandon to anything else, because He is WORTHY (Psalm 106:1), and nothing else really compares.
Further, I would challenge you today, along with the memorization of the verse itself, to redefine a word with me. Now this one may shock your vocabulary system a little, as it definitely does mine, but it is something that must be looked at, because words are powerful. Words are how we express what we feel (Matthew 12:34), and they can never be taken back once they are said. So I want to look at the word "awesome." For something to deserve this connotation, it must inspire awe. Now, to paint that picture, I will attempt to illustrate what true "awe" looks like.
Have you ever seen something that caused you to wish you could speak, but you were simply unable to form words or even sound? Have you ever seen something that makes you want to dance and leap, yet you are forced to your knees and unable to move? Have you ever seen something that makes you want to raise your hands high, yet you are unable to lift them from your side? Have you ever seen anything so bright that you wish to close your eyes, but are unable to look away? That is something that inspires awe... one glance that puts you on your knees, arms out, jaw dropped, unable to blink, unable to move, speechless, with total focus and nothing else on the brain, and the desire from the sight to leap and sing and shout and dance and wave your arms about with pure uninhibited joy. That is what something "awesome" is... and "awesome" is what God is.
Therefore, before you use that word today, please think about it. There are many other ways to describe something in any language (especially English), you know? Plus, to place any song or phrase or item of clothing or TV or book or person or church or any other thing on this earth on the same level as God... well, that's just wrong. But, before you get down on me for being legalistic, please know that I am grateful on all our behalf that Christ came to stand in our place, and that this is merely one way we can choose to show honor to God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit in our use of verbiage. And it is not an easy thing to eliminate such a popular expressionary term from everyday use, which is why I am thrilled that grace abounds and covers us.
However, just because we have grace does not excuse us from honoring Him. And, after all, with all He did for us (you know, the creation stuff, and the saving from bondage, and the eternal salvation granted through His death on a cross for our sins), is it really too much to ask that we make so small an adjustment?
God bless you all!!!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
New direction... from the Oldest of Old Schools...
Blessed friends, for nearly three full years now, you have allowed me the privilege to write for you, and I am grateful that I can continue to do so. Each and every time I click the "PUBLISH" link, I get such a feeling of satisfaction that I am sharing what God lays on my heart, and I cannot properly thank you enough for allowing me the time to speak (write, type, you know what I mean) to you.
Today, though, I want to take a step backwards in time so that we can all leap forward in knowledge. And while I know that retreating to advance sounds contrary in military terms, our Savior was not the "military messiah" that the people misinterpreted in the days of Christ. He came to share peace and love and salvation... eternal salvation... with all who call upon Him as Savior (John 3:16). So I want to step back and look at the list that no one likes to look at. I want to look deeply into each portion of it, and then examine them one by one, even though this list terrifies me, just as it probably should terrify you. Not the plagues... not the judgments... the Ten Commandments. (By the way, although this is uncharacteristic of my normal version choice, we will be using the King James Bible for this project).
So, obviously, we're starting at the beginning with the intro to the passage itself. But before we get to exegetical analysis of the instruction herein, I would like to pose a point of thought about this list. Have you ever noticed that the list is not called "The Ten Suggestions?" Did you ever see that it is not labeled, "Ten Ideas To Improve Your Life?" Or has someone ever asked you why it isn't called "The Ten Possible Things One Could Do If So Inclined, But Are Not Entirely Necessary If One's Values And Personal Beliefs Do Not Line Up With Any Or All Of The Thoughts Listed Here?" If you're laughing right now, that's good... but when you stop giggling and have the serious moment of reflection that I know I had, you'll probably realize that this is what we all wish they were called. However, they are called "The Ten COMMANDMENTS."
The dictionary defines commandment as "a command or mandate." Therefore, the point I pose to you is as follows: you and I and everyone else who is a Christian has no option other than obedience, because the Creator of all things (including us) has issued these 10 as a mandate. Let that soak in for a while...
Before anyone gets too fired up thinking that I'm going to suggest that we all immediately begin to follow all ten of the commandments to the letter... well, no, go ahead, because I am going to suggest that we do just that. However, I know and am fully aware that we are incapable of doing so in our flesh... but we must strive for this. It is one of the many ways we can show honor to the Father... by following His rules. I mean, in your dad's house, if he doesn't like something you do or say, it probably stops pretty quickly, right? And why is that? It's because you respect him enough to follow his rules in his home. Well, friends, all of this belongs to God (Psalm 24:1), so we need to apply the same severity and importance as best we can.
