S
(Joshua 18:3) ... How long will you put off going in to take possession of the land, which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?
O
The expression "put off" comes from the Hebrew word raphah, which depicts the full release of a grip. The muscles go limp and the slack allows the possession to slip away. God employs that same expression to boldly encourage us: "The Lord your God won't forsake (raphah) you or forget you (Deut. 4:31). He will not fail (raphah) you (Deut. 31:6,8).
A
I am very grateful for God's great grip on my soul! What a comfort to know that even though my sins pierced His hands and nailed His flesh to "my" cross, He never let me slip out of His grasp!
P
Lord, You've commanded me to release my grip on stupid ideas, anger, and anxiety so I can fully grasp Your grace (Psalms 37:8; 46:10,11), and by faith I do that now. You also commanded me to grope after and strongly clutch the fullness of your provisions for me (Joshua 18:3); by faith I do that, too. Thanks for our mutual grip (and that Yours is stronger than mine).
Sunday, March 30, 2008
A Well-Formed Conclusion
S
(Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 13:13) He who endures to the end shall be saved.
O
"Endures" (hupomeno) means to remain beneath or behind. "End" (telos) means completion. And "saved" (sozo) means to deliver from danger, suffering, etc. When He was a boy, Jesus "remained behind" in Jerusalem (Luke 2:43), and as Savior, He "remained underneath" the shame and agonies of the cross (Hebrews 12:2,3) until the task was done. Therefore, the endurance Jesus is prescribing is not passive; it actually seeks to create heaven on earth for people (Hebrews 10:32-39; 12:7; Romans 12:12; James 1:12). At the patient conclusion of the issue--whatever the issue is--God provides a complete antidote, a satisfaction of all that had been amiss.
A
How do we recognize the end from the middle of a trial? Having done all and having stood patiently underneath the struggle is certainly part of the answer (Ephesians 6:13).
P
Lord, standing strong--not as a vindictive annoyance, but as a patient, kind, mercy provide--is not easy when suffering from the painful relationships You described in this section of Scripture. Nonetheless, You call us to be like You in that regard, too. So I give myself fully to this task. You alone know when each of my tasks are done.
Transformed by Transitions
S
(Deuteronomy 31:6) Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave or forsake you.
O
This encouragement was repeated several times to these people. It's a reminder, a promise, and a command. And because it's a command, it's also a choice. These are all necessary during times of change. Any transition is difficult because of the risks involved, but the most important risks to guard against are losing faith, hope, and love in the Lord.
A
There doesn't seem to be a pill or miraculous gift for building courage and strength. These come from choices--deliberate and disciplined ways of seeing and responding to the Lord, the world, and myself. More than merely responding, true courage steps up and moves toward improvements and against challenges.
P
Lord, as I write this I realize that courage--or fear--affects how I hear You. I want to pick up and wear the armor of Your faith, hope, and love. From Your perspective I can better hear and see how I should live in this new day. I've had enough of walking alone, with only my insight (i.e., blindness) to guide me.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Look at Me
S
(Psalm 27:8) You have said, “Seek My face.” My heart says to You, “Your face, Lord do I seek.”
O
God’s command to seek His face is addressed to more than one person. Althrough David could respond only for himself, he nonetheless used his musical writing and leadership tools to encourage others to join his discovery of God’s benevolent face. Elsewhere, David referred to seeking God as a generational call (Psalm 24:6) that could only be accomplished through assertive activities of people’s hearts. In Psalm 105:1-5, David lists ten of these activities.
A
Unfortunately, I’ve not exhausted the depth of my self sufficiency. I merrily go through my day, content with the shallow, naïve conclusions of my own brain, without explicitly inviting God’s insights. I’m not sure whether heaven laughs or cries at that. Maybe both.
P
Lord, I thank You for frequently knocking at the door of my heart. Thank You for reminding me and inviting me to walk with You instead of away with senseless oblivion away from Your face. Today and evermore, I set myself to seek You with all my heart, to acknowledge You in all my ways.
