Don’t Ask

Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the LORD our God, to whom we are sending you, so that it will go well with us, for we will obey the LORD our God.” - Jeremiah 42:6 (NIV)

Have you ever had a conversation where someone is asking you for advice and you give your opinion, and the person objects or doesn’t agree with you ? At that point, you probably think to yourself - “What did they ask me for then ?” Or worse, have you been the one asking for advice and done the exact same thing ? I just finished reading Jeremiah this weekend and the above verse and the events surrounding it made me think of that situation.

In this scene, the destruction of Jerusalem is occurring. Some army officers and other women, children and soldiers are now in Judah, having escaped and are now wondering what to do next. At this point, they call on Jeremiah the prophet to go to the Lord in prayer and ask what they should do next, in verse 2 of chapter 42 (NIV):

Please hear our petition and pray to the LORD your God for this entire remnant. For as you now see, though we were once many, now only a few are left. Pray that the LORD your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.”

The problem with request is that the group has already decided in their minds what to do. They want to move on to Egypt, where they feel they will be safer. Ten days after their request, Jeremiah has an answer for them. Either stay where you are, as God is commanding you, or move on to Egypt, but know that if you do go to Egypt, the Lord will not be with you and you will face “sword, famine, and pestilence”. How ironic that they wanted to go back to the very place that God delivered them from a thousand years earlier during the Exodus. And of course, their response to Jeremiah’s word to them is typical, in verse 2 of chapter 43 (NIV):

Azariah son of Hoshaiah and Johanan son of Kareah and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, “You are lying! The LORD our God has not sent you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to settle there.’ “

And so, by following their own desires and going to Egypt anyway, they wind up getting exactly what they were trying to avoid. So much for “whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey” !

I think this is a good example for us today. We can think things through many times ourselves as we’re trying to make a decision, and then figure that we know for sure what the right thing is to do. But we haven’t consulted God about it. Even worse, when we do go to Him in prayer about it, we’re just looking for his stamp of approval on what we’ve already decided. How insulting this is to Him and how bad the consequences are for us when we go that route.

I’ve been trying to find a verse to memorize each week from what I’m reading, and even before I got to this passage last week, I had settled on Jeremiah 10:23 (ESV):

I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.”

I think God might want me to spend another week on this verse too

 

Bitesize Theology

The grace of God is the most thrilling concept that can occupy the mind of a Christian, and when it occupies the mind, it will soon flood the heart with praise to God that such a thing exists.” - Peter Jeffery

Last week I finished reading Peter Jeffery’s short book called Bitesize Theology. The book weighs in at just under 100 pages and contains 20 brief chapters that describe some of the major terms that we all should know as Christians. There are chapters on justification, redemption, reconciliation, election, and many others. But although the chapters are short, there’s no fluff in them. Jeffery crams so much in that the chapters need to be taken in slowly. At 100 pages, it’s short enough to be read in one sitting, but I wouldn’t suggest it, considering the subject matter he covers in each. Jeffery gives plenty of Scripture references, and what I liked most is that he explains each concept in simple yet meaningful terms. He provides questions at the end of each chapter to think over also.

One of the main things that C.J. Mahaney stresses in his book Living The Cross Centered Life is how we should preach the gospel to ourselves each day. This is something that I want to strive for, and that’s one of the reasons why I enjoyed Jeffery’s book so much. By continually going over these concepts, we can keep filling our hearts and minds with what Jesus did for us on the cross. Jeffery’s book keeps us focused there.

The quote above is from the chapter on grace and is probably my favorite one from the book. It’s also a good one for us to think about today and every day

You can find this book for cheap on Amazon. Well worth it !

 

Focus on the Family

Can I be honest ? I’ve never seen the show, I’ve just read about it. But if I really thought my neighborhood was full of ‘Desperate Housewives’, I’d move to Iran.” - Dr. James Merritt

The Presidential election here in the U.S. is just about four months away. For the last year or two, we have had all the coverage we could possibly want on the “main” issues facing our country - the personalities of the candidates, the economy, gas prices, alternative energy, education, you name it. We see Electoral College maps and debates on who the vice presidential nominees will be. But there is one issue that, unless I’ve really missed the discussion on it, doesn’t seem to be at the top of the news coverage. It’s the breakdown of the traditional family.

