Thursday, September 28

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:10-12)

Today's reading contains wonderful truth from Isaiah 55 and Ephesians 6, leaving me torn between the two.

This passage from Ephesians 6:10-18 reminds us of the very present reality of spiritual warfare and that we may experience victory as we stand in the full armor of God.  Paul explains that we will stand in a position of strength, not weakness, and find ourselves ready, not surprised.

I would like to share several key takeaways that the passage gives:

(1) The battle belongs to the Lord.  Our victory rests on "His mighty power," not our cleverness or nonexistent holiness.  Given that it's His battle, He provides the armor.

(2) The battle doesn't involve "flesh and blood."  Oftentimes, what appear to be "physical" or relational problems have an underlying core with spiritual roots.  The effect of sin has so tinged our world that relationships become broken, our bodies become broken, and what we might trust in besides God crumbles.  The spiritual battle involves a spiritual opponent, who desires our harm through lies, deception, accusation, and ultimately murder.

(3) We will not experience victory without preparation.  To kickstart the preparation, we must first recognize that the battle exists.  We then must follow the steps listed here — not just once, but on a consistent basis.  We prepare for the spiritual battle through pursuing spiritual disciplines like reading God's Word, which girds us against falsehood; receiving edifying preaching, which reminds us of our identity and purpose; and prayer, where we communicate with our Father and understand His perspective.

(4) We stand and face spiritual warfare face-front, able to overcome through the gifts that God has provided.  Through the Holy Spirit, He gives us His armor and the shield of faith.  This faith allows us to evaluate and extinguish those arrows of lies, deception, and accusation sent our way.  In the light of God's Word, we understand the truth that God treasures us, having sacrificed His own Son so that we might have a restored relationship with Him.  We stand with confidence.

(5) We stand together.  Even when separated and targeted, Christians under spiritual attack may rest in knowing that their brothers and sisters stand with them.  One of our great callings as Christ-followers is to encourage one another until the Day of His return arrives. (Hebrews 3:12-14)

Lord God, thank You for providing ample armor and weapons for our stand in spiritual warfare.  Help us to evaluate and extinguish the deceit and accusations of the evil one.  Give us insight into the differences between physical and spiritual warfare, and strengthen and prepare us accordingly.  Grant us opportunities today to honor You and to show Your love to others.  In Jesus's Name, amen.

Sept. 27

Ephesians 5:1  "Be imitators of God"

I don't know about anyone else reading that this morning, but I stopped and had to let that sit for a bit. Imitate God?  Think about when we were growing up, we were always trying to imitate someone, whether it be our parents, teachers, friends, or some super hero --   but to imitate God is a pretty far stretch.  As I continued to read, I was trying to really understand what the Apostle Paul was trying to convey.  As I read on, I realized Paul isn't tell us to BE God, he is telling us to live our lives in a manner that is no longer proper for a redeemed sinner in Christ.  Greed, foolish talk, coarse joking (and the list goes on),  is now "out of place" for us.  Not only is that behavior out of place for us, but so are the people who remain in it, they just haven't realized it yet.  We too were once in the same darkness, but glory be to God, we have been lifted out of the miry pit and are now called to shine the Lord's light into the very dark we were rescued from.  I love the line "find out what pleases the Lord"(v.10).  By spending time in the word, and spending quiet time with God, it becomes very clear what pleases Him.  In pursuing that, we are in fact imitating Him. Our original design was created in His image (Gen. 1:27).  We were created to "be imitators of God".  I pray for all of us today that we make the most out of every opportunity today to shine God's light where ever we go as we emulate, follow and copy our King.  

Randi

September 25th blog post

"The Game of Life"

As a young child in the late 70's one of my favorite family games to play was Milton's Bradley's "The Game of Life".  This was a game where you meandered through "life" (aka the board) making money, losing money, getting married, having a family, buying stocks, loosing stocks, borrowing money, paying money back, getting money from opponents, loosing more money, making more money, and on and on.  You worked your way along the board hoping to pass your opponents and beat them to the "Day of Reckoning" space.  This was the settlement space, the judgement space, where if you made it there first, if you beat everyone else there you would get added blessing of more wealth that moved you on to the ultimate goal, the hope from the start of the game to becoming the millionaire, the one with the most cash in hand and winning the game.  It was a game where the focus was totally on you and your goal to was to do whatever it took to make your life comfortable and to make it to the end without real thought for your opponents.  Don't get me wrong, when my sisters hit a terrible space on the board like "go back to start" I did feel for them because I knew how frustrating that was and how much harder it would be for them to think they could win but deep within I was so very happy it wasn't me and I stayed focused on winning with the most cash in hand.

When I think of this favorite childhood board game today I realize that the real "game" of life isn't played much different.  We live very busy lives, focused on our careers and making money.  Credit card debt mounting as we run through life trying to obtain and hold onto the things that we are told we need and that add value to our lives. Our focus can tend to be growing our bank account and getting to the end in comfort, very me centered.

