When I was in the seventh grade, I was invited to join my friend Melanie and her family for a weekend trip to Charleston. If my memory serves me correctly, it was a spur of the moment trip and we stayed in a little roadside motel in a room that adjoined her parent's room--and it was not the Hilton. In fact, it was not even the Holiday Inn. It was fine though, and I could have cared less what type of accommodations were involved because I was just glad to be along for the fun.
What I do recall about the trip however, is that after having dinner at a very nice restaurant on the water, we perused the aisles of the adjacent gift shop and purchased a package of incense.
Before that night, I'd never even heard of incense, but according to Melanie we needed to burn some to get the musty smell out of our motel room. To this day I can remember that odor. It is indelibly etched in my mind like the rice carving on my four poster bed. Just the mention of incense takes me there, so God's description of the very fine incense that he prescribed in Exodus 30 makes me wonder if there were any similarities.
Today's passage, Exodus 30-32, continues God's instructions for the completion of the tabernacle. I find it fascinating that he chose two artisans, Oholiab and Bezalel, to oversee the work, citing their unique expertise as craftsmen.
This week, George and I attended a class at church that is designed to equip us to become marriage mentors. During the session, our leader reminded us that we were not created to be well-rounded, a contradiction to much of the conventional wisdom our world offers. For that reason, I was initially inclined to disagree. But when he explained his point, he was exactly right.
What he shared is that God did not create anyone with all of the attributes, skills, and abilities needed to be a one person phenomenon. Every individual has unique talents and strengths that require us to rely on each other in community and fellowship.
You are gifted. You may have one or many gifts, but you need to discover what God has wired you to do and then do it for his glory. In the process, please don't waste any of life's precious time envying the talents or gifts of someone else--just trust that God chose YOUR gift for YOU, and that whatever YOU are gifted to do, it matters.
Bezalel and Oholiab may have thought their talents weren't so special, and most likely they never imagined their skills would warrant the mentioning of their names in scripture. Yet today, thousands of years later, the fact that they were craftsmen for God brings their legacy to our attention, a great reminder to us when we mistakenly believe that our little abilities are no big deal.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Lost? Nah...
I was in my early twenties when one of my favorite movies was released. I'd only heard a little about Raiders of the Lost Ark, but it sounded interesting, so I convinced George that we should see it on opening night.
At the time, I had only basic familiarity with prominent Old Testament scriptures, and I definitely did not comprehend the significance of the Ark of the Covenant when we ventured into the theater that evening in 1981, but seeing that film sparked all sorts of questions and concerns. The movie drove me to dig in to scripture with the hope that I could get some clarity about what this apparently very important piece of furniture was all about, as well as how in the world someone lost something so extremely valuable.
Today, the passage of scripture is Exodus 25-29, and as you may have guessed, it details the instructions God gave for building the tabernacle, the tabernacle's furnishings (including the Ark of the Covenant), and the crafting of the special robes and attire that the priests were to wear when they performed their priestly duties.
I've confessed in the past that I am not a detail oriented person and that I usually prefer condensed versions of almost everything, but in the case of these scriptures, knowing that God took the time to give precise specifications for all he was asking them to accomplish offers what I believe to be a glimpse into how incredibly attuned he is to the most minute of details.
So, what does that tell me about Him? Well, for starters, there is nothing in my life, regardless of how small it may seem, that he doesn't care about. This God of details cares about every little aspect of my life and yours. In fact, scripture says that he has numbered the hairs on our heads. If that isn't a little mind boggling, what is? We can take our biggest worries and our smallest concerns to him and he will meet us (and our problems) with open arms.
Furthermore, if God cared so deeply about details then, it stands to reason that he still does. That means that every decision, every choice, every intersection we face is a detail that matters to him. It's been said, 'the devil is in the details,' but I think that quote should be switched to say, "God is into details," because clearly, he is.
The detailed instructions for building the Ark of the Covenant were complex. It was the most sacred vessel in Israel's history, and was to contain the tablets of the law. It disappeared out of the Most Holy Place prior to the fall of Jerusalem in 583 B.C., and has not been publicly seen since. Many have suggested that it is lost, but according to The Temple Institute, it is only hidden, and reportedly there are some who know exactly where it is.
I have no way of knowing for certain that this is true, but it's fascinating to consider. Whatever the case, I believe God knows exactly where it is because I doubt that he cared so much about something only to ignore its fate. And it's the same with you and me. He was there in the details when he created us, fashioning us in our mother's wombs, knitting together our innermost parts. His artistry and attention to detail is amazing, and he will not ignore our fate. We are not destined to remain lost--we are not even to be hidden. We are called out to be light and salt in our world as we are being transformed by his matchless, life giving grace.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Narrow Way Guarantee
Social responsbility and a call to justice are the subjects of today's passage, Exodus 22-24. God explained in these chapters his expectations related to how the children of Israel should behave and what type of penalties they should impose when certain situations occurred. In giving these clear guidelines, God made it evident that he was serious about civil order. This is not an easy passage to read and in today's culture, I'm afraid there are probably many who would like to remove these pages from scripture rather than accept that God would levy such severe penalties for some of the crimes that are mentioned.
As I said yesterday though, a view of God that neglects to acknowledge his justice while focusing only on his love is unbalanced and inaccurate. It's disturbing and inspiring to read of God's dealing with his children. Old Testament passages such as these remind me of how grateful I am for the New Covenant in Jesus Christ. Without God's grace, I would be doomed--and so would you.
The other big take away from these chapters that I want to mention to you is this verse from chapter 23.
2 “You must not follow the crowd in doing wrong...
Almost without exception, following the crowd will take you down the wrong path. Matthew 7:14 says that the path that leads to life is narrow and few are those who find it. The preceding verse says that the way is broad that leads to destruction and most people are on that road.
Don't be a follower. That's just too easy and too predictable. God equips those he loves to choose the road less traveled, even if it requires sacrifice, heartache, and difficulty, because in the end the reward is worth it all. And if you are ever called to stand alone, you won't be. Following THE Leader on the narrow path guarantees it.
As I said yesterday though, a view of God that neglects to acknowledge his justice while focusing only on his love is unbalanced and inaccurate. It's disturbing and inspiring to read of God's dealing with his children. Old Testament passages such as these remind me of how grateful I am for the New Covenant in Jesus Christ. Without God's grace, I would be doomed--and so would you.
The other big take away from these chapters that I want to mention to you is this verse from chapter 23.
2 “You must not follow the crowd in doing wrong...
Almost without exception, following the crowd will take you down the wrong path. Matthew 7:14 says that the path that leads to life is narrow and few are those who find it. The preceding verse says that the way is broad that leads to destruction and most people are on that road.
Don't be a follower. That's just too easy and too predictable. God equips those he loves to choose the road less traveled, even if it requires sacrifice, heartache, and difficulty, because in the end the reward is worth it all. And if you are ever called to stand alone, you won't be. Following THE Leader on the narrow path guarantees it.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Awe Struck!
When my children were young, I was a fairly stern disciplinarian. Either one of them would likely admit that they were more "afraid" of me than their dad most of the time, because I was determined not to be a, "wait until your father gets home," mom. I am sure there were occasions where that may have happened, but I believe they were rare. I wanted them to have a healthy fear of me. At the same time, I wanted them to understand how much I loved them and to know that the only reason I was ever 'hard' on them was for their own good.
I was intentional about setting clear boundaries and the practice of consistency. When they reached the age to begin asking for friends to sleep over for instance, I established an "automatic no" rule. They knew there would be an automatic no if they asked to have an overnight guest without discussing it privately with me before mentioning it to their friend. My purpose was to avoid being put on the spot and having to say no in front of their hopeful pal. I never wanted one of their buddies to think he or she wasn't welcome but sometimes, I explained, parents have obligations that make inviting a guest into the home inconvenient. After I implemented the rule, I decided that when they honored my policy by asking privately first, I would only say no if it was absolutely necessary. My purpose was never to take away all of their fun, it was to avoid an undesirable situation or misunderstanding.
After God led the children of Israel out of Egypt, Chapters 19-21 of Exodus provides details of something that I find difficult to fathom. God's presence came down upon Mount Sinai and all of the Israelites heard the thunder of his voice. Before that, they'd only heard him through Moses, but now, they saw and heard a glorious demonstration of his might, power, and majesty for themselves. In this supernatural event, God revealed himself in a way that caused the people to tremble in his presence. He gave them specific rules in the form of ten commandments and he provided boundaries they were not to cross at the risk of death.
I believe that had I been there, I would have been at once amazed and terrified, and I fear that because we so accurately and so often confess that God is love, we are prone to forget sometimes that God is also justice and power and might. We have created atmospheres that celebrate all that is sweet about being in relationship with God, sometimes failing to remember that he is worthy of extreme reverence, awe, and respect--the kind that would render us prostrate before him if we fully grasped his glory. Our God is GREAT. He is "I AM". He is First and Last, Alpha and Omega. And that means that he deserves my awe and reverence of his Divine majesty.
I never expected awe from my children, but I did expect them to recognize my authority and to respect it. God demonstrated his magnificent glory on Mount Sinai so that his children would recognize his majesty and have reverence for him. Verses 21 and 22 of chapter 19 give us a glimpse of how this all went down:
Then the Lord told Moses, “Go back down and warn the people not to break through the boundaries to see the Lord, or they will die. Even the priests who regularly come near to the Lord must purify themselves so that the Lord does not break out and destroy them.”
How often do I consider God's greatness and magnificence before approaching him in prayer or worship? If I desired honor and respect from my children, how much more does our Creator and Lord desire and deserve it? And just as I never set boundaries or established rules for the sake of spoiling a good time, God's rules were given as a means of protection and for the setting apart of his children as HIS children!
I fear that I frequently forget to have healthy fear of my Father. Yes, he loves more extravagantly than we can imagine, but that does not diminish his justice or how deserving he is of our submissive reverence.
Lord, help me never forget this passage's stark reminder of the greatness of your glory, and may I always bow my knee to your holy majesty. You alone are worthy of my praise. Amen.
I was intentional about setting clear boundaries and the practice of consistency. When they reached the age to begin asking for friends to sleep over for instance, I established an "automatic no" rule. They knew there would be an automatic no if they asked to have an overnight guest without discussing it privately with me before mentioning it to their friend. My purpose was to avoid being put on the spot and having to say no in front of their hopeful pal. I never wanted one of their buddies to think he or she wasn't welcome but sometimes, I explained, parents have obligations that make inviting a guest into the home inconvenient. After I implemented the rule, I decided that when they honored my policy by asking privately first, I would only say no if it was absolutely necessary. My purpose was never to take away all of their fun, it was to avoid an undesirable situation or misunderstanding.
After God led the children of Israel out of Egypt, Chapters 19-21 of Exodus provides details of something that I find difficult to fathom. God's presence came down upon Mount Sinai and all of the Israelites heard the thunder of his voice. Before that, they'd only heard him through Moses, but now, they saw and heard a glorious demonstration of his might, power, and majesty for themselves. In this supernatural event, God revealed himself in a way that caused the people to tremble in his presence. He gave them specific rules in the form of ten commandments and he provided boundaries they were not to cross at the risk of death.
I believe that had I been there, I would have been at once amazed and terrified, and I fear that because we so accurately and so often confess that God is love, we are prone to forget sometimes that God is also justice and power and might. We have created atmospheres that celebrate all that is sweet about being in relationship with God, sometimes failing to remember that he is worthy of extreme reverence, awe, and respect--the kind that would render us prostrate before him if we fully grasped his glory. Our God is GREAT. He is "I AM". He is First and Last, Alpha and Omega. And that means that he deserves my awe and reverence of his Divine majesty.
I never expected awe from my children, but I did expect them to recognize my authority and to respect it. God demonstrated his magnificent glory on Mount Sinai so that his children would recognize his majesty and have reverence for him. Verses 21 and 22 of chapter 19 give us a glimpse of how this all went down:
Then the Lord told Moses, “Go back down and warn the people not to break through the boundaries to see the Lord, or they will die. Even the priests who regularly come near to the Lord must purify themselves so that the Lord does not break out and destroy them.”
How often do I consider God's greatness and magnificence before approaching him in prayer or worship? If I desired honor and respect from my children, how much more does our Creator and Lord desire and deserve it? And just as I never set boundaries or established rules for the sake of spoiling a good time, God's rules were given as a means of protection and for the setting apart of his children as HIS children!
I fear that I frequently forget to have healthy fear of my Father. Yes, he loves more extravagantly than we can imagine, but that does not diminish his justice or how deserving he is of our submissive reverence.
Lord, help me never forget this passage's stark reminder of the greatness of your glory, and may I always bow my knee to your holy majesty. You alone are worthy of my praise. Amen.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Old Smart People
I will begin today with a confession--I don't like debates and I despise arguments, and when faced with conflict, my initial response is retreat. I would make a lousy politician and an even worse trial attorney. I am a confirmed lover of peace and harmony, unity and calm.
The children of Israel were not peaceful, harmonious, unified, or calm when they got hungry and thirsty--so states today's chapters, Exodus 16-18. They complained bitterly, saying that things had been better for them in Egypt because they'd had pots full of meat to eat. Despite having so much to be thankful for, they could only focus on their immediate circumstances. How quickly they forgot the heavy hardships of life under Pharaoh.
I often fail to appreciate my blessings when I focus on my circumstances. Just this week I have already grumbled about some of the tasks I had to complete at work, yet in this uncertain economy my only attitude should be gratitude that I even have work to complete.
In the past when reading this account, I've questioned how these ungrateful people could be so quick to forget God's amazing deliverance and exceptional provision. I've been puzzled by their ingratitude and short memories, yet when I give honest consideration to the way I behave and respond, I see the log in my own eyes.
Now, back to the original subject of my disdain for argument and debate. Poor Moses was having to settle disputes and disagreements between all the Israelites and was in serious danger of getting burned out. Fortunately for him, his wise father-in-law Jethro came for a visit, saw the problem, offered a solution, and saved the day.
Moral of this story sweet children--sometimes it pays to listen to your elders. Occasionally, we are smart.
The children of Israel were not peaceful, harmonious, unified, or calm when they got hungry and thirsty--so states today's chapters, Exodus 16-18. They complained bitterly, saying that things had been better for them in Egypt because they'd had pots full of meat to eat. Despite having so much to be thankful for, they could only focus on their immediate circumstances. How quickly they forgot the heavy hardships of life under Pharaoh.
I often fail to appreciate my blessings when I focus on my circumstances. Just this week I have already grumbled about some of the tasks I had to complete at work, yet in this uncertain economy my only attitude should be gratitude that I even have work to complete.
In the past when reading this account, I've questioned how these ungrateful people could be so quick to forget God's amazing deliverance and exceptional provision. I've been puzzled by their ingratitude and short memories, yet when I give honest consideration to the way I behave and respond, I see the log in my own eyes.
Now, back to the original subject of my disdain for argument and debate. Poor Moses was having to settle disputes and disagreements between all the Israelites and was in serious danger of getting burned out. Fortunately for him, his wise father-in-law Jethro came for a visit, saw the problem, offered a solution, and saved the day.
Moral of this story sweet children--sometimes it pays to listen to your elders. Occasionally, we are smart.
Monday, January 26, 2009
The Long Way Home...
Exodus 13-15 is one of the most exciting passages in all of scripture. With God leading the children of Israel in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, they left Egypt after Pharaoh finally relented and approved their departure.
I love so many things about this story. I'm fascinated that scripture says that God didn't lead them along the main road which was the shortest route to the promised land, instead, verses 17 and 18 of chapter 13 say: God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea...
