Throwing Soap
David said to God, "Is it not I who commanded to count the people? Indeed, I am the one who has sinned and done very wickedly, but these sheep, what have they done? O LORD my God, please let Your hand be against me and my father's household, but not against Your people that they should be plagued" -- 1 Chronicles 21:17; New American Standard Bible
I will never forget it as long as I live. Once, while in elementary school, some boys and I were having an argument in the latrine when one of the boys threw a bar of soap at me. I dodged the soap and it hit the wall and broke. I picked up the pieces, washed my hands and went into the hallway to go to lunch. As I handed the broken soap to my teacher (our custom was to give the teacher the soap because if left in the restroom it was continually stolen), she angrily said “Who broke this soap?” No one confessed, and since I handed it to her, she assumed it was me. After lunch, she gave a great speech on honesty and respecting school property. She ended the exhaustive diatribe by pulling my pants down and whipping me with a paddle in front of my classmates, boys and girls included.
I had done enough wrong in my time to get a whipping for something I did not do. That didn’t really bother me. I was guilty of enough that the whipping could have served as payment for old debts to society. The embarrassment is what bothered me. I still think that it could have been avoided had the boy spoken up. Better still; had he not thrown the soap, no one would have gotten a whipping.
David should not have thrown the proverbial soap. His pride caused 70,000 (soak that number in) Israelites to die and much of Jerusalem to be destroyed (1 Chronicles 21:14-15a). Finally, David confesses that he is guilty and asks God to give him the punishment. Though a little late, David makes a noble confession. God had stayed His hand already, but let us be careful to note that David’s confession brought healing and David did not make the mistake of leaving his sin unconfessed as King Saul had done (1 Samuel 15).
How many of us have been affected by someone else’s failure to assume their guilt? Who has suffered for our failure? There is great cleansing in confession. Read these words of David from Psalm 32:1-6: “Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! When I refused to confess my sin, I was weak and miserable, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, ‘I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.’ And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Interlude Therefore, let all the godly confess their rebellion to you while there is time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment” (NLT).
Who else might be drowning because of us? Children? Co-workers? Spouses? Friends? Church family? It would indeed be better had we not “thrown the soap”, but many of us have. It’s time to make noble a confession. It’s time to take responsibility. It’s time to be cleansed.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
What We Should Know About OUR Jesus! #3
What We Should Know About OUR Jesus!
Advocate
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous -- 1 John 2:1; King James Version
In my PAST I was known to get into a lot of trouble. I got into fights. I liked to drive fast. There are numerable things I could mention, but you get the point. After one particular episode I had to hire a lawyer (AGAIN). I'd had great experiences with this certain fellow, so I asked him if he'd "be my lawyer all the time". He said, "Sure, all you have to do is put me on retainer." I said, "What's that mean?" "It means," he explained, "that you pay me a fee to keep my services available. When you need me for something, your retainer fee insures that you can get me. You'll be one of my regular clients." It sad to say that I needed a lawyer on retainer, but I had one.
I made allusion to Christ as Advocate yesterday when I wrote of Him being our Mediator. Maybe I shouldn't have done that, but I love the thought of Him serving as both. He mediates to make initial peace and then continues to advocate on our behalf. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines an advocate in this way: Advocate, (Greek, parakletos), one who pleads another's cause, who helps another by defending or comforting him. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia adds this: The Greek word has several shades of meaning: (1) a legal advocate; (2) an intercessor, (3) a helper generally. In the passage before us the first and second meanings are included. Christ in heaven intercedes for Christians who sin upon earth.
It is a name given by Christ three times to the Holy Spirit (John 14:16; 15:26; 16:7, where the Greek word is rendered “Comforter,”). It is applied to Christ in 1 John 2:1, where the same Greek word is rendered Advocate.
In 1 John 2:1 the Apostle John is telling us that when we sin we have an Advocate that will plead our case. I find this exciting! Does that mean that since we have someone to plead our case we should live a freewheeling lifestyle? Not just "No", but emphatically, " NO!" Grace does abound, but it does not give us excuse to abuse it! Should we willfully do that we are smacking God in the face.
Commenting on 1 John 2:1, Matthew Henry said, "The original name is sometimes given to the Holy Ghost, and then it is rendered, the Comforter. He acts within us; he puts pleas and arguments into our hearts and mouths; and so is our advocate, by teaching us to intercede for ourselves. But here is an advocate without us, in heaven and with the Father. The proper office and business of an advocate is with the judge; with him he pleads the client's cause. The Judge with whom our advocate pleads is the Father, his Father and ours. He who was our Judge in the legal court (the court of the violated law) is our Father in the gospel court, the court of heaven and of grace. His throne or tribunal is the mercy-seat. And he that is our Father is also our Judge, the supreme arbitrator of our state and circumstances, either for life or death, for time or eternity" (quoted from eSword commentary).
So, what does this all mean for us today? We have our Advocate, the Lord Jesus, at the Judge's bench constantly pleading our case. As for our retainer, unlike the kind I paid cash money for, Jesus secured OUR payment with HIS blood and He is ALWAYS there pleading on our behalf. Isn't that wonderful? The Holy Spirit, described as Comforter, is within us telling us how to speak to the Judge while the Advocate is in heaven speaking to the Judge for us! WOW!!!!!
So much could be said and written of these offices of the Spirit and the Son, but, for a short devotion, I hope your interest is peaked. We should all be encouraged that we have Jesus, the righteous Son of God, to CONSTANTLY plead our cause. He is constantly seeking victory for us. I just cannot get over that. There are times when we don't seek to win for ourselves, but Jesus is ALWAYS on the case. He's there, even in this moment, with a LONG list of clients, interceding before the Judge. He's there right now for YOU and for ME; He's pleading our cases, making argument for us, seeking to assuage God's holy justice.
If this doesn't encourage you today; if this doesn't light your fire and warm the cockles of your heart, your wood is wet!
Advocate
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous -- 1 John 2:1; King James Version
In my PAST I was known to get into a lot of trouble. I got into fights. I liked to drive fast. There are numerable things I could mention, but you get the point. After one particular episode I had to hire a lawyer (AGAIN). I'd had great experiences with this certain fellow, so I asked him if he'd "be my lawyer all the time". He said, "Sure, all you have to do is put me on retainer." I said, "What's that mean?" "It means," he explained, "that you pay me a fee to keep my services available. When you need me for something, your retainer fee insures that you can get me. You'll be one of my regular clients." It sad to say that I needed a lawyer on retainer, but I had one.
I made allusion to Christ as Advocate yesterday when I wrote of Him being our Mediator. Maybe I shouldn't have done that, but I love the thought of Him serving as both. He mediates to make initial peace and then continues to advocate on our behalf. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines an advocate in this way: Advocate, (Greek, parakletos), one who pleads another's cause, who helps another by defending or comforting him. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia adds this: The Greek word has several shades of meaning: (1) a legal advocate; (2) an intercessor, (3) a helper generally. In the passage before us the first and second meanings are included. Christ in heaven intercedes for Christians who sin upon earth.
It is a name given by Christ three times to the Holy Spirit (John 14:16; 15:26; 16:7, where the Greek word is rendered “Comforter,”). It is applied to Christ in 1 John 2:1, where the same Greek word is rendered Advocate.
In 1 John 2:1 the Apostle John is telling us that when we sin we have an Advocate that will plead our case. I find this exciting! Does that mean that since we have someone to plead our case we should live a freewheeling lifestyle? Not just "No", but emphatically, " NO!" Grace does abound, but it does not give us excuse to abuse it! Should we willfully do that we are smacking God in the face.
Commenting on 1 John 2:1, Matthew Henry said, "The original name is sometimes given to the Holy Ghost, and then it is rendered, the Comforter. He acts within us; he puts pleas and arguments into our hearts and mouths; and so is our advocate, by teaching us to intercede for ourselves. But here is an advocate without us, in heaven and with the Father. The proper office and business of an advocate is with the judge; with him he pleads the client's cause. The Judge with whom our advocate pleads is the Father, his Father and ours. He who was our Judge in the legal court (the court of the violated law) is our Father in the gospel court, the court of heaven and of grace. His throne or tribunal is the mercy-seat. And he that is our Father is also our Judge, the supreme arbitrator of our state and circumstances, either for life or death, for time or eternity" (quoted from eSword commentary).
So, what does this all mean for us today? We have our Advocate, the Lord Jesus, at the Judge's bench constantly pleading our case. As for our retainer, unlike the kind I paid cash money for, Jesus secured OUR payment with HIS blood and He is ALWAYS there pleading on our behalf. Isn't that wonderful? The Holy Spirit, described as Comforter, is within us telling us how to speak to the Judge while the Advocate is in heaven speaking to the Judge for us! WOW!!!!!
So much could be said and written of these offices of the Spirit and the Son, but, for a short devotion, I hope your interest is peaked. We should all be encouraged that we have Jesus, the righteous Son of God, to CONSTANTLY plead our cause. He is constantly seeking victory for us. I just cannot get over that. There are times when we don't seek to win for ourselves, but Jesus is ALWAYS on the case. He's there, even in this moment, with a LONG list of clients, interceding before the Judge. He's there right now for YOU and for ME; He's pleading our cases, making argument for us, seeking to assuage God's holy justice.
If this doesn't encourage you today; if this doesn't light your fire and warm the cockles of your heart, your wood is wet!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
What We Should Know About OUR Jesus! #2
What We Should Know About OUR Jesus!
Mediator
For there is One God, and One Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus -- 1 Timothy 2:5; King James Version
I was studying in my office recently when a person came in who was obviously very discouraged. Honestly, my first thought was, "MAN! Why can't I ever sit here peacefully? I am always interrupted!" I immediately felt convicted, but kind of shrugged it off. I got my preacher face on, smiled and said, "C'mon on in."
I listened to the person for a while and asked God to forgive me for my attitude. This person was in pain and all I was worried about was my schedule being interrupted. Shame on me!
Something dawned on me while I listened to that hurting voice; this person needed someone to draw them near the Lord and I had been given that privilege. I began to remind that one of some of God's promises; comments such as "I never thought of that" and "I needed to be reminded of that" were said.
AFTER they left I began to think of the many times of frustration that I'd had and the many people who God used to comfort me. I also thought of the great privilege I'd just had in standing between God and this person and reducing the space in between.
Jesus does that all the time. He is our Mediator. He stands between our holy God, who is offended by our sin, and pleads mercy. He reconciles, meaning He brings peace, between our soul and the Father. One of the interesting thing about a mediator is that such a one must be a common friend of both parties. There is NONE that is a friend of man and God, save Jesus! Another thing of note is the fact that there is often cases where one party has a condition cannot be met and the mediator will often fulfill that condition in the place of the offending party who cannot. What do I mean? In the case of Lord Jesus as Mediator, He fulfilled God's condition of a perfect sacrifice for sin. He mediates between God and man, claiming His own sacrifice as the meat for the condition. Isn't that amazing?
Jesus, our Mediator, stands as a lawyer always on duty. He is on eternal retainer. "Look here," He says, "this one, Father, this one is Mine. You gave this one to Me. I've met the conditions for this one's sin. You know that Father. But, look here now; this one is hurting. This one needs more grace. This one needs more of Your mercy, Father. Yes, they've messed up again. Yes, they are beaten down. I know all of that. Put it on My account, Father; forgive them for My sake. Draw them near Yourself. They needed You at the moment of salvation and they need You now. Forgive them. Lift this one up. Mend this broken heart."
Does Jesus really say stuff like that? I don't know. But I do know that He loves the Father and He loves people and He pleads our case for us before the Father. Our Mediator is always seeking to destroy the gap between God and man. Some for salvation; some for growth; some for restoration; some for encouragement. He pleads our case because He loves us. Unlike me, Jesus mood never changes. He's always on task and always has our best interests in mind. Thank God for OUR Lord Jesus; Friend, Savior and Mediator! Blessed be the name of Jesus!
Mediator
For there is One God, and One Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus -- 1 Timothy 2:5; King James Version
I was studying in my office recently when a person came in who was obviously very discouraged. Honestly, my first thought was, "MAN! Why can't I ever sit here peacefully? I am always interrupted!" I immediately felt convicted, but kind of shrugged it off. I got my preacher face on, smiled and said, "C'mon on in."
I listened to the person for a while and asked God to forgive me for my attitude. This person was in pain and all I was worried about was my schedule being interrupted. Shame on me!
Something dawned on me while I listened to that hurting voice; this person needed someone to draw them near the Lord and I had been given that privilege. I began to remind that one of some of God's promises; comments such as "I never thought of that" and "I needed to be reminded of that" were said.
AFTER they left I began to think of the many times of frustration that I'd had and the many people who God used to comfort me. I also thought of the great privilege I'd just had in standing between God and this person and reducing the space in between.
