Do you ever wonder how important you are? When we view the universe, and the billions of people that have preceded us, how important are you really? You may find yourself with David asking the question, "What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? (Psalm 8:3-4). We can balance this out with David's other claim that, "we are fearfully and wonderfully made" in Psalm 139:14. We can look to God's love and provision. Reflect upon the sacrifice of Messiah and His resurrection. There are a number of places we can go to bask in the wonder of God's care and interest in humanity. Yet, in all the places we go to we may pass over the one that really began it all, way back in Genesis chapter two.
My last post spent a little time reminding us to consider the Creator there in Genesis one rather than a focus on the creation. Chapter two in Genesis has invited some interesting commentary and a bit of criticism as well. For some, it seems to be in conflict with the creation account. For others it is a curious expansion on what was already given. For most we just read it and move on to chapter three. However, if you take the time to go back and consider the context of the time and culture it is an amazing bit of prose that the Lord gives us to let us know just how special we are.
The summery of Genesis one gives us the record of day six in God's creative process. Here we read that God made all the critters, according to their kind, and then decided to make man in His image. Man is given stewardship over it all and told that man and beast will be vegetarians. God saw all he made, and it was very good. Chapter two starts off with the record that "God rested", which has given theologians pause as to why God would need to rest. How can an omnipotent being need a nap? I doubt that the creation of woman exhausted Him to the point that He needed to recover, as some comedians have suggested. That is a post for another day. From verse 4 on God gives us a little history as to how exactly man can to be and the responsibilities he was to carry. It gives us the account of Adam naming all the animals and being found alone. For the first time God sees something that was "not good". Man needed a special companion. God borrows a rib from Adam and forms Eve, his ideal helper and companion.
It is nice story, but why is it here? One again it helps if we do a little mental time travel and join the Israelites at the base of Mount Sinai, out there in the wilderness. The are standing in the fearful shadow of the Almighty. After about 400 years of slavery and oppression they have been set free. As we saw in Genesis chapter one, they know that their God is the Lord of all creation, maker of heaven and earth. He is greater and more powerful than any of the Egyptian gods or goddesses. However, He is also the intimate and personal God who made them, not just as a random thought of creative power but as a special creation in God's image holding the very breath of God to animate their beings. As believers we likely take this for granted. However, this was not the usual story at the time of the Israelites standing in the wilderness. Genesis chapter two sets Jewish theology apart from every other middle-eastern culture and tradition. No other people group has the creation of humanity as a special act of the divine. The Egyptians, Hittites, Philistines, the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks and Romans and every other culture had mythologies and doctrines about their gods and goddesses. None of them hold an account of humanity as a special creative act of their gods or goddesses. Humans were simply pawns or toys for the gods and goddesses to torment or play with. These deities could do what they wanted and humanity had to guess what might please them. Their subjects often lived in fear, offering whatever they could to appease the current mood of their gods. The god's could take a liking to them and cohabit with them and produce demigods if they so desired. Human beings were of little value and easily replaced.
As they leave Egypt, the nations surrounding Israel, the Hittites, Philistines, Jebusites and all the rest of the kingdoms of Canaan, hold nothing special for mankind. For them there is no story of creation, no awesome act to form them in their mother's wombs. No breath of God to give them life and make them living beings in God's very image. They are just objects with no recorded beginning. They may well have a fearful end in the hands of fickle divinities who will eventually grow tiered of them and end their lives. This holds true for the nations yet to come. The Babylonians, Persians, Greeks and Romans have no special origin of humanity. God's message to Israel, and to us, is that you are special. You have a beginning. You were carefully and intentionally designed and given life by the God who loves you and cares deeply about you.
As we approach Resurrection Sunday his truth is multiplied beyond measure. No other god or goddess came for you. None of them suffered, died, and rose again for you. None of them sacrificed themselves so you could be forgiven and restored to the God Who made you. Genesis chapter two is the amazing account of the divine creation of man. It is the unveiling of the heart of a God Who saw that, for all the wonder of creation, it was not good for man to be alone. It is the love story between God and man and the provision of a woman specifically designed for him that they would complete each other and be more than they could be alone. It is the record of this Creative God placing them in a garden and giving them all they needed to be fulfilled. No other culture, nation, or people knew of this remarkable reality of the devotion and provision of the Lord God, Maker of heaven and earth.
You are special, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.
Monday, April 6, 2020
Monday, March 30, 2020
Creation, Maybe We Got It Wrong
Do you believe in the accuracy of Genesis One? In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth." God revealed to Moses how the earth was formed. Lots of Study Bibles call this the "Creation Account" or the "Creation Story." But what if that is not really the point? What if God had something else in mind and the purpose of Genesis Chapter One has a different focus entirely?
From my early days as a believer I was confronted with the question of creation and the authenticity of Genesis Chapter One. Way back when I was in high school the topic found its way into our biology class. Our teacher's main focus was on the theory of evolution. We spent weeks reviewing the logic and science of Darwin's postulation. She gave about ten minutes to the religious theory that this was an act of God. Most of us believed in God and that He had something to do with the stuff that allowed for evolution, however, the science and reason for an evolutionary process seemed overwhelming. That the creation account received ten minutes is more than most public schools would allow today. As time passed and I came to accept the truth of Jesus, Messiah, as my Savior and Lord I was introduced to other avenues of the creation story. Books by Henry Morris and Duane Gish found their way into my library and a few "Creation Research" conferences gave the Bible's account greater authenticity and authority. There was scientific evidence for a young earth and evolution became more of an act of faith than recognizing an intelligent designer. Obviously Genesis One was there to tell us of have God created the earth and the universe around us. You know, the creation story.
