2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
I smile to myself when I read this passage. More than once it has been commented on all the physical maladies the leadership that I serve with suffer from. We have one operating on one ear and half a lung, another with one kidney, sleep apnea, and diabetes, another battles epilepsy, while yet another has thyroid problems.
This section of scripture provides the hope we need. One, the body is not the concern right now, but growing closer to God is. Two, in comparison to eternity, this is only for a brief moment in time. Three, it teaches us that Christ is not bound by our afflictions - being able to serve is all due to Him. And four, it teaches us to focus on the spiritual in all aspects - not just when it comes to health.
Look folks, I know how depressing it can get having to take medications day after day after day. It sometimes seems they bind you - have taken you prisoner because of your sickness. But we will be whole, and this really is just a little time. Don't focus on the daily line-up of pills, focus on the Lord.
Even if you have great health, there may be things that depress you. That have taken you prisoner because of a certain weakness. We live in a fallen world, this happens. True freedom is in Christ alone - He overcame the shackles that bind you now, rely in Him and let Jesus set you free. You may have called on Him as your Savior, but true freedom comes when He becomes your Lord.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
What is Your Vision?
Note: my apologies for the lack of posts this week; I've been working on this post since Tuesday, and though it is long today, it has touched my heart and I hope it will touch yours as well.
Acts 17:26-28 ESV
26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28 for
“‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’
Almost 20 years ago I was able to go to South Korea on a mission's trip. I was a Christian just a little over two years, and sadly enough I hadn't invested any time in God's word other than listening to sermons and sitting in Sunday school. When I was introduced to the national who would be my translator and partner, his first question to me was "what is your vision?" Have you ever had the dream where you went to school or work and forgot to put clothes on? Well, that was how I felt at that very moment; I didn't realize that I needed a vision, nor did I know how to get one.
Fast-forward a few years to when I have graduated college and now on the leadership team of a small country church. I had a grasp of what a vision was. It could be divided into short-term and long-term and it would be attainable. The only thing about this is that this type of "vision" looked much like a well thought out business plan in corporate America.
I have since struggled with the concepts of dreams and vision. And when I'm asked about these now, my answer is simple: to know and follow God.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Genesis 12:1-3 would be Abram's vision. Take into account that he did not live to see the fullness of this vision while he lived on earth. He knew what the end would be and he knew what to do to get there, that is, follow the Lord. Do you see anything similar to your life? Abraham had no idea of the particulars of his journey and even tried to fulfil God's promise with his own strength.
By now, some are probably wondering where is Proverbs 29:18?
"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."
I've been thinking about that verse. It is the verse that we use to justify long drawn-out plans of what we will do for the Lord. We tend to quote only the first part of the verse: "Where there is no vision, the people perish." However, as I look at the entire verse, I'm getting stuck on some punctuation, mainly the colon between the two parts of the verse. This tells me that in some way "but he that keepeth the law, happy is he" defines or further explains "where there is no vision, the people perish." (If you are referring to this with a modern translation you will notice the punctuation to be different. However, the word "but" remains, which still shows a relation between the two clauses).
With that being said, let's take the whole verse and put it together and really think about it. In my opinion, this verse is telling us that to have vision we must keep the law. Says nothing about our organizational or planning skills. (God can use these, but I'll address that later).
What is keeping the law?
Matthew 22:37-40
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Jesus gave us the standard. And though He is the only one who could perfectly keep the law, we can still strive to love God and others the best as we can through action and moreover through Christ (see reference for today's devotional).
If we continue to look at the relation between the law, God's Word, and vision we can also look at how God's word leads us.
Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Through His Word, the Law, we can see where we are and where we need to go.
Finally, I would like to let you know why I chose Acts 17:26-28 to bring up the subject of vision. This last Tuesday I listened to Jim Edge, President of Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO, give a message on this scripture. He focused on verse 28 (“In him we live and move and have our being"). This portion of scripture truly consolidated my thoughts on vision.
Vision from God is directly related to keeping His law and desiring His Word. In other words, vision is related to how we want to know God, to know Jesus and Him crucified, and our willingness to listen to the Holy Spirit as He directs you through the Word and to act in love.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
What is my vision? To know Jesus Christ; to rely on Him totally to share with others that they may desire to have faith in Him and ultimately that their main goal is know Him. Can I put this on paper? As long as it is "in Him." Can there be an action plan? As long as it is not my wisdom, but by His power. Can this be taken from the general and applied to my community and my community in Christ? Absolutely, as long as it is done through Him and that whatever path I take is totally because I am in Him.