But in our reading today (Ephesians 4:1-3) Paul gives us a different version of the game of life, the Christ like version.  It has a day of reckoning space in it as well and a hope for us to make our goal but the path to get there is played very different and the end goal couldn't be more opposite. We have been called to play this version and to play it well and according to the instructions the "Maker" has given us and has shown us how to play himself.  In our life our focus isn't supposed to be on us and how comfortable we live.  Our focus is supposed to be on others and seeing them succeed strong and coming to an understanding of the hope we live for, the hope found in Jesus Christ.  Through our lives and actions we are called to be a blessing, a voice of encouragement, a cheerleader of support, a source of joy, a well of love, a burden bearer, a gentle instructor, a patient friend, arms of comfort, a unifying peace maker, a humble heart, a caring truth speaker, a light of Christ; we are called to reflect the one we call Father so that through us He is glorified and others come to know the hope and future found in him. 

How do I play this Christ centered version of life in a world that bombards me with "me centered" instructions and values?  I need to lean on the grace that Christ has given me (Ephesians 4:7), I need to seek the source of all those things that are available to me so that I am filled, ready and able to pour them out to others (The fruit of the spirit Galatians 5:22-23).  I need to pray, I need to read, I need to continually ask the Lord to help me be aware of stumbling blocks and to strive toward living a life that is worthy of the calling, that is worthy of being called a child of God.  I need to remember to take it moment by moment and be aware of who is around me, who is in need, who is watching.

Be assured that I fail all the time at playing this version of Christ life.  I often feel as if I land on the go back to start space but when I do the Lord is right there with me ready to help me experience his blessing, his encouragement, his support, his joy, his love, his instruction, his comfort, his peace, his truth, all so that I am ready and equipped to get back into the game and help others along the way.  What I have learned when I do live according to the calling I have been given is that no matter my circumstances, when my focus is on the Lord and my heart set to serve I have a peace, a joy, and satisfaction that comes from knowing that in the end we all make it to the end space together, to the hope we live for, our heavenly home where our calling is complete.

Sept 22 2017

September 22, 2017

Ephesians 1

Who are you?  It sounds likes a simple question, requiring a simple answer, but it really isn't. For example, if some asked me, "Who are you?" I might answer, "Scott Taylor." No, that's my name.

Who are you?   I'm a pastor.... no, that what I do.

I'm an American.... That is where I live.

I'm evangelical ... That is my denomination.

I'm a 6'2," 215-pound man, slightly balding on top (well, that is an exaggeration). But that is my physical appearance, that is not me.  What if I lost a leg or an arm, would I still be me? Of course, I would.  

Who I am is determined by who I know, who I am in relationship with. I believe wholeheartedly that our hope for spiritual growth, meaning, purpose and fulfillment in life is based solely on our relationship with the living God. Our understanding of our riches in Christ is the foundation for determining who we are.  If you don't know who God is, you don't know who you are.  I am very concerned about this because so many people in the church don't know who they are.  An African proverb says, "If you don't know who you are, anyone can name you, and if anyone can name you, you will answer to anything."

In Ephesians 1 we find out who we are. We have been chosen by God to be adopted into his family from the very creation of the world. We have been given every spiritual blessing that can be found in Christ. We have been set free from our sin, purchased off the slave market of sin by Jesus himself. We are forgiven of every sin, past, present and future. We have the emblem of the Holy Spirit stamped on us guaranteeing our future. And we have been told a secret by God Himself; we know how this story ends.

So, in the end, Who am I? I am a son of God!!!  Whose son or daughter, are you?

 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, September 21

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

"You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops. You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the wilderness overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness. The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing."

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭65:9-13‬

In Psalm 65, David discusses the grace that God has shown to His people, by giving us an invitation to approach Him in His courts.  He has forgiven our transgressions, even though we were weighed down with sin.  Even more, the greatness of His creation speaks to His amazing sovereignty and grace.

The second two stanzas speak about God's hand of grace manifest in creation and the worship that He calls forth, even from inanimate objects.  God has brought all creation into being, and His sovereignty directs even the watercourses.  As a result, even the grasslands, hills, meadows, and valleys "shout for joy and sing."

What about us?  Do we have similar attitude of worship?  As we reflect on creation's worship of its Creator, we would do well to invest our lives in worshipping Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23).

I have a tendency to play and replay songs that speak to my heart.  I encountered such a song regarding this very topic of creation's worship called "100 Billion X (So Will I)," from Hillsong (https://youtu.be/oLURTvUQoTM).  This song suggests that we may follow the 100 billion galaxies and the 100 billion creatures that God spoke into being with His very breath.  He created everything without pattern or point of reference, and His word has never been spoken in vain or without effect.  He has kept His promise, and we should respond with obedience and reverence.

The song then discusses the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ and how "100 billion failures" disappear in His shed blood.  His surrender calls forth our surrender; His love for the lost, ours.  From creation to redemption to final glory, God's story resonates with His faithfulness!

Lord God, thank You for Your amazing faithfulness to Your promise.  Give us eyes to see Your creation with wonder and to follow its example by bringing You heartfelt worship.  Help us to remember Your sovereignty when we are prone to worry and Your love when we become self-interested.  Thank You for Your awesome creation.  To You be all praise, honor, and glory forever!  Amen.

