Yesterday we focused on living loud for Jesus, living out our faith with enthusiasm and abandonment.
But what does that mean exactly? And how do we do that, practically speaking?
Consider these verses:
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16 ESV)
"And when they [the apostles] had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness." (Acts 4:31 ESV)
I often think of that verse in Acts as referring to "holy boldness". I think we all need a little more of that kind of boldness, don't you agree?
Do you think of yourself as a "bold" person? Or is "bold" a word you use to describe someone else? Are you "bold" in living out your faith? Are you "bold" in speaking out for Jesus? Or are you more an "incognito Christian", just sneaking through life?
To know how to live loud for Jesus, we need to search the Scriptures and find out what Jesus had to say. What instructions did Jesus give? Not what does the "church" say we should be doing, or what does the culture say we should or shouldn't do, but what did Jesus say?
Let's look in the Gospels and see what He had to say. Here are a few examples.
"You are the salt of the earth." (Matthew 5:13 ESV)
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5:14 ESV)
"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16 ESV)
"Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33 ESV)
"Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 10:32-33 ESV)
"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24 ESV)
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment, and a second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39 ESV)
"Go therefore, and make disciples....." (Matthew 28:19 ESV)
These are just a few of the instructions Jesus gave, and only from one of the Gospels. To understand what it means to live loud for Jesus, we need to be immersing ourselves in the words of Jesus and then applying them to our daily lives. We need to know what Jesus said. Not what the culture says. Or what the TV preacher says. Or what the neighbor says.
We need to know what Jesus said. And then we need to obey.
Has Jesus changed His mind about what we should be doing? I don't think so.
This is what it means to live loud for Jesus. To obey Him. To follow His instructions. To be salt and light to the world.
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments." (John 14:15 ESV)
Friday, September 26, 2014
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Living Loud
Earlier today, as I was scrolling through Facebook, I came across an article about the 11 things the parents of boys should know, or some title similar to that. I think the article originally appeared in the Huffington Post, which is not a publication I typically read, and when I tried to find the article again to verify the title, I couldn't find it. No matter. What I particularly remember from that article is the author's point that boys are loud.
The article was written by a woman, and apparently one who had never spent a lot of time around little boys. I, however, as a mother of boys, was not surprised by this point at all! Before we go any further, let me clarify. I hate generalizations. Hate them! To say that all boys are this way and all girls are that way is both unfair and inaccurate, but debating that isn't the point of this post.
What I can tell you, from my own experience as a mother, is that boys can be loud. They may not always be loud, every moment of every day, but they can make a lot of noise. At least it seemed so to me. In fairness, even though I grew up as a quiet, shy girl who spent most of her time with her nose in a book, I am sure there were days when my mother, who was herself the quiet type, thought I was very loud!
Children can be loud. They play with an enthusiastic abandonment that doesn't really notice, or care, if their enthusiasm is disturbing someone else. Children arrive in the world with loud cries, making their presence known. They cry loudly when they are hungry or sleepy or wet. And that living loud continues until some grownup along the way convinces them that they are making too much noise and need to be quiet.
I think there is a lot we as adults, particularly as Christian adults, can learn from the enthusiasm of children. Children live loud. They live with enthusiasm and abandonment. They are not particularly concerned with what other people think. They radiate joy. They don't hold back.
Think about that, about living loud, as it applies to your Christian faith. As Christians, are we living out our faith with enthusiasm and abandonment, or are we holding back because of a concern about what other people will think?
Are we, as Christians, living loud for Jesus? Are we, you and I, living a Biblical Christianity or a cultural Christianity? Are we more interested in what the culture thinks of us, or in what Jesus thinks of us?
What does it mean to live loud for Jesus? How can we live loud for Jesus today?
Something to think about.
"Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples!" (Psalm 96:3 ESV)
The article was written by a woman, and apparently one who had never spent a lot of time around little boys. I, however, as a mother of boys, was not surprised by this point at all! Before we go any further, let me clarify. I hate generalizations. Hate them! To say that all boys are this way and all girls are that way is both unfair and inaccurate, but debating that isn't the point of this post.
What I can tell you, from my own experience as a mother, is that boys can be loud. They may not always be loud, every moment of every day, but they can make a lot of noise. At least it seemed so to me. In fairness, even though I grew up as a quiet, shy girl who spent most of her time with her nose in a book, I am sure there were days when my mother, who was herself the quiet type, thought I was very loud!
Children can be loud. They play with an enthusiastic abandonment that doesn't really notice, or care, if their enthusiasm is disturbing someone else. Children arrive in the world with loud cries, making their presence known. They cry loudly when they are hungry or sleepy or wet. And that living loud continues until some grownup along the way convinces them that they are making too much noise and need to be quiet.
I think there is a lot we as adults, particularly as Christian adults, can learn from the enthusiasm of children. Children live loud. They live with enthusiasm and abandonment. They are not particularly concerned with what other people think. They radiate joy. They don't hold back.
Think about that, about living loud, as it applies to your Christian faith. As Christians, are we living out our faith with enthusiasm and abandonment, or are we holding back because of a concern about what other people will think?
Are we, as Christians, living loud for Jesus? Are we, you and I, living a Biblical Christianity or a cultural Christianity? Are we more interested in what the culture thinks of us, or in what Jesus thinks of us?
What does it mean to live loud for Jesus? How can we live loud for Jesus today?
Something to think about.
"Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples!" (Psalm 96:3 ESV)
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Distractions
I spent my day in the hotel yesterday while Al was off working his trade show, or expo, or whatever it was called. It was a rainy day, so a good day to be indoors with the books I had brought with me. In addition to the books to read, I had also brought some Bible study materials with the intention of beginning to prepare for my next turn in our Life Group teaching rotation.
But, I got a little distracted.
It was a little hard to focus in a room as nice as this one.
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
Of course, if I had been at home, there would also have been distractions. The view. Chores to be done. A dog to be walked. Any number of things could have distracted me.
In fact, on one day recently, I found myself distracted by a spider web! On that particular day, I sat down to do my Bible study and when I glanced up from the page, I noticed a small spider web in the corner. I thought to myself, I need to take care of that when I finish here. But I kept glancing up at that spider web; my concentration was completely gone and all I could think of was that spider web. So I decided to get up and take care of it right then. Which led to going on a spider web hunt throughout the house, searching every nook and cranny for more of the dreaded webs. I didn't find any more, but the damage was done. My focus was lost. I was distracted.
Yesterday was much the same, although this time I was distracted, not by spider webs, but by my surroundings, and I had a hard time focusing on the tasks I had set for myself.
There's always something to distract us, isn't there? A nice hotel room. A spider web. The sound of raindrops falling on the window. A TV show. Social media. Being tired. Or being hungry. Or the list could go on and on.
It's wonderful to have a nice hotel room or a nice front porch or some other really great place to relax. It's great to have a beautiful view or a nice breeze or even the sound of rain falling. And there's nothing inherently wrong with social media. That's a great way to stay connected with family and friends.
