"Now the Passover was only a few days away… while Jesus was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar, a pint of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head, and weeping on Jesus' feet, she wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly. "Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." (Mark 14, John 12)
What would inspire someone to make such a grand gesture? Jesus had no doubt made a huge difference in her life at some point. A pint—16 ounces—poured over his head and shoulders, down his back, legs and feet. And she wept, partly at his impending death and partly out of gratitude and worship, and wiped his feet with her hair. What would inspire a woman to love a man like that?
Forgiveness; Acceptance; Freedom. Jesus had offered her all of these and more. I want to worship Jesus like that—maybe not the perfume and kissing of feet—but with a sense of abandonment, not holding anything back. Not from a sense of obligation or indebtedness, but an act of appreciation and total allegiance.
Why do we wait until people die before we send flowers or cards? Why not give the flowers beforehand so the person can enjoy them? Why not give the cards in advance, telling the person how much they are loved and appreciated, and the difference they’ve made in one’s life? That’s what this woman did; she gave her best, her all, so that Jesus would know of her devotion and gratitude.
~ Father, help me to worship you without restraint, regardless of cost, not because someone said I should (obligation) or could (permission), but simply from a heart of gratitude. Amen.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Mar. 24: Money Boycott
America has a new coin. The Presidential $1 Coins have caused a stir among some of our nation’s citizens. In fact, there are those who are calling for a boycott of the coin because it has the mottos “In God We Trust” and “E Pluribus Unum” etched on the edge of the coin rather than displayed in raised lettering on the face of the money-piece.
Some have accused Congress of erasing all references to God from our money and becoming a secular society where all religious symbols are removed from public view. Jesus had a lot to say about money—in fact He taught more about that than He did the subjects of heaven and hell combined.
On one occasion we find that “the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap Jesus in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. ‘Teacher,’ they said, ‘we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" But Jesus (knowing their evil intent) said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this, and whose inscription?" "Caesar's," they replied. Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away. (Matthew 22:15-22)
Give to the government what belongs to the government and give to God what belongs to God. Some would argue that the new coins are belong to the government and they would be right. The government minted and issued them into circulation. Others will argue that the coins belong to God, in fact “the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” (Psalm 24:1) They are right, too. But maybe God is not so much concerned with what’s inscribed on our coins as He is with what we do with them. Do we spend money selfishly? Do we give generously to those in need? Do we rob God?
God raised the question through the prophet Malachi: "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse--the whole nation of you--because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe (the first tenth, or 10%) into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. (Malachi 3:6-11)
I think this is another case of Christians missing the point. God is not so much concerned with what the secular government prints on its money as He is how His children manage the possessions He provides and entrusts to us. The average American spends something like 2% of their income on charitable causes. Maybe it’s time to get priorities straight and address our own materialism and greed rather than focusing on what the government prints on the coins it issues. We cannot direct the God-entrusted resources to meet the appropriate need if we are using them to indulge our own selfish desires.
~ Father, help me to realize that it’s not “my money”, but Yours. Help me to put Your teachings into practice about how to manage the resources You’ve entrusted to me. Help me to have an open heart and open hand when I encounter people in need of both physical and spiritual resources. Amen.
Some have accused Congress of erasing all references to God from our money and becoming a secular society where all religious symbols are removed from public view. Jesus had a lot to say about money—in fact He taught more about that than He did the subjects of heaven and hell combined.
On one occasion we find that “the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap Jesus in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. ‘Teacher,’ they said, ‘we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" But Jesus (knowing their evil intent) said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this, and whose inscription?" "Caesar's," they replied. Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away. (Matthew 22:15-22)
Give to the government what belongs to the government and give to God what belongs to God. Some would argue that the new coins are belong to the government and they would be right. The government minted and issued them into circulation. Others will argue that the coins belong to God, in fact “the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” (Psalm 24:1) They are right, too. But maybe God is not so much concerned with what’s inscribed on our coins as He is with what we do with them. Do we spend money selfishly? Do we give generously to those in need? Do we rob God?
God raised the question through the prophet Malachi: "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse--the whole nation of you--because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe (the first tenth, or 10%) into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. (Malachi 3:6-11)
I think this is another case of Christians missing the point. God is not so much concerned with what the secular government prints on its money as He is how His children manage the possessions He provides and entrusts to us. The average American spends something like 2% of their income on charitable causes. Maybe it’s time to get priorities straight and address our own materialism and greed rather than focusing on what the government prints on the coins it issues. We cannot direct the God-entrusted resources to meet the appropriate need if we are using them to indulge our own selfish desires.