When the Egyptians gave chase, Moses' words are a compelling reminder that God's might and power are unstoppable. Verses 13 and 14 of chapter 14 read: 13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
For Christmas, we gave a special person in our lives the gift of a GPS device. Global Positioning Systems are wonderful tools that provide turn by turn directions to chosen destinations, and they can be immensely helpful. Thankfully, I was blessed with a decent sense of direction and cannot recall ever feeling "lost" before owning my own GPS gadget, but I have friends and family who can get directionally confused even in a mall parking lot. What I can recall being guilty of however, is fidgeting in the passenger seat with a significant degree of frustration when I didn't think the driver was taking the best route to our destination.
For this reason, I'm pretty sure I might have been grumbling and mumbling if I were along for the journey when God led his children to take what seemed to be an illogical route out of Egypt-- which begs the question, have there been times in my life when I've griped about the route he chose for me? Probably. God knows me. He knows you, too. And we are not so different than the children of Israel. He's well aware that when we are faced with battles, our tendency is to run back to our comfort zone even if it isn't his best for us.
Today Father, my prayer is this: Order our steps and help us trust that you will always lead us to the promised land via the route that you know is best--even if it's the long way. May we be able to stand still, stay calm, and watch you fight for us when we face life's battles, and will you please give us strength and deliverance when we ignorantly want to run back to Egypt.
I love so many things about this story. I'm fascinated that scripture says that God didn't lead them along the main road which was the shortest route to the promised land, instead, verses 17 and 18 of chapter 13 say: God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea...
When the Egyptians gave chase, Moses' words are a compelling reminder that God's might and power are unstoppable. Verses 13 and 14 of chapter 14 read: 13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
For Christmas, we gave a special person in our lives the gift of a GPS device. Global Positioning Systems are wonderful tools that provide turn by turn directions to chosen destinations, and they can be immensely helpful. Thankfully, I was blessed with a decent sense of direction and cannot recall ever feeling "lost" before owning my own GPS gadget, but I have friends and family who can get directionally confused even in a mall parking lot. What I can recall being guilty of however, is fidgeting in the passenger seat with a significant degree of frustration when I didn't think the driver was taking the best route to our destination.
For this reason, I'm pretty sure I might have been grumbling and mumbling if I were along for the journey when God led his children to take what seemed to be an illogical route out of Egypt-- which begs the question, have there been times in my life when I've griped about the route he chose for me? Probably. God knows me. He knows you, too. And we are not so different than the children of Israel. He's well aware that when we are faced with battles, our tendency is to run back to our comfort zone even if it isn't his best for us.
Today Father, my prayer is this: Order our steps and help us trust that you will always lead us to the promised land via the route that you know is best--even if it's the long way. May we be able to stand still, stay calm, and watch you fight for us when we face life's battles, and will you please give us strength and deliverance when we ignorantly want to run back to Egypt.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Cardiac Surgery
Today, Exodus 7-12 reminds me that every living human is born with a heart condition, one not terribly unlike Egypt's Pharaoh's, in fact. As Moses and Aaron appealed to Pharaoh to release the Israelites from captivity, he refused, even after God sent devastating plagues as a means of encouragement.
Scholars have debated the verses related to Pharaoh's hardened heart for years, but I am satisfied that God knew Pharaoh just as he knows every living person. He understood how seriously diseased his heart was, and recognized in advance just how his heart condition would impact his decisions.
The Bible tells us that the heart is deceitfully wicked above all things in Jeremiah 17:9, and Matthew 15:19 says that out of the heart proceeds evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.
Pharaoh was born with a hard heart and so were we--and the only thing that changes that is our willingness to allow God to heal us. Ezekiel 11:19 explains the healing hope he offers to his children: 19 And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart, 20 so they will obey my decrees and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God. NLT
The American Heart Association's website explains that when a person's heart can no longer adequately work and a person is at risk of dying, a heart transplant may be indicated. Spiritually speaking, each of us is born with a heart that doesn't work properly and we are totally at risk of dying in our diseased state.
The great news for us however, is that Jesus Christ, God's Son, performs heart transplants every day. His record of success is 100% and he offers the only hope for a complete cure to our spiritual cardiac condition. But until we submit to his surgical excision of our stony hearts and allow him to replace them with a new heart of tender flesh, we are very much, maybe exactly, like Pharaoh.
Scholars have debated the verses related to Pharaoh's hardened heart for years, but I am satisfied that God knew Pharaoh just as he knows every living person. He understood how seriously diseased his heart was, and recognized in advance just how his heart condition would impact his decisions.
The Bible tells us that the heart is deceitfully wicked above all things in Jeremiah 17:9, and Matthew 15:19 says that out of the heart proceeds evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.
Pharaoh was born with a hard heart and so were we--and the only thing that changes that is our willingness to allow God to heal us. Ezekiel 11:19 explains the healing hope he offers to his children: 19 And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart, 20 so they will obey my decrees and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God. NLT
The American Heart Association's website explains that when a person's heart can no longer adequately work and a person is at risk of dying, a heart transplant may be indicated. Spiritually speaking, each of us is born with a heart that doesn't work properly and we are totally at risk of dying in our diseased state.
The great news for us however, is that Jesus Christ, God's Son, performs heart transplants every day. His record of success is 100% and he offers the only hope for a complete cure to our spiritual cardiac condition. But until we submit to his surgical excision of our stony hearts and allow him to replace them with a new heart of tender flesh, we are very much, maybe exactly, like Pharaoh.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
We Can't, He Can
Confidence. It's something that you either have or lack, right? Why do some people appear to be bursting at the seams with it, while others timidly doubt themselves regardless of natural giftings?
Moses, a man chosen by God, was groomed by God for almost eighty years for the task he was assigned. Yet even after meeting God in a burning bush, observing God's ability to perform miracles that defied imagination, and being spoken to and instructed by God Almighty, Moses lacked confidence in himself and his ability to successfully accomplish what God asked of him.
Chapters 4 through 6 of Exodus include details of God's initial plan for leading his children out of captivity in Egypt. I'm especially fascinated by this passage from chapter 4:
10 But Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” 11 Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” 13 But Moses again pleaded, “Lord, please! Send anyone else.” 14 Then the Lord became angry with Moses. ...NLT
In 1999, I took a chance that changed my life. I had always enjoyed writing skits for the student ministry at church, but I never considered myself a "writer". And although I was not looking for a job, I stumbled across an add for someone to write Christian children's television show scripts in the newspaper one weekend. The listed requirements were specific and I did not meet them, but despite my tendency toward lack of confidence, I sent in my resume along with an original script.
Expecting that nothing would become of my prayerful whim, our family set out on a ten day journey to the middle of nowhere (outside of Memphis, Tennessee) for David's AAU baseball national tournament. When we returned, I had several missed phone calls from the producer of the television show who wanted to schedule an interview.
Imagine my surprise when I learned that out of hundreds of responses, I was one of only a very small handful of people they were considering, and I was the only one who had submitted an original script. Fast forward to this past year when an amazing chapter in my life came to an end. For nine years I was privileged to write "Discovery Jones Expeditions," an extreme sports/action show that incorporated Biblical messages and principles into each episode. Now in syndication, it appears in countries where the gospel message is illegal. It amazes me that God has allowed the words in my head to translate into other languages and make their way to other countries so that children can hear that God loves them, that He has a plan for their lives, and that His Son, Jesus, conquered death so that they could have a personal relationship with Him.
I spent many years lacking confidence--but I discovered something that I hope you will learn well before the age I had to be to "get it". If you try to muster confidence in yourself, it will never come--at least not in the way it should. Instead, it will be a bit of arrogance mixed with pride. But realizing that you are nothing and can do nothing that matters apart from God's enabling power provides the kind of confidence that he can use.
Just as he told Moses, HE made our mouths. HE made us able to see and hear. And HE alone should receive all the glory for anything good we accomplish--because it's only through him that we can achieve anything significant in terms of eternity.
If God has gifted you to do something, He will equip you to accomplish it-- regardless of how daunting it may seem. The Bible says he was angry with Moses. Hopefully, he won't find reason to be angry with us!
Please Father, show us when, where, how, and what--and help us remember that You CAN even if we think we can't!
Moses, a man chosen by God, was groomed by God for almost eighty years for the task he was assigned. Yet even after meeting God in a burning bush, observing God's ability to perform miracles that defied imagination, and being spoken to and instructed by God Almighty, Moses lacked confidence in himself and his ability to successfully accomplish what God asked of him.
Chapters 4 through 6 of Exodus include details of God's initial plan for leading his children out of captivity in Egypt. I'm especially fascinated by this passage from chapter 4:
10 But Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” 11 Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” 13 But Moses again pleaded, “Lord, please! Send anyone else.” 14 Then the Lord became angry with Moses. ...NLT
In 1999, I took a chance that changed my life. I had always enjoyed writing skits for the student ministry at church, but I never considered myself a "writer". And although I was not looking for a job, I stumbled across an add for someone to write Christian children's television show scripts in the newspaper one weekend. The listed requirements were specific and I did not meet them, but despite my tendency toward lack of confidence, I sent in my resume along with an original script.
Expecting that nothing would become of my prayerful whim, our family set out on a ten day journey to the middle of nowhere (outside of Memphis, Tennessee) for David's AAU baseball national tournament. When we returned, I had several missed phone calls from the producer of the television show who wanted to schedule an interview.
Imagine my surprise when I learned that out of hundreds of responses, I was one of only a very small handful of people they were considering, and I was the only one who had submitted an original script. Fast forward to this past year when an amazing chapter in my life came to an end. For nine years I was privileged to write "Discovery Jones Expeditions," an extreme sports/action show that incorporated Biblical messages and principles into each episode. Now in syndication, it appears in countries where the gospel message is illegal. It amazes me that God has allowed the words in my head to translate into other languages and make their way to other countries so that children can hear that God loves them, that He has a plan for their lives, and that His Son, Jesus, conquered death so that they could have a personal relationship with Him.
I spent many years lacking confidence--but I discovered something that I hope you will learn well before the age I had to be to "get it". If you try to muster confidence in yourself, it will never come--at least not in the way it should. Instead, it will be a bit of arrogance mixed with pride. But realizing that you are nothing and can do nothing that matters apart from God's enabling power provides the kind of confidence that he can use.
Just as he told Moses, HE made our mouths. HE made us able to see and hear. And HE alone should receive all the glory for anything good we accomplish--because it's only through him that we can achieve anything significant in terms of eternity.
If God has gifted you to do something, He will equip you to accomplish it-- regardless of how daunting it may seem. The Bible says he was angry with Moses. Hopefully, he won't find reason to be angry with us!
Please Father, show us when, where, how, and what--and help us remember that You CAN even if we think we can't!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Life Matters...
How interesting that the historical order of scripture transitions from Joseph's death to Moses' birth and a new king's reign in Egypt today. Exodus chapters 1 through 3 explains that after Joseph and all of his brothers died, their descendants multiplied and filled the land, striking fear in the heart of the new king of Egypt, Pharaoh.
Pharaoh's concern was that because the Israelites outnumbered the Egyptians, they'd overtake them if war broke out so he enslaved them, ordering them to endure harsh labor as they built the cities of Pithom and Rameses. He also ordered the Egyptian midwives to kill any baby boys born to Hebrew women.
I'm completely in awe of what happened next in the text. The Bible says: But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king’s orders. They allowed the boys to live, too. (Exodus 1:17)NLT
Fear of God, recognition of the value of life, and willingness to disobey authority prompted these women to ignore an edict from their earthly king. I mentioned yesterday that the only time we can disregard the need to respect and honor our authorities is when and if their requirements conflict with God's Word, and today, we're given a clear example of just that in this passage.
The Bible goes on to explain that because of the actions of these midwives, God blessed them. I hope that this principle will be a guiding force in my daily life, and that is also my desire for you as you fervently seek the will of God. I believe with all my heart that our Lord cares just as deeply about the sanctity of life today as he did when Exodus was written. And once again, I find myself using the word "grieved" to express my response to the day's news.
Today, in one of his first acts as our new leader, President Obama quietly signed an order that ended a ban on giving federal money (our tax dollars) to international groups that perform abortions or give information about the option. I will continue to pray for God to break his heart for the unborn and to open his eyes so that he might understand that life begins at conception.
And in the meantime, I hope he'll have the opportunity to see this video that so beautifully depicts the potential of just one life:
Pharaoh's concern was that because the Israelites outnumbered the Egyptians, they'd overtake them if war broke out so he enslaved them, ordering them to endure harsh labor as they built the cities of Pithom and Rameses. He also ordered the Egyptian midwives to kill any baby boys born to Hebrew women.
I'm completely in awe of what happened next in the text. The Bible says: But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king’s orders. They allowed the boys to live, too. (Exodus 1:17)NLT
Fear of God, recognition of the value of life, and willingness to disobey authority prompted these women to ignore an edict from their earthly king. I mentioned yesterday that the only time we can disregard the need to respect and honor our authorities is when and if their requirements conflict with God's Word, and today, we're given a clear example of just that in this passage.
The Bible goes on to explain that because of the actions of these midwives, God blessed them. I hope that this principle will be a guiding force in my daily life, and that is also my desire for you as you fervently seek the will of God. I believe with all my heart that our Lord cares just as deeply about the sanctity of life today as he did when Exodus was written. And once again, I find myself using the word "grieved" to express my response to the day's news.
Today, in one of his first acts as our new leader, President Obama quietly signed an order that ended a ban on giving federal money (our tax dollars) to international groups that perform abortions or give information about the option. I will continue to pray for God to break his heart for the unborn and to open his eyes so that he might understand that life begins at conception.
And in the meantime, I hope he'll have the opportunity to see this video that so beautifully depicts the potential of just one life:
Thursday, January 22, 2009
R E S P E C T find out what it means to me...
I grew up in a respectful household. My father respected my mother and vice versa, and my sisters and I were expected to respect our parents and our authorities. I also grew up in the sixties and seventies, an era defined by rebellion and disrespect. It is probably because of this dichotomy that I've honed in on a particular aspect of today's scripture segment, although the entire passage is compelling.
Genesis 46-50 brings to a conclusion the fascinating stories of Jacob and Joseph. When Jacob and his sons arrived in Egypt, they approached Pharaoh with tremendous respect, recognizing that his position demanded their submission and deference. When Joseph presented his sons to Jacob, the Bible says that he bowed respectfully.
Tuesday was a historic day in the United States of America. Barack Hussein Obama was inaugurated, and is now our new and first African-American President. There was a peaceful transition of power in this great land as a result of the brilliant establishment of our system of government by our forefathers. Our Representative Republic was established so that freedom would be guaranteed to its inhabitants as long as we remain willing to pay the price for that freedom.
One of the great hopes of this week's events for many people, myself included, is that the racial divide that sadly still exists in some segments of our population might begin to heal. Prayerfully, one day, all citizens of the U.S. will realize that we are indeed created in God's image and that his love is color blind, as ours should be.
But that is a digression from my intended subject, which is respect. I respect President Obama and will pray for him (as well as all governing authorities) because the positions he and they hold demand it. I am not required to agree with him or any other leader for that matter, and I don't even have to support their ideology or policies. But I should and I must respect them for the positions they hold and pray for them as my country's leaders.
My sweet grandchildren, as I write this, my heart is heavy. As the celebratory events continued, I witnessed the fruit of my generation's lack of emphasis on respect for authority. In all of the excitement generated by President Obama's inauguration, it was almost easy to ignore that a two term leader passed the baton to step down from office.