But what if that is not really the point. It is "a" point, but what is "the" primary point and purpose for this message from Moses? To understand my point you must put on your "way-back" sandals and travel back to somewhere around Exodus 19. Israel, God's people, have spent somewhere in the neighborhood of 400 years in Egypt, most of it as slaves to various Pharaohs. One of their jobs was to build. They built memorials to Pharaoh, cities, walls and many temples to honor the Egyptian gods and goddesses. No formal worship of their God. Elohim or Yahweh were known and practiced, however, all the worship celebrations surrounded the Egyptian deities. The Lord God takes on the main gods and goddesses of Egypt when He sends the plagues that would eventually free His people. Ra was the sun god so God took away the sun, Nut was the goddess of the sky which would rain fire and hail. Osiris was the goddess of vegetation, which was eaten by the locust. Hapi the god of the Nile's origin, the Nile is turned to blood. Horus is the protector of Pharaoh, not very effective. There is Anubis, the God of the dead, yet even Pharaoh's son dies. Isis the goddess of life and healing and Hathor, the goddess of love and music. All proven to be impotent against the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. A visual lesson put on display for all of the children of Israel to see. Even in the end the mighty Ra and Horus, the god assigned to protect Pharaoh, are helpless while Pharaoh and his armies are drowned in the sea.
Now God's people are a strong nation of free people rather than slaves. They have not been free for a long time. They honestly have no idea how to function as a nation. God in His mercy and grace takes them to Mount Sinai and gives Moses the instructions and directions they need to properly worship and serve Him and the necessary guidelines to live together as His people. The first thing God tells them is that He is the maker of heaven and earth. Not Atam the Egyptian god of creation, not Ra or Isis or Nut or any of the gods and goddesses whose temples they built and whose festivals surrounded them. Perhaps, Genesis one is more about the Creator than the creation. Perhaps it is a beginning point for a new nation of God's people. He, Yahweh, is the maker of heaven and earth and all that is in them. He made the sun, not Ra, He brought vegetation, not Osiris. It is a significant claim. It goes in opposition of all they had been immersed in for generation after generation. This truth is not impressed upon Israel alone.
From my early days as a believer I was confronted with the question of creation and the authenticity of Genesis Chapter One. Way back when I was in high school the topic found its way into our biology class. Our teacher's main focus was on the theory of evolution. We spent weeks reviewing the logic and science of Darwin's postulation. She gave about ten minutes to the religious theory that this was an act of God. Most of us believed in God and that He had something to do with the stuff that allowed for evolution, however, the science and reason for an evolutionary process seemed overwhelming. That the creation account received ten minutes is more than most public schools would allow today. As time passed and I came to accept the truth of Jesus, Messiah, as my Savior and Lord I was introduced to other avenues of the creation story. Books by Henry Morris and Duane Gish found their way into my library and a few "Creation Research" conferences gave the Bible's account greater authenticity and authority. There was scientific evidence for a young earth and evolution became more of an act of faith than recognizing an intelligent designer. Obviously Genesis One was there to tell us of have God created the earth and the universe around us. You know, the creation story.
But what if that is not really the point. It is "a" point, but what is "the" primary point and purpose for this message from Moses? To understand my point you must put on your "way-back" sandals and travel back to somewhere around Exodus 19. Israel, God's people, have spent somewhere in the neighborhood of 400 years in Egypt, most of it as slaves to various Pharaohs. One of their jobs was to build. They built memorials to Pharaoh, cities, walls and many temples to honor the Egyptian gods and goddesses. No formal worship of their God. Elohim or Yahweh were known and practiced, however, all the worship celebrations surrounded the Egyptian deities. The Lord God takes on the main gods and goddesses of Egypt when He sends the plagues that would eventually free His people. Ra was the sun god so God took away the sun, Nut was the goddess of the sky which would rain fire and hail. Osiris was the goddess of vegetation, which was eaten by the locust. Hapi the god of the Nile's origin, the Nile is turned to blood. Horus is the protector of Pharaoh, not very effective. There is Anubis, the God of the dead, yet even Pharaoh's son dies. Isis the goddess of life and healing and Hathor, the goddess of love and music. All proven to be impotent against the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. A visual lesson put on display for all of the children of Israel to see. Even in the end the mighty Ra and Horus, the god assigned to protect Pharaoh, are helpless while Pharaoh and his armies are drowned in the sea.
Now God's people are a strong nation of free people rather than slaves. They have not been free for a long time. They honestly have no idea how to function as a nation. God in His mercy and grace takes them to Mount Sinai and gives Moses the instructions and directions they need to properly worship and serve Him and the necessary guidelines to live together as His people. The first thing God tells them is that He is the maker of heaven and earth. Not Atam the Egyptian god of creation, not Ra or Isis or Nut or any of the gods and goddesses whose temples they built and whose festivals surrounded them. Perhaps, Genesis one is more about the Creator than the creation. Perhaps it is a beginning point for a new nation of God's people. He, Yahweh, is the maker of heaven and earth and all that is in them. He made the sun, not Ra, He brought vegetation, not Osiris. It is a significant claim. It goes in opposition of all they had been immersed in for generation after generation. This truth is not impressed upon Israel alone.
