“The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.” (1 Sam 17:37)
When David first offered to go and fight Goliath, Saul turned him down. But David pressed his case, explaining how he had fought wild animals as a shepherd. No doubt Saul was impressed that a such a young man had killed lions and bears, but more impressive was his faith in God. Saul could see he was spiritually ready.
As adults, and especially as parents, we are naturally protective of the young and inexperienced. But there comes a time when we have to let our young people go fight the good fight. Over the past few years hundreds of thousands of parents have had to literally face that moment. Millions more have watched their children head off to college or a job in a different city. The battle ahead may “only” be a spiritual one, but the danger is real enough. Yet it would be a mistake to forever keep them safe behind our walls. There comes a time when we must say to them, “Go, and the Lord be with you.”
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Sin of the Sadducees
Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” (Mt 22:29)
The Sadducees tried to trip up Jesus with a tricky question about the resurrection, but Jesus would have none of it. He rebuked them because they knew neither God nor his word. The funny thing is, the specific question they asked is one that I don’t think any Bible scholars would know the answer to today if Jesus’ answer had not been recorded here in Scripture. So why was he all over them? Because he could see their hearts. The cynical, worldly Sadducees didn’t even believe in the resurrection; they just wanted to make Jesus look foolish. So Jesus goes straight to the heart of their issue: “You do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.”
So my first thought when I read that is, stupid Sadducees! You tell ‘em, Jesus. But I have to stop and ask myself, do I really know the Scriptures and the power of God? And I think the answer is, much less than I like to think. Do I live my life like someone who believes in a God who raises people from the dead? Do I experience the power of God in my life? Do I expect God to move powerfully in my life? If I had really taken the Scriptures to heart I would. I think I talk like a disciple but live like a Sadducee. Lord, help me to expect great things. Help me to have faith that you will act in a mighty way. You are the God who raises men from the dead! You rose from the dead! No question is too hard for you and no problem too great. Remind me of that when I falter. Keep me from the sin of the Sadducees.
The Sadducees tried to trip up Jesus with a tricky question about the resurrection, but Jesus would have none of it. He rebuked them because they knew neither God nor his word. The funny thing is, the specific question they asked is one that I don’t think any Bible scholars would know the answer to today if Jesus’ answer had not been recorded here in Scripture. So why was he all over them? Because he could see their hearts. The cynical, worldly Sadducees didn’t even believe in the resurrection; they just wanted to make Jesus look foolish. So Jesus goes straight to the heart of their issue: “You do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.”
So my first thought when I read that is, stupid Sadducees! You tell ‘em, Jesus. But I have to stop and ask myself, do I really know the Scriptures and the power of God? And I think the answer is, much less than I like to think. Do I live my life like someone who believes in a God who raises people from the dead? Do I experience the power of God in my life? Do I expect God to move powerfully in my life? If I had really taken the Scriptures to heart I would. I think I talk like a disciple but live like a Sadducee. Lord, help me to expect great things. Help me to have faith that you will act in a mighty way. You are the God who raises men from the dead! You rose from the dead! No question is too hard for you and no problem too great. Remind me of that when I falter. Keep me from the sin of the Sadducees.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Vending Machine God
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mk 11:24)
When I was younger I believed in a vending machine God. I thought this verse meant that God’s answer was automatic because I was unfamiliar with the many verses that illuminate prayer more fully. I also thought it was somehow my faith that made the prayer come true, as though the power was with me. I forgot that God is an active participant in the process, and that the most important part of prayer is the Father’s will, not mine. And yet, I would do well not to make the opposite mistake, and somehow think that my faith is unimportant. God wants our will to be aligned with him, and our trust as well. The perfect prayer is both fully aligned with his will and completely confident in the power of God to bring it to pass. We know that God is faithful and true, and he has all power to accomplish his purposes. Our faith is not in a prayer or in a plan, but in God himself.
