Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. (Pro 27:6)
I just hate it when a friend tells me something I need to hear. Boy, sometimes the truth hurts. It’s much more fun to get a compliment. But sometimes when you love someone the most loving thing you can do is to speak the hard truth. Speaking the truth in love is an art few of us have mastered but all of us must practice. When I’m on the wrong track I need you to love me enough to set me straight. The world is full of insincere flatterers who will tell me what I want to hear just so they can manipulate me to their advantage. A faithful friend will wound me now to save me from greater trouble in the future.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Disputable Matters
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. (Rom 14:1)
With this statement Paul begins a long discourse on the importance of not letting disagreements interfere with our Christian unity. What are these disputable matters? Paul gives two examples. Some Christians in his day were evidently vegetarians because they thought it was morally wrong to eat meat. Others believed that Christians must keep the Jewish holy days. Contemporary examples might be drinking and going to R-rated movies. It is easy to see how such things can lead to disunity. If I see you doing something I think is wrong wouldn’t I be offended? Wouldn’t I try to convince you to stop? Before you know it we are consumed by the things that divide us and we have completely forgotten about the things that unite us. Paul warns us against that. If I have an opportunity to reason with you on these disputable matters I will. But it is far more important that I exhort you to lean in to God, to seek him with all your heart, to immerse yourself in his Word and in prayer. As we draw closer to God we automatically draw closer to each other. And, just maybe, God will one day nudge me toward the truth on a disputable matter where I have been mistaken. Lord, help us always to build each other up – to point each other to you. Remind me to keep the main thing the main thing and not let minor things sow discord among us. Amen.
With this statement Paul begins a long discourse on the importance of not letting disagreements interfere with our Christian unity. What are these disputable matters? Paul gives two examples. Some Christians in his day were evidently vegetarians because they thought it was morally wrong to eat meat. Others believed that Christians must keep the Jewish holy days. Contemporary examples might be drinking and going to R-rated movies. It is easy to see how such things can lead to disunity. If I see you doing something I think is wrong wouldn’t I be offended? Wouldn’t I try to convince you to stop? Before you know it we are consumed by the things that divide us and we have completely forgotten about the things that unite us. Paul warns us against that. If I have an opportunity to reason with you on these disputable matters I will. But it is far more important that I exhort you to lean in to God, to seek him with all your heart, to immerse yourself in his Word and in prayer. As we draw closer to God we automatically draw closer to each other. And, just maybe, God will one day nudge me toward the truth on a disputable matter where I have been mistaken. Lord, help us always to build each other up – to point each other to you. Remind me to keep the main thing the main thing and not let minor things sow discord among us. Amen.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
He's Just That Kind of God
I, even I am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. (Is 43:25)
God is under no obligation to forgive our sins. He does it because he wants to. It pleases him to do so because it is his nature to love. This thought gives me great comfort and assurance, but it also humbles me. There is nothing intrinsic in me to cause him to love me. He loves me for his sake, not mine. Lord, thank you that you do not just forgive those who earn it, or love those who deserve it. Then I would be lost for sure. You forgive the unworthy sinner who repents and love the unlovable. I praise you for your marvelous nature and character. Amen.
God is under no obligation to forgive our sins. He does it because he wants to. It pleases him to do so because it is his nature to love. This thought gives me great comfort and assurance, but it also humbles me. There is nothing intrinsic in me to cause him to love me. He loves me for his sake, not mine. Lord, thank you that you do not just forgive those who earn it, or love those who deserve it. Then I would be lost for sure. You forgive the unworthy sinner who repents and love the unlovable. I praise you for your marvelous nature and character. Amen.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Modeling Christ-Likeness
Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Cor 11:1)
I used to think it was arrogant of Paul to tell people to follow his example, as though he were perfect! But I realize now Paul was not claiming to be perfectly Christ-like. When he says “as” he is really saying “to the same degree.” Even so, I would never say what Paul said because I know my life is far from resembling the life of Christ. There are whole new levels of obedience to God beyond my personal experience – levels I’m sure Paul had walked in. And when I think about that, I realize the problem here is not Paul’s arrogance but my disobedience. If I presume to lead others, if I presume to teach, should I not be able to say, “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ?” Lord, forgive me for my casual disobedience. There is so much at stake here. I hinder others from seeing you when I fail to follow your example. Teach me to be a faithful disciple like Paul. Amen.