Here are a few examples. Genesis 14:22, “But Abram said to
the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, the Possessor
of heaven and earth” Joshua 2:11, Rahab is speaking, “And as soon as we
heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more
courage in anyone because of you, for the LORD your God, He is God in heaven
above and on earth beneath.” 2 Kings 19:15, “Then Hezekiah prayed before the
LORD, and said: “O LORD God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim,
You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made
heaven and earth.” 2 Chronicles 2:12, Hiram also said: Blessed be the LORD
God of Israel, who made heaven and earth, for He has given King David a
wise son.“ Jonah 1:9, So he said to them, “I am a Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the
God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” (emphasis mine) Even the pagan nations recognized this truth about the God of Israel, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,is the God of creation. With all the gods and goddesses that all the nations honored, the events of Egypt forever brand Him as the Maker of heaven and earth.
Unfortunately, it is a reality Israel would struggle to keep in focus. However, it is the foundation for all that follows Genesis One. He is creator. The details simply put that on display. Genesis One is much more about the Creator than the creation. Israel needed to be reminded of this from the very beginning. Perhaps we need to spend less time defending the creation story and more time worshiping the Lord God, maker of heaven and earth.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
The Grace Pandemic
Are you living in the "last days"? As we face the growing pandemic called the, Covid 19 virus, I thought I would add to the social media pandemic concerning the times we live in. We are in an unusual time when we can share our concerns, our hope, our hysteria, our information and misinformation with the tap of a button. We can add a little humor through nifty memes and links to comedy clips about toilet paper. It is, indeed, a time like no other. The reality that this will pass in time is of little consolation for those who suffer the pain and loss brought about by the spreading disease.
I have noticed varying perspectives of those who believe in God and the ministry of His Son, our Savior and Messiah. Some ask the honest question, "Are we entering the Great Tribulation?" others wonder if this is God's judgement on the world or on a specific country, be it China, Italy, or the USA. There are scriptures both of comfort and promised annihilation posted on Facebook and Instagram to add to your angst or your serenity. You can pick and choose whatever scriptures you like and, with the help of the internet, find articles and scholars to support your point of view. I, for one, see this as a display of God's grace. Times of distress can cloud the truth that we have a continually gracious God. God is good, all the time, even in the midst of the spreading Covid 19 virus.
Let me explain. Hardship and even oppression often are evidence of the grace of God. It is never enjoyable and never desired, however, sometimes it is necessary for God's grace to be extended. The Israelites spent around 400 years in slavery where God allowed them to grow as a nation in spite of the animosity of Pharaoh. Why would they be left there? After all they were God's chosen people. In Genesis 15:16, in the midst of the promise to Abraham, God tells him, "But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.” God is going to extend 400 years of grace to the Amorites and all of Canaan while Israel is in slavery. He is even telling Abraham in advance that this is what would be. God adds an additional seven days of grace to Jericho before judgement falls, as do the walls. Grace was extended to Rehab and her family due to their faith and trust in the God of Israel. Could God not as well done the same for a repentant city? He did to Nineveh after Jonah's message. As we move forward to times yet to come we know of the outpouring of judgement and God's just wrath revealed to us in the book of Revelation. Yet even in that, there is always grace and mercy for those who repent. God's just judgement simply draws people to His grace or drives them into further rebellion. However, their choice does not eliminate God's offer of grace.
If you are a regular church goer or involved in ministry you can find help to continue your fellowship and ministry even in the midst of limited social contact. I have been impressed with the desire of churches to continue ministry from pod casts, to streaming on Facebook, to audio posts on Blogspot. Efforts are being made to advance the Kingdom. Here are a few of the suggestions I have encountered. Stream on Facebook, set up email prayer chains, set up old fashioned phone chains to keep in touch, call your senior members a couple of times a week to be sure they are okay, activate your youth group into pairs and have them visit the seniors and empty their trash or kitty litter pans. You could have one family from church over for dinner and prayer times. Take your family to a shut in's home and sing a hymn or two to them on their porch and have a word of prayer for them. Have your service broadcast into your parking lot so folks can hear the message and still be isolated. How about having a church wide day of fasting and prayer without the encouragement of the government. Then there are those ancient things called letters and encouragement cards, maybe a birthday or anniversary card with a gift card from a local restaurant so when the ban ends, they can eat out and the restaurant has business now and when they reopen. Most offer gift cards on line. There are a plethora of possibilities that surround us. You can come up with your own list and post it on social media. Who knows what could happen if we put actions to our verbal concern for one another. Come to think of it, I am pretty sure this has been the Lord's desire all along. You know, to love one another, care for one another, encourage one another, and pray for one another.
Perhaps, the Lord has graciously provided us the opportunity to be who we were supposed to be all along. Just think if, after the virus is gone, and it will pass, we continued to stream and call and write and visit and pray for, love, and encourage one another. To check on our seniors and encourage our youth to minister and pray for the previous generations. Maybe our neighbors and communities would see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. Maybe some outdoor services or parking lot fellowships would put God's love and grace on display. Maybe our intimate family gathering for meals and prayer could spark a revival and God grace would be magnifies and He would be glorified by His people. Perhaps what is happening is an opportunity for God's grace to abound. Perhaps the choice is up to you.
I have noticed varying perspectives of those who believe in God and the ministry of His Son, our Savior and Messiah. Some ask the honest question, "Are we entering the Great Tribulation?" others wonder if this is God's judgement on the world or on a specific country, be it China, Italy, or the USA. There are scriptures both of comfort and promised annihilation posted on Facebook and Instagram to add to your angst or your serenity. You can pick and choose whatever scriptures you like and, with the help of the internet, find articles and scholars to support your point of view. I, for one, see this as a display of God's grace. Times of distress can cloud the truth that we have a continually gracious God. God is good, all the time, even in the midst of the spreading Covid 19 virus.