Yet, because we are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), and we know that Christ came to perfect the law (Matthew 5:17) and offer us salvation through Himself (John 14:6), then we know that we were never meant to keep it... it was given to us to show that we NEED God's grace in order to be saved.
All that said, though, God is still the One that created wonders which caused Pharaoh to release the people from bondage. God parted the sea, and allowed the people to cross. God slew the pursuing forces. God provided in the desert. God protected and led and made enemies fall before the people. God sent us Christ, and through Him we are saved (Isaiah 53:5). I think He has earned our respect far more than we give credit for... and for that reason, if for no other, we should follow His rules.
I am issuing this challenge to all of the readers here today: memorize the Ten Commandments, in order, in the King James Version. I'm really not kidding, and I will be participating with you in this. We'll start with Commandment One tomorrow, and these verses will be our focal point for some time. Pray them openly, and thank God for providing us the structure by which we can live in peace.
God bless you all!!!
Today, though, I want to take a step backwards in time so that we can all leap forward in knowledge. And while I know that retreating to advance sounds contrary in military terms, our Savior was not the "military messiah" that the people misinterpreted in the days of Christ. He came to share peace and love and salvation... eternal salvation... with all who call upon Him as Savior (John 3:16). So I want to step back and look at the list that no one likes to look at. I want to look deeply into each portion of it, and then examine them one by one, even though this list terrifies me, just as it probably should terrify you. Not the plagues... not the judgments... the Ten Commandments. (By the way, although this is uncharacteristic of my normal version choice, we will be using the King James Bible for this project).
"And God spake these words, saying, 'I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.'"
Exodus 20:1-2
So, obviously, we're starting at the beginning with the intro to the passage itself. But before we get to exegetical analysis of the instruction herein, I would like to pose a point of thought about this list. Have you ever noticed that the list is not called "The Ten Suggestions?" Did you ever see that it is not labeled, "Ten Ideas To Improve Your Life?" Or has someone ever asked you why it isn't called "The Ten Possible Things One Could Do If So Inclined, But Are Not Entirely Necessary If One's Values And Personal Beliefs Do Not Line Up With Any Or All Of The Thoughts Listed Here?" If you're laughing right now, that's good... but when you stop giggling and have the serious moment of reflection that I know I had, you'll probably realize that this is what we all wish they were called. However, they are called "The Ten COMMANDMENTS."
The dictionary defines commandment as "a command or mandate." Therefore, the point I pose to you is as follows: you and I and everyone else who is a Christian has no option other than obedience, because the Creator of all things (including us) has issued these 10 as a mandate. Let that soak in for a while...
Before anyone gets too fired up thinking that I'm going to suggest that we all immediately begin to follow all ten of the commandments to the letter... well, no, go ahead, because I am going to suggest that we do just that. However, I know and am fully aware that we are incapable of doing so in our flesh... but we must strive for this. It is one of the many ways we can show honor to the Father... by following His rules. I mean, in your dad's house, if he doesn't like something you do or say, it probably stops pretty quickly, right? And why is that? It's because you respect him enough to follow his rules in his home. Well, friends, all of this belongs to God (Psalm 24:1), so we need to apply the same severity and importance as best we can.
Yet, because we are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), and we know that Christ came to perfect the law (Matthew 5:17) and offer us salvation through Himself (John 14:6), then we know that we were never meant to keep it... it was given to us to show that we NEED God's grace in order to be saved.
All that said, though, God is still the One that created wonders which caused Pharaoh to release the people from bondage. God parted the sea, and allowed the people to cross. God slew the pursuing forces. God provided in the desert. God protected and led and made enemies fall before the people. God sent us Christ, and through Him we are saved (Isaiah 53:5). I think He has earned our respect far more than we give credit for... and for that reason, if for no other, we should follow His rules.
I am issuing this challenge to all of the readers here today: memorize the Ten Commandments, in order, in the King James Version. I'm really not kidding, and I will be participating with you in this. We'll start with Commandment One tomorrow, and these verses will be our focal point for some time. Pray them openly, and thank God for providing us the structure by which we can live in peace.
God bless you all!!!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Today...
"Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts."
Ecclesiastes 4:9
This verse has been the champion verse of this blog since the beginning, and I use it today in grateful appreciation for ten blessed years with my wife. Our rewards have been vast, and they have been far better than possibly imaginable... because they have been shared by the two of us, together!