(Psalm 27:8) You have said, “Seek My face.” My heart says to You, “Your face, Lord do I seek.”
O
God’s command to seek His face is addressed to more than one person. Althrough David could respond only for himself, he nonetheless used his musical writing and leadership tools to encourage others to join his discovery of God’s benevolent face. Elsewhere, David referred to seeking God as a generational call (Psalm 24:6) that could only be accomplished through assertive activities of people’s hearts. In Psalm 105:1-5, David lists ten of these activities.
A
Unfortunately, I’ve not exhausted the depth of my self sufficiency. I merrily go through my day, content with the shallow, naïve conclusions of my own brain, without explicitly inviting God’s insights. I’m not sure whether heaven laughs or cries at that. Maybe both.
P
Lord, I thank You for frequently knocking at the door of my heart. Thank You for reminding me and inviting me to walk with You instead of away with senseless oblivion away from Your face. Today and evermore, I set myself to seek You with all my heart, to acknowledge You in all my ways.
God, My Servant?
S
(Mark 10:35) James and John said to Him ... “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You.”
O
I am indignant about these guys approaching the Holy God and compelling Him to blindly serve them. They should have stated the opposite: “We’ll do whatever You want us to do.” Yet Jesus responded with infinite, tender patience and explained once again His appointment with the cross and that His assignment was indeed to serve them (v. 44). Then He confirmed His readiness to serve by asking a blind man, “What do you want Me to do for you?” (v. 51).
A
In this teaching, I concede that Jesus requires me to be as infinitely patient and tender of a servant as He (vv. 42-44). Jesus was able to do that because He was fully committed to serving His Father (v. 40). So, if I am going to truly serve others, I must submit fully to my Heavenly Father and be willing to serve people who are heavy-laden with self interests. Like Jesus, I am to serve only according to what the Father desires for to bless them with.
P
Heavenly Father, I see that I should not be indignant like ten of your disciples were (v. 41). You do indeed delight in blessing people as only You can. May Your will be done by me just as You desire, just as Your desires are fully expressed and satisfied in Heaven. Hmmm...what do You want to do for me?
(Mark 10:35) James and John said to Him ... “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You.”
O
I am indignant about these guys approaching the Holy God and compelling Him to blindly serve them. They should have stated the opposite: “We’ll do whatever You want us to do.” Yet Jesus responded with infinite, tender patience and explained once again His appointment with the cross and that His assignment was indeed to serve them (v. 44). Then He confirmed His readiness to serve by asking a blind man, “What do you want Me to do for you?” (v. 51).
A
In this teaching, I concede that Jesus requires me to be as infinitely patient and tender of a servant as He (vv. 42-44). Jesus was able to do that because He was fully committed to serving His Father (v. 40). So, if I am going to truly serve others, I must submit fully to my Heavenly Father and be willing to serve people who are heavy-laden with self interests. Like Jesus, I am to serve only according to what the Father desires for to bless them with.
P
Heavenly Father, I see that I should not be indignant like ten of your disciples were (v. 41). You do indeed delight in blessing people as only You can. May Your will be done by me just as You desire, just as Your desires are fully expressed and satisfied in Heaven. Hmmm...what do You want to do for me?
Spiritual Expeditions
S
(Deuteronomy 10:12,13) And now [God’s people], what does the Lord your God require of you, but to (1) fear the Lord your God, (2) to walk in His ways, (3) to love Him, (4) to serve the Lord your God with all your heart (5) and with all your soul, and (6) to keep the commandments and (7) statutes of the Lord...”
O
Fear prompts us to retreat (fight, flight, or freeze), but to walk toward fear is to walk with courage. This walk leads to loving God, to moving eagerly, longingly as close to Him as possible. The natural consequence is to serve—to labor with all our hearts and psychological existence, wishing only to quench His thirsts and satisfy His hunger. Next, this intimate relationship with God compels us to humbly inspect our ways that we obey all of His assignments and heart-tugs.