During his tenure, President George W. Bush faced the unthinkable. America was targeted by terrorists who killed U.S. citizens on U.S. soil on September 11, 2001, and in the aftermath of that tragedy, he labored to keep us safe from further attack. Some of his decisions were unpopular and sparked widespread criticism and controversy. But he did what leaders are required to do, he made difficult decisions based on the information he was given.
I don't intend to debate his decisions, I will simply say that I would have hated to have been in his position. And for that reason, I was deeply grieved for him yesterday when he left office to the jeers, jabs, and hatred expressed by a few celebrities and spectators who had the platform and the opportunity to express themselves with vulgarity and venom.
The Bible teaches us to respect those in authority. Romans 13:1 says: Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. NLT
The only exception to this would be if the governing authority is requiring us to do something that directly contradicts God's Word. I'm sorry that no one in Young Jeezy's or Jay Z's lives taught them the importance of respectful deference to one whose position would call for it. And if the rap song these entertainers performed for the purpose of expressing their disdain for President Bush only influences a few, it is still a few too many.
It's time for a return to the practice of respect. It's not just for Old Testament patriarchs. It's for you and me. Aretha Franklin was right. R E S P E C T-- even just a little bit--goes a long, long way. And it is Biblical. Still.
Genesis 46-50 brings to a conclusion the fascinating stories of Jacob and Joseph. When Jacob and his sons arrived in Egypt, they approached Pharaoh with tremendous respect, recognizing that his position demanded their submission and deference. When Joseph presented his sons to Jacob, the Bible says that he bowed respectfully.
Tuesday was a historic day in the United States of America. Barack Hussein Obama was inaugurated, and is now our new and first African-American President. There was a peaceful transition of power in this great land as a result of the brilliant establishment of our system of government by our forefathers. Our Representative Republic was established so that freedom would be guaranteed to its inhabitants as long as we remain willing to pay the price for that freedom.
One of the great hopes of this week's events for many people, myself included, is that the racial divide that sadly still exists in some segments of our population might begin to heal. Prayerfully, one day, all citizens of the U.S. will realize that we are indeed created in God's image and that his love is color blind, as ours should be.
But that is a digression from my intended subject, which is respect. I respect President Obama and will pray for him (as well as all governing authorities) because the positions he and they hold demand it. I am not required to agree with him or any other leader for that matter, and I don't even have to support their ideology or policies. But I should and I must respect them for the positions they hold and pray for them as my country's leaders.
My sweet grandchildren, as I write this, my heart is heavy. As the celebratory events continued, I witnessed the fruit of my generation's lack of emphasis on respect for authority. In all of the excitement generated by President Obama's inauguration, it was almost easy to ignore that a two term leader passed the baton to step down from office.
During his tenure, President George W. Bush faced the unthinkable. America was targeted by terrorists who killed U.S. citizens on U.S. soil on September 11, 2001, and in the aftermath of that tragedy, he labored to keep us safe from further attack. Some of his decisions were unpopular and sparked widespread criticism and controversy. But he did what leaders are required to do, he made difficult decisions based on the information he was given.
I don't intend to debate his decisions, I will simply say that I would have hated to have been in his position. And for that reason, I was deeply grieved for him yesterday when he left office to the jeers, jabs, and hatred expressed by a few celebrities and spectators who had the platform and the opportunity to express themselves with vulgarity and venom.
The Bible teaches us to respect those in authority. Romans 13:1 says: Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. NLT
The only exception to this would be if the governing authority is requiring us to do something that directly contradicts God's Word. I'm sorry that no one in Young Jeezy's or Jay Z's lives taught them the importance of respectful deference to one whose position would call for it. And if the rap song these entertainers performed for the purpose of expressing their disdain for President Bush only influences a few, it is still a few too many.
It's time for a return to the practice of respect. It's not just for Old Testament patriarchs. It's for you and me. Aretha Franklin was right. R E S P E C T-- even just a little bit--goes a long, long way. And it is Biblical. Still.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
I Won the Lottery--so to speak...
I don't know anyone who has ever won the lottery, but I can't help being intrigued when I hear that somebody, somewhere, has a winning ticket. I think about what that would feel like, how my life might change, and what I'd do with all my new found fortune, imagining--hoping-- that I'd be pretty benevolent (after splurging a little bit).
Today's passage, Genesis 41-45 is incredible. There are so many reasons that the story of Joseph's rise to the Governorship of all of Egypt captivates me, but here are some of the highlights I noticed as I read.
Joseph was:
~A Humble Man~
Joseph was not self-aggrandizing, haughty, or ego-inflated. Here is his response when summoned by Pharaoh to interpret his dream from chapter 41 verse 16: “It is beyond my power to do this,” Joseph replied. “But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.”
The very first thing Joseph did after his release from prison was to give God all the glory for his ability to interpret Pharaoh's dream.
“...God opposes the proud, but favors the humble.” James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5-6
~A Wise Man~
Almost immediately, Pharaoh recognized that Joseph was wise. The wisdom he possessed came not from having superior intellect, although he may indeed have been a genius, but he had the kind of wisdom that comes from God. It was discernible and unmistakable and remarkable. It had to have been, for scripture records that Egyptians despised Hebrews so much that they wouldn't even sit at the table with them. For Pharaoh to have given Joseph charge of the entire land, he had to realize that Joseph was exceptionally wise.
Proverbs 9:10...Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
~A Diligent Man~
Joseph diligently worked to ensure that the years of famine would not bring disaster to Egypt or its neighbors. His persistent, consistent attention to the charge he was given made it possible for people to come from as far away as Canaan to buy food.
Proverbs 12:27...Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch, but the diligent make use of everything they find.
~A Forgiving Man~
My favorite part of this story (and the most convicting) is that after he had a little fun with his brothers (who didn't recognize him) when they came for food, he revealed his identity and said something that I find to be one of the most compelling things in all of scripture. Chapter 46 verses 5-8 reads: But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives. This famine that has ravaged the land for two years will last five more years, and there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors. So it was God who sent me here, not you! And he is the one who made me an adviser to Pharaoh—the manager of his entire palace and the governor of all Egypt.
I think his brothers won life's lottery. The kid brother they'd sold into slavery could have sent them to the dungeon or their deaths. They expected to be punished, but Joseph didn't just forgive them, he blessed and rewarded them. With Pharaoh's approval, he invited them to move to Egypt, explaining that they didn't even need to bring their old stuff because everything they could want or need would be provided.
Matthew 6: 14“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins."
When I think about all of the people from scripture that I'd like to meet, Joseph is definitely in my top ten. He's also the kind of person I'd like to know--or be related to--or be.
With God's help, if I can be humble, wise, diligent, and forgiving--like Joseph-- I think I'll also be in the process of becoming more like my Savior, Jesus. And because I know Him, I, too, have won life's lottery.
Today's passage, Genesis 41-45 is incredible. There are so many reasons that the story of Joseph's rise to the Governorship of all of Egypt captivates me, but here are some of the highlights I noticed as I read.
Joseph was:
~A Humble Man~
Joseph was not self-aggrandizing, haughty, or ego-inflated. Here is his response when summoned by Pharaoh to interpret his dream from chapter 41 verse 16: “It is beyond my power to do this,” Joseph replied. “But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.”
The very first thing Joseph did after his release from prison was to give God all the glory for his ability to interpret Pharaoh's dream.
“...God opposes the proud, but favors the humble.” James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5-6
~A Wise Man~
Almost immediately, Pharaoh recognized that Joseph was wise. The wisdom he possessed came not from having superior intellect, although he may indeed have been a genius, but he had the kind of wisdom that comes from God. It was discernible and unmistakable and remarkable. It had to have been, for scripture records that Egyptians despised Hebrews so much that they wouldn't even sit at the table with them. For Pharaoh to have given Joseph charge of the entire land, he had to realize that Joseph was exceptionally wise.
Proverbs 9:10...Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
~A Diligent Man~
Joseph diligently worked to ensure that the years of famine would not bring disaster to Egypt or its neighbors. His persistent, consistent attention to the charge he was given made it possible for people to come from as far away as Canaan to buy food.
Proverbs 12:27...Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch, but the diligent make use of everything they find.
~A Forgiving Man~
My favorite part of this story (and the most convicting) is that after he had a little fun with his brothers (who didn't recognize him) when they came for food, he revealed his identity and said something that I find to be one of the most compelling things in all of scripture. Chapter 46 verses 5-8 reads: But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives. This famine that has ravaged the land for two years will last five more years, and there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors. So it was God who sent me here, not you! And he is the one who made me an adviser to Pharaoh—the manager of his entire palace and the governor of all Egypt.
I think his brothers won life's lottery. The kid brother they'd sold into slavery could have sent them to the dungeon or their deaths. They expected to be punished, but Joseph didn't just forgive them, he blessed and rewarded them. With Pharaoh's approval, he invited them to move to Egypt, explaining that they didn't even need to bring their old stuff because everything they could want or need would be provided.
Matthew 6: 14“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins."
When I think about all of the people from scripture that I'd like to meet, Joseph is definitely in my top ten. He's also the kind of person I'd like to know--or be related to--or be.
With God's help, if I can be humble, wise, diligent, and forgiving--like Joseph-- I think I'll also be in the process of becoming more like my Savior, Jesus. And because I know Him, I, too, have won life's lottery.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Forgetting to Remember...
Is it possible to be both blessed and cursed simultaneously? Apparently it is. Consider the plight of Joseph. His brothers sold him to Ishmaelite traders who then sold him to Potiphar, an Egyptian officer, and although he probably felt "cursed" to have been sold by his own flesh and blood, take a look at what Genesis 39:2 says:
The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master.
Today's passage, Genesis 38 through 40, offers several examples of Joseph's life's dilemmas. Because he was very handsome and well respected, Potiphar's wife decided that he was too appealing to resist. After several unsuccessful attempts at seducing him, she falsely accused him of trying to rape her. In turn, Joseph was thrown into prison for a crime he didn't commit, which must have felt like yet another curse.
Despite the way things seemed, God was still with Joseph--blessing and favoring him. During his unfair confinement, God allowed him to interpret the disturbing dreams of two of Pharaoh's imprisoned servants. He asked nothing in return except that the cup-bearer mention his situation to Pharaoh once he was released. Not too much to ask, I'd say, but what did the cup-bearer do? He promptly forgot his promise after being released.
I have been that cup-bearer--so quick to forget my promise to remember.
Early in my Christian experience when someone asked me to pray for (or remember) them, I always said I would, but the truth is, sometimes, I forgot. And that haunted me days, weeks, or years later when the specific situation was again brought to my attention. Recognizing my tendency to forget prompted me to institute a personal policy that I try to maintain to this day. When someone asks me to remember them in prayer, I pray immediately. Usually, I will ask if we can pray together, but if that doesn't seem appropriate for any reason, I pray as soon as possible.
This seems to serve me two ways. The first is that my conscience is clear that I've kept my promise, and second, I've discovered that I'm more likely to remember to continue to pray for the need or situation having already prayed once.
It's fairly easy to play the role of caring Christian, but it's more challenging to actually be one. Prayerfully remembering the needs of others is an important and reasonably light cup to bear, so Lord, please fill my cup until it overflows with the generous wine of your loving compassion, and if you will, add a spoonful of faithful remembering for good measure.
The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master.
Today's passage, Genesis 38 through 40, offers several examples of Joseph's life's dilemmas. Because he was very handsome and well respected, Potiphar's wife decided that he was too appealing to resist. After several unsuccessful attempts at seducing him, she falsely accused him of trying to rape her. In turn, Joseph was thrown into prison for a crime he didn't commit, which must have felt like yet another curse.
Despite the way things seemed, God was still with Joseph--blessing and favoring him. During his unfair confinement, God allowed him to interpret the disturbing dreams of two of Pharaoh's imprisoned servants. He asked nothing in return except that the cup-bearer mention his situation to Pharaoh once he was released. Not too much to ask, I'd say, but what did the cup-bearer do? He promptly forgot his promise after being released.
I have been that cup-bearer--so quick to forget my promise to remember.
Early in my Christian experience when someone asked me to pray for (or remember) them, I always said I would, but the truth is, sometimes, I forgot. And that haunted me days, weeks, or years later when the specific situation was again brought to my attention. Recognizing my tendency to forget prompted me to institute a personal policy that I try to maintain to this day. When someone asks me to remember them in prayer, I pray immediately. Usually, I will ask if we can pray together, but if that doesn't seem appropriate for any reason, I pray as soon as possible.
This seems to serve me two ways. The first is that my conscience is clear that I've kept my promise, and second, I've discovered that I'm more likely to remember to continue to pray for the need or situation having already prayed once.
It's fairly easy to play the role of caring Christian, but it's more challenging to actually be one. Prayerfully remembering the needs of others is an important and reasonably light cup to bear, so Lord, please fill my cup until it overflows with the generous wine of your loving compassion, and if you will, add a spoonful of faithful remembering for good measure.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Goodnight Green Monster
Genesis 30-37 continues the saga of Jacob's complicated life, including his wives' rivalry, his leaving Uncle Laban's household, his fathering of sons and a daughter, and his sons' jealousy of Rachel's first son, Joseph.
You've probably heard the story of young Joseph, favored by his father so much that he gave him a special coat resulting in bitter envy among his brothers.
The Merriam Webster definition of envy is: painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another, joined with a desire to possess the same advantage. Its definition of jealous is: hostile toward a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage.
Rachel was enviously jealous of Leah because she had sons, but Rachel was barren. Eventually, Rachel had a son, Joseph, whose brothers were enviously jealous of him because of his father's obvious favoritism.
In each case, envious jealousy resulted in undesirable outcomes. Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers and Rachel died giving birth to her second son.
As you have probably already discovered, there is always going to be someone who seems to have better or more favorable circumstances than you. But you can choose your response. And for your sake it should be genuinely and sincerely congratulatory. James 3:16 reminds us of this: ...wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
I've seen the consequences of envy and admit that I've had to fight that foe a time or two. But I've discovered it has a remedy. Thankfulness. Recognition of my own blessedness makes the temptation to envy much more easily resisted. Today, remember all the ways that you are blessed--and put the green monster to bed.
You've probably heard the story of young Joseph, favored by his father so much that he gave him a special coat resulting in bitter envy among his brothers.
The Merriam Webster definition of envy is: painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another, joined with a desire to possess the same advantage. Its definition of jealous is: hostile toward a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage.
Rachel was enviously jealous of Leah because she had sons, but Rachel was barren. Eventually, Rachel had a son, Joseph, whose brothers were enviously jealous of him because of his father's obvious favoritism.
In each case, envious jealousy resulted in undesirable outcomes. Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers and Rachel died giving birth to her second son.
As you have probably already discovered, there is always going to be someone who seems to have better or more favorable circumstances than you. But you can choose your response. And for your sake it should be genuinely and sincerely congratulatory. James 3:16 reminds us of this: ...wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
I've seen the consequences of envy and admit that I've had to fight that foe a time or two. But I've discovered it has a remedy. Thankfulness. Recognition of my own blessedness makes the temptation to envy much more easily resisted. Today, remember all the ways that you are blessed--and put the green monster to bed.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Nothing Can Compete with the One Who Can Complete...
Recently, it dawned on me that yesterday is today tomorrow. As I write about today's scripture, I can only hope that on one of the tomorrow's in the future, you will take to heart the priceless nuggets found in these chapters.
Genesis 25 through 29 includes the accounts of Rebekah's delivery of twin sons (Jacob and Esau); Jacob's betrayal of Isaac (he stole his brother Esau's blessing after already having stolen his birthright); and his flight from Canaan to escape his brother's threat of retaliation in the form of murder. Genesis, which means beginnings or origins, doesn't conceal the dirty deeds of some of history's early characters, nor are words minced with regard to the shenanigans they engaged in.