I am grateful, also, for the failures that we have experienced (mostly mine, I'll admit that freely), because they have led to most of the successes. And in saying this, I wish to offer encouragement to all who bless me by reading my scribblings when I post them by saying that there is literally no limit to God's power to overcome difficulty. You and I may not be able to overcome it in our own strength, but He is more than able and then some! It is possible... and believe me, there have been times when we questioned that, but we remained faithful to the Lord first, and we have kept growing because of that.
When we married, I was challenged to become the Spitritual head of our home, and I honestly didn't have a clue what that meant. I was a baptized and saved Christian, but not an active participant in the Kingdom. I was also not a studied believer, and was unaware of many, many things. I had not read the Bible at that time (and am actually just completing that task for the first time as we speak), and did not personally own any Bible beyond the children's version I had received many years prior. My wife sparked in me the need to grow, the need to learn, the need to fulfill what and who I was meant to become. She bought me my first NIV Bible, which was used in writing my first book. That Bible sits on display in my office, and is a constant reminder of her love for me.
When we had our children, she challenged me to be the godly father that every man should aspire to be. She openly insisted that I be in church, and that we pray before meals and at night with our children. She continues to push me to be a better daddy, and I can never thank her enough for that encouragement, as I can never thank her enough for the rebukes that I am given when I stray from the course.
When I began to study, she encouraged me to write and write and write. It was her idea to begin this blog, actually, so that I would have an outlet to uplift others with my journey. She encouraged the publication of my first book, and inspired entirely the premise for my second one. She provided me then, and still does to this day, a constant source for checking ideas, thoughts and direction for my calling to write.
In point of fact, she also introduced me to the class and teachings of the man who would become my Spiritual Mentor, the one person I turn to for advice and correction in all things, other than my wife. It was her plan to visit this gentleman's Sunday School class, and from there began a long friendship.
And just this morning, when she awoke to find the Elf on the Shelf arranges with a vase of flowers and some symbolic ornaments from our Christmases together, she encouraged me yet again in my creativity.
In short, my wife is amazing, and I am beyond blessed to have her as my helpmate and partner in life. No one could ever match the woman that she is... ever.
But the best part is that she achieved this level in my eyes because she tried not to be in front of everything... she is a servant-minded woman, who takes care for her family before anything else. Her own needs are constantly pushed aside willingly as she gives and gives and gives and gives some more to all three of our wonderful children and me. She emulated the principle of being last to become first... and I praise God for her presence in my life everyday as a reminder of how good a man I should strive to become.
So, to sum up, today has been an amazing day for us both. We have realized just how impactful we have each been upon each other. We have received some of the kindest words of encouragement we thought possible from many, many friends (and thank you all for each one). We have agreed that these are ten of the greatest years of our lives... and we look forward to the years to come.
Thank you all for your love and support... and God bless you all!!!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Home...
And so we arrive at the conclusion... but we do so with a beginning in mind. And while I know that may sound strange, we must revert back to the truths previously read, and recognize that the principle of the "great reversal" (from "All At War") is a sound and constant one. And in that spirit, I tell you that while this ends, our journey is not yet through. It is just starting!
Anyone I've taught will tell you that joy is permanent. That is true. However, we are not the models of consistency that we think ourselves to be, and sometimes we allow our joy to shine less in times of distress. Please make note of the truth in that: we allow it to happen. And while changes in each moment are not always permanent adjustments, the process of change is a constant that cannot be undone. We are growing every second, like it or not. Science proves that the particles in the air we breathe can change quickly, just from a different person walking into a room with cologne on. Change is real, and it exists, and anyone wasting time fighting it is missing the beauty that exists in each moment of the process.
More than that, though, there are times when one changes and changes and changes again, and then the best change happens, and one wants it to stay that way. Well, for all you luddites out there who yearn for that feeling of being comfortable in process or behaviors or patterns or places, you need to know something...
He has a plan for us, and it involves change until the very end. We don't know the precise details of it all, but that's okay (Jeremiah 29:11). The point is that no matter how comfortable this life becomes, we are not yet home. We have not yet reached that place of being able to relax and not remain vigilant and focused. We are not yet pulling into the proverbial driveway of our true home, which is in Heaven. Therefore, we still have further to go.
