Audience of One

Oh the process of preparation for a big event! So much time and effort and money spent on shopping for the right outfit and special grooming. I'm reminded of a verse in Genesis 41 - "Then Pharaoh sent and called for Joseph, and they hurriedly brought him out of the dungeon; and when Joseph shaved himself and changed his clothes [making himself presentable], he came to Pharaoh." (Verse 14 AMP). We can only imagine Joseph's unkempt appearance after so many years in an Egyptian prison; for sure, he was in need of preparing himself to appear before the ruler of Egypt. Psalm 5 begins, "Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Give heed to the voice of my cry, my King and my God for to You I will pray. My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up." (Verses 1-3 NKJV). What a beautiful request of David's for God to attend to his words - words rightly spoken in ... humility. How carelessly, we approach our God and King,  unkempt (unprepared) foolishly expecting sweet fellowship. Dare we boldly approach "the throne of grace" with spirits tarnished with sins yet to be confessed and forgiven ... oh, the lack of preparation. Charles Spurgeon says, "Let our prayers and praises be not the flashes of a hot and hasty brain but the steady burning of a well-kindled fire."  David continues in Psalm 5, "For You are not a God Who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with You. The boastful shall not stand in Your sight ..." (Verses 4-5a NKJV). I have found an ongoing holy habit of spiritual meditation is a healthy exercise in praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) - helping to keep me prepared for and in His Presence. It's a Coram Deo lifestyle - the Latin phrase for "living before the face of God." For the true child of God, there is One alone for Whom we should be ever-prepared in heart and soul - that One is Christ Himself, our ... Audience of One.

Reality of Great Joy

The very first reality television show is considered to be "Candid Camera," which premiered in 1948. You may recall, a hidden camera recorded the reactions of ordinary and unsuspecting people to pranks and practical jokes. Perhaps what made the show so popular and funny was how we could relate to those reactions. When reading the Book of Psalms, it's impossible to miss this reoccurring theme: life is difficult. Numerous psalms begin with this confirmation of reality: "Save me and rescue me" (7:1) ... "Save and help and rescue, LORD" (12:1) ... "Keep and protect me, O God" (16:1) ... "To You I call, O LORD" (28:1) ... "Have mercy on me, O God" (51:1). Regardless of how cleverly and strategically we work to manage our lives ... hard happens! There is a grave misunderstanding of the Believer's battle in life, and Paul addresses this: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12 NASB). The ancient military general Sun Tzu said "know thy enemy" - know your opponent and his strategy for victory. The soul's enemy (Satan) is keenly interested in working through circumstances and relationships to lead God's people to spiritual demise - discouragement, anxiety, fear, anger, depression, weariness, etc. The second reality presented in the Book of Psalms is that ... God is good! "You have put joy in my heart ... In peace [and with a tranquil heart] I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety and confident trust." (Psalm 4:7-9 AMP). Unlike "Candid Camera," the life-is-hard reality is no laughing matter. Praise be to the LORD of all life, the certain reality that God is eternally attentive and faithful and good to those who love and persevere in Christ is a ... reality of great joy!

Just Jesus

It's true - we are life-long learners. I suggest we are [also] life-long un-learners! Just think about the things we've had to un-learn in order to take advantage of new and more efficient ways of doing things: shopping, cooking, banking, traveling, etc.  As children we grew to learn and assume our independence from our parents - that's a good thing. What is not good, however, is how Believers often indiscriminately shrug-off their dependence on God. Oswald Chambers notes how in Scripture clouds are often associated with God. For example, "Clouds and thick darkness are all around Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne." (Psalm 97:2) and "Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of Him. Even so. Amen." (Revelation 1:7). Respectively, we often attempt to face life's storm clouds independently of The One Who surrounds Himself as such. How do we un-learn this I-can-do-this-on-my-own mentality? "Looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only." (Mark 9:8). Perhaps the storms in our lives aren't meant to teach us as much as they are designed that we may un-learn dependence on anything or anyone except God! Embracing newer and more efficient ways of living isn't all bad, but may we never-ever grow into an independence of The Father. When we look into the clouds, always see ... just Jesus.

