For whatever reason, I'm not feeling that great today. I don't know if it is because I didn't sleep well or what. I have been trying to keep to my commitments with my diet and losing some weight. Maybe I am a little grumpy because of that. Overall, I have now gone down about 12 units of insulin that I use to take that I don't need to take anymore. Part of that is because I am not eating as much and part of it is because I am eating more healthy. I've lost about 6 pounds so far.
I am reminded of the fact also that there is plenty of positive things to focus on today even though my mood may not be great. The next couple of days the sun is suppose to be out and it will be warm and sunny. The kids are out of school for the next 5 days. I have all the promises of God to rely on and to focus on. God loves me and so does my family. Lots of positive and not many negatives. Even though my computer at work died and that put a dent in my schedule, I am getting a new one tomorrow, so that is a very short term problem.
Sometimes I have trouble believing that God really does love me. I think about all the stupid things I have done and it amazes me. I also have trouble believing sometimes that God forgives me. Maybe it is because I feel so reluctant to forgive at times. But, then I remind myself of what it says in Isaiah, that God ways and thoughts are higher than mine as much as the heavens are higher than the earth. There really is no comparison.
I am not sure why, but it seems when I am in a bad mood or not feeling well my thoughts don't naturally go to the truths of God or to my blessings. Instead I am looking at the cup half empty. Instead of complaining about the things that have gone wrong, I should be glad that I have a home and job and family to go to. Especially on the week before Easter, when Jesus died and rose again. There are plenty of things to feel good about and to focus on. I am chosing to focus on my blessings!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Rainy Sunday Thoughts
Here in North Carolina today it is rainy and overcast. This is suppose to clear up sometime Monday afternoon and then be great weather the rest of the week. I am really looking forward to some sunny weather. I had a dream last night that the house we use to live in when I was a kid had a fire in it. For some reason, I thought the whole house would burn down, but after a long time the fire was put out. However, it destroyed the floor between my old bedroom and downstairs. While looking at the damage, I commented to someone, I think it was my mother, that this would be a good time to remodel the house. It seems like even in my dreams, things are changing.
That house on Elmgrove Road is still there and looks much the same as it did when we lived there. I drove by it a few weeks ago to take a look. In fact, much about the old neighborhood looks the same except the area around it has changed. Use to be that there was a bridge at the very end of our neighborhood. I called it the "bridge to nowhere" because at the other end of the bridge was woods. It literally did go to nowhere, now it goes to the clubhouse and part of a golf course. When I go home, everything seems to have changes around the neighborhood and now even the high school is adding on more space.
This seems to be a season in my life where thing are changing. I am most often resistant to change. I like the ruts I get in and fight against moving or changing. It reminds me of a man who was in a nursing home I worked in. The office staff was changing and they were moving furniture. He asked me if I would sign a petition getting them to move all the old furniture back to where it was. He didn't know that they were simply moving some furniture. I'm sure he was worried they would move him right on out the door. The changes were making him feel a little anxious, especially since nobody had told him why they were moving things. I took a few minutes to explain to him why they were moving things and how it would make things run smoother.
I was also thinking today of how in the past I always use to like going to church. Everytime the doors were opened I was there. There was even a season when I was a greeter at the sanctuary door or at the back door at the church. Sometimes as an usher and sometimes as a minister and sometimes in other capacities. Today is Sunday and when I thought about going to church today, it just did not seem like it was worth the effort. I thought about it for all of four seconds before dismissing the thought. I haven't heard a sermon yet in North Carolina from a pastor that was worth getting dressed up to go hear preached. I haven't been to a service yet that really felt like it energized me and built up my faith. That is sad for me to say. I wish it was not true but it is. Ironically, I feel like my faith has gotten stronger in the last year. I feel closer to God lately, but still not anywhere near ready to get involved in church again. In fact, I wondered today, if Jesus was on earth today, would he have a church membership somewhere? I wonder what he thinks of His church today?
That house on Elmgrove Road is still there and looks much the same as it did when we lived there. I drove by it a few weeks ago to take a look. In fact, much about the old neighborhood looks the same except the area around it has changed. Use to be that there was a bridge at the very end of our neighborhood. I called it the "bridge to nowhere" because at the other end of the bridge was woods. It literally did go to nowhere, now it goes to the clubhouse and part of a golf course. When I go home, everything seems to have changes around the neighborhood and now even the high school is adding on more space.
This seems to be a season in my life where thing are changing. I am most often resistant to change. I like the ruts I get in and fight against moving or changing. It reminds me of a man who was in a nursing home I worked in. The office staff was changing and they were moving furniture. He asked me if I would sign a petition getting them to move all the old furniture back to where it was. He didn't know that they were simply moving some furniture. I'm sure he was worried they would move him right on out the door. The changes were making him feel a little anxious, especially since nobody had told him why they were moving things. I took a few minutes to explain to him why they were moving things and how it would make things run smoother.
I was also thinking today of how in the past I always use to like going to church. Everytime the doors were opened I was there. There was even a season when I was a greeter at the sanctuary door or at the back door at the church. Sometimes as an usher and sometimes as a minister and sometimes in other capacities. Today is Sunday and when I thought about going to church today, it just did not seem like it was worth the effort. I thought about it for all of four seconds before dismissing the thought. I haven't heard a sermon yet in North Carolina from a pastor that was worth getting dressed up to go hear preached. I haven't been to a service yet that really felt like it energized me and built up my faith. That is sad for me to say. I wish it was not true but it is. Ironically, I feel like my faith has gotten stronger in the last year. I feel closer to God lately, but still not anywhere near ready to get involved in church again. In fact, I wondered today, if Jesus was on earth today, would he have a church membership somewhere? I wonder what he thinks of His church today?