Jesus does that all the time. He is our Mediator. He stands between our holy God, who is offended by our sin, and pleads mercy. He reconciles, meaning He brings peace, between our soul and the Father. One of the interesting thing about a mediator is that such a one must be a common friend of both parties. There is NONE that is a friend of man and God, save Jesus! Another thing of note is the fact that there is often cases where one party has a condition cannot be met and the mediator will often fulfill that condition in the place of the offending party who cannot. What do I mean? In the case of Lord Jesus as Mediator, He fulfilled God's condition of a perfect sacrifice for sin. He mediates between God and man, claiming His own sacrifice as the meat for the condition. Isn't that amazing?
Jesus, our Mediator, stands as a lawyer always on duty. He is on eternal retainer. "Look here," He says, "this one, Father, this one is Mine. You gave this one to Me. I've met the conditions for this one's sin. You know that Father. But, look here now; this one is hurting. This one needs more grace. This one needs more of Your mercy, Father. Yes, they've messed up again. Yes, they are beaten down. I know all of that. Put it on My account, Father; forgive them for My sake. Draw them near Yourself. They needed You at the moment of salvation and they need You now. Forgive them. Lift this one up. Mend this broken heart."
Does Jesus really say stuff like that? I don't know. But I do know that He loves the Father and He loves people and He pleads our case for us before the Father. Our Mediator is always seeking to destroy the gap between God and man. Some for salvation; some for growth; some for restoration; some for encouragement. He pleads our case because He loves us. Unlike me, Jesus mood never changes. He's always on task and always has our best interests in mind. Thank God for OUR Lord Jesus; Friend, Savior and Mediator! Blessed be the name of Jesus!
What We Should Know About OUR Jesus! #1
What We Should Know About OUR Jesus! #1
Jesus as King
I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in His testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which He will display at the proper time--He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. -- 1 Timothy 6:13-16; English Standard Version (emphasis mine)
It's been a long time since our country has had a king. The last king we had we rebelled against in 1776. As Americans we fail to understand the office and authority of a king. When it comes to political governance, I am glad no one man or woman has singular authority over our nation. I like the system of the republic we enjoy (though a democracy would be better). I digress. All I am saying is that we are generally unfamiliar with monarchies and I believe that causes us to miss some of the richness of Lord Jesus as King.
Make no mistake, however, God is King of kings. Jesus also shares that same title (Revelation 17:14; 19:16). Why do both share the title? Simple. Both are God. Furthermore, God has made Jesus "heir of all things" (Hebrews 1:2; KJV). Being King of kings means that all authority is in His hands. Most people (rightly) automatically think of Romans 13:1-6 where we understand that God grants any authority who has authority. However, it's more than that; God, and subsequently Jesus, is King over YOU and ME as well! He IS King over every king (or president or prime minister or emporer or whatever), but He is King over every subject.
That's why Paul told Timothy to "keep this commandment". Timothy was to keep it in view of the authority of THE King.
There is an Anglican preacher / professor named N.T. Wright that has written much on the subject of Jesus as King. I agree with Wright when he asserts that Paul's preaching of the "good news" was both the announcement that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Messianic promise of the Savior AND as the world's Lord. Jesus IS both!
That was what was so radical about Paul's preaching. To the world (and specifically the Jew) Paul was announcing that salvation had come through Christ Jesus. To the world (and specifically his Roman listeners) Paul was announcing that a new Caesar was in charge and His name is Lord Jesus, King of kings. Romans were made to affirm Caesar as god and king. Paul's preaching was asserted that Jesus superceded Caesar in both things.
It's hard to say all of this in a few words, but I pray God seasons it with His Spirit. Paul preached, and believed, that Jesus was the Messianic fulfillment of Isaiah 40 and 52 (I'll trust you to read that). It was Jewish thought that already believed that, because they were the chosen people of God, their king was rightly the king of all nations anyway (Psalm 72:8). Jesus was vindicated as Savior and King when He rose from the grave, thus finishing His work as Savior and making His royal succession as King. No other Savior, but Jesus. No King above Him. Thank God that the root of Jesse and the descendant of David was Christ Jesus, God and King and not just another guy inheriting a royal line!
You might be wondering what this has to do with us today. Number one, as our King, Jesus has the royal right to exercise authority over us. (I wish I could enlarge the "." because it's emphatic on this point.) Number two, His authority is not open for vote. Number three, there is none above Him. Number four, as King, Lord Jesus has the power to write His law upon our hearts. Number five, as King, Lord Jesus has the intention to set up His kingdom within us where He desires to rule over our entire life. Number six, we are to bow in respect, awe and obedience to Him. Number seven, we MUST vow COMPLETE allegiance to Him!
Yes, King Father; yes, King Jesus...to YOU be "honor and eternal dominion"! You are our King and we are Your subjects. You have the right to rule and we have the joy to be under Your rule. All hail King Jesus!
Jesus as King
I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in His testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which He will display at the proper time--He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. -- 1 Timothy 6:13-16; English Standard Version (emphasis mine)
It's been a long time since our country has had a king. The last king we had we rebelled against in 1776. As Americans we fail to understand the office and authority of a king. When it comes to political governance, I am glad no one man or woman has singular authority over our nation. I like the system of the republic we enjoy (though a democracy would be better). I digress. All I am saying is that we are generally unfamiliar with monarchies and I believe that causes us to miss some of the richness of Lord Jesus as King.
Make no mistake, however, God is King of kings. Jesus also shares that same title (Revelation 17:14; 19:16). Why do both share the title? Simple. Both are God. Furthermore, God has made Jesus "heir of all things" (Hebrews 1:2; KJV). Being King of kings means that all authority is in His hands. Most people (rightly) automatically think of Romans 13:1-6 where we understand that God grants any authority who has authority. However, it's more than that; God, and subsequently Jesus, is King over YOU and ME as well! He IS King over every king (or president or prime minister or emporer or whatever), but He is King over every subject.
That's why Paul told Timothy to "keep this commandment". Timothy was to keep it in view of the authority of THE King.
There is an Anglican preacher / professor named N.T. Wright that has written much on the subject of Jesus as King. I agree with Wright when he asserts that Paul's preaching of the "good news" was both the announcement that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Messianic promise of the Savior AND as the world's Lord. Jesus IS both!
That was what was so radical about Paul's preaching. To the world (and specifically the Jew) Paul was announcing that salvation had come through Christ Jesus. To the world (and specifically his Roman listeners) Paul was announcing that a new Caesar was in charge and His name is Lord Jesus, King of kings. Romans were made to affirm Caesar as god and king. Paul's preaching was asserted that Jesus superceded Caesar in both things.
It's hard to say all of this in a few words, but I pray God seasons it with His Spirit. Paul preached, and believed, that Jesus was the Messianic fulfillment of Isaiah 40 and 52 (I'll trust you to read that). It was Jewish thought that already believed that, because they were the chosen people of God, their king was rightly the king of all nations anyway (Psalm 72:8). Jesus was vindicated as Savior and King when He rose from the grave, thus finishing His work as Savior and making His royal succession as King. No other Savior, but Jesus. No King above Him. Thank God that the root of Jesse and the descendant of David was Christ Jesus, God and King and not just another guy inheriting a royal line!
You might be wondering what this has to do with us today. Number one, as our King, Jesus has the royal right to exercise authority over us. (I wish I could enlarge the "." because it's emphatic on this point.) Number two, His authority is not open for vote. Number three, there is none above Him. Number four, as King, Lord Jesus has the power to write His law upon our hearts. Number five, as King, Lord Jesus has the intention to set up His kingdom within us where He desires to rule over our entire life. Number six, we are to bow in respect, awe and obedience to Him. Number seven, we MUST vow COMPLETE allegiance to Him!
Yes, King Father; yes, King Jesus...to YOU be "honor and eternal dominion"! You are our King and we are Your subjects. You have the right to rule and we have the joy to be under Your rule. All hail King Jesus!
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Devotion: What if He Sat Beside Me?
What if He Sat Beside Me?
Jesus went over to the collection box in the Temple and sat and watched as the crowds dropped in their money -- Mark 12:41a; New Living Translation
Once I lent a young person my car. I instructed him to drive carefully and take good care of my vehicle. He assured me that he would. Later that day, while riding with a friend, I saw the young man "burning rubber" on my car. When I confronted the youth about the incident, in utter disbelief, he asked "How did you know?" I told him. I was tempted to never let that kid drive my car again, but I relented. The next time he borrowed it, I told him to imagine that the whole time he was driving my car that I was sitting right beside him.
Today's Scripture: During the week of Jesus crucifixion, He spent His time in and around Jerusalem. At one point, He spent some time in the Temple watching people make monetary offerings. Rich people, seeking to be very conspicuous, dropped large amounts of money in to the offering boxes. Then a very poor widow comes and gives all she has, which was roughly the equivalent of two cents. Jesus considered this a greater gift than the large amount of money because she gave it freely and it cost her something. Any gift offered with reluctance or for the sake of recognition losses its value.
Like the youth driving my car, I wonder how we'd make our offerings were Jesus sitting beside us. Granted, many folks did not realize that the Jesus that watched them make offerings that day was to be the Savior of the entire human race. If they had known that God Himself sat before them in the flesh, they may have offered differently.
But wait...raise your hand if you believe God is sovereign. If we believe that, then it is easy to recognize that though He may not be in the pew beside us when we offer He still knows our gift and the intent behind it.
What if we lived all of our lives like God was sitting beside us? A dear friend told me that he would not put the Christian fish on his car because he was so ashamed of his driving at times that he would not want people to know that he was a Christian and driving in such a manner. What if we sat on our couches, surfing the channels, with Jesus on the sit next to us? Would we linger on the same channels? Would we work at our jobs in the same manner if Jesus was our coworker? Would we shrug off telemarketers in the same way if Jesus was privy to our phone conversations?
Now I don't mean to regulate Jesus to a glorified babysitter. I pray we all realize that though God is not sitting in the chair beside us, or passing the offering plate to us, or working along side us at our jobs, He is aware of what we do and with what intention we do it.
We can fool some of the people some of the time, but God none of the time. Today...what would you have done or thought differently if God had been next to you?
Grace and peace to you from God the Father and Jesus the Son,
Tim Bowes
Romans 12:1-2
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
The Great Adventure
The Great Adventure
…for you have not passed this way before -- Joshua 3:4c; New King James Version
Have you ever played laser tag? The first time I played was the best. Not because I got to shoot people with an electronic gun, rather the maze we played in was fun to search through. It was generally dark, but lights were flashing. There were strobe lights, and some places on the walls were painted with fluorescent paint. It was exciting to run around looking for different passages. Every time I thought I'd seen the entire maze, I'd find a new hallway or hiding place. I stopped shooting, because I was having great fun "discovering" new places. It wasn't a new maze, but it was new to me.
That's Christian life for me. I am generally in a dark place (the world), and there are bells and whistles (flashing lights and fluorescent paint) every where I turn. The exciting part is that every time I think I have things figured out, God shows me something new. God is not a new God, but He is new to me. I like that. I want to thirst for Him as the Psalmist does in Psalm 42:1.
In Joshua 3, the people entered a new phase in their relationship with God. They went into the land God had promised them. He sent out the Ark of the Covenant before them as a guide for them. Every step they took was a new place that they had not passed through before. How exciting!
Sure, I've been through this world before, but now I'm going through it with God. I have new vision. I am seeing things as He leads me, not as I lead myself. This is great! Joshua told the people, "Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you" (Joshua 3:5b). I want that to be my prayer every night…" Lord, set me apart, help me to see the great adventure that You have for me tomorrow!"
Paul said, "To live is Christ…" (Philippians 1:21). He understood that great adventure. As he lived on this earth, Paul was discovering the world moment by moment in Christ's eyes, getting to know Him more all the time.
I know there will be dead ends in a maze, and I know that there will be trouble. Still, I am excited to go through one. In the same way, I know I will experience difficulties in life, but I am excited to go through it with God. I want to pass through a way that I have never been before. I want to experience Him moment by moment as I go through this world. I WANT THIS GREAT ADVENTURE!
Every step with Christ is one that I never made before. The explorer in me can't wait to see what wonders He will do next in my life. Are you enjoying YOUR great adventure?
…for you have not passed this way before -- Joshua 3:4c; New King James Version
Have you ever played laser tag? The first time I played was the best. Not because I got to shoot people with an electronic gun, rather the maze we played in was fun to search through. It was generally dark, but lights were flashing. There were strobe lights, and some places on the walls were painted with fluorescent paint. It was exciting to run around looking for different passages. Every time I thought I'd seen the entire maze, I'd find a new hallway or hiding place. I stopped shooting, because I was having great fun "discovering" new places. It wasn't a new maze, but it was new to me.
That's Christian life for me. I am generally in a dark place (the world), and there are bells and whistles (flashing lights and fluorescent paint) every where I turn. The exciting part is that every time I think I have things figured out, God shows me something new. God is not a new God, but He is new to me. I like that. I want to thirst for Him as the Psalmist does in Psalm 42:1.