Sept.20

Galatians 5:13-26

"Brothers and sisters, you were called to freedom -- only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another"

I  read this verse over quite a few times and was reminded of a time when God called me to serve from a place in my soul that I would only be able to connect with by walking in the Spirit.  Whether you are reading this through eyes of a husband a wife, or someone's friend, we've all been a relationship of some kind.  We've all experienced some kind of disconnect with the person we care about.  It's so easy to justify our feelings when we are angry but what happens when in your moment of wanting to identify with what your flesh is trying to convince you is right, God speaks over those desires and says "you are the only way he/she will know my love -- go serve them". "What Lord?" Okay, so we then spend an hour or two, or a day or three wrestling with what God just called us to do because in our flesh, we still want to justify why we are right.  The Apostle Paul tells us "Walk by the Ruach (the Spirit), and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.  For the flesh sets its desire against the Ruach, but the Ruach sets its desire against the flesh for these are in opposition to one another so that you cannot do what you want." (v.16-17) As followers of Jesus filled with the Holy Spirit we should remain aware of the attributes that make up the fruit of the Spirit and freely operate from that paradigm -- that's how we are called to serve each other through love. It's nothing we can do on our own. I am learning, by the grace of God, to ask myself throughout the day -- "what fruit am I operating in? -- am I serving through love?" This is so not easy.  I'm learning that my journey with Jesus goes beyond my circumstances -- it's a constant check up on the condition of my heart.  So as I get ready to go to school and interact with 20 kindergartners in one room, I pray the Holy Spirit reminds me I am there not only to teach them how to read, I am there to serve through His love, and called to freely operate from the fruit of the Spirit.  I pray we all remember that we here to serve and we may be the only way someone will know the love of Jesus today.

Randi

September 18th blog post

Our Spiritual EKG   
   

"The Lord says: 'These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me'."  Isaiah 29:13

This verse is quote from Jehovah Rapha, God the healer, our Great Physician.  It always serves as a reminder for me to take some time and check my spiritual heart condition.

I know it was a prophetic message that we saw played out in Christ's time but it always draws me to a place I need to be, on my spiritual bended knee.  I need to check my heart and ask myself and answer some honest questions:

1. Do I read my bible because I have a desire to draw near to God and grow in my faith and relationship with him on a daily basis or is it a part of a routine that I find myself begrudgingly doing out of obligation? 

2. Is prayer something I look at as a way to hear from the Lord, as an intimate time set aside to love the Lord and grow in my communication with him or is it something that is "me centered", that I tend to look mostly at as a means to an end, an avenue of help in my time of need but little else?

3. Is the Lord's guidance and boundaries something that I seek and want for my life because I trust Him, I know He has my good wrapped in them, and because I long to live for Him or are they like a large lunch buffet where I look them all over and pick and choose which ones suite me at the moment and leave the rest for others to take?

4. Are my acts of service (either in the church or in my community) done from a heart that knows the love, grace, and faithfulness of the Lord and desires to live that out so that others can see and experience God's glory for themselves or are they done for my own pride and feelings of value, for my own glory?  Could they possibly be done out of feelings of obligation rather than acts of loving kindness?

5. Have I allowed myself to experience, remember, and know deep within, the undeserved mercy and forgiveness the Lord gave me despite my acts of wrong and do I actively pass that forgiveness and freedom along to others or do I harbor bitterness, anger, hurt, unforgiveness, and judgement because of past (or present) wrongs done to me (or possibly even by me)?

6. When I go about my day do I seek to walk in step with the spirit and strive to live a fruitful life rooted in the spirit of God or do I mindlessly go about my day with my agenda, purposes, and achievements to obtain?

These are some of the questions I have to ask myself in order to make certain that I am not just talking about faith and trust in God but that I am actually living it.  I want a heart that is all in for the Lord.  I fail often at making sure that my heart is close to the lord and when I stumble in life by making mistakes, hurting others, being lazy, acting selfish and on and on and on.... when I fail I need to remember that I have a God who knows me, loves me, forgives me and is there to be my help and strength.  I need to look to him and lean on him to help my heart be where it needs to be, close to him!!!

I want a heart that God knows and declares is close to him.  When I speak and praise and serve and draw near to the Lord I want it to be from a heart that is in love with the Lord and is on track to be spiritually healthy.  I think it is time to make sure that I start giving myself a heart check daily so that my life can be lived to the fullest, what a joy that would be!

September 16: Of Speech and Wisdom, Joy and Gladness

Isaiah 22:1-24:23

Galatians 2:17-3:9

Psalm 60:1-12

Proverbs 23:15-16

When I got up this morning, I thought I was going to reflect on the OT reading today.  But after two conversations, one with my 14- and 12-year old boys on the way to swim practice, the other with my 19 year old daughter over lunch, I realized Proverbs 23:15-16 was the verse God was leading me to reflect upon.

"My son[s…and daughter], if your heart is wise

     Then my heart will be glad indeed;

  My inmost being will rejoice

      When your lips speak what is right."

On this morning's 10 minute ride to swim practice, I asked my boys a question: "What do you think of abortion?"  Having spent the first 15 years of my education under the Jesuits, the answer to me was pretty clear from an early age…as I thought it would be for them.  So it was somewhat jarring to hear they thought it was acceptable - "overpopulation", they said.  The younger boy then opined that China's one child policy might be suitable.  As the older boy nodded in agreement, I kinda saw they weren't really thinking that one through.