Saturday, March 27, 2010
The Courage to Change
I was reading through Jeremiah 26 the other day and felt compelled to write about the scene that this chapter talks about. Jeremiah was told by God to go to the courtyard of the Temple to give a message to the people. At this point, Jehioakim is king of Judah. He was one of the last kings of Judah. Babylon had already attacked and taken captive some of the most brilliant people of the land. Things are looking pretty grim and it should be obvious at this point who was telling the truth and that Jeremiah should be listened to.
Jeremiah goes into the temple and tells the people to listen to God and to repent of their evil ways. In response, the people say to Jeremiah "You must die". Jer 26:8. The elders of the people go up to see what Jeremiah is saying before a full riot breaks out. In the midst of this harsh and large crowd, Jeremiah stands his ground. He tells them to change their ways and then adds about himself "As for me, I am in your power, Do to me what you think is good and right. But be sure of one thing. If you kill me, you will be guilty of killing an innocent person. You will make this city and everyone who live in it guilty too! The Lord truly sent me to give you this message." Jeremiah's not going back down even if it means his death, which it probably seemed likely at that point.
Which leads me to ask the question, why is it so against our grain to change even when it seems it is in our best interest to change? Whether it is the alcoholic who needs to change his habit or someone who eats too much or is focused on some other unhealthy pursuit. It seems that we must feel a great deal of pain before we change. I see that where I work, when you tell people something time and time again, but like a pig in his favorite mud pile, the pig keeps going back. We seem so resistant to change. Is it because the familiar is more comfortable for us that to face the uncertainty of something new and different? Even when it is in our best interests!
Jeremiah almost lost his life that day for speaking what is obvious. Other times he was thrown into a cistern full of mud and nearly died in it, put into the stocks another time and put under house arrest another time, so that he could not walk among the people and warn them. It wasn't easy to tell others that they should change and repent. Repent does mean change and not just confession. It literally means to turn around and go another direction. It is a conviction that brings about resolution to change your ways. Without it, to say your sorry really doesn't mean much if your just going to go back and do the same things.
Jeremiah goes into the temple and tells the people to listen to God and to repent of their evil ways. In response, the people say to Jeremiah "You must die". Jer 26:8. The elders of the people go up to see what Jeremiah is saying before a full riot breaks out. In the midst of this harsh and large crowd, Jeremiah stands his ground. He tells them to change their ways and then adds about himself "As for me, I am in your power, Do to me what you think is good and right. But be sure of one thing. If you kill me, you will be guilty of killing an innocent person. You will make this city and everyone who live in it guilty too! The Lord truly sent me to give you this message." Jeremiah's not going back down even if it means his death, which it probably seemed likely at that point.
Which leads me to ask the question, why is it so against our grain to change even when it seems it is in our best interest to change? Whether it is the alcoholic who needs to change his habit or someone who eats too much or is focused on some other unhealthy pursuit. It seems that we must feel a great deal of pain before we change. I see that where I work, when you tell people something time and time again, but like a pig in his favorite mud pile, the pig keeps going back. We seem so resistant to change. Is it because the familiar is more comfortable for us that to face the uncertainty of something new and different? Even when it is in our best interests!
Jeremiah almost lost his life that day for speaking what is obvious. Other times he was thrown into a cistern full of mud and nearly died in it, put into the stocks another time and put under house arrest another time, so that he could not walk among the people and warn them. It wasn't easy to tell others that they should change and repent. Repent does mean change and not just confession. It literally means to turn around and go another direction. It is a conviction that brings about resolution to change your ways. Without it, to say your sorry really doesn't mean much if your just going to go back and do the same things.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
God's Name
There are a lot of interesting studies out there looking at the various names of God. One thing that we did when I was in a group that studied the Lord's Prayer was look at the prominence that Jesus gives to His Father's Name. You may remember that the Lord's Prayer, for example in Luke 11 starts by saying, "Our Father, hallowed be your name." Jesus mentioned his Father name as a priority in prayer. The idea of "hallowed" means respect, revere, honored. Jesus was concerned that his Father be honored.
As it turns out, God the Father also mentions that he deserves as our creator and redeemer honor and glory. When Moses was calling out the Israelites from Egypt, God mentioned that he would have the Jews leave Egypt in a way that would demonstrate God's power and glory.
God says to Moses, "And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it." Exodus 7:5
The plagues made the Egyptians realize they were not dealing with some idol made of wood or stone, but a real, powerful and living God.
Later, when the Israelites forsook God's name and began worshipping idols and the Baal, God was again concerned for his name. He was concerned that people would identify his name with the behavior of his people. By saying nothing, it would look as though God was pleased with his people. Over and over again, God tells the people that they are to be holy for he is holy. They were suppose to reflect the one whose name they were under. When they did not, God disciplined them.
One of the earliest bible stories that I remember is the story of David and Goliath. You may remember the story of David coming to the front and hearing Goliath mock God and the Israelites. Everyone was afraid of him including Saul because he was so big and strong. Goliath came from a long line of giants and had been a solider most of his life. It is important to realize why God gave David the victory that he did that day. Look at what David said to Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:45-46 "David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistines army to the birds of the air and the beast of the earth and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel." Please notice, David was concerned not about his own name, for he was just a little shepherd boy, youngest in his family. David was concerned about God's name and how it was being mocked. From the sound of it, David had heard enough and didn't lack any faith at all that God was going to give him a victory.
There always seems to be at least one in every family. Someone who seemed to run around wild like they have no common sense at all. Sometimes they are referred to the "black sheep" of the family. These are family members the family would often like to act as if they are not a part. They shame the family because of their actions. While, at the same time, other people bring honor to their family. They have buildings named after them or sometimes streets or hospital. These are people who make their family proud because of their unselfishness or their generosity. Paul says in Ephesians 4:1 that we should "live a life worthy of the calling you have received." One of our main priorities is to bring glory and honor to God and we do that by living the kind of life that tells others that we know Him. Sadly, in many cases, you can't tell the difference between those who profess to be believers and those who are not these days. What about you? Can people tell what family your a part of? Can people tell your a part of God's family?