In Joshua 3, the people entered a new phase in their relationship with God. They went into the land God had promised them. He sent out the Ark of the Covenant before them as a guide for them. Every step they took was a new place that they had not passed through before. How exciting!
Sure, I've been through this world before, but now I'm going through it with God. I have new vision. I am seeing things as He leads me, not as I lead myself. This is great! Joshua told the people, "Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you" (Joshua 3:5b). I want that to be my prayer every night…" Lord, set me apart, help me to see the great adventure that You have for me tomorrow!"
Paul said, "To live is Christ…" (Philippians 1:21). He understood that great adventure. As he lived on this earth, Paul was discovering the world moment by moment in Christ's eyes, getting to know Him more all the time.
I know there will be dead ends in a maze, and I know that there will be trouble. Still, I am excited to go through one. In the same way, I know I will experience difficulties in life, but I am excited to go through it with God. I want to pass through a way that I have never been before. I want to experience Him moment by moment as I go through this world. I WANT THIS GREAT ADVENTURE!
Every step with Christ is one that I never made before. The explorer in me can't wait to see what wonders He will do next in my life. Are you enjoying YOUR great adventure?
Monday, November 20, 2006
Let Loose in the Vault
Let Loose In The Vault
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ -- Ephesians 1:3; King James Version
The great Scottish Bible expositor Alexander MacLaren once wrote: "We may have as much of God as we will. Christ puts the key of the treasure-chamber into our hand, and bids us take all that we want. If a man is admitted into the bullion vault of a bank and told to help himself, and comes out with one cent, whose fault is it that he is poor?"
This is an absolutely beautiful verse. Think of it, for those that are IN Christ, we are blessed with EVERY spiritual blessing. Nothing is held back. Nothing is put in reserve. Nothing is denied. All is given freely. However, it does stand to reason; if God the Father has given us His precious Son, what then will He withhold?
You may want to know exactly what spiritual blessings are. Here is a list; being chosen for salvation, being adopted as His children, the hope of living eternally with Christ, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the power to do God’s will, the gift OF the Spirit, forgiveness, insight, transformation, cleansing, and intimacy with God Almighty. WHAT A LIST! All this is for "whosoever" that will take it. It has been purchased at Calvary by the redeeming blood of the Messiah. It has been offered to all peoples. It can be claimed by any who "confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead" (Romans 10:9; KJV). Like the bullion in today’s illustration, it is ready to be taken.
The best thing is that these blessings are "spiritual blessings in heavenly places". That means they are not temporary. Originating and being maintained in heavenly places guarantees that they cannot be destroyed, stolen, or corrupted. Jesus understood that these great blessings would be offered. In Matthew 6:20 He said, "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal" (KJV).
I would say with surety that every believer wants these blessings. How, then, may we have them? According to the Scripture above, these wonderful gifts are "in Christ". One can determine that to claim this abundance, one must be in Christ (John 15). We must have a singular focus. According to Hebrews 12:2, we are to look "unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (KJV). Jesus didn't just open the vault; He completely BUSTED the door off!
Go ahead…take it…we’ve been let loose in the vault.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ -- Ephesians 1:3; King James Version
The great Scottish Bible expositor Alexander MacLaren once wrote: "We may have as much of God as we will. Christ puts the key of the treasure-chamber into our hand, and bids us take all that we want. If a man is admitted into the bullion vault of a bank and told to help himself, and comes out with one cent, whose fault is it that he is poor?"
This is an absolutely beautiful verse. Think of it, for those that are IN Christ, we are blessed with EVERY spiritual blessing. Nothing is held back. Nothing is put in reserve. Nothing is denied. All is given freely. However, it does stand to reason; if God the Father has given us His precious Son, what then will He withhold?
You may want to know exactly what spiritual blessings are. Here is a list; being chosen for salvation, being adopted as His children, the hope of living eternally with Christ, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the power to do God’s will, the gift OF the Spirit, forgiveness, insight, transformation, cleansing, and intimacy with God Almighty. WHAT A LIST! All this is for "whosoever" that will take it. It has been purchased at Calvary by the redeeming blood of the Messiah. It has been offered to all peoples. It can be claimed by any who "confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead" (Romans 10:9; KJV). Like the bullion in today’s illustration, it is ready to be taken.
The best thing is that these blessings are "spiritual blessings in heavenly places". That means they are not temporary. Originating and being maintained in heavenly places guarantees that they cannot be destroyed, stolen, or corrupted. Jesus understood that these great blessings would be offered. In Matthew 6:20 He said, "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal" (KJV).
I would say with surety that every believer wants these blessings. How, then, may we have them? According to the Scripture above, these wonderful gifts are "in Christ". One can determine that to claim this abundance, one must be in Christ (John 15). We must have a singular focus. According to Hebrews 12:2, we are to look "unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (KJV). Jesus didn't just open the vault; He completely BUSTED the door off!
Go ahead…take it…we’ve been let loose in the vault.
Friday, November 17, 2006
I Want to be a Mule
I Want To Be A Mule
Then the LORD said to Moses, "Look, I'm going to rain down food from heaven for you. The people can go out each day and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether they will follow My instructions." --Exodus 16:4; New Living Translation
I lived near the Lawrence family for a few months in my life. They own Percheron draft horses. The Lawrence's are a great Christian family. The father, Tommy, used to let me help out with the horses. I'd work with their oldest two sons, Chip and Scott. I learned a lot from that family. Oddly enough, the thing that stuck with me the longest was something Chip once told me about mules. We would give the horses a scoop of sweet feed once a day. We had to make sure the horses could never get at the sweet feed on their own. I asked Chip why one day. He explained that horses like sweet feed like candy, and if you let them, they will literally eat it until their stomach bursts! That was fascinating to me! Chip further explained that people believed mules to be stupid, but, unlike a horse, given the opportunity to eat all the sweet feed they want, they will only eat until full.
We visit Exodus 16:4 today. The second part of the verse explains to us why God chose to drop food on a daily basis. God wanted to test the people to see if they would follow His instructions. He wanted to see if the people had the kind of faith that would allow them to live hand to mouth. God wanted to see if they trusted Him enough to do what He said.
That sounds simple, doesn't it? Can we say, today, that we trust God enough to do what He says? Can we say that we trust Him to be satisfied with just enough to get through the day? Can we embrace daily provision, or will we rebel and demand more?
The mule is satisfied with enough. The horse wants more, even when damaging itself. I want to be a mule. I want to have my fill of what is provided, and be content. I want "mule faith" too. I want to be satisfied with what God has given me without worrying if more is to come. I want to learn to live, in faith, hand to mouth, knowing tomorrow is in the sovereign hand of God. I want to be challenged and found not wanting when God says, "Trust Me."
I know this will be tough. The key is what Jesus said in John 15:5; "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing" (NLT). The key is to stay near the source. That is what God wanted to teach the Hebrew people; stay near the source and trust in it. That is also the challenge…stay near the source.
Then the LORD said to Moses, "Look, I'm going to rain down food from heaven for you. The people can go out each day and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether they will follow My instructions." --Exodus 16:4; New Living Translation
I lived near the Lawrence family for a few months in my life. They own Percheron draft horses. The Lawrence's are a great Christian family. The father, Tommy, used to let me help out with the horses. I'd work with their oldest two sons, Chip and Scott. I learned a lot from that family. Oddly enough, the thing that stuck with me the longest was something Chip once told me about mules. We would give the horses a scoop of sweet feed once a day. We had to make sure the horses could never get at the sweet feed on their own. I asked Chip why one day. He explained that horses like sweet feed like candy, and if you let them, they will literally eat it until their stomach bursts! That was fascinating to me! Chip further explained that people believed mules to be stupid, but, unlike a horse, given the opportunity to eat all the sweet feed they want, they will only eat until full.
We visit Exodus 16:4 today. The second part of the verse explains to us why God chose to drop food on a daily basis. God wanted to test the people to see if they would follow His instructions. He wanted to see if the people had the kind of faith that would allow them to live hand to mouth. God wanted to see if they trusted Him enough to do what He said.
That sounds simple, doesn't it? Can we say, today, that we trust God enough to do what He says? Can we say that we trust Him to be satisfied with just enough to get through the day? Can we embrace daily provision, or will we rebel and demand more?
The mule is satisfied with enough. The horse wants more, even when damaging itself. I want to be a mule. I want to have my fill of what is provided, and be content. I want "mule faith" too. I want to be satisfied with what God has given me without worrying if more is to come. I want to learn to live, in faith, hand to mouth, knowing tomorrow is in the sovereign hand of God. I want to be challenged and found not wanting when God says, "Trust Me."
I know this will be tough. The key is what Jesus said in John 15:5; "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing" (NLT). The key is to stay near the source. That is what God wanted to teach the Hebrew people; stay near the source and trust in it. That is also the challenge…stay near the source.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
The Minority Report
The Minority Report
Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon His name. -- Malachi 3:16; King James Version
It is often very difficult to be in the minority of the right. How is that determined, the right, that is? Easily, the right is determined in any age as that which is propagated and approved by God.
The prime example is Jesus. He alone stood for God and was alone crucified, though He was not guilty. Even the authority that condemned Jesus recognized that Jesus was not guilty of wrong (Matthew 27:23-24). He was a minority for sure!
I have seen many minorities of opinion and action that daily go unheralded. I remember many the times a certain Christian man, with whom I used to work, who would walk away from us or refuse to laugh at our lewd jokes. We scoffed at that man's attitude. (I was not a Christian at this point in my life and thought that man ridiculous, but now stand in admiration of his resolve.) That certain fellow held our lewdness, not in contempt, but in pity, refusing to participate. He was a minority.
Offering honest testimony: I feel many times that I must live as a moral minority in order to obey God and honor Him with my life. This is often lonely. I fight the urge to go along that I may get along. Am I saying I am better than anyone? No, and if you hear that, please forgive my lack of ability to express myself in a more proper fashion. Do I always WANT to obey God? Yes. Do I always find it EASY? No. Do I often WANT to jump into situations that would not honor God? Yes. Do I sometimes want to shade the truth that it might fit my desires? No. Yet, do I struggle with doing that thing that I WANT to do? Yes.
Where am I going with all of this? It's hard to express, for sure. I was reading Malachi this morning and found some encouragement there.
You see, dear friends, we live in a world that continues to show disdain for truth, falling deeper into the pit of relevance. There are times when I feel like I MUST be wrong about things if so many people act in opposite of my understanding of truth. Let me illustrate. Take MY understanding of God's view on divorce. I understand God's word to say He disapproves of divorce, BUT everyone is doing it, so it MUST be okay, right? No. I know it's a sin according to God's word, but I often WANT to bend or soften my views. Do you know what I mean?
When I read Malachi 3 this morning I saw a minority that loved God and stood for Him. Judah was in a moral shambles. Furthermore, they were far away from God, though they kept up good appearance. BUT, BUT, BUT -- there was a minority that "feared the Lord" and "spake often" of the things of the Lord and "thought upon His name". THAT was a definite minority in that society. Here is the encouraging part; the "LORD hearkened, and heard it". WOW!
There WERE a few people that loved the Lord and HE HEARD THEM!!!!
As the title suggests, this is more of testimony than a devotion. I am encouraged to be in the minority that stands with God. I feel more free to speak of Him with that cadre that stands with me in the minority. MOST IMPORTANTLY, massive numbers are not needed for God to hear and move; He hears even the minority.
Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon His name. -- Malachi 3:16; King James Version
It is often very difficult to be in the minority of the right. How is that determined, the right, that is? Easily, the right is determined in any age as that which is propagated and approved by God.
The prime example is Jesus. He alone stood for God and was alone crucified, though He was not guilty. Even the authority that condemned Jesus recognized that Jesus was not guilty of wrong (Matthew 27:23-24). He was a minority for sure!
I have seen many minorities of opinion and action that daily go unheralded. I remember many the times a certain Christian man, with whom I used to work, who would walk away from us or refuse to laugh at our lewd jokes. We scoffed at that man's attitude. (I was not a Christian at this point in my life and thought that man ridiculous, but now stand in admiration of his resolve.) That certain fellow held our lewdness, not in contempt, but in pity, refusing to participate. He was a minority.
Offering honest testimony: I feel many times that I must live as a moral minority in order to obey God and honor Him with my life. This is often lonely. I fight the urge to go along that I may get along. Am I saying I am better than anyone? No, and if you hear that, please forgive my lack of ability to express myself in a more proper fashion. Do I always WANT to obey God? Yes. Do I always find it EASY? No. Do I often WANT to jump into situations that would not honor God? Yes. Do I sometimes want to shade the truth that it might fit my desires? No. Yet, do I struggle with doing that thing that I WANT to do? Yes.
Where am I going with all of this? It's hard to express, for sure. I was reading Malachi this morning and found some encouragement there.
You see, dear friends, we live in a world that continues to show disdain for truth, falling deeper into the pit of relevance. There are times when I feel like I MUST be wrong about things if so many people act in opposite of my understanding of truth. Let me illustrate. Take MY understanding of God's view on divorce. I understand God's word to say He disapproves of divorce, BUT everyone is doing it, so it MUST be okay, right? No. I know it's a sin according to God's word, but I often WANT to bend or soften my views. Do you know what I mean?