When I was younger I believed in a vending machine God. I thought this verse meant that God’s answer was automatic because I was unfamiliar with the many verses that illuminate prayer more fully. I also thought it was somehow my faith that made the prayer come true, as though the power was with me. I forgot that God is an active participant in the process, and that the most important part of prayer is the Father’s will, not mine. And yet, I would do well not to make the opposite mistake, and somehow think that my faith is unimportant. God wants our will to be aligned with him, and our trust as well. The perfect prayer is both fully aligned with his will and completely confident in the power of God to bring it to pass. We know that God is faithful and true, and he has all power to accomplish his purposes. Our faith is not in a prayer or in a plan, but in God himself.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Don't Be Afraid
While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher any more?” Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mk 5:35-36)
Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” It is never too late for God to act. He is on his own timetable, and sometimes he chooses to wait until the situation seems completely hopeless. But we must never give in to fear. Instead, we must heed the words of Jesus and “Just believe.” God is sovereign. He heals. He saves. If he chooses to act he will do so in his own time. For my part I must simply remember he is in control.
Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” It is never too late for God to act. He is on his own timetable, and sometimes he chooses to wait until the situation seems completely hopeless. But we must never give in to fear. Instead, we must heed the words of Jesus and “Just believe.” God is sovereign. He heals. He saves. If he chooses to act he will do so in his own time. For my part I must simply remember he is in control.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Why Are You So Afraid?
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mk 4:39-40)
The disciples were afraid because they didn’t yet fully appreciate who they had with them. If they had truly understood that it was the Son of God asleep in the stern, they might have been able to guess that he was destined for a greater end than to drown in a storm. They would have known he has power over even the wind and the waves. Lord, help me to remember who I am with. I know you are all powerful and you love me. That’s all I need to know to drive away all fear. Even if I die today, I know I will be with you for all eternity.
The disciples were afraid because they didn’t yet fully appreciate who they had with them. If they had truly understood that it was the Son of God asleep in the stern, they might have been able to guess that he was destined for a greater end than to drown in a storm. They would have known he has power over even the wind and the waves. Lord, help me to remember who I am with. I know you are all powerful and you love me. That’s all I need to know to drive away all fear. Even if I die today, I know I will be with you for all eternity.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Never Forsaken
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (Ps 42:5)
The psalmist speaks of a time of trouble in his life, when tears are many and God seems far (v3). In the midst of his despondency, the psalmist reminds himself of the hope we have in God. Indeed, his longing for God has never seemed stronger (v1-2). The very distance he feels from God strengthens that longing.
But there is hope! Even as he wonders why God seems to have forgotten him (v9), his faith is strong. Times of refreshing will come again. What the psalmist recognizes is that his feelings of rejection and abandonment do not reflect the way things really are. God is present. God will save. Despair will give way to joy, and praise will once again flow freely from his heart.
It is natural for us to feel down when times are hard. But we must never forget that faith is not based on feelings, but on what we know of the character and constancy of God. He never leaves us. He never changes. I will put my hope in God.
The psalmist speaks of a time of trouble in his life, when tears are many and God seems far (v3). In the midst of his despondency, the psalmist reminds himself of the hope we have in God. Indeed, his longing for God has never seemed stronger (v1-2). The very distance he feels from God strengthens that longing.
But there is hope! Even as he wonders why God seems to have forgotten him (v9), his faith is strong. Times of refreshing will come again. What the psalmist recognizes is that his feelings of rejection and abandonment do not reflect the way things really are. God is present. God will save. Despair will give way to joy, and praise will once again flow freely from his heart.
It is natural for us to feel down when times are hard. But we must never forget that faith is not based on feelings, but on what we know of the character and constancy of God. He never leaves us. He never changes. I will put my hope in God.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Heaven Bound
Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose [to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, v4] and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. (2 Cor 5:5)
I have true knowledge, true confidence, of the resurrection to come by the presence of God’s Spirit in my heart. The more tangibly I experience his presence and his activity in my life, the more certain I am. This is why we can say that we know it is true and not just that we think it is true.
I have true knowledge, true confidence, of the resurrection to come by the presence of God’s Spirit in my heart. The more tangibly I experience his presence and his activity in my life, the more certain I am. This is why we can say that we know it is true and not just that we think it is true.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Don't Give Up
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. (Lk 18:1)
These words stirred my heart: “they should always pray and not give up.” My thoughts leapt immediately to my unsaved loved ones. Here is a verse that says it is ok to pray and pray and pray over and over again. If the unjust judge of the parable will answer the widow because of her persistence, how much more will God hear the persistent prayers of his children? The key here is faith. It takes faith to always pray and not give up: Faith in God and hope for the future. I will continue to pray!