Acts 17:26-28 ESV
26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28 for
“‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’
Almost 20 years ago I was able to go to South Korea on a mission's trip. I was a Christian just a little over two years, and sadly enough I hadn't invested any time in God's word other than listening to sermons and sitting in Sunday school. When I was introduced to the national who would be my translator and partner, his first question to me was "what is your vision?" Have you ever had the dream where you went to school or work and forgot to put clothes on? Well, that was how I felt at that very moment; I didn't realize that I needed a vision, nor did I know how to get one.
Fast-forward a few years to when I have graduated college and now on the leadership team of a small country church. I had a grasp of what a vision was. It could be divided into short-term and long-term and it would be attainable. The only thing about this is that this type of "vision" looked much like a well thought out business plan in corporate America.
I have since struggled with the concepts of dreams and vision. And when I'm asked about these now, my answer is simple: to know and follow God.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Genesis 12:1-3 would be Abram's vision. Take into account that he did not live to see the fullness of this vision while he lived on earth. He knew what the end would be and he knew what to do to get there, that is, follow the Lord. Do you see anything similar to your life? Abraham had no idea of the particulars of his journey and even tried to fulfil God's promise with his own strength.
By now, some are probably wondering where is Proverbs 29:18?
"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."
I've been thinking about that verse. It is the verse that we use to justify long drawn-out plans of what we will do for the Lord. We tend to quote only the first part of the verse: "Where there is no vision, the people perish." However, as I look at the entire verse, I'm getting stuck on some punctuation, mainly the colon between the two parts of the verse. This tells me that in some way "but he that keepeth the law, happy is he" defines or further explains "where there is no vision, the people perish." (If you are referring to this with a modern translation you will notice the punctuation to be different. However, the word "but" remains, which still shows a relation between the two clauses).
With that being said, let's take the whole verse and put it together and really think about it. In my opinion, this verse is telling us that to have vision we must keep the law. Says nothing about our organizational or planning skills. (God can use these, but I'll address that later).
What is keeping the law?
Matthew 22:37-40
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Jesus gave us the standard. And though He is the only one who could perfectly keep the law, we can still strive to love God and others the best as we can through action and moreover through Christ (see reference for today's devotional).
If we continue to look at the relation between the law, God's Word, and vision we can also look at how God's word leads us.
Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Through His Word, the Law, we can see where we are and where we need to go.
Finally, I would like to let you know why I chose Acts 17:26-28 to bring up the subject of vision. This last Tuesday I listened to Jim Edge, President of Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO, give a message on this scripture. He focused on verse 28 (“In him we live and move and have our being"). This portion of scripture truly consolidated my thoughts on vision.
Vision from God is directly related to keeping His law and desiring His Word. In other words, vision is related to how we want to know God, to know Jesus and Him crucified, and our willingness to listen to the Holy Spirit as He directs you through the Word and to act in love.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
What is my vision? To know Jesus Christ; to rely on Him totally to share with others that they may desire to have faith in Him and ultimately that their main goal is know Him. Can I put this on paper? As long as it is "in Him." Can there be an action plan? As long as it is not my wisdom, but by His power. Can this be taken from the general and applied to my community and my community in Christ? Absolutely, as long as it is done through Him and that whatever path I take is totally because I am in Him.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Good Intentions
1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV
Let all that you do be done in love.
I call today's devo "Good Intentions" because sometimes what we do with good intentions is not done in love. As I explain this keep in mind that I'm saying we should try to please everyone, but act in love where it is perceived in love.
With the best intentions we can crush a brother or sister in Christ. When someone is having an issue in his/her life, do you tell plainly what to do, or do you help them explore the proper resources (the Bible, prayer, Jesus' examples) so the Holy Spirit can guide them in resolving the issue?
This has become more and more important to me in the last several weeks. Do you remember the old slogan we had the kids saying a few years back, WWJD? (what would Jesus do?) I now ask myself, "what is the best way to show love they understand?" Read Matthew 22:37-39.