In order to escape his brother's murderous plans (and follow his parent's instructions not to marry a Canaanite woman) Jacob went to Paddan-Aram, to his Uncle Laban's house. There, he met the lovely young Rachel. The Bible explains that she was physically beautiful, but that she had an older sister Leah who wasn't so pretty.
Jacob agreed to work for Laban for seven years in order to win Rachel's hand in marriage, but Laban tricked Jacob on the wedding night, giving him Leah instead of Rachel. This story has always disturbed me in a, "this is really heartbreaking," sort of way--but not for Jacob, for Leah. You'd think the trickster Jacob who'd done something equally egregious to his own twin brother would have considered this his comeuppance so to speak. Instead, according to the scripture, he raged at Laban and asked why he'd tricked him.
He agreed to work seven more years for Rachel and was married to both women. Leah became pregnant and gave birth to four sons, each of whom were named according to the way she was feeling at the time of their births.
The first she named Reuben, signifying that The Lord had seen her misery and now her husband would love her. The second, Simeon, indicating that The Lord knew she was unloved and gave her another son. Her third son was named Levi, meaning that surely this time her husband would feel affection for her since she'd given him three sons. Finally, when her fourth son was born, she named him Judah, saying, "Now, I will praise The Lord."
There is nothing to indicate that Jacob was ever cruel to Leah, it was just obvious that he didn't passionately love her the same way he loved Rachel. And that hurt.
Leah hoped that bearing his children would compensate for whatever she lacked, but it didn't--and she finally accepted her helplessness to change that as indicated by the fourth son's name. Leah eventually redirected her focus from the desire to be loved by Jacob to her contentment with being loved by God.
When Leslie and David were teenagers and we talked about marriage, I gave them this advice: Don't marry someone you can live with, marry someone you can't live without. My hope for them was that they would have the sort of passionate connection with the person they married that Jacob had with Rachel (and vice versa).
I also shared with them that I believe it's best not to marry at all until they were where Leah was after her fourth child's arrival. So where was that? The "complete" place. That beautiful place where God is comforter, lover, provider, and source. Two halves don't make a whole--not in love and marriage at least. If you marry with the hope that your mate will make you whole, you are in for tremendous disappointment. Only God can do that. In him, there is fulfillment that another human cannot offer. Marriage is beautiful--but a person will not "complete" you. God alone does that. He did it for Leah, and he does it for each of us who will enter into a love relationship with him. Fall in love FIRST with the perfect lover. No love can compete with the one that will complete.
Genesis 25 through 29 includes the accounts of Rebekah's delivery of twin sons (Jacob and Esau); Jacob's betrayal of Isaac (he stole his brother Esau's blessing after already having stolen his birthright); and his flight from Canaan to escape his brother's threat of retaliation in the form of murder. Genesis, which means beginnings or origins, doesn't conceal the dirty deeds of some of history's early characters, nor are words minced with regard to the shenanigans they engaged in.
In order to escape his brother's murderous plans (and follow his parent's instructions not to marry a Canaanite woman) Jacob went to Paddan-Aram, to his Uncle Laban's house. There, he met the lovely young Rachel. The Bible explains that she was physically beautiful, but that she had an older sister Leah who wasn't so pretty.
Jacob agreed to work for Laban for seven years in order to win Rachel's hand in marriage, but Laban tricked Jacob on the wedding night, giving him Leah instead of Rachel. This story has always disturbed me in a, "this is really heartbreaking," sort of way--but not for Jacob, for Leah. You'd think the trickster Jacob who'd done something equally egregious to his own twin brother would have considered this his comeuppance so to speak. Instead, according to the scripture, he raged at Laban and asked why he'd tricked him.
He agreed to work seven more years for Rachel and was married to both women. Leah became pregnant and gave birth to four sons, each of whom were named according to the way she was feeling at the time of their births.
The first she named Reuben, signifying that The Lord had seen her misery and now her husband would love her. The second, Simeon, indicating that The Lord knew she was unloved and gave her another son. Her third son was named Levi, meaning that surely this time her husband would feel affection for her since she'd given him three sons. Finally, when her fourth son was born, she named him Judah, saying, "Now, I will praise The Lord."
There is nothing to indicate that Jacob was ever cruel to Leah, it was just obvious that he didn't passionately love her the same way he loved Rachel. And that hurt.
Leah hoped that bearing his children would compensate for whatever she lacked, but it didn't--and she finally accepted her helplessness to change that as indicated by the fourth son's name. Leah eventually redirected her focus from the desire to be loved by Jacob to her contentment with being loved by God.
When Leslie and David were teenagers and we talked about marriage, I gave them this advice: Don't marry someone you can live with, marry someone you can't live without. My hope for them was that they would have the sort of passionate connection with the person they married that Jacob had with Rachel (and vice versa).
I also shared with them that I believe it's best not to marry at all until they were where Leah was after her fourth child's arrival. So where was that? The "complete" place. That beautiful place where God is comforter, lover, provider, and source. Two halves don't make a whole--not in love and marriage at least. If you marry with the hope that your mate will make you whole, you are in for tremendous disappointment. Only God can do that. In him, there is fulfillment that another human cannot offer. Marriage is beautiful--but a person will not "complete" you. God alone does that. He did it for Leah, and he does it for each of us who will enter into a love relationship with him. Fall in love FIRST with the perfect lover. No love can compete with the one that will complete.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Once Upon a Time There Lived...
Who doesn't delight in a great love story? Romeo and Juliet, Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe, Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester, Maria and Colonel Von Trapp, Isaac and Rebekah...
What? You wouldn't have included Isaac and Rebekah among the list of lovers whose stories captivate and inspire?
In today's scripture (Genesis 22-24) there is the account of Abraham's test of faith by God during which God instructs him to sacrifice his promised son Isaac on an altar (a rich reminder of God's faithful provision); Sarah's death and burial; and finally, the selection of Isaac's wife.
According to the verses in chapter 24, Abraham instructed that Isaac's wife not be chosen from among the local Canaanite women. Instead, she should be from his homeland. The details he provided were very specific, and the story of how Rebekah became Isaac's wife is not just touching, it is remarkable in the sense that only God's intervention and direct answer to prayer could have orchestrated their love symphony.
Rather than retelling something that you really need to read for yourself, I prefer to mention the things about this story that I find intriguing.
First, Abraham wanted his son's wife to be someone who shared the same faith as his family. He specifically rejected the local women. The Canaanite's were different--they didn't worship God as Abraham and his family did--and that was the first and most important reason not to select a wife from the community. To this day, marrying someone outside your faith can pose heart- wrenching challenges--particularly when children come along.
Second, Abraham specified that once a suitable mate was found, she must move to Canaan rather than Isaac moving to her hometown. God had instructed Abraham to settle in Canaan and had promised that this land would belong to his ancestors. As a result, it was out of the question for Isaac to relocate. It's possible that in addition to Abraham's commitment to being obedient to God, this stipulation also indicates a character quality that Isaac's wife would possess--she would be a girl who was ready to leave and cleave. As I read the account of Rebekah's response when asked by her family if she wanted to go, my admiration for her multiplies. She had never even seen the man who would be her husband, yet she trusted that this was God's plan and she submitted to it willingly.
Finally, there can be no doubt that prayer played a major role in this love drama. Abraham's servant expressed his heart to God regarding how he might know which young woman was to be Isaac's wife and God opened the heavenly hatch and rained down an undeniably clear confirmation when Rebekah showed up.
Wow. Did you know that you don't have to play a guessing game with God if your heart is right and your prayer is pure? I can tell you this, I will be praying for you all, just as I prayed for my own children, that God will protect each of you from marrying anyone other than the person he deems best for you. And as you wait to find Mr. or Miss Right, don't allow impatience, passion, or physical attraction to play a role in the process unless and until you have first received the clear and definite green light from God.
After George won my heart so many years ago, I prayed a very difficult prayer. I asked The Lord to show me if there was any reason that we weren't supposed to be together. I prayed that God would allow our relationship to end unless we would have his blessing. All these years later, I have no regrets for having made that request. I think my willingness to walk away from something so important to me if God wasn't in it has made our years together all the more precious.
For this and so many other reasons, I believe in the power of prayer. I pray that you will have the faith to know that if it is God's will for you to marry, he will never ask you to make any compromise or settle for someone who doesn't love and cherish you according to Biblical prescription.
My precious ones, God can and will lead you--and at just the right time, in just the right way--you will meet the person he has for you. Fairy tale endings are not just for the movies and novels. Isaac and Rebekah were real people, and God wrote their love story. Please... let Him write yours, too.
Genesis 24: 67 And Isaac brought Rebekah into his mother Sarah’s tent, and she became his wife. He loved her deeply, and she was a special comfort to him after the death of his mother.NLT
What? You wouldn't have included Isaac and Rebekah among the list of lovers whose stories captivate and inspire?
In today's scripture (Genesis 22-24) there is the account of Abraham's test of faith by God during which God instructs him to sacrifice his promised son Isaac on an altar (a rich reminder of God's faithful provision); Sarah's death and burial; and finally, the selection of Isaac's wife.
According to the verses in chapter 24, Abraham instructed that Isaac's wife not be chosen from among the local Canaanite women. Instead, she should be from his homeland. The details he provided were very specific, and the story of how Rebekah became Isaac's wife is not just touching, it is remarkable in the sense that only God's intervention and direct answer to prayer could have orchestrated their love symphony.
Rather than retelling something that you really need to read for yourself, I prefer to mention the things about this story that I find intriguing.
First, Abraham wanted his son's wife to be someone who shared the same faith as his family. He specifically rejected the local women. The Canaanite's were different--they didn't worship God as Abraham and his family did--and that was the first and most important reason not to select a wife from the community. To this day, marrying someone outside your faith can pose heart- wrenching challenges--particularly when children come along.
Second, Abraham specified that once a suitable mate was found, she must move to Canaan rather than Isaac moving to her hometown. God had instructed Abraham to settle in Canaan and had promised that this land would belong to his ancestors. As a result, it was out of the question for Isaac to relocate. It's possible that in addition to Abraham's commitment to being obedient to God, this stipulation also indicates a character quality that Isaac's wife would possess--she would be a girl who was ready to leave and cleave. As I read the account of Rebekah's response when asked by her family if she wanted to go, my admiration for her multiplies. She had never even seen the man who would be her husband, yet she trusted that this was God's plan and she submitted to it willingly.
Finally, there can be no doubt that prayer played a major role in this love drama. Abraham's servant expressed his heart to God regarding how he might know which young woman was to be Isaac's wife and God opened the heavenly hatch and rained down an undeniably clear confirmation when Rebekah showed up.
Wow. Did you know that you don't have to play a guessing game with God if your heart is right and your prayer is pure? I can tell you this, I will be praying for you all, just as I prayed for my own children, that God will protect each of you from marrying anyone other than the person he deems best for you. And as you wait to find Mr. or Miss Right, don't allow impatience, passion, or physical attraction to play a role in the process unless and until you have first received the clear and definite green light from God.
After George won my heart so many years ago, I prayed a very difficult prayer. I asked The Lord to show me if there was any reason that we weren't supposed to be together. I prayed that God would allow our relationship to end unless we would have his blessing. All these years later, I have no regrets for having made that request. I think my willingness to walk away from something so important to me if God wasn't in it has made our years together all the more precious.
For this and so many other reasons, I believe in the power of prayer. I pray that you will have the faith to know that if it is God's will for you to marry, he will never ask you to make any compromise or settle for someone who doesn't love and cherish you according to Biblical prescription.
My precious ones, God can and will lead you--and at just the right time, in just the right way--you will meet the person he has for you. Fairy tale endings are not just for the movies and novels. Isaac and Rebekah were real people, and God wrote their love story. Please... let Him write yours, too.
Genesis 24: 67 And Isaac brought Rebekah into his mother Sarah’s tent, and she became his wife. He loved her deeply, and she was a special comfort to him after the death of his mother.NLT
Friday, January 16, 2009
Sadda Minga Morah! Yada Yada Yada...
I was almost sixteen when I landed my first real job at a Hallmark Card shop at the mall. I was excited about new responsibilities and opportunities, but more than that I was thrilled with the idea of having my own source of income. At the store, I rang up purchases in the cash register, counted back change (without the assistance of a computer or calculator--do kids still learn how to do that?) organized greeting cards, dusted shelves, and even learned how to enter the day's receipts into a general ledger. By hand. Today, just putting that in writing makes me sound ancient and the processes archaic, but oh how I loved it all.
After turning sixteen, I was able to drive myself to work, and it was on one of those blissfully beautiful days that I stopped at McDonald's for lunch before reporting for my Saturday afternoon shift. I sat alone enjoying the happy meal that I'd paid for all by myself, and listened as a golden arches employee sang with a heavy foreign (French?) accent as she cleaned a nearby table. I happened to be the only person in the section at the time and I vividly recall her looking at me curiously just before saying, "Ah so reedy for Christ come back, dis world one beeg sadda minga morah, no?"
I nodded my head in agreement, but had absolutely no idea what I'd just affirmed. She smiled. I smiled. And I filed in my memory bank that I'd need to ask my mother if she'd ever heard of a sadda minga morah when I got off work that night.
That evening, my mother explained that God had destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and that was probably what the girl had been talking about. It seemed to fit. After all, I had been able to ascertain that she'd referred to Christ, and she also seemed to be implying something bad about the world. Hmm. I didn't know that God had actually destroyed anything after he'd sent the flood, so I was both troubled and intrigued.
Today's scripture passage is Genesis 19-21. And yes, it's all about God's destruction of "Sadda Minga Morah"--places I first heard of at Micky D's one Saturday in 1974.
Scholars and thinkers have argued about this passage. Many are determined to offer a substitutionary reason for the destruction of these cities other than the pervasive homosexuality that was specifically mentioned in Chapter 19, verse 5. Some wishful thinkers hope to convince their audiences that the meaning of the Hebrew word, yada, which means "to know," meant that and only that in this reference, suggesting that the men of the city wanted to "interrogate" the angels who were staying with Lot. The many other passages that refer to the text, along with the precedent of the word's meaning in prior verses strongly suggest otherwise.
So what might be the primary takeaway from these chapters today? That God hates homosexuals and will destroy the cities (or countries) they live in? I don't think so. In fact, I know not. God doesn't hate specific people, God hates sin. He hated it in the garden, he hated it here, and he hates it now. Abraham did not have a really good frame of reference for God's hatred of sin prior to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. But as he watched the cities smolder in the days that followed, there could be no doubt.
My children, God is serious about sin. He recognizes its destructive power and he despises its wicked ability to blind us to the priority of his purposes and the potential of his love. My message for you is this: Sin--any sin, all sin, leads to death--eternal, complete and total separation from God. But just as he had mercy on Lot and his daughters by allowing them to escape the city before its annihilation, he offers mercy to us today. His offer is beautiful, precious, and free--but not cheap. He allowed his own Son, Jesus Christ, to be born into this sin-filled world so that he could live perfectly, sinlessly, and ultimately painfully in our place.
In order to escape destruction, (for we, too, have sinned grievously) scripture says we are to confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised him from the dead. (Romans 10:9) What a small price to pay for the things we've done to break his heart. What a huge sacrifice he made so that we could escape the punishment we deserve.
Thank you Father, that Christ's death is sufficient to cover my sins, and that you've offered the same to every person who by faith would be saved from separation from you.