These words stirred my heart: “they should always pray and not give up.” My thoughts leapt immediately to my unsaved loved ones. Here is a verse that says it is ok to pray and pray and pray over and over again. If the unjust judge of the parable will answer the widow because of her persistence, how much more will God hear the persistent prayers of his children? The key here is faith. It takes faith to always pray and not give up: Faith in God and hope for the future. I will continue to pray!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Saving Faith
Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven…Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Lk 7:48,50)
In Luke chapter 5 Jesus told the paralytic his sins were forgiven. Here he does the same with the woman who anointed his feet with perfume. But in this case he makes explicit why her sins were forgiven. It is her faith in Christ that saved her – the same basis as our forgiveness. Scripture also says that Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him as righteousness (Gen 15:6). Abraham didn't know the name of Jesus, but he knew he needed a Savior, and he knew God alone could save him from his sins. Whether a person lived before Jesus' lifetime, during his lifetime, or after his lifetime, there is and always has been only one basis for salvation: faith in our God and Savior Jesus Christ.
In Luke chapter 5 Jesus told the paralytic his sins were forgiven. Here he does the same with the woman who anointed his feet with perfume. But in this case he makes explicit why her sins were forgiven. It is her faith in Christ that saved her – the same basis as our forgiveness. Scripture also says that Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him as righteousness (Gen 15:6). Abraham didn't know the name of Jesus, but he knew he needed a Savior, and he knew God alone could save him from his sins. Whether a person lived before Jesus' lifetime, during his lifetime, or after his lifetime, there is and always has been only one basis for salvation: faith in our God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Never Stop Growing
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen! (2 Pet 3:18)
This is Peter’s charge at the close of his second epistle. He charges us to grow. Living things are never wholly static. If they are not growing they are dead. In the same way, our faith is a living faith and it must be growing. Healthy relationships grow, too. So must our relationship with God. We are to grow in grace and knowledge. I think growing in grace means to be living out God’s love toward others “in ever increasing measure.” We do that by knowing him closer and better. If we truly know him then we love one another.
This is Peter’s charge at the close of his second epistle. He charges us to grow. Living things are never wholly static. If they are not growing they are dead. In the same way, our faith is a living faith and it must be growing. Healthy relationships grow, too. So must our relationship with God. We are to grow in grace and knowledge. I think growing in grace means to be living out God’s love toward others “in ever increasing measure.” We do that by knowing him closer and better. If we truly know him then we love one another.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Mission Impossible
But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” (Mk 6:37)
Jesus knew the disciples had no food to feed 5000 people. He also knew what he was going to do. Still he commanded the disciples to feed the people. God will sometimes tell us to do seemingly impossible things, and we must not think that we misheard him. Instead, we must realize that it is an invitation to participate in a miracle! It is time to step out in faith and begin such preparations as we are able, bringing what we have to bear on the problem and trusting God to multiply our efforts. We can expect that he will usually give us our detailed instructions one step at a time.
Jesus knew the disciples had no food to feed 5000 people. He also knew what he was going to do. Still he commanded the disciples to feed the people. God will sometimes tell us to do seemingly impossible things, and we must not think that we misheard him. Instead, we must realize that it is an invitation to participate in a miracle! It is time to step out in faith and begin such preparations as we are able, bringing what we have to bear on the problem and trusting God to multiply our efforts. We can expect that he will usually give us our detailed instructions one step at a time.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Drop Everything
At once they left their nets and followed him. (Mk 1:18)
I’ve always been intrigued by the image of the disciples literally dropping their nets, leaving their companions behind, and immediately following Jesus. This intrigues me because I think I would never do anything so precipitous. I am always second-guessing myself and it leads to hesitation and inaction. Was it the uniqueness of this moment (the calling of the disciples) that made such precipitousness ok, or am I simply too cautious as a follower of Christ? Lord, I want to be bold as your disciple. I want to be capable of decisive action. Give me the faith to not be always hedging my bets – keeping Plan B as an option in case stepping out in faith doesn’t pan out. Lord, increase my faith!