Safe Place

What keeps you up at night - disturbs your sleep, causes you to toss 'n turn, steals those nighttime winks, that beauty rest? I'm quite sure the list is varied and endless! In Psalm 4:7-8 (ESV), David says, "You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." If you read the previous verse, you'll see this is David's response to the skeptics of his day, those who doubted God would hear and rescue him from his troubles. Sounds a lot like our culture well-sprinkled with skepticism about the One True God and His power. May I suggest that many times the skepticism we hear may be a result of our own failure to display genuine truly trust God ourselves. When the world witnesses us become anxious and worry about things, it's a poor commentary on just how trustworthy our God is! The depth of David's trust in the Lord is so real that he is fearless enough to lie down as well as sleep! His rest is unhindered because he has rightly and pleasantly concluded the Lord is his place of safety. Paul says it like this: "You have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3 (NASB).  Whatever sleep escapes you, preach this to yourself: Christ is ever and always your ... safe place. 

Mighty Words

Excuse the play on words, but mirrors can be a matter of serious ... reflection. In most bathrooms, the
mirror is a key fixture; we frame it, clean it to a sparkle-shine, and rarely ignore what it reflects. How often, however, do you consider your spiritual reflection? Unlike the attention we give to our physical reflections, we tend to neglect the spiritual. Jesus prayed for His followers: “For their sake I consecrate Myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.” (John 17:19, ESV). While God's Truth is altogether sanctifying (making us holy), we first must know His Truth. It's interesting how followers of Jesus give so little thought and devote tiny amounts of time to God's Word. Reading and meditating on His words isn't just a spiritual exercise, it must be a daily discipline; there's no other way to know God and be in relationship with Jesus. Furthermore, with all the lies that come at us [from all directions], we're left defenseless to identify the lies unless God's Truth is in us! I encourage us all to be thankful and grateful for The Holy Scriptures - to recognize and remember and reflect on these mighty words ... "Thus saith the Lord."

The Guarantee

Several years ago I thinned out my collection of recipe books. While limited space was a factor, the reality was I seldom used any of them! David wrote, "I have set the LORD always before me" (Psalm 16:8). When preparing a special dish or assembling something new, it is most helpful to focus on and follow the instructions. David continues with these confident words: "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore" (Verse 11). Even when intently following the recipe or instructions, a good outcome isn't always guaranteed. The Lord, however, never leads us astray; His right hand never fails to produce His intended purpose. This was David's confidence and it must be our own! Honestly, I rarely try new recipes; I tend to stick-with what I know to be good and historically successful. So it is with the formula for promised fullness of joy as guaranteed by The Lord Himself. Like David, it begins and ends with a personal choice: "I have set the LORD always before me." Keeping the Lord first and foremost in our life is ... the guarantee.

Seeking Hearts

This older-men finds itself looking for things too often! Mister Bill frequently comments on the danger of a "flat surface" in our house - it seems to just call for something to occupy it. Usually, it's that flat surface where I'll find what I'm ever-looking for ... among the stack. We read in 1 Chronicles 16, "O give thanks to the LORD, call on His Name; make His deeds known among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy Name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face continually [longing to be in His presence]." (Verses 8-11 AMP). Note the verbs ... give, make, sing, speak, glory, let, seek - they all have a common focus, a shared object ... that is, The LORD. The Hebrew word LORD (all caps) refers to Jehovah - the existing one. It is difficult for us "created beings" to comprehend one who is UN-created or self-existing yet this is the great and grand truth of the soul's truest affection and desire. We seek after so many things; we give to, make, sing of, speak to, glory in created things ultimately shoving Jehovah from His rightful place. A. W. Tozer suggested David's greatest attribute was that he was "preoccupied with God." I love that description because it should be said of every child of God! With what or whom are you preoccupied? Who or what possesses your time each day? Let me encourage us all to be people as described in 1 Chronicles 16:11 - people of... seeking hearts.

