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The Rhythm of Life

”Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.”  Luke 21:37-38

When I was younger, I remember expressing disbelief at how fast life was passing me by.  This probably started when my first child was born and I saw how fast she was growing up.  I also remember people older than me saying that the pace of life just continued to get faster and faster each year.  At the time, I didn’t think that was possible; life was too fast already.

But now I understand the reality that life gets even faster as you get older.  For me, the challenge isn’t how to run faster, but rather how to run longer.  I’m not interested in sprinting for a season and flaming out; I want to still be running years from now.  So coming across the verse above really caught my attention.

We read throughout the gospels about the time Jesus spent doing ministry.

“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.”  Matthew 9:35

“That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed.”  Mark 1:32

We also read about the time He spent alone with His Father.

“After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.”  Matthew 14:23

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”  Luke 5:16

But in Luke 21:37, we find in one place Jesus living His life with a great rhythm – work during the day; retreat during the night.  Meet the needs of those around you as you’re out; refocus and recharge when you’re home.  Give out of the overflow of your relationship with God every day; invest in that relationship every night.

Life will continue to go by at a fast pace.  But I can find a rhythm to life that will keep me in the race for a long time to come – time with people; time with God.

The Reason to Rejoice

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.  However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”  Luke 10:19-20

What most excites you about your faith?  When you think about all the benefits, all the possibilities we have as followers of Christ, what gives you the greatest joy?

Do you think about peace that passes understanding?  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7

Does your mind go to the presence of the Holy Spirit?  “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”  John 14:16-17

Maybe it’s the permanent nature of God’s love for us.  “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:38-39

Or, what about the availability of God’s power?  “His incomparably great power (is) for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.”  Ephesians 1:19-21

The disciples were excited as they returned from a successful time of ministry.  “The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’”  Luke 10:17  And while we share their desire to be faithful and successful in the work of God’s kingdom, what should get most of our focus, is the miraculous truth of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ.

Take a moment to rejoice in the one thing that makes all the difference.

“We also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”  Romans 5:11

The Journey Continues

“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.  Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”  Luke 1:1-4

About five weeks ago,  my family started a journey through the gospels.  By reading just two chapters each weekday, we will have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Jesus this summer.  Before school starts again in August, we will have read, discussed and applied Jesus’ teachings to our lives.

Today we are starting in Luke’s gospel.  You are welcome to journey along with us.  I’ve set up a blog for this season.  You’ll find it at www.thesprings.typepad.com/gospels.  Each weekday there will be some questions to guide your time of discussion.  I encourage you to find a consistent time each day when you can dialogue about the gospel chapters with your family or a group of friends.

Luke was a doctor and as an educated man he set out to write “an orderly account” of the life of Jesus after having “carefully investigated everything from the beginning.”  In Luke’s gospel we read many specific details of Jesus’ life communicated in a clear, chronological order.  In fact, Luke follows up his gospel with the book of Acts to give the same kind of complete account of the early church.

As I consider the precise nature of Luke’s writing, I am reminded of the fact that we have a faith that can stand up to the greatest of minds.  Yes, at the end of the day, ours is a belief in a God that we don’t fully understand.  But it is a belief that can and should be fully investigated.

That is why my family is taking a journey through the gospels.  We want to explore the life of Jesus for ourselves.  We want to hear what He taught and see what He did.  We want to more fully understand His words and see how He lived out His life.

I pray that your time with God would be transformed to a high level, far reaching investigation into Who God is and how that impacts your life.  I pray that your daily reading of the Bible would take on a new significance and a new intensity as you search out the claims of Christ.

And I pray that through all your inspecting, you would come face to face with the God that loved you so much He sent His Son to die for you.

Rest

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

My wife and I just returned from a weekend away in celebration of our 25th wedding anniversary.  Thanks to the generosity of friends and family, Kim and I enjoyed some great down time together.  We believe that this type of investment in our relationship is why we just celebrated 25 years together.  This time away provided us with a focused time to connect and rest.

Life is busy for all of us, but it is God’s desire that we find time to rest.  Times of rest give us the opportunity to reflect on where we are and bring life back into proper perspective.  Times of rest provide the setting to nurture and grow relationships.  All of this happens with those around us and with God.  Sure, weekends away are great, but that can’t happen all the time.  Even in the midst of our busy lives, God can bring us to times of rest.

“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’”  Mark 6:31

I’m sure that life in the Middle East in the first century was not lived at the pace we live at today.  However, when you consider that Jesus called His followers of that day to a time of rest, it should challenge us all the more to do the same.  In fact, this time of rest is so important that it even made God’s Top Ten list.

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.  Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God.  On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.  For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day.  Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”  Exodus 20:8-11

So, how do you, in the midst of day-to-day life, take time to rest?  How do you create white space in your overcrowded schedule to reflect?  How do you slow down long enough to connect with those you love and with the God who loves you?

You just do.  You prioritize your time.  You take control of your schedule.  You plan date nights with your spouse and down time with your kids.  You make time to play on Saturday and nap on Sunday.

And more than anything, you come aside to rest with your Creator every day.  This is the only way I know how to keep my life on track in the midst of all that must be done.

The Source of Love

Twenty-five years ago, a couple began their life together as husband and wife.  As all new couples, they were full of hopes and dreams for their future.  They firmly believed that God had brought them together and desired to make their faith in Christ the center of their relationship.

They selected a verse for their wedding day to testify to the source of their love for each other: “We love because he first loved us.”  Both of these young people had experienced God’s love through a relationship with Jesus Christ.  They knew that their ability to love one another would be found in the love they had received from God.

From the start, they had been encouraged and challenged to pursue each other and to pursue Jesus.  He knew that following God’s plan for his life would help him be the best husband for his wife.  She knew that following God’s plan for her life would help her be the best wife for her husband.

As the years went by they found time and time again that the verse from their wedding day was still very true: “We love because he first loved us.”  But now, this love was being shared far beyond their own relationship.  God brought friends, neighbors, co-workers and children into their lives.  With each relationship, they were challenged to show the unconditional love that they had received through Christ.

They haven’t lived perfect lives.  They haven’t always shown God’s love.  They haven’t realized all their dreams.  But they have strived to live their lives on the foundation of God and His truth.

My wife, Kim, and I are so very grateful for all that God has done in our lives these past 25 years.  He has blessed us with five wonderful children and an incredible son-in-law.  He has given us the privilege of serving together both in raising a family and as partners in ministry.  More than anything, He has continued to teach us to rely fully upon Him for the love that we share.  And now,

I pray that you would receive the love of God through Jesus Christ.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16

I pray that you would grow in understanding the full nature of this love.

“I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”  Ephesians 3:17-19

And I pray that you would share this love with those around you.

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.”  1 John 4:7

Out of Darkness

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”  1 Peter 2:9

My family has just finished the Gospel of Matthew as part of our Summer Journey through the Gospels.  We will be reading all four gospels this summer by reading just two chapters each weekday.  You can join us by going to http://www.thesprings.typepad.com/gospels.

The final chapters of Matthew’s gospel bring us to an incredible contrast.  As we move from the deep darkness of the crucifixion to the brilliant light of the resurrection, we find the picture of what Jesus wants to do in our lives.

But in order to more fully appreciate the light, we need a better understanding of darkness.  Perhaps this darkness is illustrated best in Matthew 27:46 where we read, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?”

That Jesus died is an historical fact.  How He died causes us great pain.  Why He died is too wonderful to fully comprehend.  But perhaps the greatest challenge is to consider what it cost Jesus.  God the Father and God the Son had never been separated.  Now, as He took on our sins, He saw His Father turn His back on Him.  The whips – painful; the mocking – humiliating; the cross – shameful.  But it was after all this that He cried out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?”

Jesus paid a high price for your journey from darkness to light.  “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”  1 Peter 1:18-19

But the story doesn’t end on the cross.  Matthew goes on to record the events that take place after the resurrection.  The light of new life shines through the fears and doubts of the women at the tomb.  “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”  Matthew 28:5-6

“Just as He said,” reminds the women of God’s faithfulness.  Throughout the Bible we find evidence of God doing exactly what He said He would do.  Living in the light means you can go forward with confidence knowing that God is faithful.

Death gives way to life.  Darkness gives way to light.  Choose today to live in and enjoy the light that Jesus died to give you.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.  Live as children of light.”  Ephesians 5:8

 

Trends, Styles and Fashion

“But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.  The LORD does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’”  1 Samuel 16:7

 

 

There is much we concern ourselves with when it comes to our appearance.  Do we have the right clothes, the right hair style, the right look?  We work at staying current, looking contemporary, being modern.  I know I’m working harder than ever on my appearance as I fight the process of aging.

 

But God isn’t so concerned about how we look.  He’s more interested in who we are.  And to determine that, He looks into the heart.

 

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”  Proverbs 4:23

 

The heart is the very foundation of our life out of which everything flows.  What we do with our life is directly related to what is going on in our heart.

