Are you ready to get real with God? Are you giving everthing you've got with the time you've got right now?
Being a Christian gives us no assurance of tomorrow.
Today I had an experience with mild persercution for my faith. I did nothing that others have not done before me. I did not put myself out there in a way in which one would expect hostility, and yet some people have a focused anger and aggression towards Christians and you never know when someone like this will cross paths with you.
While I was not harmed and probably had no reason to expect that I might be, I felt fear. This is incredibly humbling because I recognize the length to which so many have gone before me to proclaim their faith and sometimes simply love in the name of Jesus Christ - unto the point of death. The early church planters and ministers operated in an extremely hostile environment. Throughout the ages there have been Christians who suffered perserverance to a much higher level than I did today. Many were killed.
It made me ask the question: what is the difference between me and them?
The truth is there are Christians today who are laying down everything they have for the sake of Christ. Am I ready to do that? How much time do I have? Am I giving my everything? I realized that I need to get real with God. Not tomorrow. Not later. Now.
Have you asked yourself those questions? Isn't it time you get real with God as if every moment counts? It is for me.
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Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Isaiah 2:22
Stop trusting in man,
who has but a breath in his nostrils.
Of what account is he?
In Genesis 2:7 we read, “the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” Jesus is the source. He is the one who gave us breath that we may speak; and yet, so often we find ourselves trusting in the words of man instead of in the Word of God.
Our culture is obsessed with idolizing people. We elevate and expect people to be something that we are not, and then when we find out that they are like us – we curse them for it. Think of the recent fall of Tiger Woods - a man who has talent beyond compare on the golf course, elevated as a hero and inspiration to kids and golfers around the world. And yet, he is a man – fallen as each of us are. This fact was illuminated and magnified in the recent events revealing his sex addiction which resulted in several affairs. He never asked for our trust, and yet we were quick to give it. Should it really be any surprise that he let us down?
Perhaps you have trusted in yourself and your own abilities. Maybe you have trusted in a man you perceive to be Godly – a pastor or a grandfather. Maybe you trust in a coworker who you assume will always have your back. We are creatures looking to trust. We need someone to run to. Someone to look up to. And someone to steady the stormy waters of life.
The truth is that everything changes. People are people, and our words are just words.
But God is God. As He was, He is. As He is, He always will be. His Word never changes. Until we anchor ourselves in Christ, we will never know peace in our lives. Until we lean our ladder on Him, we will reach the top with disappointment. Who are you trusting in? Creation or Creator?
who has but a breath in his nostrils.
Of what account is he?
In Genesis 2:7 we read, “the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” Jesus is the source. He is the one who gave us breath that we may speak; and yet, so often we find ourselves trusting in the words of man instead of in the Word of God.
Our culture is obsessed with idolizing people. We elevate and expect people to be something that we are not, and then when we find out that they are like us – we curse them for it. Think of the recent fall of Tiger Woods - a man who has talent beyond compare on the golf course, elevated as a hero and inspiration to kids and golfers around the world. And yet, he is a man – fallen as each of us are. This fact was illuminated and magnified in the recent events revealing his sex addiction which resulted in several affairs. He never asked for our trust, and yet we were quick to give it. Should it really be any surprise that he let us down?
Perhaps you have trusted in yourself and your own abilities. Maybe you have trusted in a man you perceive to be Godly – a pastor or a grandfather. Maybe you trust in a coworker who you assume will always have your back. We are creatures looking to trust. We need someone to run to. Someone to look up to. And someone to steady the stormy waters of life.
The truth is that everything changes. People are people, and our words are just words.
But God is God. As He was, He is. As He is, He always will be. His Word never changes. Until we anchor ourselves in Christ, we will never know peace in our lives. Until we lean our ladder on Him, we will reach the top with disappointment. Who are you trusting in? Creation or Creator?
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Ecclesiastes 7:20
There is not a righteous man on earth
Who does what is right and never sins.
How much sin is pleasant in the sight of God? How much more does God love he who sins less? Two men come before God, one who has committed a lie to his spouse, and the other who has not lied for a number of days; will not God smile on the latter?