But sometimes we need to discipline ourselves to ignore all that for a bit and focus on the task at hand, whatever it may be. In my case a few weeks ago, I needed to ignore that spider web for a little longer. Yesterday, I needed to tune out all the distractions. To discipline myself. To focus.
I managed to do just that. And I'm glad I did. I finished one of the books I had brought with me (See You at the Finish Line by my pastor, Dr. Don Wilton) and began another (Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi). Both are highly recommended! And I made good progress on my study in Hebrews.
It was a good day, in spite of my distractions!
What's distracting you?
"Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it." (Hebrews 2:1 ESV)
"Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness." (1 Timothy 4:7b NASB)
But, I got a little distracted.
It was a little hard to focus in a room as nice as this one.
Of course, if I had been at home, there would also have been distractions. The view. Chores to be done. A dog to be walked. Any number of things could have distracted me.
In fact, on one day recently, I found myself distracted by a spider web! On that particular day, I sat down to do my Bible study and when I glanced up from the page, I noticed a small spider web in the corner. I thought to myself, I need to take care of that when I finish here. But I kept glancing up at that spider web; my concentration was completely gone and all I could think of was that spider web. So I decided to get up and take care of it right then. Which led to going on a spider web hunt throughout the house, searching every nook and cranny for more of the dreaded webs. I didn't find any more, but the damage was done. My focus was lost. I was distracted.
Yesterday was much the same, although this time I was distracted, not by spider webs, but by my surroundings, and I had a hard time focusing on the tasks I had set for myself.
There's always something to distract us, isn't there? A nice hotel room. A spider web. The sound of raindrops falling on the window. A TV show. Social media. Being tired. Or being hungry. Or the list could go on and on.
It's wonderful to have a nice hotel room or a nice front porch or some other really great place to relax. It's great to have a beautiful view or a nice breeze or even the sound of rain falling. And there's nothing inherently wrong with social media. That's a great way to stay connected with family and friends.
But sometimes we need to discipline ourselves to ignore all that for a bit and focus on the task at hand, whatever it may be. In my case a few weeks ago, I needed to ignore that spider web for a little longer. Yesterday, I needed to tune out all the distractions. To discipline myself. To focus.
I managed to do just that. And I'm glad I did. I finished one of the books I had brought with me (See You at the Finish Line by my pastor, Dr. Don Wilton) and began another (Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi). Both are highly recommended! And I made good progress on my study in Hebrews.
It was a good day, in spite of my distractions!
What's distracting you?
"Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it." (Hebrews 2:1 ESV)
"Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness." (1 Timothy 4:7b NASB)
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Thankful Tuesday
Tuesday is here again, and since it has become my tradition to think of this as "Thankful Tuesday", it's time for my weekly list of thanksgivings.
Yesterday was my husband's birthday, so I'll just begin with that. I'm thankful for this precious man and for all the years we have shared together. Thankful for all the years of his life, and looking forward to many more. Thankful that we were able to spend a leisurely afternoon in Charleston yesterday before he spends his day today working a trade show here in Charleston. I'm thankful for how hard he works and thankful that he has a good job that he enjoys.
I'm thankful we were able to enjoy Charleston on a beautiful day yesterday. It's raining today, and I'm thankful for the rain, but especially thankful that it's raining today and not yesterday!
We enjoyed a delicious meal yesterday afternoon. We ate breakfast late yesterday, so our evening meal was either a very late lunch or a very early dinner, depending on how you want to look at it. Either way, it was delicious! I'm thankful for whoever decided shrimp and grits go together. YUM!
As I'm hearing all the news reports about US airstrikes in Syria last night, I am reminded how thankful I am for the men and women of our armed forces.
I'm thankful for my church. Thankful for a pastor who unapologetically proclaims the truth of God's Word.
I'm thankful for the Bible. For the truths I read there. For the way it speaks to my soul.
I'm thankful that "He who began a good work in [me] will be faithful to complete it. (Philippians 1:6)
I'm thankful that "there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)
I'm thankful that "I am blessed with every spiritual blessing and sealed with the Holy Spirit." (Ephesians 1)
I'm thankful that "the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases and His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning." (Lamentations 3:22)
And I am thankful that God is working all things together for my good and for His glory. (Romans 8:28)
Even on a rainy day!
Yesterday was my husband's birthday, so I'll just begin with that. I'm thankful for this precious man and for all the years we have shared together. Thankful for all the years of his life, and looking forward to many more. Thankful that we were able to spend a leisurely afternoon in Charleston yesterday before he spends his day today working a trade show here in Charleston. I'm thankful for how hard he works and thankful that he has a good job that he enjoys.
I'm thankful we were able to enjoy Charleston on a beautiful day yesterday. It's raining today, and I'm thankful for the rain, but especially thankful that it's raining today and not yesterday!
We enjoyed a delicious meal yesterday afternoon. We ate breakfast late yesterday, so our evening meal was either a very late lunch or a very early dinner, depending on how you want to look at it. Either way, it was delicious! I'm thankful for whoever decided shrimp and grits go together. YUM!
As I'm hearing all the news reports about US airstrikes in Syria last night, I am reminded how thankful I am for the men and women of our armed forces.
I'm thankful for my church. Thankful for a pastor who unapologetically proclaims the truth of God's Word.
I'm thankful for the Bible. For the truths I read there. For the way it speaks to my soul.
I'm thankful that "He who began a good work in [me] will be faithful to complete it. (Philippians 1:6)
I'm thankful that "there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)
I'm thankful that "I am blessed with every spiritual blessing and sealed with the Holy Spirit." (Ephesians 1)
I'm thankful that "the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases and His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning." (Lamentations 3:22)
And I am thankful that God is working all things together for my good and for His glory. (Romans 8:28)
Even on a rainy day!
Friday, September 19, 2014
A Peaceful Drive
The calendar says it's still summer, but the thermometer is telling a different tale. There's a definite nip in the air this morning. As there was yesterday morning when I took a trip to Tennessee. It was time for another visit to the rheumatologist, so off I went.
Getting to Kingsport from here is an over-the-river-and-through-the-woods trip. Narrow winding mountain roads, up hill and down, through parts of the Pisgah National Forest and the Cherokee National Forest. Past churches with names like Mountain View and Big Rock Creek. Through communities with names like Red Hill and Buladean and Limestone Cove.
It was a beautiful drive through the mountains. Some of the leaves on the trees were beginning to turn. There were fields of goldenrod. I saw red barns and white barns and unpainted barns. There were white wooden churches and brick churches and even a stone church.
On previous trips to Tennessee we have sometimes seen black bears and deer crossing the road in these woods. But there were no wildlife sightings yesterday. Only cows and horses.
