Say No to Uh-Oh

As parents of twins - particularly Dustin - when we heard the words "uh-oh," we knew it was time to drop whatever we were doing and see the cause for the "uh-oh." Sometimes it was a minor infraction but ... not always. This well describes life when we choose foolishly, making choices to suit ourselves. One of the oft forgotten conversations of God is with Cain: God said, "If you ignore My instruction, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you [to overpower you], but you must master it." (Genesis 4:7 AMP). To "master" something requires some willful intention to choose "my way" or "God's way." Paul David Tripp gives a list of how we often alibi for what we do: "I can handle this; it will be okay" - "I'll only do it once" - "It's not really such a big deal" - "It's not like I do it all the time" - "I didn't really have much of a choice". (New Morning Mercies). It's been said an excuse is often a lie wrapped in a shell of reason. Paul wrote, "Do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts ... as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves ... as instruments of righteousness to God. (Romans 6:12-13 ESV). I know this: I want less uh-ohs and more oh-yeses.  Let us live with more willfulness and intent as we seek righteousness - say no to uh-oh.

The Lovely One

The psalmist's song says, "How lovely are Your dwelling places, O Lord of hosts!" (Psalm 84:1). Our minds typically go to breath-taking sights of creation: a morning frost, sunsets, spacious skies,  painted canyons, snow-capped mountains, the soaring eagle. Oh, what shallow thoughts we have of God! "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!" (Romans 11:33). Make no mistake, where God is, there is nothing lacking. He is The Lovely of any and all habitations. The psalmist continues, "For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside." (V.10). Just one day! Wherever you are - Wherever you go - The Lovely One is there. Enjoy Him. 

The Great Promiser

We may not care to admit this but we are mostly consumed with ourselves. Oh, we may do our best to keep Jesus and others first in our lives, but the me-factor of cost and convenience is pretty weighty! During seasons of weariness, we turn to the promises of Scripture: "He gives strength to the weary and to him who lacks might He increases power" (Isaiah 40:29 NASB). Such wonderful words to encourage us - words that meet us where we are. No matter how wonderful His words to us are, I suggest we tend to focus more on the promise rather than the One Who promises! We know our God is able and willing to supply every need of ours "according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19 ESV). And there is no way, of course, to separate The Promiser from the promise but it is God Who is the Securer of every promise we hold so dear. It is God - the trustworthy One - upon Whom we trust and savor every precious word of His promise. Let us never forget He is ... The Great Promiser.

It Matters Much

A little here, a little there - a pinch here, a pinch there ... that seemed to be how my Nanny and my Mama measured ingredients. That hasn't worked so well for me! God said "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might" (Deuteronomy 6:5, ESV) then He repeated Himself "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37, ESV). I suspect it's at the word "all" where we get lost! Satan convinces us we're doing pretty good - we're mostly obedient. Oswald Chambers writes, "Beware of the thing of which you say — 'Oh, that does not matter much.' The fact that it does not matter much to you may mean that it matters a very great deal to God" (My Utmost for His Highest). Scripture is clear: it's the little foxes that spoil the vine (Song of Solomon 2:15) ... A little folly outweighs wisdom and honor (Ecclesiastes 10:1) ... The one who keeps the whole law but fails in one point is guilty of all of it (James 2:10). With God, "nothing is a mere detail" (Chambers). That little-here and little-there is a spiritual-life killer! Perhaps a good rule to remember is when we think it matters little, to God ... it matters much!

First Place

Being part of a team is something I know. Basketball and slow-pitch softball were my sports; and, while second, third or fourth place may have been commendable, we wanted that first place trophy! Jesus wants first place, too ... that is, in your life. He said in Matthew 6:33a, "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness." Oh, the things that we chase after! The pursuit leaves us breathless and often wanting more. In the previous verses, Jesus lays out the beautiful case of how He sufficiently cares for the birds of the air and clothes the lilies of the field in majestic attire. "f God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!" (V.30 NASB). When God gets first place in our lives a life of righteousness follows, which includes trusting in Him for all our needs. "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (V.33). There's really nothing like resting in the All-Sufficiency of The Father. He has gathered us in from darkness into His glorious light through His Son, Jesus Christ. What a display of just how much God cares for me and for you. Will you trust Him with ... first place?