Not one is greater than another. Not one can come before God upright. No, not one is righteous on earth.
It is not the acts of man that serve to please God. It is God alone who loves and gives grace. He defines the righteous and He defines the wicked. This verse in Ecclesiastes is a great qualifying verse for the many Psalms referring to the wicked and the righteous. The truth is that there is not one who is righteous, but that God has made atonement for him; that is that God has relieved his burden and placed it upon Himself.
Look not to the righteous. Look not to the wicked. Look to the God who saves.
Who does what is right and never sins.
How much sin is pleasant in the sight of God? How much more does God love he who sins less? Two men come before God, one who has committed a lie to his spouse, and the other who has not lied for a number of days; will not God smile on the latter?
Not one is greater than another. Not one can come before God upright. No, not one is righteous on earth.
It is not the acts of man that serve to please God. It is God alone who loves and gives grace. He defines the righteous and He defines the wicked. This verse in Ecclesiastes is a great qualifying verse for the many Psalms referring to the wicked and the righteous. The truth is that there is not one who is righteous, but that God has made atonement for him; that is that God has relieved his burden and placed it upon Himself.
Look not to the righteous. Look not to the wicked. Look to the God who saves.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Proverbs 15:31+32
He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.
He who ignores discipline despises himself,
But whoever heeds correction gains understanding.
Over and over in the proverbs of Solomon we find the theme of humility in correction. Solomon himself was the wisest man who ever lived, filled with knowledge beyond compare. He was a king who was more rich than any king before him. Anything Solomon wanted, it was his. If we were in that situation, just how humble would we be? It is hard to imagine someone rebuking Solomon – and yet Solomon, if it came from a credible source, would have heeded the wisdom of others. We read that Solomon set up a council of elders who advised him through every decision; even Solomon listened to advise from Godly counsel.
How do you react to correction? Do you get defensive? Impatient? Angry? Or are you humble and accepting of rebuke? Proverbs says to love wisdom is to love rebuke. Proverbs 19:20 says this clearly and succinctly, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.” None of us have this all down. None of us are a finished project - God is still working on all of us. He was still working on Solomon. Be slow to anger, slow to speak, and quick to listen. Who do you have to correct you in your life? Do you accept instruction? You will never know wisdom if you have neither.
He who ignores discipline despises himself,
But whoever heeds correction gains understanding.
Over and over in the proverbs of Solomon we find the theme of humility in correction. Solomon himself was the wisest man who ever lived, filled with knowledge beyond compare. He was a king who was more rich than any king before him. Anything Solomon wanted, it was his. If we were in that situation, just how humble would we be? It is hard to imagine someone rebuking Solomon – and yet Solomon, if it came from a credible source, would have heeded the wisdom of others. We read that Solomon set up a council of elders who advised him through every decision; even Solomon listened to advise from Godly counsel.
How do you react to correction? Do you get defensive? Impatient? Angry? Or are you humble and accepting of rebuke? Proverbs says to love wisdom is to love rebuke. Proverbs 19:20 says this clearly and succinctly, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.” None of us have this all down. None of us are a finished project - God is still working on all of us. He was still working on Solomon. Be slow to anger, slow to speak, and quick to listen. Who do you have to correct you in your life? Do you accept instruction? You will never know wisdom if you have neither.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Proverbs 11:7
When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes;
all he expected from his power comes to nothing.
What are you investing in? Our culture is obsessed with status and material possessions. We exalt those who overcome the odds to accomplish much in regards to their business, their finances, where they live, and who they get to hang out with. But what did it cost them in the process? Family relationships? Integrity? Humility? Their faith? If it is any of these or many other things of eternal worth, they are a fool - for what promises in this life, perishes in the next.
So I ask you again, what are you investing in? Will it follow you into eternity, or will it die with your body? Don't think simply on a large scale either; how much time are you spending trying to get that next level up in your favorite video game versus the amount of time you help out around the house, expressing gratitude to a parent or spouse? How much time do you spend looking at yourself in a mirror at the gym instead of working out your salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) - are you in your Bible? How much of God's money are you spending on that new outfit that will affirm your financial status to your friends versus giving money to those who have little - are you loving those who God loves or are you loving yourself?
