It’s not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow. Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving.
1st Corinthians 3:8-9a The Message
When you are first introduced to someone, usually the first question asked after learning their name is, "What do you do?" It's strange how we tend to think that's the most important thing - as if human doings were much more important than human beings, pun intended.
The Corinthians were doing that. Oh, Paul was this, so I follow Paul, while their neighbor contended that Apollos was "more that" so they followed Apollos. Paul took it down to its simplest form in a matter of seconds. It really doesn't matter who's doing what in the Kingdom of God. As long as we're doing it as unto the Lord, God will give the increase on it. He will make it grow. So, who's doing what?
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to know and understand that everything we do is subject to You. Only that done for You and for Your Kingdom will stand the test of fire. We want to build on Your sure foundation, Father, and only those things that will last. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Present Your Case (reprint by request)
“Present the case for your idols,” says the Lord. “Let them show what they can do,” says the King of Israel. “Let them try to tell us what happened long ago so that we may consider the evidence. Or let them tell us what the future holds, so we can know what’s going to happen. Yes, tell us what will occur in the days ahead. Then we will know you are gods. In fact, do anything—good or bad! Do something that will amaze and frighten us. But no! You are less than nothing and can do nothing at all. Those who choose you pollute themselves.
Isaiah 41: 21-24 NLT
I look at statues of foreign gods and I wonder, "How can anyone worship that - or think that's worthy of honor or praise?" (I might step on some toes here...but remember, Jesus is still our Healer and our Redeemer and He calls us to forgive one another...) And as I pondered how anyone could be so blinded or dense as to think something made of stone or wood - something with no life in it could be a god, the Lord served me up a big helping of humble pie...
For you see, I have worshiped at the throne of the Dairy Queen. I have built my own tower of CDs and DVDs. I have been a willing slave to untold hours at several jobs for the praise of humans. Are these things I could bring as acceptable offerings into God's Temple? I have a wild imagination and a fair amount of reasoning ability, but even I can't reconcile "Whiskey River take my mind..." as speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (Ephesians 5:19).
Here is what God has to say about Himself.
"I'm first, I'm last, and everything in between. I'm the only God there is. Who compares with me? Speak up. See if you measure up. From the beginning, who else has always announced what's coming? So what is coming next? Anybody want to venture a try? Don't be afraid, and don't worry: Haven't I always kept you informed, told you what was going on? You're my eyewitnesses: Have you ever come across a God, a real God, other than me? There's no Rock like me that I know of."
Isaiah 44: 6b-8 The Message
He goes on to explain about idols...
All those who make no-god idols don't amount to a thing, and what they work so hard at making is nothing. Their little puppet-gods see nothing and know nothing—they're total embarrassments! Who would bother making gods that can't do anything, that can't "god"? Watch all the no-god worshipers hide their faces in shame. Watch the no-god makers slink off humiliated when their idols fail them. Get them out here in the open. Make them face God-reality. The blacksmith makes his no-god, works it over in his forge, hammering it on his anvil—such hard work! He works away, fatigued with hunger and thirst.
The woodworker draws up plans for his no-god, traces it on a block of wood. He shapes it with chisels and planes into human shape—a beautiful woman, a handsome man, ready to be placed in a chapel. He first cuts down a cedar, or maybe picks out a pine or oak, and lets it grow strong in the forest, nourished by the rain. Then it can serve a double purpose: Part he uses as firewood for keeping warm and baking bread; from the other part he makes a god that he worships—carves it into a god shape and prays before it. With half he makes a fire to warm himself and barbecue his supper. He eats his fill and sits back satisfied with his stomach full and his feet warmed by the fire: "Ah, this is the life." And he still has half left for a god, made to his personal design—a handy, convenient no-god to worship whenever so inclined. Whenever the need strikes him he prays to it, "Save me. You're my god."
Pretty stupid, wouldn't you say? Don't they have eyes in their heads? Are their brains working at all? Doesn't it occur to them to say, "Half of this tree I used for firewood: I baked bread, roasted meat, and enjoyed a good meal. And now I've used the rest to make an abominable no-god. Here I am praying to a stick of wood!" This lover of emptiness, of nothing, is so out of touch with reality, so far gone, that he can't even look at what he's doing, can't even look at the no-god stick of wood in his hand and say, "This is crazy..."