My wife has heard me harp on this issue so much that I sound like a broken record. But it’s true. Look around. I’m sure you’ve seen the story of the Massachusetts school that, as of the end of the school year, has 17 girls now expecting babies. Seventeen ?! After questioning these students, it was discovered that there was a “pregnancy pact” among them to raise their babies together. One of them got pregnant by a 24-year old homeless man. The school superintendent remarked, “Families are broken. Many of our young people are growing up directionless.” (click here to read Time Magazine’s article on this story)

Dr. James Merritt thankfully is bringing this issue into the spotlight. He has started a five-week series on it called “The Big Picture” and in his first sermon, he cited some sad statistics. Since 1960, the divorce rate has doubled. Single-parent households have tripled. And the teenage pregnancy rate is the highest it’s been in the history of the world. He also showed how the popular comedies on TV have evolved over the last 50 years or so, from “Father Knows Best” and “Leave It To Beaver” to now, the above-mentioned “Desperate Housewives”. That alone is a sad commentary on the issue.

Dr. Merritt’s series will be focusing on the passage below, Colossians 3:18-21 (ESV):

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”

What’s your take on this ? Is too much being made of the breakdown of the traditional family ? Or too little ?

 

Lemonade International

My dear friends Bill and Cherie have joined with some of their friends to start a ministry in Guatemala. They will be raising awareness for the children there, sending missionaries to the area, and helping to set up church communities in places that need it most, among many other things. This will be Pastor Bill’s life work, as he mentioned to us that he’ll be leaving his job as a staffing recruiter to devote full-time support to this mission.

Please check out the links below to find out more:
 

• Lemonade International
• Merge Community Church

I’ll be praying, Pastor Bill !

 

Missed Opportunities

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” - 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)

I was leaving the Anaheim Convention Center this weekend and saw a group of guys standing just outside the center with what looked like Oakland Athletics t-shirts on, just like the one above. As I got closer though, I realized their shirts didn’t say “Athletics”. Instead it said “Atheists”.

As I walked past them, I started going through my jacket for a copy of John Piper’s “For Your Joy”, as I brought a bunch of copies out here with me. Then I realized I had left them back at the hotel. I then thought about starting a conversation to ask them about their shirts. But I was on my way to a conference session, so unfortunately I just kept walking, went past them, and didn’t say a word.

Missed opportunity.

This has really bothered me since it happened. A main reason why is that I’ve prayed for God to put opportunities in front of me to share my faith with others. So right on cue, God provided me a chance to do just that, and I did nothing.

What would you have done here ? How would you handle a similar situation the next time it’s presented ?

 

Listen Up - 6/29/08

If you’re looking for some good music today, head over to the iTunes store and search for “Karen Money”. I first wrote about Karen’s music back in September, and she is one of the few artists that has made me stop in my tracks the first time I’ve heard them. Her album “Secret Things” is now available on iTunes to purchase. It’s a wonderful CD, nine songs that highlight Karen’s beautiful voice.

Here’s a quick review from Cross Rhythms (UK):

“If you’re looking for wistful, meditative music……Karen has created a delightfully delicate offering to soothe the soul.” - Tony Cummings CROSS RHYTHMS.

Karen is also a super-nice person I’ve exchanged emails with her a few times and she sent a note yesterday to let us know that her album was now on iTunes. She also mentioned that she’s working on some new songs for an EP, which is more awesome news !

Check it out…you will be blessed …

 

You Must Be Born Again

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” - John 3:3 (ESV)

Father in Heaven, thank you. It was one year ago today that I was born again. Up until that point, I was spiritually dead. Dead in my trespasses and sins. Up until that point, I considered myself a “good person” and did not realize how much my sins had grieved You. I feel like my life up until that point was just spent camping out. Now I have found home. I have found rest in you. “Rock of Ages, cleft for me. Let me hide myself in thee.” Thank you for showing me, through the Holy Spirit, that your Son is the way and the truth and the life and that no one comes to You but by Him. Thank you for saving me and for sending Your Son to die on the cross for my sins. Please help me to turn from my sins each day and follow Your commandments. Thank you for giving me the strength to fill the role you have given me as a husband, and for giving me such a wonderful wife. Thank you for my wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ. I feel I will always be “new in Christ”. And thank you for revealing Yourself to us through Your Word. “Oh how precious is the written word of God !” says John Piper. Father, I have such a hunger for Your Word that I consider each day in it a great blessing, in that I get to know You a little better. Knowing God…I can’t think of two better words put together.

I know I have still forgotten many things to thank you for today. Thank you for Your saving grace and your love. All that I have is Yours and I am nothing without you. Please help me to live a life that glorifies Your Holy Name.

“Whom have I in heaven but you ?”

Thank you Father. I love you and I pray these things in Jesus’ Name.