We all try that, don't we? Walking right past the obvious steps we need to take, thinking that we can skip something "just this once," only to find that we are snapped back by our own failure to not trip on our own feet. It has happened to me a multitude of times, I assure you. But the greatest part of that moment is realizing that even if we watched our feet every step, we'd still trip over them, because we're looking down at ourselves. However, if we look up and focus upon Him in trusting faith, we will know what steps to take and which way to go (Hebrews 12:2, Proverbs 3:5-6).
Even our best intentions and designs are not capable of reaching the level to which we strive. And it is because of our narrow-minded focus that this world is our home. We are visitors here, blessed friends, and we will one day return home. During our stay here, it is necessary to be reminded of that, and to ask the Father to rip open the walls into which we constrain ourselves. Again, please make note of that: we box ourselves into this mentality.
In my profession, I have the awesome privilege to witness home-going services for many, many Christians. And each time, I know that a party has begun in the true hometown of the loved one that has left. It is more encouraging to me each and every time, and I pray that the people I have the privilege to serve in my capacity are able to see Christ in me as I rejoice with them.
He chose you. Read that again, Christian sibling: He chose YOU! He knelt down and created you, and then chose you, and sent the Spirit to call to you, and sent Christ to die for you. And so we sing His song and we tell His story. And as stated above, there is rejoicing at the time one goes to their true home in heaven... but the grace of God is needed to overcome the absence that is present. A hole or void has been left, and only God can fill it. When you think about it, each time a loved one leaves a space like that and God fills it with Himself, you grow just a little closer to being totally dependent upon Him.
I pray that you will look around today and see that this home and these places that we dwell in are all temporary. We are here to learn, and then we will graduate one day and return to the Father's house (John 14:1-6). And, like most universities, there is a matriculation fee: this one is higher than any other one, though, for it costs all that we are and all that we have and all that we know. All of that must be left behind to walk this stage and receive this diploma, and then we will finally be where we belong... we will finally be home. The question is, what will you do now that you are more aware of this?
"We want to focus on what we can see, but this scene is just a fading beauty in this life, when sorrow steals our joy."
"Home" by downhere
Anyone I've taught will tell you that joy is permanent. That is true. However, we are not the models of consistency that we think ourselves to be, and sometimes we allow our joy to shine less in times of distress. Please make note of the truth in that: we allow it to happen. And while changes in each moment are not always permanent adjustments, the process of change is a constant that cannot be undone. We are growing every second, like it or not. Science proves that the particles in the air we breathe can change quickly, just from a different person walking into a room with cologne on. Change is real, and it exists, and anyone wasting time fighting it is missing the beauty that exists in each moment of the process.
More than that, though, there are times when one changes and changes and changes again, and then the best change happens, and one wants it to stay that way. Well, for all you luddites out there who yearn for that feeling of being comfortable in process or behaviors or patterns or places, you need to know something...
"Oh, remind us that we have not reached home."
"Home" by downhere
He has a plan for us, and it involves change until the very end. We don't know the precise details of it all, but that's okay (Jeremiah 29:11). The point is that no matter how comfortable this life becomes, we are not yet home. We have not yet reached that place of being able to relax and not remain vigilant and focused. We are not yet pulling into the proverbial driveway of our true home, which is in Heaven. Therefore, we still have further to go.
"We want to walk beyond our circumstances, but our feet run into our own advances. Would You be our way, and lead Your people on?"
"Home" by downhere
We all try that, don't we? Walking right past the obvious steps we need to take, thinking that we can skip something "just this once," only to find that we are snapped back by our own failure to not trip on our own feet. It has happened to me a multitude of times, I assure you. But the greatest part of that moment is realizing that even if we watched our feet every step, we'd still trip over them, because we're looking down at ourselves. However, if we look up and focus upon Him in trusting faith, we will know what steps to take and which way to go (Hebrews 12:2, Proverbs 3:5-6).
"Pull apart our good intentions. Break the walls of these dimensions. Paint a picture of our eternity."
"Home" by downhere
Even our best intentions and designs are not capable of reaching the level to which we strive. And it is because of our narrow-minded focus that this world is our home. We are visitors here, blessed friends, and we will one day return home. During our stay here, it is necessary to be reminded of that, and to ask the Father to rip open the walls into which we constrain ourselves. Again, please make note of that: we box ourselves into this mentality.
"Oh, remind us that we have not reached home. We have not. Remind us that we have not reached home."