Right-Side Up

Have you ever got turned-around you weren't sure where you were? If so, you know you need to just stop, take a moment to think before going on. God gave very clear (undebatable) instructions to Jonah: "Go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim [judgment] against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me." (Jonah 1:1 AMP). Sixteen verses later, we Jonah in a bad place ... in the stomach of a big fish (Verse 17). How did Jonah get so turned around? It started with Jonah choosing to hop a ship in the opposite direction of Nineveh - he chose disobedience over obedience. Be sure there's nothing more certain to get you all twisted-up and upside-down spiritually than refusing to submit to God as sole authority in your life. Jesus said, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" (Luke 1:28 ESV). To be blessed is to happy, fortunate and favored by God - a result of God's children choosing obedience. Let's not deceive ourselves: we are "doers of the word" (James 1:22) only when we are follow God's instructions - when we "do" the word. The joy and delight - not to mention the rewards - of trusting God enough to say "yes, Lord" in humble obedience is the way to keep ourselves in good standing with The Father and ... right-side up!

Consider Your Choices!

The word "habit" really isn't a negative word but the word brings our bad to mind. One source gives the definition as "a settled, automatic behavior pattern acquired through frequent repetition." That "frequent repetition forms a tendency to repeat the pattern almost subconsciously, i.e. turning off lights, locking doors, biting nails, etc. Research says it can take as few as 18 days for a new behavior to become automatic ... yes, a habit. Joshua said, "as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15 ESV). Now, that is a bold declaration - one every Believer should nod to and agree! How does such resolve actually come to pass? Let me suggest, it begins with a habit of wise choices. Jesus said in Matthew 6, "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" (V.33). In other words, as the standard for every choice His children make, the standard should be His righteousness. The old line "what would Jesus do?" is actually a good question to ask. If Jesus would do it, it's a good choice; and, repeating that choice over and over again will lead to something spiritually beneficial ... a holy habit. Joshua's bold statement is a challenge to Believers today to determine by God's grace to choose daily - one choice at a time - to yield ourselves to the path of righteousness. Of all the choices you and I will make today and tomorrow and every day after, there is no more important a choice than to follow Jesus. Consider your choices!

Choose The Lord

In several conversations recently I've said these words, "life is about choices." Because choices are often systematic even unconscious, I doubt anyone can number the choices made in just a few hours of the day. Some choices we make bring great joy while others lead to heavy consequences; and, I propose this to be most evident in our spiritual lives. Jesus began His earthly ministry by repeating these words in Matthew 5, "Bless are the ..." - happy and spiritually prosperous are those who choose the ways of The Lord. The tone is set for the psalms with these words, "blessed is the man ..." - again, happy, fortunate and spiritually successful is the one who chooses wisely in spiritual matters. What sounds as such easy strategy, the application of it is actually arduous - difficult and tiring, requiring great strength. In spite of clever plans and most concerted efforts, options overwhelm us and lead us in a wrong direction. Words that help me personally, day by day to consider my choices are those of Joshua: "Fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth ... serve the Lord ... choose for yourselves today whom you will serve ... as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:14-15 NASB). I suggest we too quickly agree "yes, I serve the Lord" - but genuine service happens one choice at a time! Note Joshua said "choose today" - one day at a time, one choice at a time do we choose to "fear the Lord and serve Him." The number of our days belong to The Lord, and so should the choices [of those numbered days] belong to Him. A life of spiritual prosperity is absolutely possible when it is The Lord we continually ... choose the Lord.

Are You Listening?

Here on the compound, I suspect the other households hear me calling to Mister Bill at times. He doesn't hear well, which means I must call his name louder. My children have always laughed at my two-syllable call ... "Bee-ull." In the Book of John as Jesus began His ministry, one of the first things He did was "call" disciples - men who would walk with Him day-by-day. We read His call - it was simple and clear, "Come ... follow Me" (John 1:39, 43). The word "follow" is used frequently on social media - we follow news feeds, blogs, etc. What does it mean, however, to follow Jesus? The Greek word translates "to join or side with, to be united with," which sounds anything but casual. Based on my own walk with Jesus, I fear many followers of Jesus are far too casual about it. Yet we read in Scripture, those to whom Jesus said "come ... follow Me" left ceased all other things, leaving their family and their professions in order to be joined with The Christ. Yes, that may seem extreme but it represents the impact of His call and the depth of the response. While Jesus' call to His children may not include leaving home, friends, family, careers, it surely means a laying aside of other things that we are too closely knit (joined and united). Jesus still calls today: His voice is heard in His Word, through prayer and meditation and through The Holy Spirit. The big question and one only I can answer, only you can answer ... are you listening?