~ Father, help me to realize that it’s not “my money”, but Yours. Help me to put Your teachings into practice about how to manage the resources You’ve entrusted to me. Help me to have an open heart and open hand when I encounter people in need of both physical and spiritual resources. Amen.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Mar. 23: Christian “Hazing”
Officials at Savannah State University in Georgia allegedly “crossed the line” by revoking official recognition of a campus ministry, Commissioned II Love, on charges of ”harassment” and “hazing”. Last April the ministry’s members were told the group was suspended from campus and denied access to university benefits and facilities. In September a sanction was applied which included the group’s formal expulsion from campus.
On the one hand the institution is a public entity supported in part by government funding and must be sensitive to issues regarding the “separation of church and state.” On the other hand students don’t abandon their First Amendment rights to free speech and their “free exercise” of religion when they matriculate. One of the attorneys said, “The University is essentially saying that Christian groups are okay unless they actually practice Christianity.”
What’s all the fuss about, anyway? For one, some complained that the group had engaged in “harassment” because its member shared their faith with other students. Now I’ve been on the receiving end of some Christians’ evangelism methods, so they may have a point there, but we must be careful of labeling passionate and vocal discourse “harassment” or most courtrooms, classrooms, TV talk shows, legislative bodies, and coffee clutches will soon be shut down for participants’ “harassing” each other.
The other incident, labeled “hazing”, involved the group’s leader washing the feet of their new members (like Jesus did with His disciples) during a worship service. The University is reported to have taken the position that foot washing “is an activity which endangers or is likely to endanger the physical health of a student, regardless of the student’s willingness to participate in such activity.”
You’ve got to be kidding me—letting someone soak their bare feet in a pan of water and then having someone wipe those feet with a cloth is physical endangerment? Who knew? I’m not sure what that says about football or Greco-Roman wrestling. Nurses beware; soon hospitals will be sued for “hazing” their patients when they give them a sponge bath! I wonder what the school officials would think of Christian groups who practice baptism by immersing new believers under water.
Now I’m certain I’ve only heard one side of the story, and even this side has probably been “spun”. I personally have not talked to school officials or members of the campus group in question, but foot-washing being dangerous is just hard to imagine.
It’s sad that some folks seem to be intent on silencing any expression of Christian belief and practice. It’s also sad that some Christians feel that can’t say or do anything without government permission. Jesus said there would be days like this. He also said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12)
~ Father, help me to follow Your Son Jesus’ example and advice to be “gentle as a dove and wise as a serpent” and to follow Him no matter what the cost. Amen.
On the one hand the institution is a public entity supported in part by government funding and must be sensitive to issues regarding the “separation of church and state.” On the other hand students don’t abandon their First Amendment rights to free speech and their “free exercise” of religion when they matriculate. One of the attorneys said, “The University is essentially saying that Christian groups are okay unless they actually practice Christianity.”
What’s all the fuss about, anyway? For one, some complained that the group had engaged in “harassment” because its member shared their faith with other students. Now I’ve been on the receiving end of some Christians’ evangelism methods, so they may have a point there, but we must be careful of labeling passionate and vocal discourse “harassment” or most courtrooms, classrooms, TV talk shows, legislative bodies, and coffee clutches will soon be shut down for participants’ “harassing” each other.
The other incident, labeled “hazing”, involved the group’s leader washing the feet of their new members (like Jesus did with His disciples) during a worship service. The University is reported to have taken the position that foot washing “is an activity which endangers or is likely to endanger the physical health of a student, regardless of the student’s willingness to participate in such activity.”
You’ve got to be kidding me—letting someone soak their bare feet in a pan of water and then having someone wipe those feet with a cloth is physical endangerment? Who knew? I’m not sure what that says about football or Greco-Roman wrestling. Nurses beware; soon hospitals will be sued for “hazing” their patients when they give them a sponge bath! I wonder what the school officials would think of Christian groups who practice baptism by immersing new believers under water.
Now I’m certain I’ve only heard one side of the story, and even this side has probably been “spun”. I personally have not talked to school officials or members of the campus group in question, but foot-washing being dangerous is just hard to imagine.