 

“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.”  Luke 6:45

 

Yet, right when we think we are in the right place in terms of our heart, we find a quality or character in our life that is not pleasing to God.  We thought we knew ourselves better, but the evidence is clear.

 

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”  Jeremiah 17:9

 

So how do we determine what is really going on with our heart?  How can we understand the true nature of who we really are?

 

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24

 

God alone is able to see fully into our heart.  He alone can reveal the person we really are.  And, fortunately, He can do something about it.

 

“Create in me a clean heart, O God.  Renew a loyal spirit within me.”  Psalm 51:10

 

Thank God that He desires to work deeply in our lives to make us into the person He intends us to be.  Allow Him to work in a manner far more significant than trends, styles and fashion.

 

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”  Ezekiel 36:26

 

 

Summer Journey through the Gospels

 

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.  Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”  Deuteronomy 6:4-7

 

 

School is out.  For us, this means our schedule is more relaxed.  While this may seem like a normal change, it is still something our family has to get used to.  Since 1994, we have been a home-schooling family.  Over the years, this has provided us with freedom and flexibility.  But in fall of 2008, our youngest went outside of our home for school.  This was the first time we had an outside constraint to our schedule.

 

One of the things that is more challenging with Jonathan being in school is finding a consistent time for our family to be in the Bible together.  For us, if this is not done as part of our morning routine, we have a hard time fitting it in.  There are just too many other places to go later in the day.  At the same time, having to be out the door by 7:30am makes it very difficult to do this first thing.

 

However, now that school is out, we are able to start our day off right.  So this summer, we are going to get back into the groove of spending time together in the Bible.  I’ve chosen to lead my family though the four gospels.  By reading Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, we will have the joy of reading about Jesus and the time He spent on earth.

 

You are invited to join my family as we journey this summer.  By reading just two chapters each weekday, you’ll have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Jesus over the next several months.  Before school starts again in August, you will have read, discussed and applied Jesus’ teachings to your life and the life of your family.

 

I’ve set up a blog for this season.  You’ll find it at www.thesprings.typepad.com/gospels.  Each weekday there will be some questions to guide your time of discussion.  I encourage you to find a consistent time each day when you can dialogue about the gospel chapters with your family or a group of friends.  Please send me your comments and feedback.

 

The motivation behind all of this?

 

I want to be actively involved in the spiritual lives of my children.  I want them to see that being in the Bible is a daily part of a Christ-follower’s life.  I want to impress truth upon their hearts.

 

I want to lead them well.

Stop Complaining

“Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused.  Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp.  When the people cried out to Moses, he prayed to the LORD and the fire died down.  So that place was called Taberah, because fire from the LORD had burned among them.”  Numbers 11:1-3

 

 

We’ve all done it.

 

Things don’t seem to be going our way and we start to whine a little.  A situation isn’t turning out the way it was supposed to and we begin to grumble.  We feel slighted, unheard, so we start complaining.  But who do we complain about?  And who do we complain to?  Ultimately, the answer to both of these questions is God.

 

It is interesting that one of the greatest passages of encouragement found in the Bible is written as God’s response to a complaint.

 

“Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God?’  Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  Isaiah 40:27-31

 

Isn’t it true that our complaining is ultimately about and to God?

 

We complain because we don’t think He is doing quite what He should or that life isn’t what we expected.  Yet, as Isaiah so beautifully writes, He is One Who gives us power and strength.  He is the One Who allows us to soar high above the circumstances around us.  And He is the One Who has understanding far beyond our own.

 

So why do we complain?  I believe it’s because we have a trust issue with God.

 

Our faith is strong in the big picture; we’re just not sure about the little details.  We believe God for the things of eternity, but we struggle following Him with our finances or raising our children.  We know His love has no limitations, but we don’t think He really gets what life is all about today.  So we get frustrated and start to whine, to grumble, to complain.  Then we read what Paul wrote in Philippians.

 

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.”  Philippians 2:14-15

 

Wow!  When we stop complaining, our lives will shine!  Our faith in God will be evident and we will show forth lives of deep trust in Him.  Our perspective and demeanor will be different allowing others to see the work God is doing in and through us.

 

We can choose to live this way.  We can choose to trust Him in all things.

 

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

 

 

Do You Remember?

“There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow.”  Ecclesiastes 1:11

 

 

Early last Friday morning, I had the privilege of being present when my son-in-law returned from his overseas post in Afghanistan.  I was in North Carolina at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, along with hundreds of others, to welcome home those that had been serving with Marine Attack Squadron 231.

 

For the past seven months, TJ and those he was serving with, endured life in a foreign country under stressful conditions.  Based in Kandahar, they were there as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.  Not only were they thousands of miles away from their family and friends, they were dealing with the reality of war – fear, uncertainty, uncomfortable conditions, threat of attack.

 

But they all came home.

 

Unfortunately, this is not the case for the 1.1 million Americans who died in the nation’s wars.  Unfortunately, we are becoming increasingly forgetful about the sacrifice that they made.

 

Memorial Day started after the Civil War as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers.  At the Arlington National Cemetery, people made their way through the cemetery, placing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns.  Today, as has been the case since Memorial Day 1948, the Soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry, also known as the Old Guard, honor America's fallen heroes by placing American flags before each of the nearly 300,000 gravestones.

 

But what about you and me?  How will we observe Memorial Day this year?

 

In an effort to bring back the memorial part of Memorial Day, a National Moment of Remembrance was created in 2000 to encourage Americans everywhere to pause for one minute at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many to provide freedom for all.

 

One minute?  That doesn’t seem like much.  But at least it’s a start.  I hope that today, whether you’re at the beach, a ballgame, or in your own backyard, you’ll take a minute to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

 

 

Glad in God

“May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, ‘Let God be exalted!’”  Psalm 70:4

“I love you.”

In its purest form, this statement is made without condition; without strings attached.  It is offered freely by one who desires to communicate commitment and care for another.  It expresses pleasure in who the person is regardless of their actions.  This is the spirit I detect in David as I read the verse above.  He is satisfied with God just because of Who He is.  David rejoices in and is glad in God.

What’s amazing about the verse above is the context around it.  As you read the rest of Psalm 70, we find David less than content with the circumstances he is in.  Actually, he is running for his life.

We know that David and King Saul had a strained relationship.  Whether David was dodging Saul’s spear (see 1 Samuel 18:10-11) or staying one step ahead of Saul’s army (see 1 Samuel 23:24-25), David lived his life in fear of Saul and in dependence on God.  Psalm 70 is an expression of this (“Hasten, O God, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me.” Psalm 70:1).  As we read this desperate plea of David, verse 4 sounds all the more significant.

“May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, ‘Let God be exalted!’”  Psalm 70:4

Often our view of and response to God is closely connected to how things are going in our life at the moment.  When it’s good, He is good.  When it’s not, He is not.  Unfortunately, this totally disregards the constant nature of God.  This forces the Sovereign of the Universe to conform to the roller-coaster nature of the way we approach life.  And sadly, this traps us into seeing the world from a very limited perspective.

Do you rejoice in Who God is regardless of the circumstances around you?  Are you able to praise Him just because of Who He is?  As we lift our sights, we can learn to truly and simply be glad in God.

But know this, when our eyes return to level, we may still find ourselves in the midst of difficulty.  We know this was true for David as we read the conclusion of Psalm 70.

“Yet I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God.  You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay.”  Psalm 70:1-5

Don’t look to find satisfaction in Him only when He solves problems.  Find satisfaction in Him because He alone can satisfy.

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Today

“Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.”  Proverbs 4:25

I attended a memorial service this week.  It was for a man from our church that I didn’t know well at all.  But by the end of the service, I had a sense of who he was and the life he lived.  His family, friends and colleagues spoke of a man who loved others and helped them grow.  He lived in the moment and made a difference day to day.  I was humbled, challenged and reminded about the way to live.

Often we get caught up in big plans, big dreams and big ideas.  While I believe there is a place for this, I can see where always pursuing the big can keep us from recognizing the small, simple things around us every day.

Our children are growing up really fast.

The grass is getting green now that we have had some rain.

It is great dead bolting the door knowing everyone is safely in for the night.

We can make a difference when we work together.

Love really is all you need.

In your quest for the future, don’t miss what is happening in the present.  Learn to balance planning and preparing with contentment.  Strive for what is next and also enjoy what is right before you.

“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:24

Working for the Lord

"So Moses took the staff from the LORD's presence, just as he commanded him. He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, ‘Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?’ Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank." Numbers 20:9-11

　

Serving God. It’s a calling; it’s a privilege. But we need to always keep in mind that the work we do is God’s work. Moses forgot this for a moment and it cost him significantly.

God had freed His people from captivity in Egypt. For over 400 years they had been slaves. Literally, they were the people on whose backs the land of Egypt had been built. But then God heard their cry and delivered them at the hands of Moses. As they left, they began their journey to the Promised Land.

As they traveled, they encountered various problems. First, was the barrier of the Red Sea. Then the pursuing army of Pharaoh neared. Next, they were in need of food. In each of these instances, God had a plan and invited Moses to be part of the plan’s fulfillment. God parted the sea, defeated the army and sent the food. All of this was of God, yet Moses had the calling, the privilege to be part of it; to serve God.