Isaiah 44:9-20 The Message
Here is what God, our Redeemer, declares to those who acknowledge and repent (verse 22): "I've wiped the slate of all your wrongdoings. There's nothing left of your sins. Come back to me, come back. I've redeemed you."
I never met a no-god or idol that could do any of that. And with the mistakes I make, I need a God who can...and will. And because of His love and mercy and His plan of salvation - bought and paid for by the precious Blood of Jesus - my case has been presented on the Cross.
Prayer;
Father,
Let us never lose sight of that which is holy and righteous and good. Let us never forget that our lives have been bought with the price You paid for them. May our hearts and our allegiance be only to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Isaiah 41: 21-24 NLT
I look at statues of foreign gods and I wonder, "How can anyone worship that - or think that's worthy of honor or praise?" (I might step on some toes here...but remember, Jesus is still our Healer and our Redeemer and He calls us to forgive one another...) And as I pondered how anyone could be so blinded or dense as to think something made of stone or wood - something with no life in it could be a god, the Lord served me up a big helping of humble pie...
For you see, I have worshiped at the throne of the Dairy Queen. I have built my own tower of CDs and DVDs. I have been a willing slave to untold hours at several jobs for the praise of humans. Are these things I could bring as acceptable offerings into God's Temple? I have a wild imagination and a fair amount of reasoning ability, but even I can't reconcile "Whiskey River take my mind..." as speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (Ephesians 5:19).
Here is what God has to say about Himself.
"I'm first, I'm last, and everything in between. I'm the only God there is. Who compares with me? Speak up. See if you measure up. From the beginning, who else has always announced what's coming? So what is coming next? Anybody want to venture a try? Don't be afraid, and don't worry: Haven't I always kept you informed, told you what was going on? You're my eyewitnesses: Have you ever come across a God, a real God, other than me? There's no Rock like me that I know of."
Isaiah 44: 6b-8 The Message
He goes on to explain about idols...
All those who make no-god idols don't amount to a thing, and what they work so hard at making is nothing. Their little puppet-gods see nothing and know nothing—they're total embarrassments! Who would bother making gods that can't do anything, that can't "god"? Watch all the no-god worshipers hide their faces in shame. Watch the no-god makers slink off humiliated when their idols fail them. Get them out here in the open. Make them face God-reality. The blacksmith makes his no-god, works it over in his forge, hammering it on his anvil—such hard work! He works away, fatigued with hunger and thirst.
The woodworker draws up plans for his no-god, traces it on a block of wood. He shapes it with chisels and planes into human shape—a beautiful woman, a handsome man, ready to be placed in a chapel. He first cuts down a cedar, or maybe picks out a pine or oak, and lets it grow strong in the forest, nourished by the rain. Then it can serve a double purpose: Part he uses as firewood for keeping warm and baking bread; from the other part he makes a god that he worships—carves it into a god shape and prays before it. With half he makes a fire to warm himself and barbecue his supper. He eats his fill and sits back satisfied with his stomach full and his feet warmed by the fire: "Ah, this is the life." And he still has half left for a god, made to his personal design—a handy, convenient no-god to worship whenever so inclined. Whenever the need strikes him he prays to it, "Save me. You're my god."
Pretty stupid, wouldn't you say? Don't they have eyes in their heads? Are their brains working at all? Doesn't it occur to them to say, "Half of this tree I used for firewood: I baked bread, roasted meat, and enjoyed a good meal. And now I've used the rest to make an abominable no-god. Here I am praying to a stick of wood!" This lover of emptiness, of nothing, is so out of touch with reality, so far gone, that he can't even look at what he's doing, can't even look at the no-god stick of wood in his hand and say, "This is crazy..."
Isaiah 44:9-20 The Message
Here is what God, our Redeemer, declares to those who acknowledge and repent (verse 22): "I've wiped the slate of all your wrongdoings. There's nothing left of your sins. Come back to me, come back. I've redeemed you."
I never met a no-god or idol that could do any of that. And with the mistakes I make, I need a God who can...and will. And because of His love and mercy and His plan of salvation - bought and paid for by the precious Blood of Jesus - my case has been presented on the Cross.