The visit with the doctor was very routine; lots of questions about how I'm doing, and then the usual blood work. After that, on to Cracker Barrel for lunch and to WalMart for a couple of things. We don't have a WalMart in our town, so I have to take advantage of the opportunity! After lunch and my errand, there was a stop for coffee, and then the return trip. Back over-the-river-and-through-the-woods!
And once again, it was a pleasant drive. These trips to Tennessee have become for me so much more than just a drive to the rheumatologist's office. Because I make this trip on a regular basis, I've come to look forward to the drive.
It's a peaceful drive.
A time to pray.
A time to enjoy the beauty of God's creation.
To celebrate the change of seasons.
To worship.
Getting to Kingsport from here is an over-the-river-and-through-the-woods trip. Narrow winding mountain roads, up hill and down, through parts of the Pisgah National Forest and the Cherokee National Forest. Past churches with names like Mountain View and Big Rock Creek. Through communities with names like Red Hill and Buladean and Limestone Cove.
It was a beautiful drive through the mountains. Some of the leaves on the trees were beginning to turn. There were fields of goldenrod. I saw red barns and white barns and unpainted barns. There were white wooden churches and brick churches and even a stone church.
On previous trips to Tennessee we have sometimes seen black bears and deer crossing the road in these woods. But there were no wildlife sightings yesterday. Only cows and horses.
The visit with the doctor was very routine; lots of questions about how I'm doing, and then the usual blood work. After that, on to Cracker Barrel for lunch and to WalMart for a couple of things. We don't have a WalMart in our town, so I have to take advantage of the opportunity! After lunch and my errand, there was a stop for coffee, and then the return trip. Back over-the-river-and-through-the-woods!
And once again, it was a pleasant drive. These trips to Tennessee have become for me so much more than just a drive to the rheumatologist's office. Because I make this trip on a regular basis, I've come to look forward to the drive.
It's a peaceful drive.
A time to pray.
A time to enjoy the beauty of God's creation.
To celebrate the change of seasons.
To worship.
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
("Great Is Thy Faithfulness", verse 2,
words by Thomas Chisholm)
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Loving Fall!
It's that time of year again. Leaves are beginning to change colors. Acorns are falling, and soon the leaves will be falling as well.
I love the falling leaves, love the way they crunch under my feet, love how the colors change from day to day. Falling leaves have been favorite things since I was a child!
Fall brings crisp air and a slight chill every morning. I love that!
And I love that every time fall comes around, it's a little bit different. Some years we have lots of reds, and some years the colors are primarily yellows and golds. Some years the colors are brilliant and some years more muted, but in each case so beautiful. It's a little early yet to see what this year will bring.
Crisp air. Red and yellow and orange leaves. The smell of wood burning in fireplaces. Apples. Pumpkins. Football. Sweaters.
I love fall. And I love how each season has its own personality. What a creative God we serve!
I especially love that even though the seasons change, our God never does. He is the same in spring and summer and winter and fall. His mercies never come to an end!
"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)
I love the falling leaves, love the way they crunch under my feet, love how the colors change from day to day. Falling leaves have been favorite things since I was a child!
Fall brings crisp air and a slight chill every morning. I love that!
And I love that every time fall comes around, it's a little bit different. Some years we have lots of reds, and some years the colors are primarily yellows and golds. Some years the colors are brilliant and some years more muted, but in each case so beautiful. It's a little early yet to see what this year will bring.
Crisp air. Red and yellow and orange leaves. The smell of wood burning in fireplaces. Apples. Pumpkins. Football. Sweaters.
I love fall. And I love how each season has its own personality. What a creative God we serve!
I especially love that even though the seasons change, our God never does. He is the same in spring and summer and winter and fall. His mercies never come to an end!
"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
The Power of a Handwritten Note
When was the last time you got a handwritten note in the mail?
It's a lost art, really. And that's sad.
We sometimes get notes via e-mail. Or maybe we get texts. Or tweets. Or Facebook messages.
But what about a handwritten note. In an envelope. With a stamp on it.
We may get a birthday card or a Christmas card, sometimes with a hastily scribbled personal message.
But rarely any more do we get handwritten notes, just because. And I think that's incredibly sad.
Perhaps we're in too big a hurry. Or we're too stressed. Or perhaps it's because we have managed in our culture to condense all our communications to 140 characters, electronically transmitted.
I have a box in my closet, and a file folder in my desk drawer, of handwritten notes I've received over the years. Some on fancy stationery. Some on a cute card. Some on plain, lined, notebook paper. Some on the cover of the church bulletin. I always save handwritten notes. When I first began this habit, I had no idea that someday they would be nearly as extinct as the dinosaur!
Sometimes, particularly on tough days or dreary days or days when nothing seems to be going right, I reach into the folder and pull out a note. And reading the note again encourages me. Lifts my spirits. That's the power of a handwritten note. Its effect goes far beyond its initial reading; it lasts and lasts and lasts.
Could it be time for us to revive the art of note writing? To slow down a bit and send a word of encouragement, a word that will last.
Yes, it will take time. And effort. And yes, we will have to perhaps buy some note cards and envelopes. And yes, stamps are expensive. But what is it worth to encourage someone today?
When was the last time you encouraged someone? When was the last time you sat down and wrote a note? On paper. With a pen.
Why not do it today? I dare you.
"....encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:25 ESV)
It's a lost art, really. And that's sad.
We sometimes get notes via e-mail. Or maybe we get texts. Or tweets. Or Facebook messages.
But what about a handwritten note. In an envelope. With a stamp on it.
We may get a birthday card or a Christmas card, sometimes with a hastily scribbled personal message.
But rarely any more do we get handwritten notes, just because. And I think that's incredibly sad.
Perhaps we're in too big a hurry. Or we're too stressed. Or perhaps it's because we have managed in our culture to condense all our communications to 140 characters, electronically transmitted.
I have a box in my closet, and a file folder in my desk drawer, of handwritten notes I've received over the years. Some on fancy stationery. Some on a cute card. Some on plain, lined, notebook paper. Some on the cover of the church bulletin. I always save handwritten notes. When I first began this habit, I had no idea that someday they would be nearly as extinct as the dinosaur!
Sometimes, particularly on tough days or dreary days or days when nothing seems to be going right, I reach into the folder and pull out a note. And reading the note again encourages me. Lifts my spirits. That's the power of a handwritten note. Its effect goes far beyond its initial reading; it lasts and lasts and lasts.
Could it be time for us to revive the art of note writing? To slow down a bit and send a word of encouragement, a word that will last.
Yes, it will take time. And effort. And yes, we will have to perhaps buy some note cards and envelopes. And yes, stamps are expensive. But what is it worth to encourage someone today?
When was the last time you encouraged someone? When was the last time you sat down and wrote a note? On paper. With a pen.
Why not do it today? I dare you.
"....encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:25 ESV)
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
What Are You Thankful for Today?
It's that time again......thankful Tuesday! What are you thankful for today?