This is what was supposed to take place again when the people were thirsty. Unfortunately, Moses took matters into his own hands – literally. As the people grumbled and complained about the lack of water, Moses replied "Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?"

Notice how Moses indicated it would be he and Aaron performing the miracle this time. God may have done it before, but now it would be all Moses. For a moment, Moses thought he was doing his work. He believed he was on his mission accomplishing his purposes. The result was he dishonored God and was therefore banned from the Promised Land.

We must always remember that we have been called into work that the Lord has already set in motion. We must allow God to lead and humbly take our place. It is our calling, our privilege to join Him.

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

Giving what is Due

“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”  Matthew 22:21

Today is Tax Day.  Since 1955, April 15th has been the day that our tax returns are to be submitted to the government.  It marks the final day by which we are to settle up with Uncle Sam for the previous year.  It’s the day we are to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s; the day we are to give what is due.

Paying taxes is no small matter.  According to the Tax Foundation, it took us the first 99 days of 2010 to earn enough money to pay this year's tax obligations at the federal, state and local levels.  This is a big responsibility for each of us.

Jesus and His followers faced the same situation 2,000 years ago.  Jesus didn’t dispute whether or not taxes should be paid.  In fact, in Matthew 17, we find Jesus miraculously providing Peter the money need to pay the temple tax.

What Jesus did was challenge us to do is give God what He requires as well.  And what does God require?  The prophet Micah answered this way…

“He has showed you, O man, what is good.  And what does the LORD require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”  Micah 6:8

Act justly.

Love mercy.

Walk humbly.

Other portions of the Bible have this to say…

“Stop doing wrong, learn to do right!  Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.  Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.”  Isaiah 1:16-17

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”  James 1:27

Since today marks the day taxes are due, let’s now focus on what God requires.  In many ways, this debt is more challenging to pay than the taxes we have given to the government.

Now What?

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”  Romans 6:4

 

 

Yesterday we celebrated Easter; the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  It’s the day that literally split time in two.  It is also the day that literally puts people into two camps; those who believe and those who don’t.  But, interestingly enough, many of those in the “I Believe” camp are missing out on the whole point of the resurrection.

 

Jesus didn’t die for you to have a good life.  He didn’t pay the penalty for your sin so you could have an improved life.  He didn’t rise from the dead so you could have a better life.  Jesus did all this, and more, so you could have a new life!

 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”  2 Corinthians 5:17

 

Too often we come to Christ knowing that He alone is able to save us; He alone can bring us into a right relationship with God.  We understand that it’s only though Christ’s work on the cross that our sin can be forgiven and we now stand before God clean and new.

 

But then, we think we can go forward on our own.  “Thanks for the gift of forgiveness, Jesus.  I’ll take it from here.”  That’s not new life; it’s the old with a fresh coat of paint.  The new life that God has made available to us is a life lived in partnership with God.  It’s not about trying harder, but rather about allowing God to live in and through us.

 

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”  Colossians 1:27

 

The message of Easter is that God will come in; into your life to give you a new life.  And this new life that we have to live is a life focused on following God; a life committed to walking with Him every day.

 

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”  Galatians 5:25

 

 

The Ultimate Promise Keeper

 

 

“Now I am about to go the way of all the earth.  You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed.  Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.”  Joshua 23:14

 

 

Upon the death of Moses, Joshua became the leader of the Nation of Israel.  He faithfully led God’s people into the Promised Land after their years of wandering in the desert.  Now, as he is preparing for his own death, he reminds the people of God’s record of keeping promises.

 

All along the journey and all throughout their history, God showed Himself faithful to His people time and time again.  From the beginning of the nation through Abraham to their growth as a people through Jacob, God had always provided for and guided Israel.  Years later, when Israel was settled into the Promised Land, King Solomon echoed these words as he dedicated the Temple (see 1 Kings 8:56).

 

What do you believe about the promises of God?  Were they only valid for the generations that have since passed one?  Are they still in place today for us today?  As people of faith, we hold on to the promises and faithfulness of God every day.

 

He has promised to save us…

 

“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”  Romans 10:9-10

 

He has promised to make us His own…

 

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”  John 1:12-13

 

He has promised to lead us…

 

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

 

He has promised to always be with us…

 

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:20

 

Joshua boldly stated that God had kept every promise He had ever made.  And since God has been faithful in the past, He can be counted on to be faithful in the future.

 

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”  Hebrews 10:23

 

 

 

Everyday

If your life is anything like mine you are busy.  At the end of the day you reflect on all you did not get accomplished.  Time flies by at a faster rate with each passing year.  The only sense of perspective we have is found as we look at the growth of our children.

 

“Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.  You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you.  Each man's life is but a breath.  Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.  But now, Lord, what do I look for?  My hope is in you.”  Psalm 39:4-7

 

So how do we keep our focus on what is important?  How do we keep control of life when life seems out of control?  How do we keep the main thing the main thing?

 

The only solution I’ve found is to spend time with God every day.  As basic as this seems, it’s the only way.  In a culture that has found more efficient ways to do about everything, the slow, steady, basic discipline of spending time with God daily remains timeless.

 

It is during daily time with God that we find out more about what is on God’s heart.  It’s as we spend time with Him on a regular basis that we learn more about how to live.  And it’s during this consistent time in prayer and in the Word that we get a better perspective on the whole of life.

 

No matter how sophisticated we get or how complicated we try to make it, life is best lived by being in a growing relationship with God through Jesus Christ every day.

 

“I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.  Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.”  Psalm 145:1-2

Praise the Lord

“Praise the Lord!  For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.”  Psalm 147:1

 

 

I have just finished reading through the Psalms.  What a journey!  In the Psalms we read the full range of human emotion.  From David’s cries of despair…

 

“How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever?  How long will you hide your face from me?  How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?  How long will my enemy triumph over me?”  Psalm 13:1-2

 

…to his declaration of the majesty of God…

 

“O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!  You have set your glory above the heavens.”  Psalm 8:1

 

…we gain insight into the depth of the human experience; into the depth of our experience.  From this place, we are given the opportunity to respond to God.  And while our words may not seem as eloquent as the words of David and the other writers of the Psalms, we can be sure that God receives what we offer to Him.

 

So what should the nature of our connection with God be?  Requests for the things we need?  Petitions for those we love?  Thanks for what He has done?  Confession for when we have failed?

 

What about praise?

 

Simple, pure praise.  No agenda, no other purpose than to honor God for Who He is.  I believe we have the opportunity to do this regardless of the situation we are in.  God is God – always has been; always will be.  He does not change as our circumstances change.  His nature and characteristics are always the same.

 

So we have the opportunity to praise Him no matter what.

 

Take a moment with God and simply respond to Who He is.  Get above your current circumstances, whether good or bad, and see the One Who is above it all.  Respond to Him, worship Him and praise Him for Who He is.

 

He is God and He is good.

 

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.  Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.  Know that the LORD is God.  It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.  Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

 

The Work of God in You

“Is the way that you are working for God destroying the work of God in you?”

 

I don’t remember where I first saw this quote.  I don’t even remember if I thought about it much when I read it.  But recently, I have been giving it a lot of thought.

 

As most of you know, Church @ The Springs has recently moved to a new campus.  This has been one of the most exciting seasons for our church.  We have had the privilege of welcoming hundreds of new people to our campus and dozens have committed their lives to Christ.

 

This has also been one of the most challenging seasons for our church.  Ending services at one location on a Sunday and being ready for services at the new location the following Saturday was no small task.  It took hundreds of volunteers to make this possible.  Then, as we opened our doors for the first time, it took teams of volunteers parking, greeting and serving the thousands that were in attendance.

 

It has been during this incredibly wonderful and intensely demanding time that I have considered the quote above.  Have I become so focused on doing the work of God that I have neglected God’s work in me?

 

Now before you dismiss this as a pastor problem, let me encourage you to check the status of God’s work in your life.  Before you see this as unique to the opening of a new location of a mega church, make sure that you stop for a moment to be honest with yourself.

 

God is indeed going to complete the work He has started.  But I’ve come to realize that I am either helping or hindering this work.  I am either participating in the process of growth or fighting against it.  And, as unusual as it sounds, being fully involved in God’s work can get in the way of what God wants to do in my life.

 

I’m not suggesting that you stop serving.  I’m not advocating that you turn inward.  I am encouraging you to keep your focus.  No matter what you are doing, God is working out a singular purpose – conforming you to the image of His Son.

 

So join God in the work He is doing.  Spend time with Him everyday.  Let His Word to bring truth into your life.

 

And allow God to work freely in you.

 

 

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 1:6

Following God

 

“Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out.  At the LORD's command they encamped, and at the LORD's command they set out.  They obeyed the LORD's order, in accordance with his command through Moses.”  Numbers 9:22-23

 

 

It may be only 3.6 miles from Maricamp Square to The Springs’ new campus on Baseline Road, but the move was a big one.  Hundreds of volunteers spent the last several weeks packing, carrying and resetting everything from sound boards to baby diapers.  A lot of work?  Absolutely!  Worth it?  You better believe it.