When I read Malachi 3 this morning I saw a minority that loved God and stood for Him. Judah was in a moral shambles. Furthermore, they were far away from God, though they kept up good appearance. BUT, BUT, BUT -- there was a minority that "feared the Lord" and "spake often" of the things of the Lord and "thought upon His name". THAT was a definite minority in that society. Here is the encouraging part; the "LORD hearkened, and heard it". WOW!
There WERE a few people that loved the Lord and HE HEARD THEM!!!!
As the title suggests, this is more of testimony than a devotion. I am encouraged to be in the minority that stands with God. I feel more free to speak of Him with that cadre that stands with me in the minority. MOST IMPORTANTLY, massive numbers are not needed for God to hear and move; He hears even the minority.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Bigger Than the Bogey Man
Bigger Than the Bogey Man
And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier
than we. -- Genesis 26:17; King James Version
I used to like to follow my brothers down to the local churchyard to
play football. My brothers are all big, tough guys. There was a swagger
about them, a certain confidence in themselves that translated to those
around them. They were bruising football players, especially in the
backyard realm of padless football. They were afraid to hit or be hit
and welcomed competitive pain if it also meant they got to dish some
out. I played with them often, but, in truth, I was much too small to
be effective. Still, I swaggered too. I was, after all, with my
brothers. If I wasn't playing I would stand on the sidelines and talk
junk (a favorite male past time). Why would I do that? Simple; I was
with my brothers.
There is a Veggie Tales song that I love. It goes like this: God is
bigger than the Bogey Man. He's bigger than Godzilla and the monsters
on TV. God is bigger than the Bogey Man and He's watching out for you
and me.
Here we go again...Abimelech and the people of Gerar had their eyes on
the wrong thing. They feared Isaac's strength. I wouldn't have worried
about Isaac at all. Had I been a protagonistic Philistine I would have
called Isaac out for a fist fight. See, I'm a genius. They asked Isaac
to leave instead. Or, maybe they DID have their heads straight. Maybe
they DID know the source of Isaac's strength. Maybe they DID understand
that there was nothing particularly strong about Isaac. Maybe they DID
know that Isaac's strength was God.
I was an arrogant little punk because I knew I had the strength of my
brothers on my side. The wonderful vegetables in the Veggie Tales knew
they had nothing to fear because God is bigger than the various things
they feared.
Now, you ought not fear the Bogey Man, Godzilla, or the monsters on TV.
You ought not walk around life like an arrogant little punk. That's
just not Christian!
But, there is something here that just encourages my socks off. When we
walk with God we can have confidence that causes us to walk with less
fear and more surety that we are protected and watched over by Him who
has unmeasurable strength.
Think about it; it wasn't as if God was blowing Abimelech's property or
subjects into smithereens. He was simply blessing Isaac with wealth and
goods. THAT scared Isaac's neighbors! That amazes me! Who is this God
whose blessings frighten people?
We know God is powerful. We know God is infinite. We know God knows all
things. We know those things. But do we realize that this same God
loves us and is jealous over us? Do we realize that He desires to be
constantly and intimately involved in our lives? That's a blessing AND
outright humbling.
I will not fear the Bogey Man. My God is with me! The world may
misunderstand and become nervous at God's work in my life, but I would
rather be misunderstood than be without Him. I would rather walk with
this awesome God, who's blessings upon Isaac scared the Philistines,
than to walk without Him and have the comfort and trust of every man
upon this earthly plane.
Thank You, Father, for blessing me! Thank You for being involved in my
life. Thank You that You are bigger than ALL my fears. Thank You that
even Your goodness has such power that people become afraid. May people
look to You in response to their fears and worship You and desire to
know You more. May I find favor in this world BECAUSE of You, but if I
find loneliness and become hunted because of You I still choose You.
And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier
than we. -- Genesis 26:17; King James Version
I used to like to follow my brothers down to the local churchyard to
play football. My brothers are all big, tough guys. There was a swagger
about them, a certain confidence in themselves that translated to those
around them. They were bruising football players, especially in the
backyard realm of padless football. They were afraid to hit or be hit
and welcomed competitive pain if it also meant they got to dish some
out. I played with them often, but, in truth, I was much too small to
be effective. Still, I swaggered too. I was, after all, with my
brothers. If I wasn't playing I would stand on the sidelines and talk
junk (a favorite male past time). Why would I do that? Simple; I was
with my brothers.
There is a Veggie Tales song that I love. It goes like this: God is
bigger than the Bogey Man. He's bigger than Godzilla and the monsters
on TV. God is bigger than the Bogey Man and He's watching out for you
and me.
Here we go again...Abimelech and the people of Gerar had their eyes on
the wrong thing. They feared Isaac's strength. I wouldn't have worried
about Isaac at all. Had I been a protagonistic Philistine I would have
called Isaac out for a fist fight. See, I'm a genius. They asked Isaac
to leave instead. Or, maybe they DID have their heads straight. Maybe
they DID know the source of Isaac's strength. Maybe they DID understand
that there was nothing particularly strong about Isaac. Maybe they DID
know that Isaac's strength was God.
I was an arrogant little punk because I knew I had the strength of my
brothers on my side. The wonderful vegetables in the Veggie Tales knew
they had nothing to fear because God is bigger than the various things
they feared.
Now, you ought not fear the Bogey Man, Godzilla, or the monsters on TV.
You ought not walk around life like an arrogant little punk. That's
just not Christian!
But, there is something here that just encourages my socks off. When we
walk with God we can have confidence that causes us to walk with less
fear and more surety that we are protected and watched over by Him who
has unmeasurable strength.
Think about it; it wasn't as if God was blowing Abimelech's property or
subjects into smithereens. He was simply blessing Isaac with wealth and
goods. THAT scared Isaac's neighbors! That amazes me! Who is this God
whose blessings frighten people?
We know God is powerful. We know God is infinite. We know God knows all
things. We know those things. But do we realize that this same God
loves us and is jealous over us? Do we realize that He desires to be
constantly and intimately involved in our lives? That's a blessing AND
outright humbling.
I will not fear the Bogey Man. My God is with me! The world may
misunderstand and become nervous at God's work in my life, but I would
rather be misunderstood than be without Him. I would rather walk with
this awesome God, who's blessings upon Isaac scared the Philistines,
than to walk without Him and have the comfort and trust of every man
upon this earthly plane.
Thank You, Father, for blessing me! Thank You for being involved in my
life. Thank You that You are bigger than ALL my fears. Thank You that
even Your goodness has such power that people become afraid. May people
look to You in response to their fears and worship You and desire to
know You more. May I find favor in this world BECAUSE of You, but if I
find loneliness and become hunted because of You I still choose You.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Devotion: The Right Response to Envy
The Right Response to Envy
(Now the Philistines had stopped and filled with earth all the wells that his father's servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father.) And Abimelech said to Isaac, "Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we." -- Genesis 26:15-16; English Standard Version
I could easily respond to the title of this devotion with one word: REPENT! But, I really believe there is something helpful for us to learn here.
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines envy this way: painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage (http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/envy).
I mean this to be funny, but I'm serious. I want a new truck. Notice that I did not say "need"; I said "want". There is something in my neo-australopithecine, flat-land-hillbilly blood that equates trucks with success. I never get more riled than when I see WOMAN (of all things!) driving a bigger / nicer truck than mine. (Now, wait a minute, you women-libbers, before you get your nerves in a rattle...the former statement is what we literary types call a joke.) Seriously though, I do often get a tinge of envy. Okay, it's all-out jealousy.
And, here's where the lesson ministers to me...
Today's verses are a clear example of fear born of envy. The people had watched Isaac's fortune grow. They watched his servants multiply. They watched his crops prosper. They watched his flocks increase. They saw Isaac living well among them.
They wanted Isaac's stuff and feared Isaac's strength. I don't know what I would have done had I lived around Gerar at that time, but being the logical man that I am I would like to think I would have asked Isaac what was the secret of his success.
Now, being the modern man that Isaac was, he probably would have handed me the ten scroll set of his "Twenty Steps to Success in the Ancient World." Oh, hogwash!
Here is the cure to envy: WANT THE RIGHT STUFF! While people were envying Isaac's material goods and worldly success and fearing Isaac's potential they were missing the key thing. It wasn't about Isaac. GOD had promised; GOD had fulfilled; GOD had sustained.
One of my favorite verses in the entire Bible is Hebrews 11:6; it says And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him (ESV). For those that believe God IS and seek HIM accordingly HE will reward them with the best thing of all...HIMSELF!
Now, we're no different today than were the people of Gerar in Isaac's time. We look at people's stuff. Stuff, stuff, stuff! BAH! Stuff, in and of itself, is not bad. When stuff is the thing that lights our fire we are in desperate trouble.
I think the question that should have been asked of Isaac is "How can I draw nearer to this God who has been so good to you?" If one would do that, one MIGHT or MIGHT NOT get the stuff, but one will get more of Him.
Envy is a sneaky beast. Envy will try to convince us that we need stuff. The right response to envy IS to repent. After that we would do well to seek Him who holds all in His hands. We may or may not get the stuff in His hands, but His hands alone will be enough.
Grace and peace to you from God the Father and Jesus the Son,
Tim Bowes
Romans 12:1-2
Sunday, November 12, 2006
What God Does With Our Messes
What God Does With Our Messes
So Abimelech warned all the people, saying, "Whoever touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death." -- Genesis 26:11; English Standard Bible
We've all made messes of things in our lives at some point or the other. I've made my share of mistakes, messes and committed my share of sins. I could tell you story after story after story, but I won't. I could share physical illustrations of this or I could share spiritual illustrations, but I won't. Instead, let's concentrate on the main thing, instead of the man thing; namely, let's put our focus squarely on God.
By now, due to the past few devotions, you know this story. A recap: Isaac and Rebekah moved to Gerar. God promised to bless them in that place. Isaac lied about his relationship with Rebekah, saying she was his sister rather than his wife. He was busted and came clean. Now...
Here, in today's chosen verse, we see clearly how God works our messes out for His glory and often for our good. We see it through continuing to put Isaac's story under the microscope. Abimelech had been pretty upset that Isaac's deception had caused the potential for himself or one of his subjects to commit adultery with Rebekah. Abimelech's response to this was unusual; one would think Abimelech would have punished Isaac. Instead, Abimelech basically says, "Anyone that does harm to Isaac or Rebekah will be put to death." This was the customary punishment for adultery among the Canaanite people. Not only that, but it had the king's personal stamp on it.
You might be thinking, So what? Read the next few verses (12-14) and you will clearly find that Isaac prospered in a big way. His crops produced a hundredfold. He had many herds and flocks and became a very wealthy man.
So, Isaac got lucky, right? NO!!! Don't forget the MAIN THING...GOD made a promise to bless Isaac (verse 3). You see, when Isaac did what he thought was wise to do he messed up. But, as is ALWAYS the case, the story is not really about Isaac. The story is about God. God is a promise keeper. God is a redeemer. God is a reconciler.
God can take our mess and use it. Isaac got the attention of Abimelech with a lie. God used that attention to insure Isaac's safety, which enhanced Isaac's opportunity to excel.
You've made messes. I have too. You might be in the midst of a mess right now. If we will come clean with the Lord, He will forgive us, give us a clean slate and set us back on the road to walking in His promises and receiving His blessings. And, get this, it won't be because you are good; it will be because HE is!
What mess have you made that you need to own-up to today? What thing MIGHT you be in the middle of today that you need to repent of? Do it! Believe me, when we are humble before our God, He can not only set things right, He can do far more than we could imagine or think.
Let God do a wonder beyond your mess today.
So Abimelech warned all the people, saying, "Whoever touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death." -- Genesis 26:11; English Standard Bible
We've all made messes of things in our lives at some point or the other. I've made my share of mistakes, messes and committed my share of sins. I could tell you story after story after story, but I won't. I could share physical illustrations of this or I could share spiritual illustrations, but I won't. Instead, let's concentrate on the main thing, instead of the man thing; namely, let's put our focus squarely on God.
By now, due to the past few devotions, you know this story. A recap: Isaac and Rebekah moved to Gerar. God promised to bless them in that place. Isaac lied about his relationship with Rebekah, saying she was his sister rather than his wife. He was busted and came clean. Now...
Here, in today's chosen verse, we see clearly how God works our messes out for His glory and often for our good. We see it through continuing to put Isaac's story under the microscope. Abimelech had been pretty upset that Isaac's deception had caused the potential for himself or one of his subjects to commit adultery with Rebekah. Abimelech's response to this was unusual; one would think Abimelech would have punished Isaac. Instead, Abimelech basically says, "Anyone that does harm to Isaac or Rebekah will be put to death." This was the customary punishment for adultery among the Canaanite people. Not only that, but it had the king's personal stamp on it.