I'm thankful we're in the season of crisp air and apples and all things pumpkin. And for that pumpkin spice latte I had yesterday, my first of the season.
I'm thankful for my family and my friends, those people who know me best and love me anyway.
Especially thankful for my dear husband, who looks out for me and takes care of me and encourages me and brings in the groceries from the car. He's a very special man and I love him so!
I'm thankful for the ever-changing beauty of the view as I look out my front window.
For a Creator God who designed all this beauty and gives me the privilege of enjoying it.
For my Pastor and my church. For a powerful and convicting message on Sunday morning.
For the encouragement of the Scriptures. "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope." (Romans 15:4 ESV)
For this encouragement that I read this morning: "For still the vision awaits its appointed time.....if it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come." (Habakkuk 2:3 ESV) This morning as I was praying and wondering about the sale of our house, and about when it will sell, or if it will sell, or just what will happen, this is the verse the Holy Spirit directed me to.
I'm so very thankful for the privilege of prayer. That God hears. That He answers. In His time. And so very grateful that, while I am waiting for that answer, God knows and understands and encourages my spirit.
I am so very grateful. I have so many reasons for thanksgiving this Tuesday morning!
What about you? What are you thankful for today?
"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." (Psalm 103:1-2 ESV)
I'm thankful we're in the season of crisp air and apples and all things pumpkin. And for that pumpkin spice latte I had yesterday, my first of the season.
I'm thankful for my family and my friends, those people who know me best and love me anyway.
Especially thankful for my dear husband, who looks out for me and takes care of me and encourages me and brings in the groceries from the car. He's a very special man and I love him so!
I'm thankful for the ever-changing beauty of the view as I look out my front window.
For a Creator God who designed all this beauty and gives me the privilege of enjoying it.
For my Pastor and my church. For a powerful and convicting message on Sunday morning.
For the encouragement of the Scriptures. "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope." (Romans 15:4 ESV)
For this encouragement that I read this morning: "For still the vision awaits its appointed time.....if it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come." (Habakkuk 2:3 ESV) This morning as I was praying and wondering about the sale of our house, and about when it will sell, or if it will sell, or just what will happen, this is the verse the Holy Spirit directed me to.
I'm so very thankful for the privilege of prayer. That God hears. That He answers. In His time. And so very grateful that, while I am waiting for that answer, God knows and understands and encourages my spirit.
I am so very grateful. I have so many reasons for thanksgiving this Tuesday morning!
What about you? What are you thankful for today?
"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." (Psalm 103:1-2 ESV)
Monday, September 15, 2014
An Important Reminder
"Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it."
So begins the second chapter of the book of Hebrews in the New Testament.
It is interesting that the writer begins the chapter with a term of conclusion. You may have heard your pastor or a Bible teacher point to this word therefore as a very important word; when you see the therefore, they may have said, you need to determine what it's there for.
What is it there for? What is the conclusion the writer of Hebrews is drawing as he begins this chapter? Remembering, of course, that the writer of Hebrews didn't actually write in chapters and verses; those were added later.
Therefore, he says, we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard. And what had the recipients of the letter, these Hebrews, heard? Chapter One gives us the answer to that question. Long ago, the writer says, God spoke through prophets. But, he says, in these last days He has spoken to us by his Son. (Hebrews 1:2a ESV).
Then he goes on to tell them, and us, exactly who Jesus is:
And if we don't pay attention, what will happen? We will be in danger of drifting away.
There's another danger as well. Verse 2 reminds us that throughout recorded history, there were consequences for those who didn't pay attention, who didn't heed the message of God. The conclusion is, since that is true, what makes us think we will be any different? How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? (Hebrews 2:3)
These are the verses we studied this week at church. And interestingly, as Al and I had our devotions after breakfast this morning, the passage for today's reading was Hebrews 2:1-4!
In the reading titled "Drifting from the Word", Dr. Charles Stanley writes: "Drifting begins subtly and usually includes compromising the principles found in God's Word. No one is immune from drifting. All of us have felt the temptation to let our devotion slide so as not to become too serious. However, Jesus gave up everything to come to earth and die in our place. We have eternal life because He took the principles of His father seriously. By His grace we are saved and set free from sin. Once realized, this should be enough to curb any notion of drifting. Anchor your life in the Word of God and you will not drift."
That's what the writer of Hebrews is saying to us. Pay attention to what [you] have heard. God has given us His Word. He has spoken to us through Jesus. We have that message contained in the Scriptures. We need to pay attention!
Because God has spoken.
Because He has spoken in Jesus.
Because Jesus is better.
Pay attention.
So begins the second chapter of the book of Hebrews in the New Testament.
It is interesting that the writer begins the chapter with a term of conclusion. You may have heard your pastor or a Bible teacher point to this word therefore as a very important word; when you see the therefore, they may have said, you need to determine what it's there for.
What is it there for? What is the conclusion the writer of Hebrews is drawing as he begins this chapter? Remembering, of course, that the writer of Hebrews didn't actually write in chapters and verses; those were added later.
Therefore, he says, we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard. And what had the recipients of the letter, these Hebrews, heard? Chapter One gives us the answer to that question. Long ago, the writer says, God spoke through prophets. But, he says, in these last days He has spoken to us by his Son. (Hebrews 1:2a ESV).
Then he goes on to tell them, and us, exactly who Jesus is:
- heir of all things
- the One through whom God created the world
- the radiance of God's glory
- the exact imprint of God's nature
- the One who upholds the universe by the word of His power.
- the One who made purification for sins
- the One who is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God
And if we don't pay attention, what will happen? We will be in danger of drifting away.
There's another danger as well. Verse 2 reminds us that throughout recorded history, there were consequences for those who didn't pay attention, who didn't heed the message of God. The conclusion is, since that is true, what makes us think we will be any different? How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? (Hebrews 2:3)
These are the verses we studied this week at church. And interestingly, as Al and I had our devotions after breakfast this morning, the passage for today's reading was Hebrews 2:1-4!
In the reading titled "Drifting from the Word", Dr. Charles Stanley writes: "Drifting begins subtly and usually includes compromising the principles found in God's Word. No one is immune from drifting. All of us have felt the temptation to let our devotion slide so as not to become too serious. However, Jesus gave up everything to come to earth and die in our place. We have eternal life because He took the principles of His father seriously. By His grace we are saved and set free from sin. Once realized, this should be enough to curb any notion of drifting. Anchor your life in the Word of God and you will not drift."
That's what the writer of Hebrews is saying to us. Pay attention to what [you] have heard. God has given us His Word. He has spoken to us through Jesus. We have that message contained in the Scriptures. We need to pay attention!
Because God has spoken.
Because He has spoken in Jesus.
Because Jesus is better.
Pay attention.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Pay Attention!
If you're a parent, you have likely uttered some form of that phrase - pay attention! - numerous times. The same is true if you are a teacher. Or if you work with children in Sunday School or Vacation Bible School. You may even have uttered it to yourself!