It’s sad that some folks seem to be intent on silencing any expression of Christian belief and practice. It’s also sad that some Christians feel that can’t say or do anything without government permission. Jesus said there would be days like this. He also said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12)
~ Father, help me to follow Your Son Jesus’ example and advice to be “gentle as a dove and wise as a serpent” and to follow Him no matter what the cost. Amen.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Mar. 22: Meeting the (Glocal) Neighbors
In the metropolitan area in which I live there reside people for all over the planet. Within a 40-mile-radiuus of my home there are people who were born in 71 countries other than the good ol’ U. S. of A. The world is at our doorstep. The songwriter had it right many years ago; “It’s a small world after all.”
Someone coined the phrase “glocal” to describe our global community that lives locally. We were recently challenged to begin playing a game of sorts: for the next thirty days we are going to try to meet as many people from different countries as we can. In my postal zip code alone there are people from 18 different countries of origin.
The goal is to meet our glocal neighbors—get out of comfort zone, start some conversations and make some new friends. The labels “legal” and “illegal” are of no relevance as we play this game—we’re not checking for green cards. As Christ-followers we want to follow Jesus’ teaching to love our neighbor as ourselves. How can I love my neighbor if I don’t know my neighbor?
So far I’ve met new friends from the Philippine Islands, South Africa, China, Dominican Republic, Germany, Great Britain and Mexico; a small world, indeed. And I’ve found that we have much in common—we want the best for our children and often worry about their well-being, we are concerned with our health and struggle with finances. We don’t always see eye-to-eye with our spouses.
The question that really gets some good conversations started is, “What do you do to keep yourself fresh spiritually?” I’ve gotten all kinds of answers and been able to share about my belief in, and relationship with, the living Jesus.
The resurrected Jesus told those first Christ-followers, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8 (NIV) How do we respond when people from ‘the ends of the earth’ move into our neighborhood? I am excited about finding them, getting to know them and telling them about the difference Jesus makes in my life.
~ Father, let my fascination and faith override my timidity and indifference as I seek to share your love with my glocal neighbors. Amen.
Someone coined the phrase “glocal” to describe our global community that lives locally. We were recently challenged to begin playing a game of sorts: for the next thirty days we are going to try to meet as many people from different countries as we can. In my postal zip code alone there are people from 18 different countries of origin.
The goal is to meet our glocal neighbors—get out of comfort zone, start some conversations and make some new friends. The labels “legal” and “illegal” are of no relevance as we play this game—we’re not checking for green cards. As Christ-followers we want to follow Jesus’ teaching to love our neighbor as ourselves. How can I love my neighbor if I don’t know my neighbor?
So far I’ve met new friends from the Philippine Islands, South Africa, China, Dominican Republic, Germany, Great Britain and Mexico; a small world, indeed. And I’ve found that we have much in common—we want the best for our children and often worry about their well-being, we are concerned with our health and struggle with finances. We don’t always see eye-to-eye with our spouses.
The question that really gets some good conversations started is, “What do you do to keep yourself fresh spiritually?” I’ve gotten all kinds of answers and been able to share about my belief in, and relationship with, the living Jesus.
The resurrected Jesus told those first Christ-followers, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8 (NIV) How do we respond when people from ‘the ends of the earth’ move into our neighborhood? I am excited about finding them, getting to know them and telling them about the difference Jesus makes in my life.
~ Father, let my fascination and faith override my timidity and indifference as I seek to share your love with my glocal neighbors. Amen.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Mar. 21: The Best News of the Day!
The 12-year-old Boy Scout, missing for 4 days in the hills of North Carolina, was found Tuesday! Michael Auberry had gone missing Saturday and search and rescue crews spent four days and three nights looking intently for the missing young man. The ranger spokeswoman was elated as she announced, “this is the best news of the day!” after Michael was found just before 11:00 yesterday morning.
The details surrounding his ordeal will be recounted in the coming days—how he got separated from his troop, how he endured the 30-40 degree nights without shelter, what he was thinking, etc., but for now only one thing matters. The boy has been found!
There are those who are ‘lost’ in a spiritual sense; misplaced, not where they are supposed to be. God grieves over His children who are far from home. Jesus revealed God’s heart in 3 parables recorded in Luke’s gospel, chapter 15. Jesus was being criticized by the religious leaders of the day because He was attracting (and enjoying the company of) the wrong kind of people.