After turning sixteen, I was able to drive myself to work, and it was on one of those blissfully beautiful days that I stopped at McDonald's for lunch before reporting for my Saturday afternoon shift. I sat alone enjoying the happy meal that I'd paid for all by myself, and listened as a golden arches employee sang with a heavy foreign (French?) accent as she cleaned a nearby table. I happened to be the only person in the section at the time and I vividly recall her looking at me curiously just before saying, "Ah so reedy for Christ come back, dis world one beeg sadda minga morah, no?"
I nodded my head in agreement, but had absolutely no idea what I'd just affirmed. She smiled. I smiled. And I filed in my memory bank that I'd need to ask my mother if she'd ever heard of a sadda minga morah when I got off work that night.
That evening, my mother explained that God had destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and that was probably what the girl had been talking about. It seemed to fit. After all, I had been able to ascertain that she'd referred to Christ, and she also seemed to be implying something bad about the world. Hmm. I didn't know that God had actually destroyed anything after he'd sent the flood, so I was both troubled and intrigued.
Today's scripture passage is Genesis 19-21. And yes, it's all about God's destruction of "Sadda Minga Morah"--places I first heard of at Micky D's one Saturday in 1974.
Scholars and thinkers have argued about this passage. Many are determined to offer a substitutionary reason for the destruction of these cities other than the pervasive homosexuality that was specifically mentioned in Chapter 19, verse 5. Some wishful thinkers hope to convince their audiences that the meaning of the Hebrew word, yada, which means "to know," meant that and only that in this reference, suggesting that the men of the city wanted to "interrogate" the angels who were staying with Lot. The many other passages that refer to the text, along with the precedent of the word's meaning in prior verses strongly suggest otherwise.
So what might be the primary takeaway from these chapters today? That God hates homosexuals and will destroy the cities (or countries) they live in? I don't think so. In fact, I know not. God doesn't hate specific people, God hates sin. He hated it in the garden, he hated it here, and he hates it now. Abraham did not have a really good frame of reference for God's hatred of sin prior to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. But as he watched the cities smolder in the days that followed, there could be no doubt.
My children, God is serious about sin. He recognizes its destructive power and he despises its wicked ability to blind us to the priority of his purposes and the potential of his love. My message for you is this: Sin--any sin, all sin, leads to death--eternal, complete and total separation from God. But just as he had mercy on Lot and his daughters by allowing them to escape the city before its annihilation, he offers mercy to us today. His offer is beautiful, precious, and free--but not cheap. He allowed his own Son, Jesus Christ, to be born into this sin-filled world so that he could live perfectly, sinlessly, and ultimately painfully in our place.
In order to escape destruction, (for we, too, have sinned grievously) scripture says we are to confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised him from the dead. (Romans 10:9) What a small price to pay for the things we've done to break his heart. What a huge sacrifice he made so that we could escape the punishment we deserve.
Thank you Father, that Christ's death is sufficient to cover my sins, and that you've offered the same to every person who by faith would be saved from separation from you.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
...to those who wait
Yesterday, Abram was commended by God for his believing faith, but today's scripture passage reveals an impatient man with whom I can identify. Chapters 16-18 of Genesis tell of God's renaming of Abram (he is named Abraham signifying God's promise to make him the father of great nations) and his eventual taking of matters into his own hands because he was quite old and still childless.
I have read through this account on many prior occasions and still, each time, something new about the story gives me pause. Today, my mind drifted to world headlines. Osama Bin Laden has issued a new call for jihad against Israel because of the conflict in Gaza. Oh, if only old Abraham had been able to foresee the serious consequences of his decision all those years ago.
Abraham, the faith-filled man who was promised descendants too numerous to count, waited on God for a long time, but when God hadn't come through according to his expectations, he decided to help Him out.
In truth, Abraham isn't solely responsible for the bad decision. He was urged by his wife Sarai (Sarah) to consider another route to parenthood since things didn't appear to be going as God had promised. I have to remind myself as I read that this was a very different time and culture, and although Sarah's suggestion that Abraham try to conceive with her servant Hagar seems unthinkable to me, it was not an uncommon practice at the time.
After Hagar became pregnant, the bickering started. She and Sarah were at each other's throats and eventually things got so bad that she decided to run away. It was when she was at her lowest that God sent an angel to visit her. Here's what happened next:
Genesis 16:
11 And the angel also said, “You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You are to name him Ishmael (which means ‘God hears’), for the Lord has heard your cry of distress. 12 This son of yours will be a wild man, as untamed as a wild donkey! He will raise his fist against everyone, and everyone will be against him. Yes, he will live in open hostility against all his relatives.” 13 Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.”NLT
What a picture of simultaneous beauty and tragedy. God saw Hagar. I believe he also sees me. And you. And every believer who calls to him in times of distress. Not only that, but he cares. He heard her and knew her by name. How beautiful! But hearing that her child would raise his fist against everyone and that everyone would be against him would not be easy.
We'll see later (Genesis 25) that Ishmael had 12 sons who became 12 tribes, all settling in the lands that comprise the Arab nations to this day. Isn't it curious that his (Ishmael's) descendants have been in conflict with the descendants of the child that God soon gave Abraham and Sarah (Isaac) ever since.
The price for self-reliance and impatience was tremendous in this case. It's difficult to imagine or even consider the possibility that a choice to take matters into my own hands rather than waiting on God might affect generations to come, but that is exactly what happened in this situation.
I have been impatient. I have tried to manipulate circumstances for the purpose of hastening a desired outcome. But almost without exception the results have been unpleasant (if not destructive). I so wish that my mistakes could spare you the painful price of impatience. God's plan is always better than anything our best conniving can conjure. He can always be trusted (he is the God who sees and hears). He seldom seems early (waiting tests and teaches). He is never late (his timing is perfect).
So...wait my sweet grandchildren. And when you have waited, wait some more if you have to, because what he has said, he will do, and what he does will be for your best.
I have read through this account on many prior occasions and still, each time, something new about the story gives me pause. Today, my mind drifted to world headlines. Osama Bin Laden has issued a new call for jihad against Israel because of the conflict in Gaza. Oh, if only old Abraham had been able to foresee the serious consequences of his decision all those years ago.
Abraham, the faith-filled man who was promised descendants too numerous to count, waited on God for a long time, but when God hadn't come through according to his expectations, he decided to help Him out.
In truth, Abraham isn't solely responsible for the bad decision. He was urged by his wife Sarai (Sarah) to consider another route to parenthood since things didn't appear to be going as God had promised. I have to remind myself as I read that this was a very different time and culture, and although Sarah's suggestion that Abraham try to conceive with her servant Hagar seems unthinkable to me, it was not an uncommon practice at the time.
After Hagar became pregnant, the bickering started. She and Sarah were at each other's throats and eventually things got so bad that she decided to run away. It was when she was at her lowest that God sent an angel to visit her. Here's what happened next:
Genesis 16:
11 And the angel also said, “You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You are to name him Ishmael (which means ‘God hears’), for the Lord has heard your cry of distress. 12 This son of yours will be a wild man, as untamed as a wild donkey! He will raise his fist against everyone, and everyone will be against him. Yes, he will live in open hostility against all his relatives.” 13 Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.”NLT
What a picture of simultaneous beauty and tragedy. God saw Hagar. I believe he also sees me. And you. And every believer who calls to him in times of distress. Not only that, but he cares. He heard her and knew her by name. How beautiful! But hearing that her child would raise his fist against everyone and that everyone would be against him would not be easy.
We'll see later (Genesis 25) that Ishmael had 12 sons who became 12 tribes, all settling in the lands that comprise the Arab nations to this day. Isn't it curious that his (Ishmael's) descendants have been in conflict with the descendants of the child that God soon gave Abraham and Sarah (Isaac) ever since.
The price for self-reliance and impatience was tremendous in this case. It's difficult to imagine or even consider the possibility that a choice to take matters into my own hands rather than waiting on God might affect generations to come, but that is exactly what happened in this situation.
I have been impatient. I have tried to manipulate circumstances for the purpose of hastening a desired outcome. But almost without exception the results have been unpleasant (if not destructive). I so wish that my mistakes could spare you the painful price of impatience. God's plan is always better than anything our best conniving can conjure. He can always be trusted (he is the God who sees and hears). He seldom seems early (waiting tests and teaches). He is never late (his timing is perfect).
So...wait my sweet grandchildren. And when you have waited, wait some more if you have to, because what he has said, he will do, and what he does will be for your best.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Trust and Obey
Ironically, I wasn't a huge history fan when I was a high school student. Passing tests was my only motivation for all the fact memorizing I did when I was required to endure that once a day torture. Because of my former dislike of the subject, I find it amusing in a "God sure does have a sense of humor" sort of way, that I feel compelled to study scripture in order of the historical occurrence of its events. This is not something I've ever aspired to, but without a doubt I know it's important and will continue to serve me spiritually.
Yesterday brought to an end my look at Job's life and trials, and today's passage, Genesis 12 through 15, introduces Abram with the announcement of God's command that he leave his home. These four chapters are filled with historical references to places and people who lived thousands of years ago, yet archaeologists have discovered evidence of the existence of these ancient civilizations--a fascinating additional confirmation to me of the Bible's reliability.
Abram, a man who had lived most of his life in a place called Haran, was instructed by God to move. God told him to leave his father's family, his relatives and his native country, and go to a place that he'd show him.
I have only moved seven times in my life, never relocating more than ten miles away from a prior residence. Statistics suggest that I am a few moves behind the average American who packs it all up and relocates about every five years, and I am definitely an anomaly in terms of my having stayed so close to the place of my birth. As a result, I'm quite taken by Abram's immediate, unquestioning obedience. I can only speculate, but knowing myself so well, the following questions would be in my head even if they didn't exit my mouth if God appeared to me with similar instructions. First, why? Then, where? Next, is this really necessary, you know I hate moving Lord. And finally--Leave my family? Seriously? You know how tight we are!
But not Abram. He obeyed. He packed and left. Without negotiating, interrogating, or aggravating God, he simply did as he was asked.
Yesterday, for a millisecond and a half, I was tempted to apply for a position that was advertised on the web as the "world's best job". It was described like this:
The "island caretaker" would be expected to stroll the white sands, soak up the sun, snorkel the reef, "maybe clean the pool" — and report to a global audience via weekly blogs, photo diaries and video updates. The winner, who will stay rent-free in a multimillion-dollar three-bedroom beach home complete with pool and golf cart, must be an excellent communicator and be able to speak and write in English. The job was located on an island in Australia.
I can swim. And speak and write in English. I have some pool cleaning experience, and everything else sounds doable. So...why not? Because on the off chance (what are the odds?) that I got it, I don't want to leave my family for even six weeks. I'm a hopeless homebody, what can I say?
I learned when I traveled with Discovery Jones Expeditions that two weeks was the maximum amount of time I could stand being on the road, and even that was difficult regardless of the exotic location or adventurous activities I was experiencing.
Abram's obedience inspires me. It also convicts me. God did not tell Abram where he was leading him, but Abram followed his command in a manner reminiscent of a trained puppy who obeys it's master without concern for what may be ahead. Maybe that's a terrible analogy. God forbid that I'd offend You with an unsuitable metaphor pertaining to something that is holy, but that is genuinely the impression this makes because even small children are prone to ignore or rebel against parental instruction.
Chapter 15 verse 6 says, And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.
He believed that the Lord would never lead him in a wrong direction, so he followed. Obediently.
While Leslie and David were growing up, George and I discovered the benefit of clarifying our expectations. We specifically emphasized our definition of obedience. Ask either of them and they'll say: It's doing what you're told, when you're told, WITH the right heart attitude. All three components were necessary in our opinion, and omission of any element meant partial disobedience. I still think it's a good definition, and I believe that if it blessed me as a mother when my own children were obedient, it's likely to please God when I obey him.
Today, my earnest prayer is that by faith, I will practice immediate, unquestioning, right heart attitude obedience to whatever God prompts, and that he recognizes my desire to do as he commands even if I don't know where he is leading. Because I trust.
Yesterday brought to an end my look at Job's life and trials, and today's passage, Genesis 12 through 15, introduces Abram with the announcement of God's command that he leave his home. These four chapters are filled with historical references to places and people who lived thousands of years ago, yet archaeologists have discovered evidence of the existence of these ancient civilizations--a fascinating additional confirmation to me of the Bible's reliability.
Abram, a man who had lived most of his life in a place called Haran, was instructed by God to move. God told him to leave his father's family, his relatives and his native country, and go to a place that he'd show him.
I have only moved seven times in my life, never relocating more than ten miles away from a prior residence. Statistics suggest that I am a few moves behind the average American who packs it all up and relocates about every five years, and I am definitely an anomaly in terms of my having stayed so close to the place of my birth. As a result, I'm quite taken by Abram's immediate, unquestioning obedience. I can only speculate, but knowing myself so well, the following questions would be in my head even if they didn't exit my mouth if God appeared to me with similar instructions. First, why? Then, where? Next, is this really necessary, you know I hate moving Lord. And finally--Leave my family? Seriously? You know how tight we are!
But not Abram. He obeyed. He packed and left. Without negotiating, interrogating, or aggravating God, he simply did as he was asked.
Yesterday, for a millisecond and a half, I was tempted to apply for a position that was advertised on the web as the "world's best job". It was described like this:
The "island caretaker" would be expected to stroll the white sands, soak up the sun, snorkel the reef, "maybe clean the pool" — and report to a global audience via weekly blogs, photo diaries and video updates. The winner, who will stay rent-free in a multimillion-dollar three-bedroom beach home complete with pool and golf cart, must be an excellent communicator and be able to speak and write in English. The job was located on an island in Australia.
I can swim. And speak and write in English. I have some pool cleaning experience, and everything else sounds doable. So...why not? Because on the off chance (what are the odds?) that I got it, I don't want to leave my family for even six weeks. I'm a hopeless homebody, what can I say?
I learned when I traveled with Discovery Jones Expeditions that two weeks was the maximum amount of time I could stand being on the road, and even that was difficult regardless of the exotic location or adventurous activities I was experiencing.
Abram's obedience inspires me. It also convicts me. God did not tell Abram where he was leading him, but Abram followed his command in a manner reminiscent of a trained puppy who obeys it's master without concern for what may be ahead. Maybe that's a terrible analogy. God forbid that I'd offend You with an unsuitable metaphor pertaining to something that is holy, but that is genuinely the impression this makes because even small children are prone to ignore or rebel against parental instruction.
Chapter 15 verse 6 says, And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.
He believed that the Lord would never lead him in a wrong direction, so he followed. Obediently.
While Leslie and David were growing up, George and I discovered the benefit of clarifying our expectations. We specifically emphasized our definition of obedience. Ask either of them and they'll say: It's doing what you're told, when you're told, WITH the right heart attitude. All three components were necessary in our opinion, and omission of any element meant partial disobedience. I still think it's a good definition, and I believe that if it blessed me as a mother when my own children were obedient, it's likely to please God when I obey him.
Today, my earnest prayer is that by faith, I will practice immediate, unquestioning, right heart attitude obedience to whatever God prompts, and that he recognizes my desire to do as he commands even if I don't know where he is leading. Because I trust.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Who's the boss...
I have eagerly awaited today's passage since beginning this Job journey. Chapters 38 through 42 highlight God's authority and majesty as he answers Job and his friends.
Reading through God's resume is astounding, and Job's subsequent appreciation of his comparative nothingness and powerlessness is convicting.
Take a look at these verses from chapter 42 as Job replies to The Lord,
2 “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. 3 You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. 4 You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’ 5 I had only heard about you before,
but now I have seen you with my own eyes. 6 I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.”NLT
I think the subject of today's entry has to be control. Or maybe the lack thereof.