Adrift

The summer heat usually takes me back to a sweet time of floating on the lake! While Mister Bill fished from the dock, I floated occupied a float nearby. At some point, I heard Mister Bill's voice, "You're drifting out too far." There is a great danger in spiritual drifting! The disciplined life of the Believer demands mindfulness, attentiveness, consciousness, watchfulness with regard to the pursuit of holiness. The apostle Peter warned Jesus' followers of false teachings that quickly creep in without spiritual diligence to God's "exceeding great and precious promises." (2 Peter 1:4). When we nod-off spiritually, imitators of Truth begin to chip away at the foundation of Truth we have in Christ and; imitations such as mere morality, good deeds and do-it-yourself strengths. There is, of course, an anti-toxin, a counter-agent to the enemies' deceits – “add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge self-control; and to self-control endurance; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness love." (v.5-7). There is significant difference in drifting and rowing steadily toward something; and, when we drift, we never drift in the right direction!  Are you living according to The Truth of God's Word? Is it your foundation and guide? What are you doing to remain true-to-truth? It is paramount as a child of God, we are faithful to Truth, or else we will find ourselves spiritually ... adrift. 

Best View

The twins had never flown so Mister Bill planned a surprise flight from DC to home. Instantly, we recognized the apprehension on Dennis’s face! We boarded the plane – Dennis announced he would not sit next to the window, demanded the shade be pulled, refused anything to eat, then buried his head in a book. With twenty-five minutes left in flight, he settled down and even asked to sit next to the window. His final analysis was that flying was pretty cool! Besides God Himself, what do you suppose inspired the psalmist's words, “So I have looked upon You in the sanctuary, beholding Your power and glory.” (Psalm 63:2). As we flew above the clouds, looking down on them [rather than up], I considered our limited view of life here. The struggles often make us see and focus on the underside, shading and distorting the view. Almighty God, however, sees us and the design of our lives, knowing each one’s potential and purpose. Oh, that we beheld ourselves in His view, surrendering completely to His sovereignty in all our circumstances, and how He plans to use them as runways for our growth. Oh, to embrace such a view of life! We were happy to have feet-on-the-ground, and feet-on-the-ground is our calling until Christ returns. While we shouldn't live with our head-in-the-clouds, hope in Jesus gives us an unwavering and steadfast other-world (Kingdom) view. That is always the ... best view!

Preach To You

Not everyone aspires to nor is called to be a preacher. My Dad planned to be a journalist and that was his pursuit when he left home for college. God, of course, had other plans for him! May I suggest, however, we are all called to ... preach. Although a shepherd then a king, hear David preach in Psalm 3: "You, O LORD, are a shield for me ... Salvation belongs to the LORD." (from Verses 3 and 8). David's circumstances were dire and the skeptics mocked him for his trust in God; what a temptation for fear and doubt to creep in. What does David do? He preaches ... to himself the great truths about the God he loves. On previous occasions God had heard his cry for help (V.4) ... had struck and shattered the power of his enemies (V.7). I suspect most of us have not entertained any notion of preaching to ourself but clearly David made it a practice! Paul David Tripp writes: "If you’re going to live in a culture of skeptics, you have to constantly preach to yourself the truths of the gospel of who God is, and what he does." Nothing disarms the enemy and brings deliverance for the child of God like truth as given by God in His Word. Make yourself an audience of one ... one that preaches and practices truth. Preach truth to yourself!