Best Goodwill

Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister, collected used clothes [and household goods] from the wealthier areas of Boston. He then trained and hired the poor to work, mending and repairing the items which were then sold or given to them. How many of us have cleaned out our own closets and cabinets, donating gently used items to Helm's Goodwill Industries! Perhaps one of Satan's most subtle yet effective strategies is his suggestion we're not "good enough." He loves to nag us about those besetting sins - those strongholds or habits constantly harassing, troubling and waylaying us. Over and over, again and again, we fail and fall, finding ourselves yet again at Jesus' feet petitioning His mercy and forgiveness. All the while, Satan hovers in the background with his see-I-was-right and I-told-you-so blather. Okay, this we know: "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like filthy rags." (Isaiah 64:6). Nonetheless, "there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1) and "if we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Better than used goods refurbished and put to use once again are those who have genuinely trusted their sinfulness to the redemptive work of Jesus Who has turned our mourning into gladness: "Anyone who is in Christ ... is a new creation ... the old has passed away ... the new has come" (1 Corinthians 5:17). The stumbling caused by sin and Satan knows its end in the Merciful Redemptive Power of God through Jesus Christ.That is goodwill at its best!

Unclogged

No one likes a clogged pipe; on further thought, anything "clogged" is a problem! To be "clogged" is to be loaded or filled with something that "hinders motion" (American Dictionary, Websters 1828). Motion or movement is a good sign of something that is working properly, fulfilling its intended purpose. This is particularly true of those whom Jesus has gloriously redeemed from sin and unto good works. Ephesians 2:10 confirms this: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." The gracious salvation of our souls is only the beginning of a daily walking with Jesus. Over time, however, we settle-into a walk forgetting and neglecting to that which we have been created and called. The neglect of our calling always begins with a more personal neglect ... reading God's Word, prayer and sweet communion with The Father. Before we are even aware, sin has crept in and The Spirit is hindered from His intended purpose in our lives ... clogged. Maybe you're at a point of stagnation, lack of activity and motion - it's just where the enemy wants you to be and stay! There is hope for clogged pipes! "Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually!" (1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV). To get The Spirit moving in our hearts - rooting out sin and debris - we must get movin'. God says in Proverbs 8:17, "I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me diligently find Me." Yes, The Father longs for us to move toward Him, and to seek Him is to find Him! I'm confident there are others that need us to one in spirit with God through a close relationship and walk with Jesus; "God always needs more pipe ... just one more piece of pipe" moving His love and joy along. This is the calling of those who belong to The Lord - your calling and my calling. Fulfill your calling - remain ... unclogged.

Rest In Him

It's been said "life is like riding a bicycle - you don't fall off unless you stop peddling."  I always enjoyed riding a bicycle, and I really liked the coasting part of riding.  As much as we prefer to coast through life, we find ourselves peddling all the more and the harder it becomes. God really cares about the weariness of His children.  Life makes us weary; the daily must-do things wear on the body, mind, spirit and heart. The Father is ever gently yet firmly reminding us He has declared victory over it all! Jesus said, "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28, ESV). Christ knows all about those things because He faced them too, and He conquered each one. What How refreshing we can rest in Him completely. In her 1876 hymn, Jean Pigott wrote: "Jesus, I am resting, resting, in the joy of what Thou art; I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart." How amazing that we can actually stop peddling so ferociously and even coast as we quietly and peacefully ... rest in Him.