"Home" by downhere
In my profession, I have the awesome privilege to witness home-going services for many, many Christians. And each time, I know that a party has begun in the true hometown of the loved one that has left. It is more encouraging to me each and every time, and I pray that the people I have the privilege to serve in my capacity are able to see Christ in me as I rejoice with them.
"And we will sing the songs of Heaven, be the chorus You have chosen. We need Your grace to echo the saints and journey on."
"Home" by downhere
He chose you. Read that again, Christian sibling: He chose YOU! He knelt down and created you, and then chose you, and sent the Spirit to call to you, and sent Christ to die for you. And so we sing His song and we tell His story. And as stated above, there is rejoicing at the time one goes to their true home in heaven... but the grace of God is needed to overcome the absence that is present. A hole or void has been left, and only God can fill it. When you think about it, each time a loved one leaves a space like that and God fills it with Himself, you grow just a little closer to being totally dependent upon Him.
"As the angels sing Your praises, let us not forget Your graces which far outweigh a world of dreams."
"Home" by downhere
I pray that you will look around today and see that this home and these places that we dwell in are all temporary. We are here to learn, and then we will graduate one day and return to the Father's house (John 14:1-6). And, like most universities, there is a matriculation fee: this one is higher than any other one, though, for it costs all that we are and all that we have and all that we know. All of that must be left behind to walk this stage and receive this diploma, and then we will finally be where we belong... we will finally be home. The question is, what will you do now that you are more aware of this?
Remember: Remind us that we have not reached home.
God bless you all!!!
Last night...
In the constancy of our return to the Father, I feel it necessary to point out that we are not good people who occasionally do bad things... we are bad people who occasionally do good things. And when that moment comes for each of us, where we are held up to the comparison and contrast of ourselves next to the Father to Whom we return, the differences are as numerous as they are horrifying.
And it happens like that, doesn't it? We just all of a sudden have an "A-HA" moment, recognizing His true beauty in comparison to our wretched deformity. It comes upon us like we had never thought of it before, and we are sitting in the stark clarity of the moment, almost ashamed that we are not worthy to see Him at all. And you know what? That is the truth. The world likes to tell you that you "deserve" certain things, but Christian sibling all any person on this earth "deserves" is hell and death. That is fact.
And the kingdom mentioned is, of course, the world and what it will teach and tell you. But the world was made by God (Genesis 1:1), not the other way around. And it is He who gives us the victories to which we cling through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world (1 Corinthians 15:57). And it is through His work and His grace and His provision that we are accepted into God's Kingdom. We certainly DO NOT deserve it... but it is given to us anyway. And realizing that grace, fully present in our lives, is an enthralling moment!
There are many in the world who are still asleep, unaware of the Truth as we know it. And in these powerful moments of revelation in our lives, these great and inspiring times of accountability which force the honesty out of us, we hurt for those missing the point of this life. We also hurt for ourselves, and some (like myself, on occasion) believe that their strength has waned to the point of uselessness. But then...
He will strengthen you for this and any other task (Philippians 4:13). All that is required of you in this is as simple as the ABC's of Vacation Bible School: Admit to God that you are a sinner, in need of Him; Believe that Jesus Christ died to save you from your sins; Confess the Name of Christ as Savior of the world and Son of God to people you meet (Matthew 28:16-20). Accept it... believe it... confess it... and He will provide you with the strength you need to carry on, even when you think you've run out. The question is, are you ready for that charge?
God bless you all!!!
"From my sleep tonight I woke to a frightening sight. All the best of me held up to Your perfect light."
"Last Night's Daydream" by downhere
And it happens like that, doesn't it? We just all of a sudden have an "A-HA" moment, recognizing His true beauty in comparison to our wretched deformity. It comes upon us like we had never thought of it before, and we are sitting in the stark clarity of the moment, almost ashamed that we are not worthy to see Him at all. And you know what? That is the truth. The world likes to tell you that you "deserve" certain things, but Christian sibling all any person on this earth "deserves" is hell and death. That is fact.
"Now I see the paint run on the water-color kingdom, and I wanna believe again just like the first time, when from my eyes You took that scales that blinded."
"Last Night's Daydream" by downhere
And the kingdom mentioned is, of course, the world and what it will teach and tell you. But the world was made by God (Genesis 1:1), not the other way around. And it is He who gives us the victories to which we cling through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world (1 Corinthians 15:57). And it is through His work and His grace and His provision that we are accepted into God's Kingdom. We certainly DO NOT deserve it... but it is given to us anyway. And realizing that grace, fully present in our lives, is an enthralling moment!