Powerless Troubles

My Nanny used an expression that still makes me giggle: whenever someone would get all riled up about something, she would say that person was "in the stew." Nanny was known for her delicious stew (or hash as we called it). I can't even remember all the ground-up things she put into it but it was a family favorite! Life's situations, circumstances, relationships, uncertainties are hard to navigate; the enemy uses these things to overwhelm us and put us ... in the stew. Jesus' time on earth drew near; as He spoke of coming events, His disciples were confused and troubled. Jesus comforted and encouraged them with these words: "Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me" (John 14:1 NASB). As Jesus said to His closest of friends, He says to us today: don't let things of this life with all its moving parts cause you inward commotion, to take away your calmness of mind, to disturb and disquiet you, to make your spirit restless or stir you up within, to strike you with fear or dread, to render you anxious and distressed, to perplex your mind and lead you into doubt. With tender assurance, Jesus adds, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." (John 14:27 NASB). This peace he promises is beyond understanding and comprehension - it's a calm of soul and spirit when calmness seems unlikely; it's confident hope rather the wringing of hands; a trust in something beyond the moment's chaos; a rest in the most restless moment. Trouble needs no invitation into our days - it comes boldly and does its best to takeover, settle in and make itself right at home. Give your troubles to Jesus and they quickly become ... powerless troubles.

Rest In Him

Have you ever watched a toddler move from one interest to the next - what intrigues him one moment soon becomes a thing of the past as he moves on to the next thing. We laugh at the things that catch his eye, i.e. the toy's box rather than the toy. It would be funny if it weren't so true of our adult nature as well! Genesis 3:6 tells us how Eve "saw that the tree was good for food ... it was a delight to the eyes ... the tree was desirable," which led her to disobey God. The decision [to eat from the tree] changed everything for her and for all of mankind thereafter. Genesis 3:7 describes the result: their (woman and man) eyes were opened. Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth writes of Eve's choice: "Instead of promised rewards, she found herself with a mouthful of worms - shame, guilt, and fear, alienated from her husband and from her God." This inherent sin-nature is the driving force for our ever-seeking wandering heart - not much removed from that toddler. It has been said every person has a "God-shaped hole" - an innate longing of the heart for something outside of itself . Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us God has "put eternity into man's heart."  We are made by The Creator to be in fellowship with Him, within us a desire to connect with Him. The searching leads us to many things yet there is and ever will be only One Who perfectly fills and satisfies that "God-shaped hole." Those whose searching hearts wisely conclude Christ as all-sufficient, find a rest and contentment from the incessant wandering from one thing to another. Jean Sophia Pigott's 1876 hymn has become one of my favorite in recent years: Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what Thou art - I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart." Do you find yourself longing for more in this soul-searching world? There is satisfaction, fulfillment, peace and rest ... found in only in the The All-Sufficient Savior ... rest in Him.

Precious Delight

The word "overflow" is not typically associated with anything good! The overflowing of a toilet or a glass or a room at capacity sends us into immediate action or an alternative plan. God tells us in His Word: "Delight yourself in the LORD" (Psalm 97:4). Oh, how I need to preach these words to myself as I often allow circumstances to bring-on anxiety, confusion and fear! Charles Spurgeon writes, "The teaching of these words must seem very surprising to those who are strangers to godliness, but to the sincere believer it is only the statement of obvious truth." (Morning and Evening). Those who have not made it a habit to sit quietly at the feet of The Savior and savor His Presence cannot know know the overflowing and sustaining delight found only in Him. In those moments with Him, a tethering takes place - an attachment, a fastening - of God to His child. The delight of those moments unite me to Him in a way that cannot be explained, only personally experienced. Psalm 34:8 says we must personally "taste and see" His goodness. Overflow is a result of that "taste and see" and it is a ... precious delight.

BLOG BREAK

Enjoying a week with the family  

MWB will resume Monday 06-15
Stay in The Word!
Miles of Smiles, Beverly 

 

Read The Book

It's not uncommon for places to have a "Lost and Found." Our Dustin kept his school's "Lost and Found" in business! During the reign of King Josiah, a discovery was made: "Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, 'I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD.' And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan who read it. ... Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king saying, 'Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.' And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king." (2 Kings 22:8, 10, NASB). We must not miss the tragedy in spite of such a tremendous discovery: the Book of the Law (God's Word) had been lost! I fear this sounds too much like today. The psalmist wrote, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your Word." (Psalm 119:9, ESV). Purity of heart comes with continual meditation on the pure and perfect words of God. Let's me clear on this matter: the Word of God is never lost. Rather, as a nation, a church and individuals, we have given priority to other things instead of that which is The Lamp to our feet and The Light to our path (Psalm 119:105). The neglect of God's Word always shows itself in our lives. Today - yes, right now - is the perfect time to open His Word and let It re-prioritize our lives. Do not delay - today ... read the Book!