Cheer Up

The older us'ms - Hee Haw generation - can sing this well: "Gloom, despair and agony on me - Deep dark depression, excessive misery ..." This is not a good song to have ... stuck in your head! Sadly, there are many Believers who forget the hope and encouragement we have in Christ, and end humming right along. The night before Jesus died, surely one of the darkest moments in His earthly life, Jesus was The Encourager. He began with this words, "Do not let your heart be troubled" (John 14:1 NASB) then after many life-giving words He concluded with "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 NASB). Jesus not only promised peace for the troubled soul, the one overcome with despair and discouragement, He showed us how to encourage one another and others. The opportunities set before you and I each day are pathways to offer Life-Giving Water and Bread. The born-again child of God knows and understands that Jesus is all the troubled heart so cheer up so we can be the ... cheerer-upper of someone else.

Move With Compassion

How does your heart react to someone sitting alone, away from the crowd, possibly feeling completely left out of life? Honestly, such a sight gives my heart a jolt! The Apostle Paul reminds God's children how they are are to be clothed: "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience" (Colossians 3:12 ESV). One of my favorite descriptions of Jesus is found in Matthew 14:14; when Jesus saw the crowd "He had compassion on them." Several [literal] translations read He was "moved with compassion" - I like that translation. Jesus is the model of how compassion should move us into action! He first had compassion the people then that compassion proved itself genuine as He was moved to heal the sick among them. Barbara Johnson wrote "God Always Needs More Pipe - Think of a gardener irrigating his garden. He is able to channel life-giving water to all areas except to one little dying plant way over in the corner. The gardener knows that if he had just one more piece of pipe he could run it over to that wilting plant and transform it with new life. So it is with the Mater Gardener. Because He chooses to minister through us, He needs many lengths of pipe to bless persons here, there, and all around." (from Splashes of Joy in the Cesspools of Life). I'm fairly certain you and I both someone who may be wilting for lack of the Life-Giving love of Jesus; I'm equally confident you and I can be that one more piece of pipe. Be moved with compassion.

No Breaks

Spring break isn't just for a select few: I've enjoyed it as a retiree! A "break" from the usual with an added bonus of dedicated time with family and friends, reading, naps and such. One break that must never come, however, is a day-off from time with The Father! God's Word says, "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8 ESV). Perhaps there's no greater danger than a spiritual day-off! Such a "break" opens the way for all kinds of stuff that lead to temptation and buy-ins to some otherwise bad and destructive habits. When God says "see to it," He is actually calling us to practical wisdom: be aware, be discerning and perceptive, looking for and observing the foolishness and lies of the enemy who will use them to take our minds and spirits hostage and slave to wrong things. Be ever alert and stay on-target by the power of (1) The Holy Spirit that lives within us [as true Believers], and (2) the effective words of Scripture. Faithfulness to Christ demands steadfastness in staying near The Father - absolutely ... no breaks!

Give Up Your Enemy!

Have you ever been blindsided by someone's hostility and wondered "where did that come from?" Perhaps the hostility was brought-on by something you said or did quite unintentionally. Truth is, we don't always choose our enemies nor see them coming. Jesus knew well feelings of rejection and hostility; He Himself was the target of an angry mob, even betrayed by one believed to be His friend and follower yet Jesus loved them all to the end ... all the way to the cross. Jesus said, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you" (Luke 6:27-28). How do we apply these principals, put them into practice? First, we must surrender the all rights to selfishly defend ourselves with our natrual responses - repaying evil for evil. Proverbs 25:21-22 says, "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you." These words echo what Jesus said in Luke! We never know the power of a kind and gentle response as God uses it to still anger and hostility in a troubled soul. It is God alone Who brings peace - He alone changes a heart, and He often uses our kind responses. God knows your enemy perfectly, and He knows how to bring peace from chaos. Do your part - in obedience ... give up your enemy!

Bless Your Enemies

When someone sneezes, we might hear these words - "bless you," which should be followed by the words "excuse me." Jesus uses the word "bless" in a bolder and more resolute way: He said, "But I say to you who hear ... bless those who curse you." (Luke 6:27). Instead of acting unfavorably toward those who act unfavorably toward us, Jesus says we are to show to them the kindness and favor God has shown to us, which is immeasurably abundant! "Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil." (Luke 6:35 ESV). Don't miss those last few words ... "He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil." As we might expect, from the cross Jesus showed kindness to His mother BUT He also was merciful and kind to those who nailed Him to the cross and to the thief next to Him. Hear what Jesus said - See what Jesus did ... bless your enemies.