Prayer;
Father,
Let us never lose sight of that which is holy and righteous and good. Let us never forget that our lives have been bought with the price You paid for them. May our hearts and our allegiance be only to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, February 5, 2018
Which Part?
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Ephesians 3:16-19 NLT
The love of Christ - too great to understand. 1st Corinthians 13 tells us that now we only know in part, not fully. Which part? Which part do you know? I know - in part - His grace that forgives me and cleanses me from all unrighteousness. I know - in part - His mercy - that in spite of me, He pours out His blessing and provision.
Perhaps that's the beginning of understanding it - the Truth that God's love for us has NOTHING to do with who WE are or what we do, but is absolutely ONLY contingent on who God is and what only HE could have - and has - done for us! After all, if the Father's love was predicated on my actions, based on my moods or how I feel, it surely would not last. But His love NEVER lets go. Do we know that part?
Prayer:
Father,
We believe and we declare Your Word that we will be anxious for nothing! But in everything, by prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving, we will make our requests known to You. Then Your peace which surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Then perhaps we can begin to grasp how wide, how long, how high, and how deep Your love is. We want to be found complete IN YOU - not in part, but the whole. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Ephesians 3:16-19 NLT
The love of Christ - too great to understand. 1st Corinthians 13 tells us that now we only know in part, not fully. Which part? Which part do you know? I know - in part - His grace that forgives me and cleanses me from all unrighteousness. I know - in part - His mercy - that in spite of me, He pours out His blessing and provision.
Perhaps that's the beginning of understanding it - the Truth that God's love for us has NOTHING to do with who WE are or what we do, but is absolutely ONLY contingent on who God is and what only HE could have - and has - done for us! After all, if the Father's love was predicated on my actions, based on my moods or how I feel, it surely would not last. But His love NEVER lets go. Do we know that part?
Prayer:
Father,
We believe and we declare Your Word that we will be anxious for nothing! But in everything, by prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving, we will make our requests known to You. Then Your peace which surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Then perhaps we can begin to grasp how wide, how long, how high, and how deep Your love is. We want to be found complete IN YOU - not in part, but the whole. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, February 4, 2018
* In the Shadow
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1 NKJV
Jesus is the greatest example of dwelling in the secret place of the Most High. He set the pattern for getting alone with God, for teaching us to say only what He heard the Father say. In Matthew 6:6, Jesus taught us how to get to the secret place, "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."
In order for Someone or something to cast a shadow on us, we MUST be in close proximity. So it stands to reason that if we dwell in the secret place, we are in His presence, and we will abide under His Shadow.
If you think about being close enough to Him to actually be in His shadow, it can rock your world! Make your secret place the priority. Wouldn't you rather be in His shadow than in the spotlight of the world?
Prayer:
Father,
Reveal to us the reality of pray without ceasing. Please remove those distractions that keep us from intimacy with You. Please meet with us where we have established a place for Your presence. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Psalm 91:1 NKJV
Jesus is the greatest example of dwelling in the secret place of the Most High. He set the pattern for getting alone with God, for teaching us to say only what He heard the Father say. In Matthew 6:6, Jesus taught us how to get to the secret place, "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."
In order for Someone or something to cast a shadow on us, we MUST be in close proximity. So it stands to reason that if we dwell in the secret place, we are in His presence, and we will abide under His Shadow.
If you think about being close enough to Him to actually be in His shadow, it can rock your world! Make your secret place the priority. Wouldn't you rather be in His shadow than in the spotlight of the world?
Prayer:
Father,
Reveal to us the reality of pray without ceasing. Please remove those distractions that keep us from intimacy with You. Please meet with us where we have established a place for Your presence. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, February 3, 2018
What Time is It?
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV
Whenever I read this passage, I hear it as the song, Turn Turn Turn recorded by The Byrds back in the 1960s. The music was composed by Pete Seeger. How far we've come in the lyrics of popular music!
However, first written by Solomon, there is great wisdom in these verses. It is vitally important to know what to do. It's just as important, (if not more so) to know WHEN to do it. There truly is a time for everything, but it's not always clear what time it is. How do we know what it's time for?