You get the picture. There is somewhere in my life and in your life where we are investing our time, money, or energy into something that is perishing. Where can we make the best investment possible with what we've got? We need to think eternal, not temporal.
all he expected from his power comes to nothing.
What are you investing in? Our culture is obsessed with status and material possessions. We exalt those who overcome the odds to accomplish much in regards to their business, their finances, where they live, and who they get to hang out with. But what did it cost them in the process? Family relationships? Integrity? Humility? Their faith? If it is any of these or many other things of eternal worth, they are a fool - for what promises in this life, perishes in the next.
So I ask you again, what are you investing in? Will it follow you into eternity, or will it die with your body? Don't think simply on a large scale either; how much time are you spending trying to get that next level up in your favorite video game versus the amount of time you help out around the house, expressing gratitude to a parent or spouse? How much time do you spend looking at yourself in a mirror at the gym instead of working out your salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) - are you in your Bible? How much of God's money are you spending on that new outfit that will affirm your financial status to your friends versus giving money to those who have little - are you loving those who God loves or are you loving yourself?
You get the picture. There is somewhere in my life and in your life where we are investing our time, money, or energy into something that is perishing. Where can we make the best investment possible with what we've got? We need to think eternal, not temporal.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Proverbs 7:7-13a, 21-23
I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment. He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in.
Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. (She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home; now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.) She took hold of him and kissed him...
With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life.
Have you led yourself into the snare? Have you been the simple-minded and foolish man who let down his guard and walked right into sin? Lust, Bitterness, Adultery, Pride - these are the sins of the prostitute; her feet never stay at home, at every corner she lurks.
Many times we have to install personal legalisms into our lives to ensure we don't fall to her temptations. I have mine. One, for example, I must practice every morning. I have had a history of falling into her temptations in the morning, while lying in my bed half asleep, half awake, when my thoughts are prone to wander. So this is what I must do: I must stay away from her doorstep. I do this by getting up when I first awake and, picking up my Bible, immediately begin to read scripture and focus my mind of God. This is important for me; is it essential for everyone? No. It is a personal legalism so that I do not fall to the prostitute's temptations.
Where in your life do you need to apply some personal legalisms? Do not be a fool! Do not walk in the direction of her house! She is calling out to you in a loud voice; but so is Wisdom. Wisdom says take stock of your situation, listen to sound advise, take the long route home if you have to; Do whatever it takes to not fall to the prostitute's snare, or it will cost you your life.
Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. (She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home; now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.) She took hold of him and kissed him...
With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life.
Have you led yourself into the snare? Have you been the simple-minded and foolish man who let down his guard and walked right into sin? Lust, Bitterness, Adultery, Pride - these are the sins of the prostitute; her feet never stay at home, at every corner she lurks.
Many times we have to install personal legalisms into our lives to ensure we don't fall to her temptations. I have mine. One, for example, I must practice every morning. I have had a history of falling into her temptations in the morning, while lying in my bed half asleep, half awake, when my thoughts are prone to wander. So this is what I must do: I must stay away from her doorstep. I do this by getting up when I first awake and, picking up my Bible, immediately begin to read scripture and focus my mind of God. This is important for me; is it essential for everyone? No. It is a personal legalism so that I do not fall to the prostitute's temptations.
Where in your life do you need to apply some personal legalisms? Do not be a fool! Do not walk in the direction of her house! She is calling out to you in a loud voice; but so is Wisdom. Wisdom says take stock of your situation, listen to sound advise, take the long route home if you have to; Do whatever it takes to not fall to the prostitute's snare, or it will cost you your life.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Psalm 138:8a
The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.
We often pray to God, asking Jesus that He would guide us in our lives. We ask Him that we would know His purpose for our life and that we can walk in it. These are not bad things, but are we too often focused on what we do to fulfill God's purpose for our life? Instead of always asking God that He would be glorified in our lives, praise Him that He will be glorified no matter what.