As it turns out, God the Father also mentions that he deserves as our creator and redeemer honor and glory. When Moses was calling out the Israelites from Egypt, God mentioned that he would have the Jews leave Egypt in a way that would demonstrate God's power and glory.
God says to Moses, "And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it." Exodus 7:5
The plagues made the Egyptians realize they were not dealing with some idol made of wood or stone, but a real, powerful and living God.
Later, when the Israelites forsook God's name and began worshipping idols and the Baal, God was again concerned for his name. He was concerned that people would identify his name with the behavior of his people. By saying nothing, it would look as though God was pleased with his people. Over and over again, God tells the people that they are to be holy for he is holy. They were suppose to reflect the one whose name they were under. When they did not, God disciplined them.
One of the earliest bible stories that I remember is the story of David and Goliath. You may remember the story of David coming to the front and hearing Goliath mock God and the Israelites. Everyone was afraid of him including Saul because he was so big and strong. Goliath came from a long line of giants and had been a solider most of his life. It is important to realize why God gave David the victory that he did that day. Look at what David said to Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:45-46 "David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistines army to the birds of the air and the beast of the earth and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel." Please notice, David was concerned not about his own name, for he was just a little shepherd boy, youngest in his family. David was concerned about God's name and how it was being mocked. From the sound of it, David had heard enough and didn't lack any faith at all that God was going to give him a victory.
There always seems to be at least one in every family. Someone who seemed to run around wild like they have no common sense at all. Sometimes they are referred to the "black sheep" of the family. These are family members the family would often like to act as if they are not a part. They shame the family because of their actions. While, at the same time, other people bring honor to their family. They have buildings named after them or sometimes streets or hospital. These are people who make their family proud because of their unselfishness or their generosity. Paul says in Ephesians 4:1 that we should "live a life worthy of the calling you have received." One of our main priorities is to bring glory and honor to God and we do that by living the kind of life that tells others that we know Him. Sadly, in many cases, you can't tell the difference between those who profess to be believers and those who are not these days. What about you? Can people tell what family your a part of? Can people tell your a part of God's family?
Friday, March 19, 2010
The Importance of the Kingdom
A few years ago, when I was a pastor of a church in West Virginia, we did a study called EKG: The Heartbeat of God by Ken Hemphill. Ken use to be the President of the seminary I went to in Ft.Worth and is also the author of several books. In this study, Ken points out the importance that Jesus and the Bible emphasize the Kingdom of God. For example, when Jesus says in Matthew 6:33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you."
The word "seek" is the same word that Jesus would use in Matthew 7:8. It means a continual and constant seeking. It has a lot to do with priorities. In the verses before Jesus said this he was talking about people who were very worried about worldly priorities, what to wear, what they would eat and things like that. They were, in a sense, worried about their own kingdom, while Jesus was singular focused on God's kingdom.
This is the same kingdom that Daniel mentioned to King Nebuchadnezzar that became the great mountain and overcame and endured more than all the other kingdoms. It is a kingdom that has Jesus as its king. The disciples mistakenly thought that the Messiah would be an earthly king because scripture does mention that type of Messiah. What they didn't realize is that Jesus had a different kind of kingdom in mind. Jesus said in John 18:36-37 "My Kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting, that I might not be delivered up to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of ths realm. Pilate then said to Him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. . . ."
The challenge becomes then, in the rush of everyday life, to have ourselves focused on the bigger picture while at the same time to realize we have to do our jobs, take care of children, bills, homes and other things. As christians though, I operate with another agenda. I need to be thinking about how can I promote and further the kingdom. Am I allowing God to be king in my own life? Am I thinking about what he wants or just what I want? Who rules and reigns in my life? As it turns out, the idols that the Old Testament people worshipped may have been easier to see, but the idols of money or power or position or a myriad of other things still exist. The truth is, the devil doesn't care who your idol is, as long as it isn't Jesus.
The word "seek" is the same word that Jesus would use in Matthew 7:8. It means a continual and constant seeking. It has a lot to do with priorities. In the verses before Jesus said this he was talking about people who were very worried about worldly priorities, what to wear, what they would eat and things like that. They were, in a sense, worried about their own kingdom, while Jesus was singular focused on God's kingdom.
This is the same kingdom that Daniel mentioned to King Nebuchadnezzar that became the great mountain and overcame and endured more than all the other kingdoms. It is a kingdom that has Jesus as its king. The disciples mistakenly thought that the Messiah would be an earthly king because scripture does mention that type of Messiah. What they didn't realize is that Jesus had a different kind of kingdom in mind. Jesus said in John 18:36-37 "My Kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting, that I might not be delivered up to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of ths realm. Pilate then said to Him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. . . ."
The challenge becomes then, in the rush of everyday life, to have ourselves focused on the bigger picture while at the same time to realize we have to do our jobs, take care of children, bills, homes and other things. As christians though, I operate with another agenda. I need to be thinking about how can I promote and further the kingdom. Am I allowing God to be king in my own life? Am I thinking about what he wants or just what I want? Who rules and reigns in my life? As it turns out, the idols that the Old Testament people worshipped may have been easier to see, but the idols of money or power or position or a myriad of other things still exist. The truth is, the devil doesn't care who your idol is, as long as it isn't Jesus.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Positive Changes
I've been thinking a lot about changes I need to make in my life to help me feel better, less depressed, less burned out and more in charge of my future. To tell the truth, for the last 6 months I do feel like I have been burned out. I wake up exhausted and drag my body out of bed like I'm 89 instead of 42 years old. I dread this feeling and wish it would stop. Knowing that my body, mind and spirit are all linked together, I decided to go on an exercise program and start to eat better.
Having said that, I will confess this is probably the 30th time I have vowed to make changes only for them to last a few days or weeks. I start off well, but then simply don't have the energy to continue. Life gets busy and I forget or don't want to lift the weights or go walk or do what I know I should do. Maybe I try to do too much too soon. I started on Sunday and today is Tuesday and I have already exercised with weights twice and gone walking once.