Amen.

 

“The Blessedness of Faith”

Charles H. Spurgeon, 1834-1892

I’m now out in Anaheim, CA for another library conference, ALA (American Library Association) Annual. I’ll be here until July 1, and since the flight is at least five hours both ways, I brought a lot of reading material with me. One book that I finished on the flight out here is Charles H. Spurgeon’s “All of Grace”. My friend Michele remarked on her blog that if you were to ask one of her pastors which Spurgeon book to read, they would likely respond, “Yes”. Now I know why !

There’s a lot to take from Spurgeon in this book. One thing I enjoyed is how Spurgeon tries to explain clearly to his reader the concepts of faith and grace, and how they relate to each other in terms that are easy for us to understand.

Here’s Spurgeon:

• “Faith occupies the position of a channel or conduit pipe. Grace is the fountain and the stream; faith is the aqueduct along which the flood of mercy flows down to refresh the thirsty sons of men.”
• “Grace is the powerful engine, and faith is the chain by which the carriage of the soul is attached to the great motive power.”
• “Faith is believing that Christ is what He is said to be, and that He will do what He has promised to do, and then to expect this of Him.”

Spurgeon then illustrates this by giving an example of two men being carried down the water toward Niagara Falls. Both men grab onto a rope that’s tied to the shore and appear to be safe. But one decides to let go of the rope to grab onto a huge log floating by, thinking that because it’s bigger, he’ll be safer on that. But the log soon carries the man over the falls…the log wasn’t anchored to anything. Spurgeon then remarks that we sometimes “grab onto” our works, thinking that they will anchor us with God, while it is truly only our faith that does that.

Here’s Spurgeon again:

But faith, though it may seem to be like a slender cord, is in the hands of the great God on the shore side…Oh the blessedness of faith, because it unites us to God !”

I’m going to try to write more on this gem of a book later this week. I’d be interested to hear your comments if you have already read it ?

 

Praying For Our Pastors

Our pastor is away on vacation the next couple of weeks. On Sunday, our college ministry pastor preached and he asked us to pray for our pastor and for God to recharge him during this time. Although I pray for our pastors constantly, it was a reminder that they too need their downtime, in order to stay refreshed.

I’ve been reading through J.C. Ryle’s Expository Thoughts On The Gospels (Mark) and he explains why our prayers for our pastors are so critical:

Let us resolve to pray much for ministers. Their office is no light one if they do their duty. They need the help of many intercessions from all praying people. They have not only their own souls to care for, but the souls of others. No wonder that Paul cries, “Who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Cor. 2:16.) If we never prayed for ministers before, let us begin to do it this day.

What a wonderful yet enormous responsibility God has given our pastors. “They have not only their own souls to care for, but the souls of others.”

A good reminder from J.C. Ryle today….

 

Listen Up

I barely use my cell phone and have no use for a Blackberry, but one bit of technology that I don’t think I could do without now is my mp3 player. I started with an iPod Shuffle and just recently picked up a Sansa 4 GB Clip. Because my commute is so unpredictable and sometimes takes an hour or more, I try to spend that time productively whenever possible. What better way than by listening to the Word of God ?

On any given day, the podcasts I’ll be listening to usually include John Piper, John MacArthur, James Merritt, Ravi Zacharias, Greg Laurie, and Back To The Bible. I also like Brian Hardin’s readings of the Bible at DailyAudioBible.com. Recently I’ve picked up a couple of audio Bibles from Amazon and Christianbook.com - a dramatized NIV version and a straight reading of the ESV by Stephen Johnston. I’ve found that it can really help to listen to the Bible at times, especially if you’ve just recently read a specific book or passage.

Today I found another good site, that’s kind of a one-stop shopping for all of these podcasts. It’s called Faith by Hearing (http://faithbyhearing.wordpress.com/). The site is organized by Bible book, doctrine, history, and by person, so you can click on J.I. Packer for example, and link to mp3 downloads of his sermons.

Some of you folks may already have heard of this site, but if not, check it out and start filling up your iPod

 

The Main Thing

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

————————————————————————

A week or so ago, I finished reading a really great book: “Living the Cross Centered Life: Keeping the Gospel the Main Thing” by C.J. Mahaney. Some of my favorite bloggers - I’m A Teacup, NOT a Sledgehammer, Hope Road, and A Heart Set On Pilgrimage, all recently attended the New Attitude conference where C.J. preached. Although I haven’t been fortunate enough to hear him speak yet, I do enjoy his writings and his blog. This book was no exception.