I was surprised by their answers - but should I have been?  The world - certainly the US - has taught that abortion is not only acceptable, it is in fact at times ideal.  Some actress who once appeared in some popular kid-genre film recently declared that her first abortion was her best one.  And another actress once mused that she wishes she'd had an abortion so she could identify with other women better.  

The truth is, abortion isn't the only sin we glorify these days, is it?  Adultery, in so many different forms; murder (yes, remember "Raca"?), theft - which begins with covetousness ("First principles, Clarice" - bonus points to whoever can identify the reference)…all these have become acceptable, aspirational almost.

The truth is, my life is rife with sin I've committed because I decided it was acceptable.  In so many ways, the world has had its way with me.  Which brings me to my conversation with my daughter.  We were talking about a father's greatest fear for his children, and I told her how, in my case, it was that they would not get to know the Lord, and their minds would be so unclear as to be deluded by the world.  And this is why the proverb was my reflection point for the day.

Father, grant us the grace to raise our children so that their hearts are full of Your wisdom, so that their words are rich with Your spirit.  Protect them from the deception of the world, that we, our parents, may experience glad hearts, that our inmost beings might rejoice.

Sept 15 2017

September 15, 2017

Galatians 2

Racism, classism and culturalism are problems that have plagued our world for millenniums. Satan has owned this turf and he uses it to oppose God's plan of reconciliation. This was certainly true for the early church. Racism, classism and culturalism were rampant in that society. Yet, God clearly showed the apostle Peter his plan of overcoming these issues through the gospel. Peter received a clear vision (Acts 19) that God was changing the past standard and creating a whole new entity called the church, which would unite hostile groups.

Did Peter get it? Absolutely!  He went down to the home of Cornelius, and there he introduced Gentiles to the new reality of the King Jesus. So impactful was this cross-cultural experience that Peter even went over to dine with the Gentiles on their side of town.  In Galatians 2, we find Peter enjoying a glorious, sumptuous meal. In fact, he even brought some of his Jewish buddies with him; they all sat and dined together. All was fine until some Jewish friends, sent by James, showed up and castigated him for what he was doing: "Peter, how dare you cross this line. You know we don't do this in our neighborhood. We don't fraternize with people like that. Oh, we're all one in Christ, but that's just theology. Let's get practical. In this neighborhood, you don't hang out with people like them."

Being afraid of what his other brothers thought, Peter disregarded the vision he had clearly seen. This is no small omission. Whenever you see the list of disciples in the NT, Peter's name is always first because he was the leader of the disciples.  And when the leader withdrew, as it says in Galatians 2:12-13, the rest of the Jews joined him in his hypocrisy. Peter was the leader, and the speed of the leader determines the speed of the team.

Even Barnabas, who was raised with Gentiles, was carried away by the hypocrisy. That's how bad racism and culturalism is. It can take a good man and make him bad. Barnabas, the encourager, was now one of the ones who withdrew because of the pressure of failed Christianity, influenced by racism.

Peter would have gotten away with it if it hadn't been for one person. Paul showed up.  How did Paul deal with racism, classism and culturalism? Did he have a workshop on race relations, hold a seminar on unity, or write a book?  No!!  The text says when Paul saw Peter, he got in his face!! He opposed him personally, he opposed him publicly and he opposed him biblically.

The great omission in the church today is that we have failed to treat racism, classism and culturalism as sin. We give it names like "our orientation", "our comfort zone", "our heritage" but if it divides people, it's just SIN.   

Here is the thing nowadays about racism, classism and culturalism ; it's very subtle. Like the proverbial frog in the kettle, you might not know you are slipping into it unless you have true friends who are helping you. Racism, classism and culturalism are still prevalent in our world. The gospel and the church remain the first and best hope for reconciliation in our world.

Thanks to Tony Evans for the light he shed on this passage.

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, September 14

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017

"I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin.  I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ." (Galatians 1:11,12)

In Galatians 1, Paul shares about his start in Gospel ministry and gives several convincing proofs about the validity of the Gospel.  He unashamedly points to his previous work of persecuting the Church and how he had achieved great heights in Judaism.  Yet, God chose to reveal His Son to Paul on the road to Damascus, thereby changing the course of history.

Paul took this initial revelation and continued growing in the faith.  He steeled himself for the Gospel ministry and willingly endured great persecution and suffering, just as he had administered before.  He logically implies the question, "Why would I be willing to take this course for something that I made up?"  Such a course would be purely delusional -- and utterly worthless.  Instead, Paul claims the eternal power of the Gospel because of its divine source.

Paul's recounting does highlight the grave importance of remaining true to the Gospel.  Other messages will fade and wither, but the Gospel stands firm forever.  It is the power of God for salvation, leading people to the Lord Jesus Christ, the only Name under heaven by which we are saved. (Romans 1:16,17; Acts 4:12). Trying to change the Gospel to become more acceptable to human ears doesn't lead to godly outcomes.  It is implausible and uncomfortable to our ears, but it is the path to life.

May we cling to the Gospel and, like Paul, give our lives to seeing its spread in our midst.