“God”, Jesus said, “is like the shepherd who has 100 sheep. When one goes missing he leaves the ninety-nine in the open country and goes after the lost sheep until he finds it. When he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home, calls his friends and neighbors and throws a party.”
“God”, Jesus said, “is like the woman who has ten silver coins and loses one. She turns her house upside down, diligently searching until she finds it, then she calls all her friends and neighbors and throws a party.”
“God is like the father of an ungrateful son who demands the inheritance while his dad is still living. The young man blows the fortune on selfish indulgences and wild parties. But when he winds up broke, homeless and on skid row he comes to his senses and goes back home hoping to be the family servant. When the father saw his son from a distance he ran to the boy and received him with wide-open arms and a kiss… and threw a huge party. That’s what God is like! He celebrates when spiritually lost people are found and come home.
The urgency of the search and size of the celebration indicates the value of the object that has been lost; whether it be a sheep, a coin or a wayward boy. “I tell you the truth” says Jesus, “that’s the same way it is in heaven when one of God’s misplaced children changes his thinking and comes home. That calls for a bigger party than ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
The fact that we have a heavenly Father who loves us, searches for us, and celebrates over our recovery, who rescues us, makes us whole and sets us free from the things that enslave us--that is the best news of a lifetime.
~ Father, thank you for searching for me when I was lost and not where I needed to be with you. Help me now to join Your search and rescue operation to find Your other missing children and bring them home. Amen.
The details surrounding his ordeal will be recounted in the coming days—how he got separated from his troop, how he endured the 30-40 degree nights without shelter, what he was thinking, etc., but for now only one thing matters. The boy has been found!
There are those who are ‘lost’ in a spiritual sense; misplaced, not where they are supposed to be. God grieves over His children who are far from home. Jesus revealed God’s heart in 3 parables recorded in Luke’s gospel, chapter 15. Jesus was being criticized by the religious leaders of the day because He was attracting (and enjoying the company of) the wrong kind of people.
“God”, Jesus said, “is like the shepherd who has 100 sheep. When one goes missing he leaves the ninety-nine in the open country and goes after the lost sheep until he finds it. When he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home, calls his friends and neighbors and throws a party.”
“God”, Jesus said, “is like the woman who has ten silver coins and loses one. She turns her house upside down, diligently searching until she finds it, then she calls all her friends and neighbors and throws a party.”
“God is like the father of an ungrateful son who demands the inheritance while his dad is still living. The young man blows the fortune on selfish indulgences and wild parties. But when he winds up broke, homeless and on skid row he comes to his senses and goes back home hoping to be the family servant. When the father saw his son from a distance he ran to the boy and received him with wide-open arms and a kiss… and threw a huge party. That’s what God is like! He celebrates when spiritually lost people are found and come home.
The urgency of the search and size of the celebration indicates the value of the object that has been lost; whether it be a sheep, a coin or a wayward boy. “I tell you the truth” says Jesus, “that’s the same way it is in heaven when one of God’s misplaced children changes his thinking and comes home. That calls for a bigger party than ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
The fact that we have a heavenly Father who loves us, searches for us, and celebrates over our recovery, who rescues us, makes us whole and sets us free from the things that enslave us--that is the best news of a lifetime.
~ Father, thank you for searching for me when I was lost and not where I needed to be with you. Help me now to join Your search and rescue operation to find Your other missing children and bring them home. Amen.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Mar. 20: The Solitary Place
What do you do to keep yourself fresh spiritually? In our fast-paced culture it is easy to get addicted to the tempo of chaos. At times we are like the man in the circus, seeing how many plates can be spun at once, and the more he has in motion the faster they have to spin. But no one can keep up the pace indefinitely. The faster the pace of life the emptier our souls become.
We need to take a page from Jesus’ playbook. He knew that to be effective and accomplish His God-given purpose He had to have times of spiritual refreshing. “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, Jesus went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” (Mark 1:35)
Jesus knew the value of solitude and silence. Prayer was his lifeline—like the umbilical chord for the fetus in utero, or the oxygen hose for the astronaut doing a space walk. Prayer is our spiritual lifeline, keeping us connected to God, continually abiding in His presence and having access to the resources He provides.
Jesus used this metaphor: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He lifts up every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful… Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing… If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:1-8)
How does a person find spiritual refreshing? Follow Jesus’ example of solitude, silence and prayer. God advises us to "be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalms 46:10)
I’m not sure who came up with this, but is a spiritually healthy pattern to follow:
Divert Daily: get alone and get quiet, be still before the Lord, intentionally slow the pace and seek to connect with your Creator.
