Psalm 147:10-11: "His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love."
Psalm 147 truly is a word of praise to the LORD for His awesome power and His unfailing love for those who are surrendered to Him. In verse 2, we find that the LORD is building up Jerusalem as He gathers the exiles from far away places. Whereas the context of this passage can include the gathering the Jewish people from their dispersion back to Jerusalem, one can see an eschatalogical significance in the LORD gathering the redeemed to the New Jerusalem, which will descend upon the new earth in eternity. It is then that the LORD will actually dwell with His people. How incredible is that? Our LORD will heal the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds. He will wipe away every tear, as there will no longer be any death, mourning, crying, or pain (Psalm 147:2-3, Revelation 21:1-4).
The Psalmist also notes the personal nature of our LORD. Even as the number of stars is so vast that we in our finite minds could never count them, the LORD knows each by name. He is Great. He is mighty in power. His understanding knows no limit! (147:5).
We then find that the LORD is not impressed with the abilities of man. Although we find in our fallen world a proclivity for man to attempt to impress his neighbor with his accomplishments, God knows the intent of the heart of man, and is not so swayed. God alone is so beyond our fallible abilities that He is not "wowed" by what we do or what we attain. Rather, our LORD delights in those who put their HOPE in His unfailing love and fear Him with reverential fear.
Of course, hope is tested in times of tribulation and temptation. In whom do we put our trust when we are in the depths of difficulty and despair? In whom do we hope when the Evil One barrages us with suggestions to defy the One True LORD in favor of our own selfish appetites? In whom do we long, even knowing that our physical demise is forthcoming (for in fact this is the eventual fate of every human being [Hebrews 9:27])? For those who put their hope in the LORD through submission and obedience, the LORD finds delight. Our reflection on our true dependence upon the LORD for everything, draws us to thoughts and behaviors that reflect our allegiance to the Almighty. We also become overwhelmed with the Greatness of the LORD to accomplish such things and His amazing love lavished upon us, even though we have been rebellious against Him through our sin.
Let us never forget the blessedness that we have in the grace and mercy of the King of Kings. Let us savor the privilege of such Love from the Almighty and revere Him as the Sovereign Ruler over our lives. Let us put our ultimate hope in His greatness and His goodness to us, for in such responses does the LORD delight.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Dust In The Wind
Psalm 146:3-6: "Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them-the LORD, who remains faithful forever."
When I was reading these verses, I was reminded of the progressive rock band, Kansas, and their 1977 hit "Dust in the Wind." I also was reminded of the bad but humorous movie, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, when Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter share their presumed sagacity with the words, "All we are is dust in the wind . . . dudes."
The Bible tells us that we are not merely dust in the wind, for we have received the LORD's live-giving breath, making us a living being with an eternal soul (see Genesis 2:7).
Still, there is some truth to our being "spiritualized dirt." The Psalmist above reminds us that if we think too highly of ourselves or others, and determine to put our trust in man rather than in God, we're going to find ourselves in trouble. For we know that when the day of our death comes, all of us will return to the place from which we were made . . . the dirt. And when we return to the ground physically, our spirit will depart for the presence of the LORD to be judged by the One and Only Righteous King (see Ecclesiastes 12:7; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27).
We must never forget that man is mortal and has no power within himself to bring eternal life. Only the One True God can bring such privilege to us, if we would surrender to Him alone as our Lord and Savior. This is why the Psalmist in 146:5 tells us that the man who yields to God in hope and finds help in Him is blessed. This man's faith is anchored in the right object, namely the Sovereign, Supreme King of all things . . . who is Creator of all things . . . and who rules over all things in glorious power. And what is so encouraging for us is that the Creator "remains faithful forever." For those yielded to Christ, the LORD promises to be faithful to His covenant that He will redeem us, giving us eternal life; He also promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 9:28; 13:5).
If we find ourselves basking in our own pride or putting our ultimate hope and confidence in others, let us be reminded that we are mere dirt, that has been given life by God. Let us be reminded that with physical death, we will become dirt again physically, until the day of our physical resurrection. The only true source of life is found in God alone. Let us seek him with a spirit of humility and reverential fear, for we can know that God will be faithful to us and He will lift our "dirt-oriented" lives to life immortal.
When I was reading these verses, I was reminded of the progressive rock band, Kansas, and their 1977 hit "Dust in the Wind." I also was reminded of the bad but humorous movie, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, when Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter share their presumed sagacity with the words, "All we are is dust in the wind . . . dudes."
The Bible tells us that we are not merely dust in the wind, for we have received the LORD's live-giving breath, making us a living being with an eternal soul (see Genesis 2:7).