The truth is, we are not in control. Sometimes, I fool myself--thinking that I am, that somehow I can wield a measure of change-invoking power, but the truth is, in most circumstances that is not the case.
Books and magazine articles, television shows and news stories have suggested throughout my lifetime that it's possible for people to control their destinies--and I'd be dishonest if I didn't confess that the idea appeals to my flesh nature. But in reality, it is only true with respect to the fact that one's personal choices generally affect his or her life course.
As far back as I can recall though, I wanted to be in control. Our childhood playhouse was headquarters for our neighborhood club--and I was the president. I was a great order-giver, especially after I'd designated my youngest sister "club gopher," a title she proudly assumed, unaware that my intention would be for her to "go for this, and go for that," whenever we needed something from the house.
It's entirely possible that my desire for control may have even guided my initial career path in medicine. I think maybe a quest for knowledge about the human body, its intricacies and complexities, its fragility and resilience, was prompted in part by a desire to manage my health and the health of my patients. Unfortunately, it also afforded me knowledge of human errors, those big and little huh-ohs that have made me fearful to relinquish control even when I should.
As an example, years ago my doctor recommended surgery for an ongoing health issue that I've battled since my late 20's. I wanted (and knew I needed) the surgery, but I was just not willing to submit to general anesthesia without a guarantee that the procedure would be successful--and she couldn't offer that. Stupid? Maybe. But like I said, I don't like giving up control, and I do not want to be unconscious unless it's medically unavoidable.
In contrast, a friend of mine loves surgery because of the anesthesia. She made the remark to me one time that there is no sleep as enjoyable as the restful peace she feels after a good sodium pentothal drip. I listened in amazement to her statement, comparing our two vastly dissimilar opinions of the same process, and I found myself envious of her childlike confidence in doctors. Confidence that I liken to the kind of trust--no, faith-- that the awesome God who answered Job in his distress deserves.
A line from a song that was sung years ago by the group First Call comes to mind as I consider his infinite power and greatness:
I may not know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future...
and isn't that what it's all about in the end? Trusting that because God is in control we can know peace when all the world around us cries in fearful unrest is a beautiful gift that he offers to all who will receive it.
Job humbly recognized that he was not in control because of his suffering. Tonight, I praise God that he has revealed this to us through his Word. Our Holy God, the creator and sustainer, maker and keeper of the universe, the one who holds back the oceans and makes the sun rise in the morning is almighty, all powerful, all knowing, and ever present, and he alone is in control.
There are life functions that I can control at this point (what I eat, drink, read, watch, do, and say) but the truly important stuff is all up to him, and in my heart of hearts I am so very glad that I can trust the controller whose ways are infinitely higher than my ignorantly bossy mind can comprehend.
Reading through God's resume is astounding, and Job's subsequent appreciation of his comparative nothingness and powerlessness is convicting.
Take a look at these verses from chapter 42 as Job replies to The Lord,
2 “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. 3 You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. 4 You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’ 5 I had only heard about you before,
but now I have seen you with my own eyes. 6 I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.”NLT
I think the subject of today's entry has to be control. Or maybe the lack thereof.
The truth is, we are not in control. Sometimes, I fool myself--thinking that I am, that somehow I can wield a measure of change-invoking power, but the truth is, in most circumstances that is not the case.
Books and magazine articles, television shows and news stories have suggested throughout my lifetime that it's possible for people to control their destinies--and I'd be dishonest if I didn't confess that the idea appeals to my flesh nature. But in reality, it is only true with respect to the fact that one's personal choices generally affect his or her life course.
As far back as I can recall though, I wanted to be in control. Our childhood playhouse was headquarters for our neighborhood club--and I was the president. I was a great order-giver, especially after I'd designated my youngest sister "club gopher," a title she proudly assumed, unaware that my intention would be for her to "go for this, and go for that," whenever we needed something from the house.
It's entirely possible that my desire for control may have even guided my initial career path in medicine. I think maybe a quest for knowledge about the human body, its intricacies and complexities, its fragility and resilience, was prompted in part by a desire to manage my health and the health of my patients. Unfortunately, it also afforded me knowledge of human errors, those big and little huh-ohs that have made me fearful to relinquish control even when I should.
As an example, years ago my doctor recommended surgery for an ongoing health issue that I've battled since my late 20's. I wanted (and knew I needed) the surgery, but I was just not willing to submit to general anesthesia without a guarantee that the procedure would be successful--and she couldn't offer that. Stupid? Maybe. But like I said, I don't like giving up control, and I do not want to be unconscious unless it's medically unavoidable.
In contrast, a friend of mine loves surgery because of the anesthesia. She made the remark to me one time that there is no sleep as enjoyable as the restful peace she feels after a good sodium pentothal drip. I listened in amazement to her statement, comparing our two vastly dissimilar opinions of the same process, and I found myself envious of her childlike confidence in doctors. Confidence that I liken to the kind of trust--no, faith-- that the awesome God who answered Job in his distress deserves.
A line from a song that was sung years ago by the group First Call comes to mind as I consider his infinite power and greatness:
I may not know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future...
and isn't that what it's all about in the end? Trusting that because God is in control we can know peace when all the world around us cries in fearful unrest is a beautiful gift that he offers to all who will receive it.
Job humbly recognized that he was not in control because of his suffering. Tonight, I praise God that he has revealed this to us through his Word. Our Holy God, the creator and sustainer, maker and keeper of the universe, the one who holds back the oceans and makes the sun rise in the morning is almighty, all powerful, all knowing, and ever present, and he alone is in control.
There are life functions that I can control at this point (what I eat, drink, read, watch, do, and say) but the truly important stuff is all up to him, and in my heart of hearts I am so very glad that I can trust the controller whose ways are infinitely higher than my ignorantly bossy mind can comprehend.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Be thou my vision...
Job 29-37 covers incredible territory and I'm finding it difficult to narrow down this treasure trove to just one primary focus, but seeing as how that is my goal, I'll take two words from this sentence and go from there.
The first word I want to highlight is "focus". It is apparent at this point in my reading that Job's life focus was to live blamelessly before God.
The second word I'll lift from my initial sentence is "seeing". Verses 1-4 of chapter 31 reads:
1 “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust at a young woman. 2 For what has God above chosen for us? What is our inheritance from the Almighty on high? 3 Isn’t it calamity for the wicked and misfortune for those who do evil? 4 Doesn’t he see everything I do and every step I take? NLT
With our eyes, we see and we focus. Job's sight was fixed on God and his focus was righteous living.
My mother's father was one of at least eleven children. Four of his siblings (as far as my mother can remember) were blind. I don't know if I ever met any of those blind great aunts or uncles, I probably did, but I heard about them all my life--specifically, Uncle Fred.
I remember hearing about his braille Bible and being told that he really didn't need it because he'd memorized it in its entirety. I also have a recollection of my mother telling me that he graduated from Duke--the Divinity school if I'm not mistaken--quite a feat for a blind student so long ago. It seems that despite his physical blindness, he could see spiritually. From what I'm told, his lack of eyesight did not prevent him from accomplishing remarkable things.
"Seeing" is a precious gift, but it is entirely possible for one to "see," yet still be blind; to have sight, but no vision. Job saw and confessed that God had all authority and all power. Despite his dismal circumstances, his vision of God's greatness never wavered.
Job's covenant with his eyes was just one of a long list of determined decisions that he mentioned related to the values he would not compromise. His awareness that God would be dishonored by lust compelled him to "covenant" with his eyes not to go there. If you know anything about the word covenant, you know it means something much deeper than a commitment or promise, it's a binding agreement between two parties that is not to be broken.
How can a young man or young woman make such a bold commitment or covenant today? When television channels, mall windows, billboards, movies, and novels all bear provocative images that are specifically designed to arouse our flesh, is this a battle we can win? And does God still care about how we respond to what our eyes see all these years after this man Job lived? The Bible says that he is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8) --so the answer is, YES.
Recently, we've been discussing in our family how subtly the world creeps in with its unholiness and ungodliness, intent on deceiving us with enticements. Sometimes, we patronize the same shops, watch the same movies, read the same books, and watch the same television channels as our non-believing neighbors...and then wonder why it seems that our once vibrant fellowship with God now seems less than amazing.
I'm convinced that it's time to make my own eye covenant--time to focus only on pure, right, honorable, lovely, admirable, true, excellent and praiseworthy things (Philippians 4:8) instead of following the lead of this blind world. Vision and sight are not the same. Uncle Fred's eyes didn't work, but his vision was perfect--he saw that God could use him despite his physical limitations, so he devoted himself to study and preparation for Christian service and ministry.
Today, my prayer is this: If I ever follow blindly, let it be only you, Lord, who is leading. Be thou my vision.
The first word I want to highlight is "focus". It is apparent at this point in my reading that Job's life focus was to live blamelessly before God.
The second word I'll lift from my initial sentence is "seeing". Verses 1-4 of chapter 31 reads:
1 “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust at a young woman. 2 For what has God above chosen for us? What is our inheritance from the Almighty on high? 3 Isn’t it calamity for the wicked and misfortune for those who do evil? 4 Doesn’t he see everything I do and every step I take? NLT
With our eyes, we see and we focus. Job's sight was fixed on God and his focus was righteous living.
My mother's father was one of at least eleven children. Four of his siblings (as far as my mother can remember) were blind. I don't know if I ever met any of those blind great aunts or uncles, I probably did, but I heard about them all my life--specifically, Uncle Fred.
I remember hearing about his braille Bible and being told that he really didn't need it because he'd memorized it in its entirety. I also have a recollection of my mother telling me that he graduated from Duke--the Divinity school if I'm not mistaken--quite a feat for a blind student so long ago. It seems that despite his physical blindness, he could see spiritually. From what I'm told, his lack of eyesight did not prevent him from accomplishing remarkable things.
"Seeing" is a precious gift, but it is entirely possible for one to "see," yet still be blind; to have sight, but no vision. Job saw and confessed that God had all authority and all power. Despite his dismal circumstances, his vision of God's greatness never wavered.
Job's covenant with his eyes was just one of a long list of determined decisions that he mentioned related to the values he would not compromise. His awareness that God would be dishonored by lust compelled him to "covenant" with his eyes not to go there. If you know anything about the word covenant, you know it means something much deeper than a commitment or promise, it's a binding agreement between two parties that is not to be broken.
How can a young man or young woman make such a bold commitment or covenant today? When television channels, mall windows, billboards, movies, and novels all bear provocative images that are specifically designed to arouse our flesh, is this a battle we can win? And does God still care about how we respond to what our eyes see all these years after this man Job lived? The Bible says that he is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8) --so the answer is, YES.
Recently, we've been discussing in our family how subtly the world creeps in with its unholiness and ungodliness, intent on deceiving us with enticements. Sometimes, we patronize the same shops, watch the same movies, read the same books, and watch the same television channels as our non-believing neighbors...and then wonder why it seems that our once vibrant fellowship with God now seems less than amazing.
I'm convinced that it's time to make my own eye covenant--time to focus only on pure, right, honorable, lovely, admirable, true, excellent and praiseworthy things (Philippians 4:8) instead of following the lead of this blind world. Vision and sight are not the same. Uncle Fred's eyes didn't work, but his vision was perfect--he saw that God could use him despite his physical limitations, so he devoted himself to study and preparation for Christian service and ministry.
Today, my prayer is this: If I ever follow blindly, let it be only you, Lord, who is leading. Be thou my vision.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
honest pact and lies...
The sixth chapter of Proverbs provides a list of seven things The Lord hates according to Solomon. The second and sixth ones specifically deal with honesty. #2 says he hates a lying tongue and #6 warns that he detests a false witness who lies.
Today's passage, Job 24-28, includes Job's final speech, where in chapter 27 he made this proclamation:
3 As long as I live, while I have breath from God, 4 my lips will speak no evil, and my tongue will speak no lies. NLT
Several years ago one of my favorite musicians, Billy Joel, penned these lyrics:
Honesty is such a lonely word.
Everyone is so untrue.
Honesty is hardly ever heard.
And mostly what I need from you.
Why is honesty hardly ever heard? Or to quote another fave of mine, Kenny Loggins, Why do people lie? What is it that makes lying such a big deal to God and why was Job so committed to being honest?
Anyone who has ever been lied to can answer the question. There is a breach of trust that happens when you find yourself on the believing/receiving end of a lie. Some lies are easy to detect. Chocolate on a child's face is a pretty sure sign that he did steal the missing candy from your Whitman's Sampler even though he adamantly denies it. Other lies can be more easily concealed--take for instance, exaggeration of the truth.
Some have asked if exaggeration is actually the same as lying. I cannot answer that question with authority, but I do know this--you can lie without exaggerating, but you cannot exaggerate without deceiving.
I confessed at the outset that I would be writing these daily posts with the hope that one day my words will benefit my grandchildren. At the same time, I made a decision to record whatever God impressed upon my heart as I read through the Bible, even if it hurt or was hard for me. They say that confession is good for the soul. I hope that is true, because I tell you this, it's terrible for the ego. Taking an honest look at myself, my flaws, failures, and weaknesses is difficult-- especially when it comes to then admitting these things publicly.
Despite that, here goes--I am a recovering exaggerator. I would absolutely hate to have to say I am a recovering liar because that sounds worse than terrible, but if I am going to be completely honest, might that be necessary? Thankfully (and I mean this) several years ago members of my sweet family started calling me out when I fell off the "no exaggeration" wagon, and I think I am finally almost "clean". No longer do I regularly succumb to the temptation to tell a better story by exaggerating the details. Instead, I'm revolted if I feel my words are less than factual.
I have known people who are so accustomed to truth stretching they do not seem to have even a minimal conscience prick when they do it. In contrast, awareness of my own tendency to exaggerate for effect disgusted me. As a result, I went to extremes as a parent to teach my children the importance of honesty and I am so gratified as their mother that I believe them to be two of the most genuinely truthful people I know.
As a society, we've become desensitized to all manner of evil behaviors and character failures. Job understood the importance of honesty, determining that no evil speech or lying words would be spoken by his lips. Hopefully and prayerfully, Job's determination will serve as a reminder to me if I'm ever tempted to conceal or stretch the truth, and I will find strength in Christ my Lord to keep this honest pact with my mouth.
Today's passage, Job 24-28, includes Job's final speech, where in chapter 27 he made this proclamation:
3 As long as I live, while I have breath from God, 4 my lips will speak no evil, and my tongue will speak no lies. NLT
Several years ago one of my favorite musicians, Billy Joel, penned these lyrics:
Honesty is such a lonely word.
Everyone is so untrue.
Honesty is hardly ever heard.
And mostly what I need from you.
Why is honesty hardly ever heard? Or to quote another fave of mine, Kenny Loggins, Why do people lie? What is it that makes lying such a big deal to God and why was Job so committed to being honest?
Anyone who has ever been lied to can answer the question. There is a breach of trust that happens when you find yourself on the believing/receiving end of a lie. Some lies are easy to detect. Chocolate on a child's face is a pretty sure sign that he did steal the missing candy from your Whitman's Sampler even though he adamantly denies it. Other lies can be more easily concealed--take for instance, exaggeration of the truth.
Some have asked if exaggeration is actually the same as lying. I cannot answer that question with authority, but I do know this--you can lie without exaggerating, but you cannot exaggerate without deceiving.
I confessed at the outset that I would be writing these daily posts with the hope that one day my words will benefit my grandchildren. At the same time, I made a decision to record whatever God impressed upon my heart as I read through the Bible, even if it hurt or was hard for me. They say that confession is good for the soul. I hope that is true, because I tell you this, it's terrible for the ego. Taking an honest look at myself, my flaws, failures, and weaknesses is difficult-- especially when it comes to then admitting these things publicly.