I say mind, body and spirit are all connected because I get the sense in which when I feel more depressed and tired it also seems like more work to have faith and to read my Bible and to go to church. Church itself often seems like work to me these days and I sometimes wonder if the issue is that church for me represents a ritual and not a relationship. Maybe it shouldn't be that way, but it is. So, not only do I want to eat better, take my vitamins, but also be more consistent with spending time with God and prayer. My prayer life is kinda like my exercise plan has been, spotty and inconsistent. Maybe that shocks you to hear that I am human, but that is how it has been for as long as I have been a christian.
So, a big part of the issue for me is consistency. Whatever I am going to do I want to be consistent about it. I was with a client today at the gym and we were talking about muscle and working out. I told him the old saying, "if you don't use it you'll lose it." The truth is, not only do you lose it, but you lose it quite quickly. I can remember being able to lift the equivalent of my own weight over my head using free weights when I was in school and now I would be doing good to do half that. I haven't use some of those muscles nearly as much as I use to, so I lost some strength there. The good news is, that I can also gain it back.
Another change that I want to make is to work on letting go of some anger and bitterness. I have some people in my life and some situations that I wish I could change. I'm sure that you do also. But, wish that I might they don't seem to change and I can't make them. What I can do is change my attitude toward them. The bitterness and anger as it turns out is only hurting me. I want to let go of the things in my life that are toxic.
When I was talking to some people on facebook the other day I mentioned that I was going to try and change my diet. I said, "Reese's peanut butter cups stock may take a dive when they hear about this." I said that because I love Reese's peanut butter cups. I'm also quite fond of Krispy Kreme donuts. If I were to eat one of them it would be great, but the bad things about it is, Krispy Kreme donuts by themselves will make my blood sugar go up to about 300. Sometimes I think just looking at them makes my blood sugar go up. So, even though it is good for some people, it isn't that good for me. I wish I could say the same for broccoli or spinach. :)
Anyway, I wish for 2010 that I would press ahead to a healthier and happier me and I wish the same for you.
If you see me around, ask about how I'm doing. Hold me accountable!! I need the encouragement.
Having said that, I will confess this is probably the 30th time I have vowed to make changes only for them to last a few days or weeks. I start off well, but then simply don't have the energy to continue. Life gets busy and I forget or don't want to lift the weights or go walk or do what I know I should do. Maybe I try to do too much too soon. I started on Sunday and today is Tuesday and I have already exercised with weights twice and gone walking once.
I say mind, body and spirit are all connected because I get the sense in which when I feel more depressed and tired it also seems like more work to have faith and to read my Bible and to go to church. Church itself often seems like work to me these days and I sometimes wonder if the issue is that church for me represents a ritual and not a relationship. Maybe it shouldn't be that way, but it is. So, not only do I want to eat better, take my vitamins, but also be more consistent with spending time with God and prayer. My prayer life is kinda like my exercise plan has been, spotty and inconsistent. Maybe that shocks you to hear that I am human, but that is how it has been for as long as I have been a christian.
So, a big part of the issue for me is consistency. Whatever I am going to do I want to be consistent about it. I was with a client today at the gym and we were talking about muscle and working out. I told him the old saying, "if you don't use it you'll lose it." The truth is, not only do you lose it, but you lose it quite quickly. I can remember being able to lift the equivalent of my own weight over my head using free weights when I was in school and now I would be doing good to do half that. I haven't use some of those muscles nearly as much as I use to, so I lost some strength there. The good news is, that I can also gain it back.
Another change that I want to make is to work on letting go of some anger and bitterness. I have some people in my life and some situations that I wish I could change. I'm sure that you do also. But, wish that I might they don't seem to change and I can't make them. What I can do is change my attitude toward them. The bitterness and anger as it turns out is only hurting me. I want to let go of the things in my life that are toxic.
When I was talking to some people on facebook the other day I mentioned that I was going to try and change my diet. I said, "Reese's peanut butter cups stock may take a dive when they hear about this." I said that because I love Reese's peanut butter cups. I'm also quite fond of Krispy Kreme donuts. If I were to eat one of them it would be great, but the bad things about it is, Krispy Kreme donuts by themselves will make my blood sugar go up to about 300. Sometimes I think just looking at them makes my blood sugar go up. So, even though it is good for some people, it isn't that good for me. I wish I could say the same for broccoli or spinach. :)
Anyway, I wish for 2010 that I would press ahead to a healthier and happier me and I wish the same for you.
If you see me around, ask about how I'm doing. Hold me accountable!! I need the encouragement.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Jeremiah's Call and Commission
I got a new commentary of Jeremiah the other day in the mail, so I decided to do a study of this book. Jeremiah isn't an easy book to understand. A lot of it is not in sequence and Jeremiah seems at times to be very depressed. In looking at Jeremiah 1 we see Jeremiah's call and commission into a ministry that spanned 5 kings and about 40 years.
In summary of Jeremiah's call and commission, I came to these conclusions:
1. Jeremiah's call and commission was not his choice. Jeremiah actually was a priest through heritage and not a prophet. But, God said that he chose Jeremiah before he had actually existed. That is consistent with what it says in Psalm 139:15,16, where it tells us that God seems all our days when as yet one of them has been. It is an awesome thing to realize that not only is God not surprised by whatever happens to us, but saw it before we were born or existed. God saw Jeremiah before he existed and he also sees you where you are and me where I am.
2. Jeremiah was a youth. vs.6 Jeremiah was about 14-15 years old when he was called. His youth didn't discount who he was or what he was called to anymore than youth is an excuse to sin or not to follow God. Some people say when they are young, I will repent and follow God later in life. By the looks of things, God didn't allow Jeremiah to use that excuse that he was young.