A
Love is how I fulfill this command. God’s whole law is fulfilled in the single word, love (Galatians 5:14). Furthermore, God Himself is working in us to make this a joyful, co-created adventure.
PLord, knowing that You deeply love me, I find no valid reason for not fully entrusting and yielding my entire self to you...delightfully.
(Deuteronomy 10:12,13) And now [God’s people], what does the Lord your God require of you, but to (1) fear the Lord your God, (2) to walk in His ways, (3) to love Him, (4) to serve the Lord your God with all your heart (5) and with all your soul, and (6) to keep the commandments and (7) statutes of the Lord...”
O
Fear prompts us to retreat (fight, flight, or freeze), but to walk toward fear is to walk with courage. This walk leads to loving God, to moving eagerly, longingly as close to Him as possible. The natural consequence is to serve—to labor with all our hearts and psychological existence, wishing only to quench His thirsts and satisfy His hunger. Next, this intimate relationship with God compels us to humbly inspect our ways that we obey all of His assignments and heart-tugs.
A
Love is how I fulfill this command. God’s whole law is fulfilled in the single word, love (Galatians 5:14). Furthermore, God Himself is working in us to make this a joyful, co-created adventure.
PLord, knowing that You deeply love me, I find no valid reason for not fully entrusting and yielding my entire self to you...delightfully.
Prayerlessness
S
(Numbers 32:6) But Moses said to the people of Gad and...Reuben, “Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here?”
O
Moses feared that lurking behind their request for the first properties available in the promised land was the same toxic attitude that their fathers displayed. Besides saying, God’s enemies were too strong for God’s people, they concluded it was okay to have less freedom than God intended for them to enjoy. Moses confronted them to see whether they thought they could be happy with their small victory. He checked to see whether they’d allow others to sacrifice for them without reciprocating by helping them find victory, too.
A
Moses warned that if this proved true, this sinfful selfishness would indeed expose them (v. 23). Likewise, I—my family, friends, neighbors—are in spiritual war whether we reorganize it or not. Am I content to savor the spoils of spiritual war that others have won for me without being ready to serve them?
P
Lord, just as these tribes were later able to rename cities to reflect Your glory and accomplishments, so I pray to be able to point to households and cities I have helped to transform into Your glory.
(Numbers 32:6) But Moses said to the people of Gad and...Reuben, “Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here?”
O
Moses feared that lurking behind their request for the first properties available in the promised land was the same toxic attitude that their fathers displayed. Besides saying, God’s enemies were too strong for God’s people, they concluded it was okay to have less freedom than God intended for them to enjoy. Moses confronted them to see whether they thought they could be happy with their small victory. He checked to see whether they’d allow others to sacrifice for them without reciprocating by helping them find victory, too.
A
Moses warned that if this proved true, this sinfful selfishness would indeed expose them (v. 23). Likewise, I—my family, friends, neighbors—are in spiritual war whether we reorganize it or not. Am I content to savor the spoils of spiritual war that others have won for me without being ready to serve them?
P
Lord, just as these tribes were later able to rename cities to reflect Your glory and accomplishments, so I pray to be able to point to households and cities I have helped to transform into Your glory.
New Realities
S
(Mark 2:12) And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
O
31 words. Each contributing a unique and valuable contribution to the telling of this God-orchestrated event. Each thought could make a profitable day-long meditation. The seven phrases combine to disassemble our notions of reality: Jesus linked paralysis to unforgiveness, He commanded impossible behavior from broken people...and they complied. He overrode the temple’s rituals for resolving guilt.
A
I suppose that each of Jesus’ commands are that beneficial even though, from my arrogance, I grant myself permission to veto or improve His will. The difference is that my “unheeled” will inevitably leads to paralysis and bitter unforgiveness, while obedience to Jesus—trusting Him—leads to liberty, wholeness, and the pursuit of unforeseen glories.