WARNING: this tactic doesn't always have immediate results. How many followers did Jesus have when He walked the Earth? Luke 10:1. And how many followers did Jesus have after Pentecost? Acts 2:41. (These aren't exact numbers, but just examples to show the difference.) Jesus always showed love, but it wasn't always received. Acts 24:16; Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14.
Just remember, you are not going to be able to solve anyone's problem - but by love, you can lead them to the One who can.
Let all that you do be done in love.
I call today's devo "Good Intentions" because sometimes what we do with good intentions is not done in love. As I explain this keep in mind that I'm saying we should try to please everyone, but act in love where it is perceived in love.
With the best intentions we can crush a brother or sister in Christ. When someone is having an issue in his/her life, do you tell plainly what to do, or do you help them explore the proper resources (the Bible, prayer, Jesus' examples) so the Holy Spirit can guide them in resolving the issue?
This has become more and more important to me in the last several weeks. Do you remember the old slogan we had the kids saying a few years back, WWJD? (what would Jesus do?) I now ask myself, "what is the best way to show love they understand?" Read Matthew 22:37-39.
WARNING: this tactic doesn't always have immediate results. How many followers did Jesus have when He walked the Earth? Luke 10:1. And how many followers did Jesus have after Pentecost? Acts 2:41. (These aren't exact numbers, but just examples to show the difference.) Jesus always showed love, but it wasn't always received. Acts 24:16; Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14.
Just remember, you are not going to be able to solve anyone's problem - but by love, you can lead them to the One who can.
Friday, September 5, 2008
First Things First
1 Corinthians 16:1-2 ESV
Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
Concerning giving, it seems that Paul suggests to put aside what you are to give (2 Cor 9:7) when you receive it so that there is no scrambling or shortchanging God (Mal 3:8-9).
Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
Concerning giving, it seems that Paul suggests to put aside what you are to give (2 Cor 9:7) when you receive it so that there is no scrambling or shortchanging God (Mal 3:8-9).
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Dealing With Unjust Attacks
Psalm 4:1-5 ESV
Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.
I believe all of us have been on the receiving end of unjust criticism, insult, and judgment or the subject of hurtful gossip. Though David came to the Lord when someone was out to take his life, we can relate to Psalms like this because we have the same enemy who seeks our destruction like he sought David's demise.
Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
David was not only approaching his Lord, but he was pleading for, and anticipating, an answer.
You have given me relief when I was in distress.
This is an incredible acknowledgment: David is not coming to God as a last resort, but is immediately confessing that it is God that comes to his rescue when trouble arises. This is something to keep in mind, when you are attacked, do you fight, flight, or submit to your Lord?
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
Once again, David is acknowledging who is in control.
O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
How long will you love vain words and seek after lies?
This is the part that you should be familiar with. In a nutshell David is wondering why these people are trying to make him look bad and spreading rumors about him.
But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
Read 2 Timothy 3:12. This is reinsurance for you: God is in control, you are in His care and He listens to you.
Be angry, and do not sin;
Make no mistake, you don't have to be happy about receiving an attack, but don't you turn around and do the same thing to your attacker. Go ahead and feel the anger but don't the ENEMY (Satan) put you into his bondage (sin).
ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent.
Then think how God is using this thing, which is not a good thing nor desired of God, to change you into a godly person. Listen for God.
Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.
What is a better sacrifice than yourself? Who do you live for: yourself, your spouse, your children or do you live for your Lord? If you live for your Lord and put your trust in Him, what do these attacks really amount to in your life?
Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.
I believe all of us have been on the receiving end of unjust criticism, insult, and judgment or the subject of hurtful gossip. Though David came to the Lord when someone was out to take his life, we can relate to Psalms like this because we have the same enemy who seeks our destruction like he sought David's demise.
Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
David was not only approaching his Lord, but he was pleading for, and anticipating, an answer.
You have given me relief when I was in distress.
This is an incredible acknowledgment: David is not coming to God as a last resort, but is immediately confessing that it is God that comes to his rescue when trouble arises. This is something to keep in mind, when you are attacked, do you fight, flight, or submit to your Lord?
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
Once again, David is acknowledging who is in control.
O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
How long will you love vain words and seek after lies?
This is the part that you should be familiar with. In a nutshell David is wondering why these people are trying to make him look bad and spreading rumors about him.
But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
Read 2 Timothy 3:12. This is reinsurance for you: God is in control, you are in His care and He listens to you.