3. God promised to be with him vs.8. God doesn't send us to do things for him. He goes with us. This doesn't mean it will be easy or viewed as a success in the world's eyes. Jeremiah's ministry by worldly standards was a miserable failure. Even his own family and people tried to kill him and wouldn't believe him. He died in exile in Egypt. But, it was a success because he did what God told him to do with God.
4. God gave him the words to say. Jeremiah didn't make things up and it didn't always sound great to listen to Jeremiah. His was not a feel good message. It took courage to say what God wanted him to say. Sometimes it goes against the trend and popularity to do what God wants you to do. But, God honors those who honor him.
I had times when I was in college when it was tempting to follow what everyone else wanted me to do. It is natural to want to be popular. There was a television show years ago called "Cheers". The beginning song talks about going somewhere where everyone knows your name. We all want to feel like we belong and want to feel popular and well liked. I wanted to have the pretty girlfriend and be popular with all my housemates also. But, I didn't want to compromise my values and go to bars and do the things others were doing and that got lonely at times. Jeremiah's ministry was also lonely, but God was with him and he was not alone.
5. God told him the majority would not accept his message. In the last verse of the chapter it says that they will "fight" against him. That is exactly what happened. Jeremiah started his ministry during the popular reign of Josiah. Josiah, who I call the "child king" was very popular. During his reign they found the law in the temple during repair work. Things had gotten so bad that before that they had simply lost the law. When it was read to the king the king repented and proclaimed a time of repentance and fasting. Josiah tried to bring the people back to God. But, Jeremiah continue to speak to the people as though they had not repented. He told them that they had both forsaken and forgotten God. In chapter 2 of the book, he will say that God says you forsook the "fountain of living waters" for "broken cisterns that would not hold water." They didn't like to hear that and rejected, for the most part, what Jeremiah had to say.
In summary of Jeremiah's call and commission, I came to these conclusions:
1. Jeremiah's call and commission was not his choice. Jeremiah actually was a priest through heritage and not a prophet. But, God said that he chose Jeremiah before he had actually existed. That is consistent with what it says in Psalm 139:15,16, where it tells us that God seems all our days when as yet one of them has been. It is an awesome thing to realize that not only is God not surprised by whatever happens to us, but saw it before we were born or existed. God saw Jeremiah before he existed and he also sees you where you are and me where I am.
2. Jeremiah was a youth. vs.6 Jeremiah was about 14-15 years old when he was called. His youth didn't discount who he was or what he was called to anymore than youth is an excuse to sin or not to follow God. Some people say when they are young, I will repent and follow God later in life. By the looks of things, God didn't allow Jeremiah to use that excuse that he was young.
3. God promised to be with him vs.8. God doesn't send us to do things for him. He goes with us. This doesn't mean it will be easy or viewed as a success in the world's eyes. Jeremiah's ministry by worldly standards was a miserable failure. Even his own family and people tried to kill him and wouldn't believe him. He died in exile in Egypt. But, it was a success because he did what God told him to do with God.
4. God gave him the words to say. Jeremiah didn't make things up and it didn't always sound great to listen to Jeremiah. His was not a feel good message. It took courage to say what God wanted him to say. Sometimes it goes against the trend and popularity to do what God wants you to do. But, God honors those who honor him.
I had times when I was in college when it was tempting to follow what everyone else wanted me to do. It is natural to want to be popular. There was a television show years ago called "Cheers". The beginning song talks about going somewhere where everyone knows your name. We all want to feel like we belong and want to feel popular and well liked. I wanted to have the pretty girlfriend and be popular with all my housemates also. But, I didn't want to compromise my values and go to bars and do the things others were doing and that got lonely at times. Jeremiah's ministry was also lonely, but God was with him and he was not alone.
5. God told him the majority would not accept his message. In the last verse of the chapter it says that they will "fight" against him. That is exactly what happened. Jeremiah started his ministry during the popular reign of Josiah. Josiah, who I call the "child king" was very popular. During his reign they found the law in the temple during repair work. Things had gotten so bad that before that they had simply lost the law. When it was read to the king the king repented and proclaimed a time of repentance and fasting. Josiah tried to bring the people back to God. But, Jeremiah continue to speak to the people as though they had not repented. He told them that they had both forsaken and forgotten God. In chapter 2 of the book, he will say that God says you forsook the "fountain of living waters" for "broken cisterns that would not hold water." They didn't like to hear that and rejected, for the most part, what Jeremiah had to say.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Did Peter jump the gun?
I've started reading through the book of Acts again and noticed that in chapter one of Acts Peter indicates to the other disciples and to those gathered that Judas betrayed Jesus and led others to arrest him. He says that there needs to be a witness to take his place as an apostle. It then says in Acts 1:24-25 "And they prayed and said, "Thou Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show which one of these two Thou hast chose." Meaning, the two men they set forward, Barsabbas and Matthias. So, by lots Matthias was chosen and numbered among the 12 apostles.
Having said all of that, Paul also calls himself an apostle of the Gentiles, so is he now number 13 or is Matthias not to be counted? I wonder since it doesn't appear that God specifically told Peter to bring this up if this is another case of Peter jumping the gun? Remember, this is Peter before Pentecost that we are talking about. It would not be the first time that Peter would do that. Furthermore, we never hear another word about Matthias, good or bad. It could be he was martyred early as James was, but that is only speculation.
I ask the question, because I believe it goes to the heart of how God works. The church was in unity at this time. They were in agreement that Judas should be replaced. They also agreed that it should be someone who had been around from the beginning of Jesus' ministry to the end. Matthias was apparently a faithful close follower who had been active the whole 3 years of Jesus' earth ministry. Furthermore, they were in prayer about the subject.
On the negative side of things, they limited the choices to two men who they put forward. Paul at the time was still unconverted and a part of the Sanhedrin. In fact, he was a persecutor of the church at the time and an unlikely candidate for the job. I'm not so much concerned about the idea that they cast lots. Many times in the Old Testament you see things like that to determine God's will. I am concerned I don't see God specifically speak and say yes or no or bless this decision. In fact, I don't see God confirm or deny this choice at all
What do you think? Did Peter jump the gun here or just do what is necessary?