I recently heard someone say that we will bring glory to God no matter what - it's what part of God's character we glorify that depends on how we live our life and if we submit to Him or not. See, even those that will be damned to hell for their rejection of Jesus will bring glory to God's unending strength, righteousness, and justice. Those who have experienced salvation through Jesus Christ will glorify God's grace and compassion. Even in this life, many times the continual acts of evil men bring about their own downfall and God gets the glory.
My intent is not that we become apathetic towards the issue, but that we would recognize that it is God alone who directs our path. Psalm 119:91 says, "Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve You." God is sovereign and in control; He will fulfill His purpose for you and for I despite ourselves.
We often pray to God, asking Jesus that He would guide us in our lives. We ask Him that we would know His purpose for our life and that we can walk in it. These are not bad things, but are we too often focused on what we do to fulfill God's purpose for our life? Instead of always asking God that He would be glorified in our lives, praise Him that He will be glorified no matter what.
I recently heard someone say that we will bring glory to God no matter what - it's what part of God's character we glorify that depends on how we live our life and if we submit to Him or not. See, even those that will be damned to hell for their rejection of Jesus will bring glory to God's unending strength, righteousness, and justice. Those who have experienced salvation through Jesus Christ will glorify God's grace and compassion. Even in this life, many times the continual acts of evil men bring about their own downfall and God gets the glory.
My intent is not that we become apathetic towards the issue, but that we would recognize that it is God alone who directs our path. Psalm 119:91 says, "Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve You." God is sovereign and in control; He will fulfill His purpose for you and for I despite ourselves.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Psalm 97:7
All who worship images are put to shame,
Those who boast in idols-
Worship Him, all you gods!
Let us not think that idolatry is dead. Our society is entrenched in idol worship! Idol worship is elevating anything in creation above the Creator. Perhaps the most widely worshipped idol in America is sex and pornography. We worship images of creation instead of the Creator. More money is spent on the porn industry in the US than on the NFL, NBA, and MLB put together. Pornographic movies gross ten times the amount of all mainstream Hollywood movies! It is an epidemic that is reaching radical proportions. We are called to worship God! Instead we worship the desires of our bodies and fulfill them in perverted ways. Soon God will put our country to shame. He will put us as individuals to shame. We will be judged for our sins and our idol worship. Let us rise above what is the social norm, to what God calls us to be: set apart for His glory, lifting up His name above all other names.
Those who boast in idols-
Worship Him, all you gods!
Let us not think that idolatry is dead. Our society is entrenched in idol worship! Idol worship is elevating anything in creation above the Creator. Perhaps the most widely worshipped idol in America is sex and pornography. We worship images of creation instead of the Creator. More money is spent on the porn industry in the US than on the NFL, NBA, and MLB put together. Pornographic movies gross ten times the amount of all mainstream Hollywood movies! It is an epidemic that is reaching radical proportions. We are called to worship God! Instead we worship the desires of our bodies and fulfill them in perverted ways. Soon God will put our country to shame. He will put us as individuals to shame. We will be judged for our sins and our idol worship. Let us rise above what is the social norm, to what God calls us to be: set apart for His glory, lifting up His name above all other names.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Becoming Lord of the Rings
About six months ago, Angela and I watched all three of the 'Lord of the Rings' movies. While watching I was deeply moved. It became so apparent to me that the ring was a symbol of an addiction to sin in my life.
The reason we sin is because we want to.
The reason Gollum let the ring destroy him is because he wouldn't let it go.
We may feel guilty after acting against the character of God and realize our falleness - but the ring soon calls out to us again. It haunts us until we think that whatever is on the other side is worth a peek. This is especially true with addictions and behavioral vices: alchohol, sex, food, abuse, pornography, drugs, hate, etc.