Let me explain. Hardship and even oppression often are evidence of the grace of God. It is never enjoyable and never desired, however, sometimes it is necessary for God's grace to be extended. The Israelites spent around 400 years in slavery where God allowed them to grow as a nation in spite of the animosity of Pharaoh. Why would they be left there? After all they were God's chosen people. In Genesis 15:16, in the midst of the promise to Abraham, God tells him, "But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.” God is going to extend 400 years of grace to the Amorites and all of Canaan while Israel is in slavery. He is even telling Abraham in advance that this is what would be. God adds an additional seven days of grace to Jericho before judgement falls, as do the walls. Grace was extended to Rehab and her family due to their faith and trust in the God of Israel. Could God not as well done the same for a repentant city? He did to Nineveh after Jonah's message. As we move forward to times yet to come we know of the outpouring of judgement and God's just wrath revealed to us in the book of Revelation. Yet even in that, there is always grace and mercy for those who repent. God's just judgement simply draws people to His grace or drives them into further rebellion. However, their choice does not eliminate God's offer of grace.
If you are a regular church goer or involved in ministry you can find help to continue your fellowship and ministry even in the midst of limited social contact. I have been impressed with the desire of churches to continue ministry from pod casts, to streaming on Facebook, to audio posts on Blogspot. Efforts are being made to advance the Kingdom. Here are a few of the suggestions I have encountered. Stream on Facebook, set up email prayer chains, set up old fashioned phone chains to keep in touch, call your senior members a couple of times a week to be sure they are okay, activate your youth group into pairs and have them visit the seniors and empty their trash or kitty litter pans. You could have one family from church over for dinner and prayer times. Take your family to a shut in's home and sing a hymn or two to them on their porch and have a word of prayer for them. Have your service broadcast into your parking lot so folks can hear the message and still be isolated. How about having a church wide day of fasting and prayer without the encouragement of the government. Then there are those ancient things called letters and encouragement cards, maybe a birthday or anniversary card with a gift card from a local restaurant so when the ban ends, they can eat out and the restaurant has business now and when they reopen. Most offer gift cards on line. There are a plethora of possibilities that surround us. You can come up with your own list and post it on social media. Who knows what could happen if we put actions to our verbal concern for one another. Come to think of it, I am pretty sure this has been the Lord's desire all along. You know, to love one another, care for one another, encourage one another, and pray for one another.
Perhaps, the Lord has graciously provided us the opportunity to be who we were supposed to be all along. Just think if, after the virus is gone, and it will pass, we continued to stream and call and write and visit and pray for, love, and encourage one another. To check on our seniors and encourage our youth to minister and pray for the previous generations. Maybe our neighbors and communities would see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. Maybe some outdoor services or parking lot fellowships would put God's love and grace on display. Maybe our intimate family gathering for meals and prayer could spark a revival and God grace would be magnifies and He would be glorified by His people. Perhaps what is happening is an opportunity for God's grace to abound. Perhaps the choice is up to you.
Monday, December 30, 2019
Empty Pages
What will you write in the chapters of your life in the year to come? We who believe have the wondrous promise of forgiveness. There are remarkable verses that give us that assurance. Oddly enough some of the most popular come from the Old Testament. You know that Old Covenant of works, devoid of grace. (This was sarcasm for the literalist among us) For example: Psalm 103:12, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." or Micah 7:19, "He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins
into the depths of the sea." Even the often quoted, "whiter than snow", phrase comes from Psalm 51:7, however we rarely quote the "purge me with hyssop" part. Getting whacked with a prickly hyssop branch is not a popular idea when it comes to purging sin. The reality is that we are a most blessed people, we followers of Messiah. We are indeed forgiven and our sins covered and removed.
This being true has given me some cause to pause as the new year arrives. Many are encouraged to do a little review, a bit of reflection as to where we are and we here we are going. Reflection and accountability are Biblical concepts. Good things to do on occasion. It seems each day, each moment, our life is slowly written. It does not unfold a book or a chapter at a time, but one thought, one word, jotted down that form sentences and paragraphs and then the pages of our lives. We write our own biographies one breath at a time. The breaths we take are not our own, they are a gift from the Almighty. They seemed to be numbered, and one day they will cease. Our life book will be written and what remains will be left in the memories of those we loved and who loved us. Some of us will leave markers, more obvious pages to be reviewed, however the most precious parts of us will be held onto by the ones who loved us most.
When that time comes and I bask in the wonder of the very presence of my Heavenly Father I wonder what my life book will look like. Acts 23:19 suggests that all my sins will be blotted out. A very good thing. I do believe that my sins will not show up. Washed whiter than snow, buried in the depths of the sea. That being so, what is left behind? How many empty pages will there be in my life book? How many lines and paragraphs redacted by the blood of the Lamb? How many pages left with snow white forgiveness instead of a record of service for my King? I am not trying to be morbid or self condemning. "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," Romans 8:1. I am in Christ Jesus so I am delivered, death has no hold on me.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that there will be an accounting. 1 Corinthians 3:13, "Each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is." Gold? Silver? Precious stones? Or the empty pages where the wood, hay, and stubble were burned away. It is not one of those thoughts that we dwell on very often. Life is overflowing with things to do and responsibilities to carry. Home, work, family, church, and some time for dinner and a movie. None of these are bad. The Lord has blessed us with many things to enjoy. The Word of God is filled with festivals, feasts, and celebrations. We are not called to live in fear or apprehension. The Lord did not call us to a life of anxiety but to a life to live more abundantly. However, maybe this is a good time to reflect. Maybe this is a good time to pray and strive to be more sensitive to the Lord and others. Maybe if I do this next year will will have a few less empty pages.
into the depths of the sea." Even the often quoted, "whiter than snow", phrase comes from Psalm 51:7, however we rarely quote the "purge me with hyssop" part. Getting whacked with a prickly hyssop branch is not a popular idea when it comes to purging sin. The reality is that we are a most blessed people, we followers of Messiah. We are indeed forgiven and our sins covered and removed.
