Hello or Woe

"I made the earth, formed it, and set it in place. My name is the Lord. This is what the Lord says: Call to me, and I will answer you. I will tell you great and mysterious things that you do not know."
Jeremiah 33:2-3 God's Word Translation

One of the great frustrations in parenting is calling your child, knowing they can hear your call, and they don't answer. It's just as frustrating in business, and even socially; you call on the phone and get no answer. Nobody likes it. Sometimes, there are reasons for it, especially when you're at work, but other times, we're just busy. Don't you hate that? I know I do - and what I hate even more is that sometimes I'm the one guilty of being busy...

Wanna know something? God hates it, too. And He hates it with a passion. I woke up with 'Answer' on my brain, so I did a word search for 'call answer' on BibleGateway. I was looking for Scripture pertaining to how God answers when we call on Him - and I found those - but I found more Scriptures about what God does and will do when He calls and we don't answer. Woe be unto us! Literally...

However, there are great promises for those who WILL hear God's call and answer Him. Our text for today and these two are some of my favorite passages:

Isaiah 65:23-24, "They will not work in vain, and their children will not be doomed to misfortune. For they are people blessed by the Lord, and their children, too, will be blessed. I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!"

Psalm 91:14-16, "The Lord says, I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation."

We all love to read how God will answer us when we call, but it's only when we are obedient and listen to His voice. Follow His commands. He's not obligated to hear us if we won't hear Him.

Think about it for a moment. Has God spoken to you - called to get your attention about something? Did you answer? It's either Hello or Woe... Answer the call.

Prayer:

Father,
          Forgive us for our disobedience - our rebellion - in not responding when You call us. Let our hearts respond to You as Samuel did, 'Here am I'. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

The Extra Measure

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
Ephesians 5:2 NLT

Can we even begin to fathom the reality of a love so deep, so strong, that it remains and sacrificially includes those who hate you? One where they beat you, spit on you, snatch handfuls of your beard from your face, and you still love them? You have greater compassion and ask God to forgive them? You're not even mad at them? And ultimately, lay down your very life to save them?

Matthew 5: 43-37 reads, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?"

The question is, Do those around us recognize our Christianity by the love evidenced in our lives?

Prayer:

Father,

          O that we would love like Christ! Help us, Lord, to walk in love and mercy and grace and forgiveness to overflowing. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen 

Where'd You Go?

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NLT

Have you ever in distressed honesty cried out, "God, where are You?!?" Probably more times than we care to admit. Even though we know - according to God's Word - it's in the testing and the trials that our faith is strengthened.

Sometimes, it's hard to see when we're deep in crisis. When we're seriously sick. When our body is wracked with pain. When we've lost a precious loved one. When children we've raised to follow Christ, walk away... "Where'd You go, God?"

We would make our best choice if we look for the answers in His Word rather than with our own version of Job's comforters. Look here - just in Psalm 139 alone, it is written:

Verse 3 - "You see me when I travel and when I rest at home."
Verse 5 - "You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head."
Verse 8 - "If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to Sheol, you are there."
Verses 9 & 10 - "If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me."

Does that sound like He's gone away from us?

Prayer:

Father, 

           Your Word assures us that anywhere we go, You are there. You promise that You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You! What blessed assurance! Help us to keep our eyes trained with trust to be focused on You and not the world's circumstances. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Peace - Guest Author. Jim Mackey

I did not write this. This is a previous newsletter from Pastor Jim Mackey. He is the director of Shepherd Springs Ministries, (http://www.shepherdsprings.com) in Texas, USA.

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Are you a Peace Maker or a Peace Breaker?

Dear Friends,

To even the most casual observer, one would be hard-pressed NOT to admit our present world is in chaos; the more closely you watch and listen, the more obvious it becomes. Whether looking at the international picture politically, socially or culturally, my attention is drawn to a systemic invasion of global violence, corruption and stupidity. It would not be far wrong to call it pandemic; violence and corruption are simply rampant and out of control. Stupidity is increasing rapidly; I mean that literally, it is not said lightly or tongue-in-cheek. In fact, more than once the past year I have said to Lynette that I wonder if a “spirit of dumbness or stupidity” has been released on the earth.

In the face of this, I find myself to have become more sensitive to the presence, or absence, of peace...internationally, within the lives of people, or within the church. I personally want peace more, I need it more. It is far more to me than simply a feel-good emotion…it is an evidence of the Lord’s government in life, even my life; am I allowing Him to rule, to really be Lord of my life? Unfortunately, we tend to reserve Isa. 9 for the Christmas season, “Unto us a child is born…” It is in fact an eschatological treatise on the Lord’s reign over corruption, evil and oppression…at every level.

Isaiah speaks frankly and boldly about Messiah’s government and rule. The weight of all government “will rest upon his shoulders” as the “Prince of Peace” …“of the increase in his government and peace there will be no end.” God’s rule and peace are inseparable. When we submit to God’s rule (His government), His ways and sovereignty: peace comes. When we resist it, establish our own way of doing life, operate out of our human reasoning and logic: peace leaves; whether it is internationally, individually, or collectively in the church.