Early on, Mahaney cautions us that there are three main things that can draw us away from the gospel (p. 16):

1) subjectivism - our view of God is based on our feelings and emotions
2) legalism - our relationship with God is based on our own performance
3) condemnation - our sin is the focus more than on God’s grace

As I was reading through these, I was trying to think of which one is the biggest problem in my life. Then I realized that ALL of them can be. Mahaney discusses why subjectivism is such a problem today (p. 33):

“We’re conditioned to this approach not only by our sin but also by our culture, which incessantly entices us to ‘follow your heart’ and do whatever makes us feel good - along with the flattering assurance that nonstop feeling good is something we absolutely deserve !”

I still feel most troubled by # 3 - condemnation. I had an episode earlier in the week, where I absolutely felt that I knew the right thing to do and still didn’t do it. That initial feeling of “wallowing” in sin, as C.J. calls it, really beat me down. But again, all three of these are things that I struggle with daily.

So what’s the remedy ? Mahaney says we must preach the gospel to ourselves, and do it daily.

He provides five ways we can do this each day:

1) Memorize the gospel - he suggests starting with certain passages, such Romans 8:31-34, Galatians 2:21, and 2 Corinthians 5:21, among others.
2) Pray the gospel
3) Sing the gospel
4) Review the gospel - how it’s changed your life and write up your own testimony
5) Study the gospel - he asks that we start reading the Bible with “eyes peeled for the gospel”. That suggestion has changed my own reading, especially now as I go through Isaiah again. He also gives some titles of books on the cross such as “The Cross of Christ” by John Stott and “The Discipline of Grace” by Jerry Bridges.

Speaking of Isaiah, Mahaney suggests that we really review and reflect deeply on Isaiah 53, especially in our times of doubt and trouble. I’ll be reading Isaiah 53 in the next few days and will take my time doing so (p.56):

“When you’re tempted to doubt God’s love for you, stand before the cross and look at the wounded, dying, disfigured Savior, and realize why He is there.”

If I had to sum up the message of this book, I would do it this way. You know how most TV channels these days have their logos in the bottom corner all throughout a program ? No matter when you turn the channel on, you see that ESPN or Fox News logo in the corner ? I think that’s what C.J. Mahaney is trying to get us to do…to look at our lives with the cross fixed firmly in the corner of our view, so that it’s always visible.

If you haven’t already, pick up this book, read it, and meditate on it.
————————————————————————
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

 

Looking for bargains…

For those of you who love to read (and who also love a bargain), I wanted to send along a site that you may or may not be aware of. It’s called Book Sale Finder, and it gives you upcoming listings of used book sales in your area, broken down by state. Most of the sales are held at public libraries, and they are a great way to find some old treasures for yourself, while helping to support libraries as well.

Last night, I stopped by one on my way home here in Connecticut. I found the following three books:

1) The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

2) Confessions by St. Augustine

3) Truth & Power: The Place of Scripture in the Christian Life by J.I. Packer

You never know what you’ll find at these sales. They’re worth checking out…by the way, the total cost of the three books I bought was just three bucks

 

“Think About These Things”

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” - Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

The above verse is well-known and familiar to many and is a wonderful section of Scripture for us to keep close in the pursuit of holiness. Today I was reading Isaiah 31-33 at lunch and came across two verses in ch. 33 that I think are great complements to this verse from Philippians:

15 He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly,
who despises the gain of oppressions,
who shakes his hands, lest they hold a bribe,
who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed
and shuts his eyes from looking on evil,

16 he will dwell on the heights;
his place of defense will be the fortresses of rocks;
his bread will be given him; his water will be sure. - Isaiah 33:15-16 (ESV)

I was particularly focused on the “eyes” and “ears” section of verse 15. So much of what we are hit with in the media today can best be described as an assault on the senses. Have you noticed that everything now is “breaking news” ? And so much of what counts for “news” is just celebrity-driven or fascination with criminals or scandals. I think Isaiah’s words in these two verses are as relevant today as they were over 2,500 years ago. To “walk righteously and speak uprightly“, it’s important for us to filter out the unnecessary and harmful stories and images that we are so often bombarded with each day. It’s important to be informed, but there comes a time when it’s overkill and no longer helpful to us. Why fill ourselves up with it ? Hall of Fame basketball coach John Wooden once remarked that we should all “drink deeply from good books”. So why not fill ourselves with Christ-centered books and the Word of God instead of continually “hearing of bloodshed” and “looking on evil” ?