You might be thinking, So what? Read the next few verses (12-14) and you will clearly find that Isaac prospered in a big way. His crops produced a hundredfold. He had many herds and flocks and became a very wealthy man.
So, Isaac got lucky, right? NO!!! Don't forget the MAIN THING...GOD made a promise to bless Isaac (verse 3). You see, when Isaac did what he thought was wise to do he messed up. But, as is ALWAYS the case, the story is not really about Isaac. The story is about God. God is a promise keeper. God is a redeemer. God is a reconciler.
God can take our mess and use it. Isaac got the attention of Abimelech with a lie. God used that attention to insure Isaac's safety, which enhanced Isaac's opportunity to excel.
You've made messes. I have too. You might be in the midst of a mess right now. If we will come clean with the Lord, He will forgive us, give us a clean slate and set us back on the road to walking in His promises and receiving His blessings. And, get this, it won't be because you are good; it will be because HE is!
What mess have you made that you need to own-up to today? What thing MIGHT you be in the middle of today that you need to repent of? Do it! Believe me, when we are humble before our God, He can not only set things right, He can do far more than we could imagine or think.
Let God do a wonder beyond your mess today.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Little Concessions / Big Consequences
Little Concessions / Big Consequences
Abimelech said, "What is this you have done to us? One of the people might easily have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us." -- Genesis 26:10; English Standard Bible
George O'Leary told a lie. He had been newly hired as the coach of Notre Dame University's football team. The university officials performed a background check. They discovered that Coach O'Leary lied about his experience and credentials. Notre Dame discovered that O'Leary did not have the master's degree he claimed to have and they discovered Mr. O'Leary had not even played college football, though he said he'd played for three years at New Hampshire. Coach O'Leary said*, "Many years ago, as a young married father, I sought to pursue my dream as a football coach. In seeking employment I prepared a resume that contained inaccuracies regarding my completion of course work for a master's degree and also my level of participation in football at my alma mater. These misstatement[s] were never stricken from my resume or biographical sketch in later years."
All this went down FIVE DAYS after he'd been hired. Ironically, O'Leary had coached at another high profile school and in the professional ranks for several years under the same lie. It finally caught up with him. His lie cost him his job, it embarrassed him and it embarrassed the reputation of the University of Notre Dame. Commenting further, Coach O'Leary said*, "Due to a selfish and thoughtless act many years ago, I have personally embarrassed Notre Dame, its alumni and fans."
Of course, this being America, he got another coaching job like nothing had ever happened. It's not as high profile as Notre Dame, but a job coaching football.
Abimelech** was obviously a wise man and a moral one as well. He was outraged and bewildered that Isaac would lie about his relationship with Rebekah. If you will allow me a paraphrase: "Isaac, what in the world did you think you were doing? Don't you realize that your attempt at deception could have caused your wife to be unfaithful with one of our people?"
Little lies; little concessions. Rarely do we foresee how far they could go. The best thing is not to tell little lies or make little concessions.
I don't know if we can foresee what MIGHT become of little concessions. Do you think, when Coach O'Leary first sought a job in the coaching ranks, that he ever thought he would be offered the most prestigious coaching job in the entire country? I doubt it. I think he just wanted to get his foot in the door. Little did he know that he would one day work as defensive coordinator of the 1990 National Championship Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Do you think that he foresaw that as the catalyst for many other opportunities? I doubt it, but that's what happened. He probably thought about his lies often, but had gotten too far in to get out.
That's what happens.
I would imagine the same thing happened to Isaac. He probably didn't think he would be in Gerar that long. He only went there because of a famine where he lived (Genesis 26:1). While he was there Isaac got a word from the Lord to stay there (Genesis 26:3). Men asked Isaac about Rebekah; he said, "She's my sister" (Genesis 26:7).
Here is where Isaac failed and where most of us fail as well; he stopped trusting God and started looking around instead of up. God had plainly told Isaac that He would bless him (Genesis 26:3-4). Instead of holding God to His promise, Isaac feared men and made a concession, told a lie. It was just a little thing. Thank God nothing came of it, but MUCH could have gone wrong.
What is the point to all of this today? Let us endeavor to walk carefully, fearing our God in all things, scorning the opinion of men where it might cause us to gain the reproach of God. Tell no lies. Make no concessions that may cause us to sin.
Little lies, little concession MAY lead to big consequences. People may or may not ever realize our wrong. God always knows. Trust Him, even if being righteous in the moment COSTS us something.
Think about it.
*Quotes taken from Sports Illustrated's web site: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/college/news/2001/12/14/oleary_notredame/
**Abimelech -- a common name of the Philistine kings (Easton's Bible Dictionary)
Grace and peace to you from God the Father and Jesus the Son,
Tim Bowes
Romans 12:1-2
Abimelech said, "What is this you have done to us? One of the people might easily have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us." -- Genesis 26:10; English Standard Bible
George O'Leary told a lie. He had been newly hired as the coach of Notre Dame University's football team. The university officials performed a background check. They discovered that Coach O'Leary lied about his experience and credentials. Notre Dame discovered that O'Leary did not have the master's degree he claimed to have and they discovered Mr. O'Leary had not even played college football, though he said he'd played for three years at New Hampshire. Coach O'Leary said*, "Many years ago, as a young married father, I sought to pursue my dream as a football coach. In seeking employment I prepared a resume that contained inaccuracies regarding my completion of course work for a master's degree and also my level of participation in football at my alma mater. These misstatement[s] were never stricken from my resume or biographical sketch in later years."
All this went down FIVE DAYS after he'd been hired. Ironically, O'Leary had coached at another high profile school and in the professional ranks for several years under the same lie. It finally caught up with him. His lie cost him his job, it embarrassed him and it embarrassed the reputation of the University of Notre Dame. Commenting further, Coach O'Leary said*, "Due to a selfish and thoughtless act many years ago, I have personally embarrassed Notre Dame, its alumni and fans."
Of course, this being America, he got another coaching job like nothing had ever happened. It's not as high profile as Notre Dame, but a job coaching football.
Abimelech** was obviously a wise man and a moral one as well. He was outraged and bewildered that Isaac would lie about his relationship with Rebekah. If you will allow me a paraphrase: "Isaac, what in the world did you think you were doing? Don't you realize that your attempt at deception could have caused your wife to be unfaithful with one of our people?"
Little lies; little concessions. Rarely do we foresee how far they could go. The best thing is not to tell little lies or make little concessions.
I don't know if we can foresee what MIGHT become of little concessions. Do you think, when Coach O'Leary first sought a job in the coaching ranks, that he ever thought he would be offered the most prestigious coaching job in the entire country? I doubt it. I think he just wanted to get his foot in the door. Little did he know that he would one day work as defensive coordinator of the 1990 National Championship Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Do you think that he foresaw that as the catalyst for many other opportunities? I doubt it, but that's what happened. He probably thought about his lies often, but had gotten too far in to get out.
That's what happens.
I would imagine the same thing happened to Isaac. He probably didn't think he would be in Gerar that long. He only went there because of a famine where he lived (Genesis 26:1). While he was there Isaac got a word from the Lord to stay there (Genesis 26:3). Men asked Isaac about Rebekah; he said, "She's my sister" (Genesis 26:7).
Here is where Isaac failed and where most of us fail as well; he stopped trusting God and started looking around instead of up. God had plainly told Isaac that He would bless him (Genesis 26:3-4). Instead of holding God to His promise, Isaac feared men and made a concession, told a lie. It was just a little thing. Thank God nothing came of it, but MUCH could have gone wrong.
What is the point to all of this today? Let us endeavor to walk carefully, fearing our God in all things, scorning the opinion of men where it might cause us to gain the reproach of God. Tell no lies. Make no concessions that may cause us to sin.
Little lies, little concession MAY lead to big consequences. People may or may not ever realize our wrong. God always knows. Trust Him, even if being righteous in the moment COSTS us something.
Think about it.
*Quotes taken from Sports Illustrated's web site: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/college/news/2001/12/14/oleary_notredame/
**Abimelech -- a common name of the Philistine kings (Easton's Bible Dictionary)
Grace and peace to you from God the Father and Jesus the Son,
Tim Bowes
Romans 12:1-2
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Behavior Will Confirm or Disprove Testimony
Behavior Will Confirm or Disprove Testimony
When he had been there a long time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out of a window and saw Isaac laughing with Rebekah his wife. -- Genesis 26:8; English Standard Version
I styled myself a "tough guy" as a teenager. Whether I was or not, I don't know. This is what I do know; I didn't want anyone to really know me. I figured if they knew me, then they knew what sparked me and what hurt me. I figured if people knew what sparked me they could use me. I figured if people knew what would hurt me they would do just that. So, I was closed off. All of that to help you understand the following illustration.
We watched a movie, The Outsiders, in junior high during English class. It was based on a book by the same title written by S. E. Hinton. During the movie a poem (Nothing Gold Can Stay; Robert Frost) was read. I liked it a lot. A childish, school adversary was obviously watching me and saw that the poem moved me. He said, "You like poetry!" out loud, in front of everyone. Now, it's okay to like poetry, but the perception of a self-styled-tough-guy in the rural South hears the resounding, distinctive clang of the death knell if people think that it's true. I heard the chants coming from the future questioning my manhood. So, my intelligent response was, "Uh-unh! Shut-up!"
A few weeks later my English teacher picked up a book of a collection of poems from my book bag. She didn't say much about it, just nodded her head, put it back and walked away. I thought I'd cleverly hid it inside the cover of a western novel. I came into class a few weeks later and found a list of "recommended poets and poetry" sensitively turned face down on my desk. I guess we just can't hide who we really are.
That's what I call a secular story to highlight a spiritual truth. That's what today's verse is really all about too.
It's one thing for Isaac to say that Rebekah is his sister, but brothers and sisters don't act like that! Here's what happened: the verse tells us that Isaac and Rebekah had "been there a long time". At first everyone believed their testimony about the nature of their relationship. Suspicions began and later the fruit of the truth was fully realized. Abimelech saw Rebekah and Isaac interacting in a certain manner and he thought, "Nah, they are not siblings! Brothers and sisters just down act like THAT!" He confronted Isaac and the truth was told (Genesis 26:9).
The Lord Jesus said that a tree is known by its fruit (Luke 6:44). That's a fact.
We can testify of something and we can play the part for a while...you know, keep the facade believable...but, soon enough, the truth will be known. Behavior will always confirm or disprove testimony. If we don't get "caught" by people, we certainly will never fool God. If we don't get "found out" during our time on this planet, we will get exposed come Judgement Day. Fact.
The best thing we can do is to be honest with ourselves, with others and with God. I could produce a litany of examples in the realm of spiritual matters, but it's not necessary. We are either genuine or we are deceivers. Simple. I will list a couple of examples: how about people who play the religious game, but wouldn't know Christ if He walked up and held an offering plate beneath their nose one Sunday morning? Think there are any people like that around? How about people who claim to be "saved" but never produce the fruit of righteousness characteristic of one in Christ? Think that happens?
I've said it a thousand times (at least); BELIEF AFFECTS BEHAVIOR! We can say anything we want about anything we want to say it about; God, friends, work ethic, etc. The proof is in the proverbial pudding.
So, let us ask ourselves very deeply and sincerely today, "Does my walk match my talk?"
When he had been there a long time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out of a window and saw Isaac laughing with Rebekah his wife. -- Genesis 26:8; English Standard Version
I styled myself a "tough guy" as a teenager. Whether I was or not, I don't know. This is what I do know; I didn't want anyone to really know me. I figured if they knew me, then they knew what sparked me and what hurt me. I figured if people knew what sparked me they could use me. I figured if people knew what would hurt me they would do just that. So, I was closed off. All of that to help you understand the following illustration.
We watched a movie, The Outsiders, in junior high during English class. It was based on a book by the same title written by S. E. Hinton. During the movie a poem (Nothing Gold Can Stay; Robert Frost) was read. I liked it a lot. A childish, school adversary was obviously watching me and saw that the poem moved me. He said, "You like poetry!" out loud, in front of everyone. Now, it's okay to like poetry, but the perception of a self-styled-tough-guy in the rural South hears the resounding, distinctive clang of the death knell if people think that it's true. I heard the chants coming from the future questioning my manhood. So, my intelligent response was, "Uh-unh! Shut-up!"
A few weeks later my English teacher picked up a book of a collection of poems from my book bag. She didn't say much about it, just nodded her head, put it back and walked away. I thought I'd cleverly hid it inside the cover of a western novel. I came into class a few weeks later and found a list of "recommended poets and poetry" sensitively turned face down on my desk. I guess we just can't hide who we really are.
That's what I call a secular story to highlight a spiritual truth. That's what today's verse is really all about too.