 

As it has for the past 15 years, The Springs followed God.  Whether weeks, months or years, The Springs has stayed where it was until God directed otherwise.

 

Following God.  What would that look like for you?  Consider these aspects of being aware God around you and then choose to follow Him.

 

 

Hearing His voice – “The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep.  The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice.  He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”  John 10:2-3

 

Seeing His hand – “Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: ‘The LORD's right hand has done mighty things!  The LORD's right hand is lifted high; the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!’”  Psalm 118:15-16

 

Obeying His command – “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.  I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”  Psalm 119:10-11

 

Heeding His guidance – “Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”  Psalm 25:4-5

 

Trusting His way – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

 

This is the Way

“After three days the officers went throughout the camp, giving orders to the people: ‘When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it.  Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.’”  Joshua 3:2-4

 

 

This past weekend we closed the chapter of The Springs at Maricamp Square.  For the past 10 years, God has worked in our midst through the brick and mortar of an old grocery store.  During this season, we have had the privilege of witnessing what God does best – change lives.  Marriages have been healed, peace has prevailed and eternities have been secured.

 

Now we are turning the page to the next chapter of The Springs.  Our new campus on Baseline Road will provide us with an incredible launching pad from which we will impact Marion County and beyond.  And as much as we may be tempted to think it’s going to be the same thing in a different place, the truth is we have never been this way before.

 

The people of Israel found themselves in a similar situation as they were preparing to cross the Jordan River and enter the Promised Land.  Sure, they had been all throughout the area during the previous 40 years.  They may have even had opportunities to look at the land from their side of the Jordan.  But the truth is they had never been that way before.

 

So what were they instructed to do?  How would they know where to go?  They were to follow the ark of the covenant of the Lord.  They were to keep their eyes on God as they walked to this new place.  Although much would be different, the one thing that would remain constant would be God’s presence with them.

 

It’s going to be different on Baseline.  A change in location will move all of us out of our comfort zones.  However, the most important aspect of The Springs will remain the same; our reliance upon the leading of God.

 

As you prepare yourself for the move to Baseline this week, draw close to God.  Let Him be the One that takes you to this place we have never been before.

 

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”  Isaiah 30:21

 

The Speed of Life

A new year is upon us.  Can you believe it?  They say, “Time flies when you’re having fun.”  It seems regardless of your frame of mind, the days, weeks, months and years go by with ever-increasing speed.  2010 will bring about my 48th year of life, 30th year as a Christ-follower, 25th wedding anniversary and 21st birthday of our oldest child.

At this pace, where does our relationship with God fit in?

If we look back into the Old Testament, we find that God established a relationship with His people that would draw them close to Him on a regular, even daily basis.  As Israel wandered in the desert after leaving Egypt, they were dependent on God for their basic needs of food and water.  In providing for His people, God chose to give them only what they needed one day at a time.  This created a situation where the people found themselves depending on God every day.

Then the LORD said to Moses, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you.  The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day.  In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.”  Exodus 16:4

But wouldn’t it be nice if God took into consideration our fast-paced world and met our needs in a more efficient manner?  I mean daily bread?  Why not weekly, monthly or quarterly?  Daily seems a bit much.  I don’t even go to Wal-Mart that often.

It is only through daily investing in our relationship with God that we can continue to develop in our understanding of His ways.  It is only by spending time in His Word every day that we can grow in knowing how to live.  And it is only by entering into His presence day by day that we can learn to hear His voice.

I pray that 2010 is a year that will be marked by the time you spend with God.  I pray that you would commit yourself anew to enjoying a personal, on-going, daily relationship with Him.  And I pray that you would come to depend on Him everyday.

Eat Your Veggies!

Recently, I joined my extended family for a Thanksgiving feast.  My brother’s family hosted this year’s gathering.  Since my sister-in-law is an excellent cook, I greatly anticipated what I knew would be a wonderful meal.

 

Leigh doesn’t make stuffing; instead she combines an unusual array of rice, sausage and cranberries into a work of art.  And Leigh doesn’t make vegetables; rather she roasts together brussel sprouts, zucchini and peppers into a culinary masterpiece.

 

But as I enjoyed viewing the delights at our table, I noticed the table set for the children was rather plain looking.  They just had the basics; turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans and the like.  Why was this the case?  Well, have you spent time at the dinner table with a younger child recently?

 

The stuffing that so wonderfully combines a variety of flavors is lost on them.  And the roasted vegetables are, to them, just plain gross looking.  Much of what we know to be wonderful they see as distasteful.

 

Throughout their history, Israel had to choose between following God and following the ways of the people around them.  God set His way clearly before them, but the people they lived among provided them with another option.

 

What God had for them was on par with the Thanksgiving feast prepared by my sister-in-law.  Instead, they settled for the plain meal served at the kids table.  Some things in life are not pleasant, but they are good for you.  Some things are difficult, but they are of great value.  Some things are costly, but well worth it.

 

Following God, and eating your vegetables, is where real life is found.  It is here that you will find the life that God has made available with all its fullness.

 

 

“The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today.  And if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.”  Deuteronomy 6:24-25 

Rash Decisions

It was early 1989.  Kim and I were eagerly awaiting the arrival of our first born.  We were finishing up Lamaze classes at the hospital where we would deliver.  It was rather comical, the ‘ooh ooh aah aah” breathing, but they assured us it would be helpful.  We toured the labor and delivery rooms and found them to be quite comfortable for the upcoming event.  The nursery at home was decked out in Disney Babies ready to receive our bundle of joy.

In the midst of all this preparation, we learned that a local baby furniture store was hosting a Free Baby Safety Seminar.  (The word “free” should have been a red flag.  In fact, with that being said, you probably know where this story is going.)

As soon-to-be-first-time parents, we decided it would be a good seminar to attend.  We learned how to baby-proof our home.  We were taught to recognize dangerous places in our house that had not previously been problems.  We heard about the safe way to feed, change and play with our new baby.  Then they talked about baby furniture. 

Well, somewhere in between talking about strollers and arriving home that evening, we became the proud owners of the Wonda-Chair!  I look back on that purchase as one of the dark moments of my financial past (I know, not too bad if that is as bad as it gets).

Regardless, buying the Wonda-Chair was a rash, hasty, impulsive decision.  We bought what they were selling!  They had preyed on our naiveté and overstated the dangers to our child.  Through short-sighted thinking, we also fell for the “today only” deal they presented.

In Genesis 25:32-33, Esau made a similar decision.  “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?”  But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.   He overstated his need (“I am about to die”) and displayed short-sighted thinking (“What good is this birthright to me?”).  You have made similar decisions, as well.

The next time you are faced with a decision, remember to be realistic about what is before you and look to future implications.  And one more thing…

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

Finish Strong

I just finished a study through the book of Second Timothy.  This is Paul’s final letter and contains, in effect, his last will and testament.  Paul writes to Timothy about the need to be diligent in carrying on the faith.  He instructs him to remain faithful to teaching the word.  He encourages him to be strong.  He challenges him to pour into others who are able to do the same.

Throughout the letter, Paul expresses concern to Timothy about the tenuous status of the faith.  Times were difficult for the church with attacks coming from false teachers on the inside and the Roman government on the outside.  Paul knew he would soon give his life as a final sacrifice.  Timothy would need to reach out and firmly take hold of the baton that Paul was extending to him.

Then, in the midst of this flurry of challenges and commands, Paul reflects for just a moment on his life.  “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”  2 Timothy 4:7

No regrets.  No, “I wish I would of…”  No, “If only I had…”  He was finishing well.  He was finishing strong.  As Paul neared the end of his time on earth he knew that he had accomplished what God had placed before him.  A similar thought is found in the book of Acts referring to King David.  “…after David had done the will of God in his own generation, he died…”  Acts 13:36

As followers of Christ, we are involved in a long distance race.  The goal is not to blaze a trail – it is to stay on course.  It is not to run fast – it is to complete the race.  It is not to start strong – it is to finish strong.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  Hebrews 12:1-3

The Walk of a Lifetime

In one of my earlier trips through the Bible, I was captured by the manner in which Enoch’s story jumps off the pages of God’s Word.

 

Genesis Chapter 5 presents a family tree taking us from Adam to Noah.  As we travel through the years, a repetitive, if not boring, pattern emerges.  First we read the father’s name.  Next we read how old he was when he had his first son.  We then read how many more years he lived and the fact that he had other sons and daughters.  Finally we read about his death.

 

Then, all of a sudden, we are introduced to generation number seven.  A man named Jared has a son named Enoch.  Jared’s story is predictable, but then we read about his son.  Here is what we find in Genesis 5:21-24.

 

“When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah.  And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters.  Altogether, Enoch lived 365 years.  Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”

 

As I consider what it means to walk with God, I think about what Paul taught us in Galatians 5:25.  “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.”  This manner of walking with God is active.  We’re not talking about a casual stroll, but rather an intentional, day-by-day, step-by-step journey with God.