"While the world is asleep now, I'm wrapped up in wonder of all I could never dream. That night is a treasure, I wanna remember, I wanna forever be in last night's daydream."
"Last Night's Daydream" by downhere
There are many in the world who are still asleep, unaware of the Truth as we know it. And in these powerful moments of revelation in our lives, these great and inspiring times of accountability which force the honesty out of us, we hurt for those missing the point of this life. We also hurt for ourselves, and some (like myself, on occasion) believe that their strength has waned to the point of uselessness. But then...
"When I come to the end of me, I'm relying on Someone other... come to the end of me, I'll be living for Someone stronger."
"Last Night's Daydream" by downhere
He will strengthen you for this and any other task (Philippians 4:13). All that is required of you in this is as simple as the ABC's of Vacation Bible School: Admit to God that you are a sinner, in need of Him; Believe that Jesus Christ died to save you from your sins; Confess the Name of Christ as Savior of the world and Son of God to people you meet (Matthew 28:16-20). Accept it... believe it... confess it... and He will provide you with the strength you need to carry on, even when you think you've run out. The question is, are you ready for that charge?
Remember: Here am I for Your sending.
God bless you all!!!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Going back...
I'm going to take one step back and make certain that one point is clear. Yesterday I mentioned that we need to keep telling God's story, and I believe firmly that we should. However, I want you to know that it is true that if we chose not to tell the story, that even the rocks would cry out - God's story never, ever dies (Luke 19:40, 21:33). And in looking at that truth, we return to the constant theme of life, as well as this devotional work: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
You see, in all the time we could ever possibly spend together, the only constant is God. And we continually return to Him in discussion and thought and purpose out of habit. Would you like to know how I know that? I know because the main theme of any given thing is what we always return to. Think of your favorite song right now... humming the chorus yet? We always gravitate to the main focal point of a story or a song, and it is no different with our own lives. God is the main theme (Isaiah 6:8).
Think about it... even if only in times of distress and trouble (at least, in the beginning), we all tend to call upon Him when we are in our moments of true need. And it is not something we sit down and process, either. We just go to it. Some people "suddenly" start attending church or Sunday School, some people "suddenly" begin to pray every day, and some people "suddenly" begin to read the Bible or other devotional style works. It is instinctive... it is innate... it is supposed to be that way, and we know it deep in our being, and that is why it happens. We return to the primary theme, which is God (Revelation 4:8).
And no matter how many points and sub-points I could deliver to you from this particular piece of writing, I would constantly return, as I have since the first moment in this study, to the Father. He is the main theme (Revelation 22:13). There is no other being that can be called the Creator (Genesis 1:1), and no other being that is referred to as I Am (Exodus 3:14). No other being literally is the Word (John 1:1), and no other Name can bring salvation (Acts 4:8-12). So it is that we constantly return to the Truth (John 14:6), because it is... He is the Truth. He is the theme. He is the chorus of the greatest song ever sung... a song He wrote, which we are blessed to be a small part of... but we will forever return to that for our entire lives on this earth. And then we will return completely to the chorus, completely to Him, when we finally reach our home.
But that hasn't happened yet... not yet. So ponder and think and sing today, and recognize that you will always return to the chorus. The question is, are you singing your chorus, or His?
"I go back to the chorus, back to the main theme, I just keep goin' back to You."
"Back to the Chorus" by downhere
You see, in all the time we could ever possibly spend together, the only constant is God. And we continually return to Him in discussion and thought and purpose out of habit. Would you like to know how I know that? I know because the main theme of any given thing is what we always return to. Think of your favorite song right now... humming the chorus yet? We always gravitate to the main focal point of a story or a song, and it is no different with our own lives. God is the main theme (Isaiah 6:8).
"This is no fad. You're my quintessential soundtrack, 'cause in my heart I crave the only One who saves."
"Back to the Chorus" by downhere
Think about it... even if only in times of distress and trouble (at least, in the beginning), we all tend to call upon Him when we are in our moments of true need. And it is not something we sit down and process, either. We just go to it. Some people "suddenly" start attending church or Sunday School, some people "suddenly" begin to pray every day, and some people "suddenly" begin to read the Bible or other devotional style works. It is instinctive... it is innate... it is supposed to be that way, and we know it deep in our being, and that is why it happens. We return to the primary theme, which is God (Revelation 4:8).
"It's all I can do. It's all I can say, 'cause in my heart I crave the only One who saves."