Lord God, thank You for spreading the Gospel through Your Church and Your servants throughout the ages.  Help us to understand Your truth and to live it daily.  Give us opportunities to share these life-giving words with our families, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.  May You be greatly glorified in us, as we rejoice in knowing You.  In Jesus's Name, amen.

Sept. 13

2 Corinthians 13

Anyone who has ever worked with youth or in a classroom, knows very well the authoritative, stern voice that needs to be used to get the attention of the crowd.  It's the tone of not yelling, but yet speaking with authority to get your point made.  As I read this passage, I picked up that the Apostle Paul, even though he was writing, was using that tone. In it, he manifested the power of God.  He was speaking with the authority of Christ, yet almost giving the Corinthians one last chance to see the light.  I think Paul was reminding the people that although it is God's gracious method to bear long with sinners, he will not put up with disobedience forever. At some point in time,  Jesus is coming back, and will not spare those who remain obstinate.  That's a pretty frightening thought as well as a serious message.  To emphasize his point and remind the Corinthians that he coming this time (his third visit) almost as a judge, he used some pretty strong words "I will not spare those who sinned earlier".  Paul reminds us that Jesus will not be weak in dealing with us. When we stop and think about it, these are pretty humbling thoughts.  When we look around as see the chaos that is unfolding, our only hope is to look up to our mighty God and humble ourselves. As we read in today's Psalm, our hope rests in the shadow of the wings of our most High God for great is His love, reaching to the heavens; His faithfulness reaches to the skies.  Let Him be exalted today in our lives as His glory is all over the earth. We have some very good news to share and like the Apostle Paul, we are filled with the Holy Spirit and can speak with authority.  Go tell someone.

Randi

September 11th blog post

From "I Know" to Bowing Low   

We live in a world that doesn't prize weakness.  A world that doesn't see weakness as an opportunity for growth but a catalyst to failure.  Weakness in others is a place we tend to poke at, point out, and sometimes use to help puff us up so that our own weakness can't be seen by others.  Masking our weakness has become an art form for us.  If seen it would reveal our vulnerability, our shortcomings, our lacking and in the world we live in it would negatively affect the way people looked at us.

We have a family member who is difficult to try and explain things to, to teach things to, to point things out to that they need to get done.  Their response is almost always the same, "I know!"  It is usually said with a short frustrated tone and spoken before you actually even finish what you are trying to say.  It's pride.  They don't like to appear as if they don't know or as if they need help.  This makes sense as this person lives in the world I described above: a proud, I can do it, weakness is failure world attitude. The problem is they never have a chance to really grow, to really excel in an area because their pride is enough for them to appear able.  They might have an understanding but if they would listen they would have a chance to grow, to learn, and to be amazed at how much more there is for them to truly understand, how much more they could do.

In 2 Corinthians Paul speaks about delighting in weakness, boasting about his own weakness.  In our world today this is just madness speaking.  This is polar opposite to what we strive for in our world.  In yesterday's reading, Paul listed all the areas of accomplishment that he had achieved, all his worldly successes and areas of strength.  If ever there was a man alive who could use the phrase "I Know" and mean it and get away with it, it would have been Paul.  Yet for all his worldly success he brings himself low, to a place of humbleness and speaks about his weakness.  He doesn't tell us what that weakness is (it doesn't matter because what he says next speaks to all and any weakness we may have).  What he tells us is that when we recognize our weakness, we accept it, and we don't run from it but we acknowledge it, embrace it, and bring it to the Lord then something beautiful and complete occurs; God has an opportunity to shine through us and receive the glory due him. 

"I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me (Paul praying about his area of weakness).  But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  2 Corinthians 12: 8-9

You see God uses our weakness as a way to show others his power and his glory.  It is an opportunity for others be encouraged in their place of weakness, to not feel alone.  When the world praises the accomplishments of man the glory goes to man.  It is seen as an act of his own accomplishments.  But when we allow people to know our weakness and we don't step away from that area but say to the Lord, "I need you, I can not do this on my own, I do not have the ability in and of myself", when we acknowledge our need for the Lord to be our strength He will step in and provide what we lack.  Will it be perfection?  No, not according to the world's standards, per se, but it will be perfectly what the Lord wanted it to be because it will be done with a heart that is humble and trusting and satisfied in the Lord. 

What is the blessing, how do I delight in exposing this weakness I have?  I get to experience the power of God working in my life and through my life.

"For when I am weak, then I am strong."  2 Corinthians 12:10

I get to feel the true power and strength of God working in my life.  It is a freedom in life that breaks the chains of perfection the world calls me to and lets me experience the fullness of God in my life.  I humbly give God my weakness and in return I receive his power and strength, it's a win win for me!!!