I used to think it was arrogant of Paul to tell people to follow his example, as though he were perfect! But I realize now Paul was not claiming to be perfectly Christ-like. When he says “as” he is really saying “to the same degree.” Even so, I would never say what Paul said because I know my life is far from resembling the life of Christ. There are whole new levels of obedience to God beyond my personal experience – levels I’m sure Paul had walked in. And when I think about that, I realize the problem here is not Paul’s arrogance but my disobedience. If I presume to lead others, if I presume to teach, should I not be able to say, “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ?” Lord, forgive me for my casual disobedience. There is so much at stake here. I hinder others from seeing you when I fail to follow your example. Teach me to be a faithful disciple like Paul. Amen.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Scholar's Snare
The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God. (1 Cor 8:2-3)
I sometimes hear Bible teachers who sound like they have it all figured out. They teach their interpretations as fact and it seems there is nothing in the Bible that puzzles them. Pride is a snare for these men. You can hear their pride in the way they speak of other interpretations and those who teach them. As a teacher and a discipler of others I want always to stay humble. I must remember that the Bible is infallible but none of its interpreters are – including me.
I sometimes hear Bible teachers who sound like they have it all figured out. They teach their interpretations as fact and it seems there is nothing in the Bible that puzzles them. Pride is a snare for these men. You can hear their pride in the way they speak of other interpretations and those who teach them. As a teacher and a discipler of others I want always to stay humble. I must remember that the Bible is infallible but none of its interpreters are – including me.
There is another snare in this focus on learning. It is that learning about God may become a substitute for loving God. Too much focus on the life of mind may drive out the desires of the heart. My passion must always be for God, and not for any idea or doctrine. I want to know him better, love him more, and follow more closely in his footsteps. When we love God, what we need to know will be made clear to us – which may be a whole lot less than what we’d like to know. When we love God we will find ourselves loving others. This is the life to which we are called. Not a sterile academic perfection but the gospel lived out in sacrificial love. Lord, forgive me for those times when I have been more concerned with being right than with being good. Teach me humility and compassion. Amen.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
True North
My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. (1 Cor 4:4)
I do not decide what is right and wrong. God does. Just because I don’t feel guilty doesn’t mean I’m not guilty. There are many ways in which our conscience might be led astray or even silenced. Each of us has our own moral compass, but it is incumbent on us to align our compass with God’s. Our all-wise and all-knowing God, perfect in holiness and righteousness, is the only true standard of right and wrong.
I do not decide what is right and wrong. God does. Just because I don’t feel guilty doesn’t mean I’m not guilty. There are many ways in which our conscience might be led astray or even silenced. Each of us has our own moral compass, but it is incumbent on us to align our compass with God’s. Our all-wise and all-knowing God, perfect in holiness and righteousness, is the only true standard of right and wrong.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Our Neighbor's Gods
Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not swear to them or bow down to them. (Josh 23:7)
It is interesting to me that God left many of the Canaanite inhabitants in place after the conquest of Canaan. He knew these people and their religions would be a snare to the Israelites. It is as though it were important that the Israelites be tested, even though God knew that they would fail. Why did they fail? The simple fact is that in 1400 BC there was something very appealing about the Canaanite religions. I suppose in that day people must have pitied you or laughed at you if you had only one god. The Israelites must have been jealous of the idols and the temples and the orgies.
It is interesting to me that God left many of the Canaanite inhabitants in place after the conquest of Canaan. He knew these people and their religions would be a snare to the Israelites. It is as though it were important that the Israelites be tested, even though God knew that they would fail. Why did they fail? The simple fact is that in 1400 BC there was something very appealing about the Canaanite religions. I suppose in that day people must have pitied you or laughed at you if you had only one god. The Israelites must have been jealous of the idols and the temples and the orgies.