For several years, I have tried to distance myself from relationships with people who have over time proven to steal my peace. Mine is not a self-serving agenda to just be “happy,” it simply means I have come to realize they are walking outside of God’s government in their life. Consequently, the world around them is filled with strife, tension, trouble, pain, division and confusion…and they bring that out-of-God’s-rule into my life. I can love and extend grace to the self-governed, but I cannot walk closely, for “how can two walk together, unless they are in agreement?”

When it applies to the church, apostolic counsel is, “watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles. For such persons do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve.” (Rom. 16:17, 18). Look at the emphasis Paul places on rule and government: they do not serve the Lord, but themselves. Self rules and peace leaves.

It is characteristic of the NT that peace is seen as a present possession of believers, not just futuristic, a blessing yet to come; in general it describes the state of the believer in this life. Peace is the desire and work of the Father, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father.” It is how the Holy Spirit thinks, “The mind of the Spirit is life and peace.” It is the daily desire of the Lord for each of us, “The Lord of peace give you peace at all times and in all ways.” Peace is our built-in-helper to make good decisions, “Let the peace of Christ rule (umpire, make the call) in your hearts.”

It would not be far off to suggest that peace is not an option, it is a must. It is to be our pursuit, even with carnal and difficult people, “Be at peace with all men, as much as is possible.” The only hang-up is that not everyone will allow peace to happen; with some people, they make peace impossible! Do not beat yourself up when the self-governed kill peace on the altar of their personal agenda. Do not press yourself too hard when it becomes obvious people are walking in the flesh and not in the Spirit.

When a person walks into a room…what do you feel? Peace or tension? 

What do people feel when I walk into the room? Ahh, that is the question!

If the Prince of Peace has brought His Sovereign government to my little kingdom, subdued it, and made me a transformed citizen of His kingdom, then I will bring you peace.

Blessings…and peace...always!

Jim

Weapon Check

 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

2nd Timothy 3:16-17 NLT

These two verses give us direction for our lives. With accepting Christ as our given, what more would we need than to know what is true in order to realize what is wrong, and then to provide the answer for correction? Aren't we here to do the work of the Father? 

Where's your Bible? What does it look like? Is it pristine and in good condition? Are all the pages perfect and unmarred? Or perish the thought, is it dust-covered? A coffee table adornment? Or has it been in the battles of life with you? Is it the sword you fight with? Is it tear-stained? Perhaps a few coffee stains, too? Some pictures, maybe, and some notes - both in the margins and on separate note pages. 

Tried. Tested. True.

Just because we'd rather not fight doesn't mean the enemy of our souls will lay down his weapons against us. We're in a battle every day. Remember that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to pull down strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). Weapon check. Are we properly equipped? 

Prayer:

Father,
          Anoint us afresh with renewed hunger for Your Word. Teach us how to wield it as a master swordsman. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Reminder - After the Valley

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4 NKJV

Christian or cretin - the Twenty-third Psalm is one of the most well-known passages of Scripture in the world today. Children and adults alike can recite it for you. It's similar to a Christmas carol in that respect. We all know the words, but when was the last time we paid close attention to what the words really say?

I've always been partial to God preparing a table before me in the presence of my enemies... (take that, devil!), but next to verse 1 - The Lord is my Shepherd... - I think our text, verse 4, is the second most well-known phrasing. Two important things to note here - it's the shadow of death not Death Valley, and we're walking THROUGH. We're not staying. We're not setting up camp or a souvenir stand. We may have "been there done that" but we don't need to sell tickets for the side show or sell postcards of it. We're walking through. Keep moving...

Yessiree, keep moving because it's AFTER the valley that we find the goodness and mercy following us all the days of our lives. Praise His Holy Name!

Prayer;

Father,
          I never cease to be amazed at Your goodness and mercy toward us. Thank You for comforting us as we walk through the valley. Thank You for bringing us through to the other side. Giving You all praise - In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Picking Fruit

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23, NLT

When I purchase fruit from the grocery store, the produce manager hates to see me coming. I look at the top AND bottom of the strawberry container. I open the blueberry container and touch the blueberries to see if they're mushy. I don't like mushy... I don't just grab the first bag of grapes closest to me, nor am I indiscriminate about the rest of the fruit I choose. I have no problem opening a bag of grapes to check the contents (and then closing them again when I'm finished looking - very important). I check carefully for bruising on apples, for ripened plums, etc. I am a "fruit inspector" when it comes to paying the price for fruit. I want to know it's good before I spend my hard-earned money on it.

Oh, that I would be that diligent with the fruits of the Holy Spirit! Jesus already paid a GREAT price for them to be produced in our lives, why would we refuse to pick them up? They're ALL good.

Prayer:

Father,
          Help us to understand the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. May the seeds for all be planted in the good soil of our hearts. We want love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to be working and evident in our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Unanswered Questions

Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?" "From childhood," he answered. "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." " 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
Mark 9:21-24 NIV

Our text comes from an interesting story about a child who was deaf and dumb. The father heard about Jesus and His ministry and was desperate to get help for his own son. His words are telling - "If you can do anything..." He believes what he's heard from the others - or at least partly; otherwise, he wouldn't be there. He wants to believe. His words reflect what's in his heart... "If you can..." But he's honest before Jesus. "Help me overcome my unbelief!" I read that verse the first time as a child and I've never forgotten it. I always wondered how he could say he believed and then ask for help because of his unbelief.