Withdraw Weekly: Take some time each week to get away from the daily routine. A change of scenery and a change of pace are needed. Draw aside and seek the Lord.
Abandon Annually: Plan a vacation, but don’t fill the time with activity pursued at break-neck speed. Take a strategic retreat from the daily grind and feed your soul.
“You will seek Me and find Me. When you search for Me with all your heart I will be found by you,” says the LORD. (Jeremiah 29:13-14)
~ Father, although you’re always with me sometimes it’s difficult to ‘hear’ you in the crowd. Help me to make time alone with You a priority so I can better know Your heart and will. Amen.
We need to take a page from Jesus’ playbook. He knew that to be effective and accomplish His God-given purpose He had to have times of spiritual refreshing. “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, Jesus went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” (Mark 1:35)
Jesus knew the value of solitude and silence. Prayer was his lifeline—like the umbilical chord for the fetus in utero, or the oxygen hose for the astronaut doing a space walk. Prayer is our spiritual lifeline, keeping us connected to God, continually abiding in His presence and having access to the resources He provides.
Jesus used this metaphor: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He lifts up every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful… Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing… If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:1-8)
How does a person find spiritual refreshing? Follow Jesus’ example of solitude, silence and prayer. God advises us to "be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalms 46:10)
I’m not sure who came up with this, but is a spiritually healthy pattern to follow:
Divert Daily: get alone and get quiet, be still before the Lord, intentionally slow the pace and seek to connect with your Creator.
Withdraw Weekly: Take some time each week to get away from the daily routine. A change of scenery and a change of pace are needed. Draw aside and seek the Lord.
Abandon Annually: Plan a vacation, but don’t fill the time with activity pursued at break-neck speed. Take a strategic retreat from the daily grind and feed your soul.
“You will seek Me and find Me. When you search for Me with all your heart I will be found by you,” says the LORD. (Jeremiah 29:13-14)
~ Father, although you’re always with me sometimes it’s difficult to ‘hear’ you in the crowd. Help me to make time alone with You a priority so I can better know Your heart and will. Amen.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Mar. 19: Unplugged
No blogging today. Trying to avoid what Rick Warren calls the “Polaroid Syndrome” of being overexposed and under-developed. Rest. Peace.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Mar. 18: Concert of Prayer
I went to a concert last night unlike any I'd been to before. I'm used to concerts with pounding music, where you can feel the beat of the drum in your chest, replacing your own heart's rhythm. I'm accustomed to concerts with pyrotechnics, laser light shows, large screens projecting larger-than-life images of the singers and musicians.
I've also been to concerts where the instruments are not electric, coat and tie are the required attire, and one uses only the best of their manners and etiquette. I have enjoyed evenings with the finest of classically trained musicians interpreting the compositions of Mozart, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky.
Last night was different. Last night was a Concert of Prayer. Instead of listening to musicians perform, the people who were gathered produced the sounds intended for God, our Audience of One.
We believe God hears:
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
So our prayer was that of the ancients:
"Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people...hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.
When your people have been defeated by an enemy because they have sinned against you, and when they turn back to you and confess your name, praying and making supplication to you... then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your people...
When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because your people have sinned against you, and when they pray and confess your name and turn from their sin... then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people.
When disaster or disease may come, and when a prayer or plea is made by any of your people... then hear from heaven, your dwelling place.
When we sin against you--for there is no one who does not sin--and you become angry with them and give us over to the enemy... if we have a change of heart...and repent and plead with you... and say, 'We have sinned, we have done wrong, we have acted wickedly'; and if we turn back to you with all their heart and soul... and pray to you, then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear our prayer and their plea, and uphold our, and forgive your people, who have sinned against you; forgive all the offenses we have committed against you.
(1 Kings 8:30-51)
We believe God inhabits our praise and answers our prayers, and that the prayers of people who love Him is "Music to His ears".
~ Father, tune my heart to sing Your praise, and to make prayer a conversational life-line that never gets disconnected. Amen.
I've also been to concerts where the instruments are not electric, coat and tie are the required attire, and one uses only the best of their manners and etiquette. I have enjoyed evenings with the finest of classically trained musicians interpreting the compositions of Mozart, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky.