Despite that, here goes--I am a recovering exaggerator. I would absolutely hate to have to say I am a recovering liar because that sounds worse than terrible, but if I am going to be completely honest, might that be necessary? Thankfully (and I mean this) several years ago members of my sweet family started calling me out when I fell off the "no exaggeration" wagon, and I think I am finally almost "clean". No longer do I regularly succumb to the temptation to tell a better story by exaggerating the details. Instead, I'm revolted if I feel my words are less than factual.
I have known people who are so accustomed to truth stretching they do not seem to have even a minimal conscience prick when they do it. In contrast, awareness of my own tendency to exaggerate for effect disgusted me. As a result, I went to extremes as a parent to teach my children the importance of honesty and I am so gratified as their mother that I believe them to be two of the most genuinely truthful people I know.
As a society, we've become desensitized to all manner of evil behaviors and character failures. Job understood the importance of honesty, determining that no evil speech or lying words would be spoken by his lips. Hopefully and prayerfully, Job's determination will serve as a reminder to me if I'm ever tempted to conceal or stretch the truth, and I will find strength in Christ my Lord to keep this honest pact with my mouth.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Whoa!
At the conclusion of a miserable season ending play-off match in which our own Carolina Panthers suffered a crushing defeat by Arizona (in a game they'd been favored to win by 9) the word that comes to mind right now is "woe". Woe is we, and woe is he. Jake Delhomme, that is.
The poor guy threw a team record six interceptions, and if I'm not mistaken, it was his birthday. I think I can confidently say that it was NOT a happy birthday.
Possibly right now he's feeling a little like Job--kinda like "if it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all"--you know the song. But even such a horrible showing as Jake and his teammates had tonight, their misfortune pales in comparison with Job's.
Chapters 21-23 reveal that Job is continuing to have to defend himself against the baseless accusations of his friends while remaining devastated by the impression that God has completely abandoned him. I simply cannot fathom that degree of darkness, loneliness, or hopelessness. In verse 15 of chapter 23, Job mentions that he is terrified in God's presence--a significant acknowledgment of his awareness of God's incomprehensible power and sovereignty.
Scripture affirms that the beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord (Prov. 9:10) yet some days I have come to him casually--as if he's my old buddy and pal. Worse still are the times I may have approached him as a sort of cosmic Santa Claus. Woe. I mean whoa. Hold everything. God have mercy on me when I've failed to come before you with the proper reverence and respect. You deserve it. I owe it. I'm sorry.
The poor guy threw a team record six interceptions, and if I'm not mistaken, it was his birthday. I think I can confidently say that it was NOT a happy birthday.
Possibly right now he's feeling a little like Job--kinda like "if it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all"--you know the song. But even such a horrible showing as Jake and his teammates had tonight, their misfortune pales in comparison with Job's.
Chapters 21-23 reveal that Job is continuing to have to defend himself against the baseless accusations of his friends while remaining devastated by the impression that God has completely abandoned him. I simply cannot fathom that degree of darkness, loneliness, or hopelessness. In verse 15 of chapter 23, Job mentions that he is terrified in God's presence--a significant acknowledgment of his awareness of God's incomprehensible power and sovereignty.
Scripture affirms that the beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord (Prov. 9:10) yet some days I have come to him casually--as if he's my old buddy and pal. Worse still are the times I may have approached him as a sort of cosmic Santa Claus. Woe. I mean whoa. Hold everything. God have mercy on me when I've failed to come before you with the proper reverence and respect. You deserve it. I owe it. I'm sorry.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Can I give a witness...
I have to be honest and admit that when I initially decided to begin this adventure of reading through the Bible in order of the historical occurrence of events, I failed to consider how quickly Job's sad story would surface.
Each day as I've contemplated his sorrows and suffering, I struggle to know what I should write. In chapters 17-20, Job is still in agony and his bullying buddies are continuing their hurtful, hateful, unfair attacks.
In 11th grade, I was accused of cheating on an advanced biology test by another student. Ugly indignation welled up inside when my teacher informed me of the accusation and asked if it was true. Apart from God's intervening restraint, I'm afraid I could have unleashed my own administration of teenaged justice on my accuser.
Mrs. Biology believed that I hadn't cheated. The following day, I moved to the desk directly in front of hers so that any future quiz would be taken within inches of her watchful eyes. Would you believe that I only felt moderately vindicated when I was the only one in the class who had a perfect score on the next test--even though my accuser failed it?
I've noticed that some people seem to give little consideration to their good name. For me, being slandered or back stabbed has always incited a degree of fury that I am not happy to acknowledge.
I marvel at Job's self discipline and restraint. At this point in my reading, I want to smack his friends for him! Instead of following such a ridiculous impulse though, Job continues to plead his case and confess his innocence. Throughout his ordeal, his focus remains steadfastly on God.
Job 19 records this confession:
25 “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. 26 And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! 27 I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!NLT
Only a man with unwavering faith in the Lord could make this statement in the midst of such suffering. Despite all that Job had endured, he didn't allow himself to be consumed with anger, nor did he waste time plotting revenge against his accusers.
Unfortunately, I've learned a few life lessons the hard way, including the fact that harboring bitterness, refusing to forgive, or allowing anger to fester until it results in sin is much more destructive to my own life than it will ever be to someone who offends me.
My prayer today is that like Job, my faith will compel me to care more about my right standing with God than my good name with man, and that I will never allow consideration of my own reputation to supersede sincere concern for my Christian witness.
Each day as I've contemplated his sorrows and suffering, I struggle to know what I should write. In chapters 17-20, Job is still in agony and his bullying buddies are continuing their hurtful, hateful, unfair attacks.
In 11th grade, I was accused of cheating on an advanced biology test by another student. Ugly indignation welled up inside when my teacher informed me of the accusation and asked if it was true. Apart from God's intervening restraint, I'm afraid I could have unleashed my own administration of teenaged justice on my accuser.
Mrs. Biology believed that I hadn't cheated. The following day, I moved to the desk directly in front of hers so that any future quiz would be taken within inches of her watchful eyes. Would you believe that I only felt moderately vindicated when I was the only one in the class who had a perfect score on the next test--even though my accuser failed it?
I've noticed that some people seem to give little consideration to their good name. For me, being slandered or back stabbed has always incited a degree of fury that I am not happy to acknowledge.
I marvel at Job's self discipline and restraint. At this point in my reading, I want to smack his friends for him! Instead of following such a ridiculous impulse though, Job continues to plead his case and confess his innocence. Throughout his ordeal, his focus remains steadfastly on God.
Job 19 records this confession:
25 “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. 26 And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! 27 I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!NLT
Only a man with unwavering faith in the Lord could make this statement in the midst of such suffering. Despite all that Job had endured, he didn't allow himself to be consumed with anger, nor did he waste time plotting revenge against his accusers.
Unfortunately, I've learned a few life lessons the hard way, including the fact that harboring bitterness, refusing to forgive, or allowing anger to fester until it results in sin is much more destructive to my own life than it will ever be to someone who offends me.
My prayer today is that like Job, my faith will compel me to care more about my right standing with God than my good name with man, and that I will never allow consideration of my own reputation to supersede sincere concern for my Christian witness.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Great Imagination!
Throughout my life, my wise mother has cautioned me with the following warning: imagination is the biggest nation in the world.
Many times I've heard people "imagine" that God was punishing them for something because life seemed to be dealing them a dirty hand. I've probably had the same imagining once or twice myself if I'm honest.
Job imagined that to be the case in his life, but he was very wrong. In chapters 14-16, he continues to lament his circumstances and listen to his far-from-helpful friends. In verse 9 of chapter 16, he even supposes that God hates him--but that is quite far from the truth. The Bible explicitly tells us that Job had found favor in God's eyes, and that he was actually quite special to The Lord. The truth of Job's situation was that Satan was responsible for all of his suffering, but that God had allowed it.
How does one explain this? Is the account of Job's suffering merely an allegory as some have suggested, or was he a real person who actually endured all that is recorded in the book that bears his name? Both Ezekiel chapter 14 and James chapter 5 refer to Job not as a fictitious character, but as a real person. That would have been atypical in either of these references and renders the prospect unlikely. Maybe then, part of the reason that God allowed this very tragic situation to play out in Job's life was for your benefit and mine. In Job, we discover many things about God, not the least of which is that if or when we are feeling unloved or picked on by him, that is usually a vain imagining.
I believe there are some questions that will have to wait for heaven--questions that have no satisfying answers. That does not, however, diminish my confidence in a loving, gracious God who does have an answer, even when he chooses not to reveal it immediately.
Job imagined something to be true that wasn't. Sometimes, I imagine things too, only to discover later that my imagination was indeed, the biggest nation.
Many times I've heard people "imagine" that God was punishing them for something because life seemed to be dealing them a dirty hand. I've probably had the same imagining once or twice myself if I'm honest.
Job imagined that to be the case in his life, but he was very wrong. In chapters 14-16, he continues to lament his circumstances and listen to his far-from-helpful friends. In verse 9 of chapter 16, he even supposes that God hates him--but that is quite far from the truth. The Bible explicitly tells us that Job had found favor in God's eyes, and that he was actually quite special to The Lord. The truth of Job's situation was that Satan was responsible for all of his suffering, but that God had allowed it.
How does one explain this? Is the account of Job's suffering merely an allegory as some have suggested, or was he a real person who actually endured all that is recorded in the book that bears his name? Both Ezekiel chapter 14 and James chapter 5 refer to Job not as a fictitious character, but as a real person. That would have been atypical in either of these references and renders the prospect unlikely. Maybe then, part of the reason that God allowed this very tragic situation to play out in Job's life was for your benefit and mine. In Job, we discover many things about God, not the least of which is that if or when we are feeling unloved or picked on by him, that is usually a vain imagining.
I believe there are some questions that will have to wait for heaven--questions that have no satisfying answers. That does not, however, diminish my confidence in a loving, gracious God who does have an answer, even when he chooses not to reveal it immediately.
Job imagined something to be true that wasn't. Sometimes, I imagine things too, only to discover later that my imagination was indeed, the biggest nation.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Silence is Golden
Not too long ago, I went to the movie theater. It seems that films worth $10. a ticket are becoming scarce, so I'm fairly selective about which movies I'll pay that much to see before they are released on DVD.
This particular film was Hollywood's version of a book I'd really enjoyed several years back. I'd heard they were in the process of making the novel into a movie and I couldn't wait for its release. Leslie, Lilia and I went to an afternoon matinee, and although there were parts of the film I enjoyed, overall I was pretty disappointed.
The Secret Life of Bees was so well written that it's entirely possible that some of the story's intrigue for me was just the beautiful way that Sue Monk Kidd has with words. Somehow, reading the novel was an extremely different experience than seeing its enactment on the big screen. I was much more disturbed and horrified by the violence and racial bigotry as I watched it than I had been while reading.
I imagine that's how the story of Job would be if I had seen these events unfold instead of just reading the account. I realize that I can't grasp the enormity of his pain and suffering, yet I am still very moved by the awareness of how tragic his circumstances were.
Chapters 10-13 of this difficult book reveal more about his personal feelings and frustration, as well as detailing one of his so-called friend's advice. After listening to all that he could stand, Job finally says (in verse 5 of chapter 13) shut up already! Well, that's not exactly what is written, but it's close.
5 If only you could be silent! That’s the wisest thing you could do.NLT
One of the wisest women I know is my mother. She has an enviable ability to keep her mouth shut. I've seen her resist the temptation to speak the truth more times than I can count, and sometimes, I have wanted to speak for her--to defend her right to be right. What I've seen in her life however, is that her ability to know when to speak and when to be silent is a beautiful gift that has served her in amazing ways. I don't know one person who knows her who doesn't admire and love her. They know that when she does speak, they should listen, because she has something valuable to say.
I, on the other hand, have this terrible tendency to say too much, too often, and too quickly. Even as a young girl I remember my mother telling me that if I wasn't careful, my mouth would get me into trouble one day. And it has.
With my middle school girls at church I once bought a new tube of toothpaste, then allowed a volunteer to open it and squeeze the entire contents onto a table. Next, I challenged her to put the gunk back into the tube. Of course that was an impossibility--and that's exactly the same way it is with our words. Once they're out, they're out. There's no amount of taking them back or apologizing that can retract them or erase the trouble or pain they've caused.
The Bible has a lot to say about our words. Proverbs 16: 23 and 24 reads:
From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive. Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
My mother taught me that there is wisdom to be found in thinking before speaking. I wish I could say I've always followed her example and that I've never been guilty of behaving like Job's friends who spoke with words that compounded his pain. Ecclesiastes 5 verse 3 warns that too many words make you a fool.
After Leslie and I were seated at the theater that afternoon, we watched a few advertisements followed by previews for upcoming films. The previews were followed by what initially appeared to be yet another movie trailer. Instead, it turned out to be an appreciated and needed reminder in "mini-movie" form. The "mini-movie"/fake preview was interrupted by loud cell phones ringing, babies crying, and people chattering just before the screen faded to black and an announcer's voice said: Please don't add your own soundtrack to the movie...
Sometimes my sweet girls, you'll be tempted to add your own soundtrack, but remember this: a truly wise friend weeps with the wounded in golden silence.
This particular film was Hollywood's version of a book I'd really enjoyed several years back. I'd heard they were in the process of making the novel into a movie and I couldn't wait for its release. Leslie, Lilia and I went to an afternoon matinee, and although there were parts of the film I enjoyed, overall I was pretty disappointed.
The Secret Life of Bees was so well written that it's entirely possible that some of the story's intrigue for me was just the beautiful way that Sue Monk Kidd has with words. Somehow, reading the novel was an extremely different experience than seeing its enactment on the big screen. I was much more disturbed and horrified by the violence and racial bigotry as I watched it than I had been while reading.
I imagine that's how the story of Job would be if I had seen these events unfold instead of just reading the account. I realize that I can't grasp the enormity of his pain and suffering, yet I am still very moved by the awareness of how tragic his circumstances were.
Chapters 10-13 of this difficult book reveal more about his personal feelings and frustration, as well as detailing one of his so-called friend's advice. After listening to all that he could stand, Job finally says (in verse 5 of chapter 13) shut up already! Well, that's not exactly what is written, but it's close.
5 If only you could be silent! That’s the wisest thing you could do.NLT
One of the wisest women I know is my mother. She has an enviable ability to keep her mouth shut. I've seen her resist the temptation to speak the truth more times than I can count, and sometimes, I have wanted to speak for her--to defend her right to be right. What I've seen in her life however, is that her ability to know when to speak and when to be silent is a beautiful gift that has served her in amazing ways. I don't know one person who knows her who doesn't admire and love her. They know that when she does speak, they should listen, because she has something valuable to say.
I, on the other hand, have this terrible tendency to say too much, too often, and too quickly. Even as a young girl I remember my mother telling me that if I wasn't careful, my mouth would get me into trouble one day. And it has.
With my middle school girls at church I once bought a new tube of toothpaste, then allowed a volunteer to open it and squeeze the entire contents onto a table. Next, I challenged her to put the gunk back into the tube. Of course that was an impossibility--and that's exactly the same way it is with our words. Once they're out, they're out. There's no amount of taking them back or apologizing that can retract them or erase the trouble or pain they've caused.
The Bible has a lot to say about our words. Proverbs 16: 23 and 24 reads:
From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive. Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
My mother taught me that there is wisdom to be found in thinking before speaking. I wish I could say I've always followed her example and that I've never been guilty of behaving like Job's friends who spoke with words that compounded his pain. Ecclesiastes 5 verse 3 warns that too many words make you a fool.