Still, there is some truth to our being "spiritualized dirt." The Psalmist above reminds us that if we think too highly of ourselves or others, and determine to put our trust in man rather than in God, we're going to find ourselves in trouble. For we know that when the day of our death comes, all of us will return to the place from which we were made . . . the dirt. And when we return to the ground physically, our spirit will depart for the presence of the LORD to be judged by the One and Only Righteous King (see Ecclesiastes 12:7; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27).
We must never forget that man is mortal and has no power within himself to bring eternal life. Only the One True God can bring such privilege to us, if we would surrender to Him alone as our Lord and Savior. This is why the Psalmist in 146:5 tells us that the man who yields to God in hope and finds help in Him is blessed. This man's faith is anchored in the right object, namely the Sovereign, Supreme King of all things . . . who is Creator of all things . . . and who rules over all things in glorious power. And what is so encouraging for us is that the Creator "remains faithful forever." For those yielded to Christ, the LORD promises to be faithful to His covenant that He will redeem us, giving us eternal life; He also promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 9:28; 13:5).
If we find ourselves basking in our own pride or putting our ultimate hope and confidence in others, let us be reminded that we are mere dirt, that has been given life by God. Let us be reminded that with physical death, we will become dirt again physically, until the day of our physical resurrection. The only true source of life is found in God alone. Let us seek him with a spirit of humility and reverential fear, for we can know that God will be faithful to us and He will lift our "dirt-oriented" lives to life immortal.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Parents, Are You Listening?
Psalm 145:4-7: "One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty . . . . They will tell of the power of your works . . . . They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness."
The chief cause of the societal degradation that we are seeing in our nation is the lack of Godly parental leadership in the home. Fathers are not rising to their Divinely-appointed responsibility to be men passionately committed to God, modeling through word and deed their surrender to Christ as Lord. Mothers are being pulled in so many different directions and are swayed by so many vain, worldly philosophies that they also do not model Godliness to their children.
Psalm 145 reveals to us what the parents in fact are to be doing. Parents are to tell their children of the mighty acts of God demonstrated through His awesome power (145:6). They are to speak of the majesty of God in His glorious splendor who is to be worshipped as the Supreme Sovereign over all things (145:1,5). They also are to proclaim to their children the goodness of the Lord, who is "gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love" (145:8-9).
In the latter half of the chapter, there is an interchange of reflection upon the greatness (vs. 11, 13) and goodness (vs. 8-10, 14-16) of God Almighty. It's as if David, the writer of the Psalm cannot get enough of His Lord. He is enthralled with knowing His Lord, and he wants to share his experience with all who will listen.
In verse 17-20, we find that the LORD is near to all of those who call on Him in truth, and He watches over those who love Him. However, he destroys those who defy Him through their wicked rebellion against His Lordship.
If we ever are to see reformation in our communities, it will start with the parents. If parents are not surrendered to Christ as Lord . . . if they are unwilling to teach and model to their children the joy and blessedness that intimate fellowship with God Almighty brings, then there is little hope for our nation. God has given us the prescription. He has promised to us His blessings if we are faithful; however, He also has given to us the consequence for disobedience. Parents, let us repent of our sins, turn to God, and teach our children!
The chief cause of the societal degradation that we are seeing in our nation is the lack of Godly parental leadership in the home. Fathers are not rising to their Divinely-appointed responsibility to be men passionately committed to God, modeling through word and deed their surrender to Christ as Lord. Mothers are being pulled in so many different directions and are swayed by so many vain, worldly philosophies that they also do not model Godliness to their children.
Psalm 145 reveals to us what the parents in fact are to be doing. Parents are to tell their children of the mighty acts of God demonstrated through His awesome power (145:6). They are to speak of the majesty of God in His glorious splendor who is to be worshipped as the Supreme Sovereign over all things (145:1,5). They also are to proclaim to their children the goodness of the Lord, who is "gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love" (145:8-9).
In the latter half of the chapter, there is an interchange of reflection upon the greatness (vs. 11, 13) and goodness (vs. 8-10, 14-16) of God Almighty. It's as if David, the writer of the Psalm cannot get enough of His Lord. He is enthralled with knowing His Lord, and he wants to share his experience with all who will listen.
In verse 17-20, we find that the LORD is near to all of those who call on Him in truth, and He watches over those who love Him. However, he destroys those who defy Him through their wicked rebellion against His Lordship.
If we ever are to see reformation in our communities, it will start with the parents. If parents are not surrendered to Christ as Lord . . . if they are unwilling to teach and model to their children the joy and blessedness that intimate fellowship with God Almighty brings, then there is little hope for our nation. God has given us the prescription. He has promised to us His blessings if we are faithful; however, He also has given to us the consequence for disobedience. Parents, let us repent of our sins, turn to God, and teach our children!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Thanksgiving Starts with Reflection
Psalm 144:3-4: " O LORD, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow."