As a child, I just believed. As an adult, I understand his quandary. Perhaps that's why Christ said we must come as children...

Can you believe when you don't see? Can you continue to believe when you don't get what you want? What you think you need? Do you question God and/or His ability when you feel your prayers are unanswered? Can you follow - be a disciple - adhere to His Word when there is calamity? Chaos? Crises?

Job 13:15, reads, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust him." Can you? Do you? Will you?

Prayer:

Father,
          There are many unanswered questions in our lives. In spite of them, You are trustworthy and You are faithful and You are God and we are not. This we know. We do believe; help us overcome our unbelief according to Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

A Little Effort

Oh, that God would listen to me! When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help. 

You don’t let me sleep. I am too distressed even to pray!  I think of the good old days, long since ended, when my nights were filled with joyful songs. I search my soul and ponder the difference now.  Has the Lord rejected me forever? Will he never again be kind to me?  Is his unfailing love gone forever? Have his promises permanently failed? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he slammed the door on his compassion? 

 And I said, “This is my fate; the Most High has turned his hand against me.”  But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.

 O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? You are the God of great wonders! 

Psalm 77:1b-14a NLT

As we go through life, we can certainly get caught up in what's NOT going well around us just as Asaph did in this psalm. It seems easier to see the bad in things rather than the good. That's our human nature "Oh, woe is me!"  However, with a little effort, we can look beyond our circumstances and see God's hand in all of it. Let's intentionally look for God in our days. 

Prayer:

Father,

          Please forgive us for looking at You through eyes of discontent. Remove the scales from our eyes so we can see Your hand of goodness in all You do. Remove the chains of doubt from our minds. Fill our hearts to overflowing with Your love and peace. Let us look always to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Filling Your Heart - Guest Author Stephanie Mitchell

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

Stephanie writes:
How Are You Filling Your Heart?

Have you ever made a poor decision and thought— “Why did I do that?” In the Old Testament, the heart was considered the center of inner life, and people believed it dictated thoughts, emotions, and actions. It was essentially a combination of someone’s soul and mind. When Proverbs 4:23 tells us to “guard our hearts” what it’s essentially saying is, “Pay careful attention to how you fill your inner life.”

What goes into your soul and mind determines what comes out of your mouth. And what you say influences your actions and decisions. While you might not notice the effect your choices have on you today—over time, they will impact the direction of your life.

So how do we intentionally take care of our inner lives?

Our bodies were made by God, which means the thing they need most is God. He is the One who sustains us. So some of the best things we can do for ourselves are intentionally seeking God through prayer, studying Scripture, reflecting on His blessings, and inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to us throughout our day.

The best way to guard our hearts is by giving our hearts to God. When we make Him the center of our lives and the source of our strength, what we do will flow out from Him.  Instead of fitting God into our daily routines, let’s create our daily routines around our relationship with God. Let’s create space for God to speak to us and restore us. Let’s allow God to heal the parts of our lives that are broken so that what comes out of us is God-honoring, encouraging, and reflective of the good we’ve allowed [God to put] into our hearts.

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Prayer:

Father,

           We pray as King David prayed, "Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; You have broken me—
now let me rejoice. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from Your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me." In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Appointed, Anointed, Not Elected

Come, everyone! Clap your hands!
Shout to God with joyful praise!
For the Lord Most High is awesome.
He is the great King of all the earth.
He subdues the nations before us, putting our enemies beneath our feet. He chose the Promised Land as our inheritance, the proud possession of Jacob’s descendants, whom he loves. Interlude

God has ascended with a mighty shout.
The Lord has ascended with trumpets blaring.
Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King over all the earth.
Praise him with a psalm.
God reigns above the nations, sitting on his holy throne.
The rulers of the world have gathered together with the people of the God of Abraham. For all the kings of the earth belong to God.
He is highly honored everywhere.

Psalm 47 NLT

Prayer:

Father,

          You ARE the Great King of all the Earth! We praise and glorify You. We pray for You to reign over us from Your Holy Throne. We submit to Your will and Your way. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

A Different Perspective

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NLT

The Apostle Paul had a different perspective on life than most people. Instead of a bird's eye view, he had a God's eye view. 

Paul was a man who understood suffering and the benefit of it. Yes, the benefit of it! He realized that the results of suffering and hardship wrought a much greater reward of Christ-like character in us when we trust God through it all. Not the least of which are compassion, patience, and understanding. These are things for which we should be grateful. 

James 1:2-4 NLT reads,  "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance [patience] is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

Any opportunity to grow in the Lord is cause for "great joy".  Every time our faith is tested, our "endurance has a chance to grow". So, we can focus on the problems, the issues, the tests, the trials, the suffering... or we can have a different perspective. A God's eye view.

Prayer:

Father,

           Help us to not look at the troubles we can see now; but rather, to fix our gaze on the things that cannot be seen. Help us to see things through the Truth and Light of Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen