To know the Lord

   In 1 Samuel 3:7 it says, "Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor had the word of the Lord yet been revealed to him."

    In 1 Samuel 3, we begin to read about Samuel's first encounters with the Lord.  Samuel was a child who was dedicated since he was weaned by his mother to serve the Lord in the temple.  She left him with a man named Eli, who was priest at that time.  Samuel grew up as Eli's assistant in the temple,  But, scripture tells us here in 1 Samuel 3:7, that he did not yet know the Lord.  The word know is the Hebrew word yada', which means that he did not know the Lord by his own experience.  He had not yet recognized who the Lord is in his own life.  The Bible tells us this because in this story the Lord was trying to speak to Samuel and Samuel didn't recognize his voice.

    One thing I noticed is that when Samuel runs to Eli, Eli tells Samuel that when the Lord speaks to you to say,"Speak, Lord, for Thy servant is listening."   Yet, that is not what Samuel says.  Samuel says, "Speak, for Thy servant is listening."  You may think that I am splitting hairs here, but I noticed that Samuel did not yet call him "Lord".  Maybe because he was just a small kid.  Maybe because he didn't really know him as Lord.

    I also think it is interesting that though he is a small child, the Lord entrusts him with a big and somewhat scary message.  I wonder to myself what the rest of that night was like for Samuel.  Samuel heard that Eli and his family were going to be judged.  This is the man who had taken care of him since he was little.  The story really doesn't tell us if Samuel worried about himself in this passage.  I wonder if he did.  It only tells us that he was scared to tell the message to Eli.

   It reminds me of the vision that John had in Revelations 10:10.  An angel gives John the taste of eating a book.  The book has words on it on the inside and outside.  John says about this, "And I took the little book out of the angel's hand and ate it, and it was in my mouth sweet as honey, and when I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter."  I think it was made bitter because sometimes the Word of God is both sweet and also has a bitter, harder side to it.  Sometimes we hear things we don't want to hear.  Sometimes it isn't just a sweet and warm message that God gives us.  That is something that Samuel found out from the very beginning.  He also learned another important lesson: that the God he served is holy.

   God also wants us to know Him as he wanted Samuel to know Him.  He wanted us to know him and perceive him for ourselves.  He still speaks to us today.  Some of us may not recognize his voice at first.  The joy of knowing God is a huge joy and honor, yet he doesn't water down his message for us.  Paul said about knowing God, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ," (Phil 3:8).  Paul was literally saying that he counted all things like human waste compared to the joy of knowing Christ.  Do you know Him?  He still wants to speak to you today?

Sowers and Soil

    I was reading through Mark 4 today when I ran across the story of the soil and the sower.  What caught my attention was when Jesus spoke about the thorns that came up and made the Word unfruitful.   What is interesting is what type of things make the word unfruitful.  Jesus mentions three things: the worries of the world, deceitfulness of riches and desire for other things.  What struck me about this is that these are not blatant sins like murder or treason or something horrible, but sins that most of us at one time or another would be guilt of.  They are sins that may even at times seem socially acceptable or the sins of a high achiever or type A personality.  We don't lock people up in prison because they were worried or were consumed with interest in other things.  Yet, these are the things that make the word unfruitful.

     Jesus said the worries of the world and I think about my own problems with worry.  Why is this such a big deal?  I think it is because it is hard to be worried and to also be filled with trust.  This world is an uncertain place where tragedy can strike at a moment.  Yet, Jesus told us that worry cannot add a cubit to our life's span Matthew 6:25-32.  Worry tends to steal our joy and can be consuming to the point that some people have panic attacks and their fear literally can make a person sick.

     The deceitfulness of riches is something Jesus also mentions.  I looked up the word deceitful in the dictionary and it says that deceitfulness is an attempt or disposition to deceive or lead into error, any declaration, artifice or practice which misleads, causing him to believe what is false, fraud.  Jesus is saying that despite what Wall Street or Hollywood says that riches are deceitful.  One other thing that I think of here is that riches take our priorities away from the kingdom.  Jesus clearly said in Matthew 6:33 that as a believer I am to seek first His kingdom and not building my own.

      The other thing is the desire for other things.  It's interesting that you don't need a greek lexicon to understand these words that Jesus is using.  They are exactly what it appears they are.  Desire means a craving, longing and is the word Epithumia.  Jesus is talking about a general desire which takes the place of desiring him.  It is something that takes the place of and the person devotes their time to.  As a result of doing this, Jesus says it literally chokes out the fruitfulness of the Word.

       Which leads us to the hard part about this, which is asking does this describe you and me?  Am I being fruitful in doing God's Word or am I consumed with worry or chasing after what the world says is important?  Am I truly putting the kingdom of God and His righteousness first or my own priorities?  Am I truly abiding in Jesus to the point where He is bearing fruit through me or not John 15:1-5.

Dealing with Life's Pressures

    This last week, I was going through my bookshelves and ran across a bible study series by Charles Stanley that I never started.  It is called "Dealing with Life's Pressures".  So, I decided to use it this last week during my morning quiet times.  I did a study on how to handle adversity and how to handle guilt.  I just wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts about the lesson on guilt.

    God's forgiveness is so amazing that when we ask for it it is freely given to us.  He has promised in passages like 1 John 1:9 to wash us clean from sin because of the blood of Christ.  The problem comes not from believing that God has forgiven me.  The one who has the toughest problem is when I have to forgive myself.  I really can stay in and focus on and beat myself up over faults of the past instead of letting them go. 

    The problem becomes, when I act as though because I have problems forgiving myself that God must also have problems forgiving me.  Turns out, that God actually does what I ask him to do when I ask it.  He actually and truly forgives and lets it go.  I can accept that in my mind sometimes far easier than I can accept it in my heart.  In my heart, I may feel as though because I have trouble letting it go that I am not worthy of his love or acceptance.  I may feel as though it isn't possible that God could truly and completely forgive me.  It is almost as if I asking God by my thoughts and actions not to forgive me because I don't deserve it. 

    And in a significant way, the Bible agrees with the idea that I don't deserve it.  I don't see anywhere in the Bible that it refers to forgiveness as something that is earned.  Instead, I read words like "grace" and "mercy".  Dr.Stanley says it this way "Grace is the unmerited favor of God.  When God deals with His children, He always deals with grace.  Grace is something we don't deserve, but something He freely provides."

   Instead of focusing on how I feel, which is undeserving and that surely God must still be mad at me, I need to focus on the truths found in his word.  Some passages that Dr.Stanley mentioned that I found helpful was passages such as in Romans 5:1,9 where it talks about how we are justified by his blood.  Also, Romans 8:16,17 where it says that we are now adopted into the kingdom of God.  Also, Ephesians 1:5-6 where it says that we have been predestined to adoption as sons through Jesus.  He also mentions that guilt is one of Satan's favorite tools of deception to rob christians of joy and peace.

Colossians

      One of my favorite books of the Bible is the letter of Colossians.  I have spent many sessions teaching this little letter in the past.  I love the care and concern that Paul expresses to these believers even though he has never met them.  I love how unselfish he is.  He is in prison, yet he doesn't go on and on about how hard things are for him.  He also doesn't ask for material things or pray for the Colossians that they would be comfortable.  Rather, Paul focuses on how Christ and the cross are of first importance.
       I have heard that there are over 40 opinions on what the heresy or problem was that caused Paul to write to the Colossians.  Though there is much to be commended about them, including their faith, hope and love.  There is a problem or concern that Paul had.  It seems that someone is trying to add to the gospel with some type of philosophy or tradition, whether it is a Hellenistic group of Jews or gnostic group or something else.  It is possible that Paul didn't know exactly what it was or maybe it was a mixture of things.  That area of the world was known for magical thinking and empty philosophy.
      That is why the idea of knowledge is so important here.  Some people were claiming they had something more than what the Colossians already knew.  They wanted them to observe festivals or traditions of man.  Paul emphasized that it was Christ who delivered us from the domain of darkness and saved us (Col 1:13).  He emphasized that he was the head of the church (Col 1:18).  He emphasized that fullness came through knowing Him and no other (Col 2:10). 
      Paul essentially said that if you are adding to the cross with something else, then you are allowing others to defraud you of your liberty and freedom in Christ (Col 2:18).  Why is this important?  Because I think that sometimes christians still measure how great someone is by what they do in the church or their activity.  But, I have met a lot of christians who serve in the church who have had a lot of offices and responsibility, but the truth is they don't treat other people very well. 
      The challenge for the christian is not to measure how well your doing by outward appearances.  God wants to change us from the inside out.  God wants us to "set our minds on the things above, not on the things that are on earth." (Col 3:2).  Why does he want to do that?  So, that God can transform us through his word and Spirit to be more christlike, so that we will walk in a manner worthy of Him (Col 1:10).  The truth is, we cannot do this on our own, we have to rely upon the Spirit of God within us.

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."  Romans 12:2
"And that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind."  Ephesians 4:23
"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint. . . ." Rom 5:3-5a

The Armor of God

   Upon coming home from Liberty Univerity last week, I decided that I would commit myself to studying and reading the word more.  I picked a study about the armor of God to study for this last week based on passage in Ephesians 6:10-17.  The focus is on the fact that since as a believer, we are in a spiritual battle then the believer should do what Paul said and put on the armor of God.  The armor of God consists of the belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet and sword.  Paul's words to us are emphasized that we should "stand".  The implication is that we can only stand up and fight when we are wearing the armor.

   One thing that I noticed about this is that it is a conscious choice for us each day to put on this armor or not.  We can try to work and live each day under our own strength, wisdom and direction or we can rely on the Lord.  We have to go back to God each day for our strength and guidance.  Trust is as much about our nurturing our relationship with God as it is anything else.  You notice that in Ephesians 6:10 it says to be "strong in the Lord."  We are only strong when we are "in" Him.

    The other thing that I noticed this week is that every piece of equipment is important for its own reasons.  The belt helps the solider to be prepared to fight.  It got the outer garment out of the way, so that the solider could freely move and fight.  The shield protected the solider against the fiery arrows of the enemy.  The helmet protects the mind, the breastplate the heart and organs.  The sword was actually the only offensive weapon and is the Word of God.  Each weapon and object is important to take into battle for its own reasons.

     The third thing that I noticed is that there is no question but that there are fiery missiles that the devil shoots at each one of us.  Paul didn't say "if the devil shoots fiery missiles at you".  Rather, the missiles are coming whether your ready or not.  If you want to get shot full of holes keep your shield down because you have an enemy and he is real and you have to use spiritual weapons to fight spiritual wars.

For a look at the study mentioned go to:  http://www.libertyonlineministries.com/index.cfm?PID=14715

Spiritual High

   "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."  Eph 6:12


    This week for me has been a wonderful experience of going to Liberty University and being a part of a small group of believers.  During the class, we had an experience where we could share with each other and pray with each other and encourage each other.  I drove away from the experience feeling renewed and encouraged.  It was mentioned before we left that Satan likes to kick us back down when we are on a spiritual high.  He doesn't want us to stay there and will try to attack us where we are vulnerable.  So, it is important to put on the full armor of God.

     The armor of God is mentioned in Ephesians 6.  The first item that scripture tells us is a part of that is the "belt of truth". (Ephesians 4:16).  This carries with it the idea of someone prepaing to do battle.  The robe the person was wearing would be girded up so that they could move freely and fight.  I think it is interesting that Paul uses the word "stand" three times in the NASV to indicate that we should be in a state of readiness.  Because our true enemy as a believer is not other people, but spiritual forces that want to kick us back down.

     How does the devil kick believers back down.  I think there are several ways, but the first thing I want to point out is that the devil has had many years to observe us and know us.  He knows us and knows what our weakness is.  If your going into battle against a larger person and were told that while his chest is protected his knees are not you would go for the knees.  Knock him down and hit him where he is vulnerable.  Unfortunately, if we keep doing that the enemy keeps going back to the same area.  Why change what has worked?  So, I think the devil attacks us where we are individually vulnerable. 

     You notice that one of the things about the belt is that it is a belt of truth.  I think this is a main indicator to us that we prepare ourselves by getting into the Word of God and allowing it to get into us.  We meditate on us and apply it to our lives.  We allow the truths of God to effect us.  We allow the fact that God has forgiveness us, loves us and wants to have a relationship with us to change us.  There is no replacing daily time in the Word to cause us to be in a state of readiness for battle.

     One way that the devil has of attacking us is that he likes to steal our joy away.  Sometimes it is through unresolved conflict where bitterness sets in.  Sometimes it may be that he allows us to wallow in feelings of rejection or regret.  Other times it may be that he allows us to experience rejection from peers or loved ones.  Unforgiveness is a big area where the devil seeks to trap the believer and also feelings of failure.  One thing is for sure, that if your on a spiritual high then the devil and his forces do not like it and will try and kick you back down.  Don't be ignorant and uninformed.  Protect your knees.

Facing Your Biggest Fears

     When I was a chaplain at WakeMed in Raleigh, one of my biggest fears is that the Trauma calls would come one right after another and that I wouldn't be able to respond to all of them.  Or that I would not know how to respond to them or that I would experience a infant death on my unit and not know what to say.  In the course of the year and four months that I was a chaplain in that setting, I experienced all of those problems.  I wanted to say a little about what I learned from that.

      After five trauma calls in 90 minutes, I realized that not only did I survive that nightmare, but I actually did much better than I thought.  I had thought that people would analyze and be critical of what i had to say, which really wasn't that much to begin with.  What I found out was that presence matters more than what you say.  I can remember sitting outside of ICU with a family of about 30 people who were awaiting word on a loved one.  I asked if I could pray with the family and we all joined hands and prayed.  it was simple, direct and to the point.  Not profound knowledge or insight.  It was just a matter of treating others the way I would want to be treated.  That is enough. 

    Then there was the time when a lady was sitting with her mother who was dying and would die later that afternoon.  I simply ran into the family making daily rounds.  Nobody had called me there.  When the nurse finally did mention that someone should call the chaplain I was able to respond that I was already present (we didn't have name badges).  Again, not a lot of profound things were said, I simply sat with this lady and we talked about who her mother was and I was present. 

    Then, much later in my journey as a chaplain, a toddler was brought in to the emergeny room that wasn't breathing.  The doctors marked it down as SIDS and told the family they could not revive her.  I thought that would be overwhelming to me.  It was sad to go to the morgue and be with the family.  The mom literally fell on the floor in the emergency room and cried.  We all felt like crying with her.   Not a lot of profound theological thoughts there.  I felt like everything I could say was trite and meaningless, so I simply tried to stay in the room and listen and provide a listening ear.  The interesting thing was, that nobody took away my chaplain card, nobody accused me of being a fraud, nobody blamed me and I survived it.  My biggest fears in the job and I survived it.  And I found out that if you treat others the way you want to be treated then that is the best gift you can give others.

    So, yesterday I was in the emergency room on my new job.  Facing another situation that I didn't feel I knew how to handle.  I sat with the family member for 5 hours, I listened, I didn't say a whole lot, I thought about what to do, I called people.  Turns out, the situation worked itself out for now and I survived it again.  Again, I think it showed that presence, simply being there, being the person God called you to be, is more important than what you know or think you know.