 

This is what caught me when I read this passage previously.  Enoch didn’t just live; he walked with God.  While this is an incredible statement, what caught me this time is something totally different.

 

Looking at Genesis 5, we find that most of these guys lived into their 900’s before dying.  However, when Enoch was a mere 365, God took him away.  Enoch wasn’t even half as old as most of the other men listed when he was taken.  Here is a statement signifying what was impressed on me.

 

Walking with God for half a lifetime is better than a whole lifetime without Him.

 

Think about it.  Enoch was only middle-aged, but what stands out about his life is that he walked with God.  As you consider all the things that might have been said about him, the fact that he walked with God is what the Bible records.  And all this from the man who left the earth early compared to those that came before him and those that followed.

 

I pray that my life, no matter how long or short it is, would be characterized by walking with God.

To the End

Jacob was on the run.  He had tricked his brother out of his rightful place as the eldest son and had stolen the blessing his father had for him.  Now his brother, Esau, wanted revenge.  One night during his flight, Jacob had a dream.  During this dream God spoke to him and made him these promises…

 

“I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying.  Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south.  All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.”  Genesis 28:13-14

 

And if that was not enough, God remind Jacob that He would not leave these promises unmet.

 

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land.  I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”  Genesis 28:15

 

Hundreds of years later, King Solomon offered praise to God as the one who brought all these things to pass…

 

“Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised.  Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses.  May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our fathers; may he never leave us nor forsake us.”  1 Kings 8:56-57

 

The Great Completer.  The One Who Finishes.  The God Who Can Be Counted On.

 

Do you know God this way?  Do you believe He will finish what He started?  Are you willing to wait for this to happen?

 

“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ⁵because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:4-6

 

This reminds me of a bumper sticker I saw years ago…

 

God said it!

I believe it!

That settles it!

 

Do They Get It?

"When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it.  He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.”  Genesis 22:9

I’d like to believe that I’m making a difference in the lives of my children.  I’d like to think that they are learning some things from me.  I’d like to feel that my faith is becoming their faith.

But how do I know?

In Genesis 22 we read how God tested Abraham through his son Isaac.  Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac, the son of promise, was born.  Now God had called Abraham to sacrifice Isaac as a means of demonstrating that nothing would have priority over Abraham’s relationship with God.  As we read this account, the picture of God’s sacrifice of His Son is clear.

But as I recently read the story of Abraham and Isaac, I was struck by what Isaac did not do.  No struggle; no challenge; no running away.  How could Isaac just lay there and allow his father to kill him?  We don’t know how old Isaac was at the time.  I’ve read suggestions from early elementary-age to early adult.  Regardless, it appears that Isaac was a willing participant in his own sacrifice.

I believe Isaac didn’t struggle because he got it.  He had faith in his father and in his father’s God.  Whether for 5 years or 25 years, Isaac had watched his father’s relationship with God.  He saw Abraham’s faith and devotion grow year after year.  And now, when challenged, both he and his father passed the test.

Our kids are watching what we do with our time, with our money, with our faith.  But rather than just hoping they get it, we must be intentional at teaching the lessons.  This past weekend was one of those teachable moments.  (If you don't know what I'm talking about, send me a note and I'll explain)

Our time as a church at Wal-Mart was nothing less than amazing.  It was great walking up and down the aisles with the people we were worshiping with 30 minutes earlier.  It was humbling to realize how far basic food items could really go.  It was wonderful seeing empty shelves knowing this meant people were being generous.

But did you take advantage of this opportunity to help your kids grow?  Did you take your kids shopping or did your kids go shopping with you?  Did you share and teach and explain what was going on?  I hope you did.

And if you did, you are on your way to helping your kids get it.

The Name

Adam lay with his wife again, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, “God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.”  Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh.  At that time men began to call on the name of the LORD.  Genesis 4:25-26

 

 

Joseph Anthony LaCognata.  That is my full name.  Joseph, after my dad’s dad, and Anthony, after my mom’s dad.  That is an Italian tradition.  We carried this tradition on when naming our first daughter, Alleson Louisa, and our first son, Jonathan Frazier.  Their names were given on purpose.  The names of our other children were also given on purpose: Gabrielle – the angel Gabriel; Christina – Christian; and Sarah – a good Bible name.  But beyond these reasons, these names have no special meaning themselves.

 

However, when we consider names in the Bible, especially the names of God, we find that these names are full of meaning. 

 

Many of the names given to children at birth were descriptive of either the child or the birthing process.  For example, “When the time came for her (Rebekah) to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb.  The first to come out was red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment; so they named him Esau (meaning hairy).  After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob (figuratively, he deceives).”  Genesis 25:24-26

 

Sometimes God was teaching through the naming of children.  For example, “Gomer conceived again and gave birth to a daughter.  Then the LORD said to Hosea, ‘Call her Lo-Ruhamah (not loved), for I will no longer show love to the house of Israel, that I should at all forgive them.’”  Hosea 1:6

 

However the word “name” in the Bible, in addition to simply identifying someone, also speaks of their reputation, fame, and glory.  It was this name, The Name, that we read about in Genesis 4:26.

 

The story through Genesis shows us that early in the history of man we find wickedness.  “Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him?  Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous.”  1 John 3:12

 

Yet at the end of Chapter 4, God re-establishes the righteous line of Abel through Seth and Enosh.  It is this group that begins to call on the name of the Lord.  And as His Name was called upon, this godly family line would be impacted by the very nature of the One to Whom they called.  In fact, it would be this family line that God would use to preserve humanity during the Flood.  From Adam to Seth to Enosh we trace this family all the way to Noah.

 

“This is the account of Noah.  Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.”  Genesis 6:9

 

Calling on the name of the LORD made a difference in the lives of this family.  God’s Name, His reputation, fame, and glory, still makes a difference in the lives of those willing to call on The Name.

How Soon We Forget

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."  Luke 22:19

 

 

I was out of town at a meeting.  My day started simply enough with breakfast at the hotel I was staying at.  As I was leaving to get to my 9:00am meeting, there was something on the news about a plane crash.

 

As the meeting got underway my pager went off with a news alert.  A second plane had crashed in New York.  Then, slowly at first, more information kept coming to us.  The meeting was suspended as we attempted to process what was taking place.

 

It has been eight years since September 11, 2001.  A Google search refreshed my memory of the events of that day.  Through pictures, stories and video, I relived what took place.  The more I looked at, the more I realized how much I had forgotten.

 

Why?  Why didn’t I remember more?  Why did I have to refresh my memory?  Why is what I saw and read only vaguely familiar?

 

I’m sure there are plenty of psychological theories of why we forget.  As a defense mechanism we may bury issues that are painful.  As a culture, we may simply be trying to process too much information at a time.

 

But, unfortunately, I think that forgetting is just part of our nature.  We tend to move on in life focusing on what is ahead rather than what is behind.  And while for the most part this is a good thing, there are some things that we must not forget.

 

I believe what Jesus did for us on the cross is one of these things.

 

That is why we celebrate the Lord’s Supper.  This is our opportunity to remember Jesus’ death on the cross.  It is His death and resurrection that makes it possible for us to know freedom and forgiveness.  We can only move forward in our relationship with Him as we look back and remember.

 

I believe the events of September 11 are another.

 

That is why we celebrate America.  This is our opportunity to remember the fragile state of our world.  It is the ongoing sacrifice of others that make it possible for us to know freedom.  We can only move forward as a Nation as we look back and remember.

 

Trusting God

How long, O LORD?  Will you forget me forever?  How long will you hide your face from me?  How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?  How long will my enemy triumph over me?  Look on me and answer, O LORD my God.  Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall.  But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.  I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.  Psalm 13

 

 

I met her and her husband at the first church where I served as pastor.  They were wonderful people who loved their new pastor and his family.  They became like grandparents to my children.

 

Kaye had a beautiful, quiet spirit.  She loved God and she loved people.  She committed her life to serving others beginning with those in our little church and going all the way to the people of foreign lands.  Kaye had the heart of a missionary and it showed.  From the streets of Chicago to the villages of Kazakstan, Kaye became the hands and feet of Jesus.

 

But, Kaye died suddenly on Friday.  She was only 60 years old.  And as I consider her death, I have some questions.

 

Why did she have to die when she still had so much life ahead of her?

 

I have no answer to this question.  “But I trust in your unfailing love.”

 

She lived her life serving others.  Why were the years of her ministry cut short?

 

I don’t begin to understand.  “But I trust in your unfailing love.”

 

Why is there now a wonderful man who must live out the rest of his years without the love of his life?

 

I struggle to know what to say.  “But I trust in your unfailing love.”

 

Trusting God.  This is really what it’s all about.  God has made a relationship with Him possible through Jesus.  In this relationship, He helps us learn to walk with Him through both the joys and struggles of life.  Each day is an opportunity to rely upon Him and trust Him more.