We all have our own battles - you have yours and I have mine. But God has called us all to be Frodo's. He has given us the role of ring-bearers, traveling through treacherous and desolate lands until we reach the heart of Mordor. It is a land deep within the enemy's territory where we must break the chains of sin. We all must throw the ring into Mount Doom.
I decided that I needed to be reminded everyday to do the right thing; to not turn to false idols and addictions. So I bought myself a ring and a simple beaded necklace. Ever since we watched those movies, I have worn it around my neck as a symbol that I will not compromise my beliefs and my purity. Jesus said, "Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:27) I must carry my cross until the day of final redemption, when Jesus will throw the ring into Mount Doom, and I will sin no more.
Until then I am on this journey. But I can't go it alone - I need a Sam. You remember him? Throughout the story Frodo has a co-adventurer who is his closest friend and a rock when he needs one. Frodo couldn't do it without Sam; many times he almost fell into the rings temptation but Sam was there to grab him and focus him on his mission: destroy the ring.
We are all on this journey. And we all need a Sam.
The reason we sin is because we want to.
The reason Gollum let the ring destroy him is because he wouldn't let it go.
We may feel guilty after acting against the character of God and realize our falleness - but the ring soon calls out to us again. It haunts us until we think that whatever is on the other side is worth a peek. This is especially true with addictions and behavioral vices: alchohol, sex, food, abuse, pornography, drugs, hate, etc.
We all have our own battles - you have yours and I have mine. But God has called us all to be Frodo's. He has given us the role of ring-bearers, traveling through treacherous and desolate lands until we reach the heart of Mordor. It is a land deep within the enemy's territory where we must break the chains of sin. We all must throw the ring into Mount Doom.
I decided that I needed to be reminded everyday to do the right thing; to not turn to false idols and addictions. So I bought myself a ring and a simple beaded necklace. Ever since we watched those movies, I have worn it around my neck as a symbol that I will not compromise my beliefs and my purity. Jesus said, "Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:27) I must carry my cross until the day of final redemption, when Jesus will throw the ring into Mount Doom, and I will sin no more.
Until then I am on this journey. But I can't go it alone - I need a Sam. You remember him? Throughout the story Frodo has a co-adventurer who is his closest friend and a rock when he needs one. Frodo couldn't do it without Sam; many times he almost fell into the rings temptation but Sam was there to grab him and focus him on his mission: destroy the ring.
We are all on this journey. And we all need a Sam.
Psalm 89:15
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
Who walk in the light of Your presence, O Lord.
We all have those days when we just don’t want to get out of bed. We don’t want to face the challenges the day faces. Or perhaps we feel guilty over our sin and we struggle to see hope. We are downcast. Many times when we feel this, the last thing we think of doing is worshipping the Lord. Our default is rarely letting out shouts of joy to Jesus. We are lucky if we turn to God at all.
Our society is constantly pushing the idea of independence. It is up to us to be strong and solve our own problems. I feel this especially as a man. Men are not the one to be pictured in the counselor’s office, letting it all out. One way that some are inclined to react is self-disgust – this results in cutting and other self-inflicting and self-medicating actions.
What the Bible says is completely opposite. Not only are we to come to God; we are to come to Him with praises. We are to acclaim His name. Even in the darkness of our life, we are instructed to walk in the light of Jesus’ presence. As I said, this is not our default; however, the Psalmist recognized this and noted that this is a learned process. Have you learned to praise God in the storm? In the monotony of everyday life? Have you turned your face to Him in the midst of shame? Blessed are those who do.
Who walk in the light of Your presence, O Lord.
We all have those days when we just don’t want to get out of bed. We don’t want to face the challenges the day faces. Or perhaps we feel guilty over our sin and we struggle to see hope. We are downcast. Many times when we feel this, the last thing we think of doing is worshipping the Lord. Our default is rarely letting out shouts of joy to Jesus. We are lucky if we turn to God at all.
Our society is constantly pushing the idea of independence. It is up to us to be strong and solve our own problems. I feel this especially as a man. Men are not the one to be pictured in the counselor’s office, letting it all out. One way that some are inclined to react is self-disgust – this results in cutting and other self-inflicting and self-medicating actions.