"Back to the Chorus" by downhere
And no matter how many points and sub-points I could deliver to you from this particular piece of writing, I would constantly return, as I have since the first moment in this study, to the Father. He is the main theme (Revelation 22:13). There is no other being that can be called the Creator (Genesis 1:1), and no other being that is referred to as I Am (Exodus 3:14). No other being literally is the Word (John 1:1), and no other Name can bring salvation (Acts 4:8-12). So it is that we constantly return to the Truth (John 14:6), because it is... He is the Truth. He is the theme. He is the chorus of the greatest song ever sung... a song He wrote, which we are blessed to be a small part of... but we will forever return to that for our entire lives on this earth. And then we will return completely to the chorus, completely to Him, when we finally reach our home.
But that hasn't happened yet... not yet. So ponder and think and sing today, and recognize that you will always return to the chorus. The question is, are you singing your chorus, or His?
Remember: I go back to the chorus, back, You're my main theme.
God bless you all!!!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Finding...
You know, the best part about a search is when something is found. It truly makes it all worthwhile and a wonderful experience! And there is nothing better than searching for the Father, and subsequently there is nothing better than finding the Father and His kingdom. And when we come together in our search and combine our prayerful effort, amazing things can happen...
More and more, as I read and study the Bible, I see that Christ was concerned with the attitude of the heart. Our hearts are physical, literal muscles which facilitate the pumping of blood to all parts of the body, which allows us to breathe and live and learn and function. But that four-chambered space is not what is being sought... what is being sought is the character of your person, the "heart" of who you are. Because it is from the overflow of our hearts that we show people who we are (Luke 6:45). In those moments, it should always be our prayer that the "unseen kingdom," as referred to here, is the most recent thing in our hearts... that way, we can share it in whatever capacity we are able with another person!
And we must ensure that we do not limit our service and sacrifice to only those we know. Jesus did not limit himself only to the religious few of the day, you know... He kinda hung out around the bad apples of the time. And when asked why He was always around folks who were being judged on earth by men as being "bad," He always showed only love and wisdom in that He was sent "to seek and save the lost" (Luke 19:10). And so I pose to you a question: that which has been revealed to each of us is powerful in our lives, but how are we able to discern who it can or cannot help other than ourselves? To put it another way, why would we be so selfish as to keep what God does for us a secret?
His story never ends, as long as we keep telling it, Christian. Ponder on that for a while...
The Word endures forever (Isaiah 40:8). FOREVER! Long after you and I and all we know are gone, God's Word will be in full force, just as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. We must look to the things that we are shown, and search our hearts to see His kingdom revealed within us... because as it is revealed within us, we can then share it with those who need to hear it. The question is, are you looking in the right place?
God bless you all!!!
"Reveal the unseen Kingdom. The glory of the new Son; where ever more His love imparts the kingdom in our hearts."
"Reveal the Kingdom" by downhere
More and more, as I read and study the Bible, I see that Christ was concerned with the attitude of the heart. Our hearts are physical, literal muscles which facilitate the pumping of blood to all parts of the body, which allows us to breathe and live and learn and function. But that four-chambered space is not what is being sought... what is being sought is the character of your person, the "heart" of who you are. Because it is from the overflow of our hearts that we show people who we are (Luke 6:45). In those moments, it should always be our prayer that the "unseen kingdom," as referred to here, is the most recent thing in our hearts... that way, we can share it in whatever capacity we are able with another person!
"Though we are strangers, we must not appall, but rise to answer the call."
"Reveal the Kingdom" by downhere
And we must ensure that we do not limit our service and sacrifice to only those we know. Jesus did not limit himself only to the religious few of the day, you know... He kinda hung out around the bad apples of the time. And when asked why He was always around folks who were being judged on earth by men as being "bad," He always showed only love and wisdom in that He was sent "to seek and save the lost" (Luke 19:10). And so I pose to you a question: that which has been revealed to each of us is powerful in our lives, but how are we able to discern who it can or cannot help other than ourselves? To put it another way, why would we be so selfish as to keep what God does for us a secret?
His story never ends, as long as we keep telling it, Christian. Ponder on that for a while...
"Exsiccatum est foenum, et cecidit flos; Verbum autem Domini nostri manet in aeternum."
[The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God remains forever.]