PMy Lord, help me walk in the light of Your ever-amazing glory.
(Mark 2:12) And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
O
31 words. Each contributing a unique and valuable contribution to the telling of this God-orchestrated event. Each thought could make a profitable day-long meditation. The seven phrases combine to disassemble our notions of reality: Jesus linked paralysis to unforgiveness, He commanded impossible behavior from broken people...and they complied. He overrode the temple’s rituals for resolving guilt.
A
I suppose that each of Jesus’ commands are that beneficial even though, from my arrogance, I grant myself permission to veto or improve His will. The difference is that my “unheeled” will inevitably leads to paralysis and bitter unforgiveness, while obedience to Jesus—trusting Him—leads to liberty, wholeness, and the pursuit of unforeseen glories.
PMy Lord, help me walk in the light of Your ever-amazing glory.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Give It Up
S
God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. Psalm 47:5-8
O
God is praised in this Psalm as He “ascends”. We’re encouraged to join in by singing praises, and this invitation is repeated again, and again—because He is King, not of a city or a state, but of the whole earth: all nations and peoples. He reigns from His holy throne.
A
I worry. I wish I didn’t, and in some way, I think it’s probably sinful, but I still worry sometimes. I have to ask myself: If I really believe that Jesus is King, why would I worry? The opposite of worry isn’t calm, but it’s trust. I don’t have to wonder if He loves me. I can trust that he does. All I need to do is read my Bible, even a little, to see that. The one who loves me—the King of everything, who knows me and went to the Cross to save me—says, “Let not your heart be troubled.” Wow!
P
Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me and caring for me. Please let my heart rest in you, and not be drawn to all of the troubling things that seek to capture it. I know in my head that I should trust you, please grab ahold of my heart with that truth, so that I do trust you.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Desiiiiire!
S
Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:3-4
O
These verses start with a command to trust God and do good. Right after, they offer an invitation to dwell in "the land", and embrace faithfulness. The very next sentence links my delight in the Lord with receiving my heart's desire.
A
It all begins with trusting in the Lord. Out of that trust flows any good I might do. As well as resting in God's provision ("dwelling in the land"), delighting in God, and getting my heart's desire. As for "befriending faithfulness", when I trust in God and delight in Him, I am befriended by the One who is always faithful, even when I am not.
He is my heart's desire. It's not as if I get to trade off a relationship with Jesus for something better. Like He'd make me healthy and successful if I just love Him. No. In delighting in Him, in loving Him, I already have my heart's desire. Out of that relationship grows good fruit. Sometimes, He is pleased to bless me with those things that most people would consider blessings, like ample provision and a long, healthy life. But they are always the offspring of a much greater blessing: the love of Christ, pure and simple.
P
Dear Lord, You are the beginning and the end. Please continue to soften my heart so it remains warm and receptive to You. Let me see temporary things clearly, longing for that which is eternal and blesses You.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Wisdom from Above...
S
I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. Galatians 12:11-12
O
Paul calls the galatians "brothers", and states that the Gospel he preached wasn't made up. He claims to have gotten it directly from Jesus Christ, who revealed it to him.
A
I often assume that what I know about God comes to me in the same way as the things I know about other stuff. I know about Los Angeles because I've read and heard a lot about it, plus, I've been there. So part of what I know about L.A. is from other people, and part is from what I've personally experienced. The Gospel is different, because it originates with God. In other words, the Gospel, or even the whole Bible, isn't made up of what other people say about God, but what God says about God. And it comes from him, even if he uses other people to write and preserve it. I need to remember that, and be impacted by the importance of what God's saying when I'm reading my Bible.
P
Dear Lord, thank you for the Bible, and for your Spirit, who reveals the deep things of God through your word. Please let me always remember that when I'm in your word, I'm on holy ground.
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