All But Christ

Two-sided tape has its good use and proper place but it's tricky to work with! Once unfurled, its double-sided stickiness makes it stick to everything! Oh, the foolishness of mankind when he attempts to cast off all rule except his own. David wrote of those who say, "let us break apart their [divine] bands [of restraint] and cast away their cords [of control] from us." (Psalm 2:3 AMP). In other words, there were (and are) those who say, "let me just do my own thing." Perhaps you've heard someone say, "the Lord helps those who help themselves." Those who take the reins of their own lives are surely bound to end up "stuck" where they never intended to be ... stuck! God's response when we are so determined to live as we please, "He Who sits [enthroned] in the heavens laughs [at their rebellion]; the [Sovereign] Lord scoffs at them [and in supreme contempt He mocks them]." (Verse 4). I'm amazed at my own self-confidence as I plow-on in fool-hearted sufficiency; amazed because I most assuredly end up in the same sticky place as on previous occasions. God graciously and kindly warns us: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5 ESV). You see, God has appointed and firmly installed a King - He is Jesus, the One Who rules and gives us rest. Why do we put ourselves in such a state of distress time and time again when we have an almighty and perfect King! In the face of so many other rulers of the wandering heart, cast-off ... all but Christ.

Your King

You could be one whose mailbox has exploded with campaign materials; if you are not, you must not t have a mailbox! I regret to remind us all, there are many months yet to go before election season is past. Psalm 2 says, "Why are the nations in an uproar and the people devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed." (Verses 1-2) NASB). Most likely, David was referring to the nations of his day that confronted him as God's appointed king of Israel. The line of Davidic kings came about because the people said to God: "give us a king to judge us" (1 Samuel 8:6). In Verses 11-18, God warned His people that an earthly king would make demands of the people - taking, taking, taking from them to the point that the people would ultimately become servants to the king who ruled over them. The saddest truth is what God said of His people, and a sad truth even today: "they have rejected Me from being king over them" (1 Samuel 8:7 NASB). How easily we forget that every time we disobey, we reject God as king! We, of course, have elected leaders and it is our civic duty to have a voice in electing them, let us remember there is a King Who rules perfectly in truth and justice. Should we expect those we support to lead in the same way - absolutely, yes we should! More importantly, we should ask ourselves: who is ruling my heart and defining how I live? Those who profess to know and love The Lord understand we submit to a higher authority. Who is ... your king?

His Presence

Have you ever overlooked something? You were so intently focused on one particular thing, you totally missed something else. I suggest this happens more than we care to admit as followers of Jesus. Hear David's words in Psalm 16: "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore." (Verse 11 AMP). Country music artist Johnny Lee sang of looking in all the wrong places, and I suggest at times we all miss what is lasting because we're searching among what is temporal. Isaiah 40:8 speaks a tremendously profound truth: "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever." When God speaks, He speaks from eternity past to eternity future with unwavering truth! There is nothing casual about what He says. Peter echoed God's words given to David, "You will fill me (infusing my soul) with joy with Your presence." (Acts: 2:28 AMP). It should be a mystery that God's beloved children move through life indecisive where genuine joy and satisfaction are found. My Dad used to say, "God said it and that settles it." Do you find yourself drifting about in wonder hoping to determine your place in this life? David knew, Peter knew and we know ... we are best suited and at great peace in the presence of The One Who loves and provides perfectly. He has made know to us where fullness of joy and forevermore pleasures are found ... His Presence.