"Reveal the Kingdom" by downhere
The Word endures forever (Isaiah 40:8). FOREVER! Long after you and I and all we know are gone, God's Word will be in full force, just as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. We must look to the things that we are shown, and search our hearts to see His kingdom revealed within us... because as it is revealed within us, we can then share it with those who need to hear it. The question is, are you looking in the right place?
Remember: Reveal the unseen kingdom.
God bless you all!!!
Friday, December 2, 2011
Seeking...
More and more is revealed, and more and more is learned, and the beauty of this is that we are always in one mode while this happens... we are seeking. However, let me be clear in that we are not seeking a church or an atmosphere or better music or a nicer pastor or a more "modern" approach to the Bible. We are seeking THE Church, the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), the atmosphere of prayer and petition and supplication (Matthew 21:13)... we are seeking Him.
He is calling us, each and every one. And the greatest part of it all is that He doesn't expect us to reach His level so that we may meet. No, He kneels down to us and meets us where we are, then encourages us to grow and become closer to Him. That, in and of itself, should be an encouragement for the ages to all Christians everywhere! We are not expected to play on His level in this life, yet moved by His love for us, we try to improve and get as close to that level as we can. And, in truth, there is no better devotion than that!
And for those seeking that which they need, whether it be rest or refreshment of the soul or forgiveness or acceptance, there is no greater person to seek than Jesus. Jesus ate with tax collectors (Matthew 9:11), stood in the way of people about to be stoned (John 8:7), and even offered redemption to a criminal at the point of death on the cross beside His own (Luke 23:43). Honestly, who on earth can offer that kind of love to you other than Christ? Think about that for a moment...
I referred to us not having to be on His level earlier, so let me make that a little more clear. If we use opera as an example, then we would have to refer to God as the Ultimate Singer... and we would be mute and still infants, incapable of carrying a tune in comparison to Him, no matter how much we practice. Maybe, just maybe, we would be able to hum through something simple one day, and maybe we would only make a few errors in intonation and pitch, but He would always be perfect in all of it. Yet, each time we take the risers to perform our elementary, single verse of a song, He makes it worth listening to. He is our featured Soloist. He is our instructor and private lesson Teacher. He is the Composer of the music itself, and the Author of the lyrics. He is... and that's all there is to it.
Seeking is a good thing, as long as your search is aimed in the proper direction. We should be seeking Him (Matthew 6:33) in all things, always, before any other concern. The question that remains is, are you seeking what you should be?
God bless you all!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YA5FtkELnJ8
"The Designer of the heart is beckoning those He longs to reach."
"Seek" by downhere
He is calling us, each and every one. And the greatest part of it all is that He doesn't expect us to reach His level so that we may meet. No, He kneels down to us and meets us where we are, then encourages us to grow and become closer to Him. That, in and of itself, should be an encouragement for the ages to all Christians everywhere! We are not expected to play on His level in this life, yet moved by His love for us, we try to improve and get as close to that level as we can. And, in truth, there is no better devotion than that!
"Oh come all you thirsty, you broke and sorrowful. His justice and mercy will mend and make you whole."
"Seek" by downhere
And for those seeking that which they need, whether it be rest or refreshment of the soul or forgiveness or acceptance, there is no greater person to seek than Jesus. Jesus ate with tax collectors (Matthew 9:11), stood in the way of people about to be stoned (John 8:7), and even offered redemption to a criminal at the point of death on the cross beside His own (Luke 23:43). Honestly, who on earth can offer that kind of love to you other than Christ? Think about that for a moment...
"In the opera of life, the Composer is clear; not clichéd or trite, His love is sincere!"
"Seek" by downhere
I referred to us not having to be on His level earlier, so let me make that a little more clear. If we use opera as an example, then we would have to refer to God as the Ultimate Singer... and we would be mute and still infants, incapable of carrying a tune in comparison to Him, no matter how much we practice. Maybe, just maybe, we would be able to hum through something simple one day, and maybe we would only make a few errors in intonation and pitch, but He would always be perfect in all of it. Yet, each time we take the risers to perform our elementary, single verse of a song, He makes it worth listening to. He is our featured Soloist. He is our instructor and private lesson Teacher. He is the Composer of the music itself, and the Author of the lyrics. He is... and that's all there is to it.
Seeking is a good thing, as long as your search is aimed in the proper direction. We should be seeking Him (Matthew 6:33) in all things, always, before any other concern. The question that remains is, are you seeking what you should be?
Remember: Seek while He may be found.
God bless you all!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YA5FtkELnJ8
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