Anyway, that’s what I’ve taken from Isaiah today

 

The Future of Libraries

As someone who is a grad student in library science, I’m obviously concerned about the future of libraries, especially in what’s become an overwhelmingly digital age. Along those lines, Dr. Albert Mohler has another interesting post on his blog today called The Citadel and the Open Space - Will Libraries Survive in the Internet Age ? In it, Dr. Mohler cites an upcoming article by Robert Darnton in The New York Review of Books. There’s discussion about how many students are under the impression that everything can be found on the internet, and the reasons for actually making the trip to a physical library building are getting fewer. Dr. Mohler is aware of the role that digitization of books by Google and other materials such as journals and magazines have on research today, but he’s clearly a fan of the printed book:

*** Dr. Mohler - “The future will be digital (or whatever replaces digital media), but the future will also need the library. The library will remain as a citadel, where books need no batteries and reading requires no Bluetooth or wireless technology. The spirit of scholarship will always be most at home among books, and the soul committed to learning will always find nourishment in the library.”

So with that in mind, I’d like to hear your take on this…

1) How often do you use your local library ? Do you primarily buy your books or do you borrow more from the library ?

2) What do you think of digital readers like Amazon’s Kindle, that allow you to store many books on a device and read them electronically ?

3) Do you think libraries should have more of a bookstore feel to them and offer food and drinks, to compete with the Borders and Barnes & Nobles ?

As a library science student, I’d love to hear your views on this !

 

“So It Will Stand”

The LORD Almighty has sworn,
“Surely, as I have planned, so it will be,
and as I have purposed, so it will stand.” - Isaiah 14:24 (NIV)

Continuing on in Isaiah this afternoon at lunch, I stopped for a while at this verse and jotted it down in my notebook. In chapters 13 and 14, God is announcing his judgment on Babylon and Assyria. The rulers there are made aware that everyone, no matter how powerful, eventually goes down to the grave or “Sheol”…and no matter what their own individual “plans” are. Although there are many great warnings given in these chapters, I look at this verse and become hopeful. We can be assured that no matter how badly or mangled our own plans seem to get sometimes, we have God’s plan for us to build our foundation on. His plan stands no matter what.

Something to be reminded of today.

 

An Evening Prayer

Last month I read Stephen Nichols’ short book The Reformation: How A Monk and A Mallet Changed The World. I would highly recommend it if you’d like to get an overview of the Reformation. In the back, Nichols listed some of the prayers of the Reformers. I was re-reading one tonight by John Calvin, which was part of his catechism of 1642.

I love this prayer…here it is:

Lord God, since thou hast made the night for man to rest as thou hast created the day for his work, I beseech thee to give my body a restful night and to grant that my soul may be lifted up to thee and my heart always filled with thy love.

Teach me, O God, to entrust all my cares to thee and constantly remember thy mercy, so that my soul may enjoy spiritual rest. Let not my sleep be excessive, but let it serve to renew my strength so that I may be more ready to serve thee. May it please thee also to keep me pure in body and in spirit, preserving me from all temptations and all danger, so that my very sleep may contribute to the glory of thy name.

And since this day has not passed without my offending thee in several ways, I who am a poor sinner make this request. Grant, O God, that just as now thou hast hid all things in the shadows of the night, thou wilt also bury all my sins in thy mercy, through Jesus Christ my Savior.

Amen.

 

Paying Attention

Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.” - Proverbs 15:32 (ESV)

Dr. Albert Mohler had a very interesting post on his blog yesterday called The Challenge of Attention in the Digital Age. In it, he cited a recent article about a Columbia grad who returns to campus and sits in on a lecture. The grad took note of how many students had their laptops open and were using them for instant messaging, online shopping, and other non-school related surfing. The grad then wrote a letter to these students and lamented how shallow their educations had become, and how much they were missing out on.

Dr. Mohler always has a great feel for how culture and Christianity intersect these days and this particular post gives us all a lot to think about. I especially liked this quote from him:

“Join the revolution and refuse the seductions of the mind-numbing allure of all things digital — at least long enough to think a great thought, hear a great lecture, enjoy a quality conversation (with a real, live face-to-face human being), listen to a great sermon, visit a museum, read a good book, or take in a beautiful sunset.”

I listened to Proverbs 15 on the way in to work today and have been thinking about Dr. Mohler’s commentary. This is an important article from him. While I don’t have a Blackberry and barely use my cell phone, I can unfortunately see some of myself in Dr. Mohler’s words. You can read his entire post here.

 

What Are You Up To ?