Be angry, and do not sin;
Make no mistake, you don't have to be happy about receiving an attack, but don't you turn around and do the same thing to your attacker. Go ahead and feel the anger but don't the ENEMY (Satan) put you into his bondage (sin).
ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent.
Then think how God is using this thing, which is not a good thing nor desired of God, to change you into a godly person. Listen for God.
Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.
What is a better sacrifice than yourself? Who do you live for: yourself, your spouse, your children or do you live for your Lord? If you live for your Lord and put your trust in Him, what do these attacks really amount to in your life?
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
If You Serve the Lord, Don't Give Up
1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
I guess the first question is what is the "work of the Lord?" The second question to ask is, am I doing the "work of the Lord" or am I doing the work of me" to try to please the Lord.
For the most part, that is today's devotional. I will give you a few verses to look up to help answer the questions above, and after you answer the two questions take a good look at your life: do you get burnt out, spread out too thin, discouraged, or just plain tired in your church/ministry? Why?
Ref: Matthew 22:37-39; Matthew 28:19-20; Ephesians 4:11-12; Romans 15:1; Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 2:9; James 1:27; John 13:34-35; John 14:15.
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
I guess the first question is what is the "work of the Lord?" The second question to ask is, am I doing the "work of the Lord" or am I doing the work of me" to try to please the Lord.
For the most part, that is today's devotional. I will give you a few verses to look up to help answer the questions above, and after you answer the two questions take a good look at your life: do you get burnt out, spread out too thin, discouraged, or just plain tired in your church/ministry? Why?
Ref: Matthew 22:37-39; Matthew 28:19-20; Ephesians 4:11-12; Romans 15:1; Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 2:9; James 1:27; John 13:34-35; John 14:15.
Monday, September 1, 2008
When the Answer is "No"
2 Samuel 12:15-23 ESV
15 Then Nathan went to his house.
And the Lord afflicted the child that Uriah's wife bore to David, and he became sick. 16 David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. 17 And the elders of his house stood beside him, to raise him from the ground, but he would not, nor did he eat food with them. 18 On the seventh day the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to us. How then can we say to him the child is dead? He may do himself some harm.” 19 But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David understood that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” They said, “He is dead.” 20 Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. He then went to his own house. And when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate. 21 Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.” 22 He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ 23 But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.”
Though this is about David losing a child due to his sin, it still shows a wonderful attitude when approaching God with something that is heavy on our hearts. David was already told that this child was going to die as a result of his sin. David grieved; his heart was heavy. He implored his God and King for mercy - he wept and fasted. As soon as the child died, he knew that God's answer was "no." Instead of continuing to weep, he worshiped God.
We throw tantrums when we don't get a raise, when the car breaks down, when we don't get our way. "But I prayed about it," is what we tell ourselves, "so why is God ignoring me?" God is not ignoring you, He said "no." Why did He say no? Because He has your best interest in mind for you. So how do you respond? Worship Him. Praise Him for protecting you and maturing you even when you are not seeking these.
Follow David's example: until you get an answer, earnestly go before Him in prayer; when you get the answer, worship God regardless of the answer.
15 Then Nathan went to his house.
And the Lord afflicted the child that Uriah's wife bore to David, and he became sick. 16 David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. 17 And the elders of his house stood beside him, to raise him from the ground, but he would not, nor did he eat food with them. 18 On the seventh day the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to us. How then can we say to him the child is dead? He may do himself some harm.” 19 But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David understood that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” They said, “He is dead.” 20 Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. He then went to his own house. And when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate. 21 Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.” 22 He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ 23 But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.”
Though this is about David losing a child due to his sin, it still shows a wonderful attitude when approaching God with something that is heavy on our hearts. David was already told that this child was going to die as a result of his sin. David grieved; his heart was heavy. He implored his God and King for mercy - he wept and fasted. As soon as the child died, he knew that God's answer was "no." Instead of continuing to weep, he worshiped God.
We throw tantrums when we don't get a raise, when the car breaks down, when we don't get our way. "But I prayed about it," is what we tell ourselves, "so why is God ignoring me?" God is not ignoring you, He said "no." Why did He say no? Because He has your best interest in mind for you. So how do you respond? Worship Him. Praise Him for protecting you and maturing you even when you are not seeking these.
Follow David's example: until you get an answer, earnestly go before Him in prayer; when you get the answer, worship God regardless of the answer.
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