 

Trusting God.  It’s getting to know more of Him in order to get a clearer perspective on the world around us.  And it’s learning to hold very loosely to this world and instead to hold very tightly to Him.

 

Trusting God.  It’s coming to the place that we are okay with unanswered questions and are instead content with trusting God.

 

How Do You Know?

I recently received another great question... 

I understand that we need to let God lead us, but how exactly do you know where God wants us to go? Do you ask him to close the door on certain options that you might try?

 

 

Following God is both a great challenge and a great adventure.  I've come to believe that God is more interested in our being in a real, vibrant, on-going relationship with Him than in His giving us answers to our questions.  That is, God would rather us be close to Him than know what to do.  In fact, when we know what to do we tend to drift away from God.

 

That being said, I believe we can learn to hear God’s voice and therefore know where He is leading us.  In John’s gospel, Jesus speaks of the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep.  In John 10:4 we read, “When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.”  Be sure to read the entire section in John 10:1-13.

 

God speaks to us primarily through His Word.  This is why it is so important for us to have a daily and intentional time in the Bible.  “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”  Psalm 119:105

 

God also speaks through other Christ-followers.  This highlights the need to be in relationship with others who are journeying with Christ.  It is especially helpful to be connected with those that have followed for a season and have developed a greater sense of knowing His voice.

 

Circumstances are another way that God speaks to us.  This is where the open/closed door comes into play.  But usually people only focus on this way of trying to discern what God is saying.

 

The great news is that God is consistent in His messages to us.  Each of these ways (the Bible, other Christ-followers and circumstances) will line up to bring God’s clear message.

 

As God speaks to us in these ways, we can have confidence that He desires to reveal Himself to us.  “I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.”  Proverbs 8:17  Paul said it this way in Acts 17:27, “God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.”

 

Keep in mind the statement I made at the beginning of this note – “God would rather us be close to Him than know what to do.”  God is pursuing you for a relationship more than anything.

 

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

 

A Matter of the Heart

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14

 

 

Oh be careful little mouth what you say

Oh be careful little mouth what you say

For the Father up above is looking down in love

Oh be careful little mouth what you say

 

You may remember these words from the children’s song encouraging right conduct.  Other verses from this song challenge kids to be careful about what they do, where they go and what they hear.

 

As we grow and mature, we learn to act the right way; especially around others.  We control our temper, use our manners, and act politely.  We watch our language, eat our vegetables and mind our ps and qs.

 

But there is more.  In fact, what we do has its source deep in our lives.

 

Throughout the Bible, we find that God pursuing a relationship with His people.  He established a way for His people to live that would set up an environment in which this relationship could thrive.  In the Old Testament this way to live was established through the Law.  In the New Testament the way is through Jesus.

 

The problem comes when substitute outward actions for living out of a changed heart.  Our actions can be tempered for a season, but it is only when God is working in us through His Holy Spirit that we really become different.

 

God desires to live in and through us.  He desires to fill us with His Spirit to guide and direct our lives.  We need to stop trying to clean up the outside of our lives and let God change the inside.

 

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”  Psalm 51:10

Great Question - 3/3

This is the third of three posts addressing this question…

“The Bible is God's word, right?  Ok. If what's true is true, then how do you know if your interpretation of a particular scripture is true?  If you are connected right, will you know through the voice of the Holy Spirit?”

My first post dealt with three underlying beliefs to our time in God’s Word.  My second post dealt with three key questions that need to be asked to correctly understand God’s Word.

Now, let me close with a few final thoughts.

First, there are some important attitudes that we must have in place as we spend time with God through His Word.  We need to be sure and approach this special time in the right way.

We must begin with an attitude of reverence.  As we sit and open the Bible, we are preparing to come face-to-face with the sovereign God of all creation.  Next is the attitude of expectancy.  That is, we must believe and expect that we are really meeting with God and that He really has something to say to us.  The final attitude is obedience.  We must settle on the front end that we are coming to God with the commitment to follow what He says.

Second, I believe being in community with other Christ-followers helps in the quest to know God’s Word.  It is in community that you will have the opportunity for others to speak into your life regarding what you find in God’s Word.  Other godly people will be an incredible resource as you grow in your faith.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”  Colossians 3:16

Finally, we always need to remember that we have the incredible privilege of spending time with, learning from and getting to know God of the universe.  Amazing!  As you read the Bible, you are reading the very words of God.

“Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.”  1 Thessalonians 2:13

I pray that God will indeed reveal Himself to you clearly through the pages of the Bible.  I pray He will bring others into your life that will speak the truth.  And I pray that God will use His Word to radically change you as He continues His work in you.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17

Great Question - 2/3

This is the second of three posts addressing this question…

“The Bible is God's word, right?  Ok. If what's true is true, then how do you know if your interpretation of a particular scripture is true?  If you are connected right, will you know through the voice of the Holy Spirit?”

My first post dealt with three underlying beliefs to our time in God’s Word.

First, I believe with all my heart that God has given us His Word so that we can know Him better.  Second, I believe that we can learn to hear God’s voice.  Third, our understanding of God’s Word is more than an intellectual activity.

That being said, how can we know that our understanding of what we read is correct?  We must learn to use some basic skills of interpretation when we read the Bible.  These can be understood through asking three key questions.

The first question is “What?”  What does the Bible say?  Here we are looking to find out the Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? of the passage.  Background information such as the author, date of writing, reason for writing, overall themes and other items are key.  This information can be found in most study bibles.  It is also important to know the original meaning of key words.  A concordance is a great tool for this.

The second question is “So what?”  What does the Bible mean?  When pursuing this, intent is everything.  What did the original author mean for the original audience?  Not, “what does it mean to me?”  This keeps our bias and personal agendas in check.

The overall context is critical for proper interpretation.  This is why it is important to read entire passages and entire books of the Bible.  Isolating verses can lead to improper conclusions.  It is also important to use the Bible to interpret itself.  Reference other passages to get a fuller understanding of God’s overall message.

The third question is “Now what?”  What does the Bible mean for me life?  Here we distinguish between cultural facts and timeless principles.  Application fulfills the goal of engaging the Bible not for information, but for transformation.  Application takes God’s Word from our head through our heart to our hands.

I will use my third and final post to bring some closing thoughts.

Great Question - 1/3

I was recently asked this great question…

“The Bible is God's word, right?  Ok. If what's true is true, then how do you know if your interpretation of a particular scripture is true?  If you are connected right, will you know through the voice of the Holy Spirit?”

As I began my response, I thought the answer would be of interest to more than just the one who asked it.  My answer will be given over the next three blog posts since it kept growing in size.

First, I believe with all my heart that God has given us His Word so that we can know Him better.  He wants us to understand what we read so He can use it deeply in our lives.  God is not playing “hide-and-seek” with us.  He has invited us into a relationship through Christ and desires for that relationship to grow.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  Jeremiah 29:13

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”  Jeremiah 33:3

Second, I believe that we can learn to hear God’s voice.  There is a lot of noise in the world today.  Much of it drowns out the still, small voice of God.  However, we can come to hear Him better as we spend more time listening to Him.  That’s one reason our time in the Word needs to be daily.  We can’t just run to the Bible for a quick answer.  We must develop our hearing over time.

“The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice.  He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.  But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”  John 10:3-5

Third, our understanding of God’s Word is more than an intellectual activity.  We are not solely or even primarily on a quest for knowledge.  The Bible is a spiritual book written for a spiritual work.  And because this is the case, God Himself through the Person of the Holy Spirit plays an active role in the process.

“We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.  This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.  The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.”  1 Corinthians 2:12-14

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”  John 14:26

All that being said, how can we know that our understanding of what we read is correct?  We must learn to use some basic skills of interpretation when we read the Bible.  These can be understood through asking three key questions which will be addressed in the next post.

Whose Story is it Anyway?

I am participating in The Truth Project (www.thetruthproject.org).  This is an awesome study concerning how to look at all of life from a biblical perspective. Each lesson discusses the importance of bringing a Christian worldview to daily life.  So far, we have looked at the areas of philosophy, anthropology, science and theology.

Last night we looked at the issue of history.  I was reminded that history truly is His Story.  From eternity past to eternity future, God has been working out every detail according to His plans.

“Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.  I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.  I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.  From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.  What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do.”  Isaiah 46:9-11 (NIV)

God is God!  He is Sovereign!  It’s all about Him and all for Him!  This truly is His Story!

“For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.  He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”  Colossians 1:16-17

And although we understand this to be true, I’m afraid we can fall into the trap of pursuing our story.  We are challenged to dream big dreams for God.  We ask God about His plan for our life.  And slowly we begin to see life as a story about me; my plans, my hopes, my dreams.  But it isn’t.

Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.”  Matthew 16:24-25 (NIV)

Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

So the great challenge is to continue to empty myself of me and truly allow God to work in and through me.  As this happens, I will find my story within the context of His Story.

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”  Philippians 2:13 (NLT)

There is a great resource available to help you learn and understand God’s Story and to help you see your place in it.  Check out The Story Blog (www.thestoryblog.net) for more information.