Many things are deserving of our attention. Road signs. Baking directions in a recipe. The balance in our checkbook.
And what about these occurrences of that phrase.......
"Pay attention to all I have said to you." (Exodus 23:13 ESV)
[Jesus said] "Pay attention to what you hear." (Mark 4:24 ESV)
"And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention...." (2 Peter 1:19 ESV)
"We must pay much closer attention to what we have heard." (Hebrews 2:1 ESV)
We have the gift of the written Word of God. We need to pay attention to what it says. Of course, doing that would require that we actually spend time reading it!
There's a lot going on in our world right now. We need to pay attention. We need particularly to pay attention to what's going on in the Middle East. As the old gospel song says, "signs of the times are everywhere."
No matter which translation of the Bible you use, and no matter how you reword that phrase, it's time to pay attention. To be alert. To be on guard. To be watchful.
It's time to be ready.
"Therefore, be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. For this reason, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not think He will." (Matthew 24:42, 44 NASB)
Many things are deserving of our attention. Road signs. Baking directions in a recipe. The balance in our checkbook.
And what about these occurrences of that phrase.......
"Pay attention to all I have said to you." (Exodus 23:13 ESV)
[Jesus said] "Pay attention to what you hear." (Mark 4:24 ESV)
"And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention...." (2 Peter 1:19 ESV)
"We must pay much closer attention to what we have heard." (Hebrews 2:1 ESV)
We have the gift of the written Word of God. We need to pay attention to what it says. Of course, doing that would require that we actually spend time reading it!
There's a lot going on in our world right now. We need to pay attention. We need particularly to pay attention to what's going on in the Middle East. As the old gospel song says, "signs of the times are everywhere."
No matter which translation of the Bible you use, and no matter how you reword that phrase, it's time to pay attention. To be alert. To be on guard. To be watchful.
It's time to be ready.
"Therefore, be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. For this reason, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not think He will." (Matthew 24:42, 44 NASB)
Thursday, September 11, 2014
We Must Not Forget
It's that day again. The anniversary of that awful day when planes flew into towers and our lives were forever changed.
I confess to a sense of apprehension every year when this day rolls around. That is particularly true this year. I'm never very comfortable when Al is in an airplane on this day, and today he's flying home from Las Vegas where he has spent the week taking a class on electrical codes. I'm not sure why one has to go all the way to Las Vegas, of all places, to take a class on electrical codes, but I digress.
All across the country today there will be moments of silence and remembrance. Prayers will be offered. Flags will be flown. Which is as it should be, because we must not forget.
We must not forget that we were attacked. We must not forget that people died. We must not forget the families and friends of those we lost that day. For all of us, life changed on that day, but for those who knew someone personally, that change is even more real.
There's a sense in which it is impossible to forget. Life changed on that day. We are no longer quite so naïve as we once were. We realized on that day that we are vulnerable. That there are people out there who want to kill us. We must not forget that.
We must remember September 11, 2001.
We must remember Benghazi.
We must remember.
But even as we grieve those who died on those days. As we find ourselves becoming apprehensive. As we see the horrors being inflicted by ISIS, and we wonder what will happen next, there are some other things we must remember as well.
We must not forget that God is still God.
We must not forget that God is sovereign. That God is in control. That He has a plan and a purpose for all things.
"His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation......he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay his hand." (Daniel 4:34-35 ESV)
We must not forget. No matter what has happened in the past. No matter what is yet to come. Because....
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea." (Psalm 46:1-2 NASB, emphasis mine)
I confess to a sense of apprehension every year when this day rolls around. That is particularly true this year. I'm never very comfortable when Al is in an airplane on this day, and today he's flying home from Las Vegas where he has spent the week taking a class on electrical codes. I'm not sure why one has to go all the way to Las Vegas, of all places, to take a class on electrical codes, but I digress.
All across the country today there will be moments of silence and remembrance. Prayers will be offered. Flags will be flown. Which is as it should be, because we must not forget.
We must not forget that we were attacked. We must not forget that people died. We must not forget the families and friends of those we lost that day. For all of us, life changed on that day, but for those who knew someone personally, that change is even more real.
There's a sense in which it is impossible to forget. Life changed on that day. We are no longer quite so naïve as we once were. We realized on that day that we are vulnerable. That there are people out there who want to kill us. We must not forget that.
We must remember September 11, 2001.
We must remember Benghazi.
We must remember.
But even as we grieve those who died on those days. As we find ourselves becoming apprehensive. As we see the horrors being inflicted by ISIS, and we wonder what will happen next, there are some other things we must remember as well.
We must not forget that God is still God.
We must not forget that God is sovereign. That God is in control. That He has a plan and a purpose for all things.
"His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation......he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay his hand." (Daniel 4:34-35 ESV)
We must not forget. No matter what has happened in the past. No matter what is yet to come. Because....
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea." (Psalm 46:1-2 NASB, emphasis mine)
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
I'm Back!
After several days unplugged, I'm back!
I haven't been completely unplugged. I did log on every morning to see if there was a message or an e-mail or some emergency that needed to be dealt with, but otherwise, I have been technology-free for the last few days.
It seems a bit strange to say "I'm back" when I didn't really go anywhere. People often pay a lot of money to spend a few days on a retreat in a secluded mountain cabin. But, since that's where I live, there was no need to go anywhere! This is a bit too large to qualify as a cabin, but it is a log home in a very secluded setting in the mountains, and hubby is out of town for a few days, so I have been home alone. The perfect time and place to get alone with God for a few days.
And really, how could I not worship with a view like this one in front of me?
I began my retreat by doing a little laundry, taking care of a few household tasks, and making a giant pot of vegetable soup so I would not have to think about cooking. Once all those distractions were out of the way, I unplugged. No Facebook. No Words With Friends. No Candy Crush. No Instagram. No Twitter. No e-mail. Just Jesus and me.
As a result, I probably missed some really good status updates. And I likely missed some really good photos. I may have missed some birthdays. I'm behind on weather reports and news updates.
What I gained more than makes up for all of that.
I rested.
Life has been unusually busy over the last few weeks. That, combined with some health issues, meant I was really tired. Weary. One of the blessings of this retreat was physical rest. No particular schedule. Napping when I felt like it. No set time to get up in the morning or to go to bed at night. As a result, I'm feeling rested and refreshed.
I prayed.
One of the great joys of these last few days has been extended periods of prayer. No distractions. No interruptions. The phone rarely rang. Even Molly was cooperative and didn't require a lot of attention. All of which allowed for extended periods of time to pray. Times of precious communion with my Heavenly Father. Times to talk. Times to be quiet and listen. Praying for personal situations. For family and friends. For our nation. For my church and my pastor. For Israel. For the persecuted church around the world. For those who are taking the Gospel to the farthest corners of the earth. Praying. Talking. Listening. Worshiping.