This being true has given me some cause to pause as the new year arrives. Many are encouraged to do a little review, a bit of reflection as to where we are and we here we are going. Reflection and accountability are Biblical concepts. Good things to do on occasion. It seems each day, each moment, our life is slowly written. It does not unfold a book or a chapter at a time, but one thought, one word, jotted down that form sentences and paragraphs and then the pages of our lives. We write our own biographies one breath at a time. The breaths we take are not our own, they are a gift from the Almighty. They seemed to be numbered, and one day they will cease. Our life book will be written and what remains will be left in the memories of those we loved and who loved us. Some of us will leave markers, more obvious pages to be reviewed, however the most precious parts of us will be held onto by the ones who loved us most.
When that time comes and I bask in the wonder of the very presence of my Heavenly Father I wonder what my life book will look like. Acts 23:19 suggests that all my sins will be blotted out. A very good thing. I do believe that my sins will not show up. Washed whiter than snow, buried in the depths of the sea. That being so, what is left behind? How many empty pages will there be in my life book? How many lines and paragraphs redacted by the blood of the Lamb? How many pages left with snow white forgiveness instead of a record of service for my King? I am not trying to be morbid or self condemning. "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," Romans 8:1. I am in Christ Jesus so I am delivered, death has no hold on me.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that there will be an accounting. 1 Corinthians 3:13, "Each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is." Gold? Silver? Precious stones? Or the empty pages where the wood, hay, and stubble were burned away. It is not one of those thoughts that we dwell on very often. Life is overflowing with things to do and responsibilities to carry. Home, work, family, church, and some time for dinner and a movie. None of these are bad. The Lord has blessed us with many things to enjoy. The Word of God is filled with festivals, feasts, and celebrations. We are not called to live in fear or apprehension. The Lord did not call us to a life of anxiety but to a life to live more abundantly. However, maybe this is a good time to reflect. Maybe this is a good time to pray and strive to be more sensitive to the Lord and others. Maybe if I do this next year will will have a few less empty pages.
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Merry Christmas....... in April
Tis the day before Christmas and the preparations are almost complete for the celebration of the first arrival, the birth, of God's Son. I like this time of year. I enjoy the lights on people's houses, the smell of fresh baked cookies and the decorated tree in the living room. I also appreciate the carols at the stores. At least most of them. Historic, theological accuracy, and logic are, at times, thrown to the wind, however, I can endue most "Christmas" music with a smile. "Santa Baby" is an exception, this song should be reserved for making terrorist confess. Even with the thought of "Peace on earth, good will toward men" some find the season an irritation. Even this morning I received an email railing on the pagan celebration called Christmas. I was reminded that Yeshua Messiah was likely born in the spring and this celebration is a commercial travesty if not outright blasphemy. So, once again I admit that there is a lot of stuff that does not jive with Scripture and that the Lord was probably born in the spring. Still, a time to celebrate what God has done does not seem like a bad thing. However, it did get me to thinking.
Perhaps we could set out to do things differently, to start a new tradition. In April we could bring an evergreen tree into our homes to be reminded of the everlasting life we have in the risen Savior. We could put bright lights on it and on our homes to proclaim that He is "the Light of the world". Just for fun we could exchange gifts in memory of the gift of life we have as Messiah conquered death. How about a ring of prickly holly on our doors to be reminded of the crown of thorns, the red berries could remind us of His shed blood. Some simple visual reminders of the passion of our Lord and the new life we have in Him. Obviously, we would want to share the good news and celebration with others.
Just imagine a group of churches banding together to go to the mall in April and begin singing "Amazing Grace" to the tune of "Joy to the World". I will pause here so you can do this in your head, "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound ..." See, it does work. Or better yet have the group gather at the center of the mall on multiple levels and sing the "Easter Song" from Second Chapter of Acts. Give it a listen, it is a great song from 1974. Easter Song Now imagine one hundred or so voices from a variety of churches echoing this praise through the mall and then quietly dispersing leaving the mall dwellers to ponder the message. He is risen, Hallelujah!
The resurrection celebration should certainly superseded that of Messiah's birth. Without it Christmas is is just another story of a poor baby born 2000 years ago. Even His death only makes Him a martyr, it is His resurrection that makes Him savior. In the midst of our Christmas celebration do not forget the rest of the story. Maybe you should read Luke 2:8-14 and then Luke 24:1-6. The Child of the Christmas story is the risen King, Messiah and Lord.
Have a joyous Christmas and maybe I will see you at the mall come April to share in some Resurrection carols.
Perhaps we could set out to do things differently, to start a new tradition. In April we could bring an evergreen tree into our homes to be reminded of the everlasting life we have in the risen Savior. We could put bright lights on it and on our homes to proclaim that He is "the Light of the world". Just for fun we could exchange gifts in memory of the gift of life we have as Messiah conquered death. How about a ring of prickly holly on our doors to be reminded of the crown of thorns, the red berries could remind us of His shed blood. Some simple visual reminders of the passion of our Lord and the new life we have in Him. Obviously, we would want to share the good news and celebration with others.