What the Bible says is completely opposite. Not only are we to come to God; we are to come to Him with praises. We are to acclaim His name. Even in the darkness of our life, we are instructed to walk in the light of Jesus’ presence. As I said, this is not our default; however, the Psalmist recognized this and noted that this is a learned process. Have you learned to praise God in the storm? In the monotony of everyday life? Have you turned your face to Him in the midst of shame? Blessed are those who do.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Psalm 62:11-12a
One thing God has spoken,
Two things have I heard:
That You, O God, are strong,
And that You, O God, are loving.
I am constantly faced with the question: is God a righteous judge of wrath or is He a loving, merciful king. As finite beings we cannot fully comprehend how Jesus can be both. It is the question itself that is flawed, however. David here addresses the issue using the idea of both/and rather than either/or. God is entirely holy, or set apart. He is entirely one with Himself – there is no contention within Him. I am soon to be a father to my first child, my first son. I imagine that punishing him will sometimes be hard because I love him so much, but I know that I have to teach him that actions have consequences. Jesus does the same thing except that there is no question in His heart if He is being a good parent. There is oneness in God. The way we describe His attributes is exactly that – the way we describe His attributes. Truly, God is not merely loving, God is love. God is not merely strong, God is strength. All of His attributes flow out of each other and are in fact one attribute that is probably best described as holy. Holy is the most used adjective of God in the Bible – it is His favorite way to describe Himself. Holiness is God’s set apartedness, it is what makes Him unique beyond our comprehension. When we try to explain Him we are conflicted – but Jesus’ character is not. One thing God has spoken, two things have we heard.
Two things have I heard:
That You, O God, are strong,
And that You, O God, are loving.
I am constantly faced with the question: is God a righteous judge of wrath or is He a loving, merciful king. As finite beings we cannot fully comprehend how Jesus can be both. It is the question itself that is flawed, however. David here addresses the issue using the idea of both/and rather than either/or. God is entirely holy, or set apart. He is entirely one with Himself – there is no contention within Him. I am soon to be a father to my first child, my first son. I imagine that punishing him will sometimes be hard because I love him so much, but I know that I have to teach him that actions have consequences. Jesus does the same thing except that there is no question in His heart if He is being a good parent. There is oneness in God. The way we describe His attributes is exactly that – the way we describe His attributes. Truly, God is not merely loving, God is love. God is not merely strong, God is strength. All of His attributes flow out of each other and are in fact one attribute that is probably best described as holy. Holy is the most used adjective of God in the Bible – it is His favorite way to describe Himself. Holiness is God’s set apartedness, it is what makes Him unique beyond our comprehension. When we try to explain Him we are conflicted – but Jesus’ character is not. One thing God has spoken, two things have we heard.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Psalm 51
Have mercy on me, O God,
According to Your unfailing love;
According to Your great compassion
Blot out my transgressions.
Cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
And my sin is always before me.
Wash me and I will be whiter than snow.
Do you ever feel like your sin is always before you? Blocking the road to righteousness in Christ? Blocking the road to joy and freedom? I certainly have. In fact, if I’m honest, this is what I struggle with most as a follower of Jesus. I am a sinner, continually. Just when I think my sin is dealt with and I could never look back, I am reminded that my sin is always before me. And what’s hard is picking myself back up and following Jesus, knowing that I am ill-deserving of His grace. But it is not over. God is unfailing love. God is great compassion. He will wash me whiter than snow. I am humbled by this grace.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from Your presence
Or take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
And grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
David writes this Psalm after he has just committed adultery with Bathsheba. He is broken. He is confused. He is full of guilt. But he has hope. He asks God for a steadfast spirit. The key after sin is not to wallow in it or turn our face from God- but rather, to look Him full in the face, recognizing our absolute depravity and His absolute grace. This bring joy. This brings a willing spirit. This sustains us: when we pick up the scriptures right after we sin; when we pray for a pure heart right after we sin. Don’t wait – time brings ignorance, action brings renewal.