As a result, I'm feeling spiritually refreshed.
I read. There were several books in my to-be-read pile that got my attention this week. I read The Prayers of Susanna Wesley. I spent more time with Pursue the Intentional Life. I finished Called to Write. I began digging into Hebrews: Live By Faith and Not By Sight and Hebrews: Be Confident.
Isn't it amazing how much reading can get done when the distractions of life are eliminated? Certainly I can't go through life week after week ignoring the laundry and never cooking a meal, but for these few days, leaving off those routines and eliminating the distractions of social media meant I could focus on renewing my mind. And I loved it!
Beyond the time I spent reading books, I spent extended time in the Word. Reading and studying. Filling my journals with insights gained.
One of the things I have missed most in recent years is being part of group Bible Study. On Tuesday mornings as the Precept group gathers at my church, I fight off a twinge of jealousy that I can't be there with them! That's one of the down sides of living in this isolated setting. But even though I'm not participating in group study, nothing prevents me from studying on my own. And that's what I have been doing over the last few days. Without all the distractions of regular life, I have spent hours digging into the Word. Although sitting at my desk, pouring over the Scriptures for hours at a time, can be physically wearying, it has been such a refreshing, energizing experience! My heart and mind are filled to overflowing with all I am learning as I dig deep into God's Word. I'm looking forward to applying all I am learning. To living it out in my life, and to having opportunities to share. Likely future blog posts will be filled with some of what I have learned!
These four days of retreat have been a great joy! Yes, I have missed my husband. Yet at the same time, I am grateful for this opportunity to be still. To be quiet before the Lord. To focus on Him with no distractions. To be refreshed.
Schedules don't always permit this kind of retreat. But what a blessing and privilege it has been to have spent this extended time in prayer and Bible study. What a blessing and privilege to be still. To be quiet. To be alone with the Lord.
Moses had forty days and nights with the Lord. And we read in Exodus 34 that when he returned from that time with the Lord, his face was shining. I don't think my face is shining; I look pretty much the same as always when I look in the mirror. But I know that I am not the same after having this extended time alone with the Lord.
You and I likely don't have forty days and nights available to get away from life. You may not even have four days. But you might be able to find four hours. Or even just an hour to be alone with the Lord. To pray. To read His Word. To "be still and know that [He] is God."
Check your schedule. Make the time. You'll be glad you did.
Jesus said, "Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest awhile." (Mark 6:31 NASB)
I haven't been completely unplugged. I did log on every morning to see if there was a message or an e-mail or some emergency that needed to be dealt with, but otherwise, I have been technology-free for the last few days.
It seems a bit strange to say "I'm back" when I didn't really go anywhere. People often pay a lot of money to spend a few days on a retreat in a secluded mountain cabin. But, since that's where I live, there was no need to go anywhere! This is a bit too large to qualify as a cabin, but it is a log home in a very secluded setting in the mountains, and hubby is out of town for a few days, so I have been home alone. The perfect time and place to get alone with God for a few days.
And really, how could I not worship with a view like this one in front of me?
I began my retreat by doing a little laundry, taking care of a few household tasks, and making a giant pot of vegetable soup so I would not have to think about cooking. Once all those distractions were out of the way, I unplugged. No Facebook. No Words With Friends. No Candy Crush. No Instagram. No Twitter. No e-mail. Just Jesus and me.
As a result, I probably missed some really good status updates. And I likely missed some really good photos. I may have missed some birthdays. I'm behind on weather reports and news updates.
What I gained more than makes up for all of that.
I rested.
Life has been unusually busy over the last few weeks. That, combined with some health issues, meant I was really tired. Weary. One of the blessings of this retreat was physical rest. No particular schedule. Napping when I felt like it. No set time to get up in the morning or to go to bed at night. As a result, I'm feeling rested and refreshed.
I prayed.
One of the great joys of these last few days has been extended periods of prayer. No distractions. No interruptions. The phone rarely rang. Even Molly was cooperative and didn't require a lot of attention. All of which allowed for extended periods of time to pray. Times of precious communion with my Heavenly Father. Times to talk. Times to be quiet and listen. Praying for personal situations. For family and friends. For our nation. For my church and my pastor. For Israel. For the persecuted church around the world. For those who are taking the Gospel to the farthest corners of the earth. Praying. Talking. Listening. Worshiping.
As a result, I'm feeling spiritually refreshed.
I read. There were several books in my to-be-read pile that got my attention this week. I read The Prayers of Susanna Wesley. I spent more time with Pursue the Intentional Life. I finished Called to Write. I began digging into Hebrews: Live By Faith and Not By Sight and Hebrews: Be Confident.
Isn't it amazing how much reading can get done when the distractions of life are eliminated? Certainly I can't go through life week after week ignoring the laundry and never cooking a meal, but for these few days, leaving off those routines and eliminating the distractions of social media meant I could focus on renewing my mind. And I loved it!
Beyond the time I spent reading books, I spent extended time in the Word. Reading and studying. Filling my journals with insights gained.
One of the things I have missed most in recent years is being part of group Bible Study. On Tuesday mornings as the Precept group gathers at my church, I fight off a twinge of jealousy that I can't be there with them! That's one of the down sides of living in this isolated setting. But even though I'm not participating in group study, nothing prevents me from studying on my own. And that's what I have been doing over the last few days. Without all the distractions of regular life, I have spent hours digging into the Word. Although sitting at my desk, pouring over the Scriptures for hours at a time, can be physically wearying, it has been such a refreshing, energizing experience! My heart and mind are filled to overflowing with all I am learning as I dig deep into God's Word. I'm looking forward to applying all I am learning. To living it out in my life, and to having opportunities to share. Likely future blog posts will be filled with some of what I have learned!
These four days of retreat have been a great joy! Yes, I have missed my husband. Yet at the same time, I am grateful for this opportunity to be still. To be quiet before the Lord. To focus on Him with no distractions. To be refreshed.
Schedules don't always permit this kind of retreat. But what a blessing and privilege it has been to have spent this extended time in prayer and Bible study. What a blessing and privilege to be still. To be quiet. To be alone with the Lord.
Moses had forty days and nights with the Lord. And we read in Exodus 34 that when he returned from that time with the Lord, his face was shining. I don't think my face is shining; I look pretty much the same as always when I look in the mirror. But I know that I am not the same after having this extended time alone with the Lord.
You and I likely don't have forty days and nights available to get away from life. You may not even have four days. But you might be able to find four hours. Or even just an hour to be alone with the Lord. To pray. To read His Word. To "be still and know that [He] is God."
Check your schedule. Make the time. You'll be glad you did.
Jesus said, "Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest awhile." (Mark 6:31 NASB)
Friday, September 5, 2014
Jesus Is Better
I am so excited about our study of Hebrews which begins this Sunday! For the next three months we will be immersing ourselves in this amazing book.
In preparation for this study, I've been reading Hebrews this week, particularly the first chapter. I've read that chapter at least once every day this week.