Are apostles limited only to 12? I know some people believe it is a gift that still exists, but I don't. Apostles were eyewitnesses of what Jesus did and nobody is that old, so that is irrelevant to me.
Having said all of that, Paul also calls himself an apostle of the Gentiles, so is he now number 13 or is Matthias not to be counted? I wonder since it doesn't appear that God specifically told Peter to bring this up if this is another case of Peter jumping the gun? Remember, this is Peter before Pentecost that we are talking about. It would not be the first time that Peter would do that. Furthermore, we never hear another word about Matthias, good or bad. It could be he was martyred early as James was, but that is only speculation.
I ask the question, because I believe it goes to the heart of how God works. The church was in unity at this time. They were in agreement that Judas should be replaced. They also agreed that it should be someone who had been around from the beginning of Jesus' ministry to the end. Matthias was apparently a faithful close follower who had been active the whole 3 years of Jesus' earth ministry. Furthermore, they were in prayer about the subject.
On the negative side of things, they limited the choices to two men who they put forward. Paul at the time was still unconverted and a part of the Sanhedrin. In fact, he was a persecutor of the church at the time and an unlikely candidate for the job. I'm not so much concerned about the idea that they cast lots. Many times in the Old Testament you see things like that to determine God's will. I am concerned I don't see God specifically speak and say yes or no or bless this decision. In fact, I don't see God confirm or deny this choice at all
What do you think? Did Peter jump the gun here or just do what is necessary?
Are apostles limited only to 12? I know some people believe it is a gift that still exists, but I don't. Apostles were eyewitnesses of what Jesus did and nobody is that old, so that is irrelevant to me.
Monday, March 8, 2010
When God hides
1 [a]Why, O LORD, do you stand far off?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
Psalm 10:1; NIV
There are many verses, particularly in psalms, where the psalmist indicates that God appears to be silent or hidden to him. Keep in mind that this is David who wrote many of these psalms, not just for him personally, but for all of Israel. It appears to be an experience that was common to David. I am glad these verses are there because at times I struggle with understanding what God is up to or why he does not act.
If you've ever prayed for someone to be saved and seen them walk further and further away from God. Or if you have struggle with unemployment only to see jobs go to other people less qualified. If you've struggled with understanding why these prayers have not been answered these verses are for you. What do you do though when God appears to be silent?
I have had times when I have prayed for a job only to have to wait and wait and wait. Not only do I not get the job, but had a temporary job that I liked quit while waiting. Not only did God not open a door at the time, but he shut a few windows as well. I remember going to my pastor in Virginia while I was waiting and telling him, "I feel like God is ignoring me." Those were really difficult time. In times like that I have a tendency to take matters into my own hands and try and force things to happen. It's almost like my thinking becomes "Better for something to happen then to sit and wait." Later, I realized that I should be thankful for the prayers that were not answered because I couldn't see all the possible consequences of my requests.
I also see looking back on things that those were times when my faith took a beating, but eventually ended up stronger through the process. It is almost as if faith is like a muscle that grows when it is used. When everything is going well it doesn't need to be used and doesn't grow. But, when it appears that everyone else is having prayers answered and heaven shuts its door to you it is almost as if God is saying, "Do you still trust me though you don't see me at work?" We have a chance to prove whether or not we truly believe that God deserves our trust.
A friend of mine who is a pastor in Texas was moving his church to a new location. He had signed a lease agreement on a building that use to be a hispanic nightclub, but he was going to turn it into a church. It came with 12 acres of land. They had a month to get over $12,000 together for the closing. A week before they closed I saw him at the post office and he told me they were stll several thousand dollars short. I told him I thought he should be on the phones trying to get the money together. I remember asking him if he was worried. He replied in an absolutely calm voice that he wasn't worried and that it would all work out. The night before they closed, this man's former church called him and asked how much he needed. They wired the money to him overnight and they closed on time. He didn't see God at work for weeks on the amount he needed, but rather than panic, he saw this as an opportunity to grow in his faith.
I would add that his experience educated me also regarding a living example of what faith is. Vic use to be fond of saying, "Just because God is quiet, doesn't mean he isn't working." That's an important idea to keep in mind. When the Israelites went into the desert God deliberately moved them where the Red Sea was blocking their path. They thought they were stuck and paniced because Egypt was after them. But, God had a plan all along and when they cried out to him he heard them in his good time.
Some other verses
Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. Psalm 27:9
Psalm 31:20 NIV • Read this chapter
In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.
Psalm 40:10 NIV • Read this chapter
I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.
Psalm 44:24 NIV • Read this chapter
Why do you hide your face and forget our misery and oppression?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
Psalm 10:1; NIV
There are many verses, particularly in psalms, where the psalmist indicates that God appears to be silent or hidden to him. Keep in mind that this is David who wrote many of these psalms, not just for him personally, but for all of Israel. It appears to be an experience that was common to David. I am glad these verses are there because at times I struggle with understanding what God is up to or why he does not act.
If you've ever prayed for someone to be saved and seen them walk further and further away from God. Or if you have struggle with unemployment only to see jobs go to other people less qualified. If you've struggled with understanding why these prayers have not been answered these verses are for you. What do you do though when God appears to be silent?
I have had times when I have prayed for a job only to have to wait and wait and wait. Not only do I not get the job, but had a temporary job that I liked quit while waiting. Not only did God not open a door at the time, but he shut a few windows as well. I remember going to my pastor in Virginia while I was waiting and telling him, "I feel like God is ignoring me." Those were really difficult time. In times like that I have a tendency to take matters into my own hands and try and force things to happen. It's almost like my thinking becomes "Better for something to happen then to sit and wait." Later, I realized that I should be thankful for the prayers that were not answered because I couldn't see all the possible consequences of my requests.