Don't get me wrong.  I don't think Paul was saying this to give us the green light to laziness.  No, it was giving us the the green light to bow low and say Lord I don't know, I need you, teach me, guide me, build me up and be my source of power and strength as I learn and grow.  I believe it was his way of saying don't let your weakness stop you from serving.  Don't let people poke at your weakness and tell you that you aren't good enough.  Admit your weakness and trust in the Lord to provide what you lack as you seek to grow.  God's grace will be there for you as you need it in your journey and it will be enough.  Remember God doesn't tend to call the equipped he equips the called: a shepherd became king (David). a farmer became a carpenter (Noah), A murderer became a leader (Moses), a peasant girl became a queen (Ester), a virgin became the mother of the Jesus (Mary), and a persecutor of the early church became one of it's founding members (Paul)

I want to encourage each of us to stop poking at our and others weaknesses.  To remember that it is not about us getting the glory and praise but letting people see our weakness (and the weakness of others) and then passing the glory and praise to where it always belongs: To the Lord.  Don't be afraid to be humble, that is where the Lord is waiting to meet you.

When the Lord calls will you say "I know" or will you choose to Bow Low?

September 9: Of Foolish Hearts

Isaiah 3:1-5:30

2 Corinthians 11:1-15

Psalm 53:1-6

Proverbs 22:28-29

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil,

Who put darkness for light and light for darkness

Who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.

Therefore as tongues of fire lick up straw

   And as dry grass sinks down in flames,

So their roots will decay…

- Isaiah 5:20, 24

Psalm 53 starts with the verse "The fool says in his heart 'there is no God'."  I was thinking about this verse this morning, and realized it is so easy to see when others live out that verse.  It's much harder to see it when I am guilty of it.  Upon reflection, I realize that while I may spend time in prayer and scripture, in church and in fellowship, so very often time away from those activities is spent - not deliberately, mind you - in ways that demonstrate just that.

Do I sometimes worry?  I do - and doesn't worry imply one doesn't trust that God is in control?  And if I doubt God is in control, don't I doubt His very nature?

Do I sometimes wish my life were different than the one I have?  Perhaps more money, a different job (or any job, for that matter)?  I do - and doesn't that suggest I doubt God's choices for me?  And if his choices aren't better than mine, don't I doubt His existence?

Do I sometimes compromise God's word by trying to reconcile it with what the world teaches?  When the world tries to teach my children that evil is good and good evil, do I avert my eyes, and neglect to "direct [your] children onto the right path [so that] when they are older, they will not leave it"? (Pro 22:6 NLT) And in doing so do I not reject the very concept of God?

So while it may be easy to see foolishness in others, the truth is, I am that fool.  And as Isaiah says in the verses above, one certain result is the decay of my roots - the weakening of the foundation on which my life, and the lives of those that depend on me - my wife, my children in particular.

Father we confess our foolishness, the denial of your existence, made manifest in what we do and do not do, in what we concede and do not reject, in what we condone and do not change.     Give us eyes, ears, hearts and minds that see, sense and know clearly that You exist, and that You are God.  And may we live our lives as testament to that truth.

September 8

September 8, 2017

2 Corinthians 10

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.    2 Corinthians 10:4

The Christian life is not a playground but a battlefield. If you cannot smell the gunpowder and see the casualties of war, you are on the playground. We are locked in a battle against evil, error and the powers of darkness. Paul makes it clear that there is distinction between the weapons of this world and spiritual weapons. Worldly weapons include human cleverness, ingenuity, eloquence, hard work, propaganda, and a reliance on a charming or forceful personality.

Spiritual weapons, while scorned by the world, are feared by the powers of darkness and Satan himself. They include prayer, faith, the Word of God, worship, evangelism, unity and righteousness.  Even though a person might be considered a frail human being, if they are empowered by the Holy Spirit they can knock down strongholds of the evil one.

The missionary John Patton tells the story of when he was a missionary in the New Hebrides Islands. Hostile natives surrounded his mission headquarters one night intent on burning the Pattons out and killing them. John and his wife prayed all during that terror-filled night that God would deliver them. When daylight came they were amazed to see that the attackers had unaccountably left them. A year later, the chief of the tribe became a Christ follower, and John, remembering what had happened, asked the chief what had kept him and his men from burning down the house and killing them. The chief replied surprised, "Who were all those men you had with you there?" The missionary answered, "There were no men, just my wife and I." The chief argued that they had seen many standing guard ‑ hundreds of big men in shining garments with drawn swords in their hands. They seemed to circle the mission station so that the natives were afraid to attack.

Samuel Chadwick (1860-1932) put the issue this way, "The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. The devil fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, prayerless religion. The devil laughs at our toils, mocks our wisdom, but Satan trembles when we pray."

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, September 7

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul encourages his readers to take a generous approach to supporting their fellow believers.  He explains that giving would not prohibit them from supplying their own needs; rather, God would "bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (9:9)

Furthermore, their generosity in the present would actually propel greater opportunities for generosity in the future:  "You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." (9:11)  Moreover, their generosity would lead to God's receiving thanksgiving for His provision through His people.

How may we experience the "cheerful" aspect of giving, in a world where everything seems so expensive and others seem more blessed than we are?  Like Paul and his Corinthian friends, we will do well to consider giving as a "vertical" matter rather than a "horizontal" matter.  By "vertical," I mean that giving may reflect the love of God to others and our connection to Him.  By "horizontal," I refer to the thinking that can hinder our generosity, namely:  (1) confusing wants and needs and (2) being distracted with watching others' consumption.

Knowing that God will provide our needs gives us confidence to live generously.  We give part of the blessings that we have received so that His praises may ring throughout the earth.  With Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, the Church has an opportunity to bless those who are hurting, sharing the love of Christ.  While there is always pain in tragedy, this opening to show love may lead to changed lives.