After Leslie and I were seated at the theater that afternoon, we watched a few advertisements followed by previews for upcoming films. The previews were followed by what initially appeared to be yet another movie trailer. Instead, it turned out to be an appreciated and needed reminder in "mini-movie" form. The "mini-movie"/fake preview was interrupted by loud cell phones ringing, babies crying, and people chattering just before the screen faded to black and an announcer's voice said: Please don't add your own soundtrack to the movie...
Sometimes my sweet girls, you'll be tempted to add your own soundtrack, but remember this: a truly wise friend weeps with the wounded in golden silence.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
The great grip of grace...
I have only witnessed the passing of someone I love from this life to the next once. Having lived this long, I consider that a tremendous blessing.
Nancy was related to me by marriage and spirit, and we became especially close friends after she gave her life to Christ as a forty-something adult. We talked at least once each day as "faith-journey" questions popped into her head. She didn't prefer to read and research, she wanted to know what I believed about whatever she was pondering at any given time.
Her daily inquisitions prompted me to go to my knees and my Bible more feverishly than I had in years, and I considered the opportunity I was given to be her spiritual mentor of sorts a very serious privilege.
One beautiful summer day while we were lounging in a pool at the beach, she looked at me with the strangest expression and announced that there was something wrong. We'd been having a wonderful, lazy afternoon when out of the blue she left the pool, got dressed, and said she was driving home.
Just a few days later, I was with her in the early morning hours when C.T. scan results indicated that she had an abdominal mass. A biopsy later revealed Stage III Ovarian Cancer and we were both devastated.
I accompanied her to many of her chemo sessions, stayed with her at home when she was weak, and for hours on end, we talked about faith and our future life in heaven and what that might be like.
At some point, she asked me a question I'll never forget. "What if we're wrong about all this? What if there's no heaven?"
I always prayed that God would speak through (and in spite of) me when I knew I'd be spending time with Nancy, and I can clearly recall the answer that came to me at that moment. I said, "If we're wrong, we've lost nothing. If we're right, we've gained everything. But know this, without any shadow of a doubt, I believe we are right."
Over the next year or so I prayed, trusting that it was completely possible for God to heal her cancer if that was his will. Instead, I saw him call her "home" one starry night while I, and others who loved her, gathered around her bed.
Today, I read Job 6-9, a continuation of the account of Job's extreme suffering. As I read, my thoughts were of Nancy.
Job's suffering was so intense that he prayed to die, not because of his pain, but because of his fear that his excruciating discomfort might prompt him to say something he couldn't take back. Job was afraid of his own words.
These verses beg the question, "What about my words?". Are they healing and helpful? Or are they hurtful and harmful? Am I careful to take every thought captive (as instructed by scripture) before I verbally regurgitate whatever pops into my brain? Do I ever run roughshod over someone with no regard for his or her feelings or circumstances-- as in the case of Job's "friends"?
I do recall being intentional about my words with Nancy. I wish I could say that was the rule in my life in every situation. Sadly, I know better. To her great credit and despite her eventual agony, I never heard Nancy utter a word of accusation against God or a genuine proclamation of self-pity. She, like Job, acknowledged her suffering and its resulting limitations, but she continued to place her hope in God's goodness and trust in his plan--a great witness to me, the supposedly mature Christian.
Nancy developed a precious (almost surreal) peace as her days on earth were drawing to a close. I watched in awe as she almost nestled into invisible arms. Job, a man who lived thousands of years ago, knew that things would be different for him if only he had someone to identify with his suffering--a mediator-- someone to plead his case before God.
How amazing that verses 32-35 of chapter 9 describe perfectly the work of Jesus Christ. God mysteriously revealed what was to come to Job, and miraculously, this fact was preserved for us to read all these years later.
The God-breathed inspiration of scripture is demonstrated time and again in similar ways throughout the 66 books of the Bible. My sweet grandchildren, there have always been scoffers and naysayers, and there always will be. You may even face times of doubt and possibly testing and/or suffering--but remember this, God says you will know the truth and the truth will set you free (John 8:32). He doesn't play hide and seek with us, in fact, he says in Matthew 7 that if we seek we will find, if we knock the door will open.
No matter what happens in this life, know this: there is One in whose arms you are safe and secure. The mediator, the one who identifies with all that we'll ever face, has come. His name is Jesus. His grip is great and his grace is sufficient. Nestle.
Nancy was related to me by marriage and spirit, and we became especially close friends after she gave her life to Christ as a forty-something adult. We talked at least once each day as "faith-journey" questions popped into her head. She didn't prefer to read and research, she wanted to know what I believed about whatever she was pondering at any given time.
Her daily inquisitions prompted me to go to my knees and my Bible more feverishly than I had in years, and I considered the opportunity I was given to be her spiritual mentor of sorts a very serious privilege.
One beautiful summer day while we were lounging in a pool at the beach, she looked at me with the strangest expression and announced that there was something wrong. We'd been having a wonderful, lazy afternoon when out of the blue she left the pool, got dressed, and said she was driving home.
Just a few days later, I was with her in the early morning hours when C.T. scan results indicated that she had an abdominal mass. A biopsy later revealed Stage III Ovarian Cancer and we were both devastated.
I accompanied her to many of her chemo sessions, stayed with her at home when she was weak, and for hours on end, we talked about faith and our future life in heaven and what that might be like.
At some point, she asked me a question I'll never forget. "What if we're wrong about all this? What if there's no heaven?"
I always prayed that God would speak through (and in spite of) me when I knew I'd be spending time with Nancy, and I can clearly recall the answer that came to me at that moment. I said, "If we're wrong, we've lost nothing. If we're right, we've gained everything. But know this, without any shadow of a doubt, I believe we are right."
Over the next year or so I prayed, trusting that it was completely possible for God to heal her cancer if that was his will. Instead, I saw him call her "home" one starry night while I, and others who loved her, gathered around her bed.
Today, I read Job 6-9, a continuation of the account of Job's extreme suffering. As I read, my thoughts were of Nancy.
Job's suffering was so intense that he prayed to die, not because of his pain, but because of his fear that his excruciating discomfort might prompt him to say something he couldn't take back. Job was afraid of his own words.
These verses beg the question, "What about my words?". Are they healing and helpful? Or are they hurtful and harmful? Am I careful to take every thought captive (as instructed by scripture) before I verbally regurgitate whatever pops into my brain? Do I ever run roughshod over someone with no regard for his or her feelings or circumstances-- as in the case of Job's "friends"?
I do recall being intentional about my words with Nancy. I wish I could say that was the rule in my life in every situation. Sadly, I know better. To her great credit and despite her eventual agony, I never heard Nancy utter a word of accusation against God or a genuine proclamation of self-pity. She, like Job, acknowledged her suffering and its resulting limitations, but she continued to place her hope in God's goodness and trust in his plan--a great witness to me, the supposedly mature Christian.
Nancy developed a precious (almost surreal) peace as her days on earth were drawing to a close. I watched in awe as she almost nestled into invisible arms. Job, a man who lived thousands of years ago, knew that things would be different for him if only he had someone to identify with his suffering--a mediator-- someone to plead his case before God.
How amazing that verses 32-35 of chapter 9 describe perfectly the work of Jesus Christ. God mysteriously revealed what was to come to Job, and miraculously, this fact was preserved for us to read all these years later.
The God-breathed inspiration of scripture is demonstrated time and again in similar ways throughout the 66 books of the Bible. My sweet grandchildren, there have always been scoffers and naysayers, and there always will be. You may even face times of doubt and possibly testing and/or suffering--but remember this, God says you will know the truth and the truth will set you free (John 8:32). He doesn't play hide and seek with us, in fact, he says in Matthew 7 that if we seek we will find, if we knock the door will open.
No matter what happens in this life, know this: there is One in whose arms you are safe and secure. The mediator, the one who identifies with all that we'll ever face, has come. His name is Jesus. His grip is great and his grace is sufficient. Nestle.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Majoring in Minors
I'm finding it extremely difficult to even begin writing about today's passage of scripture. According to my study guide, the next verses in the historical order of events requires me to delve into the calamities experienced by Job.
Chapters 1 through 5 detail the beginnings of his suffering and the arrival of three friends who show up to console him.
Interestingly, before I had any familiarity with scripture or knowledge of the Bible, I remember my mother referring to her need for the patience of Job. I think she said something about needing Job's patience when the three of us had gotten on her very last nerve--and that probably happened at least once daily. The phrase may seem cliche', but by the second chapter, the very fact that Job had not cursed God (as his wife suggested) reveals a lot about the man, his character, and his patience.
Reading these verses puts into perspective the sad state I sometimes find myself to be in with regard to what I deem important. When Job had lost almost everything, the Bible says he worshipped.
Job's worship involved pouring out his heart to God in recognition of The Lord's complete worthiness regardless of his almost unbearable circumstances. Our culture applauds "worship" of people, places, and even things, but rarely are we encouraged to solely worship the only one genuinely worthy of our adoration.
It's so easy to forget blessings and take them for granted. Majoring on minors seems to be not just an occasional foible for me, but more often than not, it's a way of life.
"What movie will we watch?"
"Where will we vacation?"
"Which color blouse should I wear?"
"My furniture needs dusting!"
"My house needs cleaning!"
"I need a bigger closet."--are you kidding me?
These are just a few of the things I actually heard myself say or think during the previous twelve hours. Yet merciful God gave me the incredible gift of another day to enjoy about twenty lip-smacky kisses from Ava, fifteen sweet giggles from Lilia, an "I love you," from George, an "I folded your laundry--except the sheets," from Leslie, an unexpected visit from Kathie and Josh that included lots of laughs and silliness, a personal hello and visit from my dad, who at age 76 is leaving tomorrow for a trip to Disney World with my mother in celebration of their 54th wedding anniversary, and that's just to name a few of the precious blessings I enjoyed.
I am ashamed of my anemic worship and failure to properly express my gratefulness to God. I am left with the conclusion that nothing less than contrition and repentance will suffice given the gravity of my seriously deficient expressions of praise.
If tomorrow comes for me, I will consider it my chance for a do-over--the opportunity from gracious God to switch majors.
Chapters 1 through 5 detail the beginnings of his suffering and the arrival of three friends who show up to console him.
Interestingly, before I had any familiarity with scripture or knowledge of the Bible, I remember my mother referring to her need for the patience of Job. I think she said something about needing Job's patience when the three of us had gotten on her very last nerve--and that probably happened at least once daily. The phrase may seem cliche', but by the second chapter, the very fact that Job had not cursed God (as his wife suggested) reveals a lot about the man, his character, and his patience.
Reading these verses puts into perspective the sad state I sometimes find myself to be in with regard to what I deem important. When Job had lost almost everything, the Bible says he worshipped.
Job's worship involved pouring out his heart to God in recognition of The Lord's complete worthiness regardless of his almost unbearable circumstances. Our culture applauds "worship" of people, places, and even things, but rarely are we encouraged to solely worship the only one genuinely worthy of our adoration.
It's so easy to forget blessings and take them for granted. Majoring on minors seems to be not just an occasional foible for me, but more often than not, it's a way of life.
"What movie will we watch?"
"Where will we vacation?"
"Which color blouse should I wear?"
"My furniture needs dusting!"
"My house needs cleaning!"
"I need a bigger closet."--are you kidding me?
These are just a few of the things I actually heard myself say or think during the previous twelve hours. Yet merciful God gave me the incredible gift of another day to enjoy about twenty lip-smacky kisses from Ava, fifteen sweet giggles from Lilia, an "I love you," from George, an "I folded your laundry--except the sheets," from Leslie, an unexpected visit from Kathie and Josh that included lots of laughs and silliness, a personal hello and visit from my dad, who at age 76 is leaving tomorrow for a trip to Disney World with my mother in celebration of their 54th wedding anniversary, and that's just to name a few of the precious blessings I enjoyed.
I am ashamed of my anemic worship and failure to properly express my gratefulness to God. I am left with the conclusion that nothing less than contrition and repentance will suffice given the gravity of my seriously deficient expressions of praise.
If tomorrow comes for me, I will consider it my chance for a do-over--the opportunity from gracious God to switch majors.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Never Again!
One of the first real disagreements I had with George was related to a philosophical discussion we had not too long after we started dating about the word "never". He believed that one should never say "never" about anything, and I believed there were some things that I just knew beyond any shadow of any doubt that I could definitively say NEVER on.
I argued my case like a New York lawyer, providing rational and reasoned examples, but he would not be persuaded. At the ripe and wise old age of 18, George knew that he knew that saying "never" was never a good idea unless you were on your deathbed, ensuring that the opportunity to break your "never," never arose.
Yesterday, the passage of scripture I read in my quest for a chronological year's read-through of the Bible detailed the account of mankind's steady decline into total depravity--so completely that God, who had previously declared his creation to be good, was deeply grieved and ready to obliterate humans from the face of the earth. Only one man, Noah, was found to be upright, so God decided to mercifully spare his family.
Providing detailed instructions for him, God explained to Noah that he needed to build an ark--a familiar story that you have probably already learned about by the time you'll be reading this. (for any new readers, I'm writing my year long Bible journey notes for my grandchildren to read one day many years from now~)
The flood came and waters covered the earth, but Noah and his family, along with all the animals aboard the massive boat were saved.
As a side note, I recently read an article about a man from the Netherlands who has built a replica of Noah's Ark and it was fascinating to see the photos. Take a look at this link if you'd like to see what he accomplished: http://www.pbase.com/paulthedane/noahs_ark
After the flood waters receded, God said NEVER! I love that God can do what man may not! Maybe George was right and I can't confidently say never about very many things, but when God promised Noah that he would never again send a flood to wipe out people, he meant it--even sealing his promise with a sign--the rainbow.
Today's passage, Genesis 8-11, is a wonderful reminder that we have a faithful, merciful God who keeps his word. While people continue to mess up, he continues to rescue and forgive--and I for one am very, very grateful that I can confidently say that my God NEVER fails.
I argued my case like a New York lawyer, providing rational and reasoned examples, but he would not be persuaded. At the ripe and wise old age of 18, George knew that he knew that saying "never" was never a good idea unless you were on your deathbed, ensuring that the opportunity to break your "never," never arose.
Yesterday, the passage of scripture I read in my quest for a chronological year's read-through of the Bible detailed the account of mankind's steady decline into total depravity--so completely that God, who had previously declared his creation to be good, was deeply grieved and ready to obliterate humans from the face of the earth. Only one man, Noah, was found to be upright, so God decided to mercifully spare his family.
Providing detailed instructions for him, God explained to Noah that he needed to build an ark--a familiar story that you have probably already learned about by the time you'll be reading this. (for any new readers, I'm writing my year long Bible journey notes for my grandchildren to read one day many years from now~)
The flood came and waters covered the earth, but Noah and his family, along with all the animals aboard the massive boat were saved.
As a side note, I recently read an article about a man from the Netherlands who has built a replica of Noah's Ark and it was fascinating to see the photos. Take a look at this link if you'd like to see what he accomplished: http://www.pbase.com/paulthedane/noahs_ark
After the flood waters receded, God said NEVER! I love that God can do what man may not! Maybe George was right and I can't confidently say never about very many things, but when God promised Noah that he would never again send a flood to wipe out people, he meant it--even sealing his promise with a sign--the rainbow.
Today's passage, Genesis 8-11, is a wonderful reminder that we have a faithful, merciful God who keeps his word. While people continue to mess up, he continues to rescue and forgive--and I for one am very, very grateful that I can confidently say that my God NEVER fails.
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