It's one thing for Isaac to say that Rebekah is his sister, but brothers and sisters don't act like that! Here's what happened: the verse tells us that Isaac and Rebekah had "been there a long time". At first everyone believed their testimony about the nature of their relationship. Suspicions began and later the fruit of the truth was fully realized. Abimelech saw Rebekah and Isaac interacting in a certain manner and he thought, "Nah, they are not siblings! Brothers and sisters just down act like THAT!" He confronted Isaac and the truth was told (Genesis 26:9).
The Lord Jesus said that a tree is known by its fruit (Luke 6:44). That's a fact.
We can testify of something and we can play the part for a while...you know, keep the facade believable...but, soon enough, the truth will be known. Behavior will always confirm or disprove testimony. If we don't get "caught" by people, we certainly will never fool God. If we don't get "found out" during our time on this planet, we will get exposed come Judgement Day. Fact.
The best thing we can do is to be honest with ourselves, with others and with God. I could produce a litany of examples in the realm of spiritual matters, but it's not necessary. We are either genuine or we are deceivers. Simple. I will list a couple of examples: how about people who play the religious game, but wouldn't know Christ if He walked up and held an offering plate beneath their nose one Sunday morning? Think there are any people like that around? How about people who claim to be "saved" but never produce the fruit of righteousness characteristic of one in Christ? Think that happens?
I've said it a thousand times (at least); BELIEF AFFECTS BEHAVIOR! We can say anything we want about anything we want to say it about; God, friends, work ethic, etc. The proof is in the proverbial pudding.
So, let us ask ourselves very deeply and sincerely today, "Does my walk match my talk?"
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Things Learned and Repeated
Things Learned and Repeated
When the men of the place asked him about his wife, he said, "She is
my sister," for he feared to say, "My wife," thinking, "lest the men
of the place should kill me because of Rebekah," because she was
attractive in appearance. -- Genesis 26:7; English Standard Version
I often walk with my hands in my pockets. I often do a lot of things
with my hands in my pockets. Apparently, a lot of people think that is
strange because it is constantly commented on. I remember an older man
saying, "Hey, boy, you Billy's son?" "Yes, sir," I quickly reply,
wondering where the conversation might be headed. He laughed and said,
"Yeah, I can tell. Ever since he was a boy he walked with his hands in
his pockets and so do you!" (I always enjoy writing in the
vernacular!) I don't know if I got that habit from my dad, but it's
certainly okay if I did.
My dad has a foul temper. If he reads this he will not like my saying
that about him, but it's true. When my dad gets angry it's an awful
thing. It's not his anger that is so bad, but it's the way he reacts
to people and things when he becomes angry. He shouts. He says
impulsive things. He does impulsive things. I learned how to handle my
temper from dad too. That's not good.
We may not think about it, but we teach people to emulate our
behavior. In particular, we teach our children to emulate our
behavior. You might be a young person who has no children. So? I could
tell you a hundred stories of the ways I emulated uncles, cousins,
friends and my brothers (especially those guys!).
You might be saying to yourself, "What has any of this to do with
today's verse?" A lot.
We find Isaac emulating his father, Abraham, in a bad way. Isaac lied
about Rebekah, saying she was his sister. Check your Bible history;
Abraham did the same thing! Of course, Abraham did it a LONG time
before Isaac was born, but I have no doubt that Isaac had heard the
story several times upon his father's knee (Genesis 20).
What was the sin? Good question. Both men were practicing deception to
protect themselves and their personal interests. What does this teach
a child (or anyone else)? It teaches them that its okay to lie as long
as one is protecting themselves. It's never okay to sin.
We may not want to believe it, but people emulate out example. PARENTS
BEWARE: we cannot afford to teach our children sinful attitudes and
behaviors!
Abraham might have liked to walk around with his hands in his pockets
and Isaac may have picked up on that. So what. Scripture does not
speak on this, and if it did it would be highly doubtful that it would
be deemed sinful. That's a silly, yet clear, example of something we
might pass along that is not a bad thing.
However, there are a host of things we might pass on that ARE sinful.
Racism. Greed. Gossiping. Foul language. Unethical business tactics.
Disrespecting authority. Selfishness. Vanity. Pride. Laziness. How
many things should I list?
Furthermore, I could mention things that are not sinful, but harmful.
Failure to exercise discernment. Choosing good over best. Failure to
execute strength for the weak or a voice for the voiceless. Lots more
could be said.
None of these individual things are the point. The point is that we
pass things on. That's a fact. Our lives show things to be learned.
Our lives will leave things to be repeated. What are we doing? What
will we leave behind?
Tough question. I've got two little blonde-bombshells lying in their
beds as I type. I've got some good living and leaving to do for them.
Furthermore, I've got a world of folks that I want to leave good,
godly habits for. Whew! By HIS grace, I can do it. Holy Spirit,
HELP!!!!
Grace and peace to you from God the Father and Jesus the Son,
Tim Bowes
Romans 12:1-2
When the men of the place asked him about his wife, he said, "She is
my sister," for he feared to say, "My wife," thinking, "lest the men
of the place should kill me because of Rebekah," because she was
attractive in appearance. -- Genesis 26:7; English Standard Version
I often walk with my hands in my pockets. I often do a lot of things
with my hands in my pockets. Apparently, a lot of people think that is
strange because it is constantly commented on. I remember an older man
saying, "Hey, boy, you Billy's son?" "Yes, sir," I quickly reply,
wondering where the conversation might be headed. He laughed and said,
"Yeah, I can tell. Ever since he was a boy he walked with his hands in
his pockets and so do you!" (I always enjoy writing in the
vernacular!) I don't know if I got that habit from my dad, but it's
certainly okay if I did.
My dad has a foul temper. If he reads this he will not like my saying
that about him, but it's true. When my dad gets angry it's an awful
thing. It's not his anger that is so bad, but it's the way he reacts
to people and things when he becomes angry. He shouts. He says
impulsive things. He does impulsive things. I learned how to handle my
temper from dad too. That's not good.
We may not think about it, but we teach people to emulate our
behavior. In particular, we teach our children to emulate our
behavior. You might be a young person who has no children. So? I could
tell you a hundred stories of the ways I emulated uncles, cousins,
friends and my brothers (especially those guys!).
You might be saying to yourself, "What has any of this to do with
today's verse?" A lot.
We find Isaac emulating his father, Abraham, in a bad way. Isaac lied
about Rebekah, saying she was his sister. Check your Bible history;
Abraham did the same thing! Of course, Abraham did it a LONG time
before Isaac was born, but I have no doubt that Isaac had heard the
story several times upon his father's knee (Genesis 20).
What was the sin? Good question. Both men were practicing deception to
protect themselves and their personal interests. What does this teach
a child (or anyone else)? It teaches them that its okay to lie as long
as one is protecting themselves. It's never okay to sin.
We may not want to believe it, but people emulate out example. PARENTS
BEWARE: we cannot afford to teach our children sinful attitudes and
behaviors!
Abraham might have liked to walk around with his hands in his pockets
and Isaac may have picked up on that. So what. Scripture does not
speak on this, and if it did it would be highly doubtful that it would
be deemed sinful. That's a silly, yet clear, example of something we
might pass along that is not a bad thing.
However, there are a host of things we might pass on that ARE sinful.
Racism. Greed. Gossiping. Foul language. Unethical business tactics.
Disrespecting authority. Selfishness. Vanity. Pride. Laziness. How
many things should I list?
Furthermore, I could mention things that are not sinful, but harmful.
Failure to exercise discernment. Choosing good over best. Failure to
execute strength for the weak or a voice for the voiceless. Lots more
could be said.
None of these individual things are the point. The point is that we
pass things on. That's a fact. Our lives show things to be learned.
Our lives will leave things to be repeated. What are we doing? What
will we leave behind?
Tough question. I've got two little blonde-bombshells lying in their
beds as I type. I've got some good living and leaving to do for them.
Furthermore, I've got a world of folks that I want to leave good,
godly habits for. Whew! By HIS grace, I can do it. Holy Spirit,
HELP!!!!
Grace and peace to you from God the Father and Jesus the Son,
Tim Bowes
Romans 12:1-2
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Blinded by the Flash / The Dash
Blinded by the Flash
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18 - NKJV).
Has anyone ever surprised you with a quick snapshot at an unexpected moment? That can be traumatizing, especially when caught without makeup! Have you ever noticed how blinding that silly flash can be? It will confuse and disorient you for a few moments. Often, it can cause quite a bit of unrest. What last longer, the flash or the picture? The flash may blind us briefly, but the picture is what lasts.
Frequently, this is how we view our life. The time spent on earth is likened to the flash; blinding, confusing, and getting entirely too much attention. In comparison with the eternity with God that awaits the believer, life on earth is a fleeting flash.
Allow me some freedom for a moment. Paul tells the believers of Rome, "Looking at the awesome picture to come, that flash is not worth getting upset over." Paul says, "I'm not going to get blinded by the flash, because it holds no comparison to the big picture." Whatever suffering Paul had to face, he thought it peanuts compared to what he knew God had in store for him. The apostle understood that this world is a cruel place, but its proportional value was miniscule when laid next to the glory of God.
Now…what are you focused on? Are you being blinded by life (the flash)? Are you focused on the things of God (the picture)? No doubt life is a struggle, but the VICTORIOUS Christian understands that God is bigger and better than anything we may face. We have the Holy Spirit, which Paul calls "a foretaste of future glory" (Romans 8:23; NLT), as a bit of heaven now. We know how good it is to be in the Spirit. What will it be like when we are in God’s presence all the time? WOW!
I love blackberries so much that I don’t mind the briars. I want the picture enough to ignore the flash. I want the fullness of God so much that the mess of this world does not hold candle to His glory! I can endure it. I can rejoice in spite of tribulation. God is so much MORE than all these troubles. The worst of this world is nothing beside the smallest thing of God.
So…are you being blinded? Listen friend, look at the picture…the big picture. Don't let the flash mean more than the picture.
The Dash
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10; KJV).
Have you ever walked through a graveyard? Many tombstones have things written on them, such as; "Beloved Father"; "WWII Veteran"; "Dearest Mother". The ones that catch my attention the most are the tombstones that list the name and dates, and that is all they say. For example; John Doe, 1903-1972. The "dash" that appears between the dates always catches my attention. I have a tendency to wonder what that "dash" encompasses. The dates simply say the year the person was born and the year that they died. Nothing else is determined by those dates. Without comments on the stone, one is left to ponder what happened in between those years. In other words, what does that dash represent? What all has happened in that life between life and death?
We, who are now alive in the body, are in the midst of our dash. What are we composing to represent our dash?
According to the Scripture from 2 Corinthians, we all will one day stand before God almighty and have to give representation for the things we have done in life between life and death. That, honestly, is a sobering thought for me. What will my dash represent? Many people may one day look at my gravestone and wonder that themselves. One thing is for sure, God knows. He knows every second that constructs our dash.
I want my dash to represent a life lived for God. Paul said, "For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 3:11; NASB). There is one thing God must see in our dash. He must see that it was constructed on the foundation of Christ Jesus. At the judgment seat of Christ, God "will test the quality of each man's work" (1 Corinthians 3:13b; NASB). That work is what the dash is made of.
How do you feel about your dash today? I am concerned about mine. But I have a hope, and it is built on nothing less than Jesus and HIS righteousness! Man may question my dash, but I desire that God see only Jesus blood in mine. It is my sincerest craving that my dash be blotted over by Christ living in me. I want to surrender moment to moment to Christ, so that in that Day of Judgment Christ may look into a mirror.
I find this heart tingling! Of course, I do not see this as easy, and know it must consist of CONSTANT SURRENDER, but I want my dash to mean something.
I care not what man may see when he looks upon tombstone. I do hope that man, too, will see Christ in me. I earnestly hope my dash is a testimony. I pray that much of God will be seen in my life, even beyond the grave. I pray that my stone may record a life lived for God. Beyond that, God knows what man can only assume.
In HIS holy eyes, what does your dash say about you today?
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18 - NKJV).
Has anyone ever surprised you with a quick snapshot at an unexpected moment? That can be traumatizing, especially when caught without makeup! Have you ever noticed how blinding that silly flash can be? It will confuse and disorient you for a few moments. Often, it can cause quite a bit of unrest. What last longer, the flash or the picture? The flash may blind us briefly, but the picture is what lasts.
Frequently, this is how we view our life. The time spent on earth is likened to the flash; blinding, confusing, and getting entirely too much attention. In comparison with the eternity with God that awaits the believer, life on earth is a fleeting flash.
Allow me some freedom for a moment. Paul tells the believers of Rome, "Looking at the awesome picture to come, that flash is not worth getting upset over." Paul says, "I'm not going to get blinded by the flash, because it holds no comparison to the big picture." Whatever suffering Paul had to face, he thought it peanuts compared to what he knew God had in store for him. The apostle understood that this world is a cruel place, but its proportional value was miniscule when laid next to the glory of God.
Now…what are you focused on? Are you being blinded by life (the flash)? Are you focused on the things of God (the picture)? No doubt life is a struggle, but the VICTORIOUS Christian understands that God is bigger and better than anything we may face. We have the Holy Spirit, which Paul calls "a foretaste of future glory" (Romans 8:23; NLT), as a bit of heaven now. We know how good it is to be in the Spirit. What will it be like when we are in God’s presence all the time? WOW!