On the flip side, envy tends to rot our minds.  I read this morning about an upcoming movie called "Brad's Status."  The premise is that Brad, played by Ben Stiller, struggles with envying his friends, who he believes to have achieved greater success than he, and even his son, who has received favorable looks from some elite colleges.  His insecurity gnaws at him.  In contrast, God's great love for us gives us the confidence to give freely out of our own thankfulness.

Lord God, thank You for the indescribable gift of the new life we have received in Christ.  May we understand Your great generosity and how we may reflect Your love, in part, to a hurting world.  We long to know You more and to share Your love with others.  Bring healing and hope to those suffering after Hurricane Harvey, and protect those in the path of Hurricane Irma.  Give the Church wisdom on how best to bring glory to Your Name and to demonstrate Your loving care for hurting people.  In Jesus's Name, amen.

Sept. 6

2 Corinthians 8:1-15

I heard a joke once about a man who was in church with his wife and the offering plate came around.  The gentlemen put in a 20 dollar bill then looked at his wife and said "Oh No, I made a mistake, I only meant to give 10 dollars.  His wife looked at him and said, "Yes, and God knows that too".

The bible has a lot to say about money, and a variety of other topics as they pertain to our financial and spiritual lives.  When I first started to give, I have to admit -- I had nothing to give. The whole concept made no sense to me as growing up "giving" was a dollar amount that was a burden but at the same time an obligation to belong to the temple so that my brother could have his Bar Mitzvah.  When I gave my life to Jesus and had no finances to tithe, so I began by giving God my time. I "tithed" 10 percent of my time daily to reading God's word.  I divided my tithe time in the word over the course of the day from early when I got up in the morning till I went to sleep.  Somehow I started to have a little money to contribute as well, so I gave what I could.  Paul explains that when people who had little gave to the church, they gave as much as they could but they gave themselves first of all to the Lord. In Psalm 44:21 we learn that God knows the secrets of our heart. I began to understand that it wasn't how much I gave, God certainly doesn't need my money, but it was more how I gave. I learned that God was interested in the condition of my heart perhaps even more than how much I put in the offering plate.  We will read in the next chapter of 2 Corinthians that each of us should give what we have decided in our hearts to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (9:7)  Paul talks about the willingness to give which makes the amount acceptable according to what you have. I learned in the financial class that working our way to tithing the full 10% is a goal, God wants us to pay our bills and be responsible with our money (Mat. 22:21). My guess is God wants us to check our hearts before we write our check.

Randi

September 4th Blog Post

 Nuggets of Wisdom


"Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have them ready on your lips."  Proverbs 22:17-19


Congratulations to you!!!  By making a commitment to pick up and read (or try to read) your bible each day you are taking steps to try and gain wisdom. 

Our reading today talked a lot about wisdom (at least 25 times in Ecclesiastes). But reading the bible alone does not ensure wisdom.  I've watched documentaries where biblical scholars impart their "wisdom" on the word of God only to find myself shacking my head in disbelief at how far from the truth of the Gospel their self proclaimed wisdom is.  We recently finished reading the book of Job and I will be honest with you that it is a book I struggle with.  I have difficulty understanding and knowing how I am to read Job and what exactly I can (and am supposed to) gain from it.  Have you ever been like myself and read one of our daily readings only to forget what you read just a short time later?  I can kid myself but I didn't gain any wisdom on those days.  I was only able to check off "bible reading" from my to do list.

Today's Proverb tells us three things we need to do regarding wisdom, "Pay attention, listen and apply".  When we read our one year bibles, listen to a sermon, or sit with a wise friend, we need to make gaining wisdom a priority.  We need to recognize our need for it and to want it. 

James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

When I read the book of Job (or any part of the bible actually) I need and want help to understand it.  I need God to give the wisdom I lack.  I pray this verse in James because it is a promise God gives.  I have prayed it many times while reading the book of Job and I am learning to exercise the fruit of patience as my wisdom and understanding has been a slow progress.  I need to pay attention and listen to the Lord's teaching and when I do find something (I can't give up) I need to apply it to my heart, I need to hold on to it.

It is this last part of gaining wisdom (as stated in Proverbs)  that I love, applying to my heart.  It is easy to read something, and sometimes it is easy to see a nugget of wisdom in it but holding onto that truth, that nugget is sometimes a challenge.

I am working on sitting with a notebook when I read so that when I am finished (or as I am reading) I can write down a nugget or two that I may have discovered, that the Lord has revealed to me.  I keep what I write in that book short and simple and then I try and think back on it throughout my day.  I am also able to go back and read over those wisdom nuggets to refresh my heart and mind.  I also try and find ways to live out any wisdom that I can.  Practice is a great way to help deepen understand and to remember.

What is the benefit of applying wisdom to our heart, storing it up as a treasure (Matthew 6:21)? 
"...wisdom preserves the life of its possessor." Ecclesiastes 7:12

The word preserve means: "to maintain something in its original state".  The wisdom of God found in his word with the aide of the Holy Spirit can help preserve our hearts, our minds, our emotions, our actions, our attitudes to be more like Him (we were created in His image, created to be bearers of His wisdom).  The wisdom from the Lord is life.