Last night was different. Last night was a Concert of Prayer. Instead of listening to musicians perform, the people who were gathered produced the sounds intended for God, our Audience of One.
We believe God hears:
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
So our prayer was that of the ancients:
"Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people...hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.
When your people have been defeated by an enemy because they have sinned against you, and when they turn back to you and confess your name, praying and making supplication to you... then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your people...
When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because your people have sinned against you, and when they pray and confess your name and turn from their sin... then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people.
When disaster or disease may come, and when a prayer or plea is made by any of your people... then hear from heaven, your dwelling place.
When we sin against you--for there is no one who does not sin--and you become angry with them and give us over to the enemy... if we have a change of heart...and repent and plead with you... and say, 'We have sinned, we have done wrong, we have acted wickedly'; and if we turn back to you with all their heart and soul... and pray to you, then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear our prayer and their plea, and uphold our, and forgive your people, who have sinned against you; forgive all the offenses we have committed against you.
(1 Kings 8:30-51)
We believe God inhabits our praise and answers our prayers, and that the prayers of people who love Him is "Music to His ears".
~ Father, tune my heart to sing Your praise, and to make prayer a conversational life-line that never gets disconnected. Amen.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Mar. 17: Rebel Pride
You'll see the message often where I live, usually stuck to the bumper of a pick-up truck: "Rebel Pride". Usually adorned in some fashion with the colors and pattern of the confederate flag. I am a son of the South. I understand being proud of being southern. My wife's high school mascot was the Rebels, and they'd fire off the cannon everytime the football team scored a touchdown; then a guy dressed as a confederate soldier on horseback would take off, galloping around the track.
I saw the bumper sticker yesterday, but this time it struck a different cord. How often am I rebellious? And how often do I take pride in that? As a Christ-follower, pride and rebellion are two things I am constantly trying to to outgrow.
The Wisdom of scripture has much to say in warning us against a prideful and a rebellious spirit:
I think the difference is that some rebels stir things up just to have a good time and enjoy others' pain. Jesus was focused on setting people free, and those into controlling people had their whole political-religious system disrupted because of Him. Jesus was a stepping stone to some, a stumbling block to others.
As you come to Jesus, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him--you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house... For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone, and, "A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the message... (1 Peter 2:4-8)
Jesus is unavoidable--He either beomes a stepping stone to real relationship with God, or a stumbling block to those who don't believe He is who and what He claimed to be.
~ Father, help me not to stumble over Jesus' claims, but to embrace the Truth and step closer to You. I choose to walk in obedience to Your Word, and not in rebellion against it. Amen.
I saw the bumper sticker yesterday, but this time it struck a different cord. How often am I rebellious? And how often do I take pride in that? As a Christ-follower, pride and rebellion are two things I am constantly trying to to outgrow.
The Wisdom of scripture has much to say in warning us against a prideful and a rebellious spirit:
- When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2)
- Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. (Proverbs 13:10)
- A man's pride brings him low, but a man of humble spirit gains honor. (Proverbs 29:23)
- Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)
- For rebellion is like the sin of divination or witchcraft, and stubbornness like the evil of idolatry.
(1 Samuel 15:23)
I think the difference is that some rebels stir things up just to have a good time and enjoy others' pain. Jesus was focused on setting people free, and those into controlling people had their whole political-religious system disrupted because of Him. Jesus was a stepping stone to some, a stumbling block to others.
As you come to Jesus, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him--you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house... For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone, and, "A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the message... (1 Peter 2:4-8)
Jesus is unavoidable--He either beomes a stepping stone to real relationship with God, or a stumbling block to those who don't believe He is who and what He claimed to be.
~ Father, help me not to stumble over Jesus' claims, but to embrace the Truth and step closer to You. I choose to walk in obedience to Your Word, and not in rebellion against it. Amen.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Mar. 16: Who am I?
You are not what you do. You are not your job. You are not your “stuff”—your baggage, your “issues”, your shortcomings. To find out who we are, we need only check the manufacturer’s handbook. The One who made you knows who you are…what you are to be…what you are to become.
King David of Israel some 3,000 years ago expressed the identity and security he found in God in Psalm 139. Today, let's flip it around and hear it expressed from God's point of view. Hear God say to you...
I am the LORD, I have searched you and I know you.
I know when you sit and when you rise; I perceive your thoughts from afar.
I discern your going out and your lying down; I am familiar with all your ways.
Before a word is on your tongue I know it completely, I am the LORD.