It seems hard to imagine the appeal of the old Canaanite gods, but today our neighbors worship new gods, and we are drawn to them as of old. They worship the entertainment gods, the politics gods and the money gods. They also have the sports gods, the science gods and the society gods. The appeal is strong, as is the desire not to seem different or foolish. Like the Israelites, we are being tested. “Choose this day whom you will serve! But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Josh 24:15)
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Every Promise Fulfilled
Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. (Josh 21:45)
One of the reasons God has given us the Bible, with its long history of God’s dealings with man, is to serve as a testimony to God’s character and nature. This verse comes at the end of a long passage describing the territory that was given to each tribe of Israel. With the conquest of Canaan under Joshua, God had fulfilled his centuries-old promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Similarly, centuries before Christ the prophets spoke of the Messiah who was to come. God is faithful and he is able to deliver all that he has promised. The Scriptures have come down to us through the millennia to speak similar promises to us today. God is faithful and true, though we are faithless. All his good promises will come to pass.
One of the reasons God has given us the Bible, with its long history of God’s dealings with man, is to serve as a testimony to God’s character and nature. This verse comes at the end of a long passage describing the territory that was given to each tribe of Israel. With the conquest of Canaan under Joshua, God had fulfilled his centuries-old promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Similarly, centuries before Christ the prophets spoke of the Messiah who was to come. God is faithful and he is able to deliver all that he has promised. The Scriptures have come down to us through the millennia to speak similar promises to us today. God is faithful and true, though we are faithless. All his good promises will come to pass.
If we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
(2 Tim 2:13)
Man may disappoint, but God will never fail. Our own flesh is weak, but he is strong. Thank you, Lord, for your wonderful promises to us. Amen.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Destroy the Devoted Thing
Go, consecrate the people. Tell them, “Consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow; for this is what the Lord, the God of Israel says: That which is devoted is among you, O Israel. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove it.” (Josh 7:13)
After the conquest and destruction of Jericho, the Israelites confidently sent a small force to capture Ai. But the men of Ai routed the army of Israel. Joshua, grief stricken, went before the Lord to discover why. God told him that Israel had been defeated because they had sinned by keeping some of the treasure of Jericho. This was a violation of God’s command to devote it all to him, i.e., destroy it all. In this verse God tells Joshua that Israel must destroy the devoted thing they clung to before they would be victorious again.
I wonder how often I suffer defeat for the same reason? When I cling to the idols and so-called treasures that God has called me to surrender I sabotage my own walk with God. This is a most basic and profound issue. As long as I am violating God’s very first commandment (thou shalt have no other gods before me) how can I live victoriously in the strength and power of God? While I care more for my own pride or pleasure than I do God’s kingdom I will never be able to do my part in his great plan for his people. Lord, forgive me for clinging to my own false gods and worthless idols when you have commanded me to destroy them. I have surrendered myself to you as my Sovereign King and I will have no other gods. You alone are Lord. I am yours, now and forever. Amen.
After the conquest and destruction of Jericho, the Israelites confidently sent a small force to capture Ai. But the men of Ai routed the army of Israel. Joshua, grief stricken, went before the Lord to discover why. God told him that Israel had been defeated because they had sinned by keeping some of the treasure of Jericho. This was a violation of God’s command to devote it all to him, i.e., destroy it all. In this verse God tells Joshua that Israel must destroy the devoted thing they clung to before they would be victorious again.
I wonder how often I suffer defeat for the same reason? When I cling to the idols and so-called treasures that God has called me to surrender I sabotage my own walk with God. This is a most basic and profound issue. As long as I am violating God’s very first commandment (thou shalt have no other gods before me) how can I live victoriously in the strength and power of God? While I care more for my own pride or pleasure than I do God’s kingdom I will never be able to do my part in his great plan for his people. Lord, forgive me for clinging to my own false gods and worthless idols when you have commanded me to destroy them. I have surrendered myself to you as my Sovereign King and I will have no other gods. You alone are Lord. I am yours, now and forever. Amen.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Love 'Em and Let 'Em Go
“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.”
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.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