So again I say congratulations for taking the step of saying yes to reading the word of God.  Now I encourage you to take it a step further and to make gaining and applying wisdom a daily part of your life.  Ask for, expect, and be ready for God to help you grow in wisdom.

God is read to impart His wisdom.  Are you ready to pay attention, listen, and set to apply it to your hearts?

September 2: Of Stillness and Broken Teeth

Ecclesiastes 1:1-3:22

2 Corinthians 6:1-13

Psalm 46:1-11

Proverbs 22:15

After Psalm 23, today's reading - Psalm 46 - is probably my favorite, even thought its lessons are perhaps the hardest for me: Do not first do - first, I must trust.  

Trust is difficult.  We want assurances on our terms.  We want to know, to be certain that what we want is going to happen, what we fear is not.  We want it for ourselves, and - often even more desperately - we want it for those we love.  And yet the more we seek certainty about more and more things, the more we realize how impossible it is for us to achieve certainty on our own.  If you're like me, this doesn't go over very well, and you start stress eating during the day and clenching your jaw so tightly while you sleep you break two teeth.  

The psalm is interestingly written.  At the beginning, we see what kind of trouble a man might face - the earth giving way, the mountains falling into the sea.  At the end of it, we see what paltry, pathetically ineffective tools man has to deal with his problems - a spear, a shield, a bow.  It is my nature to take those tools and go do what I can, however futile my effort might be.  God tells me to do different - He takes those tools from me, and destroys them.  And He tells me not to do, but to trust.  My favorite verse: "He says, 'be still, and know that I am God."

He isn't telling me the problems aren't going to come.  He isn't even telling me the problems are going to be resolved the way I want them to be.  All He is saying is I should be still, turn to Him, and leave it to Him.  He's got this.

What worries you, what causes you to clench your jaw at night and break your teeth?  For me, it is my children - that, against every worldly influence, they grow into a woman and young men who know God, who see Him through the world's false promises, and who live their lives with Him.  From there, it is work, and even more broadly from there, it is the problems this country and my native country face.  And for those of you who have children, you know how increasingly ineffective our tools for raising them are, never mind controlling outcomes at work or in the rest of the world.  I need to learn to look to Him, and to leave it to Him.  Maybe then I won't give my dentist too much work.

Father: help us to know You and to trust You with all that troubles us.  Teach us to surrender what tools we might think we have, and to be still.  

Sept 1

September 1, 2017

Job 40

Across Texas today people will start cleaning up from what is expected to be the costliest storm in U.S. history. But the most devastating part of this storm is the families that will be grieving the loss of their loved one.

The theological questions that always surface during the storms of life are the "WHY" questions. Why did God allow this catastrophic storm to hit us?  These are the same questions Job had as he went through his storm.

Have you ever asked the "why questions?"  "Why me?" "Why this?" "Why now?"  "Why didn't God do something?"

During the storms of life God is always put on trial. Evil in the world is still a perplexing problem. The story of Job attempts to answer that issue. Even though the "WHY" question is never specifically addressed in this book, we do receive some hint of how to respond to the evil that is found in our world.  

The first hint is that evil and terrible things happen to good people. At the beginning of Job's story we see a man who is described by God as blameless and upright. He is singled out by God when Satan argues that Job only believes in God because God has blessed him. Satan says that believers only love God when he becomes a "Sugar Daddy" and gives them all the good things of life.

In reality, God is not on trial in this story; Job and his faith are. What will Job do? Will he curse God if the beautiful life is taken away?

It is so easy to curse God when unspeakable tragedies come into our lives. It is natural for us to yell at the top of our lungs, "This is not FAIR!!!"  But the truth is that life is not fair. Cancer is not fair. Lyme disease is not fair. Cerebral palsy is not fair. Wheelchairs are not fair. Hunger and poverty are not fair. Injustice is not fair. Infertility is not fair. Job's story is our story. Do we trust God when life is unfair?

A second hint is that if we ever did get our opportunity to challenge God's running of the universe, what would we say?  When face to face with the splendor, majesty and wisdom of God, Job is completely overwhelmed and silent. He says, "I am unworthy- how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth." God goes on to address Job and says since we have this meeting, let me ask you a few questions. Job, do you know the equation I used to form the universe? How about the formula for making the constellations? Here is an easy one for you Job, do you know about the DNA that went into designing the crocodile?  In the end Job saw himself as insignificant, ignorant and totally unable to face God. The revelation of God completely stopped his mouth.

Here is my encouragement to you today. Don't let the storms and disappointments of life cloud your vision of Jesus. We love him and we follow him not because he gives us what we want; we love him for who He is. We do have a choice in every storm. This choice doesn't ease the pain or exempt us from trials but it does bring healing by allowing Jesus to walk through the storm by our side.  

Annie Johnson Flint put it this way in a poem:  

God hath not promised, skies always blue,

Flower strewn pathways, all our lives through    

God hath not promised, sun without rain,  

Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.  

But God hath promised, strength for the day,

Rest for the labor, light for the way     

Grace for the trials, help from above,  

Unfailing sympathy, undying love.   

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"