Just imagine a group of churches banding together to go to the mall in April and begin singing "Amazing Grace" to the tune of "Joy to the World". I will pause here so you can do this in your head, "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound ..." See, it does work. Or better yet have the group gather at the center of the mall on multiple levels and sing the "Easter Song" from Second Chapter of Acts. Give it a listen, it is a great song from 1974. Easter Song Now imagine one hundred or so voices from a variety of churches echoing this praise through the mall and then quietly dispersing leaving the mall dwellers to ponder the message. He is risen, Hallelujah!
The resurrection celebration should certainly superseded that of Messiah's birth. Without it Christmas is is just another story of a poor baby born 2000 years ago. Even His death only makes Him a martyr, it is His resurrection that makes Him savior. In the midst of our Christmas celebration do not forget the rest of the story. Maybe you should read Luke 2:8-14 and then Luke 24:1-6. The Child of the Christmas story is the risen King, Messiah and Lord.
Have a joyous Christmas and maybe I will see you at the mall come April to share in some Resurrection carols.
Friday, December 13, 2019
Are You the Best Gift Ever?
We are fast approaching the celebration of our Lord's birth. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Crowded stores, crowded parking lots, distraught consumers, dismayed retail associates, all prettied up with twinkling lights and Christmas trees. We are told to remember the "Reason for the Season" and search for ways to keep that real. Some find help in advent calendars that now have every flavor of our desires behind little doors we can open each day. Doors that reveal cute cats, Sesame Street characters, Disney favorites and chocolate desserts. All these are to remind us of the first arrival of God's Son. If it somehow helps I suppose there is no harm. No matter how you consider the holiday celebration it is always good to reflect on Messiah Jesus. It is always good to be drawn into worship and the presence of our Heavenly Father. It has been well said that Jesus is the greatest gift of all. For those who believe, reflecting upon this Gift of God should be a daily occurrence not an annual remembrance. But what of the many, the very many, who do not know or understand this Gift offered by the grace of God?
We, as the children of God, are to be a thankful, grateful, people. The lack of gratitude is an affront to God and an indication of the downward spiral toward destruction. Paul warns the Romans of the dangers of lacking a thankful spirit. "because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened" (Romans 1:21, emphasis mine). In contrast we are to follow the instructions given to the Thessalonians in 5:18, "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." I have heard many messages on how we are to give thanks even in the most dire of circumstances in reference to this verse. It is indeed a challenge to be thankful in times of difficulty, however, the verse suggests more than that. It says, "in everything", give thanks. Gratitude is to radiate from our lives all the time. We have the greatest reasons for a thankful spirit that can possibly be imagined. Rescued from sin and death, given hope and purpose, knowing that the God of the universe loves us beyond measure, how much more do we need to produce a consistent attitude of gratitude?
Living a thankful life is more challenging than it might seem. We may not be constantly grumbling but are we constantly grateful? The mundane and routine stuff of life lulls us into a living coma that puts our attitudes into neutral. This is not God's intention for our lives. Gratefulness in everything should be the mark of our existence. It is a mark that can quite literally change the lives of people around you. It can be lived out in very practical ways and can be even more powerful at this time of year. As you go about life, dozens of people serve you every day. They prepare your coffee at Starbucks, stock your grocery stores, pick up after careless shoppers; does anyone really think a head of lettuce belongs with the pasta? Someone has to cart it back to produce. Every sales associate, gas station attendant, police officer at the mall or directing holiday traffic is there serving you. Add restaurant servers, bank employees, people who pick up the trash around the parking lots all add to the quality and convenience of our lives. Just how grateful are we for their service? I know they get paid but that doesn't change the fact that they choose to be there to help you. Are you an inspiration or an irritant to that person who stands for hours to help people with their purchases at the register. Are you a complainer or encourager as you rub against the lives of all those who serve you. Being neutral is not being thankful.
As followers of Messiah we have an amazing opportunity numerous times a day to show some gratitude to some worn and likely badgered individual who is there to serve an ungrateful public. Put it to the test. Take a moment with the next person who serves you and be grateful. Stop a super market employee and say, "I know you have a difficult job. I just wanted you to know I really appreciate what you do. Your being here makes my life a little easier and I am grateful for what you do. Have a blessed day and a merry Christmas." It only takes a moment to pass on thanksgiving. It may seem like a small thing, however, it may well be a powerful message to a tired retail worker. I told an older employee at Walmart that I honestly appreciated her being there at the checkout and that I was thankful for her working on this cold night instead of being home with her family. I was grateful that she made my life a little easier. and wished her a blessed Christmas. She actually got misty eyed and said, "God bless you." I have little doubt that she shared my encouragement when she got home that night. There is a reason God tells us to be grateful. Showing appreciation to all those folks who serve and provide in countless way shows the love and power of God.
The world is a pretty cold and dark place filled with self centered weary people. We are not to be like the world. "But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good" ( 2 Thessalonians 3:13). Words of appreciation, verbal thankfulness, and kind encouragement are good things. Do not be so distracted and weary that you miss the opportunity to express your gratitude to someone who is serving you. You might just be their best Christmas gift ever.