As the Thanksgiving holiday is fast upon us, we would do well to reflect upon what a spirit of thanksgiving looks like. What is it that makes a follower of Jesus Christ thankful? Why do they live their lives in a perpetual attitude of gratefulness, no matter the circumstances that they face in life?
A key indicator for us is found in the above cited verse. As King David petitioned the LORD for deliverance from his enemies, he paused midstream and contemplated the amazing blessing of God's involvement in our lives. Certainly God is not in need of communion with us. He could have created us and left us to the consequence of our rebellion against Him as LORD . . . which is physical and spiritual death. He did not need to involve Himself in our lives at all, seeing our physical lives as short and utterly meaningless (read Ecclesiastes for the "vanity" of this life). He could have concluded that we were not worth His time, as again He is not in need of fellowship with us. In actuality, God did not even need to create us in the first place; God does not need us and our association to have a sense of completion. He is perfect and glorious within Himself. One cannot help but be amazed that God, knowing before creation that we would commit cosmic treason against His Lordship and that any hope of reconciliation would cost Him His very life, would choose to create us anyway. It seems that the more rational conclusion would have been for God not to have created us.
That the Sovereign Creator of the universe would condescend to us and love us by fostering an intimate fellowship with us by sacrificing Himself truly is amazing! This is why grace is amazing! This is why God is amazing!
Again, we are so unworthy of an intimate relationship with God. The Scriptures tell us that because of our sinful rebellion against the Lord, we were God's enemies; however when we were powerless to do anything about our sin, Christ died for us, reconciling us to Him and granting us life (Romans 5:6-10). Our response to this offering should be repentance and surrender to Him as LORD. Oh the foolishness of those who would not receive such an offering of grace due to their stubbornness to surrender to the King of Kings. This is the greatest absurdity ever!
As we enter this holiday season, let us stop as David did and reflect upon what our Lord has offered to us. Let us remember that it is virtually inconceivable to think that God would choose to interact with us. In comparison to God, we are absolutely nothing and so undeserving of His love and fellowship (both now and in eternity). Let us savor the blessedness of redemption that has been offered through Christ Jesus' brutal sacrifice on the cross. Let us celebrate God's power over sin and death through the resurrection, giving us the hope of our resurrection (Romans 8:11). Let us kneel in awe that God even would choose to adopt us as His sons and daughters for all eternity (Ephesians 1:5). What a privilege!
And as we find ourselves truly overwhelmed by such benefits, let us open the portals of thanksgiving to our God, who is our Sovereign King, our Loving Lord, and our Glorious Savior!
As the Thanksgiving holiday is fast upon us, we would do well to reflect upon what a spirit of thanksgiving looks like. What is it that makes a follower of Jesus Christ thankful? Why do they live their lives in a perpetual attitude of gratefulness, no matter the circumstances that they face in life?
A key indicator for us is found in the above cited verse. As King David petitioned the LORD for deliverance from his enemies, he paused midstream and contemplated the amazing blessing of God's involvement in our lives. Certainly God is not in need of communion with us. He could have created us and left us to the consequence of our rebellion against Him as LORD . . . which is physical and spiritual death. He did not need to involve Himself in our lives at all, seeing our physical lives as short and utterly meaningless (read Ecclesiastes for the "vanity" of this life). He could have concluded that we were not worth His time, as again He is not in need of fellowship with us. In actuality, God did not even need to create us in the first place; God does not need us and our association to have a sense of completion. He is perfect and glorious within Himself. One cannot help but be amazed that God, knowing before creation that we would commit cosmic treason against His Lordship and that any hope of reconciliation would cost Him His very life, would choose to create us anyway. It seems that the more rational conclusion would have been for God not to have created us.
That the Sovereign Creator of the universe would condescend to us and love us by fostering an intimate fellowship with us by sacrificing Himself truly is amazing! This is why grace is amazing! This is why God is amazing!
Again, we are so unworthy of an intimate relationship with God. The Scriptures tell us that because of our sinful rebellion against the Lord, we were God's enemies; however when we were powerless to do anything about our sin, Christ died for us, reconciling us to Him and granting us life (Romans 5:6-10). Our response to this offering should be repentance and surrender to Him as LORD. Oh the foolishness of those who would not receive such an offering of grace due to their stubbornness to surrender to the King of Kings. This is the greatest absurdity ever!