I hem you in--behind and before; I have laid my hand upon you.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for you, too lofty for you to attain.
Where can you go from my Spirit? Where can you flee from my presence?
If you go up to the heavens, I are there; if you make your bed in the depths, I am there.
If you rise on the wings of the dawn, if you settle on the far side of the sea,
even there My hand will guide you, My right hand will hold you fast.
If you say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to Me; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to Me.
For I created your inmost being; I knit you together in your mother's womb.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made--I created you with reverence and was awestruck by you; I hope you'll see my works as wonderful--they are for you.
Your frame was not hidden from Me when you were made in the secret place.
When you were woven together in the depths of the earth, My eyes saw your unformed body.
All the days ordained for you were written in My book before one of them came to be.
My thoughts about you are precious, My child! How vast is the sum of them! Were you to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When you awake, I am still with you.
Let Me search you, My child, and know your heart; Let Me test you and know your anxious thoughts. Let Me see if there is any offensive way in you, and lead you in the way everlasting.
(Psalms 139:1-18, 23-24)
~ Father, help me to see myself through Your eyes. Thank You for creating me with worth and purpose. Lead me to become the person You dream me to be. Amen.
King David of Israel some 3,000 years ago expressed the identity and security he found in God in Psalm 139. Today, let's flip it around and hear it expressed from God's point of view. Hear God say to you...
I am the LORD, I have searched you and I know you.
I know when you sit and when you rise; I perceive your thoughts from afar.
I discern your going out and your lying down; I am familiar with all your ways.
Before a word is on your tongue I know it completely, I am the LORD.
I hem you in--behind and before; I have laid my hand upon you.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for you, too lofty for you to attain.
Where can you go from my Spirit? Where can you flee from my presence?
If you go up to the heavens, I are there; if you make your bed in the depths, I am there.
If you rise on the wings of the dawn, if you settle on the far side of the sea,
even there My hand will guide you, My right hand will hold you fast.
If you say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to Me; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to Me.
For I created your inmost being; I knit you together in your mother's womb.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made--I created you with reverence and was awestruck by you; I hope you'll see my works as wonderful--they are for you.
Your frame was not hidden from Me when you were made in the secret place.
When you were woven together in the depths of the earth, My eyes saw your unformed body.
All the days ordained for you were written in My book before one of them came to be.
My thoughts about you are precious, My child! How vast is the sum of them! Were you to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When you awake, I am still with you.
Let Me search you, My child, and know your heart; Let Me test you and know your anxious thoughts. Let Me see if there is any offensive way in you, and lead you in the way everlasting.
(Psalms 139:1-18, 23-24)
~ Father, help me to see myself through Your eyes. Thank You for creating me with worth and purpose. Lead me to become the person You dream me to be. Amen.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Mar. 15: Reversing Racism
The Associated Press reported the historic event: “Meeting on the grounds of the former Confederate Capitol of Richmond, the Virginia General Assembly voted unanimously on February 24, 2007 to express "profound regret" for the state's role in slavery.” No other state has officially apologized for slavery. Although long overdue and initially met with much resistance, the resolution passed the House 96-0 and cleared the 40-member Senate on a unanimous voice vote. The resolution also expressed regret for "the exploitation of Native Americans."
The proposed resolution made national headlines in January when one delegate said, “black citizens should get over" slavery. This resolution was a step in the right direction for a state with a history of racial bigotry. Following the abolition of slavery there was institutional discrimination, forced segregation, and other expressions of racial bias--and Virginia was certainly not alone in these things.
The AP said, “The apology is the latest in a series of strides Virginia has made in overcoming its segregationist past”, and reminded readers that Virginia elected the nation’s first African-American governor, Douglas Wilder, in 1989.
Why do I bring this up? I highlight this simply to remind us all to work toward racial reconciliation; and to call on the Church, Christ-followers, to lead the way. This should be a “no-brainer.” The refusal to express “profound regret” would in essence send the message, “we are glad this happened”: how horrible! It moves one step in the right direction to at least say, “We are sorry this happened” instead of “get over it” already.
We are all brothers and sisters. The Apostle Paul reminds us through scripture that “God has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,” (Acts 17:26)
The Apostle John declared, “Anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And He has given us this command: ‘Whoever loves God must also love his brother.’” (1 John 4:20-21)
If something I do or say hurts my brother then I want to stop saying or doing it—because I love my brother. If my brother tells me that my acknowledging a wrong was committed and expressing “profound regret” would be a move toward healing then I want to make that move as quickly as possible—because I love my brother. What is one action you can take today to show your brother or sister of a different race that you love them like Jesus does?