What Really Matters

Today is my birthday.  It reminds me that not only days, but entire years are passing by faster than I realize.  For me, birthdays are a time of reflection as I consider where I’ve been and where I am headed.  During these times of contemplation, I consider how I spend my time, resources and energy.

Recently, my family began a journey through the Book of Philippians.  In reading the opening verses, we came upon Paul’s prayer on our behalf found in Philippians 1:9-10.  The New Living Translations says it this way.

“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.  For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.”

Paul prays that our love would increase and he prays that we would grow in our knowledge and understanding.  Why does he pray these things?  What does he hope will happen if his prayer is answered?

He wants us to understand what really matters.

As we read this passage, my family was immediately drawn to this phrase.  We paused to better understand what it means and how we would live this out.  Leaning on a trusted friend, we turned to the Ryrie Study Bible and found this phrase to mean “to differentiate between highest matters and side issues.”

Wow!  That really moved this from being Paul’s polite prayer for us to a matter that demanded our attention.  We started placing the day-to-day affairs of life into these two categories: highest matters and side issues.

Who dries the dishes and who puts them away? Side issue.

How do I honor God with this day? Highest matter.

Who is first player on the video game? Side issue.

How do I really show love to my sister? Highest matter.

What would it look like if you categorized the aspects of your day into these two categories?  How would you decide which group to put things in?

Fortunately, we are not left to make up what really matters.  We don’t have to guess what the highest matters are.  We can learn how to spot a side issue and leave it in its place.  Jesus helped us to what really matters.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Matthew 22:37-39

Finding Wings

Our family passed a milestone last weekend with our first wedding.  Our oldest daughter was married on July 3 and will now start living the rest of her life in a different family than ours.  This is a time of great excitement, much reflection and a little sadness.

And yet, for the past 20 years, we have been preparing for exactly this; getting her ready to go.  Here is the chorus to the Mark Harris song “Find Your Wings”.  This was played as parents and grandparents were seated before the ceremony.  It seems to sum up the task we had been given.

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage to dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots and help you find your wings

This song highlights a critical distinction we must see to get parenting right.  It speaks of a basic premise that we have to be aware of to successfully prepare our children for the future.  The lyrics reflect a reality about the nature of our children that is of utmost importance for us to understand.

They are born with wings.

God beautifully and wonderfully created everything about them even before they were born (see Psalm 139:13-16).  Hair color, height, temperament and skin tone.  He also gave them wings that would carry them to the future He desires for them.

We walk along side of them helping them find their wings.  We watch as they flap their wings proudly for the first time.  We set up boundaries and safety nets so they won’t get hurt during their first takeoff.  We show them how to soar and experience what life is like when we fly according to God’s plan.

We don’t make their wings.  We don’t give them our wings.

We help them find their own wings.  And in doing so, we have the incredible privilege of joining God in shaping them into the person He created them to be.

In Him

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”  Ephesians 1:3

So begins an incredible passage of the Bible.  Paul opens the Letter to the Ephesians with a wonderful outpouring of praise as he recites all that God has done for us through Jesus.  Here is what we have to our benefit because of Christ.

We are blessed.  We are chosen.  We are predestined.  We are adopted.  We are given grace.  We are redeemed.  We are told the mystery.  We are chosen.  We have hope.  We are for His praise.  We are included.  We are marked.

There is much here to contemplate; much to ponder.  However, through all of this is the awesome truth that God, through Christ, has brought us into a relationship with Himself.  This relationship is not based on who we are.  Rather, God determined ahead of time that He would give us the privileged position of a son.  He chose to not only save us, but to bring us close to Him.

It would be like concern for the homeless.  It would be one thing to have a heart of compassion and another to get involved.  And getting involved could include everything from giving money to working in shelter.  But imagine not only caring and even doing something; imagine bringing a homeless person into your home.  Now take that even one step further; adopt that person as one of your children.

God didn’t just pick us up and dust us off.  He gave us a new identity in Christ.

So now our goal, our challenge, is to live in a way that matches our identity.  Paul says it this way in Ephesians 4:1, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”

I pray that today you would see yourself from God’s perspective; one that is complete and perfect in Christ.  Let this truth move deep into your heart as you realize all that God has accomplished in your life in Christ.  And then I pray that you would live in such a way as to bring your day-to-day life in line with your identity in Christ.

Following God

I love the Old Testament book of Joshua.  It captures the history of the people of Israel as they finally enter the Promised Land.  Joshua had faithfully served as Moses’ aide and now was the leader of God’s chosen people.  And as Joshua assumed this new role, he stood strong before the people because of God’s promise to him.  “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life.  As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Joshua 1:5

Throughout the book of Joshua, we read about God leading His people to occupy the land He had promised Abraham many years earlier.  God led the people by leading Joshua.  Fourteen times we read, “The Lord said to Joshua…”  Joshua enjoyed a close, personal relationship with God; the very relationship God desires to have with you and me.

That’s why there is a section in the book of Joshua that is somewhat puzzling.  There is a story that doesn’t seem to fit.  It is summed up by this verse that seems to really stand out.  “So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord.”  Joshua 9:14

“They did not consult the Lord.”

How did this happen?  Why did this take place?  What were they thinking?

God had faithfully led Israel throughout the ages.  He called Abraham, worked through Isaac, wrestled with Jacob, provided for Joseph and guided Moses.  Now, Joshua was the man and God had been leading him step-by-step through the early days of Israel taking possession of the Promised Land.  Starting with Jericho, God was taking out the enemy one-by-one.  His people stood in awe of His power and strength.  Now, this matter of receiving a people from a distant land seemed only to be a small issue.

And yet this time Joshua acted on his own.

Now before I try to straighten Joshua out, what about times in my life when I’ve acted on my own?  When I look back, I see that God has faithfully led me through the years.  I can point to times, even before I committed myself to follow Him, that His hand has been all over my life.  So what changes in me that I move forward without consulting the Lord?

It appears that there are times when I simply act as if I know what is best.  There are seasons when I feel that everything depends on me.  There are decisions that seem to make sense in my mind.  Simply put, I choose to act on my own.

My challenge, and I’m guessing it’s your challenge as well, is to walk closely with the Lord day-by-day; to follow Him one step at a time.  Not only when the issues are big, but also when the issues are smaller in nature.

I pray for you, and for me too, that we would walk closely and listen well as we journey with God every day.

Do What You're Told

I’ve been in the business of raising children since 1989.  Actually, it was 1989 when I started raising my own children.  I had been raising the children of others since 1983 when I graduated from college and started my career as a teacher and school principal.  One of the great joys of interacting with children is when they actually do what they are told.

 

The roles of adult and parent are full of challenges and difficulties.  Teaching children to respond with immediate obedience is one of the most important yet one of the most elusive pursuits.

 

Through the years, I’ve learned a lot about myself and my relationship to God through raising children.  I have glimpsed into the depth of God’s love for me when I consider how much I love my children.  I’ve realized that God indeed wants the best for me when I see what I want for my children.  I have recognized that I don’t understand God’s perspective when I try to tell my children that there are things I see that they don’t.

 

And I’ve learned the value of doing what you are told.

 

It’s interesting how the issue of immediate obedience is important to us as we parent, but not nearly as crucial as we follow God.  We find ourselves saying to our children, “I’m not going to tell you again” but read the same passages in our Bibles over and over without a change in the way we live.

 

For me, more times than not, I find myself in the Lord’s presence dealing with the same issues again and again.  What would it be like if I just listened to what He said?  What would happen if I did what I was told?

Red Sea or the Jordan River?

Throughout the history of the Nation of Israel, God had faithfully led His people.  As they came to critical junctions in their journey, God made His way known to them.  Two great examples of this are found as the Israelites were ready to move through bodies of water.

Soon after leaving slavery in Egypt, the Israelites were face-to-face with the Red Sea.  With Pharaoh’s army in hot pursuit, it looked like Moses and the people were trapped.  But God gave His people direction through the words of Moses.  “Do not be afraid.  Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today.  The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.  The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13-14

Stand firm.  Be still.  God told His people to wait and see what He would do.  God parted the water and the people went through on dry ground.  He opened the path for them to follow so they could stay on course with Him.

If you fast forward several years, we find God’s people on the banks of the Jordan River.  This is the second time they have been there.  The first time they failed to listen to God and spent the next forty years wandering around the desert.  This time, however, they were ready to follow Him.  But what were they supposed to do?  The Jordan was between them and the Promised Land.

I wonder if Joshua thought about the last time Israel was held up by a body of water.  At that time, they simply had to stand firm and be still.  They waited and God clearly showed the path they were to take.  Is that what they should do this time?

The answer is no.  Even more than no, the answer was exactly opposite as last time.  Before they stood, waited and walked through on dry ground.  This time, someone was going to get wet.  God would wait for them to take the first step.  “Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.’” Joshua 3:8

As I face junctions in my life, the question seems to be, “Am I waiting for God or is He waiting for me?  Is this the Red Sea or the Jordan River?”  And while I wish I could tell you I’ve discovered the secret to knowing the difference between the two, I can’t because I haven’t.

But this one thing I have learned.  When I’m faced with making decisions, God makes it clear that He is with me.  Now, sometimes, what I wish what was clear was the answer to my question.  By I wasn’t created to have a relationship with someone who could answer my questions.  I was created to have a relationship with Someone Who loves me, knows me, and invites me to know Him.

And that’s better than an answer any day.

What I Want For You

Yesterday at lunch I was asked the question, “What are you passionate about?  What are you willing to give your life to?”  We were in the midst of a conversation about making a difference with our lives.  This is a big issue in my life as the years continue to quickly pass by.  Gone are the days when I had my whole life ahead of me.  How I use, rather invest my time is more important to me now than ever before.  I really want my life to count; I want to make a difference.

 

So back to the question, “What am I passionate about?”  Here’s my answer…

 

I want to help you live it.

 

I want you to have a deep relationship with God.  I want you to rely solely on Him.  I want you to grow in knowing Him more and more.  I want you to thrive in the midst of difficulty.  I want you to live in a way that causes people to wonder what makes you different.  I want you to enjoy the full, meaningful, abundant life that God has for you.  I want you to be free of the trappings of this world.  I want you to give your life away.  I want you to experience all that Jesus died for you to have.

 

I don’t want you to just believe it; I want you to live it.

 

Memorizing God’s Word

Recently, I was challenged by a friend to commit a portion of the Bible to memory.  He encouraged me to memorize 1 Corinthians 13.  I didn’t respond right away because I thought he was going to finish his sentence and tell me what verse I should memorize within that chapter.  Well, the challenge was to commit the entire chapter to memory.

Now before you dismiss this as a super spiritual, insurmountable task, this chapter only has thirteen verses.  It is also a very well known chapter; the Love Chapter.  I have read from this chapter at every wedding I’ve performed and taught from it on several occasions.  Memorizing this was very possible.

Unfortunately, most adults are not involved learning the Bible by heart.  I started out strong, making use of the Navigators Topical Memory System.  I intentionally memorized key verses from my very first days as a Christ follower.  My desire was to learn God’s Word and have it readily available to me.  However, I have not stayed consistent in doing this over the years.

Sure, there have been seasons when a specific verse from the Bible has captured my heart deeply and I committed it to memory.  There have also been times when I’ve learned the verses that my children were learning at church.

Memorizing 1 Corinthians 13 has helped me to place God’s Word deeply into my life by allowing me to recall and recite this passage anytime.  I now find myself considering the truth of Paul’s words as I go about the daily routines of life.  And because of the nature of this passage, I find that I am thinking about life through the lens of love.

And this is the point of what it means to learn and live God’s Word.  It’s not just reading; it’s not just knowing.  The truth of the Bible needs to impact our day-to-day lives.  Memorizing allows us to always carry God’s Word with us so we can let it do its work in us.

Up to the challenge?  Join me in memorizing 1 Corinthians 13.  Let me know when you are ready to share it with me from memory.  Along the way, you will have the opportunity for God’s Word to deeply impact your life.

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”  Psalm 119:11

Dining with Jesus – John 15:1

“I am the true vine.”  John 15:1

 

 

Our dining with Jesus experience ends today.  And yet, I certainly hope that it is only beginning.  Jesus’ invitation is still extended to you and me and we can dine with Him anytime we choose.  “Look!  I stand at the door and knock.  If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”  Revelation 3:20

 

As I dined with Jesus today I considered what He reveals about Himself in John 15.  I have come to see Him as the One Who sustains me.  He provides life to me as long as I stay connected to Him.  He works through me, bringing about the fruit that He desires.  What I must do more than anything is to stay close, stay attached to Him.

 

As you continue to dine with Jesus, be sure to keep in mind what this time is for.  We often rush into His presence with burdens, concerns and requests.  While we have the freedom to come before Him with all of these, the goal of dining is to simply relax, enjoy being with Jesus, and get to know Him more and more.

 

“For my determined purpose is that I may know Him.  That I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly.”  Philippians 3:10 (Amplified)

Dining with Jesus – John 14:6

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  John 14:6

 

Near the very end of Jesus’ life on earth, He took time to comfort His followers.  He told them He would soon be killed.  This brought confusion and hopelessness into their lives.  As a means of encouraging them, He reminded them that there was more; a place where they would be together with Him forever.  Jesus then assured them that they knew the way to this place.

 

Thomas responds as any of us would.  “Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"  Jesus then declares a beautiful statement of Who He is.  “I am the way and the truth and the life.”

 

As we have looked at each day this week, Jesus is a Person that we can have a close relationship with.  Too often, we connect with Him only to get an answer to one of life’s pressing issues.  The great danger is that we will miss the reality that God has made Himself totally available to us through Jesus.

 

If we’re not careful, we will ask for healing and fail to notice the Great Physician.  If we’re not careful, we will cry out in desperation and miss the One Who walked with us and knows us in every way.  If we’re not careful, we will express thanks and overlook the One Who is worthy of all praise.

The way is not only directional; the Way is a Person.  The truth is not only intellectual; the Truth is a relationship.  The life is not only eternal; the Life is a connection.  Jesus told the disciples that they could know all this by knowing Him.

 

"For my determined purpose is that I may know Him.  That I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly."  Philippians 3:10 (Amplified)

Dining with Jesus – John 11:25

“I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.  Do you believe this?”  Romans 11:25-26

 

 

Bread.

 

Light.

 

Gates.

 

Shepherds.

 

Jesus used each item to reveal a characteristic about Who He is.  The struggle I have is thinking that what I need is that particular item to continue on my journey with Christ.  I need bread to sustain me, light to direct me, gates to protect me, a shepherd to guide me.  But what I need is to know Jesus and to know Him more.  It reminds me of the saying that in Sunday School, no matter what the question is, the answer is Jesus.

 

“For my determined purpose is that I may know Him.  That I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly.”  Philippians 3:10 (Amplified)

 

In the passage today, Martha has a reaction similar to mine.  She believed Lazarus would indeed participate in the resurrection one day; resurrection was the thing that was needed.  But Jesus was standing before her not offering the resurrection, but being the Resurrection.

 

My life, my rebirth, my resurrection is more than an event.  It is a relationship with the One Who is all these things, and so much more.  As Resurrection and Life, Jesus is the One Who brings me from death to life.  As Resurrection and Life, Jesus is the One Who provides a purpose and context for living.  As Resurrection and Life, Jesus is the One Who I live for everyday.

 

Our relationship with Jesus needs to be based on so much more than what He does for us; it’s about Who He is to us.

 

Dining with Jesus – John 10:11

“I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”  John 10:11

 

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.”  John 10:14

 

 

My dining with Jesus today took place sitting in a chair.  But rather than a chair that was at a table, this chair was in the office of a periodontist.  Not my dining location of choice, but I had the time and Jesus was there to join me.

 

As I was fretting about the metallic instruments that would soon fill my mouth, I considered what Jesus revealed about Himself to me in this passage of the Bible.  “I know my sheep and my sheep know me.”  There is a real sense of familiarity between shepherd and sheep that we really don’t get as we read these words.  But those hearing Jesus’ words totally understood what He was talking about.

 

So sitting in that chair I considered how much Jesus knows me.  Completely!  Totally!  More than I know myself!  And, even with knowing all this, He loves me.  Completely!  Totally!  More than I love myself!  And while I get that the shepherd knows the sheep (that Jesus knows me), what is harder to understand is that the sheep know the shepherd (that I can know Jesus).  But this is what Jesus has invited me to do – know Him.

 

“For my determined purpose is that I may know Him.  That I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly.”  Philippians 3:10 (Amplified)

 

But what was revealed to me even further is an understanding of how much Jesus is for me.  “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”  Jesus knows me, Jesus loves me, and Jesus died for me.  Yes, the whole world, too, but Jesus laid down His life for me – Joe LaCognata.

 

Father, I am overwhelmed when I try to understand the kind of love you have.  A love that would be willing to give up what You did for someone like me. 

 

“What, then, shall we say in response to this?  If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”  Romans 8:32

 

Dining with Jesus – John 10:7

“I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.”  John 10:7

 

 

As I consider what Jesus being “the Gate for the sheep” displays about His character, I start by getting my mind into the role of being one of His sheep.  From this place I come to sense a dependency on Him for my protection and care.

 

In this way of thinking, a gate limits access and therefore serves as protection.  It is a way of keeping out what is wrong and allowing in what is right.  Jesus as my Gate can protect me by serving as a filter for what impacts my life.

 

A gate also marks an entrance showing where to come in and go out.  A gate becomes a familiar sight as I come and go day-to-day.  Jesus provides me with a familiar sight as I interact with Him day-to-day.  His presence gives me a context and setting from which to live.  As I live my life through the Gate, I am able to keep my bearings as I live in the world everyday.

 

 

"For my determined purpose is that I may know Him.  That I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly."  Philippians 3:10 (Amplified)