As we enter this holiday season, let us stop as David did and reflect upon what our Lord has offered to us. Let us remember that it is virtually inconceivable to think that God would choose to interact with us. In comparison to God, we are absolutely nothing and so undeserving of His love and fellowship (both now and in eternity). Let us savor the blessedness of redemption that has been offered through Christ Jesus' brutal sacrifice on the cross. Let us celebrate God's power over sin and death through the resurrection, giving us the hope of our resurrection (Romans 8:11). Let us kneel in awe that God even would choose to adopt us as His sons and daughters for all eternity (Ephesians 1:5). What a privilege!
And as we find ourselves truly overwhelmed by such benefits, let us open the portals of thanksgiving to our God, who is our Sovereign King, our Loving Lord, and our Glorious Savior!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
How To Gain the Strength of God in the Midst of Trials
Psalm 143: 11: "For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble."
David was rather keen at knowing that in the midst of tribulation, God was the One he needed to seek to gain deliverance from his difficulties. Psalm 143 in particular has a number of examples of ways we should process through the trials in our lives.
First, David sought the LORD in prayer and a desire for mercy (vs. 1-2). As David petitioned the LORD for deliverance, he recognized that God was faithful and righteous. David also confessed his sin, acknowledging that no one is righteous before a holy God.
Secondly, David assessed his deplorable situation and presented his case before the LORD (vs. 3). This necessitated not only contemplation but personal introspection on his part. One can conclude that if David found things in his life that he was doing to bring such consequences, he confessed them to the LORD and changed his ways.
Thirdly, David realized that he was not going to be able to get through his ordeal through his own strength (vs, 4). How often do we try to fix the burdens that we face rather than taking our situations to the LORD? We need to approach the throne of God in faith that He will intervene for us and work out His purposes for His glory (which ultimately is best).
Fourthly, David reflected upon God's faithfulness as he remembered what God had done in his life in days gone by. David found strength in the recollection of the past, and in the assurance that God was faithful and consistent. If God brought deliverance in the past, then surely He again would do so in David's present situation. We too can find that such reflections can spur on our faith in God in the midst of our trials. We can find such assurances by our reflection upon God's works as recorded in the Scriptures and in God's direct workings in our lives.
Fifthly, David had a teachable spirit that was open to being molded by God. He specifically shared with the Lord, "Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul . . . . Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground" (vs. 8, 10). How often do we approach the Lord in the midst of our trials with a closed spirit, unwilling to let God teach us and shape us through the experience? We must be pliable as we go through these difficulties, knowing that the LORD wants to mature us in our faith, bringing triumph in the midst of tragedy.
Lastly, David professed his allegiance to the LORD as His Master. David understood that his purpose for living was not for his own selfish desires, but to serve the LORD of hosts as a servant. Certainly for God to permit such difficulty in David's life, suggests that God was working out His Divine purposes in the midst of the ordeal. David knew that he needed to be attentive to his Master's will in the circumstance, knowing that glorifying the LORD was his foundational purpose in life.
God is always there with us as we traverse the burdensome paths in life. He works out His purposes in the midst of our difficulties to draw us closer to Him in a spirit of utter dependence. Sometimes He brings deliverance from our ordeals. In all situations, He wants to teach us and draw us into an ever closer intimacy with Him. We can see this happening with David in verse 6: "I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land."
May we never forget that when we seek God during our trials, God will impart peace and strength to us so that we can persevere and be further transformed by His glorious presence and work in our lives.
David was rather keen at knowing that in the midst of tribulation, God was the One he needed to seek to gain deliverance from his difficulties. Psalm 143 in particular has a number of examples of ways we should process through the trials in our lives.
First, David sought the LORD in prayer and a desire for mercy (vs. 1-2). As David petitioned the LORD for deliverance, he recognized that God was faithful and righteous. David also confessed his sin, acknowledging that no one is righteous before a holy God.
Secondly, David assessed his deplorable situation and presented his case before the LORD (vs. 3). This necessitated not only contemplation but personal introspection on his part. One can conclude that if David found things in his life that he was doing to bring such consequences, he confessed them to the LORD and changed his ways.
Thirdly, David realized that he was not going to be able to get through his ordeal through his own strength (vs, 4). How often do we try to fix the burdens that we face rather than taking our situations to the LORD? We need to approach the throne of God in faith that He will intervene for us and work out His purposes for His glory (which ultimately is best).
Fourthly, David reflected upon God's faithfulness as he remembered what God had done in his life in days gone by. David found strength in the recollection of the past, and in the assurance that God was faithful and consistent. If God brought deliverance in the past, then surely He again would do so in David's present situation. We too can find that such reflections can spur on our faith in God in the midst of our trials. We can find such assurances by our reflection upon God's works as recorded in the Scriptures and in God's direct workings in our lives.