I love blackberries so much that I don’t mind the briars. I want the picture enough to ignore the flash. I want the fullness of God so much that the mess of this world does not hold candle to His glory! I can endure it. I can rejoice in spite of tribulation. God is so much MORE than all these troubles. The worst of this world is nothing beside the smallest thing of God.
So…are you being blinded? Listen friend, look at the picture…the big picture. Don't let the flash mean more than the picture.
The Dash
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10; KJV).
Have you ever walked through a graveyard? Many tombstones have things written on them, such as; "Beloved Father"; "WWII Veteran"; "Dearest Mother". The ones that catch my attention the most are the tombstones that list the name and dates, and that is all they say. For example; John Doe, 1903-1972. The "dash" that appears between the dates always catches my attention. I have a tendency to wonder what that "dash" encompasses. The dates simply say the year the person was born and the year that they died. Nothing else is determined by those dates. Without comments on the stone, one is left to ponder what happened in between those years. In other words, what does that dash represent? What all has happened in that life between life and death?
We, who are now alive in the body, are in the midst of our dash. What are we composing to represent our dash?
According to the Scripture from 2 Corinthians, we all will one day stand before God almighty and have to give representation for the things we have done in life between life and death. That, honestly, is a sobering thought for me. What will my dash represent? Many people may one day look at my gravestone and wonder that themselves. One thing is for sure, God knows. He knows every second that constructs our dash.
I want my dash to represent a life lived for God. Paul said, "For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 3:11; NASB). There is one thing God must see in our dash. He must see that it was constructed on the foundation of Christ Jesus. At the judgment seat of Christ, God "will test the quality of each man's work" (1 Corinthians 3:13b; NASB). That work is what the dash is made of.
How do you feel about your dash today? I am concerned about mine. But I have a hope, and it is built on nothing less than Jesus and HIS righteousness! Man may question my dash, but I desire that God see only Jesus blood in mine. It is my sincerest craving that my dash be blotted over by Christ living in me. I want to surrender moment to moment to Christ, so that in that Day of Judgment Christ may look into a mirror.
I find this heart tingling! Of course, I do not see this as easy, and know it must consist of CONSTANT SURRENDER, but I want my dash to mean something.
I care not what man may see when he looks upon tombstone. I do hope that man, too, will see Christ in me. I earnestly hope my dash is a testimony. I pray that much of God will be seen in my life, even beyond the grave. I pray that my stone may record a life lived for God. Beyond that, God knows what man can only assume.
In HIS holy eyes, what does your dash say about you today?
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Hands Off
Hands Off
David said to him, "How is it you were not afraid to put out your hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?" Then David called one of the young men and said, "Go, execute him." And he struck him down so that he died. -- 2 Samuel 1:14-15; English Standard Version
I had one of those conversations recently that should make me feel better, but, in truth, leaves me disgusted. The conversation started like this: "Tim, I wish you were available to pastor our church." (This is where I should have felt better...I guess it was a compliment...I think it was.) The trouble--and here's where the disgust kicks in--was that I knew this person was working against his pastor in their local church. I know that this man, and a small group, were in their own way staging a coup d'tat of their church. Yes, a hostile takeover. I think--and here is some irony (if you know ME at all)--their pastor is preaching the Bible (of all things) from the pulpit and making folks (particularly that small group) uncomfortable (of course--insert dry humor--there is no biblical precedent of God's speakers making people uncomfortable with the truth; Jesus doing it not counting that is, because He's Jesus and that cotton-picking preacher ain't!).
Yes, disgust would describe it. EVEN IF the pastor was not doing a fantastic job; let's say he was (is) a godly man and just needs to grow as a pastor (and needs room and support to do it). I then listened as the man listed all the failings of his pastor (none of which were founded). I smiled. I nodded. I waited. My turn finally came. I said, "Two things: number one, how DARE you lay your proverbial hands against the Lord's anointed; number two, if you want a better pastor, try praying for the one you've got."
Okay...was that rant sufficient enough to get my point across?
David knew the principle well. When King Saul was dogging David's every step David had an opportunity to slay Saul in a cave and David did not do it. His men urged him to do it. David refused. When Saul treated David like an enemy, David treated Saul like a king; more so, David treated Saul like a chosen servant of God. Check the story out yourself in 1 Samuel 24.
We don't spend much time around kings, or do we? According to 1 Peter 2:9 we, who are under the blood, are part of a "royal priesthood". According to Hebrews 3:1 we "share a heavenly calling". I could go on and on. We, who stand IN CHRIST, ARE KINGS UPON THIS EARTH!
HANDS OFF!
Rather than the rough treatment we often offer one another there should be fear and trembling when we think of putting our hands (or mouths) against one of God's chosen people.
Moreover, we ought not to plot against God's called out servants. That's a no-no!
If there is a disagreement among people of the family of faith, much can be learned from David's response; respect them because they belong to the Lord if for no other reason. David was literally hounded by Saul, but David's respect for God motivated his treatment of others. There is much to worthy of emulation in David's example.
Further, David was outraged that someone else treated Saul like this. It would seem that David would be glad that his "enemy" was dead. David never saw Saul as his enemy though. Maybe that's the problem. We treat arguments with The Family like we are arguing with enemies. We can't afford that! I'm not David; I can't order executions...it's a good thing too!
When it comes to God's called out servants, HANDS OFF! When it comes to The Family, HANDS OFF!
If you do lay "hands" on someone, lay hands of love and prayer clothed with kid's gloves. They may deserve something else, but such a one is God's child. Respect them because you respect Him!
David said to him, "How is it you were not afraid to put out your hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?" Then David called one of the young men and said, "Go, execute him." And he struck him down so that he died. -- 2 Samuel 1:14-15; English Standard Version
I had one of those conversations recently that should make me feel better, but, in truth, leaves me disgusted. The conversation started like this: "Tim, I wish you were available to pastor our church." (This is where I should have felt better...I guess it was a compliment...I think it was.) The trouble--and here's where the disgust kicks in--was that I knew this person was working against his pastor in their local church. I know that this man, and a small group, were in their own way staging a coup d'tat of their church. Yes, a hostile takeover. I think--and here is some irony (if you know ME at all)--their pastor is preaching the Bible (of all things) from the pulpit and making folks (particularly that small group) uncomfortable (of course--insert dry humor--there is no biblical precedent of God's speakers making people uncomfortable with the truth; Jesus doing it not counting that is, because He's Jesus and that cotton-picking preacher ain't!).
Yes, disgust would describe it. EVEN IF the pastor was not doing a fantastic job; let's say he was (is) a godly man and just needs to grow as a pastor (and needs room and support to do it). I then listened as the man listed all the failings of his pastor (none of which were founded). I smiled. I nodded. I waited. My turn finally came. I said, "Two things: number one, how DARE you lay your proverbial hands against the Lord's anointed; number two, if you want a better pastor, try praying for the one you've got."
Okay...was that rant sufficient enough to get my point across?
David knew the principle well. When King Saul was dogging David's every step David had an opportunity to slay Saul in a cave and David did not do it. His men urged him to do it. David refused. When Saul treated David like an enemy, David treated Saul like a king; more so, David treated Saul like a chosen servant of God. Check the story out yourself in 1 Samuel 24.
We don't spend much time around kings, or do we? According to 1 Peter 2:9 we, who are under the blood, are part of a "royal priesthood". According to Hebrews 3:1 we "share a heavenly calling". I could go on and on. We, who stand IN CHRIST, ARE KINGS UPON THIS EARTH!
HANDS OFF!
Rather than the rough treatment we often offer one another there should be fear and trembling when we think of putting our hands (or mouths) against one of God's chosen people.
Moreover, we ought not to plot against God's called out servants. That's a no-no!
If there is a disagreement among people of the family of faith, much can be learned from David's response; respect them because they belong to the Lord if for no other reason. David was literally hounded by Saul, but David's respect for God motivated his treatment of others. There is much to worthy of emulation in David's example.
Further, David was outraged that someone else treated Saul like this. It would seem that David would be glad that his "enemy" was dead. David never saw Saul as his enemy though. Maybe that's the problem. We treat arguments with The Family like we are arguing with enemies. We can't afford that! I'm not David; I can't order executions...it's a good thing too!
When it comes to God's called out servants, HANDS OFF! When it comes to The Family, HANDS OFF!
If you do lay "hands" on someone, lay hands of love and prayer clothed with kid's gloves. They may deserve something else, but such a one is God's child. Respect them because you respect Him!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
The Hues of the Heart
The Hues of the Heart
But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." -- 1 Samuel 16:7; NKJV
Isn't fall a beautiful time of year? The colors are breathtaking! God is the most awesome artist in the universe. I love to ride to the mountains in the fall of the year, so I can stand on a high place and look out on God's painting. He uses such vivid hues and such a variety of color. Some shades are brilliant, and some rich earthy tones. Nothing clashes, but all the colors compliment each other. I am always inspired by creation to worship God who generated and conducts so many pieces of this orchestra of the eyes. What an overwhelming God He is!
When Samuel went to anoint a new king of Israel, his natural choice was the oldest, tallest, and best looking of the eight sons of Jesse. God plainly told Samuel to not choose the king by outward appearance. God was clear, He looks at the heart! So, what does Samuel do? He works his way through the sons in order of age and appearance anyway. Who does God lead Samuel to anoint? You're right, David, the youngest, and scrawniest son of Jesse. This kid had been out in the sun, getting a deep tan, with those stinking sheep. You've seen folks coming in from working on the farm; you can bet David was a sight!
It's a good thing that God looks at the heart. I sure wish we could, or should I say would? How can so many different color trees look so beautiful in our eyes, while we can't appreciate the wonderful and rich colors God has made people? Are not the trees all made of wood? Are not people all made of flesh? What would fall be like if we chose and appointed one tree as superior and refused the beauty of the mixture of colors? Quite dull, at best, I'd say. It'd make for a tragic end of God's artwork if we ignored all but one color of tree.
Israel found that out the hard way. Read chapter 8 of 1 Samuel sometime. The people refused God's warning and chose a king themselves based on what THEY thought was right. They chose Saul. He nearly destroyed the kingdom of Israel.
We can choose by looks, and make severe mistakes. OR, we can do it God's way, and look on the heart. That's really what He is most concerned with. A man asked me very seriously one day did I think all colors of folks would make it to heaven. I had to answer and emphatic, "NO!" He said, rather surprised, "I AGREE! White people will go to heaven." I said, again, "NO!" "Then," he asked, "What is that one color?" I said, "Red." Looking bewildered, he asked, "How do you figure that?" I quoted John 14:6 to this fellow. He agreed that Jesus was the only way to the Father. Then I quoted this verse; "And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22; NKJV). Everyone must be red because their sins must be covered by the blood of Jesus!
Now, dear Christian friend, we must understand that God chooses according to the heart and redeems all who come by the sacrifice of Christ. We must understand that it is the hue of the heart that matters most. NO, I'm not referring to literal color, but to the position of a person in Christ.
Color, however, is something to be appreciated; even embraced. If you want to appreciate one color and one color only, then appreciate that color that flowed freely at Calvary.
As you look out on this human race, think of it as trees in the fall. You will begin to see God's artwork in living color and flesh. It will revolutionize your view of people. I beg you, however, look most at the hue of the heart. Red, yellow, black, and white…what is the hue of your heart?
But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." -- 1 Samuel 16:7; NKJV
Isn't fall a beautiful time of year? The colors are breathtaking! God is the most awesome artist in the universe. I love to ride to the mountains in the fall of the year, so I can stand on a high place and look out on God's painting. He uses such vivid hues and such a variety of color. Some shades are brilliant, and some rich earthy tones. Nothing clashes, but all the colors compliment each other. I am always inspired by creation to worship God who generated and conducts so many pieces of this orchestra of the eyes. What an overwhelming God He is!
When Samuel went to anoint a new king of Israel, his natural choice was the oldest, tallest, and best looking of the eight sons of Jesse. God plainly told Samuel to not choose the king by outward appearance. God was clear, He looks at the heart! So, what does Samuel do? He works his way through the sons in order of age and appearance anyway. Who does God lead Samuel to anoint? You're right, David, the youngest, and scrawniest son of Jesse. This kid had been out in the sun, getting a deep tan, with those stinking sheep. You've seen folks coming in from working on the farm; you can bet David was a sight!
It's a good thing that God looks at the heart. I sure wish we could, or should I say would? How can so many different color trees look so beautiful in our eyes, while we can't appreciate the wonderful and rich colors God has made people? Are not the trees all made of wood? Are not people all made of flesh? What would fall be like if we chose and appointed one tree as superior and refused the beauty of the mixture of colors? Quite dull, at best, I'd say. It'd make for a tragic end of God's artwork if we ignored all but one color of tree.