One of the great things about the blogging community is the “trails” you find yourself on. You click on a friend’s blog, which leads to a comment on another blog that you might not have known about. From there, you find an inspiring post or a book or music recommendation. It seems like a community of never-ending branches.

I thought it would be nice to hear from some folks and see what you’re up to these days. Where are you in your Bible study ? What other books are you reading ? What music is in your iPod or CD player ?

This is my current list. Please share yours if you can

———————————————————-

1) Bible study - This week I started the book of Isaiah. I’m also still in 2nd Chronicles, as the reading plan I’m on goes in and out of these two books for a while.

2) Books I’m reading - I hope to finish John Calvin’s Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life soon. I’m also reading a commentary on the first 12 chapters of Isaiah. It’s called God of Grace, God of Glory by Fred M. Wood. I found it at a booksale last month for 25 cents.

3) Music - I recently downloaded a great album from iTunes. It’s a collection of hymns by Chris Rice called Peace Like A River: The Hymns Project. I’ve also been listening to Norah Jones a lot these days.

Anyway, I’d love to hear what you’re up to. Have a great weekend !

 

“Let Us Not Cease”

Sometimes I feel my progress as a Christian has been painfully slow. There are times when I feel the only way I’d be able to measure my growth in certain areas is with a real powerful microscope. I’ve written a lot on it here and most likely will continue to do so. In an odd way, I feel that writing about it helps me and is part of the growth.

Today I read a good word on this process. I started John Calvin’s short book “Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life”. On page 19, Calvin offers up this encouragement and asks us to view the process a little more patiently:

Let us not cease to do the utmost, that we may incessantly go forward in the way of the Lord; and let us not despair because of the smallness of our accomplishment.

Though we fall short, our labor is not lost if this day surpasses the preceding one.”

The pursuit of holiness. Each day that God grants us hopefully brings us closer…

 

Just One Verse

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” - 2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV)

This week I’ve been camped out in 2nd Chronicles and reading again through the stories of the kings. The above verse is what God spoke to Solomon after he had completed building the temple. I’ve been going over this verse quite a bit the last few days and thinking about the four commands that God has given to Solomon (and us) here:

• humble ourselves
• pray
• seek His face
• turn from our wicked ways

In going through this long parade of mostly bad kings, I think of how different things would have been for Saul if he had kept these commands. Or Ahab. Or Jeroboam. Or {insert name}…

But now though, I’ve realized that I should instead turn this focus on myself. How much different would things be for me if I started each day with these commands in mind ? Staying humble, consistent in prayer, looking to God at the first sign of trouble, and doing a 180 when confronted with sinful behavior.

Just one verse, but a lot to think about…

 

One Without The Other

“O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” - Romans 7:24 (NKJV)

Pride. That old enemy resurfaces and keeps showing his face.

Last week Amy asked me to help her with something that should have taken no more than five minutes. She wanted help bringing the plants inside so they wouldn’t freeze that night. Instead I complained as I helped and basically hinted that I would have done it differently, and bought them later on in May so we wouldn’t run into this. And of course, turned something into an issue that just shouldn’t have been one. That’s me…I always know better ! And I hate myself for being that way.

I was having dinner with one of the pastors last week and explained this situation to him. I said, “Pastor, I just don’t get it. I continually think to myself, ‘Next time, I’ll be more patient and handle things differently.’ But then I wind up doing the same thing all over again.”

I then said I sometimes feel like Paul in Romans 7. “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” - Romans 7:15 (ESV). It’s at these times I feel that I can’t possibly ask God for more grace in these things, that I’ve wrung it all dry. I’ve asked and prayed about it too many times.

That’s when Pastor Jay jumped in. He said, “Joe, you can’t do that. Don’t give me Romans 7 without also giving me Romans 8. You can’t have one without the other.”

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” - Romans 8:1-2 (ESV)

I think this is another area where pride comes in for me too…that I can make myself feel better by beating myself up over how sinful I am (?). I recently came across a quote from C.J. Mahaney’s book “The Cross Centered Life” about how wrong-headed this kind of thinking is:

“Don’t buy the lie that cultivating condemnation and wallowing in your shame is somehow pleasing to God, or that a constant, low-grade guilt will somehow promote holiness and spiritual maturity.

It’s just the opposite! God is glorified when we believe with all our hearts that those who trust in Christ can never be condemned. It’s only when we receive his free gift of grace and live in the good of total forgiveness that we’re able to turn from old, sinful ways of living and walk in grace-motivated obedience.”