Pray for Your Enemies

Do you keep a prayer list or prayer journal? Of the names written there, how many are names of those who have mistreated you? I suspect most of us have written their name ... off! Jesus said, "But I say to you who hear ... pray for those who abuse you." (Luke 6:27). Our initial reaction when we are treated unkindly is to pray for ourselves - healing of wounds inflicted, grace to forgive - not for the one who has caused the hurt. From the cross Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them ... they know not what they do" ... a model of how and for whom we should pray! While Jesus is suffering from physical affliction, He doesn't think of Himself but selflessly focuses on the ones who in their sin have hurt Him. Pray for the ones who hurt you! Hear what Jesus said - See what Jesus did ... pray for your enemies.

Do Good to Your Enemies

My grandparents would often say "one good turn deserves another," which is a great way to live life - don't we wish everyone lived by this rule! Jesus said, "But I say to you who hear ... do good to those who hate you" (Luke 6:27). That seems backwards and upside down, doesn't it? It;s not natural nor do we care to do good to those who openly practice bad behavior toward us. "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ Who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20). Goodness is modeled for us in Jesus' Who willingly chose to "do good" to those who hated Him ... by the way, that is you and I. Before Christ, we were those no-good sinners who hated Him - the very enemies of Jesus yet Jesus loved us and gave Himself for us. Hear what Jesus said - See what Jesus did ... do good to your enemies.

Love Your Enemies

No doubt, all of us can name at least one "unlovable" person: it's not that they are really "unlovable" ... just difficult to love. Jesus said, "But I say to you who hear, love your enemies ..." (Luke 6:27). The ideal response we all long for from everyone is a loving one; when it is not, we know exactly how to respond in like kind. Nothing raises the dander than someone who - without cause - acts selfish, unkind and disrespectful toward us. But Jesus said, "love your enemies" and consider what Jesus did: "But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8). While you and I were still sinners - yes, enemies of Jesus - He loved us ... that is, He went to the cross for us. We do not get away with just "saying" we love our enemies, we are called to prove the depth of that love by acting contrary to how the sinful nature cares to respond. Jesus said it then He did it ... love your enemies.

Because He Lives

Have you ever predicted something to happen, anticipated it, not surprised by it yet when it actually happened, you found yourself stunned by it? In Matthew 17, Jesus said to His closest friends, "The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him" (V.22a). Jesus said these words with all confidence, absolute authority and unquestionable predictability! Not only was He the Son of God, He knew it was His about to complete His mission by willingly handing Himself over for crucifixion. It was The Father's will - it was The Son's obedience to The Father. We must not miss the rest of what Jesus said: "and He will be raised on the third day" (V.22b). The next verse tells us His disciples were distressed by such an announcement, and later distressed as they scattered after Jesus' death. Surely the words He spoke mere hours before resounded in their minds. As we enter [what is referred to as] Good Friday, we might wonder what was "good" about it. The cruelty of the cross is almost overwhelming; like Jesus' disciples, our minds halted by the God Man taken by evil men and means then put to death. Oh, but those last nine words of Jesus unleashe deliverance and hope to our sinking souls! "An empty tomb is there to prove our Savior lives" - indeed, it is because He Lives we get past the horrors of Friday, the foreboding sadness of Saturday. He may have predicted the terror of Friday but He promised the victory of Sunday ... Because He Lives!

The Wonder of Worship

When you say the word “worship,” myriads of ideas and imaginations come to mind. God through the psalmist directs us in genuine worship: “Exalt the Lord our God; worship at His footstool! Holy is He!” (Psalm 99:5). Imagine [then] how frustrated and infuriated Jesus became at seeing the buyers and sellers front-and-center at the temple! “And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. And He said to them, 'It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a robbers’ den.'” (Matthew 21:12-13).  Jesus’ actions left no wonder of what should not have been present in the temple.  What He looked for was missing: Exalt the Lord our God!  Worship at His footstool!  Holy is He!  Believers are now God’s temple – where Christ dwells: what does Jesus find in His temple today? Do we wonder how to rightly worship? “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8).  Purity – Truth – Righteousness – Surrender – Humility – these bring us into His Presence.  Jesus, the Risen Lamb and Reigning King is ... the Wonder of Worship.