~ Father, I was conditioned by my culture to see some people as inherently inferior. Forgive me for my racist attitudes and actions. Change my heart to see my brother through Christ’s eyes. Amen.
The proposed resolution made national headlines in January when one delegate said, “black citizens should get over" slavery. This resolution was a step in the right direction for a state with a history of racial bigotry. Following the abolition of slavery there was institutional discrimination, forced segregation, and other expressions of racial bias--and Virginia was certainly not alone in these things.
The AP said, “The apology is the latest in a series of strides Virginia has made in overcoming its segregationist past”, and reminded readers that Virginia elected the nation’s first African-American governor, Douglas Wilder, in 1989.
Why do I bring this up? I highlight this simply to remind us all to work toward racial reconciliation; and to call on the Church, Christ-followers, to lead the way. This should be a “no-brainer.” The refusal to express “profound regret” would in essence send the message, “we are glad this happened”: how horrible! It moves one step in the right direction to at least say, “We are sorry this happened” instead of “get over it” already.
We are all brothers and sisters. The Apostle Paul reminds us through scripture that “God has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,” (Acts 17:26)
The Apostle John declared, “Anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And He has given us this command: ‘Whoever loves God must also love his brother.’” (1 John 4:20-21)
If something I do or say hurts my brother then I want to stop saying or doing it—because I love my brother. If my brother tells me that my acknowledging a wrong was committed and expressing “profound regret” would be a move toward healing then I want to make that move as quickly as possible—because I love my brother. What is one action you can take today to show your brother or sister of a different race that you love them like Jesus does?
~ Father, I was conditioned by my culture to see some people as inherently inferior. Forgive me for my racist attitudes and actions. Change my heart to see my brother through Christ’s eyes. Amen.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Mar. 14: God's Cathedral
Yesterday was incredible! A couple of friends and I were able to go kayaking—the first time in the water in months. In our neck of the woods we had our first 70°+ day since last Fall. The river was smooth, the wind calm and the sky blue and cloudless—beautiful.
We enjoyed playing in the wakes of the yachts and fishing boats. We saw an eagle soar. I love these times on the water, not too many man-made objects in site, just enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. It is in the outdoors, God’s cathedral, that I most intimately worship my Creator.
"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.” (Acts 17:24-25)
His words are recalled from memory as the eagle takes flight: “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
As I’m taken in by the reflection of the trees in the mirror-like surface I am reminded of the Psalm: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” (Psalms 1:1-3) I whisper a prayer that I may anchor my life in Him and reflect His majesty.
As new vegetation and flowers are just beginning to respond to the changes in weather the verse comes to mind, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19) God, help me to be aware of the ‘new things’ you want to do in my heart and in Your world. God, help me to see the ‘new thing’ and the potential in the people You place in my path each day.
Ah, yes! It was a good day. My soul is refreshed, my spirit soars! Where do you feel closest to God? I pray you are able to go to that place soon…and often.
~Father, thank You for this beauty of nature and the reminders I find there of Your provision and grace. Help me to worship You today and everyday, in Spirit and in Truth. Amen.
We enjoyed playing in the wakes of the yachts and fishing boats. We saw an eagle soar. I love these times on the water, not too many man-made objects in site, just enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. It is in the outdoors, God’s cathedral, that I most intimately worship my Creator.
"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.” (Acts 17:24-25)
His words are recalled from memory as the eagle takes flight: “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
As I’m taken in by the reflection of the trees in the mirror-like surface I am reminded of the Psalm: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” (Psalms 1:1-3) I whisper a prayer that I may anchor my life in Him and reflect His majesty.
As new vegetation and flowers are just beginning to respond to the changes in weather the verse comes to mind, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19) God, help me to be aware of the ‘new things’ you want to do in my heart and in Your world. God, help me to see the ‘new thing’ and the potential in the people You place in my path each day.
Ah, yes! It was a good day. My soul is refreshed, my spirit soars! Where do you feel closest to God? I pray you are able to go to that place soon…and often.
~Father, thank You for this beauty of nature and the reminders I find there of Your provision and grace. Help me to worship You today and everyday, in Spirit and in Truth. Amen.
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