Fifthly, David had a teachable spirit that was open to being molded by God. He specifically shared with the Lord, "Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul . . . . Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground" (vs. 8, 10). How often do we approach the Lord in the midst of our trials with a closed spirit, unwilling to let God teach us and shape us through the experience? We must be pliable as we go through these difficulties, knowing that the LORD wants to mature us in our faith, bringing triumph in the midst of tragedy.
Lastly, David professed his allegiance to the LORD as His Master. David understood that his purpose for living was not for his own selfish desires, but to serve the LORD of hosts as a servant. Certainly for God to permit such difficulty in David's life, suggests that God was working out His Divine purposes in the midst of the ordeal. David knew that he needed to be attentive to his Master's will in the circumstance, knowing that glorifying the LORD was his foundational purpose in life.
God is always there with us as we traverse the burdensome paths in life. He works out His purposes in the midst of our difficulties to draw us closer to Him in a spirit of utter dependence. Sometimes He brings deliverance from our ordeals. In all situations, He wants to teach us and draw us into an ever closer intimacy with Him. We can see this happening with David in verse 6: "I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land."
May we never forget that when we seek God during our trials, God will impart peace and strength to us so that we can persevere and be further transformed by His glorious presence and work in our lives.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Feeling Isolated
Psalm 142:4: "Look to my right and see; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life."
This Psalm from David was written during a time when he was hiding out in a cave, trying to avoid the pursuits of King Saul. Saul perceived David a threat to his reign, and he was relentless in his attempts to kill the young man of Bethlehem.
David had just about reached the end of his rope. His spirit was "faint" as men attempted to ensnare him (and ultimately execute him)! The one thing that David did know was the importance of making his fretful case known to the Lord. It was not as if God was oblivious to David's situation; yet David knew that God desired him to bring his burdens to the Lord, acknowledging that God alone would be the source of deliverance from the misery of the hopeless situation.
The other thing noticeable from this Psalm was David's lack of support from others. When the times were really tough, the people scattered. This was even more reason for David to seek the Lord, for he knew that only the Sovereign One would be his Refuge during his time of desperate need.
By faith, David called for deliverance, and looked forward to giving God praise and worship for His answering David's prayer. Then David made a very keen observation. He noted that righteous people would surround him as he testified about the goodness of the Lord.
There is a great word for us. Many times when we are traversing certain "valleys of despair," we may find that few people are there to support us and encourage us. This may very well be because man is selfish by nature and apt to surround himself with people that bring some semblance of personal benefit. Conversely, true love is available to minister to others in all times, especially during those most difficult times that aren't pretty and certainly not going to bring any benefit. David acknowledged that he would have no problem with people surrounding him when the times of blessing would befall him. Even the righteous would gather around him as He praise the Lord for His hand of favor.
The things from this passage that we would do well to learn are the following:
1. When the times are very painful and difficult, we need to seek the Lord. He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), even though others might turn their backs on us in our time of despair. And the Lord is waiting for us to put our faith and trust in Him, knowing and believing that He can bring deliverance to us.
2. Our struggles might bring alienation from others, who don't want to have to deal with the challenges that we might be facing. Especially during these times, we again must realize that only God is our Refuge. And it is to Him that we must find fellowship and support.
This is not to suggest that we should become cynical and reclusive and withdraw from the world, believing it to be a collective of egocentrics who only want to associate with us for their personal benefit. To be sure, we ourselves might have brought our isolation through our abrasive personalities or chronic perpetuation of sin in our lives (despite the words of admonition from others who want to see us gain victory over sin).
The one thing that we should be more conscious of is the need to minister to others and be a blessing to others in their time of need. This is the way we can demonstrate true, God-like love to them and share their burdens, making their journey a little less troublesome.
This Psalm from David was written during a time when he was hiding out in a cave, trying to avoid the pursuits of King Saul. Saul perceived David a threat to his reign, and he was relentless in his attempts to kill the young man of Bethlehem.
David had just about reached the end of his rope. His spirit was "faint" as men attempted to ensnare him (and ultimately execute him)! The one thing that David did know was the importance of making his fretful case known to the Lord. It was not as if God was oblivious to David's situation; yet David knew that God desired him to bring his burdens to the Lord, acknowledging that God alone would be the source of deliverance from the misery of the hopeless situation.
The other thing noticeable from this Psalm was David's lack of support from others. When the times were really tough, the people scattered. This was even more reason for David to seek the Lord, for he knew that only the Sovereign One would be his Refuge during his time of desperate need.
By faith, David called for deliverance, and looked forward to giving God praise and worship for His answering David's prayer. Then David made a very keen observation. He noted that righteous people would surround him as he testified about the goodness of the Lord.