This is a very difficult concept for me to get a handle on. I think sometimes that if I let go of the “wallowing”, as C.J. puts it, then I’ll fall into the “I’m a good person” mentality, and everything will swing back the other way. I know that grace is there, but I feel better holding onto the awareness of how sinful I am.

But…you can’t have one without the other. I thank God that through his Word, and through brothers and sisters around me, that I’ve been reminded again of that.

 

Reflecting on Psalm 69

The Bible reading plan I’m following this year mixes in three Psalms periodically throughout the year, so you would just be reading them on 50 days of the year. I’ve found that I haven’t taken in as much from them this way, just reading three together and then moving on to the next Scripture reading in the plan. So I’m going to try to read one Psalm every morning from here on out. I think it will allow me to focus more and think more deeply about that Psalm’s message, without being put together with others in a bunch.

Anyway, on Saturday the next one up in my plan was Psalm 69. I’ve been thinking hard about verses 30-32, particularly verse 30. Here is the ESV version of these verses:

I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.
This will please the LORD more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs.
When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive.”

I’ve also been reading through John Calvin’s commentary on this Psalm. This is part of his commentary on verse 30:

“God is here said to be magnified by our praises; not because any addition can be made to his dignity and glory, which are infinite, but because by our praises his name is exalted among men.”

What does “I will magnify him with thanksgiving” mean to you ? How do you see that playing out in your own life today, this week, this month, etc. ?

 

A Potential Problem

And the LORD was grieved that he had made Saul king over Israel.” - 1 Samuel 15:35 (NIV)

One of my favorite days in sports happens this weekend: the NFL Draft. The 32 NFL teams select college football players that they hope will really improve their team. For a fan, it’s a nice oasis in the middle of the very long NFL offseason, where the Super Bowl is a few months gone by and the new season is still a long ways away.

There is one word that you’ll hear this weekend from the draft commentators more than any other: potential. “Boy this guy has the potential to be a great running back.” - “He’s got the potential to be the next Tom Brady or Peyton Manning.” But many players selected in the draft don’t turn into superstars. They have all the measurable things that teams look for (size, speed, strength, etc.) but for some reason it never comes together for them. I remember a commentator asking a coach about a player’s potential once, and the coach answered back, “Potential just means you ain’t done it yet !”

So flash back about 3,000 years. Saul sure had potential, didn’t he ? In 1 Samuel 9, he’s described as an “impressive young man without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the others.” On top of that, he was anointed as Israel’s first king. But it soon became clear that, while Saul had all the “measurables”, he lacked a heart for God. Not long after, he improperly offered burnt offerings to God while waiting for Samuel. Then he disobeyed God’s command to completely destroy the Amalekites in battle, and instead spared some of them. Samuel let Saul know that God was not pleased and asked him, “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD?” (1 Sam 15:22). It didn’t take long for Saul to get off on the wrong foot. And finally, Saul became obsessed with David over what seemed to be a trivial issue - that David had killed thousands more in battle than Saul did. All of these factors and more led to Saul’s own destruction and foreshadowed a long line of disobedient and evil kings in both kingdoms. Saul appeared to have it all, but squandered it.

Saul’s life after becoming king is a clear example of how not to follow God. Disobedience and jealousy are sins that can lead to our downfall. Saul certainly had great potential. But his unfaithful response to God’s calling is unfortunately his legacy.

 

Riding The Waves

Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down.” - Mark 6:51 (NIV)

Jimmy Johnson, the former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, offered some words of motivation to his team before they played the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVII. His message to the team was on staying focused and how important it would be to keep distractions to a minimum while playing the game:

“I told them that if I laid a two-by-four across the room, everybody there would walk across it and not fall, because our focus would be that we were going to walk that two-by-four. But if put that same two-by-four 10 stories high between two buildings, only a few would make it, because the focus would be on falling. Focus is everything.”

Johnson’s pep talk seemed to sink in. The Cowboys beat the Bills, 52-17, to win the Super Bowl. Sorry for the reminder Pastor Bill.

For some reason, I thought about Johnson’s words yesterday after our pastor’s sermon and tracked down Johnson’s quote after Googling it. Continuing in the Gospel of Mark, our pastor preached on Mark 6:45-56 on Sunday, and the account of Jesus walking on water. A parallel account in Matthew’s Gospel goes into a bit more detail. Jesus had dismissed his disciples and gone up to the mountainside to pray. Afterwards, as the disciples were in the boat and out in the water, Jesus begins to walk towards them on the waves. After reassuring the disciples not to be afraid, Peter answers, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” (Matt. 14:28, NIV). Jesus calls to Peter to start walking and he does. But not long after, Peter sees the wind around him, becomes afraid, and starts to sink. He then cries out, “Lord, save me !”