We, as the children of God, are to be a thankful, grateful, people. The lack of gratitude is an affront to God and an indication of the downward spiral toward destruction. Paul warns the Romans of the dangers of lacking a thankful spirit. "because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened" (Romans 1:21, emphasis mine). In contrast we are to follow the instructions given to the Thessalonians in 5:18, "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." I have heard many messages on how we are to give thanks even in the most dire of circumstances in reference to this verse. It is indeed a challenge to be thankful in times of difficulty, however, the verse suggests more than that. It says, "in everything", give thanks. Gratitude is to radiate from our lives all the time. We have the greatest reasons for a thankful spirit that can possibly be imagined. Rescued from sin and death, given hope and purpose, knowing that the God of the universe loves us beyond measure, how much more do we need to produce a consistent attitude of gratitude?
Living a thankful life is more challenging than it might seem. We may not be constantly grumbling but are we constantly grateful? The mundane and routine stuff of life lulls us into a living coma that puts our attitudes into neutral. This is not God's intention for our lives. Gratefulness in everything should be the mark of our existence. It is a mark that can quite literally change the lives of people around you. It can be lived out in very practical ways and can be even more powerful at this time of year. As you go about life, dozens of people serve you every day. They prepare your coffee at Starbucks, stock your grocery stores, pick up after careless shoppers; does anyone really think a head of lettuce belongs with the pasta? Someone has to cart it back to produce. Every sales associate, gas station attendant, police officer at the mall or directing holiday traffic is there serving you. Add restaurant servers, bank employees, people who pick up the trash around the parking lots all add to the quality and convenience of our lives. Just how grateful are we for their service? I know they get paid but that doesn't change the fact that they choose to be there to help you. Are you an inspiration or an irritant to that person who stands for hours to help people with their purchases at the register. Are you a complainer or encourager as you rub against the lives of all those who serve you. Being neutral is not being thankful.
As followers of Messiah we have an amazing opportunity numerous times a day to show some gratitude to some worn and likely badgered individual who is there to serve an ungrateful public. Put it to the test. Take a moment with the next person who serves you and be grateful. Stop a super market employee and say, "I know you have a difficult job. I just wanted you to know I really appreciate what you do. Your being here makes my life a little easier and I am grateful for what you do. Have a blessed day and a merry Christmas." It only takes a moment to pass on thanksgiving. It may seem like a small thing, however, it may well be a powerful message to a tired retail worker. I told an older employee at Walmart that I honestly appreciated her being there at the checkout and that I was thankful for her working on this cold night instead of being home with her family. I was grateful that she made my life a little easier. and wished her a blessed Christmas. She actually got misty eyed and said, "God bless you." I have little doubt that she shared my encouragement when she got home that night. There is a reason God tells us to be grateful. Showing appreciation to all those folks who serve and provide in countless way shows the love and power of God.
The world is a pretty cold and dark place filled with self centered weary people. We are not to be like the world. "But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good" ( 2 Thessalonians 3:13). Words of appreciation, verbal thankfulness, and kind encouragement are good things. Do not be so distracted and weary that you miss the opportunity to express your gratitude to someone who is serving you. You might just be their best Christmas gift ever.
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
No Good Reason
January 11, 2019. That was the date of my last post. There are twelve different partials under the "drafts" menu waiting to become completed thoughts. They remain unfinished as I embark on lucky number thirteen. I have not lacked for inspiration. I have lacked the desire to finish. There is no good reason. Perhaps that is the real reason, no good reason. Life is confrontational and I honestly do not like confrontation. It causes angst in my mind and spirit. It is a driving force that robs the sandman of his power and reduces my already limited sleep cycle. It has the benefit of weight loss. All for no good reason. Quiet times leave me with questions without the answers I seek. That is because I already know what the answer is. Simply put, there is no answer that satisfies my question. I can be content with that, sometimes. There are periods in my life when life itself becomes draining, emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically. You keep going because there are no other real options, however, at the core of who you are, there is a dryness attempting to wither the joy that should be yours in Christ. A withering that is there for no good reason.
Part of the gap in producing new things to post has been this sort of, tiredness. Writing is usually a pleasurable outlet for me. I just enjoy writing and am occasionally pleased with what the effort produces. I know that the ability I possess is a gift from God that is not bestowed upon all of His children. Matthew 25 makes it clear that the talents given to us are to be used for the Master. So I have no good reason for putting this gift on the shelf for almost a year. To be fair, I did write a full curriculum for a twelve week class in Genesis complete with notes, an accompanying power point presentation and a seventy-five minute lecture for each class. This was followed by the same preparation and process for a ten week class on Matthew. Combined there are eighty pages of class notes plus my notes for teaching and the power point presentations. So the "writing" gift has been employed. However, this is not a substitute for what I have enjoyed writing for this blog. The gift has been used, just not here. There is no good reason for that to be true.
I have determined that if there is a reason, it is due to this inexplicable feeling of drought in my soul. There is no good reason for that to be. Yet, honesty would dictate admitting it has been more real than I would like to confess. I believe in prayer and that Yahweh is real and involved in His creation. I believe He can and does answer, and may choose not to, at least not in the way I hoped and "prayed". It might be easier to follow my friends who are fully immersed in the comforting box of "sovereignty" where everything is predetermined and prayer is no more than a time of worship and just agreeing with God. For them there is no expectation for influence of the divine, everything is set in stone so whatever is, is God's will, and life goes on. What I see in Scripture is a God who is responsive to my requests and to my anguish. When I pray for a suffering friend God hears in that moment and can choose to answer my prayer. It brings me to two realities and a tension in life. One, there are times when God chooses to listen to my plea and answer the way I hoped. Two, God listens to my plea and chooses not to answer the way I hoped. Which leads to the tension of "why?" I can think of many good reasons why God should have agreed with me. Initially, I do not want to think of the reasons why He would disagree. It is true that what I know and believe win out and I accept that God knows best and that His answer is always the right answer. It does not always remove the lingering "Why?"