Israel found that out the hard way. Read chapter 8 of 1 Samuel sometime. The people refused God's warning and chose a king themselves based on what THEY thought was right. They chose Saul. He nearly destroyed the kingdom of Israel.
We can choose by looks, and make severe mistakes. OR, we can do it God's way, and look on the heart. That's really what He is most concerned with. A man asked me very seriously one day did I think all colors of folks would make it to heaven. I had to answer and emphatic, "NO!" He said, rather surprised, "I AGREE! White people will go to heaven." I said, again, "NO!" "Then," he asked, "What is that one color?" I said, "Red." Looking bewildered, he asked, "How do you figure that?" I quoted John 14:6 to this fellow. He agreed that Jesus was the only way to the Father. Then I quoted this verse; "And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22; NKJV). Everyone must be red because their sins must be covered by the blood of Jesus!
Now, dear Christian friend, we must understand that God chooses according to the heart and redeems all who come by the sacrifice of Christ. We must understand that it is the hue of the heart that matters most. NO, I'm not referring to literal color, but to the position of a person in Christ.
Color, however, is something to be appreciated; even embraced. If you want to appreciate one color and one color only, then appreciate that color that flowed freely at Calvary.
As you look out on this human race, think of it as trees in the fall. You will begin to see God's artwork in living color and flesh. It will revolutionize your view of people. I beg you, however, look most at the hue of the heart. Red, yellow, black, and white…what is the hue of your heart?
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
This is cool!
From personal experience, I can tell you that alcohol IS the Devil's Juice!!Young people: BEWARE!!
Old people: BEWARE!!
In between people: BEWARE!
Drunkards: REPENT!
Clearing Things Up
Clearing Things Up
Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized -- Acts 9:18; New Living Translation
Roger Staubach, who led the Dallas Cowboys to the World Championship in 1972, admitted that his position as a quarterback who didn’t call his own signals was a source of trial for him. Coach Landry sent in every play. He told Roger when to pass, when to run and only in emergency situations could he change the play (and he had better be right!). Even though Roger considered coach Landry to have a “genius mind” when it came to football strategy, pride said that he should be able to run his own team. Roger later said, “I faced up to the issue of obedience. Once I learned to obey there was harmony, fulfillment, and victory.”
We could talk all day about obedience…literally. It comes down to doing it. The benefits of obedience are manifold. Roger Staubach learned that obedience leads to “harmony, fulfillment, and victory.” It leads to the same with our heavenly Father. Roger had to swallow his pride and listen to his coach. Ananias had to swallow his pride and go to Saul and do as God told him to do. Both cases got results. Roger’s obedience led to a championship. Ananias’ led to getting the greatest evangelist and missionary of all time started in ministry.
Obedience also clears things up. Once the “scales” were off Saul’s eyes he was baptized and began to preach. As the last devotion said, obedience came in two stages; Saul’s obedience in going into the city and Ananias’ obedience in going to Saul. Saul then “saw” clearly. He saw that Christ was the real deal. He began to “see” how all the Old Testament led to the Savior and that Jesus was that Savior. Saul then used all he had learned as a Pharisee to preach the truth of Christ. It started with an encounter with Christ, but continued with obedience.
I can’t help but think of the Prodigal Son. Luke 14 tells that story. A man had two sons; one wanted to do things his way, so he asked his father for his part of his inheritance. The father gave it to him and the boy spent it on wild living. The son found himself feeding pigs and starving to death. The King James Version says “he came to himself” (Luke 15:17a). The boy realized that doing it his way led him no where. He decided to go home, humble himself before his father, and become as obedient as a servant. The result was that the son was forgiven and exalted.
I wonder…what can be cleared up in our lives when we become obedient? The scales will come off of our eyes and we will come to our senses and see that we must do things God’s way. Obedience to God will always clear things up. We will experience harmony with our fellow man, fulfillment in living God’s purposes, and victory over sin and self.\
Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized -- Acts 9:18; New Living Translation
Roger Staubach, who led the Dallas Cowboys to the World Championship in 1972, admitted that his position as a quarterback who didn’t call his own signals was a source of trial for him. Coach Landry sent in every play. He told Roger when to pass, when to run and only in emergency situations could he change the play (and he had better be right!). Even though Roger considered coach Landry to have a “genius mind” when it came to football strategy, pride said that he should be able to run his own team. Roger later said, “I faced up to the issue of obedience. Once I learned to obey there was harmony, fulfillment, and victory.”
We could talk all day about obedience…literally. It comes down to doing it. The benefits of obedience are manifold. Roger Staubach learned that obedience leads to “harmony, fulfillment, and victory.” It leads to the same with our heavenly Father. Roger had to swallow his pride and listen to his coach. Ananias had to swallow his pride and go to Saul and do as God told him to do. Both cases got results. Roger’s obedience led to a championship. Ananias’ led to getting the greatest evangelist and missionary of all time started in ministry.
Obedience also clears things up. Once the “scales” were off Saul’s eyes he was baptized and began to preach. As the last devotion said, obedience came in two stages; Saul’s obedience in going into the city and Ananias’ obedience in going to Saul. Saul then “saw” clearly. He saw that Christ was the real deal. He began to “see” how all the Old Testament led to the Savior and that Jesus was that Savior. Saul then used all he had learned as a Pharisee to preach the truth of Christ. It started with an encounter with Christ, but continued with obedience.
I can’t help but think of the Prodigal Son. Luke 14 tells that story. A man had two sons; one wanted to do things his way, so he asked his father for his part of his inheritance. The father gave it to him and the boy spent it on wild living. The son found himself feeding pigs and starving to death. The King James Version says “he came to himself” (Luke 15:17a). The boy realized that doing it his way led him no where. He decided to go home, humble himself before his father, and become as obedient as a servant. The result was that the son was forgiven and exalted.
I wonder…what can be cleared up in our lives when we become obedient? The scales will come off of our eyes and we will come to our senses and see that we must do things God’s way. Obedience to God will always clear things up. We will experience harmony with our fellow man, fulfillment in living God’s purposes, and victory over sin and self.\
The Peace of a Clear Conscience
The Peace of a Clear Conscience
A Maskil of David. Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin to You, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah. -- Psalm 32:1-5; English Standard Version
I have messed up so many times that I could give a million examples, but this one sticks out in my mind (along with a few other particular things). A teenager wrote me a letter and basically told me that I was arrogant and self-righteous. I got mad! I read that letter at least ten times. Finally, the truth of what that teenager was saying sunk into my thick head and hard heart. But, instead of admitting it openly to the teenager or to the Lord (most importantly), I tried to avoid it, justify it and deny it. Finally, as I was lying in bed one night unable to sleep, I confessed before the Lord how arrogant I had been. It was like a load of bricks was taken off of my shoulders. I felt so thoroughly forgiven by God that I arose from my bed and wrote that teenager a letter telling them exactly how right they were. I felt so empowered and humbled by the Lord's forgiveness that I knew I wanted my friend's forgiveness too. For the record, if my friend, Tiffany, reads this, I never delivered the letter; I told her in person.
Unconfessed sin is a canker to the spirit of a person. That is the clear and simple point of this devotion. We cannot live peacefully with unconfessed sin.
Am I perfect? Not by a long shot. However, there are three things that I want to do each day to ensure that I have peace in my life. Number one, I want to seek the presence of my Father. Number two, I want to serve Him with everything in me; I don't want to ever look back and feel like "I wish I had _________." Number three, and I have learned this the hard way over and over again, I do not want to have something unconfessed between me and my Lord.
I mean, c'mon, it's not like He doesn't know! What we do when we don't confess our sin before the Lord is we disagree with Him. If confession means "to agree" then it makes sense that lack of confession of sin means to disagree with God. The Greek word for confess (as in 1 John 1:9) means EXACTLY that -- to "agree" (or to "acknowledge"; or to "profess" -- Strong's #G3670). The Hebrew word, as in Psalm 32:5, means to hold out before Him our wrong (Strong's #3034). In both cases confession means to agree with God that we have sinned by honestly putting our cards out on the table.
Another of the inflections of the Hebrew word in Psalm 32:5 is to "cast away" our sin, meaning that, not only do we PROFESS it, but we FORSAKE it as well. Another inflection of that Hebrew word is that we "bemoan" that sin -- meaning we have godly sorrow over it.
Plainly speaking, when we make honest confession to the Lord it is as if we are saying, "God, You are right. I have ___________. I agree with You and I don't want to be like that. Please forgive me!"
It can be an attitude. I can be an action (mostly driven by an attitude of some sort, so we always need to get to the root). It can be a thought. The point for today is not what it is; rather, the point is to deal with it honestly and openly that we might receive forgiveness and peace from the Lord.
There is an old saying: "Confession is good for the soul." It's true. It's good for the soul of an individual. It's good for the soul of a church. It's good for the soul of a family. When we deal honestly with the Lord, He deals mercifully with us.
When we hold back we become eaten-up with what's inside of us. It becomes a weight and a burden. Often, and ALL of us are guilty at times, we suppress, deny, try to justify or try to cover up our sin. David, in writing this Psalm, said that his "bones wasted away" when he kept silent. Isn't that an awful picture? David was basically saying (my paraphrase), "It was killing me to hold back from You, Lord! I was getting old before my time!"
There is nothing better on this earth than peace with the Lord. A clear conscience is there for any and all who will confess and cast away their sin(s). David testified that when he confessed God "forgave". God is good like that! It's a restored relationship; nothing less.
Are you burdened by some unconfessed sin today? Agree with God. Cast it away. Be restored. Know peace. Be renewed.
A Maskil of David. Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin to You, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah. -- Psalm 32:1-5; English Standard Version
I have messed up so many times that I could give a million examples, but this one sticks out in my mind (along with a few other particular things). A teenager wrote me a letter and basically told me that I was arrogant and self-righteous. I got mad! I read that letter at least ten times. Finally, the truth of what that teenager was saying sunk into my thick head and hard heart. But, instead of admitting it openly to the teenager or to the Lord (most importantly), I tried to avoid it, justify it and deny it. Finally, as I was lying in bed one night unable to sleep, I confessed before the Lord how arrogant I had been. It was like a load of bricks was taken off of my shoulders. I felt so thoroughly forgiven by God that I arose from my bed and wrote that teenager a letter telling them exactly how right they were. I felt so empowered and humbled by the Lord's forgiveness that I knew I wanted my friend's forgiveness too. For the record, if my friend, Tiffany, reads this, I never delivered the letter; I told her in person.
Unconfessed sin is a canker to the spirit of a person. That is the clear and simple point of this devotion. We cannot live peacefully with unconfessed sin.
Am I perfect? Not by a long shot. However, there are three things that I want to do each day to ensure that I have peace in my life. Number one, I want to seek the presence of my Father. Number two, I want to serve Him with everything in me; I don't want to ever look back and feel like "I wish I had _________." Number three, and I have learned this the hard way over and over again, I do not want to have something unconfessed between me and my Lord.
I mean, c'mon, it's not like He doesn't know! What we do when we don't confess our sin before the Lord is we disagree with Him. If confession means "to agree" then it makes sense that lack of confession of sin means to disagree with God. The Greek word for confess (as in 1 John 1:9) means EXACTLY that -- to "agree" (or to "acknowledge"; or to "profess" -- Strong's #G3670). The Hebrew word, as in Psalm 32:5, means to hold out before Him our wrong (Strong's #3034). In both cases confession means to agree with God that we have sinned by honestly putting our cards out on the table.
Another of the inflections of the Hebrew word in Psalm 32:5 is to "cast away" our sin, meaning that, not only do we PROFESS it, but we FORSAKE it as well. Another inflection of that Hebrew word is that we "bemoan" that sin -- meaning we have godly sorrow over it.
Plainly speaking, when we make honest confession to the Lord it is as if we are saying, "God, You are right. I have ___________. I agree with You and I don't want to be like that. Please forgive me!"
It can be an attitude. I can be an action (mostly driven by an attitude of some sort, so we always need to get to the root). It can be a thought. The point for today is not what it is; rather, the point is to deal with it honestly and openly that we might receive forgiveness and peace from the Lord.
There is an old saying: "Confession is good for the soul." It's true. It's good for the soul of an individual. It's good for the soul of a church. It's good for the soul of a family. When we deal honestly with the Lord, He deals mercifully with us.
When we hold back we become eaten-up with what's inside of us. It becomes a weight and a burden. Often, and ALL of us are guilty at times, we suppress, deny, try to justify or try to cover up our sin. David, in writing this Psalm, said that his "bones wasted away" when he kept silent. Isn't that an awful picture? David was basically saying (my paraphrase), "It was killing me to hold back from You, Lord! I was getting old before my time!"
There is nothing better on this earth than peace with the Lord. A clear conscience is there for any and all who will confess and cast away their sin(s). David testified that when he confessed God "forgave". God is good like that! It's a restored relationship; nothing less.
Are you burdened by some unconfessed sin today? Agree with God. Cast it away. Be restored. Know peace. Be renewed.
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