Jesus told us in John 16:13, that the Holy Spirit will tell us - But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
How can we hear the voice of the Lord, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, or even comprehend His Word if we don't make the time to spend with Him so we can hear?
Prayer:
Father,
We know the time is fast approaching for Your return. Help us to know when we should hold our peace and when we should fight. Give us the wisdom to know when and how to love, and for every activity under the sun, Holy Spirit, guide us into the Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV
Whenever I read this passage, I hear it as the song, Turn Turn Turn recorded by The Byrds back in the 1960s. The music was composed by Pete Seeger. How far we've come in the lyrics of popular music!
However, first written by Solomon, there is great wisdom in these verses. It is vitally important to know what to do. It's just as important, (if not more so) to know WHEN to do it. There truly is a time for everything, but it's not always clear what time it is. How do we know what it's time for?
Jesus told us in John 16:13, that the Holy Spirit will tell us - But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
How can we hear the voice of the Lord, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, or even comprehend His Word if we don't make the time to spend with Him so we can hear?
Prayer:
Father,
We know the time is fast approaching for Your return. Help us to know when we should hold our peace and when we should fight. Give us the wisdom to know when and how to love, and for every activity under the sun, Holy Spirit, guide us into the Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, February 2, 2018
Seeking Truth
But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26 NKJV
Matthew 19:26 NKJV
As a society, we have lost our taste for pure, unadulterated Truth. Oh, we like a little taste of it - like adding a flavor packet to a bottle of water - let's water it down enough to make it palatable. That's just what satan does to us. Waters down the truth. Lies to us about us, about God and about others, but leaves just enough truth to make it believable... palatable. There's no such thing as "just enough" Truth. What does Scripture have to say about that?
John 4:23-24 NLT reads, But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth. The Message Bible verse 24 reads like this, It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth.
Somewhere along the line, we seem to have formed a "Bless Me" Club. What's that about? Where did we get the idea that it's all about the blessing? It's supposed to be all about worshiping the Father, accepting and receiving the Son. In John 16:33, Jesus said, I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. The Truth is - as Jesus said, Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. AND the Truth is also as Jesus said, I have overcome the world.
If you're going through a hard time, a great trial, some tribulation, the Truth is you can have hope. Scripture is explicit in promising that God will never leave us alone to face life. Think about this Truth - we have no life except in Him. Hebrews 6:18-19 tells us, Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.
Remember this - It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth.
Prayer:
Father,
We pray, according to Your Word in Psalm 51, For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there. Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Father, we desire - as You desire - Truth in our inward parts. Help us succeed in our pursuit of Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, February 1, 2018
The God of And
May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble;
May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
May He send you help from the sanctuary,
Reading in Philippians 2 and following with verse 4 of this Psalm today, I realize I have been so in error thinking that I alone am responsible for fulfilling the purpose of my life! In Philippians 2, we're told in the NIV, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
May He send you help from the sanctuary,
And strengthen you out of Zion;
May He remember all your offerings,
May He remember all your offerings,
And accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah
May He grant you according to your heart’s desire,
May He grant you according to your heart’s desire,
And fulfill all your purpose.
Psalm 20:4 NKJV
I can't tell you how many times I've read this Psalm, and yet today, it was as though I saw it for the first time. God is good and so much more!
Lately, I have been laboring with the feeling of failure as a Christian. I have questioned my purpose - I think I know, but do I? I think I can, but can I really? I don't want to be the one who cries, "Lord! Lord!" only to have HIM reply, "Depart from Me - I never knew you."
I lost sight of God's promise and His Grace to work in me to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose. We can't do it without His help AND He doesn't expect us to!
And so He offers to send help AND strengthen us. To remember our offerings AND accept our sacrifices. To grant our heart's desire AND fulfill our purpose. To extend His mercy AND His grace. To love AND forgive...
Prayer:
Father,
We want to know You more and to be known by You. We want to be completely transparent with You. We are obviously too weak to go the distance in our own strength. We need Your grace in more ways than we can articulate, to run this race and to fulfill Your purpose for our lives. We lay our lives at Your feet to have the one thing that is needed. Your presence, Your Word. As we work it out, work it in, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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