There is a great word for us. Many times when we are traversing certain "valleys of despair," we may find that few people are there to support us and encourage us. This may very well be because man is selfish by nature and apt to surround himself with people that bring some semblance of personal benefit. Conversely, true love is available to minister to others in all times, especially during those most difficult times that aren't pretty and certainly not going to bring any benefit. David acknowledged that he would have no problem with people surrounding him when the times of blessing would befall him. Even the righteous would gather around him as He praise the Lord for His hand of favor.
The things from this passage that we would do well to learn are the following:
1. When the times are very painful and difficult, we need to seek the Lord. He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), even though others might turn their backs on us in our time of despair. And the Lord is waiting for us to put our faith and trust in Him, knowing and believing that He can bring deliverance to us.
2. Our struggles might bring alienation from others, who don't want to have to deal with the challenges that we might be facing. Especially during these times, we again must realize that only God is our Refuge. And it is to Him that we must find fellowship and support.
This is not to suggest that we should become cynical and reclusive and withdraw from the world, believing it to be a collective of egocentrics who only want to associate with us for their personal benefit. To be sure, we ourselves might have brought our isolation through our abrasive personalities or chronic perpetuation of sin in our lives (despite the words of admonition from others who want to see us gain victory over sin).
The one thing that we should be more conscious of is the need to minister to others and be a blessing to others in their time of need. This is the way we can demonstrate true, God-like love to them and share their burdens, making their journey a little less troublesome.
Monday, November 16, 2009
What's a Good Indicator of Spiritual Maturity?
Psalm 141:5: "Let a righteous man strike me-it is a kindness; let him rebuke me-it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it."
One of the truest measures of a person's spiritual maturity is his ability to receive objective criticism from a fellow believer in Jesus Christ. We as a community of faith are called to "sharpen one another" (Proverbs 27:17), and we know that the sharpening of two objects involves the grinding of those items against each other . . . a process that is not always pleasant but always constructive, if done in a spirit of redemption. None of us are impervious of the need for constructive criticism, for we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
All too often, however, we can see "ruffled feathers" from one who is not open to hearing an expressed concern from a fellow believer who might see an issue that might be affecting one's spiritual journey of obedience and faithfulness. When one person shares a word designed to present an objective assessment of his brother's situation, how that brother receives the information is a good indicator of his spiritual maturity. If he becomes belligerent and "snaps back" at the constructive criticism or if he pulls a passive-aggressive move and purposefully avoids the "sharer" in the future, then one can conclude that the person is not very mature in the faith.
Even if the criticism from another is not an accurate assessment of the circumstances, the mature believer who is receiving such admonition should be willing to receive the expressed concern in a spirit of love, understanding that there always is opportunity to learn and grow. The mature follower of Christ will recognize that the perception of the other person is important and will introspectively evaluate the situation to see if there is opportunity for personal improvement.
This does not necessarily mean that one must adhere to every expressed critical evaluation of another; for in fact there will be times when others will assess situations in other people's lives through their own selfish, non-principled lenses. This is why the Scripture cited above suggests that it is the rebuke of a righteous man that is a "kindness." Still, no matter who presents his case to us, we must always receive it in a spirit of love. This is how all men will know that we are true followers of Jesus Christ (John 13:35).
One of the truest measures of a person's spiritual maturity is his ability to receive objective criticism from a fellow believer in Jesus Christ. We as a community of faith are called to "sharpen one another" (Proverbs 27:17), and we know that the sharpening of two objects involves the grinding of those items against each other . . . a process that is not always pleasant but always constructive, if done in a spirit of redemption. None of us are impervious of the need for constructive criticism, for we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
All too often, however, we can see "ruffled feathers" from one who is not open to hearing an expressed concern from a fellow believer who might see an issue that might be affecting one's spiritual journey of obedience and faithfulness. When one person shares a word designed to present an objective assessment of his brother's situation, how that brother receives the information is a good indicator of his spiritual maturity. If he becomes belligerent and "snaps back" at the constructive criticism or if he pulls a passive-aggressive move and purposefully avoids the "sharer" in the future, then one can conclude that the person is not very mature in the faith.
Even if the criticism from another is not an accurate assessment of the circumstances, the mature believer who is receiving such admonition should be willing to receive the expressed concern in a spirit of love, understanding that there always is opportunity to learn and grow. The mature follower of Christ will recognize that the perception of the other person is important and will introspectively evaluate the situation to see if there is opportunity for personal improvement.