I’ve always been intrigued by the image of the disciples literally dropping their nets, leaving their companions behind, and immediately following Jesus. This intrigues me because I think I would never do anything so precipitous. I am always second-guessing myself and it leads to hesitation and inaction. Was it the uniqueness of this moment (the calling of the disciples) that made such precipitousness ok, or am I simply too cautious as a follower of Christ? Lord, I want to be bold as your disciple. I want to be capable of decisive action. Give me the faith to not be always hedging my bets – keeping Plan B as an option in case stepping out in faith doesn’t pan out. Lord, increase my faith!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Nothing Is Hard for God
Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith.” (Mt 17:19-20a)
It’s not that this demon was any harder to throw out than the others. But its more spectacular manifestations made them doubt that they could. Nothing is hard for God. It’s all the same to him. But when a problem looks big to us we tend to doubt more. I do this a lot. I’m always looking with natural eyes and thinking that something I’m praying for is hard or unlikely to happen. And so I don’t really expect anything to happen. Lord, help me to believe in miracles. Remind me that you are a mighty God. Let my faith be measured by the size of my God and not the size of my problems. Lord, I know that you can redeem any situation. Help me to see that picture in my mind’s eye when I pray and not a defeatist picture of nothing ever changing.
It’s not that this demon was any harder to throw out than the others. But its more spectacular manifestations made them doubt that they could. Nothing is hard for God. It’s all the same to him. But when a problem looks big to us we tend to doubt more. I do this a lot. I’m always looking with natural eyes and thinking that something I’m praying for is hard or unlikely to happen. And so I don’t really expect anything to happen. Lord, help me to believe in miracles. Remind me that you are a mighty God. Let my faith be measured by the size of my God and not the size of my problems. Lord, I know that you can redeem any situation. Help me to see that picture in my mind’s eye when I pray and not a defeatist picture of nothing ever changing.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
A Yearning Heart
I know that my Redeemer lives…How my heart yearns within me! (Job 19:25,27)
In the midst of Job’s misery and his anger and frustration at God, he never cursed God (2:9-10). But far more than that, Job’s heart continued to yearn for God. He never lost his faith in God as Redeemer. He was mad at God because he seemed to be acting out of his character, but he never doubted what God’s true character is.
In the midst of Job’s misery and his anger and frustration at God, he never cursed God (2:9-10). But far more than that, Job’s heart continued to yearn for God. He never lost his faith in God as Redeemer. He was mad at God because he seemed to be acting out of his character, but he never doubted what God’s true character is.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Forget About Plan B
I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, "The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him." So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer. (Ezra 8:22-23)
Ezra was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers to protect them on their journey, because he had told the king the gracious hand of God was on them. So they fasted and prayed for divine protection. This is the kind of faith I see and hear about in other believers’ lives. But that kind of faith is rarely seen in my life. I have a hard time thinking of an example where I stepped out in faith without a safety net, knowing that if God did not act I would fail and suffer harm. In this most practical way I fail the “true faith” test. I suppose that too often I really don’t believe God will answer my prayer. I always want to have a Plan B. I always wonder if I have really heard God’s voice. No wonder my ministry and my life have had so little impact for the Kingdom of God. Lord, help me to grow in my faith and learn to hear the voice of my Shepherd.
Ezra was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers to protect them on their journey, because he had told the king the gracious hand of God was on them. So they fasted and prayed for divine protection. This is the kind of faith I see and hear about in other believers’ lives. But that kind of faith is rarely seen in my life. I have a hard time thinking of an example where I stepped out in faith without a safety net, knowing that if God did not act I would fail and suffer harm. In this most practical way I fail the “true faith” test. I suppose that too often I really don’t believe God will answer my prayer. I always want to have a Plan B. I always wonder if I have really heard God’s voice. No wonder my ministry and my life have had so little impact for the Kingdom of God. Lord, help me to grow in my faith and learn to hear the voice of my Shepherd.
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