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
A broken and a contrite heart,
O God, You will not despise.
No matter what we have done, if we come to God with a contrite heart, He will not despise. He will give grace. Notice how David didn’t wait until he could gather his finest lamb to sacrifice to God. He didn’t wait until he could go to the temple. All he did was come to God with a broken spirit. Will we come to God in our brokenness?
According to Your unfailing love;
According to Your great compassion
Blot out my transgressions.
Cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
And my sin is always before me.
Wash me and I will be whiter than snow.
Do you ever feel like your sin is always before you? Blocking the road to righteousness in Christ? Blocking the road to joy and freedom? I certainly have. In fact, if I’m honest, this is what I struggle with most as a follower of Jesus. I am a sinner, continually. Just when I think my sin is dealt with and I could never look back, I am reminded that my sin is always before me. And what’s hard is picking myself back up and following Jesus, knowing that I am ill-deserving of His grace. But it is not over. God is unfailing love. God is great compassion. He will wash me whiter than snow. I am humbled by this grace.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from Your presence
Or take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
And grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
David writes this Psalm after he has just committed adultery with Bathsheba. He is broken. He is confused. He is full of guilt. But he has hope. He asks God for a steadfast spirit. The key after sin is not to wallow in it or turn our face from God- but rather, to look Him full in the face, recognizing our absolute depravity and His absolute grace. This bring joy. This brings a willing spirit. This sustains us: when we pick up the scriptures right after we sin; when we pray for a pure heart right after we sin. Don’t wait – time brings ignorance, action brings renewal.
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
A broken and a contrite heart,
O God, You will not despise.
No matter what we have done, if we come to God with a contrite heart, He will not despise. He will give grace. Notice how David didn’t wait until he could gather his finest lamb to sacrifice to God. He didn’t wait until he could go to the temple. All he did was come to God with a broken spirit. Will we come to God in our brokenness?
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Psalm 44
In God we make our boast all day long,
And we will praise Your name forever;
But now you have rejected us and humbled us;
You no longer go out with our armies.
You made us retreat before the enemy,
And our adversaries have plundered us.
You gave us up to be devoured like sheep
And have scattered us among the nations.
Sometimes the Lord takes away. Sometimes we just don’t have enough money to pay the bills. Sometimes the ones we love scorn us. Sometimes we are given up to be devoured like sheep. Why would a loving God do this? Had David some secret sin when he wrote this Psalm, causing God’s wrath to come upon him?
All this happened to us,
Though we had not forgotten You, or been false to Your covenant.
Our hearts had not turned back;
Our feet had not strayed from Your path.
But You crushed us and made us a haunt for jackals
And covered us over with deep darkness.
Do you feel that you have been wronged by God at some point in your life, or even right now? Are you being covered by deep darkness, wondering why God hasn’t protected you? These are the things David is going through, and we read that he had been faithful to God and had not strayed. So why did God do this? Was he being unfair? The truth is that if God were solely fair and just, He never would have cast us out of the Garden of Eden. He would have let us rot and die forever in our sin, departing from us forever. He would have never pursued us. But He is also Love; and just as a father doesn’t always give his son what he wants, he gives him understanding through the darkness – not out of spite but out of love. David is brought low, that he might not forget his place under God’s feet. He finishes up the Psalm:
We are brought down to the dust;
Our bodies cling to the ground.
Rise up and help us;
Redeem us because of your unfailing love.
And we will praise Your name forever;
But now you have rejected us and humbled us;
You no longer go out with our armies.
You made us retreat before the enemy,
And our adversaries have plundered us.
You gave us up to be devoured like sheep
And have scattered us among the nations.
Sometimes the Lord takes away. Sometimes we just don’t have enough money to pay the bills. Sometimes the ones we love scorn us. Sometimes we are given up to be devoured like sheep. Why would a loving God do this? Had David some secret sin when he wrote this Psalm, causing God’s wrath to come upon him?
All this happened to us,
Though we had not forgotten You, or been false to Your covenant.
Our hearts had not turned back;
Our feet had not strayed from Your path.