I encourage you to do the same. Just read it. Slowly. Deliberately. Not in a hurry-up, just so I can say I did it, just because Susan said I should, kind of way. Take your time. Savor each word.
Let those words wash over you.
"God has spoken to us in His Son." (Hebrews 1:2 NASB)
Jesus is better.
Better than angels.
Better than the prophets.
A better High Priest.
Mediator of a better covenant.
Jesus is better.
I can't wait to dig into this study. It's going to be awesome!
Because Jesus is better!
"He [Jesus] is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of God's nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power." (Hebrews 1:3 NASB)
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Asking the Right Question
Do you ever wonder if you're asking the right question?
We all deal with that dilemma from time to time. When we're trying to understand a situation or a relationship. When we can't figure out a math problem or correctly analyze a poem our teacher or professor assigned. When we can't get our checkbook balanced. In all sorts of life situations.
My Life Group finished our study of Daniel last Sunday morning, winding up our study with chapters 9-12. These are some challenging chapters to understand, chapters that had us asking a lot of questions.
What does that mean?
When will that happened?
Does that refer to something that already happened? Is that event yet future?
How will all these things take place?
Who are the kings of the north and the south?
How does all this fit together?
Lots of questions. If you haven't read Daniel 9-12 lately, take some time to read it and you'll see what I mean. As is often the case, particularly when studying prophetic portions of Scripture, we have a lot of questions. And is also often true, the deeper we dig, the more questions we have!
As we think about this particular portion of Scripture, and about the End Times, and as we deal with other passages that deal with this subject, we need to be careful. Yes, we will have questions. As we are seeking answers to our questions, we need to dig deep. We need to approach the subject prayerfully. We need to consider the full counsel of the Word of God. We need to study everything God has to say to us on the subject so that we put the pieces of the puzzle together accurately.
More importantly, we need to be asking the right questions.
As we study prophecy, we will often be asking what and when and how.
Those are important questions. But they are not the most important question.
The most important question is not what will happen? Or when will it happen? Or even how will it happen?
It is not likely any of us will ever understand completely every detail of every prophecy of Scripture. And understanding it all is not the most important thing. The most important thing to remember is this. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
And the most important question to be asking is: Am I ready?
[Jesus said] "Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." (Matthew 24:15 ESV)
We all deal with that dilemma from time to time. When we're trying to understand a situation or a relationship. When we can't figure out a math problem or correctly analyze a poem our teacher or professor assigned. When we can't get our checkbook balanced. In all sorts of life situations.
My Life Group finished our study of Daniel last Sunday morning, winding up our study with chapters 9-12. These are some challenging chapters to understand, chapters that had us asking a lot of questions.
What does that mean?
When will that happened?
Does that refer to something that already happened? Is that event yet future?
How will all these things take place?
Who are the kings of the north and the south?
How does all this fit together?
Lots of questions. If you haven't read Daniel 9-12 lately, take some time to read it and you'll see what I mean. As is often the case, particularly when studying prophetic portions of Scripture, we have a lot of questions. And is also often true, the deeper we dig, the more questions we have!
As we think about this particular portion of Scripture, and about the End Times, and as we deal with other passages that deal with this subject, we need to be careful. Yes, we will have questions. As we are seeking answers to our questions, we need to dig deep. We need to approach the subject prayerfully. We need to consider the full counsel of the Word of God. We need to study everything God has to say to us on the subject so that we put the pieces of the puzzle together accurately.
More importantly, we need to be asking the right questions.
As we study prophecy, we will often be asking what and when and how.
Those are important questions. But they are not the most important question.
The most important question is not what will happen? Or when will it happen? Or even how will it happen?
It is not likely any of us will ever understand completely every detail of every prophecy of Scripture. And understanding it all is not the most important thing. The most important thing to remember is this. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
And the most important question to be asking is: Am I ready?
[Jesus said] "Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." (Matthew 24:15 ESV)
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
When the Fog Lifts - Seeing Things More Clearly
It isn't at all unusual to begin the day with a view like this one.
Often the fog is quite heavy across the valley below us.
In fact, most days we see fog, although it's not always quite so thick.
Some days, like today, it looks like this.
The fog doesn't last all day. It doesn't even last all morning.
Once the sun peeks over the mountaintop behind our house, the fog begins to dissipate.
Eventually we have a view that looks more like this.
As I was noticing the changing view this morning, it occurred to me that our lives are often much like this view from my front porch. Our thinking, our perspective on life, is often foggy. Perhaps our view is clouded by the circumstances of our lives. Perhaps we're too tired to think clearly. Perhaps there is sin in our lives that needs to be dealt with before we can see clearly.
It occurs to me that perhaps it's something else. The Psalmist wrote, in Psalm 119:18, "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law."
Could it be that the reason we can't see things in our lives as clearly as we might like to is that we haven't spent enough time in the "instruction manual" for life? Perhaps we need to spend more time reading - and studying - the directions!
Once we do that, perhaps we will see things more clearly.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105 ESV)
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Like That
What's a blogger to do when she has decided to take a blogging break, yet has so many things she wants to blog about? That's the dilemma I have found myself dealing with today, so I'm breaking my self-imposed blogging "fast", putting fingers to laptop, and sharing with you some of what is overflowing my heart and mind today.
This past Sunday our Life Group finished our study of the Old Testament book of Daniel. There's a sense in which I'm almost sad to be finished, because Daniel is one of my favorite Old Testament books to study. But we're beginning Hebrews this week, and I'm super excited about that! I never tire of studying Hebrews. If you haven't read Hebrews lately, read it now. Read just the first chapter, if you're time is short. Or just the first four verses of the first chapter. Camp out there awhile. You'll be glad you did!
But back to Daniel.
On Sunday we dealt with the prophecies contained in chapters 9-12. Those are powerful chapters, but more about that another day. Today I'm reflecting back on the first part of chapter 9. The part where Daniel prayed.
In his book The Handwriting on the Wall, Dr. David Jeremiah says, "this prayer is an example of what praying ought to be." And I think to myself, I want to pray like that.
Daniel began his prayer by saying, "O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments." (Daniel 9:4 ESV)
Daniel began with praise. With adoration. With worship. Daniel knew His God. He acknowledged God as God. In notes from a previous study of Daniel, I found these words I had written in the margin: Daniel prayed as if God is God.
I want to pray like that.
After Daniel acknowledges who God is, he goes on to the next section of his prayer, found in Daniel 9:5-15. Once he has acknowledged God, then he confesses sin, the sin of his people. He is very specific in his confession. This is a lot more than a quick "forgive us our sins" before rushing on to make a request. It's much more than a tag line at the end of a prayer: "forgive us our sins. Amen."
"We have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules. We have not listened.....To you, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but to us open shame.....because we have sinned against you."