I have no good reason to let the "Why?s" pile up. However, somehow they do. Why did this beloved friend die? Why did this person leave? Why does God not grow this ministry? Why is this missionary friend compelled to come home for lack of financial support? Why do politicians celebrate the slaughter of unborn children and still seem to prosper? Why do people continue to struggle with life when God could intervene? Why do people write to tell me how God used me to disciple them so they could leave for no reason and minister in the church body down the street? Why did they leave? Oh, for no good reason. After a while, when God chooses to put some of my desires on hold, the "Why?s" become a drying agent. I must also point out that I don't live solely in the dry place. I have great joy and satisfaction with what God provides. I do recognize God's goodness in my life. I rejoice in love of my treasured wife and the blessings of my children, grand children and friends. I see God's wonder all about me in the moments of every day. I am encouraged by His grace and quiet answers. I am grateful for the physical strength He gives me to do lots of projects that bring additional fulfillment to my life. All these are real and true in my life. I am most grateful for a God who loves me and gave His son to be my Messiah, Lord and Savior. None of these are ever in doubt.
However, most of my blog posts flow from places within that is hard to explain. This post is to let you know that if the withering dryness of the "Why?s" touches your soul, you are not alone. If the facade, or perhaps the outer life you live is haunted by some dryness from the "Why? world" God understands. David knew of the dry spells. Most of the prophets held those moments of "Why?" You are still His treasured child. The dryness may seem to remain for no good reason, yet He is there in the dry places with you. Sometimes the wilderness is where He becomes most precious. And sometimes the "Whys" persist, for no good reason, but that does not mean you can't go forward with Him. It does not mean that you are void of the blessings of life. You have the opportunity to rejoice in the goodness and grace of God, even in the dry places.
Part of the gap in producing new things to post has been this sort of, tiredness. Writing is usually a pleasurable outlet for me. I just enjoy writing and am occasionally pleased with what the effort produces. I know that the ability I possess is a gift from God that is not bestowed upon all of His children. Matthew 25 makes it clear that the talents given to us are to be used for the Master. So I have no good reason for putting this gift on the shelf for almost a year. To be fair, I did write a full curriculum for a twelve week class in Genesis complete with notes, an accompanying power point presentation and a seventy-five minute lecture for each class. This was followed by the same preparation and process for a ten week class on Matthew. Combined there are eighty pages of class notes plus my notes for teaching and the power point presentations. So the "writing" gift has been employed. However, this is not a substitute for what I have enjoyed writing for this blog. The gift has been used, just not here. There is no good reason for that to be true.
I have determined that if there is a reason, it is due to this inexplicable feeling of drought in my soul. There is no good reason for that to be. Yet, honesty would dictate admitting it has been more real than I would like to confess. I believe in prayer and that Yahweh is real and involved in His creation. I believe He can and does answer, and may choose not to, at least not in the way I hoped and "prayed". It might be easier to follow my friends who are fully immersed in the comforting box of "sovereignty" where everything is predetermined and prayer is no more than a time of worship and just agreeing with God. For them there is no expectation for influence of the divine, everything is set in stone so whatever is, is God's will, and life goes on. What I see in Scripture is a God who is responsive to my requests and to my anguish. When I pray for a suffering friend God hears in that moment and can choose to answer my prayer. It brings me to two realities and a tension in life. One, there are times when God chooses to listen to my plea and answer the way I hoped. Two, God listens to my plea and chooses not to answer the way I hoped. Which leads to the tension of "why?" I can think of many good reasons why God should have agreed with me. Initially, I do not want to think of the reasons why He would disagree. It is true that what I know and believe win out and I accept that God knows best and that His answer is always the right answer. It does not always remove the lingering "Why?"
I have no good reason to let the "Why?s" pile up. However, somehow they do. Why did this beloved friend die? Why did this person leave? Why does God not grow this ministry? Why is this missionary friend compelled to come home for lack of financial support? Why do politicians celebrate the slaughter of unborn children and still seem to prosper? Why do people continue to struggle with life when God could intervene? Why do people write to tell me how God used me to disciple them so they could leave for no reason and minister in the church body down the street? Why did they leave? Oh, for no good reason. After a while, when God chooses to put some of my desires on hold, the "Why?s" become a drying agent. I must also point out that I don't live solely in the dry place. I have great joy and satisfaction with what God provides. I do recognize God's goodness in my life. I rejoice in love of my treasured wife and the blessings of my children, grand children and friends. I see God's wonder all about me in the moments of every day. I am encouraged by His grace and quiet answers. I am grateful for the physical strength He gives me to do lots of projects that bring additional fulfillment to my life. All these are real and true in my life. I am most grateful for a God who loves me and gave His son to be my Messiah, Lord and Savior. None of these are ever in doubt.
However, most of my blog posts flow from places within that is hard to explain. This post is to let you know that if the withering dryness of the "Why?s" touches your soul, you are not alone. If the facade, or perhaps the outer life you live is haunted by some dryness from the "Why? world" God understands. David knew of the dry spells. Most of the prophets held those moments of "Why?" You are still His treasured child. The dryness may seem to remain for no good reason, yet He is there in the dry places with you. Sometimes the wilderness is where He becomes most precious. And sometimes the "Whys" persist, for no good reason, but that does not mean you can't go forward with Him. It does not mean that you are void of the blessings of life. You have the opportunity to rejoice in the goodness and grace of God, even in the dry places.
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