But You crushed us and made us a haunt for jackals
And covered us over with deep darkness.
Do you feel that you have been wronged by God at some point in your life, or even right now? Are you being covered by deep darkness, wondering why God hasn’t protected you? These are the things David is going through, and we read that he had been faithful to God and had not strayed. So why did God do this? Was he being unfair? The truth is that if God were solely fair and just, He never would have cast us out of the Garden of Eden. He would have let us rot and die forever in our sin, departing from us forever. He would have never pursued us. But He is also Love; and just as a father doesn’t always give his son what he wants, he gives him understanding through the darkness – not out of spite but out of love. David is brought low, that he might not forget his place under God’s feet. He finishes up the Psalm:
We are brought down to the dust;
Our bodies cling to the ground.
Rise up and help us;
Redeem us because of your unfailing love.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Psalm 5:3
“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice;
In the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation.”
How did you start your day this morning? It is nothing new to say that we are of a busy-bodied society. You and I are prone to complain that there are not enough hours in a day to get all of our “vitally important” tasks done. We need to step away from this and be people who are Spirit-led throughout the day, stopping at times when it seems least beneficial and talking to the Creator.
This needs to be a regular task – and I use the word task purposefully. Let us not make of Jesus just another check on our to-do list, but we certainly need to show Him that He is Lord of all, and sometimes that means scheduling in time for prayer. And guess what – He hears our voice. He is not like the arrogant boss at work who only hears what he wants to hear. He is not like the kids who must have everything repeated three times for them to hear it. No, He is the loving Father, waiting patiently for His sons and daughters to speak to Him – and He listens.
He doesn’t always answer right away – most the time He doesn’t. But did you ever consider this is because he wants us to be focused on him throughout our day? He wants us to be of good faith, waiting for that reply. This “expectation” as David writes in this Psalm, causes us to look to God. Isn’t that what God wants above all? And maybe, just maybe when we do that, He will grant us our requests for He is pleased in our response to our own requests. Yes, I believe God looks for our response to our own requests before He responds. How does that change the way you pray?
This time of quietude and seeking out Jesus, presenting Him with our concerns does not have to be in the morning – but doesn’t that give us the best opportunity to seek Him in expectation the rest of the day? Ask Jesus for a calming work environment. Ask Jesus for wisdom in teaching your kids. Ask Jesus to help you manage your time. Ask and wait in eager expectation. What are you asking Jesus for? What does your response to your request look like?
In the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation.”
How did you start your day this morning? It is nothing new to say that we are of a busy-bodied society. You and I are prone to complain that there are not enough hours in a day to get all of our “vitally important” tasks done. We need to step away from this and be people who are Spirit-led throughout the day, stopping at times when it seems least beneficial and talking to the Creator.
This needs to be a regular task – and I use the word task purposefully. Let us not make of Jesus just another check on our to-do list, but we certainly need to show Him that He is Lord of all, and sometimes that means scheduling in time for prayer. And guess what – He hears our voice. He is not like the arrogant boss at work who only hears what he wants to hear. He is not like the kids who must have everything repeated three times for them to hear it. No, He is the loving Father, waiting patiently for His sons and daughters to speak to Him – and He listens.
He doesn’t always answer right away – most the time He doesn’t. But did you ever consider this is because he wants us to be focused on him throughout our day? He wants us to be of good faith, waiting for that reply. This “expectation” as David writes in this Psalm, causes us to look to God. Isn’t that what God wants above all? And maybe, just maybe when we do that, He will grant us our requests for He is pleased in our response to our own requests. Yes, I believe God looks for our response to our own requests before He responds. How does that change the way you pray?
This time of quietude and seeking out Jesus, presenting Him with our concerns does not have to be in the morning – but doesn’t that give us the best opportunity to seek Him in expectation the rest of the day? Ask Jesus for a calming work environment. Ask Jesus for wisdom in teaching your kids. Ask Jesus to help you manage your time. Ask and wait in eager expectation. What are you asking Jesus for? What does your response to your request look like?
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