As I read Daniel's prayer, I realize this is how we......how I.......should be praying. As we pray for our cities and our states and our families. As we pray for our nation and our world. I want to pray like that.
What's wrong with our nation is not about me pointing fingers at what they have done......the politicians and the pagans and the perverts. It's about what we have done. About how we as a nation have sinned and turned aside from God's way. I'm part of the nation. You are part of the nation. We as a nation have sinned against God.
Daniel worships. Daniel confesses. Only after that does Daniel make a request. I want to pray like that.
Daniel begs forgiveness for his people. O Lord, according to all your righteous acts, let your anger and your wrath turn away from your city Jerusalem.......O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act." (Daniel 9:16, 19 ESV)
I want to pray like that.
Daniel's prayer was not about Daniel. It was not Daniel-centered. Daniel was not a selfish pray-er. The focus of Daniel's prayer was the Person and the character of God.
"For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy." (Daniel 9:18 ESV)
I want to pray like that.
Daniel's prayer is a good example. It's a good model to follow. Especially when we're tempted to point fingers at others for all the problems we see around us. Or when we're focused on ourselves instead of on others. When we fall into the "life is all about me" trap.
We're living in tough times. But so was Daniel. He and his people were in exile in a foreign land. Even so, his focus was not on circumstances, but on God. In spite of tough times, he continued to pray God-centered, rather than self-centered, prayers.
I want to pray like that.
"Lord, teach us to pray." (Luke 11:1 ESV)
This past Sunday our Life Group finished our study of the Old Testament book of Daniel. There's a sense in which I'm almost sad to be finished, because Daniel is one of my favorite Old Testament books to study. But we're beginning Hebrews this week, and I'm super excited about that! I never tire of studying Hebrews. If you haven't read Hebrews lately, read it now. Read just the first chapter, if you're time is short. Or just the first four verses of the first chapter. Camp out there awhile. You'll be glad you did!
But back to Daniel.
On Sunday we dealt with the prophecies contained in chapters 9-12. Those are powerful chapters, but more about that another day. Today I'm reflecting back on the first part of chapter 9. The part where Daniel prayed.
In his book The Handwriting on the Wall, Dr. David Jeremiah says, "this prayer is an example of what praying ought to be." And I think to myself, I want to pray like that.
Daniel began his prayer by saying, "O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments." (Daniel 9:4 ESV)
Daniel began with praise. With adoration. With worship. Daniel knew His God. He acknowledged God as God. In notes from a previous study of Daniel, I found these words I had written in the margin: Daniel prayed as if God is God.
I want to pray like that.
After Daniel acknowledges who God is, he goes on to the next section of his prayer, found in Daniel 9:5-15. Once he has acknowledged God, then he confesses sin, the sin of his people. He is very specific in his confession. This is a lot more than a quick "forgive us our sins" before rushing on to make a request. It's much more than a tag line at the end of a prayer: "forgive us our sins. Amen."
"We have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules. We have not listened.....To you, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but to us open shame.....because we have sinned against you."
As I read Daniel's prayer, I realize this is how we......how I.......should be praying. As we pray for our cities and our states and our families. As we pray for our nation and our world. I want to pray like that.
What's wrong with our nation is not about me pointing fingers at what they have done......the politicians and the pagans and the perverts. It's about what we have done. About how we as a nation have sinned and turned aside from God's way. I'm part of the nation. You are part of the nation. We as a nation have sinned against God.
Daniel worships. Daniel confesses. Only after that does Daniel make a request. I want to pray like that.
Daniel begs forgiveness for his people. O Lord, according to all your righteous acts, let your anger and your wrath turn away from your city Jerusalem.......O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act." (Daniel 9:16, 19 ESV)
I want to pray like that.
Daniel's prayer was not about Daniel. It was not Daniel-centered. Daniel was not a selfish pray-er. The focus of Daniel's prayer was the Person and the character of God.
"For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy." (Daniel 9:18 ESV)
I want to pray like that.
Daniel's prayer is a good example. It's a good model to follow. Especially when we're tempted to point fingers at others for all the problems we see around us. Or when we're focused on ourselves instead of on others. When we fall into the "life is all about me" trap.
We're living in tough times. But so was Daniel. He and his people were in exile in a foreign land. Even so, his focus was not on circumstances, but on God. In spite of tough times, he continued to pray God-centered, rather than self-centered, prayers.
I want to pray like that.
"Lord, teach us to pray." (Luke 11:1 ESV)
Monday, September 1, 2014
It's Time to Draw a Circle - an Encore Post
"Go home. Lock yourself in your room. Kneel down in the middle of the floor, and with a piece of chalk draw a circle around yourself. There, on your knees, pray fervently and brokenly that God would start a revival within that chalk circle." (Gypsy Smith, 1860-1947, British evangelist)
[I originally wrote this post several months ago. I was reminded of it yesterday as our Life Group was discussing Daniel's prayer in Daniel chapter 9. This quote from Gypsy Smith has lingered with me since yesterday morning's discussion, and so I'm bringing back the entire post, originally published in February, 2014.]
[I originally wrote this post several months ago. I was reminded of it yesterday as our Life Group was discussing Daniel's prayer in Daniel chapter 9. This quote from Gypsy Smith has lingered with me since yesterday morning's discussion, and so I'm bringing back the entire post, originally published in February, 2014.]
While I was waiting in the dentist office yesterday, I pulled out my Kindle to do some reading. And it was then that I came across the Gypsy Smith quote. I immediately stopped reading and put the quote in my notebook, the one I nearly always have with me. I haven't been able to get it out of my mind since.
Earlier in the day I had come across another quote that also made it to the notebook. It was part of a Facebook status update. I'm not sure the origin of the quote, as I didn't include that in my notebook, but it stuck with me, just like the Gypsy Smith quote.
"We're so focused on God changing our circumstances that we never allow God to change us."
These two quotes have been playing over and over on a continuous loop in my mind since yesterday. And they have caused me do a lot of thinking. Thinking about change.
About what needs to change. About why I want it to change. About what's really important.
There are some things, some circumstances, in my life that I would like changed. For one thing, we would like to sell our house and relocate. That's definitely a change.
But as I think about that, particularly when I line it up with that second quote, I wonder if I'm praying for the wrong thing. Am I guilty of being too focused on the circumstance? Too focused on things like changing houses and not enough focused on what needs to change in me?
It occurs to me that I may not be the only one. That there may be others out there who are doing the same thing. Focusing on what needs to change - or what we want to change - in our circumstances, and giving far too little attention to what needs to change in us.
Perhaps it's our attitudes. Or our selfishness. Or our prayerlessness. Or our tempers. Or our relationships. Or our worship. Or lack of. Or our prayer life. Or lack of. Or our focus.
Perhaps we're concerned about our country. About politics. About the loss of our freedoms. About the changes that are happening all around us.
Whatever it is, maybe it's time for us to draw a circle, as Gypsy Smith suggested.
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16 ESV)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)