As He catches him, Jesus replies, “You of little faith, why did you doubt ?”

Peter’s trouble here is something that’s common for many of us. It’s an example of what happens when distractions enter our lives. We may have our hearts and minds set totally on God on Sunday, after worship and the sermon concludes. But then the realities of the work week set in. Like Peter, we begin to notice the winds around us and start to sink. By Wednesday or Thursday, the two-by-four is no longer on the ground, but 10 stories high, and we wobble across it while trying to keep fellowship with God. We can lose focus, and even worse, we can lose faith. It is at that point that we need to dig a little deeper into God’s Word, to seek out fellowship with brothers and sisters around us, and to pray that much harder. And it is exactly at those moments that we must remember the words of Our Savior, as he reassured His disciples on that boat:

“Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

 

The ESV Study Bible

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” - John 17:17 (ESV)

Although I’ve built up a nice collection of study Bibles without having to spend a boatload of money (thank you Amazon and Ebay ), there’s news today of a new study Bible that I may have to start saving for. Desiring God and the ESV Bible Blog have previews of the new ESV Study Bible. This looks like a must-have.

My only problem is the release date. October 15th ? You mean we have to wait six more months ?

 

Around The Horn - April 2008

What follows is some of the blogs and sites that I’ve found recently that I really enjoy. I’ve tried to do this kind of roundup once a month, but haven’t quite done it on schedule.

* William Petruzzo - lots of good thoughts and many book reviews on this site. Lately he’s been reading Puritan literature and commentaries, including this one on Ephesians. A good place to stop if you’re looking to add books to your reading list. Check it out !

* Hope Road - Anna has recently posted on “How To Start A Blog” and “The Discipline of Daily Devotions“. She also has a review posted on the new ESV bible, for those of you who enjoy that translation. Good stuff !

* A Heart Set On Pilgrimage - Amy writes some of the most heartfelt posts I’ve found anywhere. See this one on “Cognitive Christianity“. Bookmark this site !

Just wanted to give these sites a tip of the cap. Hope you enjoy them

 

Have Faith

“Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.” - Mark 11:23 (ESV)

The last couple of weekends, our pastors have preached through Mark 5:21-43 and 6:1-29. What I find so interesting is that these passages, placed back to back in Mark’s Gospel, each give startling contrasts of the tremendous power of faith, and also, the unfortunate lack of it as well.

Mark 5:25-34 gives the account of the unclean woman. Think about her circumstances. She has been dealing with a blood discharge for twelve years. During that time, she’s gone through many doctors, all of her money, and in addition to her physical issues, she’s regarded as an outcast where she lives. Leviticus 15 outlines the law surrounding her physical problems. So it’s probably not a stretch to say she’s reached the end of her rope. She’s desperate. But apparently she’s also connected enough to society to hear the great stories of Jesus’ healing. A glimmer of hope has appeared for her in her struggle. She figures that if she can just get close enough to touch him, it’ll be enough to get healed.

What do you think was going through her mind as she got closer to Jesus ? I wonder if she knew in advance that he would be traveling through her area that day. Can you imagine if she did ? Waking up with that kind of excitement ? “Today, finally, I have a chance to be clean. After 12 long years !” She must have been so nervous as she approached him, but probably unable to contain her excitement. You also get the sense that she wanted to touch Jesus, be healed and then fade away, not wanting to trouble him. She didn’t answer immediately when Jesus asked, “Who touched my clothes ?” And although she was afraid, he persisted in having her come forward, so that others in the crowd could see her faith. “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” (5:34)

I love this story.

On the other hand, Mark 6:1-6 explains how the folks in Jesus’ hometown disregarded him and his ministry. “Is not this the carpenter ?” they asked. The jealousy and envy was all around him, right outside his home. It’s here that Jesus declares he is a “prophet without honor”. But what he thinks of them is verse 6 is devastating.

“And he marveled because of their unbelief.”

Compare the hometowners with the unclean woman. Can you get more opposite in faith ? The hometown people’s own sinful and envious ways kept them from acknowledging the Savior right in front of them. And yet the unclean woman ventured out into society, knowing she was an outcast, but with such faith that she scrambled just to lay a hand on him, to be healed and made clean.

This woman sets quite an example for us. We should scramble every day just to get closer to Him, to fellowship with Him, to live out His Word. To be healed.

Heavenly Father, I pray that you never “marvel at my unbelief”.