This does not necessarily mean that one must adhere to every expressed critical evaluation of another; for in fact there will be times when others will assess situations in other people's lives through their own selfish, non-principled lenses. This is why the Scripture cited above suggests that it is the rebuke of a righteous man that is a "kindness." Still, no matter who presents his case to us, we must always receive it in a spirit of love. This is how all men will know that we are true followers of Jesus Christ (John 13:35).
Friday, November 13, 2009
When Justice Is Blind
Job 9:24: "When a land falls into the hands of the wicked, he blindfolds its judges."
Job shared this reflection while he was writhing in pain; still, he in his conversation with his friends, Bildad, Zophar, and Eliphaz had a rather perceptive conclusion to reality. That is, when a people turn from the ways of the Lord to wickedness, then its judges tend to follow suit and make judgments inconsistent with the ways of righteousness.
This is such a good word for us today. Are we not as a nation falling into this very pattern of rebellion against the Lord and His commands? Do we not see that our judicial system is following suit in making judgments that clearly are against the precepts found in God's Word? Do we not also see that those within the political realm have an insatiable hunger to appoint justices to key positions in the courts, who have opportunity through their judgments to influence laws to fit certain ideological agendas, contrary to God's decrees?
Whereas we are called to respect those in authority over us (Romans 13:1), we as a nation must stand aghast at the degradation of our country against the expressed will of God as is communicated in His Holy Scriptures. We would do well to repent of our collective sins of rebellion against the Sovereign Lord and elect representatives who will follow the ways of righteousness, even appointing justices that will make honorable decisions in their cases. It is only then that the blessings of God will be showered upon us, helping us find relief from the many different manifestations of difficulty that we are experiencing. This is what the Scriptures tell us: "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life" (Galatians 6:7-8).
Job shared this reflection while he was writhing in pain; still, he in his conversation with his friends, Bildad, Zophar, and Eliphaz had a rather perceptive conclusion to reality. That is, when a people turn from the ways of the Lord to wickedness, then its judges tend to follow suit and make judgments inconsistent with the ways of righteousness.
This is such a good word for us today. Are we not as a nation falling into this very pattern of rebellion against the Lord and His commands? Do we not see that our judicial system is following suit in making judgments that clearly are against the precepts found in God's Word? Do we not also see that those within the political realm have an insatiable hunger to appoint justices to key positions in the courts, who have opportunity through their judgments to influence laws to fit certain ideological agendas, contrary to God's decrees?
Whereas we are called to respect those in authority over us (Romans 13:1), we as a nation must stand aghast at the degradation of our country against the expressed will of God as is communicated in His Holy Scriptures. We would do well to repent of our collective sins of rebellion against the Sovereign Lord and elect representatives who will follow the ways of righteousness, even appointing justices that will make honorable decisions in their cases. It is only then that the blessings of God will be showered upon us, helping us find relief from the many different manifestations of difficulty that we are experiencing. This is what the Scriptures tell us: "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life" (Galatians 6:7-8).
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Church is Called to Unity
Psalm 133:1,3b: "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! . . . . For there the LORD bestows his blessing even life forevermore."
If there is one evidence of the spiritual sterility of the Church, it is found in the constant feuding and bickering among the supposed saints behind the church doors. How many times have we heard about factions being formed within the church over trivial matters like the color of the carpet, or the style of worship, or the length of the services?
We must understand that if we have been redeemed by the Lord, we no longer are our own . . . but we have been "bought with a price" (I Corinthians 6:20). We have become "servants" of the LORD, ready to do His bidding rather than seeking our own selfish wills. We are called by the Almighty to "live a life worthy of the calling (we) have received . . . Being completely humble and gentle; patient, bearing with one another in love . . . Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:1-3).
Disunity certainly will not be blessed by the Lord; rather He will withhold His hand of blessing from those persons and churches that would seek their own selfish desires over the will of God. One must wonder just how many churches are dying (or have already closed their doors) because they have seen their "church" as a means to seek their personal agendas for control, power, recognition, etc.
This topic reminds me of a church in which I served as a college student many years ago. This particular church during the 1950s was one of the largest churches in the city. Their worship building could seat over 500 people; and during that era, it was filled to capacity. When I was called to serve there in the 1980s, the church had dwindled to about 30. Most of its attendees were older, and often they reflected on the "good ol' days." They also wondered why their church was not still the flourishing church of yesteryear.
Just before my arrival, the church had called a 40-year-old pastor, and he was rather passionate about witnessing to the community and inviting people to come worship at the church. Sadly, the members were philosophically against such notions, believing that those invited would upset the "system" that they had greatly influenced over the years and had come to enjoy for their own personal benefit. Since the community was seeing more ethnic diversity, some of these church members were concerned that the invitations by the pastor for these people to worship with them would present a level of racial diversity that was quite uncomfortable for them. They too were concerned at the loss of control of the church, since some of these people being invited to the church might join, thus being given opportunity to vote for change.
I still remember as the 21-year-old college intern being approached by one of the deacons, who told me, "I've paid my tithe for over 40 years to this church! This is my church, and I'm not going to let some young preacher change that!" The pastor had made great strides in connecting with the community; but the personal desires of the church's members brought that to an abrupt end. Certain types of people were welcome, provided that they understood that they must adhere to the routines long established by these founding members.
Shortly thereafter, the church asked the pastor to leave, and they replaced him with an older pastor. Sadly, the church never saw the blessing of lives being changed for Christ. I had heard that the church eventually sold their property and merged with another struggling church and built a building in the suburbs for worship.
This is a perfect example of selfish, egocentricity that breeds quarrels and divisions that are not unlike a cancer that eats away at the vibrancy of a church and its effectiveness for the kingdom of God. Paul in his letter to the Romans identifies these people rather well as people serving themselves over the One True Lord: "I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned . . . . such people are not serving our Lord Christ but their own appetites" (Romans 16:17-18).
May we never be instruments used by the Evil One to cause divisions within the church. May we never let our personal agendas become so preeminent that we war against others in order to gain our way. Scripture calls us in view of God's grace lavished upon us, to be people of humility and graciousness. Whereas we may have differing opinions about various non-essential matters of the faith, we always are called to be people who are patient and loving. This is the way that the world will know that we are true followers of Jesus Christ (see John 13:35).
If there is one evidence of the spiritual sterility of the Church, it is found in the constant feuding and bickering among the supposed saints behind the church doors. How many times have we heard about factions being formed within the church over trivial matters like the color of the carpet, or the style of worship, or the length of the services?
We must understand that if we have been redeemed by the Lord, we no longer are our own . . . but we have been "bought with a price" (I Corinthians 6:20). We have become "servants" of the LORD, ready to do His bidding rather than seeking our own selfish wills. We are called by the Almighty to "live a life worthy of the calling (we) have received . . . Being completely humble and gentle; patient, bearing with one another in love . . . Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:1-3).
Disunity certainly will not be blessed by the Lord; rather He will withhold His hand of blessing from those persons and churches that would seek their own selfish desires over the will of God. One must wonder just how many churches are dying (or have already closed their doors) because they have seen their "church" as a means to seek their personal agendas for control, power, recognition, etc.
This topic reminds me of a church in which I served as a college student many years ago. This particular church during the 1950s was one of the largest churches in the city. Their worship building could seat over 500 people; and during that era, it was filled to capacity. When I was called to serve there in the 1980s, the church had dwindled to about 30. Most of its attendees were older, and often they reflected on the "good ol' days." They also wondered why their church was not still the flourishing church of yesteryear.
Just before my arrival, the church had called a 40-year-old pastor, and he was rather passionate about witnessing to the community and inviting people to come worship at the church. Sadly, the members were philosophically against such notions, believing that those invited would upset the "system" that they had greatly influenced over the years and had come to enjoy for their own personal benefit. Since the community was seeing more ethnic diversity, some of these church members were concerned that the invitations by the pastor for these people to worship with them would present a level of racial diversity that was quite uncomfortable for them. They too were concerned at the loss of control of the church, since some of these people being invited to the church might join, thus being given opportunity to vote for change.
I still remember as the 21-year-old college intern being approached by one of the deacons, who told me, "I've paid my tithe for over 40 years to this church! This is my church, and I'm not going to let some young preacher change that!" The pastor had made great strides in connecting with the community; but the personal desires of the church's members brought that to an abrupt end. Certain types of people were welcome, provided that they understood that they must adhere to the routines long established by these founding members.
Shortly thereafter, the church asked the pastor to leave, and they replaced him with an older pastor. Sadly, the church never saw the blessing of lives being changed for Christ. I had heard that the church eventually sold their property and merged with another struggling church and built a building in the suburbs for worship.
This is a perfect example of selfish, egocentricity that breeds quarrels and divisions that are not unlike a cancer that eats away at the vibrancy of a church and its effectiveness for the kingdom of God. Paul in his letter to the Romans identifies these people rather well as people serving themselves over the One True Lord: "I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned . . . . such people are not serving our Lord Christ but their own appetites" (Romans 16:17-18).
May we never be instruments used by the Evil One to cause divisions within the church. May we never let our personal agendas become so preeminent that we war against others in order to gain our way. Scripture calls us in view of God's grace lavished upon us, to be people of humility and graciousness. Whereas we may have differing opinions about various non-essential matters of the faith, we always are called to be people who are patient and loving. This is the way that the world will know that we are true followers of Jesus Christ (see John 13:35).
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