I also see looking back on things that those were times when my faith took a beating, but eventually ended up stronger through the process. It is almost as if faith is like a muscle that grows when it is used. When everything is going well it doesn't need to be used and doesn't grow. But, when it appears that everyone else is having prayers answered and heaven shuts its door to you it is almost as if God is saying, "Do you still trust me though you don't see me at work?" We have a chance to prove whether or not we truly believe that God deserves our trust.
A friend of mine who is a pastor in Texas was moving his church to a new location. He had signed a lease agreement on a building that use to be a hispanic nightclub, but he was going to turn it into a church. It came with 12 acres of land. They had a month to get over $12,000 together for the closing. A week before they closed I saw him at the post office and he told me they were stll several thousand dollars short. I told him I thought he should be on the phones trying to get the money together. I remember asking him if he was worried. He replied in an absolutely calm voice that he wasn't worried and that it would all work out. The night before they closed, this man's former church called him and asked how much he needed. They wired the money to him overnight and they closed on time. He didn't see God at work for weeks on the amount he needed, but rather than panic, he saw this as an opportunity to grow in his faith.
I would add that his experience educated me also regarding a living example of what faith is. Vic use to be fond of saying, "Just because God is quiet, doesn't mean he isn't working." That's an important idea to keep in mind. When the Israelites went into the desert God deliberately moved them where the Red Sea was blocking their path. They thought they were stuck and paniced because Egypt was after them. But, God had a plan all along and when they cried out to him he heard them in his good time.
Some other verses
Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. Psalm 27:9
Psalm 31:20 NIV • Read this chapter
In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.
Psalm 40:10 NIV • Read this chapter
I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.
Psalm 44:24 NIV • Read this chapter
Why do you hide your face and forget our misery and oppression?
Friday, March 5, 2010
A New Creation
"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come." Holman Christian Standard 2 Corinthians 5:17
I was telling someone today that I really kinda regret putting up a message on the blog about thorns because it seemed this week has been full of them. I am tempted if this trend continues to only talk about positive things. It is much easier to write than to live out dealing with thorns. It is much easier to sit and talk about how God is going to bring good out of bad than to actually experience some of it. If pain is God shouting then he has been screaming at me all week. With that in mind, I may have to be more careful about what I actual say on this blog.
Seriously though, I was thinking about how we are in process. As a chaplain friend use to say to me, that sanctification is both an event and a process. In one case, we are as saved as we are going to be. In God's eyes, the new creation has been fulfilled and the sins have been forgiven. But, in another real case, the battle continues daily with the old nature. It is dying, but it isn't going down without a bloody fight. I find that is the case with me and Paul said it was the case with him in the book of Romans. We are all a work in progress.
As I struggle with the daily battle of dealing with my frustrations and disappointments, God sees the finished product. He can because of the greatest of the cross and resurrection. The blood of the cross is adequate to wash away the sins I commit. In fact, at that moment before I took my first breath, God saw me and my problems and forgave me even when I had not yet taken a breath. He could do this because of his perfect foreknowledge. He could want to do that because of his unlimited love. That's really what it comes down to in the end, not how wonderful I am, but how wonderful and loving God is. Good to know we rest on a solid foundation!
Years ago, when I was a teenager, I went to a christian concert at a church in Houston. The singer, whose name I don't remember now, had an album titled "DaySpring". One of the songs on there has a line that says, "He's still working on me." I would also say that, but I would add, "He's got a lot left to do." As I sit here, I have been in church all my life and a practicing christian for 26 years. I have read the Bible cover to cover at least a dozen times or more. But, it isn't a matter of how much I have read it, but how much I live it. I am aware that I fail everyday. I am aware that if I was in God's shoes I would have given up on me a long time ago. But, because God's grace is greater than my sin I am forgiven though I am still stumbling along at an alarming rate.
I was telling someone today that I really kinda regret putting up a message on the blog about thorns because it seemed this week has been full of them. I am tempted if this trend continues to only talk about positive things. It is much easier to write than to live out dealing with thorns. It is much easier to sit and talk about how God is going to bring good out of bad than to actually experience some of it. If pain is God shouting then he has been screaming at me all week. With that in mind, I may have to be more careful about what I actual say on this blog.
Seriously though, I was thinking about how we are in process. As a chaplain friend use to say to me, that sanctification is both an event and a process. In one case, we are as saved as we are going to be. In God's eyes, the new creation has been fulfilled and the sins have been forgiven. But, in another real case, the battle continues daily with the old nature. It is dying, but it isn't going down without a bloody fight. I find that is the case with me and Paul said it was the case with him in the book of Romans. We are all a work in progress.
As I struggle with the daily battle of dealing with my frustrations and disappointments, God sees the finished product. He can because of the greatest of the cross and resurrection. The blood of the cross is adequate to wash away the sins I commit. In fact, at that moment before I took my first breath, God saw me and my problems and forgave me even when I had not yet taken a breath. He could do this because of his perfect foreknowledge. He could want to do that because of his unlimited love. That's really what it comes down to in the end, not how wonderful I am, but how wonderful and loving God is. Good to know we rest on a solid foundation!
Years ago, when I was a teenager, I went to a christian concert at a church in Houston. The singer, whose name I don't remember now, had an album titled "DaySpring". One of the songs on there has a line that says, "He's still working on me." I would also say that, but I would add, "He's got a lot left to do." As I sit here, I have been in church all my life and a practicing christian for 26 years. I have read the Bible cover to cover at least a dozen times or more. But, it isn't a matter of how much I have read it, but how much I live it. I am aware that I fail everyday. I am aware that if I was in God's shoes I would have given up on me a long time ago. But, because God's grace is greater than my sin I am forgiven though I am still stumbling along at an alarming rate.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
A Thorn
Paul plead with the Lord three times that he would take away what Paul termed "a thorn in my flesh." When he did, God responded, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor 12:9
I want to say right up in front that in writing this verse, I am in no way comparing myself to Paul, the great apostle. His problems were far more vast and spiritually great than any of mine. It is a verse that goes through my mind sometimes when facing various trials. Since today was a pretty bad day, it was a verse I thought of. It is snowing as I write this, which is beautiful to watch, but not when your on the road. I have been sick for about a week and a half and am tired of that and I had some difficult clients today who I am not sure how to help. So, thorns have, in a manner of speaking, been on my mind.
Back in 2001, I have a bad cough much like I have had this week. I went to the doctor and he ran a series of tests. A blood test showed that my blood sugar was elevated. My doctor came back and said, "You have something worse than a cough. You have diabetes." That was another blue ribbon day for me. I remember asking the doctor what to do about it and then we went from there adjusting my diet. Someone has once described diabetes as a baby who is constantly crying, demanding attention and that's exactly right. I never have a day of vacation from it. Here I am, 8 years later and now I get 4 shots a day and take pills. If I ignore it for one meal, I will feel terrible.
When I was diagnosed with diabetes a friend came to me and quoted Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called accordng to his purpose." He was telling me that even though God did not cause me to have diabetes, that God could bring something good out of it. I don't believe that God causes people to get diabetes or cancer. I believe it is a result of being in a fallen world where there is decay and death and illness.
One of the things he taught me is how to help my son who is also diabetic. My son, who is also diabetic since he was 5 years old, has someone who can relate to him in a way few can. We use the same types of insulin. We use the same type of meter (though not the same one). There are also a lot of other things that God has taught me through this trial though I never would have wished for it. Paul heard what God told him about his grace being sufficient and then was able to say, "Therefore, I wll boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when am weak, then I am strong."
Years ago, Henry Blackaby wrote some material called "Experiencing God". It is some pretty powerful stuff. One of his sons was one of my Sunday School teachers, so I heard a lot about Henry and how much his son loves him. One of the things Henry says is that God sometimes speak to us through our circumstances. I believe one of those circumstances is pain. In fact, I would go so far to say that not only does God speak to us sometimes in our pain, but he shouts in pain. It has a way of getting our attention. The discomfort causes us to look up, to realize we cannot do it, to realize that I need God's grace. Then, God message to us is that His grace is sufficient. Maybe it is because when we are relying on grace, we get out of the way and allow God to work instead of trying to take all the credit?
1. Look back in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 and see if you can find out why Paul may have had to keep the "thorn" he was given for a while. In verse 7 what does it tells us that Paul avoided by having this?
2. Think back about some of the thorns in your own life, whether they be physical problems or financial or whatever. What do you think God was trying to teach you?
3. Next time you encounter a thorn, remember that God speaks to us in our pain and ask yourself if God isn't trying to teach you something or say something at that moment to you.
I want to say right up in front that in writing this verse, I am in no way comparing myself to Paul, the great apostle. His problems were far more vast and spiritually great than any of mine. It is a verse that goes through my mind sometimes when facing various trials. Since today was a pretty bad day, it was a verse I thought of. It is snowing as I write this, which is beautiful to watch, but not when your on the road. I have been sick for about a week and a half and am tired of that and I had some difficult clients today who I am not sure how to help. So, thorns have, in a manner of speaking, been on my mind.
Back in 2001, I have a bad cough much like I have had this week. I went to the doctor and he ran a series of tests. A blood test showed that my blood sugar was elevated. My doctor came back and said, "You have something worse than a cough. You have diabetes." That was another blue ribbon day for me. I remember asking the doctor what to do about it and then we went from there adjusting my diet. Someone has once described diabetes as a baby who is constantly crying, demanding attention and that's exactly right. I never have a day of vacation from it. Here I am, 8 years later and now I get 4 shots a day and take pills. If I ignore it for one meal, I will feel terrible.
When I was diagnosed with diabetes a friend came to me and quoted Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called accordng to his purpose." He was telling me that even though God did not cause me to have diabetes, that God could bring something good out of it. I don't believe that God causes people to get diabetes or cancer. I believe it is a result of being in a fallen world where there is decay and death and illness.
One of the things he taught me is how to help my son who is also diabetic. My son, who is also diabetic since he was 5 years old, has someone who can relate to him in a way few can. We use the same types of insulin. We use the same type of meter (though not the same one). There are also a lot of other things that God has taught me through this trial though I never would have wished for it. Paul heard what God told him about his grace being sufficient and then was able to say, "Therefore, I wll boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when am weak, then I am strong."
Years ago, Henry Blackaby wrote some material called "Experiencing God". It is some pretty powerful stuff. One of his sons was one of my Sunday School teachers, so I heard a lot about Henry and how much his son loves him. One of the things Henry says is that God sometimes speak to us through our circumstances. I believe one of those circumstances is pain. In fact, I would go so far to say that not only does God speak to us sometimes in our pain, but he shouts in pain. It has a way of getting our attention. The discomfort causes us to look up, to realize we cannot do it, to realize that I need God's grace. Then, God message to us is that His grace is sufficient. Maybe it is because when we are relying on grace, we get out of the way and allow God to work instead of trying to take all the credit?
1. Look back in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 and see if you can find out why Paul may have had to keep the "thorn" he was given for a while. In verse 7 what does it tells us that Paul avoided by having this?
2. Think back about some of the thorns in your own life, whether they be physical problems or financial or whatever. What do you think God was trying to teach you?
3. Next time you encounter a thorn, remember that God speaks to us in our pain and ask yourself if God isn't trying to teach you something or say something at that moment to you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Psalm 32:5-7 God is Ready and Eager to Forgive
Psalm 32:3-7 3 When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. 4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me...
-
Jesus has several statements in the gospel of John that are called the "I am" statements of Jesus. Jesus made some incredible cla...
-
In Matthew 24:1-14 we find Jesus as he is leaving the temple area. The disciples point out to Jesus all the beautiful temple buildings...
-
Study of 1 John started November 5, 2023 1 John Introduction The author- John was possibly born in Bethsaida (John 1:44) and was a son of ...